THE unexpected death of a teenager is always tragic.

And the senseless road crash that took away the life of young sportsman Craig Bean earlier this week will have touched the hearts of many who may never have even met him.

By all accounts Craig was a typical teen -- gregarious, fun-loving and full of life.

He also had a special talent. On the tennis court in Bermuda there was no-one his own age he couldn't beat, and several players much older who had no answer to his sizzling forehand.

Just 18-years-old, he'd collected a cupboard-full of junior trophies and only recently swept into the final of a senior tournament, serving notice to the rest of the Island's opposition his time had arrived.

During the summer, Craig had played in major junior events overseas, enjoyed the privilege of practising with two-time US Open champion and Wimbledon finalist Pat Rafter, and partnered former US professional star Lori McNeil in an exhibition.

Victory in a local senior event was inevitable as was his inclusion in Bermuda's future Davis Cup teams. A tennis scholarship in the US beckoned.

While all kids dream of sporting stardom, Craig came closer than most to fulfilling that dream.

Sadly, in a split second in the type of accident that has become all too familiar on Bermuda's roads, that dream turned into a family's worst nightmare.

He'll be missed terribly, not only by family and friends, but by the entire tennis fraternity.

*** IT WAS interesting to see the glossy brochure distributed last week on Bermuda's National Centre (the word `Sports' has apparently now been dropped following Government's intention to incorporate arts into the facility).

While details of the new stadium, track, swimming pool, hockey, soccer and cricket pitches all made interesting reading and an artist's impression of the finished product looked mighty impressive, there was one crucial omission which won't have escaped anyone -- an actual completion date! For 25 or more years now, Bermudians have been fed a continuous succession of updates and explanations. Deadlines have come and gone as frequently as the name has changed. National Stadium, National Complex, National Centre -- perhaps National Disaster would be a more fitting title! Now, we're told, the plan is finalised and it's full steam ahead. Some work could be completed as early as next year.

But a date when it might actually be used? Not likely! After a quarter of century of floundering, fumbling and backtracking, nobody's willing to stick their neck out on that one.

*** BERMUDA rarely gets chance to play host to the cream of international sport.

But it could be argued that this week's sailing Gold Cup in Hamilton Harbour has attracted the most formidable fleet ever assembled in match-racing anywhere in the world.

When an America's Cup star such as Chris Dickson has to compete in the qualifying rounds and US legend Dennis Conner gets eliminated in his opening match, you know those around them must be pretty nifty helmsman.

To the uninitiated, sailing might not be the most spectacular of spectator sports and certainly this week Mother Nature hasn't helped its cause. But if you get chance to get down to Albuoy's Point this weekend, or any other vantage point in the harbour, you might be surprised. The competition is as intense, as fascinating, and as demanding as you'd find anywhere.

And there'll never be a better opportunity to watch the best in the world from such close quarters.

-- ADRIAN ROBSON DEATH OBITUARY OBT