ZURICH: Cuba displaced Trinidad and Tobago as the number two team in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) when FIFA’s world ranking were released yesterday. Jamaica retained their spot as the CFU’s top team after moving up two places to 46th on the world list, while Cuba jumped 10 places to 53rd in the world and number two in the region, ahead of Trinidad and Tobago, who remained steady at 54th. Cuba earned their jump following their Gold Cup quarter-final showing where they lost 5-0 to the United States. Their first round run included a 2-0 upset win over Canada. Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean Cup giants with eight titles in 11 years of competition, had led the CFU rankings for over three years from February 2000, until they were overtaken by Jamaica three months ago, following their failure to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Haiti, 88th in the world, and Barbados (95th) are the only other CFU teams in FIFA’s top-100. There is no other positional change in the CFU’s top-10. St Lucia, 116th in the world, are sixth in the CFU, followed by Kitts and Nevis (124th), Grenada (143rd) and Suriname (148th), and St Vincent and the Grenadines (154th). Five-time world champions Brazil remain world number one, ahead of France, with Spain third. The Netherlands are fourth and Mexico fifth, jumping six places up after their CONCACAF Gold Cup triumph last weekend.

RANKING OF CFU TEAMS (World ranking in bracket)
1 Jamaica (46th); 2 Cuba (53); 3 Trinidad and Tobago (54); 4 Haiti (88); 5 Barbados (95); 6 St Lucia (116); 7 St. Kitts and Nevis (124); 8 Grenada (143); 9 Suriname (148); 10 St Vincent and  the Grenadines (154); 11 Dominican Republic (157); 12 Antigua and Barbuda (160); 13 British Virgin Islands (168); 14 Cayman Islands (174); 15 Guyana (178); 16 Bermuda (181); 17 Dominica (183); 18 Netherlands Antilles (184); 19 Bahamas (190); 20 Aruba (195); 21 Anguilla (197); 22 US Virgin Islands (198); 23 Puerto Rico (200); 24 Turks and Caicos Islands (203); 25 Montserrat (204).                                   

Trinidad and Tobago’s swimming sensation George Bovell III, turned in an heroic performance but was upstaged by four world class swimmers at the 10th FINA World Championships in Barcelona, Spain, last Thursday. He placed fifth at the premier swim meet in the 200 metres Individual medley final but vowed to bring home the gold medal and a new Commonwealth IM record at the upcoming Pan-American Games. This start tomorrow in Santo Domingo from August 2 to 13. The Auburn University student made that pledge on Monday evening at the VIP Lounge, Piarco International Airport where he and the six-member TT’s swimming team returned from Spain. He was given a warm reception and during his interview Bovell said he made a mistake in the final which cost him a medal.  “But I am not daunted. I lost the race in the first leg —  the butterfly stage where I went out too fast and did not pace myself properly to finish among the medallists,” he said. “I knew the race would have been a fast one, but didn’t expect Phelps and Thorpe to go out so fast from the start. I had to change my strategy and try to stay up with the pace these guys were going at. Phelps was the man to beat so I had to stay with him to have a fair change of getting the medal,” Bovell recalled.

He revealed that Olympis and world champion Thorpe surprised him. “I was really surprised that Thorpe took it out so fast compared to how he swam in the other races. It was a real surprise and I was more tired than anything else in the final leg and lost out of the chance of getting a medal. I had to settle for fifth but I cannot worry over it. It’s disappointing not getting a medal after considering how well I swam in the ‘semis’,” exclaimed the 20-year-old Piranhas Aquatics club member. He said Phelps was the man to beat because of the times and the form he was pushing at the championships. “ was aiming to beat him and win the gold but I just messed it up in the butterfly. Thorpe also beat me and reclaimed the Commonwealth record. So I am now focusing on getting back the Commonwealth record at the Pan-am Games,” said Bovell. Having celebrated his 20th birthday on July 18 — the day before his first race at the World Championships, Bovell indicated that he might be contesting six events at the Pan-Am Games. He  fancies his chances in the 200 freestyle and the 200 metres Individual Medley.

In addition, the national champion is also expected to race in the 50 and 100 metres freestyle as well as the 100 and 200 metres backstroke. TT’s world youth sprint champion Darrel Brown and club mate Marc Burns are also students at the Auburn University and their presence is also a source of inspiration for Bovell. “It’s nice to have Darrel and Marc at the same University. We see one another and it’s always nice to have other Trinis to talk things over with. I always look forward for them doing well and I am sure it’s the same with them. We all want to succeed,” said Bovell. Bovell had set a new personal record in the world’s 200 IM semi-finals race when he clocked one minute 59.86 secs — also a new Commonwealth record.  He bettered his previous best national mark of two minutes 01.35 secs achieved at the 2001 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. Bovell. Is TT’s brightest prospect for a medal at the Pan-American Games. He can achieve his goal of getting the Games gold and Commonwealth record but feels that his major competition will come from swimmers from the United States, Canada, Brazil and Argentina. Bovell along with younger brother Nicholas and Piranhas Aquatics clubmates Ayiesha Collymore and Shantelle McClean who went to the World Championships will also be vying for medals at these quadrennial championships.

 

THERE IS every likelihood that the Hampton International Games will be staged at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar next May. This was revealed by Clyde Forde yesterday after their Organising Committee met on Tuesday night in Port-of-Spain and unanimously agreed that a change of venue could take place. The unusual shift is contingent on applications to the Mayor of Arima, Eustace Nancis; Member of Parliament for Arima, Pennelope Beckles; and Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Roger Boynes. The Hampton International Games Committee is headed by chairman Rawle Raphael and comprise Clyde Forde, chief co-ordinator; Cuthbert Joseph, secretary, Ashwin Creed, manager;  and committee members Lisa Collins and Esme Raphael. The Hampton Games have been a traditional fixture on the local track and field calendar and if moved to Malabar would be the first time the two-day extravaganza would not be staged at the Hasely Crawford Stadium at Mucurapo.

It is the only international standard athletics meeting held in Trinidad and Tobago and annually attracts world rated stars. Recently there has been a strong lobby to have the Games elevated to Grand Prix status which has gained the support of the International Associa-tion of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the world body governing the sport. However certain conditions will have to be met and Raphael, a former Member of Parliament who has acted as Minister of Sport, has been pressing Government for their assistance. A request has been made for a softloan or grant of close to $10 million to set up the infrastructure and plan a programme to fill the requirements of the IAAF. However despite several top level meetings with Government officials, the Hampton Games Organising Committee has not been successful in obtaining the financial backing needed to fulfill their obligations and satisfy the IAAF that an international meeting could be properly held here. Yesterday Forde said he was optimistic that the plan to make the Games a Grand Prix event could well materialise next year. “We can expect a greater measure of co-operation next May with the Arima authorities, especially with provision of facilities for track and field events at the Larry Gomes Stadium. We are very hopeful,” said Forde.

LACK of support by the business community has forced Morvant Jets Athletic Club to postpone their 25th annual championships. According to secretary/treasurer Kelvin Roberts, contributions from the business community was not as we expected. “Therefore we have to review our programme for the day, by dropping the invitation events,” said Roberts. The games were scheduled for Sunday at the Morvant Recreation Grounds, Park Street, Morvant. But Roberts said they were forced to put back the games to August 10 instead, when they will also draw their fund-raising raffle.

He said the 37-year-old Morvant club was very disappointed in having to postpone their championships, but still have plans to honour their founders when the games are held on August 10. Roberts thanked the media for their support and also the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, Neal and Massy Motors Ltd., and TTEC for their contributions so far.

FORMER West Indies wicketkeeper Deryck Murray has reiterated that he is not remotely  interested in being nominated for the presidency of the regional cricket administration. Murray said yesterday he has not given the matter any thought neither has he had discussions concerning suggestions he may be the ideal person to head the WI Cricket Board. Blessed with one of the safest pair of hands in the Test game in the 70s and 80s, the pint-size Murray was a more than ordinary batsman, who, on many occasions rescued the Caribbean cricketers with his unique brand of level-headed strokeplay. His most famous innings was in the 1975 World Cup in England when he teamed up with Antiguan fast bowler Andy Roberts to stage an improbable last wicket 64-run partnership to beat Pakistan.After his playing days were over, Murray joined the Trinidad and Tobago Diplomatic Corps and was based in New York, USA but is now a Guardian Life Insurance executive.

He was recently appointed the Director of the Sir Frank Worrell Development Centre, built by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board at Balmain, Couva. Yesterday Murray said he was flattered that his name has been mentioned as one of the persons who could make an indeal candidate to replace the outgoing Wes Hall who is not standing for re-elections because of ill health. However he said he harbours no such ambitions at this time but appreciated the endorsement of members of the public including Member of Parliament for Chaguanas Manohar Ramsaran, a former Minister of Sports. Murray said that his main focus now is his work at the Worrell Centre as he oversees the resuscitation of Trinidad and Tobago cricket and their bid to win a senior regional First Class championship after 18 years. Ramsaran had suggested the TT Cricket Board of Control should support Murray for the top job after the controversy surrounding the nomination of Guyanese Chetram Singh who was forced to decline after his links to gambling were exposed.

The TT Cricket Board had put their weight behind Singh, following up on a decision of the WICB executive to support one of their own for the position to ensure continuity in their policies and programmes.Singh’s main rival was Trinidadian Willie Rodriguez who was nominated by the Jamaican Cricket Board but he pulled out citing the possibility of his candidature contributing to divisiveness in the regional game. Singh, president of the Guyanese Cricket Board is a licensed racing pool owner in Georgetown. The WI Board will soon re-open nominations to elect a new president. Murray played a major role in West Indies winning the first of two consecutive World Cup  crowns when he was joined by last man Roberts at 203 for nine wickets at Edgbaston chasing Pakistan’s 266 for seven. Murray, who hit an undefeated 61 crafted one of the greatest innings in one-day cricket and was ably supported by Roberts who made 24 not out.

Former West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman Deryck Murray has heaped praises on Exchange Sports Club after they won the Central Zone Division One title. Murray was speaking  at their presentation ceremony on Saturday night. He told a large audience at the Exchange Cricket Ground Pavilion that they have come a long way. “I must congratulate you for topping the difficult Central Zone competition,” Murray said. Exchange will now compete in the Central Superleague. But Murray warned them of the upcoming season. “You are now graduating to the Superleague and you would have to work harder at your game to take your club even further ahead. Your goal in the long term should be playing in the Carib National League Division One and your work starts immediately,” he said. Also present at the function was club sponsor Nal Ramsingh of Ramsingh’s Sports World and he gave the team a challenge for the upcoming season.

“Ramsingh’s Sports World would continue to sponsor Exchange Cricket Club but that would only be based on your performance. The better you perform the more assistance you would get,” Ramsingh promised. Meanwhile 19-year-old captain Lindsey Rondon received a special award for his leadership skills during the season, taking the team from fourth last year to champions this season. Wicket keeper/batsman Rondon scored 491 runs in addition to leading the team to the league title and runners-up position in the Ramsingh’s 40-overs limited overs series. Brickfield won the limited overs crown. Steve Sookdeo picked up the trophy for the most runs (591) and was awarded the “Most Valuable Player” for the “A” team. Hakeem Baksh picked up most wickets in the season (22) and was the “Most Valuable Player “for the “B” team. All the Exchange players were awarded medals sponsored by the Roti Master for being crowned central champions.

Winners defeated powerhouse P&B Combine XI by six wickets as action continued in the Savannah Boys Windball League. This was P&B’s first loss for the tournament. Winners scored 113 for four wickets while P&B could only manage 111 for eight. Winners won the match through some excellent outfield work and an outstanding all-round effort from Jerry Beckles who struck 18 runs and was virtually unplayable grabbing three wickets for four runs. Ah Cricket Side also registered a victory, squeezing past Samba Boys. Ah Cricket Side made 105 for four, and Samba Boys put up a good fight but could only muster 103 for five. The “Side” clinched the match through the herculean all-round effort of Aneil Mannah who hit 36 runs and took two for 26.

SAVANNAH SCORES
Ah Cricket Side 105/4 (Aneil Mannah 36, Kashma Hosein 14, D Samuel 2/16 vs Samba Boys 103/5 (Joey Jhinoo 32, R Baksh 18, Aneil Mannah 2/26).
Dundee Utd 130/4 (K Valentine 55, S Holford 18, L Persad 2/16) vs X Terminators 111/9 (R. Sooknanan 13, K Valentine 3/7, S Alfred 2/23, C Hodge 2/20)
Villains 74/1 (Asif Mohammed 37 n.o.)  vs A S Bryden 73/8 (MSampson 30 n.o., S Ali 14, Kayam Ali, 3/18, Faisal Mohammed 3/7).
Winners 113/4 (Jerry Beckles 18, Marvet Cedeno 12) vs P&B Combine XI 111/8 (Trevor Rajkumar 26, Leon Pollard 39, Jerry Beckles 3/4, Gerry Mejias 2/14, Jeffrey Mejias 2/21).

Firestorm signalled that she is in top shape for tomorrow’s Oaks Stakes by closing off her campaign with a breeze up the stretch yesterday. The Jack Debideen filly is expected to be among the market leaders in the 1900 metres event, which shares the spotlight with the President’s Cup on the 11-race Emancipation Day card. She shook off any cobwebs that may have appeared late with a 23.42 seconds posting for the 400 metres run yesterday at Santa Rosa Park, Arima. The daughter of Freshly Squeezed/Concordia with raceday rider Ricardo Jadoo aboard, continued at steady clip on passing the winning line before draining off in the backstretch. Both her rider and trainer must be pleased with the manner in which she stood up to her preparations and will be optimistic of banking the $45,000 winners’ cheque with the game frontrunner. Also seen out yesterday getting final touches done to preparatory programme were Millenium Reign and Phantom Bidder, the two-pronged attack of trainer John O’Brien in the President’s Cup.

The top trainer also has Cornerstone in the 10-strong Oaks Stakes for West Indian bred three-year-old fillies. Both O’Brien’s Cup representatives stretched their legs over the last 800 metres of the course, while his filly, who had been on the sidelines with injury for the major part of this season was given a light round around the course. The champion trainer, noted for not ducking questions around crunch time, is hopeful of landing both features, but recognised the main events are very competive.  “It will be very difficult,” the BWIA captain said.

Regarding his chances in the Cup, O’Brien favoured neither of his runners. “Both will give good accounts of themselves in the 1900 metres staying event and everything will depend on how the race unfolds early,” he said. There is no doubt about Cornerstone’s ability to stay the Oaks trip of 2000 metres, he said. “She is not the soundest going into the event. But we have been able to work around her problems. She stood up nicely to the test and will run big,” O’Brien said.

Following are yesterday’s recorded gallops:
400 METRES: Firestorm – 23.42, good. Finest Gem – 23.64, good. Fortunate Flag – 23.68, good. Sir Steven – 29.93, pacing. You’ve Got Mail – 28.99, pacing. Atlantic Breeze – 29.57, pacing. Full Of Promises – 27.96, pacing. Indian Game – 27.21, easy. Hyarima – 29.96, pacing. Ula – 25.20, handily. Touch Wood – 27.17, handily. Redoubled – 25.27, handily. Fantastic Lad – 28.00, pacing. Golden Shuflleur – 27.72, easy. Lazar Wolf – 25.98, handily. Return To Sender and Danzc With Class – 26.08, handily. Millenium Dancer – 27.93, pacing. Bound To Dot Com – 29.98, pacing.
600 METRES: Kalyan – 35.21, good. Trying Something – 36.53, good. Maid Of Honour – 39.86, handily. Due Dilligence – 44.96, pacing. Piece Of Cake – 40.42, easy. Toronto Star – 40.39, handily. Serah’s Trick – 40.70, easy. Honor Bound – 42.73, pacing. Shezabute – 42.17, pacing. Baggy Greene – 44.91, pacing. Francesca – 43.86, pacing. Undercover Angel – 39.71, handily. Java In Style and Sunday Jewel – 43.73, pacing. Fresh Mandate – 44.99, pacing. Juanistheman – 40.70, handily. Uncle Joe – 40.27, handily.
800 METRES: Ex If You D – 57.92, pacing. Richie Rich – 56.11, pacing. Millenium Reign – 53.75, handily. Born To Charm and Aishwarya – 54.62, handily. Travel Agent – 52.52, handily. Ring Dang Do – 54.99, pacing. Phantom Bidder – 59.17, pacing.
1000 METRES: Top Of The Class – 1:02.40, good. Cheerleader – 1:04.94, handily. Dealer’s Choice and Peace Consort – 1:14.30, pacing. Law Of The Land and Be My Hero – 58.50, pacing. Stormy Season – 1:10.57, pacing.
1600 METRES: The Chairman – 1:50.49, handily.