BARBADOS aren’t ready to see the end of their dominoes dynasty just yet.
The ultramarine and gold slammers will have their eyes set on title number nine as the reigning eight-time cup-holders are ready to defend yet another World Championship crown in Orlando, Florida from August 16 to 27.
Led by captain Dennis Nowell, Barbados have selected a strong 34-player contingent – highlighted by defending mixed pairs champs Hamilton Durant and Charmaine Carter – to contest eight categories including the four-hand and three-hand team competitions.
And the ballyhooed Bajans are expected to face stiff competition from former winners St Lucia, along with hosts United States, Canada, Antigua, Guyana, Jamaica, Dominica and Anguilla.
“I know for a fact the evergreen Antigua is vastly improved and St Lucia is always a team to watch while the other teams are rapidly progressing but they still have their eyes on us,” said dominoes president Rodney Inniss.
“We’re extremely confident that we will win because we’ve done this on so many occasions. And the standard of dominoes here is very high so therefore we will always be the team to beat.”
As well as returning as the overall champions, Barbados are hoping to retain their mixed pairs title to go along with the team four-hand and female pairs titles they secured in St Lucia two years ago.
But the Bajans are not looking to merely defend those crowns, having already set a goal to return with the elusive three-hand titles.
“Guyana is always strong in the three-hand but we have our sights set on the male three-hand crown because it’s something that always seems to elude us,” Inniss said.
“The highest we’ve ever finished was second in that competition, and that was at the last championship two years ago, so we have already resolved that we’re not leaving without that title.”
Major Vernon Gittens will serve as manager of a 45-member contingent which includes two official delegates and four supporters. (JM)