He may not quite be back to optimum health just yet, but Jamaica's diving flag-bearer Yona Knight-Wisdom believes he is well enough to produce something special, in not one, but possibly three events, at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games later this month.

Though it won't be his first outing since recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured rectus femoris tendons in his left knee late last year, the 24th staging of the June 23 to July 8 Games in El Salvador, will be Knight-Wisdom's first major event of the season, and he is overly excited about the prospects.

"My recovery has been incredible. I’ve put in some serious hard work trying to ensure I’m as close to my best as possible in time for the summer, and I’d say I’m almost there. I’m excited for this CAC Games because I feel I have a point to prove to myself as I was disappointed with my last CAC performance in 2018," Knight-Wisdom told SportsMax.tv from his base in the United Kingdom.

Despite missing the mark at a World Aquatics event earlier this year, the British-born diver, whose mother is Barbadian and father Jamaican, was upbeat about that performance in his comeback, after a careful build up, which he said serves as added motivation, particularly from a mental perspective.

It would have been easy for Knight-Wisdom to throw in the towel on his dream of making a third-consecutive Olympic Games appearance when he initially picked up the injury, but his stubborn determination and unwavering desire to represent Jamaica as long as possible, wouldn't allow him to give in.

"It was a World Cup in Montreal, and I finished 13th, just missing out on the final by four points, but that was enough to qualify me for the super final. I was super surprised by that outcome because I beat some really good divers, granted they didn’t perform as well as they could’ve done," Knight-Wisdom, who is the first diver to represent Jamaica at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, shared.

"But it was a really good motivational boost for me to keep on pushing through the challenges of rehab. It showed me my mental strength is immense and my approach to injury was that of a truly professional athlete, and I’m really proud of myself for that.... could’ve been easy to just give up, but I didn't," he noted.

With a number of events still to come this season, the 27-year-old, who represented Jamaica at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games in Rio and Tokyo, respectively, considers this CAC Games outing an opportunity to really gauge himself, as remains resolute in his pursuit to rewrite the history books. 

In fact, it is clear for all to see that Knight-Wisdom, standing just over six feet tall, is well aware that the challenge of overcoming seemingly insurmountable hardships or failure is the foundation from which true victory begins.

"The last couple of months were beneficial, and I’ve even come a long way since those (World Aquatics) events. My quality is definitely still there, the only question mark is consistency as I’ve been progressing so rapidly every week, it feels a little different to the one before. So, I don’t know what to expect, but my knee is holding up and I still have a lot of confidence in myself," he declared.

After the CAC Games, Knight-Wisdom will look to the World Diving Championships in Japan as his first avenue to secure qualification for next year’s Olympic Games in Paris.

Should he fail to make the top 12 there, he would have another shot at qualify at the World Cup Super-Final in August, after which he will have the Pan American (PanAm) Games in October where he will seek to replicate or even surpass his historic 1-metre springboard silver medal-winning performance from Lima in 2019.

Having contested only the 1m and 3m springboard dives for most of his career, Knight-Wisdom welcomes the addition of Yohan Eskrick-Parkinson to Jamaica's diving programme, which now allows him to compete in synchro competitions.

"I’m hoping my synchro partner will also qualify so I can get to do three events there too. So, I’ve got three opportunities to fight for medals and I’d love to come away with three medals," Knight-Wisdom said.

"I’ve learned over the years that readiness in diving doesn’t really matter, I’ve had some great performances from subpar preparation and vice versa. I’ve put in the work so I can give my best with confidence, but I’m just happy that I can compete as my recovery could’ve been way more problematic," he ended.

The PANAM Hockey 5's World Cup Qualifiers concluded on Sunday, June 11, 2023 with Jamaica sealing a World Cup spot after defeating Paraguay in the 3rd place game, while the USA clinched the title with a penalty shootout win over Trinidad and Tobago.

With blazing speed and clinical finishing, the Jamaican team dominated Paraguay, securing an impressive 5-2 victory.

Nickoy Stephenson turned in a Man of the Match performance, scoring a hat-trick, while Shemar Gordon added a brace to secure a well-deserved win. The Jamaicans flew out of the blocks as Nickoy Stephenson opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, then doubled the lead with a 6^th minute strike. The Paraguayans were stunned by the intensity and fast attacking play when Shemar Gordon added a third in the 8^th minute for a 3-0 lead. However, the Paraguayans thought they got a lifeline when Vera Elias scored in the 10^th minute but those hopes were quickly dashed as Stephenson completed his hat trick a minute later.

Despite going down to three men after a quick succession of cards, the Jamaicans were able to hold off the Paraguayans, led by a valiant display of tactical discipline backed up by truly astute goalkeeping from Goalkeeper of the Tournament and captain, Ajani Burton.

The Jamaicans were able to seal victory and put the game beyond doubt with a 19^th minute goal from Shemar Gordon for a final score of 5-2.

This momentous accomplishment is a testament to the talent, dedication, and resilience of the Jamaican players, as echoed by Head Coach Duvaughn Henlon.

"We are very elated and ecstatic that we made it to the World Cup, and I’m very proud of the players who have been playing some very good hockey over the week. We are happy that we delivered for Jamaica but will turn our attention to preparing for the Central America and Caribbean Games, which start in the next two weeks, to try and achieve those goals."

Henlon went on to thank the coaching staff, management team, sponsors, family, and friends and called for additional support from corporate Jamaica.

Meanwhile, the final between United States against Trinidad and Tobago ended in a 2-2 draw. In the nerve-wracking shootout, the United States of America showcased nerves of steel, emerging triumphant with a 3-2 score line.

Trinidad & Tobago took a very early lead when Pierce Mickell scored in the 1^st minute before the USA equalized eight minutes later through Sundeen Tyler. Marcano Teague then gave the Trinidadians another lead in the 15^th minute before the USA equalized, once again, through Michael Barminski Jr in the 17^th minute.

National Under-20 100m record holder, Alana Reid, is now a professional athlete after signing with Auctus Global Sports, the management company announced on Instagram on Monday.

“We proudly welcome our newest addition to the AMP Global Sports Family! Give a warm welcome to Alana Reid, a phenomenal athlete with a personal best of 10.92! Get ready to witness her unstoppable determination as she takes on new heights with us! Welcome aboard, Alana!” the post said.

She joins the likes of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Akeem Bloomfield and Kenny Bednarek as a part of Auctus Global Sports.

Reid, who originally committed to competing on the NCAA circuit for the University of Oregon next season, has decided to turn professional after a remarkable 2023 season thus far.

The 18-year-old won the Class 1 sprint double at the ISSA Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Championships in March, including her sensational 10.92 effort in the 100m. She ran 23.08 to win the 200m crown.

From there, Reid dominated with 11.17 to win Under-20 100m gold at the 50^th Carifta Games in Nassau, The Bahamas in April.

In her first outing against pros, Reid ran 11.08 for third in the 100m final at the USATF LA Grand Prix on May 27.

The highly anticipated Porus Football Festival, an annual tournament that has captivated football enthusiasts since its inception in 2016, is set to kick off on June 7th, 2023.

The event, co-founded by former JFF president Crenston Boxhill and Manchester Businessman Karam Persad, has experienced remarkable growth over the years and has become one of the premier football tournaments in Jamaica.

After a brief hiatus due to the global pandemic, the Porus Football Festival made a triumphant return in 2022, attracting a record number of participating teams and an unprecedented night attendance that exceeded 2000 patrons on a weekday. This remarkable success has cemented the event as one of the few night football tournaments in Jamaica.

Spanning six weeks, the Porus Football Festival will showcase the skills and talents of 16 competing teams vying for the grand prize of $250,000.

The tournament will culminate on July 16th with a star-studded celebrity football match, promising the presence of legendary football figures such as Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore and Walter Boyd, who delighted thousands of fans in the previous edition.

Adding to the excitement, the closing night will feature a spectacular concert, which is expected to rival prominent music festivals like Reggae Sumfest.

Last year's event boasted electrifying performances by renowned artists such as Bounty Killa, Beenie Man, Joshie, and a host of other top talents, captivating a packed venue of 10,000 spectators.

This year, the Porus Football Festival promises to deliver an equally sensational experience, with over 500 returning Jamaicans from across the diaspora anticipated to grace the event.

However, due to the severe weather system currently affecting Jamaica, the organizers made the difficult decision to postpone the festival's initial start date of June 4th to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, staff, and attendees.

This precautionary measure reflects the organizers' commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience while prioritizing the welfare of everyone involved.

The Porus community, renowned for its warm hospitality and love for football, eagerly anticipates the rescheduled Porus Football Festival on June 7th. The event promises to be a spectacle of talent, excitement, and entertainment, exemplifying the spirit of sportsmanship and unity.

The Jamaica U17 Men's National Team Program has selected fifty players who will form the training cohort for the upcoming Centrobasket U17 Championship in Belize City, Belize.

The group will undergo rigorous training and compete alongside players from international try-outs, all with one common goal – to bring the gold medal back to Jamaica. 

The journey begins with intensive training in regional cohorts, where these young athletes will receive specialized coaching and development. The regional cohorts will be based in St. James, Mandeville, St. Catherine and Kingston & St. Andrew. This comprehensive training program aims to enhance their skills, foster teamwork, and strengthen their mental and physical resilience. The players will dedicate themselves to honing their craft, working tirelessly to elevate their game to new heights. 

To further their progress, the players will come together on weekends at the P.H.A.S.E. 1 National Training Centre. This unique opportunity allows them to train side by side, sharing experiences, pushing each other to the limit, and building the camaraderie essential for a successful team. 

Prior to their departure for Belize, the athletes will showcase their skills and compete at the highly anticipated P.H.A.S.E. 1 Hoops Invitational on July 4th at GC Foster College in Spanish Town. This event will serve as a platform for the players to demonstrate their talents and gain valuable game experience. 

Selected players will also embark on an exciting journey to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, from July 5-10, to participate in an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) event. This international exposure will test their abilities against top-tier competition, further sharpening their skills and expanding their basketball horizons. 

Upon their return, the select players will reunite with the local and international Jamaica U17 cohort members for a final training camp at the Jamaica Basketball Star Search Camp, scheduled for July 16-22. This crucial period will be marked by intense training sessions, strategic game play analysis, and a keen focus on team chemistry. 

 "Our aim is to build a team that exemplifies intense defence, unwavering toughness, and a never-give-up attitude. We are focused on instilling these core values into our players through rigorous training and creating an environment that fosters growth and unity. We believe that with the right preparation and mindset, we can achieve greatness on the international stage" according to Wayne Dawkins, technical director for the Jamaica U17 National Team Program 

Following the arduous training journey, the final selection will be made, and the chosen team will embark on their journey to Belize, to compete in the highly anticipated Centrobasket U17 Championship from July 26-30. It will be a momentous occasion as these young athletes proudly represent Jamaica, fuelled by passion, determination, and an unwavering desire to bring home the coveted gold medal.

Despite failing to secure qualification to the Pan American (PanAm) Games nor the World Championships, Jamaica's artistic gymnasts Tyesha Mattis and Kiara Richmon took heart from their respective performances at the just-concluded PanAm Gymnastics Championships in Medellin, Colombia. 

Mattis, Richmon and newcomer Mya Absolam, all produced credible showings in a highly competitive environment at the three-day championships which ended on Sunday but were unable to break into a coveted top 12 position.

The England-born Mattis, who was Jamaica’s standout performer at last year’s event when she qualified for the World championships, expressed some disappointment that she wasn’t able to repeat the feat, as she was firmly set on getting to the PanAm Games in Chile and the World Championships in Belgium, later this year.

She placed 32^nd overall with an all-around total of 44.500, after scoring 12.867 on vault, 10.533 on uneven bars, 10.733 on the balance beam and 10.367 for her floor routine.

"I was happy with parts of my performances, but I felt like I put a little bit too much pressure on myself to qualify and so I didn’t do as well as I would have liked to,” Mattis said shortly after competition.

However, the 24-year-old did find a few positive takeaways that she hopes to improve on ahead of next month’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in El Salvador, when she is next expected to parade her skills for the island.

“I managed to complete a 2 1/2 twist off beam again after not putting that out in competition for over four years, so I am super proud of myself in that regards as I am proving to myself that I can do more than I am limiting myself to,” she reasoned.

“I am more than capable, and I just need to trust that my body can do the work and again, not putting too much pressure on myself. I work so hard in the gym and when I really wanted to put out my best, I made a couple mistakes.

“But I have to remember I’m only human and I can learn from some of my mistakes and so I am really looking forward to a better performance out in El Salvador in a couple weeks. Looking forward to trying some different routines there and putting out more of my skills as I know I have so much more up my sleeve and the more I compete internationally, the more confident I feel,” Mattis added.

For Richmon, who placed 36^th overall with an all-around score of 42.866, just being able to represent Jamaica at the event, represents a remarkable achievement and another significant milestone in her budding career.

Her total includes score of 11.100 on vault, 10.233 on the uneven bars, 10.400 on the balance beam and 11.133 for her floor routine.

“I feel like I did my best with my performance at the championships, especially being that I only had two weeks to prepare. So, I am definitely proud that I was able to hit all four apparatus and getting to be here with the team,” Richmon shared.

With this being her first elite outing since 2019, the 21-year-old Fisk University student is eagerly looking forward to continuing her journey, as her unwavering determination, relentless work ethic and immense potential positions her as one of country’s gymnast to watch.

“It felt amazing, and this performance will definitely serve as motivation for me going forward, I just need to just trust my training and do not over work myself. I also need to have more confidence and belief in myself and hopefully on my next competition I can produce a stronger performance with cleaner routines,” the US-born Richmon said.

Meanwhile, Absolam, another England-born gymnast, had an all-around total of 39.533, after scoring 10.333, 10.033, 8.600, 10.567, on vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor, respectively. She placed 42^nd overall.

On the male side, Canada-born Elel Wahrmann-Baker, was Jamaica’s top performer, placing 27^th overall, with an all-around total of 72.301. Wahrmann-Baker had scores of 12.767 on floor, 13.067 on the pommel horse, 11.067 on rings, 13.100 on vault, 13.133 parallel bars and 10.167 on high bar.

Caleb Faulk placed 29th overall with scores of 12.300, 10.900, 12.400, 12.767, 11.9667 and 11.667 for an all-Around total of 72.001, while Matthew McClymont tallied 63.165 for 47^th overall. His scores include 12.233, 9.133, 7.533, 12.733, 10.800 and 10.733.

Jamaica’s other representative Michael Reid only took on the pommel horse and parallel bars where he scored 11.933 and 12.467 for a total 24.400.

 Wayde van Niekerk, the reigning world record holder in the Men's 400m, is eagerly preparing for his appearance at the Racers Grand Prix set to take place at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday, June 3, 2023.

The South African sprinter has faced an arduous journey to regain full fitness following a devastating knee injury in 2017, just a year after his remarkable Olympic triumph. Throughout his recovery, van Niekerk has relied on the expertise of his Jamaican therapist, an important contributor to his rehabilitation process.

“I’m extremely excited, this is one of my highlights for a while now. I love the culture, I love the country, I love the people, and I mean you guys are genuine track lovers,” van Niekerk declared.

Expressing his deep admiration for Jamaica, van Niekerk revealed his love for the country's track and field culture, referring to it as the "Mecca of track and field.” He praised Jamaicans' genuine passion, knowledge, and unwavering support for the sport, recognizing their unparalleled contributions to the world of athletics.

Van Niekerk feels honoured to be able to compete in a country that has produced several track and field legends. He expressed his excitement about the opportunity to leave his mark on Jamaican soil, paying tribute to the great athletes who have emerged from the nation.

“If you look at the amazing athletes that have come through in track and field, and being able to, not just honour the greats that have come out of Jamaica, but also to put my feet into Jamaican soil and compete there and leave my mark behind in such a country that I respect when it comes to track and field, it's exciting for me.”

The Racers Grand Prix holds significant importance for van Niekerk, serving as a vital part of his preparation for the upcoming World Championships. “I'm in a stage now where I need to build my confidence, to get back to winning ways and that's where my mentality is at. I’m looking forward to the positives that lay ahead of me, and I’m hoping to use Jamaica as one of my positive stepping stones, moving forward for the major competitions that do await us, and also use it as a positive step forward,” he remarked. 

Recognizing the passionate support that Jamaican fans bring to track and field, van Niekerk is eager to utilize their energy and enthusiasm to his advantage. He believes that competing in an environment that embraces and loves the sport will provide him with a positive atmosphere to achieve outstanding results.

With his eyes set on the podium at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, van Niekerk hopes that a successful performance at the Racers Grand Prix will help set the stage for a triumphant return to the top-tier of the 400m event.

An unbeaten half-century from captain Shemaine Campbelle lifted Guyana to a crucial eight-wicket win over defending champions Jamaica in their Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s T20 Blaze match on Thursday.

The stylish right-hander made 50* from 49 balls including five fours and shared an unbroken third wicket stand of exactly 100 with allrounder Shakibi Gajnabi, as the Guyanese successfully chased 110 in the opening match of the triple-header at Warner Park, St Kitts.

Gajnabi supported well with 37 not out from 46 balls and the result was achieved with 12 balls remaining, giving Guyana their third win of the tournament.

Earlier in the day, fast bowler Celina Whyte took 2-11 from her allotted four overs – removing Sheneta Grimmond for six and fellow opener Katana Mentore for two but Campbelle and Gajnabi combined to dominate.

When Jamaica batted captain Stafanie Taylor led the way again with 48 off 49 balls with five fours and one six, as the Jamaicans reached 109-6 from their 20 overs after they won the toss and chose to bat.

Taylor added 55 for the second wicket with Keneshia Ferron (20) and put on 32 for the third wicket with Natasha McLean (27), but their effort was never going to be enough to seriously challenge Guyana. Seam bowler Cherry-Ann Fraser was the pick of the bowlers with 3-18 from three overs.

In the day’s second encounter, Trinidad & Tobago secured a six-wicket win over the Leeward Islands.

Divya Saxena (37) and Jahzara Claxton (36) led the way for the Leewards as they made 120-5 off their 20 overs batting first.

Off-spinner Anisa Mohammed took a pair of wickets in her four overs while conceding only 21 runs while Kirbyina Alexander took 2-15 from three.

Trinidad & Tobago then reached 121-4 with 14 balls to spare thanks to a solid all-round batting effort including contributions from Shunelle Sawh (26), Britney Cooper (21*), Shalini Samaroo (20) and Anisa Mohammed (19*).

The day’s third game saw Super 50 champions Barbados score a dramatic four-wicket win over the Windward Islands off the last ball of the match.

Qiana Joseph led the way with a run-a-ball 50 while Malika Edward contributed 20 as the Windwards posted 128-8 off their 20 overs.

Pacers Shamilia Connell and Allison Gordon led the way with the ball for Barbados with 3-16 and 2-20 from their respective four over spells.

The successful Barbados chase was then led by the Knight sisters with Kycia getting 49 at the top of the innings and Kyshona getting 19* including the winning runs. Naijanni Cumberbatch also contributed a crucial 22 as Barbados ended up 121-6 off their 20 overs.

Zaida James took 2-27 from her four overs for the Windwards.

With one round of matches left, Guyana and Barbados are currently level on 12 points with Barbados at the top via head-to-head record. They are followed by the Windwards (8), Trinidad & Tobago (8), Jamaica (8) and the Leewards (0).

On Saturday, Jamaica will take on the Windward Islands, Barbados will face the Leewards and Guyana will face Trinidad & Tobago.

Following Wednesday night's washout of the Group A matches in the final round of the Concacaf Women U20 Championships qualifiers, Jamaica will now play their opening match against Canada on May 26.

They will then play the USA on May 28 with their final group match against Panama set for May 30.

Adverse weather conditions resulted in water-logged fields in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday night causing the games to be postponed.

The other Group A fixture between the United States and Panama was also called off.

Jamaica's young Reggae Girlz will have to wait to get their Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship campaign under way, as their opening Group A contest against Canada was postponed due to adverse weather conditions in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday.

The other Group A fixture featuring reigning seven-time champions United States and Panama was also called off with a new schedule expected to be announced in short order.

Coached by US-based Hugh Bradford, the 20-member squad is hunting an historic spot at the FIFA Women’s Under-20 World Cup next year after they defeated Anguilla 6-0, Bermuda 2-0 and Honduras by a similar scoreline on their way to the final leg of qualifiers.

They are scheduled to next face United States on Friday at 5:00pm, before closing against Panama on Sunday at 2:00pm.

Meanwhile, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and host nation Dominican Republic, will do battle in Group B.

After round-robin play, the two best teams from each group will advance to the competition’s knockout stage. The two finalists and the third-placed team will qualify for next year’s World Cup.

Jamaica's best placing in 12 appearance at these Concacaf Women’s Championship was a fourth place finish in 2006, when they lost a third-place playoff to Canada.

Squad: Andrene Smith, Shaneil Buckley, Una Moy Lue, Davia Richards, Liha Williams, Taijah Fraser, Tiny Seaton, Kaitlyn Ennis, Natoya Atkinson, Destiny Powell, Akeila Johnson, Janiel Mignott, Amelia Zanten, Liya Brooks, Avery Johnson, Maya Raghunandanan, Anaiyah Robinson, Njeri Butts, NjerI Lewis, Katie Oakley.

Jamaican-born IBC and two-time Canadian Heavyweight Champion, Donovan "Razor" Ruddock, has confirmed his readiness to face off against recently inducted Hall of Fame World Champion James "Lights Out" Toney. The highly anticipated boxing exhibition, titled "Rumble in the Sun," will take place on Saturday, November 11, 2023, in Kingston.

The event promises an action-packed night of bouts, accompanied by special surprises. A portion of the fight's proceeds will be allocated towards essential infrastructure enhancements at Ruddock's alma mater, the Good Hope Primary School in St. Catherine. Additionally, support and resources will be provided for the Jamaica Boxing Board's (JBB) Sport for Development initiative, "Gloves Over Guns."

Ruddock, at 59 years old, expressed his motivation for coming out of retirement, stating, "My whole reason for getting back into the ring is to assist my primary school and help the 'Gloves Over Guns' program eradicate violence. Jamaica needs assistance in fighting the crime monster."

Equally enthusiastic about the bout, Toney shared, "This boxing match will be fun! I am excited to return to the ring and dance with another heavyweight great, Donovan 'Razor' Ruddock."

Ruddock's daughters, Kleopatra and Karese, who are spearheading his philanthropic efforts and coordinating the exhibition, expressed their excitement for the event. Kleopatra, CEO of Red Ground Productions, the organizing banner, stated, "We are thrilled to bring this incredible event to Jamaica and use this platform to invest in the next generation."

Stephen Jones, president of JBB, welcomed the event, highlighting the positive impact it will have on young boxers: "Having them witness such an event will further cement in their minds boxing as a vehicle for the way forward."

Triller Sports will serve as the official global marketing and distribution partner for the event. The Triller ecosystem, known for its successful pay-per-view events, will bring new heights of engagement through digital collectibles and merchandise sales.

The exhibition represents the beginning of a new era, as Red Ground Productions combines the thrill of combat with the beauty and mystic energy of Jamaica.

Donovan "Razor" Ruddock and James "Lights Out" Toney have left indelible marks on the sport of boxing. Ruddock's devastating power and relentless style, along with Toney's outstanding defense and smooth counter-punching, have solidified their legacies as heavyweight legends.

This showdown between two boxing greats promises an unparalleled experience for fans worldwide and underscores their shared commitment to giving back and making a positive impact.

Jamaica's U-20 Reggae Girlz Head Coach, Hugh Bradford, is gearing up for what he believes will be one of the most challenging and demanding Concacaf Women's Under-20 Championships in the country's history. However, Bradford remains confident in the depth of his 20-player squad, which he expects to showcase their competitiveness and secure a historic spot at the FIFA Women's Under-20 World Cup next year.

In the first phase of qualifiers, the young Reggae Girlz displayed their prowess by defeating Anguilla 6-0, Bermuda 2-0, and Honduras by a similar scoreline, securing the top spot in their group. However, their upcoming matches in Group A will prove to be tougher, as they face the defending seven-time champions, the United States, along with another powerhouse, Canada, and Panama.

Their campaign kicks off against Canada on Wednesday at 3:00 pm, followed by a clash with the United States two days later at 5:00 pm, and concluding with a match against Panama on Sunday at 2:00 pm. Meanwhile, Group B will witness Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the host nation Dominican Republic battling it out.

To strengthen the team's chances, Bradford made eight changes to the squad that excelled in the first phase of qualifying. These alterations indicate his determination to secure one of the three World Cup spots up for grabs.

"Our expectation is to qualify, but we are aware of the challenges that lie ahead due to the tough draw. Therefore, we are taking it one game at a time and aiming to perform at our best in each match," stated Bradford. He emphasized the importance of depth at this stage, noting that the young ladies, especially those who were part of the previous tournament in Nicaragua, have demonstrated their determination to fight for World Cup qualification.

Among the new additions to the squad are defender Amelia Van Zanten, sister of senior Reggae Girlz winger Kalyssa "Kiki" Van Zanten, and West Bromwich Albion's Una Moy Lue. Additionally, players such as Canada-born Taijah Fraser, as well as American-born athletes Kaitlyn Ennis, Anaiyah Robinson, Njeri Butts, and Njeri Lewis, have caught Bradford's attention.

Despite facing challenges in achieving team cohesion due to unavailability for a planned camp before departure, Bradford remains optimistic about his team's ability to overcome the stiff competition. He explained that while it's beneficial for players to get touches on the ball, the local league doesn't fully prepare them for the tournament's intensity. Consequently, Bradford incorporated new players into the squad to bring a fresh dynamic to their gameplay. He believes that with the right application, the team will compete strongly in the tournament, which promises to be both demanding and exciting.

Following the round-robin stage, the two best teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. The finalists and the third-placed team will secure qualification for next year's World Cup.

Jamaica's highest placement in the Concacaf Women's Championship, during its 12 appearances, was a fourth-place finish in 2006. Jody Brown, a diminutive forward, holds the record for the country's all-time leading scorer in the tournament, with nine goals.

Squad: Andrene Smith, Shaneil Buckley, Una Moy Lue, Davia Richards, Liha Williams, Taijah Fraser, Tiny Seaton, Kaitlyn Ennis, Natoya Atkinson, Destiny Powell, Akeila Johnson, Janiel Mignott, Amelia Zanten, Liya Brooks, Avery Johnson, Maya Raghunandanan,

Defending champions Jamaica got their second win in a row in the CWI Women’s T20 Blaze with a six-run win over Trinidad & Tobago while Barbados and the Windward Islands each got their first wins of the tournament over Guyana and the Leeward Islands, respectively, in a triple-header at Warner Park on Sunday.

Stand-in captain Rashada Williams (32) and Chedean Nation (32) both led Jamaica to 115-9 off their 20 overs against the Trinidadians, for whom veteran off-spinner Anisa Mohammed took 3-19 off her four overs.

The chasing effort saw only Britney Cooper provide any real resistance with 29 as Neisha-Ann Wasome’s 3-16 from four overs helped restrict T&T to 109-9 off their 20 overs.

Barbados secured a narrow three-wicket win over Guyana in the day’s second encounter.

Guyana, while losing only three wickets in their 20 overs batting first against Barbados, managed only 91 thanks to a 46-ball 32* from Katana Mentore and a 51-ball 35* from Cherry-Ann Fraser.

Barbados, who were at one point reeling at 63-6 in the 17^th over, managed to creep across the line thanks to a match-winning 17* from captain Shakera Selman. Openers Trishan Holder (19) and Kycia Knight (16) made crucial early contributions.

The valiant Guyanese bowling effort was led by Kaysia Schultz’s 3-13 from four overs.

The day’s opener saw the Windward Islands get a comfortable 45-run win over the Leeward Islands.

The Windwards made 127-4 off their 20 overs thanks to 37 from Jannillea Glasgow, 24 from Pearl Etienne and 21* from both Kimone Homer and Qiana Joseph.

The Leewards were then restricted to 82-6 in their 20 overs thanks to 2-21 off four overs from Zaida James and a miserly four over spell from Afy Fletcher which saw her pick up a wicket while conceding only 13 runs.

Defending champions, Jamaica, kicked off the defence of their CWI Women’s T20 Blaze title with an eight wicket win over the Leeward Islands at Warner Park in the second game of a triple-header on Saturday.

Vanessa Watts, Celina Whyte and Neisha-Ann Wasome all took two wickets, each, as the Leewards were restricted to 68-7 off their 20 overs.

Jamaica’s successful chase was then led by a 29-ball 36* from Rashada Williams that included five fours.

Trinidad & Tobago got a comfortable five-wicket win over Super 50 champions Barbados in the day’s final game.

Shakera Selman top-scored with 29* off 41 balls as Barbados were reduced to just 80-6 from their 20 overs as Lee-Ann Kirby did most of the damage with 3-10 from her four overs for the Trinidadians.

Kirby also led the way with the bat with 25* while Britney Cooper got 23 as T&T successfully reached 82-5 off 12.3 overs.

The day’s second game saw Guyana secure a narrow four-run win over the Windward Islands. Batting first, the Guyanese scored just 88-7 off their 20 overs thanks to 32 from Katana Mentore and 19 from Sheneta Grimmond.

Afy Fletcher led the way with the ball for the Windwards with an excellent 4-10 from her four overs.

Guyana then used tight bowling and timely wickets throughout the Windwards reply to restrict them to 84-8 off their 20 overs.

Ashmini Munisar took one wicket and was most economical, with her four overs costing just seven runs. Nyia Latchman also took one wicket, with her four overs going for just 10.