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The Weekend in Sports!

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Photo: www.icc-cricket.com

CRICKET

The West Indies Under 19 Cricket Team won the ICC World Cup vs India! Signs of a good future? Maybe not. They only scored 146 runs in 49.3 overs to win, however the bowling and fielding were impressive.

It is the first major title on any level that the West Indies has won since the senior team won the ICC World Twenty20 in 2012.

FOOTBALL

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Photo: www.theguardian.com

Arsenal put a dagger in Leicester’s campaign to win the Barclay’s Premier League title yesterday with Welbeck’s header in stoppage time to seal a 2-1 victory.

Leicester’s only goal was from a penalty kick at the end of the first half that probably shouldn’t have been awarded. They got a red card at 54′ downsizing them to 10 men, then Walcott of Arsenal equalised at 70′.

Here is a look at the BPL table now:

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There was exciting action in La Liga yesterday too. Lionel Messi had an unbelievable Penalty kick, where it was Barcelona 6-1 Celta Vigo! Watch it here!

https://youtu.be/pxS9ol_bK2k

BASKETBALL  – NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND

Zach LaVine and Aaron Gordon put on a show for the Slam Dunk Contest! Zach LaVine reclaimed his title from last year with all 10s.

Klay Thompson defeated Splash brother, Steph Curry with 27 points in the final round to win the All Star Weekend 3-point shoot out competition. Thompson tied Curry’s score of 27 last year for the most points ever in the All Star 3-point shoot out competition.

The West beat the East, 196-173 with the record for the most points in a half, 92 and both sides surpassed the record for the most combined points in a half, 92-90.

Russell Westbrook got MVP for the 2nd straight year with 31 points.

Paul George of Pacers was on fire with 41 points, just 1 point shy of Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 42 for the most points scored in an NBA All-Star game. Paul George also had the most 3-pointers in the game with 9.

This was also Kobe Bryant’s last All-Star game. All the greats were there to watch including the Greatest of all time, Michael Jordan a.k.a MJ. The commentator confirmed it saying, he IS still the greatest of all time. MJ sent his best wishes to Kobe. The other ‘MJ’, Majic Johnson also did a tribute. Kobe follows the 2 MJs with his level of skill and greatness. Kobe we salute you!

 

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What to do for Valentine’s Day in Kingston!

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Photo: www.tripadvisor.com

If you are going for elaborate, Suga recommends Rojo Restaurant at the Spanish Court Hotel. Make reservations of course by calling 926-0000 and request a table on the rooftop by the infinity pool. Nice ambience.

For quaint and affordable, The Wine Shop at Shop 7B Southdale Plaza is having a weekend full of events. You can start the celebration from Saturday with Jazz in the Street for $3500JMD per person for a full Buffet with Wine and Drinks on sale from 9pm until….

Then they will be open on Sunday from 4-10pm for $3500JMD, Food AND Wine Inclusive. Call 620-5098 to make reservations.

Thinking about Brunching it? Fromage Gourmet Market at 8 Hillcrest Avenue is the place. Call 622-9856.

Not feeling the vibe to wine and dine or you are going all out and would like to add extra to give the full package?

Go for sweet treats by Jodicakes, who will be taking orders up to 12 noon TODAY for her delicious Lava cake, Red velvet trifle and more! See info below:

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Then of course, there is the Spa! Been there, done that with the popular ones? Well try the fairly new White Orchid Spa at the Jamaica Pegasus where they are sure to please. Gift Certificates available. Call 926-3690-1.

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Enjoy the weekend!

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Broncos win Super Bowl 50!

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Panthers won the coin toss but opted to   have the Broncos receive first. To get rid of the nerves perhaps? Suga thinks it was a bad move since they are used to having brilliant starts this season. Broncos started off by scoring a field goal.

Throughout the game there was flag after flag on both sides. However it was the Panthers’ offense and defense that made the most mistakes.

Panthers’ Defense worked hard forcing punt after punt for the Broncos but it was their Receivers and Blockers who failed them miserably, causing their QB Cam Newton to be sacked 6 times! One of those sacks resulted in the turnover to force Broncos’ first touchdown.

Suga thinks Cam Newton did all that he could do, except for his 5th sack when he could have dived on the ball and chose not to and the Broncos recovered it to seal the deal for the Super Bowl win. But with the speed and execution of Broncos’ defense, it probably wasn’t worth getting piled anyway.

So there you have it, the team with the best defense wins the Super Bowl 9 out of 11 times, now 10 out of 12 times. Defense won the game with the ending result 24-10. Congrats Broncos!

Congrats also to 5-time MVP Peyton Manning who hasn’t lost a game since returning from a huge injury that could have brought his career to an end. This was his 200th win and 2nd Championship ring.

The 39 year old has not announced retirement as yet as he had to have a couple of Budweisers first and will still think on the decision a bit more.

 

 

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Where are you watching Super Bowl 50 Jamaica?!

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The day is here for the Greatest Show on Earth, Super Bowl 50!

If you have no clue what has been happening but you have to watch the Super Bowl, update yourself and check out past NFL or post round ups by Suga.

Practically everywhere will be showing the Broncos-Panthers showdown. Who will you be carrying? Where will you be watching it?

Just to name a few, MoBay massive, Bigg’s BBQ Restaurant & Bar should be a treat. Anglers, Ochi with Wray & Nephew to keep you company and Endzzone with Heineken & Loaded fries specials for Portmore City!

Kingstonians have a range of options. To name a few, The Grid Iron @ Hope Gardens ($2500 presold; $3000 Gate; Food on sale; Free Parking) with host Yendi Phillips, $1500 Drinks inclusive @ Medusa, 100 Hope Road, The Blend Bar Pegasus, The Regency Bar & Lounge, C & C South Beach with tonnes of specials and the list goes on.

So whether it’s at the Bar or BBQ at a friend’s house, ENJOY!

Lady Gaga will be singing the National Anthem and The Halftime Show will include performances from Bruno Mars, Beyoncé and Cold Play!

Is it 6:30 yet?!!! Cam Newton and the Panthers, Peyton Manning and the Broncos LIVE on a TV near you!

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Remember Jabba’s Smoked Grill and Peppa Swims this Weekend!

Remember Lunch from Jabba’s Smoked Grill is available on Saturdays. Lunch costs $600JMD inclusive of delivery in the corporate area. You have a choice of either Jerked or Barbecue chicken along with sides of sweet potato, rice and peas and/or roast breadfruit.

Jabba’s Peppa Swims will also be available TODAY. They are mild or spicy packages of shrimps available on Tuesdays and Fridays at a cost of $280JMD each. You can get them delivered to you or pick up at 31-33 Trafalgar Road (BNS with no sign), opposite the NCB atrium, anytime between 8am and 5pm.

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Kerber upsets Serena and wins her first Australian Open!

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The Women’s Australian Open Finals was quite a humdinger. Nerves got the best of Serena Williams in the 1st set. Her feet weren’t moving well, her serve was not on point and she had a lot of unforced errors.

The 28-year old German, Angelique Kerber broke Serena early in the 1st, Serena broke her back and then Kerber broke her again to win the 1st set 6-4.

Serena had better movement of the feet in the 2nd, served better, got her 1st ace and a few more, played better tennis but not her best and won the 2nd set 6-3.

In the 3rd and final set, Kerber started on serve then got the early break on Serena. Serena broke her right back and held serve to break even at 2-2. Kerber then broke Serena in the longest game of the match to go up 5-3 in the 3rd then started to smell victory. But Serena put that on hold and broke her to get to 4-5. Kerber kept calm and was able to break Serena to win the Championship and her 1st major title.

Kudos to Kerber for keeping up with Serena in those rallies and hitting many spectacular corner shots and 2 perfectly executed drop shots at crucial points in the game.

The number 22 seems daunting at the moment for Serena. Looks like Steffi Graf’s help last year helped Kerber. To keep Serena off her #22 perhaps? Steffi was the last German to win the Australian Open.

To catch what you missed while you were sleeping, check these channels:

Tennis: 5:30am-8am and highlights at 8-9am

ESPN Caribbean: 9-10:55am

 

 

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Djokovic destroys Federer in a spectacular display in the semis at the Australian Open and more!

Serena Williams booked her spot to the Australian Open finals for the ladies in style.

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Photo: www.theguardian.com

Serena played an absolutely clean and dangerously good first set, winning it 6-0 versus Radwanska who moved well and didn’t play badly but didn’t play well either. She failed to capitalize on chances she had. Serena was also just too good and on top of her game.

Radwanska finally got on the board holding serve at the beginning of the 2nd set. Serena broke her then Radwanska got herself back in the match breaking back Serena at 3-3, then held at 4-3. Serena failed to convert break point for the first time in the match. Serena then came back, held her serve and stepped back up the level of her game to break Radwanska and serve 3 aces in a row, then won the next short rally in the final game to win the 2nd set and the match, 6-0, 6-4.

The 4-month break Serena took after the US Open loss and so much physical and psychological pressure seems to be working in her favour. Best of luck to her in the Finals.

Other semi-finalists left in the Australian Open included Johanna Konta and Andy Murray who both made history by being the first pair of Brits to make the semi-finals of the Australian Open since 1977, which was 39 years ago!

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Johanna Konta – Photo: sports.yahoo.com

Konta was the first British woman to reach a Semi-final since Jo Durie in the US Open in 1983.

Konta, ranked 47th, had impressive wins throughout the Open, sending home Venus Williams in the 1st round and beat #21 Makarova in 3 sets. In the Quarters, she beat Zhang Shuai in 2 sets, who previously defeated Simona Halep and Madison Keys. Konta faced #7 Angelique Kerber last night.

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Photo: sports.yahoo.com

Previously, Kerber defeated favourite, #14 Azarenka in 2 sets, who is thought to be more of a challenge to or fear for Serena Williams. It was the first time Kerber was reaching the semis of the Australian Open, but her overall Grand slam experience helped her to overcome Konta and she beat her in straight sets, 7-5, 6-2.

On the men’s side, #1 Djokovic vs #3 Federer was at 3:30am! It was their 45th and decisive meeting, as they were 22 a piece. However, Djokovic had the edge as he has won the majority of the most recent meetings, including the last 3 Grand slam face offs.

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www.telegraph co.uk

They were both ready and on form. Previously, Djokovic defeated Kei Nishikori in straight sets and Federer defeated Tomas Berdych in straight sets as well, even though the first set went to a tiebreak.

Last night, Djokovic came out blazing in the 1st 2 sets, probably the best 2 sets he has ever played versus Federer in his career. It was quite a display. Federer dug deep and got himself back in the match, winning the 3rd set. In the 4th set there was a delay with the overhead roof that affected both players, more so Federer, the 34 year old, as play was scratchy for the first few games but Djokovic came out on top with 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 and now is ahead of Federer in meetings with 23.

Note though, Djokovic may have won the match but Federer won the point of the Australian Open!

Watch it here:

https://youtu.be/cwjZAtUf7fM

In the last Semi-final to be played today, Andy Murray will face Milos Raonic, who beat Gael Monfils in 4 sets. Murray defeated #8 David Ferrer in 4 sets as well.

Spectacular night in tennis. The repeats will be worth the watch if you missed it.