Lando Norris believes he produced the best lap of his career in qualifying for the United States Grand Prix, which he will start on pole ahead of Max Verstappen.
Norris, who is 54 points behind Verstappen in the race for the drivers' championship title, qualified 0.031 seconds quicker than the Dutchman in Texas on Saturday.
The McLaren driver was helped by Mercedes' George Russell crashing to prevent any driver improving on their second laps, after Verstappen had started his second attempt much quicker than Norris, only to be forced to abort.
Reflecting on his first lap, Norris said: "It was a beautiful lap. I was not going to go much quicker than I did.
"When you just do a lap and you think it’s going to be tough to beat... I put everything on the line, I needed to do it.
"We’ve not had the pace of the Ferraris or Red Bulls so I had to do something, and I did that.
"It was a very good lap. I can probably say quite confidently the best of my career."
Norris' pole is his fourth in the last five races, with him and team-mate Oscar Piastri posting two race victories apiece in the last four.
Piastri will start Sunday's race fifth, ahead of Russell but behind Ferrari duo Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who qualified in third and fourth respectively.
Juan Soto hit a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning and the New York Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 to advance to the first World Series in 15 years on Saturday night.
Soto, who was acquired in a seven-player trade with San Diego in December and is an impending free agent, moved the Bronx Bombers into position with one big swing.
The Yankees will try to win their 28th title against either the New York Mets or Los Angeles Dodgers. Game 6 of the NL Championship Series is on Sunday at Dodger Stadium.
In the 10th, Austin Wells walked with one out and Alex Verdugo followed with a grounder to second baseman Andrés Giménez, whose soft toss to the bag was dropped by rookie shortstop Brayan Rocchio for an error.
Gaddis struck out Gleyber Torres and had Soto in a 1-2 count before New York’s stylish outfielder sent a shot over the wall in center. Soto danced down the first-base line and paused to celebrate with his teammates before circling the bases.
Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run homer – his fourth of the series - for the Yankees, who took care of the Guardians in five games, but it wasn’t easy.
New York won the first two at Yankee Stadium without much fanfare or any major drama. However, it was a different story in Cleveland as all three games at Progressive Field were nail-biters.
The Guardians rallied to win Game 3 on two, two-run homers in their last two at-bats, and the Yankees held on to win Game 4 after blowing a four-run lead.
Cleveland just didn’t have enough and a surprising season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt ended just short of a World Series. The franchise remains without a title since 1948, baseball’s current longest drought.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could return to action as soon as next weekend after recovering from his latest concussion.
Tagovailoa will reportedly start practising Wednesday with the hopes of playing in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals if he doesn’t suffer any setbacks, according to multiple reports.
He reportedly hasn’t dealt with any further issues since sustaining a concussion in a Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 12.
Tagovailoa was symptom-free shortly after that concussion, and he has consulted with some of the doctors he visited after previous head injuries.
The fifth-year quarterback has endured four concussions in his career, including three since joining the NFL in 2020. He is eligible to come off injured reserve and is eligible to play Oct. 27 against the Cardinals.
He has been taking part in team meetings and standing on the sidelines for every game he has sat out.
The Dolphins have started Skylar Thompson and Tyler Huntley in Tagovailoa’s absence, with Huntley making his third straight start Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.
Gary Sadler’s heart beats for two nations—Jamaica, the island of his birth, and Canada, the country where he built his career. As a key figure in the tourism industry, Sadler has long been an ambassador for Jamaica, championing the island’s beauty and culture to the world, and his enthusiasm was once again on full display at the end of the Canadian Travel Advisors Golf tournament.
Sadler, the Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations underscored that the two-day tournament, which brought advisors to Jamaica for an immersive experience, was about more than just competition—it was about connection, as he encouraged travel advisors to seize every moment to not just play, but to truly experience Jamaica and sell that experience back home.
“I migrated from Jamaica in 1992, and the eggs of my hopes as a young man was sent to Toronto, and Toronto being the welcoming city that it is, I felt quite at home. I then moved to Western Canada where I spent five of my best years living in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba. So western Canada is dearest to my heart. Why is because they told us in those days that you couldn't really sell Jamaica because Jamaica was two days away in the Caribbean,” Sadler shared.
“So, I am quite excited to see travel advisors from Vancouver coming to the golf tournament. When we started this golf tournament eight years ago, everybody came from Toronto, and very few came from Montreal, because everybody would just want that direct flight. So now that we have people from all across Canada, it is actually very welcoming,” he added.
Gary Sadler addressing Travel Advisors during the award ceremony.
Sadler, who has spent years fostering relationships between Jamaica’s tourism sector and the Canadian market, emphasized the significance of the travel advisors' role. He sees them as vital connectors, helping to bridge the gap between potential tourists and the authentic experiences that Jamaica offers.
“This tournament is about more than just a few rounds of golf. It is about experiencing the island in a way that gives you, the travel advisors, a true sense of what Jamaica has to offer. And when you’ve experienced it firsthand, you’re able to share it with your clients in a way that’s real, that’s authentic,” Sadler noted.
He continued: “I want to acknowledge Air Canada vacations, and I hope you are reminded that there is now no connection fees for flights from Western Canada to Jamaica only at a Sandals and Beaches resort. Forgive my passion, and it's certainly not meant as an insult, but what the free connector really means is that those of you from Western Canada, have absolutely no excuse in the world why you cannot sell from Western Canada to Jamaica and to the Caribbean.
“There is now no reason in the world why you can't do so. So I appeal to you to ensure that your business is not limited to the fact that Western Canada is far away, because WestJet also has direct flights out of Calgary to Nassau, and Calgary to Jamaica as well. So Canada's largest carriers fly to the Caribbean. The airlines have fixed the issue, show them it's worth it.”
The tournament, which allowed participants to unwind while also deepening their understanding of the island’s unique offerings, was won by Team 12, comprising Arnold Bridgemohan, Janet Long, Cargill Gordon and Colin Harris. That quartet tallied 59 and 67 strokes across both days for a winning total of 126.
Canadian professional golfer and celebrity entertainer Todd Keirstead demonstrates his trick shots.
They were two shots ahead of dethroned champions Team 10 –Wendy Hsu, Leo Tam, Tom Liu, and Chris Gregoris –who shot 128. Team 4 of Doug Rollheiser, Jason Jenkins, Dave Harris and Jaques Gilbert were third with 130 strokes.
Meanwhile, Cargill Gordon and Sandra Edwards won the men and women longest drive awards, while Jay Ainabe and Wendy Hsu took the closest to the pin awards.
Over US$600 and CAD$120 (about $109,000 Jamaica dollars) was also raised for the Sandals Foundation.
For Sadler, his final words were a call to action for the travel advisors.
“Let’s keep sharing Jamaica with the world, one client at a time. I thank you for the commitment, not just to this golf tournament, because it doesn't end here. It begins here, but ends with a commitment that you continue to drive and support this travel industry, not just limited to Canada, but globally, where travel advisors can feel that they're part of a bigger picture partnership. Thank you wholeheartedly for your belief in the Sandals organisation because we simply want your business,” he ended.
A major tournament to pit the winners of the LatAm, Canadian, and US Travel Advisors tournaments against each other is scheduled for next year in St Lucia.
Jannik Sinner mounted yet another comeback to overcome Carlos Alcaraz in three sets and become the inaugural winner of the 6 Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia.
It is the fourth time the two have met this year, and Sinner triumphed for the first time, winning 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-3 on Saturday.
Sinner started brightly, taking a 4-1 lead in the first set, but was unable to hold onto his advantage as Alcaraz levelled the score before serving to love to force the tie-break.
The Spaniard let his lead slip twice but held on to take the first set, only to find himself on the backfoot once more in the second.
Sinner pulled ahead but was dragged back again, though was ready for the battle this time, breaking Alcaraz’s serve three times to force the decider.
Another three-game winning streak in the final set proved enough for the Italian to avenge his China Open defeat and claim a long-awaited win over Alcaraz.
Data Debrief: Sinner gets his revenge
This match will not go towards the pair's ATP head-to-head record, but it is a welcome win for Sinner, who has struggled to get the better of Alcaraz in 2024.
After losing at Indian Wells and the French Open earlier this year, Sinner also lost the China Open final, despite taking the first set in that match.
But this time, he was the one coming from behind, just as he has so often in recent weeks, as the 23-year-old took the crown.
Rafael Nadal said Novak Djokovic had helped push him beyond his limits for 15 years after losing one final clash with the Serbian at the 6 Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia.
Djokovic and Nadal met in the third-place play-off at the inaugural event in Riyadh, having lost their respective semi-finals against Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on Friday.
Nadal, who will hang up his racket after the Davis Cup Finals next month, was beaten 6-2 7-6 (7-5) by his great rival in his final match at an individual event.
The duo – who made up two-thirds of tennis' 'Big Three' alongside Roger Federer – have won 46 grand slam singles titles between them and met in 60 ATP Tour-recognised matches, with Djokovic winning 31 to Nadal's 29.
Djokovic is also the only player to ever defeat Nadal at all four grand slams.
Speaking after Saturday's match, an emotional Nadal thanked Djokovic for the role he played in his glittering career, saying: "Novak, you helped me go over my limits for 15 years.
"I would probably not be the player I am without you. I wish you the best of luck for the future."
When asked what he will miss most after his retirement, Nadal added: "Almost everything.
"It has been a dream come true to be able to play for almost 20 years, being competitive, having the chance to play in the best places in the world, which I watched on TV as a kid.
"I cannot thank you enough for the support and love I have received all around. It was an amazing journey at every single tournament over the years. I feel very fortunate to be a tennis player."
Djokovic, who also defeated Nadal at the Paris Olympic Games at the Spaniard's favoured Roland-Garros venue in July, then outlined his hope that his rival will not turn his back on the sport entirely.
"I don't know where to start with Rafa," Djokovic said. "An amazing career. I could speak all night. It has been an honour to share the court with you.
"I go back to the very first match we played and who would know we would be standing here almost 20 years later, playing 60 times. I have the utmost respect for you. Incredible athlete, incredible person.
"The rivalry has been incredible, very intense, so I hope we will have the chance to sit on the bench somewhere, have a drink and reflect.
"I know how much sacrifice there has been. It is an emotional day, so don't leave tennis, man! Stay with us! You have left an amazing legacy."
Nadal will be part of the Spain team that faces the Netherlands in the Davis Cup Final 8 on November 19, with a semi-final matchup against Germany or Canada on the line.
Max Verstappen came out on top in Formula One for the first time since June after Saturday's sprint victory at the United States Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver claimed pole position for the 19-lap race in Austin, holding on throughout to increase his drivers' championship lead by two points over Lando Norris, who finished third.
That ended a nine-race wait for victory, across eight races and one sprint, as Verstappen led from start to finish, ensuring the momentum in the world championship battle swung firmly back in his favour.
Carlos Sainz ended second after Norris went too deep into Turn One on the final lap, though the McLaren driver fended off Charles Leclerc – who finished fourth – after a near-miss between the pair.
George Russell started slow but recovered to take fifth, one spot ahead of Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton, while Haas pair Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg made up the top eight.
Red Bull had struggled amid Verstappen's winless run, but will now take confidence into qualification later on Saturday before Sunday's main-event race as he looks to extend his 54-point lead over Norris.
"It feels a bit like old times! I'm very happy. If you look at the whole race, Ferrari was also very quick," a relieved Verstappen concluded.
Norris was subsequently confirmed to be under investigation after the race for "driving erratically" in his final-lap battle with Leclerc.
Data Debrief: Red Bull redemption
With Verstappen's eight-point haul in the sprint, Red Bull have now managed points in 62 consecutive events, equalling the third-best run in F1 history (also Mercedes, 62, on two separate occasions).
Verstappen's next challenge will now be to end his eight-race wait in Grand Prix action for victory, which is his worst such streak since going 11 races without a win in 2020.
Top 8
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
3. Lando Norris (McLaren)
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
7. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
8. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Drivers'
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 339
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 285
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 250
Constructors'
1. McLaren - 522
2. Red Bull - 483
3. Ferrari - 453
Novak Djokovic edged out Rafael Nadal to finish third at the 6 Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia after an emotional last clash between two greats of the sport.
Nadal and Djokovic lost to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner respectively in the semi-finals, setting up a memorable third-place play-off between this pair of tennis heavyweights on Saturday.
Spain's Nadal is set to retire after the Davis Cup Finals conclusion in November, with his last outing in an individual event ending in a 6-2 7-6 (7-5) defeat ahead of his impending retirement.
The 38-year-old struggled in the first set against familiar foe Djokovic, who broke in the opening game en route to a comfortable first-set victory.
Nadal improved in the second set as the pair exchanged early breaks, with Djokovic forced to work to stay in the contest.
That resilience paid dividends for the Serbian to put him on the brink of victory, though Nadal managed to save a match point with a blistering forehand winner before levelling at 5-5.
Djokovic's dominant first serve did not let him down in the tiebreak, though, as the 24-time major champion battled past Nadal for one final time.
Data Debrief: Djokovic snatches bragging rights
Though this was an exhibition encounter, Djokovic will be delighted to have had the final say in the last dance between this great duo.
Across 61 meetings in official tour-level competitions, Djokovic boasts a slightly favourable record, winning 32 times and losing on 29 occasions.
This Riyadh victory may prove the final meeting of any kind between the pair, though it will live long in the memory as Nadal prepares for an emotional farewell in Malaga.
Novak Djokovic edged out Rafael Nadal to finish third at the 6 Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia after an emotional last clash between two greats of the sport.
Nadal and Djokovic lost to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner respectively in the semi-finals, setting up a memorable third-place play-off between this pair of tennis heavyweights on Saturday.
Spain's Nadal is set to retire after the Davis Cup Finals conclusion in November, with his last outing in an individual event ending in a 6-2 7-6 (7-5) defeat ahead of his impending retirement.
The 38-year-old struggled in the first set against familiar foe Djokovic, who broke in the opening game en route to a comfortable first-set victory.
Nadal improved in the second set as the pair exchanged early breaks, with Djokovic forced to work to stay in the contest.
That resilience paid dividends for the Serbian to put him on the brink of victory, though Nadal managed to save a match point with a blistering forehand winner before levelling at 5-5.
Djokovic's dominant first serve did not let him down in the tiebreak, though, as the 24-time major champion battled past Nadal for one final time.
Data Debrief: Djokovic snatches bragging rights
Though this was an exhibition encounter, Djokovic will be delighted to have had the final say in the last dance between this great duo.
Across 61 meetings in official tour-level competitions, Djokovic boasts a slightly favourable record, winning 32 times and losing on 29 occasions.
This Riyadh victory may prove the final meeting of any kind between the pair, though it will live long in the memory as Nadal prepares for an emotional farewell in Malaga.
Jamaican netballer Abigale Sutherland is no stranger to the highs and lows of the sport she loves. But as she gears up for a return to international action with the Sunshine Girls in the upcoming four-match Vitality Horizon series against England, her passion and hunger for the game have never been stronger.
Sutherland, whose career has seen its fair share of triumphs and challenges, has been using the recent international break to her advantage. For the dynamic centre, the pause in the competitive schedule was anything but a rest. Instead, it’s been a period of growth and self-reflection—a time to hone her skills and recharge her energy.
With the prestigious series against now number-two England scheduled for November 16 and 17 in Manchester, and November 25 and 26 in Jamaica, Sutherland can barely contain her excitement for the challenge to come.
“I’m extremely excited and proud to have been selected for the senior Sunshine Girls team again. During the break, I’ve focused on my personal growth and training, and I truly feel like I’m possibly in the best shape of my career. I’m eager to bring that energy and improvement onto the court and push myself to the limit, particularly with the added excitement of playing on home soil,” Sutherland told SportsMax.Tv.
“It’s a privilege to play at home, and I’m ready to show what I’ve been working on and give my all for the team and our supporters. Every match is an opportunity to not just play, but to show the world how much I’ve grown because playing against England is always a tough test, but that’s the kind of challenge I thrive on,” she added.
Sutherland’s career has been defined by resilience, as there have been moments of brilliance, but also times when injuries or off-form performances have threatened to slow her momentum. However, each setback has only made her stronger, deepening her resolve to make the most of every opportunity that comes her way.
"Netball quickly became my passion when I attended St Patrick’s Primary and then I went to The Queens School, where I got the opportunity to represent Jamaica at the Under 16 level, eventually becoming the captain. Once I got a foot in the national program, I steadily transitioned upward. But you know in sports, you have your ups and downs, so the journey hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve faced many disappointments, including being left off teams at times, but looking back, it was all worth it," Sutherland admitted.
Sutherland's opportunities came in 2022 when she made her senior team debut in the Taini Jamison Cup, and then the Americas Qualifiers that same year. Since them, the now 23-year-old has become a staple centre-court player for the Sunshine Girls, and was even a part of the team that copped bronze at the previous Netball World Cup.
"I’ve learned from every experience. The key is to stay focused and hungry. Going through the highs and lows taught me to be patient with myself and really embrace the journey," Sutherland shared.
"I’ve learned that when you’re given an opportunity, it’s important to make the most of it. These experiences have shown me that I’m stronger than I sometimes give myself credit for, and that hard work truly does pay off in the end. Every setback and success has shaped me, both as a player and as a person," she noted.
That said, Sutherland, who is set to graduate the UWI with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in November, pointed out that the upcoming games are not just about playing another international series—it’s about seizing the moment.
As such, her focus now is on delivering consistently and being a key contributor to Jamaica’s continued rise in the sport.
"This series won’t be easy, but I’m confident we’ll come out on the winning end. We have a well-rounded team that includes legends who I am grateful and privileged to be playing alongside, and we have a strong balance of experience and depth across every position. Everyone has been putting in the work, and I believe that with the quality we have, we’re in a great position to top the series," Sutherland reasoned.
"Mentally, I’ve been encouraging and speaking to myself daily, setting goals, and pushing myself to meet them. I’ve been working hard in the gym and on the court, and playing in local leagues to stay sharp. The feedback from my coaches and teammates has also been really positive, which boosts my confidence and helps me stay focused," she explained.
Armed with fresh determination and a drive to succeed, the jovial player, is optimistic that a positive showing in the series will open the doors for a possible contract in one of the top leagues in Australia, New Zealand or England.
“My overall goal is to compete at the highest level of netball, both for my country and in a top league. I want to be part of a World Cup-winning team with Jamaica because I truly believe that will happen. But, beyond that, I want to enjoy my years as a professional athlete, making the most of every opportunity and achieving everything I possibly can," Sutherland ended.
The Jamaica Golf Association staged its Heroes Golf Classic at the Sandals Golf and Country Club in St. Ann last weekend with the inclusion of a special section dubbed WAGR for World Amateur Golf Ranging where selected golfers play 54 holes over two days instead of the normal three days. Those golfers had to play a grueling 27 holes each day.
Zandre Roye topped the male section which included twelve other golfers, after posting scores of par 71, one over par 72 and par 71 for a combined score of one over par 214.
Oshae Haye, who shot the lowest single round score of two under par 69 in the first round, followed up with scores of one over par 72 and six over par 77 for a total score of five over par 218 to grab second place.
Pro golfer Orville Christie was one stroke back on 219 (74, 72, 73) in third place.
On the female side, junior golfer Mattea Issa also took up the WAGR challenge and ended with a combined score of 20 over par 233 after posting 83, 85 and 75 over the three rounds.
The players who competed in the WAGR section of the Classic gained points towards their international ranking in the sport.
The other golfers in the Classic played 18 holes each during the two-day event with varying results.
William Lee was first in the Men and Men Senior 0-6 category after posting nine over par 151 (77, 74). Kemari Morris was nine strokes back in second place on 18 over par 160 (84, 76).
The top three golfers in the men Super Senior 0-12 category were Keith Stein one over par 143 with conservative scores of par 71 and one over par 72. Gregory Wright was 11 strokes back in second place on 154 (78, 76), while Mike Gliechman was another four strokes back on 158 (83, 75) in third place.
Desi Collins took the Men Super Senior 13-24 section after posting 44 over par 186 (94, 92).
The Masters section went to Carlyle Hudson 152, followed by Philip Wilson 171 and Winston Johnson 179.
Several ladies competed in the Classic as well, playing two rounds. Diane Hudson 193 won that section, while Valerie Grant and Susan White were tied for second place after scoring 194 each over the 36 holes.
The junior golfers who have not seen any competition since their Caribbean Championship in August were invited to join the seniors and some of them did so.
Boys 15 and Under player Shasa Redlefsen scored 173 (90, 83) while Boys 11 -13 player Jacob Schnoor scored 187 (98, 89). The other junior player to finish the Classic was Girls 15 and Under player Alessandra Coe with a combined score of 171 (81, 90).
The Heroes Golf Classic was played a week early to allow Jamaica to defend the Caribbean Golf Association’s 4-Ball Championship which it has won for the past three consecutive years. That championship is scheduled for this weekend in Trinidad & Tobago this weekend.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has suggested that the FIA’s action against his team is due to “paranoia” from rivals in the paddock.
The controversy surrounds a device on the Red Bull cars that could allow them to change the height of the car floor. When in parc ferme conditions between sessions on race weekends, alterations to cars are prohibited.
On Thursday, Red Bull and the FIA came to an agreement that the team would remove the device from their cars ahead of the Austin Grand Prix on Sunday.
Horner has argued there is nothing untoward about the device, and the FIA are only acting on unfounded concerns of Red Bull's rivals.
"I think there's been a bit of moaning from one of our rivals," he told Sky Sports. "It's the FIA's job to look into these things. It's on a list of the open-source components, so it's been publicly available for the last three years.
"The FIA are happy with it, I think, just to satisfy perhaps some paranoia elsewhere in the paddock.
"Every car has a tool that they can adjust what we call the front of the floor, being the bib, and ours is located at the front in front of the footwell.
"You've got to have the pedals out, other panels and pipework out in order to get to it. So, it's like any other adjustment on the car. It would be easier to adjust the rear roll bar than it is to get to that component."
McLaren chief executive Zak Brown had previously said he would expect "huge consequences" were Red Bull discovered to be using the device illegally.
Brown's team currently sit top of the Constructors' Championship, with a 41-point advantage over second-place Red Bull.
McLaren are under pressure after Max Verstappen qualified in pole position for the sprint race in Austin, and Horner suggested a deflection strategy from their rivals in raising the concerns.
"I feel that it's sometimes to distract from perhaps what's going on in your own house, then sometimes you try to light a fire somewhere else?" he jibed.
Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich says Davante Adams has "looked fantastic" as the wide receiver looks set to make his New York Jets bow on Sunday.
Adams was traded to the Jets from the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday, reuniting him with former Green Bay Packers team-mate Aaron Rodgers.
With speculation surrounding his future, the 31-year-old missed his final three games with the Raiders due to a hamstring injury.
However, he is expected to be back to full fitness and ready to make his Jets debut when they travel to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"We didn't know what to expect with him coming here," Ulbrich said of Adams on Friday.
"Obviously, he'd been listed on the injury report with his hamstring, so we had to make an assessment once he got here, and he's looked fantastic."
The Jets are aiming to end a run of three straight defeats, but will be boosted by the reunion of Adams and Rodgers.
During their eight seasons together with the Packers between 2014 and 2021, Adams caught 615 passes from Rodgers for 7,529 yards and 68 touchdowns.
Among active players, no quarterback-receiver combo has more receptions or touchdowns.
Bridget Carleton's two free throws with 2.0 seconds left forced a winner-take-all Game 5 of the WNBA Finals as the Minnesota Lynx came through with an 82-80 victory over the New York Liberty on Friday.
Carleton came down with the rebound of team-mate Courtney Williams' missed shot in the waning seconds and was fouled by New York's Sabrina Ionescu with the score tied at 80-80. The veteran forward calmly made both free throws before Ionescu misfired on a long 3-point try right before the final buzzer.
Kayla McBride had 19 points and Williams added 15 with seven assists as the second-seeded Lynx tied the best-of-five series at 2-2 and sent it back to New York for Sunday's deciding Game 5.
Minnesota also denied the top-seeded Liberty an elusive first WNBA championship by forcing New York's two biggest stars, Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, into off-shooting nights.
Stewart was just 5 of 21 from the floor while finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Ionescu was held to 10 points on 5-of-15 shooting. The All-Star duo went a combined 0 of 9 from 3-point range.
Jonquel Jones led New York, which is 0-5 all-time in WNBA FInals, with 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting to go along with eight rebounds.
In a tightly contested game in which neither team led by more than six points, the Lynx took an 80-75 advantage on McBride's 3-pointer with 2:35 to play.
The Liberty fought back, however, as Ionescu converted a layup on the ensuing possession and Jones was later fouled after scoring off a feed from Stewart with 1:10 remaining. She completed the three-point play to knot the score at 80-80.
New York missed three shots on its next trip down the court, however, before giving the Lynx the ball back on a shot-clock violation with 18.3 seconds remaining.
Pete Alonso's three-run homer in the first inning set the tone as the New York Mets avoided elimination in the National League Championship Series with Friday's 12-6 Game 5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
New York battered Dodgers' starter Jack Flaherty for eight runs through the first three innings to send the best-of-seven series back to Los Angeles for Sunday's Game 6. Starling Marte finished 4 for 5 and knocked in three runs to help keep the Mets alive, while Francisco Alvarez had a run-scoring single among his three hits.
Francisco Lindor and Jesse Winker each added two hits and had run-scoring triples for New York, which overcame a two-homer performance by Andy Pages that accounted for four of the Dodgers' runs.
Mookie Betts went 2 for 4 with a solo homer for the Dodgers, but Flaherty was unable to duplicate a stellar Game 1 effort in which he allowed just two hits over seven scoreless innings.
Los Angeles will now attempt to claim its second NL pennant in five years back home, though they'll have to face New York's Sean Manaea in Game 6. The left-hander is 2-0 with a 2.65 ERA in three starts this post-season and earned the win in Game 2 at Dodger Stadium.
The Mets got to Flaherty early in this one, as Lindor started the bottom of the first inning with a single and Brandon Nimmo followed with a walk. Two batters later, Alonso drove a pitch over the center field wall for a 3-0 lead.
Los Angeles got a run back in the second inning, but New York broke the game open with five runs off Flaherty in the third.
Alonso and Winker began the Mets' half of the inning with walks before Marte drove both runners home with a double. Marte later scored on Alvarez's two-out single that preceded Lindor's triple that extended the margin to 7-1.
Nimmo then capped the big inning by plating Lindor with a single.
Pages delivered his first homer of the game in the top of the fourth, but Winker tripled in Alonso in the bottom of the inning and scored on Jeff McNeil's sacrifice fly for a 10-2 New York lead.
The Dodgers got closer when Pages connected for a three-run homer off Reed Garrett in the fifth inning, and Betts' solo blast in the sixth trimmed the margin to 10-6.
New York would tack on another run in the bottom of the sixth, however, and Marte singled in Alonso in the eighth for more insurance.
Yankees score twice in ninth for 3-1 lead over Guardians in ALCS
New York's other team is now one win away from its first World Series appearance since 2009 after the Yankees scored twice in the ninth inning to pull out an 8-6 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 4 of the ALCS.
The Yankees bounced back from Thursday's 7-5, 10-inning loss in Game 3 and from blowing a four-run lead in Game 4, as Cleveland scored three times in the seventh inning and once in the eighth to tie the game at 6-6.
Alex Verdugo and Gleyber Torres each knocked in runs off Cleveland All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase in the top of the ninth, however, before Tommy Kahnle held the Guardians scoreless in the bottom of the inning to give New York a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The Yankees can close it out in Saturday's Game 5 in Cleveland behind Carlos Rodon, who beat the Guardians in Game 1 with six innings of one-run ball.
New York had built a 6-2 lead on three home runs - a two-run shot from Juan Soto in the first inning, a solo blast from Austin Wells in the second and Giancarlo Stanton's three-run shot in the sixth.
Josh Naylor had two hits and three runs batted in for the AL Central champion Guardians, while Jose Ramirez went 2 for 3 and knocked in two runs as both players keyed Cleveland's late rally.
The Guardians put two on to start the bottom of the seventh before Ramirez delivered a run-scoring double off reliever Clay Holmes to cut New York's lead to 6-3. Naylor followed with a double that brought in Steven Kwan and Ramirez and got Cleveland within one.
Naylor then led off the bottom of the eighth with a double off Mark Leiter Jr. and later scored on David Fry's infield hit that tied the game at 6-6.
The Yankees began the ninth with singles by Anthony RIzzo and Anthony Volpe off Clase, however. After Volpe stole second to put two in scoring position, Verdugo reached on a dribbler that Cleveland shortstop Brayan Rocchio mishandled for an error as the go-ahead run crossed the plate.
Torres followed with a single that scored Volpe for an 8-6 advantage.
The Guardians got their first run in the bottom of the first to counter Soto's two-run shot in the top of the inning. After Wells' homer in the second put New York up 3-1, Kwan singled in the third and later scored on a Naylor single to pull Cleveland closer.
Lando Norris believes the Formula One drivers' championship battle could shift in his favour after Red Bull were made to alter a controversial ride-height device found in their car.
On Thursday, it was confirmed that Red Bull had agreed a plan with the sport's governing body, the FIA, to remove a device that could potentially have been used to adjust the height of the car floor.
Alterations to cars when in restricted 'parc ferme' conditions between sessions on race weekends are prohibited.
Red Bull officials insist the device could not be used when the car is fully assembled, with the FIA saying there had been "no indication" of it being used to breach regulations.
However, Norris – who is 52 points behind Max Verstappen at the top of the drivers' championship standings – believes it could have given Red Bull a slight edge.
"It's one thing having it on your car, it's another thing how much you exploit it and use it, which we have no idea on," Norris said on Friday.
"If it has been helping them, if they have been utilising it in a way people think they have, maybe it will shift in our direction.
"But, when you talk about things like that, they won't have got several pole positions or wins because of that device.
"I don't think it will change anything in the scheme of things. Maybe at certain qualifying sessions, when it has been split by hundredths or thousandths, you might say, 'okay, maybe this has helped in this direction or that direction.'"
Verstappen and Norris were third and fourth, respectively, in the only practice session ahead of Sunday's United States Grand Prix, with Ferrari dominating.
Carlos Sainz set the pace, 0.021 seconds ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc and 0.253 quicker than Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton was fifth ahead of Mercedes team-mate George Russell despite a high-speed spin early in the session, with qualifying for Saturday's short sprint race taking place later on Friday.
Maureen Barnes-Smith, director of sales and marketing for Unique Vacations Canada, has praised the annual Baxter Canadian Golf Tournament as an essential platform for strengthening the relationship between Canadian travel advisors and brand Jamaica.
Barnes-Smith spoke glowingly about the commitment of travel advisors in promoting the island as a premier tourist destination, while also highlighting the broader impact of the event in terms of giving back to the community through the Sandals Foundation.
“I'm very excited this year in particular, because, you know, Jamaica is focused on so many different branches of tourism. Sports tourism is a big one for Jamaica, and this golf tournament certainly ties into that. The Baxter Canadian Travel Advisors Golf Tournament is more than just a sporting event—it’s an opportunity for us to continue fostering strong partnerships with travel advisors who have been instrumental in positioning Jamaica as a must-visit destination," Barnes-Smith told SportsMax.Tv.
“Travel advisors are the backbone of the travel industry, and their dedication in showcasing Jamaica's beauty, culture, and hospitality is invaluable. This tournament allows us to celebrate their hard work while engaging with them on a personal level," she added.
The golf tournament, which is now a staple event on the calendar for Canadian travel advisors, provides a unique mix of sports and tourism promotion, enabling participants to experience Jamaica's unique appeal firsthand.
A total of 17 teams of four golfers each engaged in the two-day tournament at the Sandals Golf and Country Club in Upton Estate.
Beyond networking benefits, Barnes-Smith highlighted that the tournament plays an important role in supporting the work of the Sandals Foundation, which, in honour of its 15th year of operation, invited professional golfer and celebrity entertainer Todd Keirstead to assist in raising much-needed funds.
"As always, we're trying to raise as much funds for the Sandals Foundation, so we brought Todd in from Canada to do trick shots at the golf course. So there are people teeing off people's heads, peeling off of coconuts, and it's all in aid of trying to build awareness because he's also a part of Para Canada," Barnes-Smith shared.
"So we're trying to really focus on the foundation and the good that the foundation does in the community, for the economy, and also for the environment. So we're focused on all of those things. So it's really about the golfing, but it's also about the destination and also about everything that we try to do for the Caribbean as a brand," she noted.
Barnes-Smith also revealed that a recent large-scale event, hosted by Sandals Resorts in Montego Bay, attracted over 600 travel agents, who were flown in to immerse themselves in the Jamaican experience.
That event, she said, was a massive success and part of the brand’s broader strategy to drive tourism as a whole, while showcasing the island’s potential as a destination for more than just sun and sand.
"We had a thousand people in Montego Bay yesterday (Wednesday), and it was all about brand Jamaica. We wanted to ensure that these agents had the chance to experience the best of what Jamaica has to offer—the culture, the people, the food, the music, and what we, as a company, as a brand, bring into Jamaica as a local Jamaican company.
"Because a lot of people see Sandals. They don't realise that Sandals is a Jamaican company, but also what we do for the rest of the Caribbean. But it's all about the destination, and golfing is just a small part,” Barnes-Smith explained.
Ultimately, Barnes-Smith underscored that everything they do is to assist travel advisors in becoming better equipped to sell Jamaica to their clients with confidence.
“As Sasco would say, sell Jamaica first, second, and third, and also fourth. So for me, it really is about getting everybody focused. We're a Caribbean company, but as a Jamaican brand, we also have a lot more exposure in Jamaica than we have anywhere else.
“So for us, it's all about making sure that we're giving back as much to this destination as we can and we're doing that through sports tourism, through the foundation, and through the Sandals Corporate University,” Smith-Barnes ended.
The St Lucia Amateur Bodybuilding and Body Fitness Association (SLABBFA) is set to make its mark at the 51st Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships, which takes place this weekend in Georgetown, Guyana. An eight-member team will represent the island, aiming to build on past successes at the prestigious regional event.
With over 200 athletes from across the Caribbean and Central America set to compete, this year’s championships will be a landmark event for the host country, as Guyana welcomes the competition for the first time in 20 years. For St Lucia, the stakes are high, with the team hoping to add to the country’s growing collection of medals from recent years.
At the 2023 CAC Championships in Aruba, Jabari Brouet captured a silver medal in the senior men’s physique up to 179cm, while Kirby Charles placed fourth in the senior men’s physique over 179cm. This year, both athletes return to the competition, bringing experience and determination. Brouet, representing Storm Caster Fitness, and Charles, of Mango Moon, will be eager to upgrade their previous performances and bring home more medals for St Lucia.
The team, however, features a mix of seasoned competitors and fresh faces. Shani Victorin of Mango Moon will be Saint Lucia’s sole female competitor, taking part in the women’s bikini category. Victorin’s debut marks an important step for the island in maintaining representation in female divisions.
Joneil Pelage
On the men’s side, Joneil Pelage of Energy Fitness Gym has made a strong comeback to competition in 2024 and is expected to lead the charge in the men’s bodybuilding category. He will be joined by Sharkym Daniel of Southern Fitness, adding depth to the team’s efforts in this discipline.
In the Fitness Speed Fit Challenge, three athletes from Soufriere Fitness Centre—Levi Edward, former track athlete Gratious Octave, and cricketer Shanii Mesmain—will showcase their athletic versatility as they take on this demanding event.
Accompanying the athletes are Jacqueline Trim, SLABBFA president and official judge, Monica Dudley, first vice president and team manager, and Eugene Gabriel, second vice president and coach, ensuring the athletes have the support they need to excel on the big stage.
St Lucia’s national bodybuilding team is no stranger to success, and the island is hopeful that this year's crop of competitors will once again stand out in a highly competitive field. Following impressive results in 2022 and 2023, including top-five finishes from Kirton Hubert, Velda John, and Rochael Philip, the team is optimistic about continuing their medal streak at this year’s championships.
The latest World Netball (WN) rankings, updated on October 6, 2024, have brought both challenges and successes for Caribbean teams. Jamaica, the region’s highest-ranked team, continues to shine, maintaining its position at number four in the world with a rating of 187 points. Despite the changes in the rankings, the Sunshine Girls remain a force to be reckoned with, trailing closely behind the world’s top three teams, Australia, England, and New Zealand.
Jamaica’s steadfast ranking is a testament to the team's consistent performance on the international stage. While the Sunshine Girls didn't experience a shift in the rankings, their position solidifies their reputation as a top contender in global netball, with eyes set on future competitions to close the gap between them and the leading nations.
However, not all Caribbean teams were as fortunate. The Barbados Gems have had a difficult run, losing all three of their matches in the Paradise Ranking Series against Northern Ireland. As a result, their rating dropped by three points, causing them to slip from 15th to 16th in the world rankings. This setback highlights the challenges the Gems have faced but also emphasizes the competitive nature of the sport, where small margins can make a big difference in standings.
Meanwhile, Trinidad & Tobago, once a dominant force in the region, remains in 12th place with 92 points, holding steady in the rankings but still working to regain their former glory. The team's potential remains high, but consistent performances will be necessary to break back into the top 10.
In the Eastern Caribbean, Grenada faced a dip, dropping one place to 20th following the results of the ECCB International Series. The Spice Girls will look to bounce back in future matches as they continue to build on their promising talent and infrastructure. On the other hand, St. Lucia enjoyed success, jumping five places to 33rd after winning three of their five games in the same series, signalling growth and improvement for the island nation.
Other Caribbean teams experienced mixed fortunes. Antigua and Barbuda dropped three places to 36th, while the Cayman Islands moved up one spot to 38th, showing signs of progress. Dominica, however, slipped two places to 44th, highlighting the ongoing challenges some teams face in maintaining consistency on the international stage.
The updated rankings reflect not only the competitive landscape of international netball but also the importance of ongoing development and support for Caribbean teams. While Jamaica continues to be a beacon for the region, the ups and downs of other Caribbean teams illustrate the need for investment in talent and resources to remain competitive at the global level.
As the region's teams prepare for future tournaments, the latest rankings serve as both motivation and a reminder of the work that lies ahead. For Jamaica, the goal remains to climb higher, while for other Caribbean nations, the journey is about pushing forward, improving performance, and reclaiming spots in the global top tier.
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