Chetram Singh, a shoo-in for the post of president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) this weekend has rejected claims that being debarred from the directorate of the International Cricket Council (ICC) could affect his performance.

Singh could be blacklisted because he is a bookmaker in his native Guyana. Reports yesterday suggested that Singh, who is running unopposed for the top regional cricket job may be debarred from ICC meetings in London, England as the newly elected WICB president, because of the world body’s regulations concerning ties to gambling. However, yesterday Singh maintained he has no intention of  backing down as the lone candidate as speculation was rife that he may be forced to quit. “My position remains the same, I have been nominated and I will contest the elections on the weekend,” stated a relaxed Singh from Georgetown yesterday. Singh is the only nominee for the Annual General Meeting of the WICB on the weekend, in Dominica following the withdrawal this week of his only challenger, Trinidadian Willie Rodriguez. “Firstly, we will have an executive meeting in Barbados on Thursday, where both Wes Hall and Stephen Alleyne will be present,”  the burly businessman said. “In the first place, I am a licensed bookmaker, and I am involved in a legal business so I do not perceive any problem even if I  cannot attend a meeting. They (ICC) do not meet so regularly  anyway. “Also I can easily appoint someone if it is necessary to attend any meeting on behalf of the WICB. In the region, we have a situation where Alloy Lequay is the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, and he does not attend some overseas meetings, so there is no problem,” Singh noted.

As to the upcoming elections of the West Indies Cricket Board, Singh stated: “We have not yet received any official word from Willie Rodriguez.  We have only heard a lot of talk from people at this time, but we will wait and see. I have a lot of respect for him, and the idea is to work together.” “At the moment, I can say that I am not considering stepping down from my nomination as I am looking forward to giving my best as the  next WICB President. “I believe that I can achieve much because of my experience and knowledge of cricketing affairs, and will help in the progress of WICB. If you go back in time, only Wes Hall has become president without being a board member,” the outspoken Singh said. “My role is to ensure that West Indies cricket advances in all areas,  and the fact that various boards in the region are supporting me suggest others believe I am good for cricket. Now my aim is to work  as a team with all the players in West Indies cricket. Together we must go forward,” declared Singh.

TRINIDAD and Tobago cyclists saved the best for last at the “B” World Cycling Championships which ended yesterday in Switzerland.

Leading Caribbean road cyclist Emile Abraham led the TT parade with a bronze medal, when he placed third in an elimination event similar to the “Devil Take the Hindmost”. Leading track pedal-pusher Clinton Grant also shot into the world spotlight when he placed a creditable fifth, in the keirin race, while Azikiwe Kellar improved on his best time in the kilometre time trial for fifth also. Yesterday, Public Relations Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) said it was, overall, an improved performance from the local wheelsmen in the face of top class competition. He explained that the standard of cycling at the “B” Worlds was unusually higher this year as the top countries sent their star riders in an attempt to gain qualification for the Olympics Games in Athens, next year. The first two riders in the events gain automatic qualification. “The big nations have tried something and got through with it to our detriment. They stayed out of the World Cup and attended this championship reducing our chances,” said Watson.

Reports coming out of Europe yesterday stated that Abraham was well poised to challenge for the gold medal, when he was wrongly called for an infringement. But the decision was quickly  overuled by the chief judge. “So Emile had to make up lost ground. He rode admirably to come from the back to earn the bronze. He said he was really feeling good,” said Watson yesterday. The Cycling Federation spokesman also commended the performance of Grant and Kellar who both proved they can rank among the best in the world in trying circumstances. He said Kellar improved on his best kilo time of 1.08 which got him a bronze medal at the last “B” World Championships in China. Yesterday Kellar clocked at 1.07:2 which could only get him fifth place. Watson said the Europe-based riders, Stephen Mangroo and David Als, head back to Belgium where they are racing professionally, while the rest of the team heads for home. The Cycling Federation official will join the Trinidadians in Belgium from July 29, when over a ten-day period he will observe the mechanics of professional cycling in the mecca of the sport.

EAST LONDON: The Border Cricket Board in South Africa announced on Tuesday that they have secured fast bowler Charl Langeveldt for the 2003/2004 season, as “replacement” for West Indies pacer Vasbert Drakes.

Langeveldt moves from the Boland to strengthen the Border bowling, which endured Drakes’ absence towards the end of the last season because the 33-year-old Barbadian had international duties with the West Indies. Drakes, up for West Indies selection on tours to Zimbabwe and South Africa later this year in the middle of the South African season, had a guarded response to questions about his immediate plans.

FREEPORT: Trinidad and Tobago are poised in second place after the first day of the Caribbean Junior Golf Championships in the Bahamas. TT have 47.5 points behind Puerto Rico with 50.3; Bahamas are third with 38.3, followed by Dominican Republic on 34.8 followed by Barbados with 33.

Other teams competing are Jamaica, Cayman Islands, OECS and US Virgin Islands. Diana Torry with 84 got all 10 points in the Girls 18 and under; Tracey Clarke with a brilliant 76 got all 10 in the 15 and Under Girls; and Catherine Clarke got 7.5 points for joint second in the Girls 12 and Under.

In the Boys 12 and Under, 10 year old Joshua Galt was only two shots off the lead with an 86, but three players are tied with 84s for first. Simon Proverbs of Barbados with an 85 was fourth and got five points for his team. Ben Martin, the brilliant 13-year-old TT junior shot a magnificent 74 and Robbie Llanos a very steady 78 to share points with the Dominican Republic team with nine points each. Shane Costelloe and Simon Merry with a 78 and 80 respectively got fourth with six points.

The conditions are very difficult in terms of the excessive heat and, the course is very long in contrast to what our players are accustomed to, in particular the Boys 12 and Under, and the Girls 15 and 18 and Under. Puerto Rico are exceptionally strong and will be hard to peg back, but the TT team spirit is very high and there is hope for better performances in certain divisions to try and make up the slack.

A wealth of three-year-old horse racing talent will be on show on Saturday in the Santa Rosa Classic, the feature event on the Arima Race Club Round 21 programme.

The 1200-metres event, which holds grade one status, has attracted a strong field of 12 classic contenders, some of whom will be reverting to sprinting after competing with limited success in the first two legs of the triple crown. Golden Honour, third placed behind Top Of The Class in the Union Park Turf Club Easter Guineas, and Isle Be There, who filled a similar position behind the triple crown seeker in the Clico’s Midsummer Classic are among the star-studded line-up. The duo along with Sir Vidia, Sweet Tempo, Naturelly Classy, and Loud Music will be eyeing the $60,000 purse while shortening in trip. Undisputed, Reign Of Fire, Beautiful Mind, Francesca, Lady Rossie and Affirm Decision who have made their marks over short trips will complete the field in the sprint holding down the penultimate spot of the 10-race card.

Three imposts and five local bred animals will share the spotlight one race earlier in the 1725 metres on the Turf. The staying event pits together Man Of Class and Carnival Messiah. The pair of creoles who battled from start to finish in their last meeting over 1200 metres, and was only seperated by the photofinish camera are set to renew rivalry on identical terms in the Saturday’s supporting highlight. Imports Ring Dang Do, Canaima and Dottie’s Way and creoles Punto a Punto, Maid Of Honour and Mandela complete the make-up which will provide opposition on the grass. Following are the framed races, entries, weights and jockeys for the entire card.

RACE 1: (12.15pm) 3 Y.O & OVER OPTIONAL CLAIMING ($7,500 – $6,500) – PURSE $14,000 – 1750 METRES.

1. MYSTILE – 44.5 – N.SAMAROO, 2. BOLD FAPP – 53.5 – B.HARDING, 3. SHEZABUTE – 46.5 – R.JADOO, 4. TOUR D’ARGENT – 47.5 – R.THOMAS, 5. MARY MAGDALENE – 44.5 – F.RAZACK, 6. YANKEE EAGLE – 55.5 – N.ABREGO, 7. ONCE IN A LIFETIME – 48.5 – G.LABAN.

RACE 2: (12.45pm) W.I BRED 3 Y.O MAIDENS WHICH HAVE RACED FIVE TIMES IN CAREER AND HAVE NOT EARNED $5,000 – PURSE $13,000 – 1150 METRES.

1. EL PRESIDENTE – 56.5 – R.CHADEE, 2. RUNNING TRICK – 56.5 – J.ARNEAUD, 3. COPY CAT – 56.5 – N.SAMAROO, 4. GUACHO – 54.5 – R.FREEMAN, 5. FINEST GEM – 54.5 – B.HARDING, 6. MISS BEAUTIFUL – 54.5 – D.GAFF, 7. RUBY SCORES – 54.5 – R.SINGH, 8. SMALL AXE – 54.5 – F.RAZACK.

RACE 3: (1.20pm) HANDICAP – W.I BRED 3 Y.O WINNERS AND W.I BRED 4 Y.O NON-WINNERS OF THREE RACES – PURSE $18,000 – 1750 METRES.

1. DUE DILLIGENCE – 52.5 – B.HARDING, 2. WILD LIFE – 48.5 – R.JADOO, 3. FRESH MANDATE – 47.5 – W.BHARATH, 4. FRESH HONEY – 50 – N.ABREGO, 5. BOUND TO DOT COM – 49.5 – W.GALVIZ, 6. CELEBRATION TIME – 56.5 – H.EMAMALIE.

RACE 4: (1.57pm) W.I BRED 3 Y.O MAIDENS – PURSE $20,000 – 1750 METRES.

1. FORTALEZA – 49.5 – R.FREEMAN, 2. SERAH’S TRICK – 50.5 – W.GALVIZ, 3. NEVER EVER WORRIE – 46.5 – W.BHARATH, 4. IRON WILL – 55.5 – V.CHARLES, 5. FIRESTORM – 54.5 – R.JADOO, 6. VAN NISTELROOY -52.5 – R.RAJKUMAR, 7. CREME CARAMEL – 51.5 – G.LABAN, 8. PANAMA CANAL – 56.5 – S.RODRIGO, 9. MY APHRODITE – 52.5 – H.EMAMALIE, 10. DARE TO DREAM – 53.5 – D.GAFF.

RACE 5: (2.34pm) 3 Y.O & OVER OPTIONAL; CLAIMING (6,000 – $5,000) – PURSE $11,000 – 1200 METRES.

1. JUSTICE – 52.5 – L.MUNOZ, 2. CONFIRMED – 48.5 – W.BHARATH, 3. BOBS TREASURE – 53.5 – R.FREEMAN, 4. INDIAN TROUBLE – 47.5 – N.SAMAROO, 5. TOUCH WOOD – 55.5 – B.HARDING, 6. TAKE CHARGE – 52.5 – N.ABREGO, 7. INDIAN GAME – 53.5 – R.RAJKUMAR, 8. SPIN N’SQUEEZE – 51.5 – W.GALVIZ, 9. KAY GEE BEE – 53.5 – R.JADOO, 10. REGENT BOY – 48.5 – V.CHARLES, 11. PANAM BELLE – 49.5 – R.MANGALEE.

RACE 6: (3.12pm) 3 Y.O & OVER OPTIONAL CLAIMING ($10,500 – $8,500) – PURSE 415,000 – 1200 METRES.

1. STORMING WIND – 53.5 – R.JADOO, 2. COLD RISK -0 43.5 – K.BISSOON, 3. HILLSIDE SYMPHONY – 53.5 – G.LABAN, 4. GOLDEN BOY – 55.5 – L.MUNOZ, 5. BADPAYJAMESEE – 51.5 – R.THOMAS, 6. SOCA TEMPO – 53.5 – S.RODRIGO, 7. I’M NO HUNTER – 44.5 – W.BHARATH, 8. GROOMSMAN – 53.5 – N.ABREGO, 9. NOT TO WORRIE – 49.5 – F.RAZACK, 10. ULA – 50.5 – R.RAJKUMAR, 11. DURABILITY – 49.5 – R.FREEMAN, 12. LOVELY PEARL – 49.5 – R.FREEMAN, 13. WHAT LEFT – 53.5 – W.GALVIZ, 14. ALIBI IKI – 51.5 – D.GAFF.

RACE 7: (3.49pm) RESTRICTED HANDICAP – W.I BRED 3 Y.O & OVER WINNERS AND IMPORTED 3 Y.O & OVER – PURSE $18,000 – 1100 METRES (TURF).

1. EMELDA M – 44 – R. FREEMAN, 2. SEA SPIDER – 53.5 – W.GALVIZ, 3. GAME HIGH – 52 – B.HARDING, 4. PATTI’S NO ANGEL – 48.5 – W.BHARATH, 5. THE GUV’NOR – 52.5 – R.RAJKUMAR, 6. HONOUR BOUND – 57 – J.ARNEAUD, 7. NANDO – 49 – R.MANGALEE, 8. BAZODEE GAL – 48.5 – F.RAZACK, 9. BAJAN CONNECTION – 51.5 – G.LABAN, 10. SPLITTING IMAGE – 55 – S.RODRIGO.
 
RACE 8: (4.26pm) ALLOWANCE – W.I BRED 3 Y.O WINNERS AND IMPORTED 3 Y.O & OVER – PURSE $23,000 – 1725 METRES (TURF).

1. RING DANG DO – 47.5 – R.JADOO, 2. PUNTO A PUNTO – 50.5 – W.BHARATH, 3. CANAIMA – 53.5 – J.ARNEAUD, 4. MAID OF HONOUR – 46.5 – W.GALVIZ, 5. MAN OF CLASS – 54.5 – R.RAJKUMAR, 6. MANDELA – 52.5 – N.SAMAROO, 7. DOTTIE’S WAY – 47./5 – B.HARDING, 8. CARNIVAL MESSIAH – 56.5 – S.RODRIGO.
RACE 9: (5.04pm) SANTA ROSA CLASSIC (GRADE 1) W.I BRED 3 Y.O – PURSE $60,000 – 1200 METRES.

1. UNDISPUTED – 56.5 – H.EMAMALIE, 2. SIR VIDIA – 56.5 – F.RAZACK, 3. NATURELLY CLASSY – 56.5 – S.RODRIGO, 4. REIGN OF FIRE – 54.5 – N.SAMAROO, 5. SWEET TEMPO – 54.5 – R.JADOO, 6. GOLDEN HONOUR – 54.5 – V.CHARLES, 7. BEAUTIFUL MIND – 53.5 – J.ARNEAUD, 8. LOUD MUSIC – 56.5 – R.RAJKUMAR, 9. FRANCESCA – 54.5 – B.HARDING, 10. ISLE BE THERE – 56.5 – N.ABREGO, 11. LADY ROSSIE – 54.5 – L.MUNOZ, 12. AFFIRM DECISION – 56.5 – R.PERSAD.
RACE 10: (5.40pm) 3 Y.O & OVER OPTIONAL CLAIMING ($20,000 – $16,000) – PURSE $17,000 – 1350 METRES.

1. EL GUERROUJ – 50.5 – N.SAMAROO, 2. BON VOYAGE – 53.5 – R.RAJKUMAR, 3. SUPREME DANCER – 51.5 – R.JADO,L 4. TRICKY GUY – 52.5 – R.MANGALEE, 5. LIFE IN RUSSIA – 50.5 – K.BISSOON, 6. SQUEE ZINTRU – 51.5 – W.GALVIZ, 7. POLITICS – 50.5 – G.LABAN, 8. SUNNY – 52.5 – L.MUNOZ, 9. BITE DE BULLET – 55.5 – S.RODRIGO, 10. IN SWINGER – 55.5 – B.HARDING.