ATP 500 – Dubai Tennis Championships – The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – March 3, 2023 Russia’s Daniil Medvedev celebrates winning his semi final match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (REUTERS) Daniil Medvedev handed Novak Djokovic his first defeat of the year , beating the world number one 6-4 6-4 on Friday to reach the Dubai Tennis Championships final where he plays holder Andrey Rublev for a third title in as many weeks. In a contest where the players put their early season win streaks on the line, it was Rotterdam and Doha champion Medvedev who drew first blood by breaking an error-prone Djokovic twice and closed out the first set with a searing forehand. Playing in his first tournament since winning the Adelaide and Australian Open titles, Djokovic has hardly put a foot wrong barring a small scare in his opener against Tomas Machac. The 35-year-old had his moments and looked the better player after going down 2-5 in the opening set but … [Read more...] about Medvedev ends Djokovic run to book Dubai final with Rublev
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Novak Djokovic to miss Miami Open over vaccine status
FILE – Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts during his match with Russia’s Daniil Medvedev (not pictured) at the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship semi-final match in Dubai, on March 3, 2023. (Photo by Karim SAHIB / AFP) Novak Djokovic will miss next week’s Miami Open after the Serbian was denied an exemption that would have allowed him to enter the U.S. despite not being vaccinated against COVID-19, tournament director James Blake said on Friday. “We tried to get Novak Djokovic to be allowed to get an exemption, but that wasn’t able to happen,” Blake told Tennis Channel. “Obviously, we’re one of the premier tournaments in the world, we’d like to have the best players that can play. We did all that we could. We tried to talk to the government, but that’s out of our hands.” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the state’s two U.S. senators were among those calling on the Biden administration to to allow world number one Djokovic to enter the U.S. and compete at the tournament he … [Read more...] about Novak Djokovic to miss Miami Open over vaccine status
Villar promises all Maharlika fund documents will be open to public
MANILA, Philippines — As he sponsored a tweaked version of the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) bill at the Senate plenary, Senator Mark Villar on Monday made a firm promise that all of the documents related to the fund will be “open, available and accessible to the public” in the spirit of transparency. Villar, head of the chamber’s panel on banks, financial institutions and currencies, detailed the oversight measures set in place “to ensure accountability and proper governance of the fund.” READ: Mark Villar files Maharlika Investment Fund bill at Senate Among these include having an internal auditor to provide interim financial and management reports, enjoining an internationally recognized auditing firm to serve as an external auditor to audit the MIF financial statements, and subjecting the fund’s books and accounts to the “strict examination” of the Commission on Audit. Villar said a joint Congressional oversight panel would likewise be formed with five … [Read more...] about Villar promises all Maharlika fund documents will be open to public
Chicago Bears spring storylines: Ryan Poles’ patient approach, David Montgomery’s exit and DeMarcus Walker’s newfound purpose
The Chicago Bears roster is changing by the day. In an offseason defined by turnover, the Bears have added 10 players this month via trade or free agency. More new faces will be on the way as the latter waves of free agency hit the shore. The Bears also have 10 picks in next month’s draft and will continue to mold their team under the guidance of general manager Ryan Poles. As Poles crosses the bridge from free agency to the draft, here are three notable storylines to keep tabs on. ‘We can’t fix everything’ Two weeks before the free-agent market opened, Ryan Poles was asked for a realistic vision of what he could accomplish this spring. “You always have to be on your toes to adapt and adjust,” Poles said during the scouting combine in Indianapolis. “But at the end of the day, I’ll make it simple: (The goal) is to improve our football team and get as many guys on our roster who can help us do what we are trying to do — which is win a lot of games.” On Thursday morning, … [Read more...] about Chicago Bears spring storylines: Ryan Poles’ patient approach, David Montgomery’s exit and DeMarcus Walker’s newfound purpose
Houston and Alabama Size Each Other Up From the Same Arena
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — When the Houston Cougars trudged to the locker room at halftime of their second-round game in the N.C.A.A. men’s basketball tournament, their shoulders weren’t the only things sagging. So were their national championship hopes. On Friday night, they watched as Purdue, a No. 1 seed, was taken down by Fairleigh Dickinson. Earlier Saturday, another No. 1’s title dreams went kaput, as Arkansas rallied to oust Kansas, the reigning champion. And here the Cougars were, trailing by 10 points on Saturday to feisty Auburn, which had a raucous home-state crowd behind it. After watching his defense get carved up, Houston Coach Kelvin Sampson all but put his feet up at halftime and told his team — especially two of his best players, Marcus Sasser and Jamal Shead — to figure it out. “Sometimes it’s not always about fussing and cussing, hollering and yelling,” Sampson said. “I didn’t holler or yell. I just said, ‘If we will play our defense, we will get back in this game.’” … [Read more...] about Houston and Alabama Size Each Other Up From the Same Arena
Endure and survive: Orioles who lasted through rebuild grateful to be ‘on the other side’
Six years ago, before the Orioles’ most successful run in decades bottomed out, Anthony Santander surveyed the outfield at Double-A Bowie and made a proclamation to Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays. “We are the future of this organization,” he told them. As the Orioles prepare for their first full post-rebuild season, the trio is all part of Baltimore’s present. Pitchers John Means and Dillon Tate join Santander, Mullins and Hays as the five Orioles who played for the team each year from 2019 to now, a group that weathered the struggles through the rebuild to be part of the organization as it turns toward competitiveness. “You don’t want to go back,” Means said. “You want to stay as far away from those years as possible.” After a five-year stretch as the American League’s winningest team from 2012 to 2016, the Orioles collapsed to close the 2017 season, a prelude to a franchise-worst 115-loss campaign in 2018 in which they traded away many of their established players. That … [Read more...] about Endure and survive: Orioles who lasted through rebuild grateful to be ‘on the other side’
These standout Houston dog parks really know how to cater to canines
Why should humans have all the fun? Our canine companions deserve to run free every once in a while, and although most will never turn down a tried-and-true romp around the neighborhood, exploring new places and making four-legged friends is always enjoyable. According to a recent survey by the American Heart Association, nearly 50 percent of pet owners say their pets help keep them physically active, and 95 percent of pet parents rely on their pet for stress relief . These stats only add to the benefits of having a pet in Houston, as the city consistently ranks as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S. Mutt City is brimming with prime real estate that caters to canines, including dog-friendly restaurant bars and patios , making it easy to show dogs a good time out on the town. Whether swimming in ponds, trying out agility runs or just relaxing in the sunshine, we're highlighting some of the best dog parks Houston has to offer. Congressman Bill Archer Dog Park … [Read more...] about These standout Houston dog parks really know how to cater to canines
Europe’s hopes for busy post-COVID summer dim as Chinese tourists stay away
Chinese tourists take pictures in the Champs Elysees Avenue near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, March 14, 2023. REUTERS ZURICH/BERLIN/LONDON — Urs Kessler, who runs Jungfrau Railways, a train that takes tourists up the highest mountain in Switzerland, was excited for the return of Chinese tourists after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted late last year. But barring one small group in February and a few larger ones expected in May, few have materialized. Many tour operators like Kessler are disappointed by lower-than-expected bookings from high-spending Chinese travelers who before the pandemic would typically splash between 1,500 and 3,000 euros per person, according to the Global Times newspaper. Chinese outbound flight bookings to Europe during March and August are only 32% that of pre-pandemic levels, according to travel data firm ForwardKeys. The travel industry is also grappling with cash-strapped domestic holidaymakers looking for cheaper vacations as energy and … [Read more...] about Europe’s hopes for busy post-COVID summer dim as Chinese tourists stay away
Denver March Powwow brings together Native American tribes working to preserve their ancient languages
Gripping a microphone, Tessa Holds The Enemy Abbey welcomed the crowd of hundreds on the last day of the Denver March Powwow in her Indigenous language first, then English. The 18-year-old traveled from Mandaree, N.D., to represent her people — the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation — as the 2022 Denver March Powwow Princess. At the powwow, she listens to other tribal members speak their languages and tries to pick up on them. Abbey’s spoken Hidatsa words since childhood, and is now teaching kids how to do the same. The MHA Language Project estimates that “less than 100 people speak Hidatsa fluently.” “My generation of people are going to be the ones that are going to save us,” Abbey said at the powwow Sunday. “Our language is still here. We’re still here.” That is one of the draws for many to the Denver March Powwow — to hear their centuries-old languages echoing throughout the Denver Coliseum. Native Americans in Colorado and beyond are striving to preserve these … [Read more...] about Denver March Powwow brings together Native American tribes working to preserve their ancient languages
Style at Home: A guide to decorating with florals
Florals are a timeless and versatile element that can enhance just about any interior aesthetic. From bold and dramatic to soft and subtle, floral prints and arrangements can add color, texture and visual interest to any room. However, incorporating florals into your home decor can be daunting, especially if you’re not sure where to start. Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or a beginner, this comprehensive guide to decorating with florals will provide you with practical tips and inspiration to help you create a statement arrangement for the season or a beautiful and inviting floral-inspired home. Choosing your vessel Selecting the right vessel for a floral arrangement is just as important as choosing the right stems. The vase or container you choose can make or break the overall look and feel of your arrangement, so it’s important to consider factors such as size, shape, color and texture. A good rule of thumb is to choose a vessel that complements the style and color scheme … [Read more...] about Style at Home: A guide to decorating with florals