rain disrupts washington
|

Rain disrupts Washington open finalsWashington open finals, Canadian open schedule revised

Persistent rain caused major disruption to professional tennis events in North America on Sunday, forcing officials to suspend the Washington Open women’s final and postpone several matches at the Canadian Open in Toronto and Montreal.

The highly anticipated Washington Open women’s singles final between defending champion Jessica Pegula of the United States and rising Philippine star Alexandra Eala was interrupted during the second set after heavy rain made playing conditions unsafe.

The match had already faced a delay of nearly three hours before it finally began. Pegula managed to secure the opening set 6-4 after a competitive contest. Eala responded strongly in the second set and had taken a 2-1 lead when rain returned, forcing tournament officials to suspend play.

Organisers later confirmed that the final would resume on Monday at 12:00 p.m. local time, with both players returning to complete the unfinished match.

The weather also affected the men’s singles final in Washington. The championship clash between American Taylor Fritz and Spain’s Rafael Jodar was postponed and rescheduled for Monday, with organisers announcing that the match would begin no earlier than 1:00 p.m. local time after the completion of the women’s final.

Tournament officials issued an update through social media, informing fans that all remaining matches scheduled for Sunday evening had been cancelled because of the adverse weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Open also experienced significant interruptions as rain swept across both host cities. The prestigious tournament, running from August 1 to August 14, features the women’s competition in Toronto and the men’s event in Montreal.

In Toronto, action on the Grandstand Court was suspended during the women’s singles match between Poland’s Magdalena Frech and France’s Leolia Jeanjean. After monitoring the weather, officials decided to cancel the remainder of Sunday’s schedule, assuring spectators that play would resume once conditions improved.

Tournament organisers expressed optimism despite the disruption, saying they expected clear weather for the following day and looked forward to restarting the competition.

Montreal faced similar challenges, with rain first delaying several daytime matches before worsening conditions forced organisers to cancel the entire evening session as well.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Sunny Deol’s ‘maternal aunt’ remark on Pakistan sparks online storm

    Bollywood actor Sunny Deol found himself at the center of controversy on Sunday. He was speaking to Indian media during a promotional event for his upcoming film Batwara 1947. Deol, joined by his son and co-star Karan Deol, was asked about “Pakistan as a nation” and its “atmosphere” by a journalist present at the event. Rather than answering directly, he chose to quote his late father, veteran actor Dharmendra. He said the two countries could not really be separated in feeling, since they were once one. Quoting his father, he called India “mother” and Pakistan “maternal aunt.” He added that everyone already knows the two nations remain connected in some way. Dharmendra passed away last November. He had long supported warmer ties between India and Pakistan throughout his life. Deol chose not to elaborate further on Pakistan. Instead, he stressed his role as an actor rather than a political voice. He said actors and filmmakers exist to tell stories, not to push political agendas. Despite this attempt to stay neutral, his history tells a different story. Deol has built much of his career on hyper-patriotic films like Border and Gadar. He has also served as a BJP politician in the past. This contrast between his politics and his softer comments did not sit well with many online. One social media user accused him of relying on “nationalistic jingoism” during his past election campaigns. Others called him “opportunistic” for echoing his father’s peace-leaning stance now. A wave of users criticized what they saw as sympathy toward Pakistan. Tensions between the two countries have remained high for years. They escalated further after a four-day military conflict in May 2025. India responded by restricting Pakistani entertainment content online, banning YouTube channels and Instagram accounts of several celebrities. Streaming platforms like Spotify also removed related songs and imagery. Given this backdrop, the backlash against Deol’s comments was almost inevitable. His film, Batwara 1947, is set during Partition. It follows a Muslim family who flee to Pakistan amid the violence of that era, only to find a Hindu woman already living in the home they were allotted in Lahore. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the film also stars Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal, and Abhimanyu Singh. It is slated for release on August 14.

  • | |

    Mystery deepens over 2 girls’ deaths in Lahore p…

    LAHORE: The deaths of two young women in police custody have raised fresh questions after their autopsy reports revealed black spots on their lungs and blood clots in their hearts, while failing to find visible signs of physical assault or torture. The two women, identified as Amina and Anmol, died while in the custody of Lahore’s Township police. According to sources, their post-mortem examinations found no external injuries or marks suggesting physical violence. Samples of their blood and internal organs have now been sent for histopathological testing, which is expected to help establish the final cause of death. The autopsies were conducted two days after the deaths and the reports were finalised after the medical board reached a consensus. Doctors found the women’s livers, kidneys and stomachs to be in normal condition, while black spots were observed on both sets of lungs and clots were detected in their hearts. The findings have not yet provided a definitive explanation for the deaths. Authorities are waiting for the histopathology results before determining the final cause. The families of the deceased have meanwhile called for an independent and transparent investigation. Tajamul Hussain, the father of one of the women, rejected the police version that the deaths were linked to a medical condition. He questioned how both women could have suffered fatal heart problems while in custody and alleged that they were killed. Police have denied the allegations. SSP Investigation Naveed Ahmed said the women had previous criminal records and were arrested after a passerby contacted Police Emergency 15 and reported that they had allegedly snatched an earring. The officer also claimed that the women used drugs but firmly rejected allegations that they were tortured or mistreated during their detention. With the histopathology reports still awaited, the investigation is expected to focus on the women’s medical condition, their treatment while in custody and the circumstances leading up to their deaths.

  • |

    New dinosaur species discovered in Zimbabwe reveals distinct ancient ecosystems across southern Africa

    Palaeontologists have identified a new species of Late Triassic dinosaur from fossils discovered on the shores of Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe, offering fresh insights into prehistoric ecosystems across southern Africa. Named Musango matusadonaensis, the 4.5-metre-long creature lived approximately 210 million years ago, a pivotal era when dinosaurs were beginning to spread across the supercontinent Gondwana prior to becoming the planet’s dominant land animals. The discovery represents only the fifth dinosaur species formally named from Zimbabwe, stemming from a international research collaboration between institutions in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Lead researcher Professor Paul Barrett from London’s Natural History Museum, alongside co-authors publishing in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, detailed the anatomical characteristics of the fossilised skeleton, which included bones from the spine, arms, and feet. Musango was an early sauropodomorph, an evolutionary precursor to massive four-legged herbivores like Diplodocus, though this earlier relative was lightly built and walked primarily on two legs. Microscopic analysis of its fibula revealed eight distinct growth rings, indicating the animal was around eight years old and nearly fully grown when it died, while weighing an estimated 222 kilogrammes. The discovery challenges long-held scientific assumptions that Late Triassic dinosaur populations were uniform across the southern regions of Gondwana. Based on structural features of its skeleton and comparative ecosystem data, researchers believe Musango was an opportunistic omnivore that fed on plants, small reptiles, lungfish, and crocodile-like phytosaurs. The presence of a distinct species in the Lake Kariba region demonstrates that ancient southern Africa was divided into unique, localised environments with varied wildlife compositions, showing that regional climate and geography drove dinosaur diversification much earlier than previously understood.

  • |

    Abdullah Shafique exits GSL to join Pakistan Test team

    Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique has been released by Lahore Qalandars from the ongoing Global Super League (GSL) to join the national Test squad ahead of the team’s first Test assignment against the West Indies. The right-handed batter was originally part of Lahore Qalandars’ squad for the GSL campaign in Guyana. However, the franchise has confirmed his departure after his final appearance in the tournament, allowing him to link up with Pakistan’s Test squad in Trinidad and Tobago. To fill the vacancy left by Shafique, Lahore Qalandars have signed Bangladesh batter Shamim Hossain for the remainder of the Global Super League. The left-handed all-rounder is expected to strengthen the team’s middle order as the tournament enters its crucial stages. Shafique featured in Lahore Qalandars’ last match against the Guyana Amazon Warriors before leaving the competition. In that fixture, he played a quick cameo, scoring 21 runs off just 13 deliveries. His aggressive knock provided valuable momentum during the innings before he departed to fulfill his national team commitments. Following the conclusion of his GSL duties, Shafique is set to travel to Trinidad and Tobago, where Pakistan’s Test squad is currently preparing for its upcoming red-ball challenge against the West Indies. The 25-year-old has been drafted into the Test squad as a replacement for the injured Abdullah Fazal, who has been ruled out due to injury. His inclusion adds experience to Pakistan’s batting lineup, particularly at the top of the order, where he has previously delivered several important performances in Test cricket. Shafique has established himself as one of Pakistan’s dependable red-ball batters since making his Test debut. Known for his solid technique and temperament, he has played key innings in overseas conditions and remains an important part of Pakistan’s long-term plans in the format. His return to the national setup comes at an important time as Pakistan prepare for a challenging Test series in the Caribbean. The team management will hope his recent competitive cricket in the Global Super League helps him make a smooth transition into the Test environment. Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars will continue their GSL campaign with Shamim Hossain replacing Shafique in the squad. The franchise will be aiming to maintain its momentum as it competes for a place in the knockout stage of the tournament. The Global Super League has featured several international stars this season, providing players with valuable match practice before returning to national duties. Shafique’s early exit from the competition highlights the priority given to international commitments, with Pakistan keen to have a full-strength squad available for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies. His move from franchise cricket back to international cricket marks another important step as Pakistan look to build a strong lineup for the remainder of their Test campaign.

  • | |

    Karachi Colleges impose immediate ban on Tobacco a…

      The Directorate of College Education Karachi has announced a comprehensive ban on the use of tobacco products and narcotics in all public colleges across the city. The decision aims to create a healthier, safer, and drug-free educational environment for students, teachers, and other staff members. According to an official notification issued by the Directorate of College Education Karachi, the prohibition covers a wide range of tobacco and nicotine products. These include cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (vapes), nicotine pouches, pan (betel quid), and gutka. The use, consumption, or possession of these products within college premises is now strictly prohibited. The notification states that the ban has come into effect immediately and must be implemented without delay. College administrations have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the new policy and take all necessary steps to maintain a tobacco-free and drug-free environment within their institutions. Under the new directives, principals of all colleges have been assigned the primary responsibility for enforcing the ban. They are required to ensure that students, faculty members, administrative staff, and visitors strictly adhere to the rules. Principals have also been instructed to monitor college premises regularly and adopt preventive measures to discourage the use of tobacco products and illegal substances. The Directorate emphasized that educational institutions should remain places that promote learning, discipline, and healthy lifestyles. The use of tobacco products and drugs not only affects the health of individuals but can also negatively influence the academic environment and the well-being of students. By implementing this ban, the department hopes to protect young people from developing harmful addictions and encourage healthier habits. In addition to restricting tobacco and drug use inside college campuses, the Directorate has also taken steps to address the issue beyond institutional boundaries. According to the notification, official letters have been sent to Deputy Commissioners across Karachi, requesting their cooperation in preventing the sale and use of tobacco products and narcotics in areas surrounding colleges. The involvement of district administrations is intended to strengthen enforcement efforts and reduce students’ access to tobacco and drug products near educational institutions. Local authorities are expected to work with law enforcement agencies and other relevant departments to monitor vendors operating close to colleges and ensure compliance with applicable laws  and regulations. The Directorate believes that collaboration between educational institutions and district authorities is essential for creating a secure and healthy environment for students. By limiting the availability of tobacco products and narcotics around colleges, officials hope to reduce the risk of substance abuse among young people and reinforce public health initiatives. The decision reflects growing concerns about the increasing use of smoking products, vaping devices, and other addictive substances among students. Educational authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding students’ physical and mental well-being while fostering an atmosphere that supports academic excellence and personal development. With the immediate implementation of the ban, college principals are expected to take proactive measures to ensure compliance and raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and drug use. The Directorate of College Education Karachi has made it clear that maintaining drug-free campuses is now a priority, and all stakeholders are expected to cooperate in achieving this objective for the benefit of students and the wider educational community.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *