Venus Williams Ends Title Drought
Venus Williams won her first WTA tournament in more than two years, beating Monica Niculescu of Romania 6-2, 6-3 to take the Luxembourg Open title yesterday.
Slowed for two seasons by injuries and illness, Williams showed she still had the winning touch and played steady tennis, while Niculescu proved error-prone as she sought her first career title.
At 32, Williams won her 44th singles title in a career that includes seven Grand Slams. For Niculescu, ranked No. 70, it was the second loss in the Luxembourg Open final in a row.
Williams, now ranked No. 41, had not won a tournament since early 2010, when she took the titles in Dubai and Acapulco in short order.
early initiative
Throughout the one hour, 22-minute match, Williams rarely looked in trouble, taking the early initiative and never letting go.
For a player who relies strongly on her serve, she was successful on only 63 per cent of her first serves and didn't manage a single ace on the indoor hard-courts at CK Sportcenter Kockelsheuer. She was much more solid in her backcourt game as Niculescu looked hesitant from the start and failed to get any momentum going.
-AP
Windies to play three Day/Night matches against Bangladesh
West Indies will play three Day/Night matches among the five One-Day Internationals against Bangladesh during their tour, which starts next month.
The Day/Night ODIs are the last three on December 5, 7 and 8, all in Mirpur, which is also the venue for the only Twenty20 international under lights on December 10.
The venues for the first two ODIs on November 30 and December 2 are to be confirmed.
There will be an opening three-day match starting November 8 before the first two Tests, which begin on November 13 and 21.
Below are the fixtures:
November 8-10: TBC v West Indies, Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan Ground, Savar
November 13-17: 1st Test Bangladesh v West Indies, Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.
November 21-25: 2nd Test Bangladesh v West Indies, Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, KhulnaVenue TBC.
November 28: Bangladesh Cricket Board XI v West Indies, Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, Khulna.
November 30: Ist ODI Bangladesh v West Indies, Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, KhulnaVenue TBC.
December 2: 2nd ODI Bangladesh v West Indies, Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, KhulnaVenue TBC.
December 5: D/N 3rd ODI Bangladesh v West Indies, Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.
December 7: D/N 4th ODI Bangladesh v West Indies, Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.
December 8: D/N 5th ODI Bangladesh v West Indies, Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.
December 10: D/N Only T20I Bangladesh v West Indies, Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.
Manning 77-yarder to Cruz rallies Giants 27-23
While Robert Griffin III is quickly becoming the NFL's most exciting quarterback, there's none better than Eli Manning with the game on the line.
Manning one-upped the Washington Redskins' rookie sensation with a pinpoint 77-yard scoring pass to Victor Cruz with 1:13 to play and the New York Giants overcame a late touchdown toss by Griffin to defeat the Washington Redskins 27-23 on Sunday.
''With our offense and Eli at the helm, we're never too worried,'' Cruz said. ''No matter what situation we're in, no matter how many points we need or a field goal we need, we have the confidence we can do it. We have a lot of confidence in each other, and in Eli.''
The winning drive was the 22nd of Manning's career in either the fourth quarter or overtime, his second this season and eighth over the past two seasons. This pass might have been one of the most improbable.
It came two plays and 19 seconds after Griffin capped what was a potential winning, 77-yard drive with a 30-yard touchdown toss toSantana Moss. The rookie had kept the drive alive with a 19-yard pass off a desperate scramble on a fourth-and-10 play deep in his own territory, and a 24-yard run on the next play.
''He has done it so many times,'' veteran Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty said of the two-time Super Bowl MVP. ''He has really bridged his performance in the 2011 season to the 2012 season. It's just more of the same. He continues to get better. He is probably the most deadly quarterback in the fourth quarter.''
Redskins coach Mike Shanahan agreed even though he was miffed that defensive backs Josh Wilson and Madieu Williams allowed Cruz to blow by them on the seam pattern.
''He sure proved it today,'' Shanahan said after his team (3-4) blew a chance to move into a tie for first place in the NFC East. ''It was a great throw. He was double- covered but (Manning) put it right on the money.''
Manning, who finished 26 of 40 for 337 yards, had to make the throw a little sooner than he wanted.
''I kind of threw it high and deep and saw the coverage and was hoping Victor saw it the same way I did,'' he said. ''I didn't see the ball get caught. I heard the cheer and that was a good sign. I got up in time to see him run into the end zone.''
Manning triumphantly pumped his fist once after the play as the more than 80,000 fans at MetLife Stadium erupted with cheers.
''He did a good job leading his team to victory today,'' said Griffin, who ran for 89 yards and passed for 258 and two touchdowns. ''When the game is on the line, you want the ball in your hand, no doubt about it. He made the play to win it.''
Griffin had Washington moving when Moss was tackled by Chase Blackburn after an 11-yard reception and rookie Jayron Hosley recovered at the Washington 43.
''There's no excuse for them, but with all that stuff, we had a chance to win at the end,'' Griffin said.
The wild finish capped a game in which both quarterbacks also made major mistakes.
Ahmad Bradshaw and Andre Brown scored on 1-yard runs and Lawrence Tynes kicked a pair of field goals for the Giants, who won despite giving up 480 yards in total offense.
Griffin was 20 of 28 with Moss catching both his TD passes. Fellow rookie Alfred Morris gained 120 yards rushing.
The Giants had 396 yards in total offense, with the biggest chunk coming on Manning's pass to Mr. Salsa.
Before the wild finish, the second half was dominated by turnovers.
Griffin was picked off by safety Stevie Brown and his 41-yard return late in the third quarter set up Bradshaw's 1-yard plow-job into the end zone, a play which was reviewed.
Griffin moved Washington into position to tie the game on the next possession, but he fumbled after being sacked by Jason Pierre-Paul and Linval Joseph recovered the ensuring fumble at the Giants 29.
On the next play from scrimmage, linebacker Rob Jackson intercepted a quick out by Manning and Forbath kicked a 45-yard field goal to narrow the lead to 20-16 with 5:21 to go.
The Giants were forced to punt on their next series and Washington got the ball back at its 23. After gaining nothing in three plays, Griffin went back to pass on fourth down, eluded Pierre-Paul and then danced around long enough to find tight end Logan Paulsen for a 19-yard gain and a first down at the 42. The 24-yard scamper got the ball to the New York 34 and two plays later Moss beat Hosley and hauled in Griffin's perfect pass as Griffin lay on his back and celebrated like a snow angel.
''He's tough,'' Blackburn said of Griffin. We played well for three downs got them into a fourth and 10, and had him. JPP had him dead to rights. Any other quarterback and he makes that sack.''
Manning and Cruz spoiled the afternoon seconds later.
There were seven offensive possessions in the first half that resulted in 439 total yards, six scores and a 13-13 tie.
Knicks' Stoudemire out 2-3 weeks with knee injury
Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire is expected to miss the start of the regular season and be out two to three weeks because of an injured left knee.
He returned to New York on Sunday for another evaluation, and an MRI revealed a ruptured benign cyst, the team said.
Stoudemire had played in only one preseason game, sitting out the first two because of a bruised left knee. He scored 18 points Friday against Toronto in 27 minutes, then sat out again Saturday against Boston in Albany. The Knicks practiced Sunday in Syracuse, where they play Philadelphia on Monday.
The Knicks open their regular season Nov. 1 against Brooklyn.
''That's tough. I hope he gets better,'' said Nets guardDeron Williams, who has known Stoudemire since high school. ''He's had some struggles with injuries, but it doesn't change how we think about the Knicks. They still have a good team.''
Stoudemire was limited to 47 games last season and averaged just 17.5 points, his worst total since his rookie season of 2002-03. He missed 15 games because of injury, though none because of knee problems.
Still, anything involving knees is a concern when it comes to Stoudemire, who had microscopic surgery on his left knee in 2005 and arthroscopic surgery on his right knee the following spring. The Phoenix Suns refused to offer him a fully guaranteed maximum contract in 2010 when he became a free agent, and the Knicks couldn't even insure his contract when they signed him.
The Knicks could start 40-year-old Kurt Thomas in Stoudemire's spot or play Carmelo Anthony as an undersized power forward, which they did with success late last season when Stoudemire missed 13 games with a bulging disk in his lower back.
Howard debuts for Lakers in loss to Sacramento
Dwight Howard returned to an NBA court Sunday night on a new coast and wearing a new gold uniform.
The significance of the moment finally hit the normally playful big man during pregame introductions in front of fans who gave him a standing ovation before his first basket for the Los Angeles Lakers.
''I actually shed a couple of tears,'' Howard said. ''During the starting lineups, one of my teammates caught me, so I tried to hide it, but I was just excited. It is really emotional, because I hadn't been on the court in a while. I didn't know what to expect, but it's a very humbling experience.''
Howard had 19 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots in his Lakers debut, but Los Angeles still dropped to 0-6 in the preseason when DeMarcus Cousins rallied the Sacramento Kings to a 99-92 victory on Sunday night.
The loss was secondary to the Lakers, who finally unveiled their new franchise center after Howard sat out the first five preseason games while exercising caution with his recovery. The six-time All-Star played 33 minutes and made five of Los Angeles' 22 turnovers against the Kings, fighting his game rust with energy from the opening tip.
The experience might have been overwhelming at first, but Howard quickly settled in for the Los Angeles starting five's first playing time together. It wasn't perfect, but it showed formidable promise for the long season ahead.
''We lost the game, but there's a lot of bright spots out there, and we're going to continue to get better,'' Howard said. ''We're going to get our timing down and start reading each other a little better, but right now we're early in the process.''
Kobe Bryant scored 21 points as the Lakers' starters played down the stretch of a tight game against the Kings, who finished the game with 10 unanswered points. After Cousins, who scored 16 points, put the Kings ahead with consecutive layups in the final moments, Bryant andSteve Nash missed late shots as Sacramento (4-1) hung on with a lineup mostly consisting of reserves against the Lakers' starters.
''Our rhythm is already there,'' Bryant said. ''It's just about the little nuances, a few of our plays. ... We've done it in practice, and I think it was exciting to show the fans what kind of potential we have. I think we're a little ahead of the curve.''
Los Angeles' starting five played together for four significant stretches and fairly brimmed with potential. With Howard and Bryant already playing well off each other, the Lakers finished the second quarter with a slick 18-4 run capped by Bryant's buzzer-beating 22-footer on a pass from Pau Gasol.
Howard hadn't played in a game since early April, when the Magic shut him down for the season with a herniated disc. Los Angeles finally ended his protracted departure from Orlando in August, trading All-Star center Andrew Bynum to Philadelphia in the four-team deal.
''I just never thought this would happen, me being in L.A.,'' Howard said.
Not many superstars get hazed in the preseason, but the Lakers did it to Howard before warm-ups. They put Howard at the front of the line to run on the court - and then everybody stayed in the tunnel while Howard ran onto the court by himself, getting a huge ovation and a laugh.
Nash pulled the prank spontaneously when he saw Howard leading the lineup.
''I just grabbed Pau and held him,'' the two-time MVP said with a grin.
Howard and Nash both got loud ovations from the packed Staples Center stands during introductions, although the biggest cheers were reserved for Kobe.
Howard immediately made an impact, getting an assist on Bryant's 3-pointer on the Lakers' first possession. Howard then threw down a delicate two-handed dunk on the Lakers' second possession with an alley-oop pass from Gasol - a sight that might be awfully common this season.
Not everything went well: Kings rookie Thomas Robinson posterized Howard with a breathtaking, one-handed putback dunk while flying above the veteran.
''You could tell his timing was off a little bit at times,'' Lakers coach Mike Brown said. ''A couple of times where he would have blocked a shot, he was maybe half a step late. Overall, he looked good.''
With all five starters on the floor for the final minutes, Los Angeles took the lead on Metta World Peace's off-balance 3-pointers and led 92-89 before Cousins' baskets. Nash then missed a runner in the lane with 21 seconds to play, and Jimmer Fredette and Thornton made two free throws apiece surrounding Bryant's miss on an off-balance 3-pointer.
Aaron Brooks scored 16 points and Marcus Thornton had 15 for the Kings, who beat the Lakers 103-98 in Las Vegas on Friday night. The teams meet yet again in San Diego on Thursday.
''You've just got to make them work,'' Sacramento's Chuck Hayes said of playing against Howard and Gasol at the same time. ''They're like the Avengers out there. They're huge. You've got to keep fighting and make it hard for them every possession.''
Police round up in the TCI
The Royal Turks & Caicos Police were kept busy this weekend with Illegal Fishing to Drug Arrest in the TCI over the weekend.
In Grand Turk, on Saturday (13 October 2012), the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Marine Branch working in conjunction with the Police Airwing intercepted an illegal fishing Vessel name “Aguila Blanco” (White Eagle) of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
The Fishing vessel was within the Fisheries limit of the Turks and Caicos Islands and had onboard a quantity of fish . The vessel had a crew of 12 along with a captain.
The vessel along with crew members were escorted to South Dock on Grand Turk, where members of the crew were taken to the Grand Turk Police station for questioning and detention while futher investigation can be carried out.
According to Assistant Superintendant Pascal Bacchus – Officer in Charge fo the Marine Branch - “Poaching is illegal, persons must have the relevant licence to fish in the waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This licence can be obtain from the Department of Environmental and Martime Affairs (DEMA).”
Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police investigators are working in concert with officers from DEMA in the futhering of this investigation.
The men were charged and will be sentenced by the magistrate at 2pm today October 16th, 2012.
Meanwhile,
In Providenciales, on Sunday (14 October 2012), a 49 year old male, scheduled to travel to the Bahamas was arrested for possession of cocaine.
The man while being searched by Security officers at the Providenciales International was found to be in possession of a quantity of white substance which is suspected to be Cocaine.
The man was then taken to the Providenciales Police Station for further investigations. The investigation is continuing
Finally over the weekend, on Saturday (13 October 2012), The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police responded to a complaint of a Hit and Run Accident.
During a car show in the parking lot of Automotive Art located on the Leeward Highway a vehicle entered the parking and began driving in what was reported to be an aggressive, dangerous manner. The vehicle struck a vehicle participating in the Car show and then in attempt to flee the area struck three bystanders who sustained serious injuries.
The suspect vehicle is described as a white Nissan 300 Z car.
According to Police Sergeant Glinton, “A person who drives their vehicle in a such a manner, where members of the public are gathered, is expressing a don’t care attitude in regards to how dangerous this type of driving is”
“It is a serious offence and imagine how tragic the scene could have been as a result of this person’s reckless driving.”
Three of the bystanders hit during the incident were taken to the hospital where two were later released. The third person remains in hospital in stable condition.
The driver of the said vehicle remains at large and the police are seeking the assistance of the public to find him.
Anyone who may have heard or seen anything is asked to call the police at 911 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-8477. Tips can also be left in English, French or Spanish atwww.crimestoppers.tcor by becoming a friend of Crimestoppers TCI on Facebook.
A new constitution for the Turks and Caicos Islands
Speaking on the new Turks and Caicos Constitution which comes into effect today, the Minister for the Overseas Territories, Mark Simmonds, said:
“Today is an important day in the Turks and Caicos Islands as the new Constitution comes into force. It marksthe beginning of the end of the three year UK-led Interim Administration and the countdown to local elections.
“I am delighted with the progress that the Interim Administration has made in its efforts to reform and embed the principles of sound financial management and good governance across the structures and government of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The new Constitution is a key part of the framework designed to help ensure fair and transparent governance under a new administration.
“I look forward to the elections on 9 November and to welcoming the return to elected government in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
PNP Leader Rufus Ewing speaks on New Constitution
HISTORIC MILESTONE PROCLAIMED IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
The new Turks and Caicos Constitution Order 2011 was proclaimed into effect by His Excellency The Governor today, Monday, 15 Oct 2012.
This marks the beginning of the end of the three year UK-led Interim Administration, following the return to a locally elected Government after the General Election on 9 Nov 2012. The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory (this line only for the release to Caribbean media).
The new Constitution was a joint product of the UK Government and the political and civic leaders of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Interim Administration took over the running of the country following the suspension of parts of the previous 2006 Constitution following the Sir Robin Auld Commission of Inquiry which stated that there was “… ahigh probability of systemic corruption in government and the legislature and among public officers in the Turks & Caicos Islands in recent years.”
And so three years ago a programme of public sector and other reform began to improve the transparency, accountability and public financial management of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This reform work was more recently managed through a framework of eight stated ‘milestones’:
1.Implementation of a new TCI Constitution Order, in support of recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, which underpins good governance and sound public financial
management
2.Introduction of a number of new ordinances, including those making provision for: i) the electoral process and regulation of political parties; ii) integrity and accountability in public life; iii) public financial management
3.Establishment of robust and transparent public financial management processes to provide a stable economic environment and a strengthening of the TCI Government's capacity to manage its public finances
4.Implementation of budget measures to put the TCI Government on track to achieve a fiscal surplus in the financial year ending March 2013
5.Implementation of a transparent and fair process for acquisition of Turks &Caicos Islander status
6.Significant progress with the civil and criminal process recommended by the Commission of Inquiry, and implementation of measures to enable these to continue unimpeded
7.Implementation of a new Crown land policy
8.Substantial progress in the reform of the Public Service
Marking this historic moment in the development of the Turks and Caicos Islands, His Excellency Governor Ric Todd stated: “Today marks the culmination of a huge amount of work to get the country to this point where it is significantly more transparent, accountable and financially better run. I would like to thank colleagues and stakeholders, both here in the Turks and Caicos, the UK and elsewhere for all their efforts in making this possible.
"We now have a modern Constitution that is the result of wide consultation including a Turks and Caicos delegation who visited London in the summer of 2011 to help ensure that it reflects the wishes of both the citizens of the islands and Ministers in London.
"Since former UK Minister Bellingham announced this summer that sufficient progress had been made against the milestones to allow elections, I have been meeting regularly with the political parties and have been impressed by their diligent preparations. I would also like to thank the Elections Supervisor and his team for all their detailed work in preparing for the poll.
“We have an experienced international observers coming to our Islands for the elections. They will be here to ensure that 9th November passes off as intended as a free and fair democratic election. I welcome their presence and look forward to receiving their reports over the weekend after polling day.
"The Government’s work does not now stop until after the election results are announced and a new administration is in place. There is much to do and we will continue in our efforts to improve the services offered to the citizens of the TCI, although, of course, no more legislation can now be passed until the new administration is in place.
"The new Constitution will help to ensure that the incoming administration govern this nation fairly and transparently, and in tandem with the other legislative enhancements put in place, will bolster transparency and good governance for the citizens of the Turks and Caicos.
"I look forward to the remainder of the political party campaigns, and trust they will continue in the same spirit that has so far been demonstrated.
"I am also looking forward to election-day itself. The education programme launched last week by the Supervisor of Elections will ensure that all citizens eligible to vote are fully informed on the new electoral system and the choices they will be asked to make on the Electoral District and All Island ballot papers.
"The building blocks for successful elections are now in place and we all eagerly anticipate the return to elected government here in the Turks and Ciacos Islands."
$70M HOTEL, CASINO & MARINA TO BE BUILT IN TURKS AND CAICOS
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the developers of a new $70m hotel, casino and marina complex and the Turks and Caicos Islands Government was signed by Acting Governor Patrick Boyle on, Fri, 12 October 2012.
This is a critical first step in a process which will see Circle Holdings Ltd., construct a low density, high-end hotel, complimented by a casino, residential product for rental as part of the hotel, marina, retail and entertainment area on the site of the former Third Turtle Inn, on the north shore of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Government has, in accordance with its published Investment Policy, concluded that the Development is ‘A’ ranked, due to its proposed 300-400 direct jobs and anticipated revenues of around $9m per year, as well as its social benefits.
The project will spearhead a new type of development around Turtle Cove offering a public promenade along the marina featuring a casino, boutique, and restaurants. The marina intends to rival the best in the region and to put Providenciales back on the map for top yachting and fishing enthusiasts.
The site, recently acquired out of receivership, has 17 acres with 775 feet of frontage on the Third Turtle beach, 1,300 feet of marina frontage, and an elevated bluff with spectacular ocean views. The site was originally the location of the Third Turtle Inn, the first hotel and restaurant bar in Providenciales, reputable for its entertainment and the best port of call south of the Bahamas. The Inn has been closed since 1989.
The MOU was signed under the Turks and Caicos Islands’ new Investment Policy. Circle Holdings Ltd., now has until 31 Dec 2013 to apply for Outline Planning Permission for the construction of the Development, with the Development being completed within 40 months of obtaining the Detailed Development Permission.
“This announcement confirms what The Governor and I have been saying for a number of months now – the economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands is a great place for business,” said Patrick Boyle. “It is terrific news that someone with such a proven track record right here in the TCI wishes to combine forces with seasoned real estate investors and bring his knowledge and experience to a new development. Growing the economy here is a balance between established businesses investing and reinvesting and attracting overseas investment.”
“I am very excited with this project, no less by the unequivocal support it has received from all quadrants of the society, particularly from neighbours and business owners at Turtle Cove, and from the TCI Government,” said Vasco Borges, Managing Partner of the Development, who has resided and worked in real estate development and hospitality in the Turks & Caicos Islands since 2005.
“When one walks the site, it is evident why the first developers on Providenciales chose the Third Turtle beach as their home. It is unique in combining a half-moon white powder beach with marina facilities. We will now take the necessary time to design a property that best conserves and enhances nature’s beauty, and is well within the existing height and density restrictions”.
“The project was greatly facilitated by the revamped Investment Unit set up by the TCI Government. The TCI Government has proven they are willing to do their share in putting Turks & Caicos Islands in the investors’ mind”.