The moment when Caroline Wozniacki won her 1st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open last night.
The moment of Wozniacki’s tennis life occurred last night! She surely proved Suga wrong. After being on the circuit for 12 years with tough losses, she finally came through in an epic 3-setter versus Simona Halep and won 7-6, 3-6, 6-4.
What made the difference last night? Wozniacki played a smart game, had a strong serve and went for every ball, consistently getting it back over the net. It set the tone early in the match giving her the initial break for her to go up 2-0 in the 1st set.
Halep came back strong to make the 1st set a tiebreak but still lost it. She had to work hard to earn the 2nd set. She does well when she has to fight from behind.
What was the game changer?
Even though Halep took a medical time out during the match, in the 3rd set, Halep was up 4-3 and Wozniacki took a medical time out to strap up her left knee. Halep probably had too much time to think. Wozniacki came back from the medical time out and broke her to make it 4-all in the 3rd and held her serve to go up 5-4. Then at 5-4 (15-15) with Halep on serve, the umpire made a horrible call to overrule the linesman who called Wozniacki’s ball out. The umpire said that they had to replay the point. Halep challenged the call and was right, so was the linesman, because the ball was indeed out. Halep went up 30-0 with a chance to get closer to 5-all. But emotions of anger probably set in and she followed up that play with a double-fault, making it 30-30. Then Wozniacki won an amazing rally for match point and followed through with it to win her first Grand Slam title!
Congratulations to both ladies for putting it all out there. It was obviously a devastating loss for Simona Halep who was clearly physically drained from her hard road to the finals and after what was like a final with Angelique Kerber in the semis. Halep still has some growing to do emotionally. She is not a different Simona just yet. Hopefully we will see her follow through in more finals in the future.
The women’s field without Serena Williams is definitely stepping up and it’s great to see.
Congrats again to Caroline Wozniacki for never giving up and winning her 1st Grand slam title and reclaiming World #1!
Caroline Wozniacki with her Australian Open Championship Trophy
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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The Australian Open Grand Slam Tennis Tournament 2018
WOMEN
The ladies have been battling it out in some neck to neck matches. The focus has been on World #1, Simona Halep, former World #1, Angelique Kerber (21) and current World #2, Caroline Wozniacki.
Simona Halep from Romania a.k.a Jalapeño Pepper (Photo: GotCeleb)
Simona Halep has been struggling with a chronic ankle injury, but showed she was not backing out easily in the Quarterfinals after being down 3-0 in the 1st set to KarolÃna PlÃsková (6) and fighting back to win 6-3, 6-2.
Angelique Kerber (Photo: The Sun)
She then faced Angelique Kerber (21) in the Semifinals last night. Kerber has had a good run this Australian Open so far despite her inconsistencies in winning majors. She defeated huge contenders such as Maria Sharapova and Madison Keys (17).
On the other side of the draw, young Belgian, Elise Mertens had an impressive straight set win (6-4, 6-0) over Elina Svitolina (4). She has been a part of former Belgian Tennis Player and World #1, Kim Clijsters’ Tennis Camp. Kim has been texting her with encouragement for every match.
Elise Mertens (Photo: indianexpress.com)
Elise played one of the favourites, Caroline Wozniacki (2) last night in the Semifinals.
Caroline Wozniacki (Photo: www.usatoday.com)
So who’s meeting in the Women’s Final?!
It will be Caroline Wozniacki (2) versus Simona Halep (1)! Whoever wins will win their 1st Grand Slam title and will be World #1.
Wozniacki’s Semifinal vs Mertens
Wozniacki tightened up towards the end of the match versus Mertens, up 6-3, 5-4 (30-0), then was brought to a tiebreak. She managed to dominate and win the tiebreak, thus the match, 6-3, 7-6 and is heading to her 3rd Grand Slam Final. Will the 3rd time be a charm?
Halep’s Semifinal vs Kerber
The Halep-Kerber Semifinal was epic!
Halep was quite solid versus Kerber until she was up 5-0 to serve out the first set and probably couldn’t believe she got there so fast. It looked like she started to think about it and handed Kerber 2 free points from double faults. Kerber picked up her game after that until Halep broke her to win the first set 6-3.
The 2nd set was a ding-dong battle even though Kerber was still plagued with unforced errors. With Halep looking slightly fresher and up 8-7, both had lost 2 match points until Halep lost a 3rd match point on Kerber’s serve and she kept pressing until she took full advantage of the 4th match point in the same game and won.
Date and Time of the Women’s Final
Saturday (Friday night) at 3:30am
Suga’s Prediction
Simona Halep has the reputation of choking in major matches, always coming close and losing it mentally and physically. However, she has stated there is a new Simona now and I believe her after the courage she showed versus the stubborn, Angelique Kerber.
I do not think Halep is giving up on this opportunity. I also doubt it will be a close or epic final. Suga calls Halep for the win.
MEN
Marin Čilić (6) reached to the Semifinals after World #1, Rafael Nadal retired in the 5th set agonized by a hip injury.
Marin Čilić (Photo: The Sun)
I like to refer to Čilić as Sparta. Whether he reached to the Semifinals by default or not, he is quite a fighter.
He played Kyle Edmund in the Semis.
Kyle Edmund (Photo: www.express.co.uk)
On the other side of the draw lies the young, South Korean, Hyeon Chung. He is the first Korean to reach the Quarterfinals and the Semifinals.
Hyeon Chung (Photo: hindustantimes.com)
Chung sent former World #1, Novak Djokovic packing in the 4th round in straight sets. Djokovic expressed frustration with his chronic elbow injury.
Chung then went on to defeat Tennys Sandgren in the Quarterfinals who previously took out Dominic Thiem (5) in 5 sets.
Who does he meet next?
Roger Federer (Photo: The Indian Express)
He will meet the G.O.A.T and current World #2, Roger Federer tonight at 3:30am. Roger previously defeated Tomáš Berdych (19) in straight sets.
Were there any Upsets and Who’s Already in the Men’s Final?!
Marin Čilić has booked his spot in the Final and will wait on the winner of the Chung-Federer Semifinal! No surprises there. Čilić beat beat Edmund 6-2, 7-6, 6-2.
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Comments:Â Modern, new, cosy spot with seating upstairs and downstairs complemented by free Wifi. Tasty Breakfast and Lunch options. Some Breakfast Options are overpriced, but I am happy there were healthy options available for both Breakfast and Lunch. I was disappointed by the fact that I couldn’t get a simple Frappuccino. They had Frozays a.k.a syrup and ice cream. My wait was a quick 8 minutes for Lunch and the standard 15 minutes for Breakfast when they had a full house. Members of Staff were pleasant.
The upstairs Lounge/Dining area at Cafe Dolce
When did Cafe Dolce Open?
Mid-December last year.
Who owns it?
Restauranteurs Lisa-Gaye and Kirk Chin, owners of Fromage Gourmet Market & Bistro, Fromage Brasserie and the Oak Wine Bar.
What did I have?
Lunch:
I had the Bruschetta Chicken Panini ($900JMD +tx) with Wheat bread, Chicken, Basil Pesto, Mozzarella, Tomato and Balsamic aioli. It was fresh, filling and flavorful.
I also had a Parfait ($500JMD+tx)Â that included healthy, plain Greek Yoghurt.
Breakfast:
I had the Smoked Salmon Bagel ($850JMD+tx)Â with lettuce, tomato, onion and cream cheese, Buttermilk Pancakes with Bacon ($600JMD+tx) and a Hazelnut Iced Coffee ($450JMD+tx).
I was disappointed that I didn’t get any capers with my Smoked Salmon Bagel, but I was satisfied since it was made fresh and it was tasty. I also enjoyed my Pancakes with Bacon.
What do they serve?
â— Coffee, Tea, Smoothies, Shakes and other Beverages
◠Breakfast, Salads, Soup, Sandwiches, Wraps, Paninis, Parfaits, Pastries, Snacks, and Dessert made fresh daily
After a horrible review from a Suga Bear late December last year, I gave Cafe Dolce some time and visited last Saturday and Sunday for Lunch and Breakfast respectively.
I was quite relieved I did not have her experience of an hour-long wait and poorly cooked food with a poor presentation. It was the total opposite for me. I am pleased to see that they seemed to have worked out their teething pains. If anyone had a distasteful experience there, I encourage you to revisit Cafe Dolce and I look forward to going back soon!
Cafe Dolce
Location: 114 Constant Spring Road (Inside of Tile City). Kingston 10.
Ph: 876-649-9971
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thurs, 7am-7pm
Fri-Sat, 7am-8pm
Sun, 7am-5pm
Instagram: @cafedolceja
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Support the Jack’s Hill Community Benevolent Society and see the hilarious, Basil Dawkins Comedy, ‘Pressure Drop’ on Sunday, February 4th at 8:30pm at Little Little Theatre.
Patriots’ QB, Tom Brady in his post-game interview. Brady is already the QB with the most Super Bowl wins in history. He now has the chance to win 6!
The Jaguars led all the way into the 4th Quarter. Their lead was by 10 at the start of the 4th and it all went downhill for them from there. Patriots’ Quarterback (QB) and G.O.A.T, Tom Brady led by Coach Bill Belichick had a good run leading to a Touchdown (TD), bringing them within 3 points of the Jaguars, as the score was 17-20 with 8:44 to go.
Jaguars scored a Field Goal (FG) and then the Patriots scored a TD with lots of time left for the Jaguars to be consistent and finish with the win. But they lacked the consistency to give it their all in the 4th as they did in the 1st half, which is what you need to do to beat the Patriots. They failed to convert, Patriots got back the ball with a minute and a half remaining and ended it after that, winning 24-20.
The New England Patriots are through to defend their Super Bowl Title this February 4th!
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP: Minnesota Vikings Vs Philadelphia Eagles
Photo: www.nytimes.com
The game started pretty evenly with a TD for both the Vikings and Eagles after the 1st Quarter.
The Eagles drove the ball to a TD at the beginning of the 2nd Quarter to gain a 14-7 lead.
Vikings had a turnover, then the Eagles were unstoppable. They scored a TD with 1:09 left before Halftime, bringing the score to 21-7. Their QB, Nick Foles had the arm strength even though he was late on the throw.
Eagles scored another TD in the 3rd stretching the lead to 31-7 and again in the beginning of the 4th, making it 38-7.
The Vikings committed their 3rd turnover in the 4th and then it was Game Over.
The Eagles head to Super Bowl 52 and have their 1st chance to win a Super Bowl after devastating the Vikings 38-7!
After losing their Star QB, Carson Wentz to injury during the season, Nick Foles who was their star QB 2 years ago came through majorly to lead them to the win. Congrats to the Eagles.
Who’s performing for the Super Bowl Halftime Show this February 4th? Justin Timberlake!
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Liverpool took 10 minutes to score 3 goals, making it 4-1 at 68′. Liverpool then scored twice in the last 10 minutes to set up a nervy ending for Liverpool to anticipate the sound of the whistle and win in true Liverpool fashion.
If you missed the Goals and excitement or would like to relive the moments, watch it here.
Watch “Liverpool vs Manchester City 4-3 – All Goals & Extended Highlights – EPL 14/01/2018 HD” on YouTube via secure link here:
https://youtu.be/FrkcKwylVW0
The Battle for 2nd spot is on. Here is the table now:
Photo: ESPN Scorecenter
Australian Open – Tennis
The Australian Open has begun and it isn’t looking good for the American women.
Defending Champ, Serena Williams withdrew from the Open and her big comeback because she did not feel ready to go all the way.
2017 US Open Champ and American, Sloane Stephens has already been knocked out, along with fellow Americans, Coco Vandeweghe and Venus Williams.
Venus Williams was knocked out by a former top 10 player, Belinda Bencic of Switzerland 3-6, 5-7.
NBA – Basketball
The Cavs are on a 3-game losing streak!
After a blowout 99-133 loss to the Toronto Raptors and the release of a video with an angry LeBron James in a team huddle last Thursday night, the Cavs were trying to break their 2-game losing streak versus the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
After the Cavs blew a 22-point lead, with just a few seconds left, LeBron James stepped out-of-bounds on a baseline drive to the hoop, then to add insult to injury, missed the last shot as well. Pacers rallied to beat the Cavs 97-95. Not a good week for LeBron and the Cavs.
Watch “LEBRON STEPS OUT OF BOUNDS, CAVS BLOW HUGE LEAD VS PACERS” on YouTube via secure link here:
https://youtu.be/1l2-tnOJbqE
Cavs play the Warriors tonight at 8pm, which won’t be an easy task either.
The Warriors had a different fate with the Raptors, holding them off 127-125 last Saturday night and the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to win.
NFL – American Football
Super Bowl Sunday is set for February 4th and the AFC and NFC Championships are 1 week away to see who will be in it!
3 of the last 4 teams remaining have never won a Super Bowl. Schedule for Next weekend’s AFC and NFC Title games:
Photo: ESPN Scorecenter
How did we get there?!
On Saturday, Top seed in the AFC, the New England Patriots led by Tom Brady beat the Tennessee Titans 35-14.
The Titans started off with a lead by a Touchdown (TD) at the end of the 1st quarter.
The Patriots scored 2 TD in the 2nd and never looked back. They scored a 3rd TD just before the half and entered the 3rd quarter, 21-7. Patriots’ Defense tore up the Titans and they led 28 -7 in the beginning of the 4th and sealed victory with another TD to finish 35-14.
The Philadelphia Eagles held off the Atlanta Falcons 15-10 to book their spot in the NFC Championship.
The Falcons led for most of the half, until Eagles’ Jake Elliott scored a 53 yard FG with 1s remaining before halftime to bring the score to Falcons 10- Eagles 9.
The Eagles later on scored to take over the lead 12-10. In the beginning of the 4th, they scored another FG to go up 15-10.
With a few mins remaining, the Falcons were unable to come up with the catch in the end zone.
The Jacksonville Jaguars pulled off the upset of the Playoffs and beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 45-42.
The Jaguars led for the majority of the game and did well to hold off the Steelers who kept trying to make a comeback.
The NFL Game of the weekend goes to the Minnesota Vikings versus the New Orleans Saints! Vikings beat the Saints 29-24.
The game was quite a snooze until the Saints finally got on the board with a Touchdown in the 3rd to make it 7-17. Then another in the beginning of the 4th to make it 14-17.
It all started with the interception by Saints’ rookie, Marcus Williams.
With 3:01 left in the 4th, the Saints were up 21-20.
With 1:29 left, Vikings got themselves in FG range and scored to make it 21-23.
The Saints then scored a FG with 25s left to make it 24-23.
Then all of a sudden, Vikings win 29-24Â TD!
Vikings’ Stefon Diggs scores game-winning 61-yard TD in wild finish versus Saints in NFC Divisional Playoff
Ironically, the Saints’ rookie, Marcus Williams who initially turned the game around for the Saints also ended it for them, failing to stop Vikings’ Diggs.
Stefon Diggs scored the game-winning 61-yd TD and in his post-game interview said, ‘I don’t stop playing till the clock hits zero.’
With that wild finish, The Vikings head to NFC Championship to face the Eagles next Sunday.
If you missed the only 4th quarter ‘Walk-off’ TD in NFL Postseason history, Check it out here.
Watch “Stefon Diggs Makes Miracle Walkoff TD Catch on Last Play, Vikings Win! | Can’t-Miss Play | NFL HLs” on YouTube via secure link here:
Sports Season is now in high gear. Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Baked Rabbit with sides of Baked Carrot, Sweet Pepper and Irish Potato
Last Sunday, my husband, Randy had put on a show in the kitchen.
He surprised me by coming home with some Rabbit that he and his family raises in Jacks Hill. He said we were going to have a Rabbit Feast. That we did! I am a proud wife indeed. He is no stranger to the kitchen, but he didn’t need much pointers after all.
Baked Rabbit fresh out the oven!
The Rabbit was baked to perfection. It could have used some Jerk seasoning to be completely over the top, but that’s my fault because I didn’t restock the kitchen in time.
The sides that were baked with it such as Carrot, with no offense to the rabbit, Irish Potato and Sweet Pepper, were great to have with it as well.
Quite a healthy meal too!
Reasons why Rabbit Meat is considered to be Healthy:
â— Rabbit meat is the Leanest meat of all Proteins
â— Rabbit meat has fewer Calories than other meats
â— Rabbit meat has a high percentage of easily Digestible Protein
â— The Sodium content of Rabbit meat is less than others, it is almost cholesterol free and it has more Calcium content than other meats
Did you know that Calcium helps to break down fat?
â— Rabbit meat is one of the best White meats available on the market today
Important Tip to know when Eating Rabbit:
Do not try to eat the Bone. It’s not possible. You may break your teeth.
Where can you get Rabbit meat to cook?
Ask the Burgesses!
Name and Contact Information:
Randy Burgess
Ph: 876-425-5487
By: Gabrielle Burgess  (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)
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