tel: 1722 8888 thursday, april 27, 2017 ... · 27.04.2017 · resume on april 29. the indian...

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200 FilsThursday, April 27, 2017 Issue No. 7364

P 04

P 19

Implement ‘Zakat’ in private sector: MP

US missile defence reaches S.Korea

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15new star hotels to come up

in Bahrain

DT News NetworkManama

The hotel and restaurant sector in the Kingdom witnessed a

robust growth of 3 per cent in fiscal 2016, according to figures released in the latest Bahrain Economic Quarterly published by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB).

This was underpinned by plans to establish 15 new five-star and four-star hotels and beachfront resorts, with an aggregate investment value of more than $10 billion over the next five years.

The list of world-renowned hotel brands planning to launch new projects are: The One & Only Resort, Wyndham Grand Hotel, Fairmont, Vida Hotel & Resort, The Address Hotel & Resort, Ibis Hotel and Pullman Hotel.

These hotels will add to the nation’s existing portfolio of over 190 hotels and resorts. This includes 18 five star hotels, 48 four-star hotels, 35 three star hotels, 81 serviced apartments and 11 resorts. These hotels currently offer a capacity of more than 16,500 rooms, with big names such as the recently opened Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, ART Rotana Amwaj Islands Hotel & Resort, Downtown Rotana, the Westin and Le Meridian Hotel Bahrain City Centre.

In order to continue to attract new visitors and support demand, Bahrain has unveiled its brand-new tourism identity: ‘Ours. Yours. Bahrain’ as part of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA)’s commitment towards reinvigorating tourism.

The campaign’s strategic and infrastructure initiatives aim to increase this amount to $1 billion by 2020, effectively doubling tourism’s contribution to Bahrain’s GDP from 3.6 per cent to 6.6 per cent.

BTEA also established six international offices to help drive development and raise awareness of Bahrain’s tourism in key global markets such as: UK, France, India, Germany and Russia.

Stressing the importance of the Kingdom’s developments in the tourism and hospitality sectors, Khalid Al

Rumaihi, Chief Executive at the Bahrain EDB commented: “These future investments in the hospitality sector will bring several new international hotel chains to the Kingdom and raise the profile of existing ones. It is expected to increase hotel capacity by around 4,000 hotel rooms in the country by 2020 and fill the gaps in the market, especially in the mid-market and luxury sector – for example, in the development of all-inclusive premium resorts.

“These new developments will both help to meet rising demand and attract new visitors to the Kingdom. Bahrain showed strong growth in tourist n u m b e r s in 2016, w i t n e s s i n g a 6 per cent increase in the number of tourist a r r i v a l s , r e c e i v i n g 12.2 million,” Al Rumaihi added.

Sector expects $10 billion investment by 2020

Khalid Al Rumaihi

Thursday, April 27, 20172

Harpreet Kaur/[email protected]

Manama

The ‘sangeet’ function of the first big fat Indian

wedding in Bahrain is all set to take place at the Ritz-Carlton private island today.

The three-day wedding is of Diya Mehta, daughter of business tycoon and CEO of Rosy Blue, Russell Mehta, and Ayush Jatia, son of business tycoon Amit Jatia, MD of Hardcastle Restaurants (McDonald’s India Franchise).

The couple got engaged in a low-key affair on December 19 last year. The extravaganza being held from April 26 to 28 will have over 1000 guests from India, Belgium, UK, USA and several other countries.

The event is a huge luxurious affair at the private island. Around 250 managers and entertainers are providing support to the event. The romantic and serene villas of the Ritz-

Carlton, each laying on 450 sqm surface with stunning interiors and state-of-the-art facilities, have been booked with views of the exquisite Arabian Gulf waters. It will be home to the hosts who have also put up guests at the Royal Suites, Diplomatic Suites and other rooms.

Earlier in the day, the bride’s father, Russell Mehta met His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa along with a group of Indian businessmen, on the occasion of the wedding.

“I must applaud the entire team for making sure that everything is running smoothly as we haven’t shut down other commercial activities at the hotel,” a source at the Ritz Carlton told DT News.

The Four Season Hotel

tweeted a couple of days ago that due to the buyout by one of their clients, the hotel will be closed for others on April 26, 27 and 28. Bookings will resume on April 29.

The Indian wedding is expected to position the Kingdom as a ‘Prime wedding destination, with a new ‘Island wedding’ identity.

3Thursday, April 27, 2017

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The Ritz Carlton team welcoming the guests

HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa with Russell Mehta, father of the bride, and other Indian businesssmen on the occasion of the wedding


Muhannad Mansour/[email protected]

Manama

A lawmaker yesterday called for implementing

the ‘Zakat’ rule in the Kingdom, demanding private establishments to pay a percentage of their annual net profits to the government.

MP Mohammed Al Ahmed yesterday presented a bill to implement the Zakat system, which is the third pillar of Islam that instructs the faithful to dedicate a percentage of one’s annual income to charitable causes, on private establishments.

His proposal instructs to make it mandatory for public and closed shareholding companies in Bahrain to pay 2.5 per cent of their annual net profit to the state.

“The absence of Zakat system in Bahrain contributed significantly to the creation of a gap between rich and poor classes in the society. This law will consolidate the efforts of many families of Bahraini merchants known for their charity work and those who established their private zakat offices,” said Al Ahmed, who’s also the Deputy Chairman of the Council’s Financial and Economic Affairs Committee.

“This legislation comes in line with the Islamic Sharia. These amounts should be deposited in the state exchequer. The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs shall determine the aspects of disbursement of these amounts in accordance with the Islamic Sharia, whether it’s for the poor and the needy or those entitled to benefits such as the social and anti-inflation allowances, as well as pensioners,” the legislator said, adding that similar procedures are implemented in regional countries including Kuwait.

“The second Article of the Kingdom’s Constitution

stipulates that Islam shall be the religion of the State, Islamic Sharia a main source of legislation, and Arabic the official language. Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It is necessary to formulate a law to enforce the rule Islam,” the MP said in a letter attached to his proposal.

He called upon the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee in the council to promptly look into the proposal before the end of the current legislative term, which is scheduled to end by next year.

The first article of the bill stipulates that “a percentage of 2.5 per cent shall be annually

collected from the net profit of the Bahraini public and closed shareholding companies. These companies shall determine the amount of Zakat they’re obliged to annually pay while presenting their annual budget to the government”.

It also mentioned that they are granted the choice to dedicate a percentage of their Zakat to be donated to a public service or to the eligible needy parties.

“Whoever submits false information or fails to provide it with the purpose of evading payment of the percentage referred to in the first paragraph of this first

article shall be subjected to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years and a fine not exceeding BD5000, or either with the judgment to pay the required amount,” The MP added.

The second article stipulates that the Finance Ministry shall collect the percentage prescribed in the first article in favour of the General Treasury of the State in the manner regulated by this law and its executive regulations.

The proposal was submitted to the committee which is tasked to study and review it before issuing its report within eight weeks from now.

Implement ‘Zakat’ in private sector: MP

MP Mohammed Al Ahmed has proposed a law to make it mandatory for corporates to pay 2.5 per cent Zakat to the state from their annual net profit

Young inventor honouredDT News [email protected]

Manama

A primary school student who recently invented

a device that purifies air inside classrooms to help her classmates with special needs was honoured yesterday by a senior state official.

Supreme Council for Women (SCW) General Secretary Dr. Hala Al Ansari received Juwairiya Al Siddeeqi and a number of her fellow students of Al Orooba Primary Girls’ School.

The student briefed Dr. Al Ansari about the innovative device and how it works.

Al Siddeeqi also told that she was supported by her parents, school and classmates to bring out the device in its final form.

The student said that the invention takes into account the circumstances of her classmates with special needs and other students who are affected by the slightest pollution in the atmosphere.

The first stage of the project was implemented in the school last week in the presence of Education Minister Dr. Majid Al Nuaimi.

Dr. Al Ansari praised Al Swddeeqi’s efforts to create this device in an initiative that she said brought together the humanitarianism and scientific creativity. She expressed her

admiration for this innovation in the activities of the schools of the Kingdom of Bahrain that are affiliated with the United Nationa Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), especially that this year’s theme for the organisation is sustainable development and climate change.

Dr. Al Ansari underlined the achievements of Bahraini women of different ages

benefiting their families, causes and the entire society.

The official also stressed on the importance of stimulating innovation in women and supporting inventions that are significant to their needs, in addition to encouraging them to enter technical and engineering fields, especially as the SCW dedicated this year’s Bahraini women to celebrate women in the engineering field.

Dr. Hala Al Ansari with Juwairiya Al Siddeeqi


DT News [email protected]

Manama

A man died after he fell off a building in Janabiya at

around 11:30 am yesterday.The deceased is Bala Ram

Saini, a 49-year-old expat from India, who worked as a mason for a contracting company. He fell off from the second floor of the building. Though he was rushed to Salmaniya Medical Complex, he could not be saved.

“The man had sustained serious injuries and died after a few hours at the ICU,” a source at the Ministry of Interior said.

“We have informed his family members. Arrangements are being made to get the necessary clearance from ministries to send his body back home,” the source said.

Expat falls from building, dies

Harpreet Kaur/[email protected]

Manama

Bahrainis living in rented apartments need not pay

the 10 per cent municipal rental fee any more. The Capital Municipal Council has passed a proposal to this effect at a meeting held at the Ministry of Municipalities

Hall yesterday. “The council is aiming to

introduce a new mechanism for Bahraini families who do not own a house and reside in rented apartments/villas. Through this proposal, we are trying to reduce living costs and improve the standard of living of citizens,” Mazen Ahmad Al-Omran, Vice Chairman of Capital Municipal Council, told

DT News.The Municipal Council also

made certification mandatory for security guards of parks and walkways. They now have to undergo first aid training courses to make them prepare for emergency situations. There needs to be certified personnel in public spaces to handle emergency situations as the first minutes of the

injured is very crucial in saving the life of the individual, say Municipal council members.

The Council also passed a proposal to form a committee to improve the central market.

“The central market has been in existence for 40 years and the council feels that the market needs to be improved. The committee will help coordinate and take necessary

steps to improve facilities and fix problems in the market,” said Engineer Al-Omran

The meeting was chaired by Mohammed Ali Alkhozae, Chairman of the Capital of Municipal Council and attended by other members of the council. According to Alkhozae, the council discussed three agendas and unanimously approved all the three.

Municipality scraps rental fee for citizens


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For purchase worth BD 5/- from any outlet of Juffair Mall get one raffle coupon to win a “New Nissan Sunny”

Promotion Period9th Feb 2017 to 8th May 2017Draw Date : 11th May 2017

Venue: Juffair Mall

Manama

The Bahrain Malayalee CSI Parish will hold the first communion service for its

young members at 2.30pm on Friday. Bishop Most Rev. Thomas K Oommen, Moderator of the Church of South India (CSI) will conduct the service and celebrate Holy Communion. The parish will hold a reception in honour of the bishop at 7.30pm on Thursday at Segayas to congratulate him on his first visit to Bahrain as Moderator and Primate. Rt. Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Anthimos and priests from all Episcopal churches will attend the function. For more information contact 17234095/39476718

Communion service

Mohammed Zafran/[email protected]

Manama

Bahrain has the power to take full advantage of its

unique geographical position and size to become one of the leading logistics hubs in the world, experts, participating in the second GCC logistics Conference, said yesterday.

They also stressed that the Kingdom has the right potential to emerge as the ‘test field’ for the latest technologies and developments in the industry.

“Can Bahrain become a test market? My answer is a clear yes,” said Dr Raimund Klinker, a German veteran in the field.

“From my interactions with the Bahrain’s Transportation and Telecommunication Ministry, I get the impression that they are going in the right direction.”

“It is also important to have the right infrastructure in place. Not just the roads and rail, but also the IT infrastructure,” added Dr Klinker.

The conference, organised by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunication in collaboration with TransCare GmbH, was held in Seef. The event focused on the latest developments and trends in the logistics industry as well as ways to boost the contribution of the Gulf Cooperation Council nations in the growth of the sector.

In this regard, Co-Patron of the conference, Ambassador of Germany, Alfred Simms Protz stressed that logistics is all about being at the right place at the right moment.

“It is thus not surprising that many logistics service providers – a large number of them from Germany – are currently expanding their activities in Bahrain,” he pointed out.

He further added that the Kingdom, having achieved a major leap forward in terms of efficiency and service quality in recent years, is emerging

as an attractive location for advanced services in the Gulf.

Showcasing the conference as an opportunity to establish contacts with potential partners and to evaluate cooperation options, he also highlighted the major role played by the German logistics sector in its economy.

Ralf Jahncke, CEO of TransCare GmbH hailed the conference as an enlightening opportunity with thoughtful comments and discussions.

“All the speaker here have agreed that Bahrain has the potential to become the test field for the new technologies and developments of the industry,” said Jahncke.

In support, Ali Al Qahtani, a Saudi expert, said, “Bahrain enjoys several advantages over Saudi Arabia when it comes to logistics.”

“Bahrain is a small country, unlike Saudi Arabia which is massive. So logistically there are advantages,” he said stressing that the Saudi is keen to support Bahrain in

every possible way. “We want to see a success

story in Bahrain by sharing our work together,” he stressed.

Patron of the Conference, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunication, Kamal Ahmed, in his speech, highlighted the significant steps adopted by Bahrain in advancing the Kingdom’s logistics sector during the period from 2015 to 2016.

While stressing the importance of infrastructure development, the minister also said, “It is important to raise awareness on what is possible.”

“For that reason, I readily accept the patronage of the second GCC logistics conference,” he said.

The minister also said the conference, which coincides with the logistics day 2017, successfully showcased Bahrain’s potential to business professionals, politicians, media representatives, students and the public.

a logistic

hubBahrain Kamal Ahmed

Ambassador of Germany Alfred Simms Protz

Ralf Jahncke

Dr. Raimund Klinker

Making

Most. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen

Thursday, April 27, 2017 7

Kingdom of Bahrain

The Bahrain Petroleum Company BSC (Closed) hereby invites tender for the following:

.

Tender Title Tender No. Initial Bond(BD)

TenderDocuments Fees (BD)

Tender Submission

Day Date Time

T170054 (49) 2,500/- 50/-

Interested Contractors with proven capabilities and experience in providing the above services may Purchase the Tender documents online using e-Tendering system from https://etendering.tenderboard.gov.bh from Thursday April 27, 2017. Tender documents can be downloaded after paying the non-refundable tender fees as specified above. An Initial Bond should be enclosed for the amount specified above or 1% of the bid value, whichever is lesser (in any case Initial Bond shall not be less than BD 100/-), payable by a Manager’s Cheque, Certified Cheque, Letter of Guarantee or Insurance policy issued by Local Agencies or Cash. The bond shall remain valid throughout the tender period specified in the relevant tender documents. For more information please call the following numbers: 36027245-17755845- 17752995 – 17757044-17757054.

• Quotation should be deposited in the tender box provided at the Tender Submission Office, Tender Board Office, 7th Floor, Al Moayyed Tower, Seef Area, before 01.30 pm on the tender closing date.• This tender is subject to the provisions of Legislative Decree No.36 of 2002 with respect to Regulating Government Tenders- Auction and the Legislative Decree No.37 of 2002 with respect to the Tender Law’s Implementing Regulations.• The following conditions shall be complied with:1. Enclose a copy of the Commercial Registration Certificate valid for the current year, and be in conformity with the subject tender.2. Submit quotations on “Tender Submission Form” No. (TB 02).3. Enclose a copy of Certificate of Compliance with the Employment Percentage for Bahraini Manpower issued by the Ministry of Labour.4. Ensure to stamp with the official seal on all the original documents and copies thereof, which form part of the offer.

Vendors who are not registered in Tender Board E-tendering System shall be required to register through the link below.

https://etendering.tenderboard.gov.bh/xcap/supplier/suplogin.aspxFor any inquiry please call help desk email [email protected] or telephone no. +973-17566617.

• This announcement is considered as a part of the Tender Documents.

PROVISION OF THREE YEAR CONTRACT FOR EXHIBITION STANDSNOTE: Purchase Tender Documents Deadline: 18-May-2017 15:30

Wednesday31st May 2017

01:30 pm • The Prequalified Contractors who are interested to participate in this Tender Must submit their Valid Prequalification License approval letter issued by the Ministry Of Works, Municipalities Affairs & Urban Planning and registered for the category in the above mentioned classification. The tender documents shall be downloaded online through the Bahrain Tender Board e-Tendering system mentioned above starting on Thursday, 27th April 2017. For further information, please contact Tel. 17545184.

• The works comprise the Supply Of Manpower to Roads Sector – Term Contract ( 2017 – 2019 ), as detailed in the Tender Documents.

• Interested Tenderers should comply with the Legislative Decree No. 36 and 37 of 2002 with respect to Regulating Government Tenders and Purchases, and also to comply with the Prime Minister’s Resolution No. 40 for 2015 giving priority to National Products and products at GCC Countries.

• The Tenders must be deposited in the tender box provided on the Tender Board’s Offices at 7th Floor, Al-Moayyed Tower, Seef Area as per the above mentioned date.

• Tenders shall be submitted in one envelope.• Tenderers shall comply with the following:

1. Enclose Initial Bond, copy of Company Commercial Registration indicating the tender relevant field and Copy of valid Certificate of Compliance with employment percentage for Bahraini Manpower issued by the Ministry of Labour

2. The total tender sum as well as cost per unit (as the case maybe) should be written and submitted in form TB 02.

3. Any other items listed in the Instructions to Tenderers.4. All submitted documents (original or copy) should be stamped with company stamp.

• Tenders shall remain valid for 180 days from the closing date and Initial Bond should be enclosed for the amount specified above or at a rate of 1% of the tender value whichever of the amount is lesser, provided that no initial bond’s shall be less than BD100/-. Ensure that the initial bond is in cash or in a form of certified cheque or bank/insurance company guarantee, valid for the duration specified in the tender documents and should be enclosed with each tender.

• Tenders not complying with the above conditions and requirements as well as terms and conditions mentioned in the tender documents will be rejected.

• This advertisement should form part of the Tender Documents.

NOTE: Now you have the choice to buy the tender documents online through the Bahrain Tender Board e-Tendering System (https://etendering.tenderboard.gov.bh/) by using Credit cards or to the cashier at the Financial Resources Directorate at the Ministry (3rd Floor New Building), who will issue a receipt in duplicate.

WORKS AFFAIRS - WOULD LIKE TO ANNOUNCE THE FOLLOWING TENDERS :

Tender Title

SUPPLY OF MANPOWER TO ROADS SECTOR – TERM

CONTRACT ( 2017 – 2019 )

Wednesday, 17th May 2017,

1:30 PMRDS-16/0053 2,500/-

50/- NON REFUNDABLE

Tender No. Initial Bond (BD)

Tender Box ClosingDate / Time

Tender DocumentFee (BD)

ROADS PLANNING & DESIGN DIRECTORATE-WORKS AFFAIRS

Category(ROADS)

AA, A, B, C & D

Manama

Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) yesterday

announced holding Bahraini-Egyptian Exhibition from 16 to 18 May 2017 in Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, under the patronage of Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

Talking to reporters at a press conference held at Bait Al Tijjar yesterday, head of the Bahraini side of the Bahraini-Egyptian Joint Business Council and board member Afnan Al Zayani said, “This exhibition includes exhibitors from sectors including medicine, real-estate, finance, banking, food, jewellery and more.”

“The Expo will also designate a pavilion for crafts and another for painters, and an art concert will be held at the Cultural Hall,” he added.

On the sidelines of the expo, the Bahraini-Egyptian Joint Business Council will hold its fourth meeting on 17 May 2017. The meeting will review the outcomes of the exhibition and discuss preparations for the next expo to held in Egypt in 2018.

Interested exhibitors may book their pavilions by contacting [email protected]; [email protected] or calling 17380096-17380013. Participants are advised to confirm their participation via. www.bcci.bh .

BCC announcesfirst Bahraini-Egyptian expo

Manama

The Gulf Hotels Group yesterday announced its GCC expansion

plans and future strategies at the Arabian Travel Market 2017, in which the group is showcasing its flagship projects.

The group, according to Chief Executive Officer, Garfield Jones, is currently developing the “Gulf Executive Residence” in Juffair due to open early 2018 and has also acquired Block 338 in Adliya Tourism Zone to develop a multi-unit restaurant and leisure facility.

Revealing further, he said the group, as part of its regional expansion strategy, has commenced the development plans of a 223 room five-star Gulf Hotel Business Bay in Dubai. This waterfront property, located 1.5km from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall will meet the needs of both the business and leisure market when it opens in late 2019.

The Gulf Hotels Group recently acquired 100 per cent stake in Bahrain Tourism Company, which includes the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Bahrain Conference Centre,

and is also a major shareholder in Bahrain Family Leisure Company.

Commenting on the participation in the Arabian Travel Market, Garfield Jones said the group is showcasing its flagship projects at its stand in the Sheikh Saeed Arena. This includes the five-star property The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa, four deluxe K Hotel in Juffair, the Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar and the new four star properties Asdal Gulf Inn in Seef and The Gulf Suites Hotel Amwaj.

“The Gulf Hotels Group with over

50 years’ experience has changed beyond recognition, continually expanding and upgrading to meet the modern day demands both in the hospitality and beverage sector,” Jones added.

The CEO also said that the group will be showcasing the Gulf Convention Centre, which can cater for up to 2000 delegates for various conferences and events, the new build Gulf Spa and the Gulf Executive Residence. The exhibition, which began on April 24 in Dubai, will continue until April 27.

The Gulf HotelsGroup unveils expansion plans

Officials during the Arabian Travel Market

BUSINESS8 Thursday, April 27, 2017

© GRAPHIC NEWS

Scientists have designed an artificial womb to keep premature lambsalive in a breakthrough that could dramatically increase the

survival chances of critically preterm human babies

Source: Nature Communications Picture: Associated Press

Oxygen andnutrients in

Wasteout

Lamb containedin protective bagfilled with mixtureof warm water andadded salts similarto amniotic fluid.Foetus “breathes”as it would innormal womb

Foetal heartpumps bloodthrough umbilicalcord linked toartificial placenta

Oxygen and nutrientssupplied to blood inplacenta and wasteproducts removed

Blood returnedto heart

Artificialwomballowsorgans todevelop morenaturally than in incubator,sustaining premature lambfor four weeks – equivalentin age to 23-week-oldhuman infant

Litres ofamniotic-likefluid steadilyflushed throughbag each dayto ensurecontinuousfresh supply

1

234

1

2

3

4

Manama

The Information & eGovernment Authority

(iGA) yesterday announced plans to migrate ten official websites to a cloud computing system developed by Amazon

Web Services (AWS), on a trial basis.

The trial phase is expected to complete full migration in a year, iGA said in a statement. The move follows the signing of an agreement with the

technology investment firm C5 Capital.

The websites selected for migration are from: Ministry of Justice & Islamic Affairs; Ministry of Health; Central Bank of Bahrain; National Oil &

Gas Authority; Survey & Land Registration Bureau; Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning; Ministry of Transportations & Telecommunication; Public Prosecution; Capital

Governorate and the Northern Area Municipality.

In this regard, iGA Chief Executive Mohamed Ali AlQaed stated that such migration will open doors wide for Bahrain to

enhance and increase its productivity on the short and long runs.

Works will begin by assigning a team to carryout the process under the direct supervision of the authority.

Dubai

Gulf Air has partnered with VFS Global, the largest visa

service provider in the world, to facilitate visa issuance for passengers flying to Bahrain. The online visa facility will launch this summer on gulfair.com.

Signing the agreement with VFS Global, Gulf Air Chief Commercial Officer, Ahmed Janahi, said: “Gulf Air passengers will be able to easily obtain short term visit visas to Bahrain via

our website gulfair.com – allowing them to come to Bahrain and experience all that our Kingdom has to offer in terms of tourism, business opportunities and more.”

Zubin Karkaria, Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group said: “We believe the online e-visa platform will make visa application much more convenient for Gulf Air customers, providing them with greater speed and transparency in the process, thereby enhancing their overall

experience.” Vinay Malhotra, Chief

Operating Officer – Middle East & South Asia, VFS Global, added: “Quicker turnaround times, 24X7 accessibility, and online tracking, amongst other advantages, will make applying for a visa to Bahrain easier than ever before.”

The announcement was made at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai where the airline was present alongside Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.

Cloud isthe nextbig thing

iGA migrates 10 government websites to the cloud

Gulf Air, VFS in visa service deal

Ahmed Janahi, Gulf Air Chief Commercial Officer (left) and Vinay Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer - Middle East and South Asia, VFS Global are seen at the signing ceremony where VFS Global was appointed to facilitate visa issuance for Gulf Air passengers flying to Bahrain.

Washington

Th e T r u m p administration is

poised to unveil its long-awaited tax reform plan that will slash corporate taxes to 15 percent, in the “biggest tax cut” in US history.

However, the plan could face hurdles in Congress, including from some Republicans, as lawmakers are sharply divided over the prospect of fueling already rising deficits.

“This is going to be the biggest tax cut and the

largest tax reform in the history of our country,” US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said at a discussion about the proposal.

Mnuchin will outline details of the tax plan at the White House later Wednesday, but confirmed press reports that “the business tax is going to be 15 percent.”

He said the administration hopes to push the reform through Congress as quickly

as possible although he declined to set a deadline.

Earlier this year he said the administration hoped to have tax reform completed before Congress went into its August recess, but that ambition fell by the wayside amid failed efforts to repeal the Obama-era healthcare plan.

“We’re working hard to get it done quickly,” Mnuchin said. “This is part of his big impact for the first 100 days.” (AFP)

Trump to cut corp rate to 15pc

During the signing agreement.

BUSINESSThursday, April 27, 2017 9

Joyalukkas jewellery now in

Al Ahsa, KSA The Joyalukkas showroom in Al Ahsa was inaugurated by Prince Badr bin Muhammed bin Abdullah bin Jalawi Al Saudi, Governor of Al Ahsa in a star-studded inauguration yesterday complemented by stunning offers and free gifts for the thousands of supporters in attendance

New Delhi,

Indian carrier Jet Airways said it had suspended a foreign pilot from flying duty over allegations that he assaulted a

woman and hurled racist abuse at another passenger. The Mumbai-based airline confirmed the incident took place on April 3 on a Chandigarh-Mumbai flight.Footage of the April 9 incident captured by fellow passengers went viral on social media.

Hong Kong,

Standard Chartered said its first quarter pre-tax profit nearly doubled compared to the same

period last year, benefiting from the dampened effect of bad loans. Underlying pre-tax profit was at $1.05 billion for the first three months of the year, almost double that of the same period last year and beating five analysts’ average estimate of $850 million.

Jet Airways suspends pilot over racism Standard Chartered reports $1.05 bn Q1 profit First the Ninth Circuit rules against the ban & now it hits again on sanctuary cities - both ridiculous rulings. See you in the Supreme Court!”

Donald Trump, US President

on a court order blocking his attempt to deny cities harbouring

undocumented immigrants billions in federal funding

Prince Badr bin Muhammed bin Abdullah bin Jalawi Al Saudi, Governor of Al Ahsa inaugurates the showroom in the presence of Adil Mohamed Al Mulhim, Mayor of Al Ahsa Municipality, Yusuffali M.A, CMD, LuLu Group International, Joy Alukkas, Chairman & MD, Joyalukkas Group, John Paul Alukkas, Executive Director, Joyalukkas Group, Sattam Al Omairy, Director, Joyalukkas KSA and other dignitaries

“It is a pleasure to offer this beautiful oasis city a world of choice in jewellery. Every new showroom opening brings us closer to our mission of orna-menting the world, all made possible by the trust and sup-port our loyal patrons have given us in 3 decades since we opened our first show-room. Our plans to be where they are and expand to new markets are underway and we look forward to giving our best, be it products or services, to the residents of Al Ahsa and the rest of the world,”

Joy Alukkas, Chairman & MD Joyalukkas

Group

World-class designs Joyalukkas Al Ahsa offers over a million world-class jewellery designs in gold, diamond, precious stones, platinum and pearl. The collections feature a mix of tra-ditional, ethno contemporary and international designs that have won the hearts and following of customers in 13 countries across the globe.

Superbrand Joyalukkas is one of few to be recognised for excep-tional standards in jewellery retailing, including being awarded ‘Superbrand’ status 8 years in a row since 2010. It is currently a 130-showroom network spread across the USA, UK, GCC and Asia.

About Joyalukkas One of the world’s largest jewellery retail chains, it is part of the multi-billion dollar global conglomerate Joyalukkas Group, which has varied business interests, including jewellery, money exchange, fashion & silks, luxury air charter, malls and realty.

London

Y International (UK) Ltd., part of Abu Dhabi based,

LuLu Group International has won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2017, the most prestigious award for business excellence in the UK.

The annual award is given to organisations for their extraordinary contributions in the field of economy, business and employment generation, based on the recommendation made by British Prime Minister Theresa May and approved by Queen Elizabeth on her birthday.

The winners name has been published in the latest edition of UK Govt. Gazette, and Queen Elizabeth will be hosting a reception for the winners at Buckingham palace. This award was

established in the year 1966 to honour top companies for their exceptional contribution to the UK trade, industry and economy.

Commenting on the award, an elated Yusuffali MA, Chairman of LuLu Group said, “This great recognition will surely help us further strengthen our plans to expand business interests in UK and continue with our innovations and contributions to the dynamic economy of UK.”

Y International UK Ltd food processing plant was established in Birmingham in the year 2013 to source & process food products from UK to support the tremendous demand for high quality British products in the LuLu hypermarkets across the Middle East, India and

Far East and employs over 300 UK nationals.

“We are in the process of setting up another world-class food processing plant in the 12.5 acres of land allotted by Birmingham City Council, to further boost our exports and cover bigger variety of products. The planned investment would be to the tune of GBP 36 million (Rs. 300 crores)” added Yusuffali.

LuLu, ranked as the No.1 retailer in the MENA region and one of the TOP 50 fastest growing retailers in the world by Deloitte, was in the news for buying the iconic SCOTLAND YARD building in London and for investing in the historic EAST INDIA COMPANY. The group turnover for the year 2016 was $ 6.9 billion.

British Royalhonour for LuLu Group

The American Chamber of Commerce – Bahrain (AmCham Bahrain) hosted a business-net-working luncheon titled ‘Cyber Security in the Middle East – Knowing & Managing the Risks’ on Tuesday from 12:30 – 2:30pm at The Capital Club Bahrain. Abdulla Mutawi, a Baker Botts Partner who leads the Middle East technology and cyber security practice spoke on how com-panies can better protect themselves from the financial and legal repercussions of cyber-crime and cyber-attacks

BUSINESS Thursday, April 27, 201710

COUNTRY/CURRENCIES SELLBUY

Rates are for indication purpose only. For firm rates or for currencies not listed above please call Bahrain Financing Company. Telephone: 17228888, Website: www.bfc.com.bh

COUNTRY 1 US DLR 1 UK STG 1 SFR 100 YEN

BAHRAIN 0.3770 0.4833 0.3787 0.3433

KUWAIT 0.2855 31.3565 0.2868 0.2599

OMAN 0.3849 0.3831 0.3867 0.3505

QATAR 3.6420 3.6252 3.6588 3.3160

UAE 3.6730 3.6561 3.6900 3.3443

SAUDI 3.7500 3.7328 3.7673 3.4144

AUSTRALIA 0.2889 0.2865BANGLADESH 0.00494 0.00461CANADA 0.2832 0.2801DENMARK 0.0585 EGYPT 0.0241 0.0219EURO 0.4172 0.4150HONGKONG 0.04983 0.04943INDIA 0.00602 0.00601INDONESIA 0.00003016 0.00002905IRAN TUMAN 0.00010959 IRAQI DINAR 0.000294 JAPAN 0.003550 0.003480JORDAN 0.5346 0.5350KOREA 0.00038401 KUWAIT 1.2580 1.242MALAYSIA 0.088700 0.0887NEW ZEALAND 0.2640 0.2599NORWAY 0.0461 NEPAL 0.00391 0.00369OMAN 0.97962 0.98262PAKISTAN 0.00369 0.00360PHILIPPINES 0.00780 0.00760QATAR 0.10381 0.10376SAUDI ARABIA 0.10061 0.26810SINGAPORE 0.2750 0.2730SOUTH AFRICA 0.03020 0.03010SRI LANKA 0.00273 0.00249SWEDISH 0.0461 .SWITZERLAND 0.3865 0.3839SYRIA 0.001740 0.0123TAIWAN 0.012700 THAILAND 0.011150 0.011160TURKEY 0.1111 UNITED KINGDOM 0.4917 0.4887UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 0.102810 0.102810UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 0.37800 0.37805YUAN 0.058500 0.0585

Dubai

Two Saudi banks soared yesterday after saying

they were in initial stages of a merger, helping lift the mood in other lenders while first quarter financial results buoyed the shares of two blue chips in other Gulf countries.

Saudi’s Alawwal Bank agreed to start talks with Saudi British Bank (SABB) about a tie-up that could create the kingdom’s third biggest bank with assets of nearly $80 billion.

Shares in Alawwal soared by 8.6 per cent in their heaviest daily traded volume since May 2012 while SABB jumped 6.8pc in the largest single day volume since November last year.

The positive mood spilled into other baking shares, with mid-sized Saudi Investment Bank gaining 2.0pc.

Yanbu Nat ional Petrochemical (Yansab), however, dropped 4.3pc to 55.75 riyals after reporting a net income of 608 million riyals ($162.1 million), below

the average forecast of three analysts of 635.82 million riyals, and up 44.2pc from the prior year period.

Most other petrochemical producers have not yet reported earnings as authorities have granted companies an additional 15 days to report earnings since they are converting to IFRS accounting standards from the local standard.

The Saudi index closed flat.

Elsewhere, shares of the largest listed company, telecommunications operator Etisalat, added 1.1pc after it reported a 4.5pc rise in first-quarter net income from the prior year period to 2.09 billion dirhams, broadly in line with analysts’ forecast.

The Abu Dhabi index, however, lost 0.5pc with main drag from profit taking on shares of the largest lender First Abu Dhabi Bank which

dropped 2.2pc.Shares of energy company

Abu Dhabi National Energy , which had dropped as much as 6.7pc earlier in the day on news that rating agency S&P had downgraded TAQA’s credit rating to ‘A-’ from ‘A’ and gave it a ‘negative’ outlook from ‘stable’, closed flat.

S&P said the downgrade came as a result of “recent related-party transactions at TAQA” which raises “potential risks to our view of the level of government support”.

Earlier this month state owned utility company, Adewa, increased its stake in loss-making TAQA, days after it granted the energy company land valued at 18.7 billion dirhams ($5.1 billion).

In Dubai, 26 shares rose, nine declined and the index added 0.2pc. Financially troubled builders Arbatec and Drake & Scull were some of the top gainers with the former adding 4.2pc and the latter jumping 2.1pc. (Reuters)

Closing BellSAUDI added 0.02pc to 6,917 points

DUBAI added 0.2pc to 3,439 points

ABU DHABI fell 0.5pc to 4,541 points

QATAR rose 0.5pc to 10,206 points

KUWAIT added 0.3pc to 6,854 points

BAHRAIN lost 0.2pc at 1,334 points

OMAN climbed 0.8pc to 5,510 points.

Saudi’s Alawwal, SABB surge on merger talks

Malabar Gold & Diamonds announces its first Raffle draw winner of ‘Win up to 30 kilos gold in 18 days’ campaign in Bahrain. Jemima Elizabeth Daniel , who had done her shopping from Malabar Gold & Diamonds, near Goldcity outlet has won ¼ kilo of gold

If you already follow a healthful meal plan filled with whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, and lean protein, congratulations! You’re on your way to a long, healthy life and are taking a major step in controlling your weight and blood sugar levels. Plus, you’re probably already eating a bunch of the foods on this list.For those who are taking the baby-steps approach to eating better, this list is even more helpful. Not only are these power foods high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals, they’re also familiar and easy to find. That means you

don’t have to hunt down any exotic ingredients or shop at specialty grocery stores to find foods

that will help you get on track with a healthful meal plan.


This syrup is based on an

ancient Persian recipe, and it keeps virtually indefinitely without any special care. Excellent for camp-ing, and truly refreshing on a hot, hot day! And there’s no waste, you use every part of every ingredient in this stuff. After straining, remove the lemon peels and ginger and toss in a bag of sugar for a candied treat

Preparation time : 25 mincooking time: 30m

Ingredients 84 cups white sugar82 cups water812 ounces fresh or frozen strawberries chopped 81 cup chopped fresh mint

81/2 cup sliced fresh ginger81 lemons, peeled and juiced81 cup white balsamic vinegar (not distilled vinegar)

Directions

Step 1Bring the sugar and water to a boil over high heat. Boil until the sugar has dissolved, then stir in the

strawberries, mint, ginger, lemon peels, and lemon juice. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in the white balsamic vinegar.Step 2Allow the syrup to stand overnight at room temperature, then strain out the fruits with a fine sieve. Store at room temperature in a sterile

container.Step 3To use, stir 1 part syrup into 4 to 6 parts water; serve cold with ice if desired. (all recipes.com)

Strawberry, Ginger and Mint Sekanjabin

An apple a day keeps the doctor away -- specifically the cardiologist. A 2012 study at Ohio State University published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that eating just one apple a day for four weeks lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol by 40 percent. This crunchy fruit also appears to offer protection against diabetes. The Harvard School of Public Health examined the diets of 200,000 people and found that those who reported eating five or more apples a week had a 23 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with subjects who did not eat any apples.

Avocados are known for their heart-healthy monounsaturated fat content. When substituting these fats for saturated fat, they can improve cholesterol levels, decreasing your risk of heart disease. There is even a positive connection to diabetes: A study in 2008 found that women

who reported eating the highest amount of good fats -- unsaturated vegetable fats, such as those found in avocados -- were 25pc less likely to develop type 2 diabetes

Blueberries are part of the family of fruits containing flavonoids, known for their many health benefits, including heart health. In addition, blueberries’ high fiber content may reduce the risk of diabetes and cognitive decline, and help keep blood sugar more level, says Joanne M. Gallivan, MS, RD, director of the National Diabetes Education Program at the National Institutes of Health.

T h e 2010 Dietary

G u i d e l i n e s for Americans

recommends eating fish twice a week. Unlike many meats,

seafood is low in unhealthy saturated

fat and cholesterol, plus it’s a good

source of omega-3 fatty acids -- particularly fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring,

lake trout, sardines, halibut, and albacore

tuna. (Diabetic living)

Fish

Avocados

Blueberries

Apples

Thursday, April 27, 201712His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received former Spanish King Juan Carlos at Al-Sakhir Pal-ace yesterday. HM the King reviewed with the Spanish monarch strong historic friend-ship and coop-eration, hailing steadily-grow-ing relations and shared keenness on strengthen-ing joint ties in all fields

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa received GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdul-latif Al Zayani at Al-Sakhir Palace yesterday. Dr. Alzayani updated HM the King, incum-bent chairman of the current GCC session, on the march of joint Gulf work, outlining preparations ahead of the upcoming GCC Consultative Summit

BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa received a delega-tion from the National Defence University, Pakistan, led by Commodore Mohammed Saleem, and discussed joint interests yesterday. BDF Commander-in-Chief lauded the distinguished friendship relations between the two countries

Parliament Chairman Ahmed Al Mulla received Sudan Ambassa-dor Abdulrahman Khalil Ahmed yesterday. Parliament Chairman stressed the need to activate the successful outcomes of Bahrain’s parliamentary delegation’s visit to Sudan to promote the solid bi-lateral relations and cooperation in development and economic fields and to coordinate stances in global parliamentary forums

Reyadh Yousif Sater, BBK Chief Executive presenting awards to the employees at the BBK service award Ceremony at Gulf Hotel

The Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Chamber of Com-merce and Industry (BCCI) Dr. Khalid Al Ruwaihi received Bah-raini business owner Mohammed Al Matrook on Tuesday at his office in Bait Al Tijjar. The meeting discussed challenges curbing the growth of small businesses and means of overcoming them in cooperation with the various government bodies

The Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Dr. Khalid Al Ruwaihi received the board mem-bers of the newly formed Workers’ Union of the Chamber headed by Yasir Mirza Radhi, at his office in Bait Al Tijjar on Tuesday. It is worth mentioning that BCCI Worker’s Union is chaired by Yasir Mirza Radhi, with deputy chai Zainab Al Qassab, secretary Farooq Albi, treasurer Ameena Ghareeb

Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa received the member of the House of Representatives in the brotherly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Dr. Isa Al Khashashna yesterday. After welcoming the guest, the Minister took pride in the depth of the relations linking the Kingdom of Bahrain and the brotherly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in light of the great care accorded to bilateral ties by the leaders of both countries

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received a number of senior Royal Family members and senior state officials at the Gu-daibiya Palace yesterday. The Premier exchanged cordial talks with the audience on national issues

Thursday, April 27, 201712His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received former Spanish King Juan Carlos at Al-Sakhir Pal-ace yesterday. HM the King reviewed with the Spanish monarch strong historic friend-ship and coop-eration, hailing steadily-grow-ing relations and shared keenness on strengthen-ing joint ties in all fields

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa received GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdul-latif Al Zayani at Al-Sakhir Palace yesterday. Dr. Alzayani updated HM the King, incum-bent chairman of the current GCC session, on the march of joint Gulf work, outlining preparations ahead of the upcoming GCC Consultative Summit

BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa received a delega-tion from the National Defence University, Pakistan, led by Commodore Mohammed Saleem, and discussed joint interests yesterday. BDF Commander-in-Chief lauded the distinguished friendship relations between the two countries

Parliament Chairman Ahmed Al Mulla received Sudan Ambassa-dor Abdulrahman Khalil Ahmed yesterday. Parliament Chairman stressed the need to activate the successful outcomes of Bahrain’s parliamentary delegation’s visit to Sudan to promote the solid bi-lateral relations and cooperation in development and economic fields and to coordinate stances in global parliamentary forums

Reyadh Yousif Sater, BBK Chief Executive presenting awards to the employees at the BBK service award Ceremony at Gulf Hotel

The Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Chamber of Com-merce and Industry (BCCI) Dr. Khalid Al Ruwaihi received Bah-raini business owner Mohammed Al Matrook on Tuesday at his office in Bait Al Tijjar. The meeting discussed challenges curbing the growth of small businesses and means of overcoming them in cooperation with the various government bodies

The Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Dr. Khalid Al Ruwaihi received the board mem-bers of the newly formed Workers’ Union of the Chamber headed by Yasir Mirza Radhi, at his office in Bait Al Tijjar on Tuesday. It is worth mentioning that BCCI Worker’s Union is chaired by Yasir Mirza Radhi, with deputy chai Zainab Al Qassab, secretary Farooq Albi, treasurer Ameena Ghareeb





The Organisational Culture & Activities Committee of the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs & Urban Planning, headed by the Works Affairs Undersecre-tary Ahmed Abdul Aziz Al Khayyat or-ganised an annual blood donation cam-paign, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health’s Central Blood Bank and in the pres-ence of a large num-ber of Ministry staff

Lycee Francais MLF De Bahrein pre-sented a commem-orative plaque to Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons (YKA) in recognition for the company’s support to the school activities at Manama head of-fice. Cristian Chale-Principal and Redha Ghuloom – Athletic Director/Manager of Pub-lic Relations were present

Minister of Labour & Social Development Jameel Humaidan received Bahrain Sociologists Society (BSS) chairman Hameed Mohsen, and “Bahraini Employee is First Choice” president Mohammed Al Aradi accompanied with the society members, community members and initiative proponents. The meeting ex-plored various issues related to organizing the first dialogue forum slated to be held by “Bahraini Employee is First Choice” Initiative


His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa re-ceived Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and his granddaughter Shaikha Aisha bint Rashid Al Khalifa on the occasion of her graduation from the Royal Mili-tary Academy Sandhurst, in the United King-dom, at Sakhir Palace yesterday

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received Su-preme Council for Youth & Sport Chairman, Bahrain Olympic Committee President & Royal Charity Organ-isation (RCO) Chairman HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who introduced to him the GCC Ministers of Youth and Sport on the occasion of their 31st meeting in Bahrain at Sakhir Palace yesterday

Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa received US Ambassador to Bahrain, William Roebuck, at the Gudaibiya Palace yesterday. They reviewed the progress of the friendly Bahrain-US relations, and ways to bolster them in various fields, as well as issues of mutual concern

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received a number of Indian businessmen, led by the owner of Rosy Blue Diamond, Russell Mehta yesterday. The Premier stressed that the Kingdom is ready and boasts all need-ed potentials that encourage those who seek to make a commercial hub and a host of their trade, economic and social events

14

Los Angeles

Actress Emma Watson says she is passionate about her “private

identity” because she gets overwhelmed with attention.

Speaking to Interview Magazine, Watson asserted that growing up in the spotlight taught her the importance of separating her public persona from her private life, reports people.com.

Watson got famous thanks to her role as Hermione Granger in “Harry Potter” film series.

Watson said: “Daniel (Radcliffe), Rupert (Grint), and I were kids when we got cast in this fairy-tale series, and what happened to us was kind of a fantasy story in itself.

“So the story of my life has been of public interest, which is why I’ve been so passionate about having a private identity. When I step into a character, people have to be able to suspend their disbelief; they have to be able to divorce me from that girl.” (IANS)

Los Angeles

Actor Jeff Goldblum is returning to the “Jurassic Park” franchise for the next instalment.

The sequel to “Jurassic World” --the fourth instalment-- is being directed by J.A. Bayona, reports variety.com.

Actors Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are returning for the sequel which will also star Justice Smith, James Cromwell, and Toby Jones.

Goldblum co-starred in 1993’s “Jurassic Park” and in 1997’s “The Lost World: Jurassic Park,” but was absent from “Jurassic World.” He played the quick-witted mathematician Ian Malcolm, who managed to survive in both films. (IANS)

Los Angeles

Actor Will Smith is in negotiations to star in “Gemini Man”.

Along with Smith, Ang Lee is also in negotiations to direct the action thriller with Jerry Bruckheimer producing the film, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

“Gemini Man” centres on an aging assassin who has to fight against his clone, who is 25 years younger and in his prime.

Back in 1997, the project was first set up at Disney as a pitch by Darren Lemke, while Don Murphy was set to produce the movie and Tony Scott was attached to direct. The original concept was to have an actor such as Harrison Ford to play the older assassin and someone like Chris O’Donnell to play the younger one.

The concept was later revised, with the idea of one actor playing both parts. However, the project was considered impossible to be filmed due to the lack of technology. (IANS)


Ashley Tisdale‏ @ashleytisdale

When my husband said 1800gotjunk was coming

this morning to take all the boxes.I think I fell in

love with him all over again. #ocd #h8boxes

He became known as Peter Pevensie in the The Chronicles of Narnia film series. He also played a small role in the 2002 film, Goodbye, Mr. Chips.

April 27, 1987

Los Angeles

Singer Madonna is unhappy with the news of the biopic “Blonde Ambition” which is being made on her. Just after the news of the

biopic was announced, Madonna took to her Instagram account to express her opinion about the project, reports aceshowbiz.com.

On Tuesday, the singer criticised the unauthorised biopic and said that only she could tell her story. (IANS)


Memories...Do Not OpenThe Chainsmokers

Pure ComedyFather John Misty

DivideEd Sheeran

MoanaSoundtrack

Star-light: Recorded Live On TourBethel Music

PTX Vol. IV: Classics (EP)Pentatonix

All-Amerikkkan Bada$$Joey Bada$$

Beauty And The Beast (2017)Soundtrack

Hardwired...To Self-DestructMetallica

24K MagicBruno Mars

(billboard.com)

South Korean actor Yu Ji-tae has joined

the cast of Danish art house director Lars Von Trier’s upcoming horror film The House That Jack Built.

Yu is the first Asian actor to play a supporting role in one of Von Trier’s films.

He began his career as a fashion model, but is now known for his work with several of South Korea’s most acclaimed directors, including Hur Jin-ho on One Fine Spring Day (2001), Park Chan-wook in Oldboy (2003), and Hong Sang-soo in Woman is the Future

of Man (2004).

“It’s an honour for me to be in the film of my favourite director, Lars von Trier,” Yu

said. “It [will] be a very special experience for me.”

The House That Jack

Built, which will be Von Trier’s first release since his two-part sensual psychodrama Nymphomaniac in 2013, stars Matt Dillon as Jack, and Uma Thurman, Bruno Ganz and Riley Keough.

The story follows Jack, a highly intelligent serial killer over the course of 12 years and depicts the murders that make him into a serial killer. It is expected to be released in 2018.

The film’s sales agent, TrustNordisk, and its Korean distributor, Atnine Film, are understood to have put Yu forward for the role. (hollywoodreporter.com)

(From Left): Lars Von Trier, Yu Ji-tae and Manon Rasmussen

Los Angeles

Wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista is eager to see actor Daniel Craig reprise the role of James Bond.

The 48-year-old starred opposite Craig in the most-recent 007 movie “Spectre”, in which he played the villainous henchman Mr Hinx. Bautista says he would love to see the British actor return as Bond, reports metro.co.uk.

Asked if he’d like to reprise the part of Mr Hinx, the star said: “Yeah! Believe me we’re talking about it a lot. We’re waiting at home with our fingers crossed.”

“We’re waiting for the news to see if Daniel will sign up for ‘Bond 25’, because then there’s a chance that Hinx will come back,” he said. (IANS)

Thursday, April 27, 201716BAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION (HINDI/ACTION/ADVENTURE/DRAMA)Starring: Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana DaggubatiDANA : Timings: 11:00, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00, 23:00THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 11:00,14:00,17:00,20:00,23:00THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 10:45,13:45,16:45,19:45,22:45THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 10:45,13:00,15:15,17:30,19:45,22:00,00:15

BAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION (MALAYALAM/ACTION/ADVENTURE/DRAMA)Starring: Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana DaggubatiDANA : Timings: 11:00,14:00,17:00,20:00,23:00THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 11:00,14:00,17:00,20:00,23:00

BAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION (TELUGU/ACTION/ADVENTURE/DRAMA)Starring: Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana DaggubatiDANA : Timings: 10:30,13:30,16:30,19:30,22:30DANA : Timings: 10:45,13:45,16:45,19:45,22:45

BAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSIOn (TAMIL/ACTION/ADVENTURE/DRAMA)Starring: Prabhas, Anushka

Shetty, Rana DaggubatiDANA : Timings: 10:30, 13:30, 16:30, 19:30, 22:30THE WALK CINEMA : Timings : 10:30, 13:30, 16:30, 19:30, 22:30Timings: 10:45, 12:45, 14:45, 16:45, 18:45, 20:45, 22:45,00:45Timings: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00, 23:00, 01:00

FAST AND FURIOUS 8 – ATMOS (Action/Crime/Thriller)Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Charlize Theron, Scott Eastwood DANA : Timings: 10:45,13:15,15:45,18:15,20:45,23:15

THE BOSS BABY – 3D( A N I M A T I O N / C O M E D Y /FAMILY) Starring: Eliza Dushku, Robert Patrick, Chace Crawford DANA : Timings: 11:00,13:00,15:00,17:00,19:00,21:00,23:00,01:00

SNIPER: SPECIAL OPS (ACTION / DRAMA / WAR)Starring: Steven Seagal, Rob Van Dam, Tim Abell DANA : Timings: 10:45,12:30,14:15,16:00,17:45,19:30,21:15,23:00,00:45THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 11:00,13:15,15:30,17:45,20:00,22:15,00:30THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 10:45,12:30,14:15,16:00,17:45,19:30,21:15,23:00,00:45

THE LOST CITY OF Z (ACTION/ADVENTURE/BIOGRAPHY)Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson, Sienna Miller DANA : Timings: 11:00,13:30,16:00,18:30,21:00,23:30THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 11:00,13:30,16:00,18:30,21:00,23:30

KONG: SKULL ISLAND – 2D (ACTION/ADVENTURE/FANTASY ) Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie LarsonDANA : Timings: 11:00,13:15,15:30,17:45,20:00,22:15,00:30

BEAUTY & THE BEAST –2D (FAMILY/FANTASY/MUSICAL) Starring: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans DANA : Timings: 10:45,13:00,15:15,17:30,19:45,22:00,00:15

THE BOSS BABY – 2D ( A N I M A T I O N / C O M E D Y /FAMILY) Starring: Eliza Dushku, Robert Patrick, Chace Crawford DANA : Timings: 10:45,12:45,14:45,16:45,18:45,20:45,22:45,00:45

UNFORGETTABLE ( DRAMA / THRILLER )Starring: Rosario Dawson, Kath-erine Heigl, Geoff Stults DANA : Timings: 11:00,13:00,15:00,17:00,19:00,21:00,23:00,01:00

FREE FIRE (ACTION / CRIME / THRILLER)Starring: Sharlto Copley, Brie Larson, Armie HammerDANA : Timings: 10:45, 14:15, 17:45, 21:15, 00:45THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 10:45,14:15,17:45,21:15,00:45Timings: 12:30,16:00,19:30,23:00

GOING IN STYLE ( COMEDY / CRIME ) Starring: Morgan Freeman, Joey King, Ann-Margret

DANA : Timings: 12:30,16:00,19:30,23:00

HEADSHOT ( Action / Drama / Thriller )Starring: Iko Uwais, Chelsea Islan, Sunny Pang DANA : Timings: 10:45,13:00,15:15,17:30,19:45,22:00,00:15THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 10:45,13:00,15:15,17:30,19:45,22:00,00:15Timings: 10:45,12:30,14:15,16:00,17:45,19:30,21:15,23:00,00:45Timings: 10:45,12:45,14:45,16:45,18:45,20:45,22:45,00:45Timings: 11:00,13:30,16:00,18:30,21:00,23:30

SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE– 3D (Animation/Adventure/Comedy) Starring: Michelle Rodriguez, Ariel Winter, Julia Roberts DANA : Timings: 10:45,12:30,14:15,16:00,17:45,19:30,21:15,23:00,00:45

GHOST IN THE SHELL ( ACTION / CRIME / DRAMA ) Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Pilou Asbæk, Takeshi Kitano DANA : Timings: 10:45,12:45,14:45,16:45,18:45,20:45,22:45,00:45

FAST AND FURIOUS 8 (Action/Crime/Thriller)Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Charlize Theron, Scott Eastwood DANA : Timings: 11:00,13:30,16:00,18:30,21:00,23:30

THE HOLLOW POINT ( CRIME / THRILLER ) Starring: Lynn Collins, Ian Mc-Shane, Patrick Wilson THE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 12:45,14:45,16:45,18:45,20:45,22:45

GAMBA ( ANIMATION ) Starring: Keiji Fujiwara, Shûichi Ikeda, Yuki KajiTHE WALK CINEMA : Timings: 10:30,13:30,16:30,19:30,22:30

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The sworn enemy of the Smurfs, Gargamel creates

the first female Smurf named Smurfette to try and gain access to the super-secret Smurf village. But Papa Smurf thwarts his efforts and does magic on Smurfette to get her over to the good side. While she looks like the Smurfs, she remains different than the others. Smurfs are supposed to specialise at one thing, (humour, baking, farming etc.), but she is a Jill-of-all-trades. On one ‘Smurfing’ trip, the

evil Gargamel captures her and wheedles out information about another secret Smurf village. She breaks out of his prison, and struck by guilt, decides to go and warn the inhabitants of the other village with help from her friends Clumsy Smurf (Anton Yelchin), Brainy Smurf (Danny Pudi) and Hefty Smurf (Joe Manganiello).

After two previous movies that tried to hook viewers to the Smurf’s universe and failed, ‘Smurfs: The Lost Village’ is a reboot that tries to salvage the

dismal run of its predecessors. Given the short length of the film, kudos to the makers as they manage to explore new ground and introduce an entirely new Smurf tribe, yet the story fails them. Kids may find it endearing, but there is very little for adults to take away. The characters, with the exception of Smurfette, remain one dimensional and the villain is a weakling. There is no real fear about him ever winning in the entirety of the film. (ToI)


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18 Thursday, April 27, 2017COOL ZONE

S OU UKD

CROSSWORDYESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

Your star today

Across Down

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

How to play: Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

(Mar 21st - Apr 20th)

(Apr 21st - May 21st)

(May 22nd - Jun 21st)

(June 22nd - July 23rd)

(July 24th - Aug 23rd)

(Aug 24th - Sep 23rd)

(Sep 24th - Oct 23rd)

(Oct 24th - Nov 22nd)

(Nov 23rd - Dec 21st)

(Dec 22nd- Jan 20th)

(Jan 21st - Feb 19th)

(Feb 20th - Mar 20th)

Your goal for the day seems to be to enchant your mate. There’s no reason not to try. Indeed, today is excellent for love. But don’t exaggerate your romantic wiles. Since the day’s aspects tend to distort your perception of things, you may be betrayed by what you see in the mirror. Be careful of what you do and how you do it!You’re in splendid shape today! Did a fairy godmother conjure away all the little difficulties of the past few weeks? Enjoy this moment of relief from your worries. As for your love life, some exciting opportunities may arise. Be on the lookout for them, and whatever you do, don’t let them escape!

It’s certainly clear that you have faith in your actions! You feel no fear or doubt as you progress toward your goals, cruising along on calm seas under clear skies. This new atmosphere is likely the product of your renewed commitment. Reward yourself for your accomplishments, by all means, but you should wait a few days before launching a full-fledged celebration.

This is a moment to start being creative in your life and stop being afraid of not having any talent. Who’s to say what talent is? And in the romance department, the love of your life might be right in front of you. Try lifting your eyes from the romance novels and look around. The perfect mate could be any number of people in your daily life.

You may be a bit unclear about your professional direction today. Your motivation has disappeared without warning. What happened? It may be that you need to become involved in projects that have more universal resonance. Projects of a narrow scope that concern only your interests no longer hold your attention.

It could be that you see mirages, most notably in the environment around you. You may have the impression that people are lying to you or hiding something from you. Or it may be you’re the one who lies about certain things or hides what you do. Why are you making things so complicated? Don’t be afraid to express your feelings today.

Hold tight to your money, because you may have some strange (though noble) impulses to give it away or spend a large amount on something completely useless. You should think about spending your money in a better way or, better yet, not at all. Why not consider donating some time rather than money to those in need?

Today isn’t a good day to sign contracts or make any substantial purchases. Go to the grocery store, by all means, but buy hamburger not tenderloin. Keep your money in a safe place and save your reserves. Don’t negotiate anything today. No matter how good the offer sounds or how compelling the deal, just walk away.

You’re radiant and glowing with happiness today. This is a refreshing change after the gloom and doom of the past few weeks. Apparently the decisions you made worked out for the best. Or, even better, perhaps you’re in love? In any case, it will be even easier than usual for you to communicate with others and share your joy. Let the good times roll!

Are you certain that you can’t modify your current situation? Are you a prisoner of a lifestyle that isn’t of your own making or that may be a throwback from the past? People have been asking you to take on too many responsibilities and this is what weighs you down. Don’t be afraid to be alone and distance yourself from these situations. Learn to say no and make your own life!

The forecast for you is excellent. You can rely on today’s aspects to restore your confidence, which has been sorely tried in the past few days. The warrior of seduction within you can swagger forth, certain of conquest. However, don’t go too far. Wait a few days for reality to dispel the cloud of ecstasy and you will be able to see the future more clearly.

You may have some trouble communicating today. It’s as though something is distorting your perception. Don’t be surprised if, once evening comes, you feel like forgetting about all of your responsibilities and travelling to the other end of the world. Tomorrow you will see clearly again, but doubtless there are adventures in store for you!

1- Roman holiday;; 6- Indian state;; 11- Alias;; 14- Constellation contain-ing Rigel;; 15- Capital of Yemen;; 16- Rainy;; 17- ___ a time (singly);; 18- Night noise;; 19- Remote;; 20- Clock pointer;; 22- Sweatbox;; 24- Unity;; 28- Pot;; 30- Canal site;; 31- Island in the Bay of Naples;; 32- Moves with care;; 33- Tankard with a knob on the lid;; 37- Sgt., e.g.;; 38- Continental cash;; 39- GI’s address;; 40- Gazelle;; 43- Unit of magnetic field strength;; 45- Royal;; 46- Walk stealthily;; 47- Negligent;; 49- Compete;; 50- Rest on the surface of a liquid;; 51- Sleep like ___;; 52- Hi-___ monitor;; 53- Greeting;; 56- Backs of feet;; 61- ___ was saying...;; 62- German industrial city;; 63- Chilean pianist Claudio;; 64- Common ID;; 65- Shake awake;; 66- Unite;;

1- Egg ___ yung;; 2- East ender?;; 3- Sprechen ___ Deutsch?;; 4- Get thee ___ nunnery;; 5- National songs;; 6- Orgs.;; 7- Beach blanket?;; 8- ___-Cone;; 9- Swiss river;; 10- Conductors;; 11- Dreadful;; 12- “The Family Circus” cartoonist Bil;; 13- Name on a razor;; 21- Simile center;; 23- Squabbling;; 24- Goes into business;; 25- Civil rights org.;; 26- Belgian painter James;; 27- Scot’s refusal;; 28- Stuffing for pillows;; 29- Actor Omar;; 31- Christmas song;; 33- Big brass;; 34- Terre ___, IN;; 35- Big name in printers;; 36- Snooped (around);; 38- Ova;; 41- ___ La Douce;; 42- Nor’s partner;; 43- Cotton fabric;; 44- Suitable;; 46- Overly;; 47- Like non-oyster months;; 48- Red fluorescent dye;; 49- Duplicate;; 50- Monks;; 51- Pub orders;; 54- That, in Tijuana;; 55- Baton Rouge sch.;; 57- Before, before;; 58- Go astray;; 59- Time delay;; 60- Litigate against;;

BEETLE BAILEY R

#PollToday

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Bangladesh has approved a project to build hundreds of mosques with almost $1 billion from Saudi Arabia, an official said yesterday.


London

United Airlines was under fire again yesterday after

a huge rabbit named Simon died while hopping over from London to Chicago, where he was due to be picked up by a celebrity buyer.

The valuable 90-centimetre (three-foot) long continental giant rabbit had previously been described as “fit as a fiddle”, and his death in the cargo section of a Boeing 767 comes as a mystery.

“Something very strange has happened and I want to know what,” breeder Annette Edwards, from Worcestershire in central England, told British newspaper The Sun.

“Simon had a vet’s check-up three hours before the flight and was fit as a fiddle,” she said, adding: “I’ve sent

rabbits all around the world and nothing like this has happened before.”

Edwards also revealed that “the client who bought Simon is very famous. He’s upset”.

Ten-month-old Simon was expected to grow to become the world’s biggest rabbit, after his father Darius grew to 1.32 metres, Edwards said.

According to the breeder such rabbits cost £5,000 ($6,400, 5,900 euros) a year to keep.

The incident comes less than three weeks after United Airlines drew global outrage for forcefully dragging a passenger off an overbooked flight.

United Airlines said it was “saddened” to hear the news of Simon’s death.

Paris

Newborn humpback whales and their

mothers whisper to each other to escape potential predators, scientists reported Wednesday, revealing the existence of a previously unknown survival technique.

“They don’t want any unwanted listeners,” researcher Simone Videsen, lead author of a study published in Functional Ecology, said.

“Potential predators such as killer whales could listen to their conversations and use that as a cue to locate the calf and predate on it.”

Whales are known for their loud calls, congregating fellow members of the pod.

Male humpback whales also emit reverberating sounds to attract females during the mating season.

But this is the first time scientists have observed a unique, intimate form of communication between humpback mothers and calves.

Researchers from Denmark and Australia tracked each of eight calves and two mothers for 24 hours in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, a breeding ground for Antarctic humpback whales seeking warmer waters to mate and give birth.

Using tags attached to the animals, the team of scientists recorded their faint squeaks and grunts.

Celebrity’s giant rabbit dies on United flight

These are actions by the Turkish military against Kurdish forces that truly oppose terrorist groups on the ground, first and foremost ISIL or the Islamic State group. We consider such actions unac-ceptable and going against the founding principles of international relations,”

Russian Foreign Ministry

Turkey detains 1,000 in new anti-Gulen crackdown

Spain holds Egyptian, Spaniard with suspected IS links

UAE hands Iranian 10-year sentence

Spanish authorities said yesterday that they had arrested an Egyptian sus-pected of facilitating the return of jihadists from Iraq and Syria.

A UAE court sentenced an Iranian to 10 years in prison followed by deportation for attempting to ship a gen-erator to his home country.

Baby whales ‘whisper’ to mothers to avoid predators

Bangladesh to build hundreds of mosques

Turkey detained more than 1,000 people in a huge new crackdown against alleged supporters of a cleric accused of orchestrating the coup bid against Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

According to Reporters Without Borders, “Press freedom has never been so threatened as it is today,with journalists harassed, jailed or disappeared in a lengthening list of countries.” Do you consider this as true?

Yes No Cant Say

Seoul

US troops began delivering a missile defence

system that has infuriated China to a deployment site in South Korea yesterday, amid heightened tensions over the North’s nuclear ambitions.

Washington is urging Beijing -- Pyongyang’s sole major ally -- to do more to rein it in, but the Asian giant has reacted with fury to the planned installation of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.

The US and ally South Korea say its deployment, agreed last year, is intended to guard against missile threats from the nuclear-armed North.

But China fears it will weaken its own ballistic capabilities and says it upsets the regional security balance.

TV footage showed large trailers in camouflage paint carrying what appeared to be missile-related equipment entering a former golf course in the southern county of Seongju on Wednesday morning.

THAAD “will be operational in the coming

days and able to better defend South Korea against the growing North Korean threat,” Admiral Harry Harris, who heads Pacific Command, told lawmakers in Washington.

Hundreds of residents -- who are concerned over the potential environmental impact -- protested angrily, some clashing with police. More than 10 were injured including three who were hospitalised, activists said.

Seoul’s defence ministry said Wednesday’s move was aimed at “securing operational capability of the THAAD as soon as possible”, with a goal of fully installing the batteries by the end of this year.

The South is holding a presidential election next month to choose a successor to ousted leader Park Geun-Hye, and Seoul and Washington are pressing ahead with the deployment with some candidates ambivalent over the system -- including front-runner Moon Jae-In, of the left-leaning Democratic Party.

His spokesman Park Kwang-On expressed “strong

regret” at the delivery, saying it ignored “required procedures”.

“This move has shut off any room for policy considerations by the next government and it is very improper,” he said.

Beijing condemned the move, with foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang telling reporters the THAAD deployment “severely undermines China’s strategic security interests”.

“It helps in no way to achieve the denuclearisation of the peninsula and regional peace and stability,” he said, adding China would “take necessary measures to safeguard its own interests”.

Beijing has imposed a host of measures seen as economic retaliation against the South, including a ban on tour groups.

Retail conglomerate Lotte, which previously owned the golf course, has also been targeted, with 85 of its 99 stores in China shut down, while South Korea’s biggest automaker Hyundai Motor said Wednesday its Chinese sales fell 44 percent last month. (AFP)

US missile defence reaches S.Korea

Moscow

Russian authorities yesterday were probing an accident

at a beverage factory that saw fruit juice flood the streets of a town south of Moscow.

The roof of a warehouse at a PepsiCo plant in the town of Lebedyan, some 320 kilometres (199 miles) south of Moscow, collapsed on Tuesday, injuring two people and causing juice to flood the town.

Video footage broadcast on state television Tuesday showed torrents of reddish-coloured juice flowing through the streets as stunned drivers passed by in their cars.

“As a result of the collapsed warehouse, several tons of juice

spilled and flowed through the streets into the Don River,” prosecutors said.

Local investigators said Tuesday said that the nine-storey building that came down was

built “like a house of cards”.The massive warehouse was

holding some 28 million litres (seven million gallons) of juice at the time of the incident, officials said.

Juice floods Russian town

Screen grab from a CCTV footage showing a street flooded with juice

Representative picture

US troops began delivering the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) sys-tem for installation on a for-mer golf course


of hostage deal: Qatar

Doha

Qatar said yesterday that the deal to secure the

recent release of a hunting party kidnapped in southern Iraq went ahead with the “full knowledge” of Baghdad.

Responding to a complaint by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi that ransom money was brought into Iraq without its approval, the emirate said it had regularly consulted with officials in Baghdad during the tense negotiations.

It was the first official statement made by the normally secretive government in Doha since the release last week of the 24 Qataris and

two Saudis held hostage since December 2015.

“We are thankful that the Qatari nationals are home safe,” said the statement from Qatar’s government communications office.

“The negotiations to free them proceeded with the full knowledge of the Iraqi government, whose representatives were regularly briefed and updated by Qatari officials.”

Abadi told a news conference on Tuesday that Qatari negotiators had landed in Baghdad with “hundreds of millions of dollars” in ransom money before the hostages

were freed.“The Qatari government

sent its envoy to Iraq and asked to bring a private plane,” Abadi said.

“We were surprised that there were big bags, so we seized them and they contained hundreds of millions of dollars,” he said.

“This money was brought in without the approval of the Iraqi government,” he said.

Abadi also questioned where the money was heading.

“Hundreds of millions to armed groups? Is this acceptable?”

No group has accepted

responsibility for the kidnapping.

The terms of the release have not been revealed.

Sources close to the negotiations have told AFP however that their release was part of a broad regional deal between Iran and Qatar involving the evacuation of residents from besieged towns in northern Syria.

Qatar has long been thought to have influence with some Sunni rebel groups in Syria, including the former Al-Qaeda affiliate now known as Fateh al-Sham Front that besieged g o v e r n m e n t - c o n t r o l l e d villages. (AFP)

Arab League urges ICRC to interveneCairo

Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit yesterday

urged the International Committee of the Red Cross to intervene with Israeli authorities to halt their “abuse” of Palestinian prisoners.

Abul Gheit sent a letter to ICRC president Peter Maurer requesting “the committee (ICRC) urgently intervene with Israeli authorities to stop the various abuses being committed against those prisoners of war”, the Arab League said. The move came as 1,500 Palestinian prisoners entered the 10th day of a hunger strike over demands ranging from improved

medical care to greater access to telephone calls. The detainees, led by popular leader Marwan Barghouti, launched the hunger strike on April 17.

Abul Gheit’s letter is part of contacts “with international actors to stop violations against Palestinian prisoners of war in Israeli prisons”, the League said in a statement.

He called for the ICRC to demand Israel “ensure treating Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike according to norms and standards set in international humanitarian law”.

The Arab League chief sent a similar letter on Tuesday to United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres.

A Palestinian girl looks up at a woman wearing a t-shirt bearing portraits of late palestinian leader Yasser Arafat (bottom) and Palestinian leader and prominent prisoner Marwan Barghouti during a demonstration in the West Bank city of Ramallah

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, second left in front row, receives the released Qatari hostages at Doha airport on April 21, 2017. Courtesy: Qatar News Agency

Hatra

Iraqi pro-government forces said yesterday they

had seized the UNESCO-listed ancient site of Hatra from the Islamic State group, the latest archaeological jewel to be wrested from the jihadists’ grip.

Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) paramilitary forces fighting IS around Iraq’s second city Mosul said they had “liberated the ancient city of Hatra... after fierce clashes with the enemy”.

The Hashed forces launched their offensive at

dawn on Tuesday and swiftly retook villages in nearby desert areas and the Hatra archaeological site. They had advanced to the edge of the adjacent town of Hatra itself.

An AFP reporter with the forces said the advance was quick, supported by army helicopters and met by limited resistance from the jihadists.

Lying 120 kilometres (80 miles) southwest of Mosul, the jihadists’ last urban Iraqi stronghold, Hatra is one of a string of archaeological sites recaptured from IS in recent months.

Dubai

A US warship has fired a warning flare at

an Iranian Revolutionary Guards vessel that refused to maintain distance in Gulf waters, a US spokesman said yesterday.

Guided-missile destroyer the USS Mahan had an “unprofessional interaction” with an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy vessel on Monday in the international waters of the Gulf, US Navy spokesman Lieutenant Rick

Chernitzer said. Chernitzer said the

Iranian vessel came within 1,100 yards (1,005 metres) of the destroyer, prompting the US Navy to issue warning messages, twice blast the internationally recognised five-whistle danger signal and deploy “a flare to determine the Iranian vessel’s intentions”.

“Eventually, the Iranian vessel opened the distance, steering a course away from Mahan,” Chernitzer said.

Riyadh

The Saudi coast guard fired on an unmanned

boat rigged with explosives, thwarting an attack on one of the kingdom’s oil terminals.

The boat, sent from a small island off the Yemeni coast, was targeting a petroleum products distribution terminal run by Saudi oil giant Aramco when it was intercepted on Tuesday, the interior ministry said in a statement carried by the SPA

state news agency.“The boat was spotted

when it departed from a small island in Yemeni waters and gained speed after entering Saudi waters,” the ministry said.

After determining that the boat was unmanned, a coast guard unit opened fire on its engine and stopped it 1.5 miles (2.8 kilometres) from the terminal in the southern region of Jazan, the statement said.

Iraqi forces seize Hatra

US warship fires warning flare at Iran vessel in Gulf

Saudi stops ‘rebel boatbomb’ from Yemen

Members of the Iraqi forces distribute food to displaced families

Iraq had ‘full knowledge’

Thursday, April 27, 2017 21SPORTS

Al-Dhaen qualifies for Boston

Manama

Bahrain National Triathlon team member

Nawaf Al-Dhaen finished the 42.2 km Barcelona International Marathon race in two hours and 55 minutes, qualifying him to participate in the London and Boston Marathon.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity

Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, praised the positive results achieved by the Al-Dhaen.

Al-Dhaen expressed his thanks to Shaikh Nasser and confirmed this result will motivate him to continue his preparations for the London and Boston Marathon.

BCL Golden League:Hala CC Crush BMMI

Manama

Hala CC crushed BMMI by 111 runs in the latest

matches of the BCL 25 Overs Golden League at the Busaiteen Grounds in Muharraq.

Batting first, Hala scored 222 for seven in its 25 overs thanks to fine knocks by Haris (55) and Sharafuddeen (52) with Akheel (two for 28) the best of the bowlers. In reply, BMMI were restricted to 111 for nine with Waseem (31) top scoring and Siya (four for 26) and Nishad (three for 25) being the pick of the bowlers.

SNCS Royal Rider 3Q were six-wicket winners against Royal Blaster who finished on 142 for nine with Diju (33) top scoring and Aneesh (three for 20) and Vipin (three for 20) sharing the majority of the wickets to fall.

SNCS then reached the target in scoring 148 for five in 20.1 overs thanks to a fine knock by Thanzeer (53) and good support from Riyad (22),

with Vinod (two for 21) the best of the bowlers.

Other scores: 1) Kordal CC 253/9

(Faizan 90, Fahad 41, Qadir 3/28) bt Shaheen 180/7 in 25 (Bilal 65, Samad 4/34) by 73 runs.

2) Riffa Arabian Oryxes 129/5 (Riaz 34, Salman 33) bt Alpha Fire Bahrain 126/10 (Rvin 31, Irfan 6/33) by 5 wickets.

3) Bulls 146/3 in 19.4 (Yaisr Imran 53, Imthiyas 37, Waqas 2/16) bt Muharraq Eagles 145/9 (Waqas 42, Sumesh 4/21) by 7 wickets.

4) RUCT 124/9 in 25 (Faisal 37, Vijay 31, Anto 5/19, Dileep 4/15) bt Tornado Riders 122/7 (Manu 24, Sharan 3/16) by 1 wicket.

5) Karnataka Strikers 186/6 (Bhadusha 43, Mathew 3/26) bt Byju’s Learning App 68/10 (Shafeeq 23, Shailu 4/19) by 118 runs.

6) Fateh Curtain 208/8 in 25 (Noman 65, Zahid 67,

Faizan 3/20) bt Panthers 102/10 (Talha 20, Arslan 3/18) by 106 runs.

7) Rising Star 161/9 (Jenson 32, Sheriyar 3/19 bt Young Blaster 128/6 (Rishabh 22) by 33 runs.

8) Thunder Bolt 146/7 in 20.2 (Sarfaraz 30, Daval 28, Wasif 2/18) bt SNB 144/6 (Sayed 38, Rana 29) by 3 wickets.

9) Typhoon 171/ 9 (Rateesh 43, Rajeesh 35, Jeethu 2/20) bt Lions 135/10 (Juzer 39, Jayakrishnan 3/13, Sriraj 3/10) by 36 runs.

BCL Golden League T-20 (Semi Finals):

1) Elite Cargo Unique 138/7 in 20 (Askar 46, Jijo. K 37, Taha 2/28) bt Arabian Oryxes 137/9 (Faiz 55, Asghar 3/24) by 1 run.

2) Ahmed Zayani RICC 200/5 in 20 overs (Anoop 71, Suresh 64, Sachin 37, Qadeer 2/32) bt Liaison 160/10 (Yaser 35, Saeed 32, Sachin 3/29) by 40 runs.

Bahrain to compete at Baku GamesManama

Bahrain will send an official delegation to the

Fourth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games in Baku, Azerbaijan.

They will compete in three sports – athletics, shooting and wrestling at the games, which will take place between May 12 and 22, with 4,000 athletes from 57 countries expected to take part.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports deputy general secretary and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) general secretary

Abdulrahman Askar said the Bahrain participation at this event is a great opportunity for the nation to compete with the region’s best athletes and achieve progress in their respective sports.

“Our participation at Baku comes as per approval from the Bahrain Olympic Committee board and in line with its 2017 calendar international competition programme, and the Solidarity Games is an important stop in pursuit to win as many medals as possible,” said Askar.

Sports at the games include gymnastics, athletics,

basketball, football, boxing, swimming, handball, judo, karate, ping-pong, volleyball, wrestling, wushu, badminton, and taekwondo.

Turkey is one of the 57 countries that will participate and one of the strongest candidates to become the host county for the next games.

The games kicked off in 2005 in Saudi Arabia and aim to emphasize Islamic unity and solidarity through sports. The fourth edition of the games will be launched with the motto ‘Journey from the Caspian’.

Batelco Racing ready for Dubai

BTA to host sport experts

Manama

Following on the success at the Dubai Kartdrome

Endurance Autodrome 2017 (12 Hours) Round One, Batelco Racing is ready for Round Two which takes place this weekend, 28th and 29th April.

Batelco Racing will be represented by Mohammed Matar, Ramez Azzam and Saeed Al Muhairi who successfully completed the Round One race at 555 laps, and 42 seconds ahead of its nearest competitor.

Manama

Bahrain Triathlon Association (BTA)

announced the hosting of several international sports experts in the areas of swimming, cycling and running, who would be conducting technical lectures and workshops today in cooperation with “Tactris” Sports Company.

Shaikh Saqer bin Salman Al Khalifa, President of BTA, said that holding such activities comes as part of the annual programmes organised by the Association in collaboration with several sports agencies, and in line with the strategy of Bahrain Olympic Committee under the guidance of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Explaining the workshop on the running sport will be open to the public as it will shed light on how to practice sports and to avoid injuries. He urged people interested in attending it to be present in Riffa Golf Club at 5:45 pm wearing sports attire.

West Ham, Newcastle raidedLondon

Tax investigators swooped on West Ham United and

Newcastle United yesterday as British and French authorities launched a major investigation into a suspected £5 million football tax fraud.

Close to 200 tax officials from the two countries swept premises on both sides of the Channel in morning raids, arresting several men and seizing financial records. “HMRC has arrested several men working within the professional football industry for a suspected £5 million ($6.4 million, 5.9 million euros) income tax and National Insurance fraud,” British tax authority HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) said.

Mixed fortunes for Jai KarnatakaManama

Jai Karnataka enjoyed a victory and then suffered a

narrow loss in the latest Group B of The Indian Club Indian Expatriates Seven-a-Side Softball Cricket Tournament 2017 at its premises in Gudaibiya.

In their first match, Jai Karnataka defeated

Maharashtra Mandal by four wickets after the latter managed 36 for four in six overs, then in reply reached the target in 5.2 overs after scoring 37 for two thanks to an unbeaten knock by Richard (24 not out).

In the second match, BMMI edged out Jai Maharashtra by one run after scoring 51 for five in six overs despite a hat-

trick by Javed and Harprit’s knock of 27 not out leaving on 50 for two in its six overs as Harprit only managied to score a boundary four off the last ball rather than the required ‘maximum’.

Action takes a break and will resume on May 2 after the hosting of a number of Labour Day celebrations at the club.

Anoop - Ahmed Zayani Haris _ Hala Sharafu - Hala Thanzeer - SNCS

Nawaf Al-Dhaen

SPORTSThursday, April 27, 201722

Aidan Payne/[email protected]

Manama

Bahrain got back to winning ways after they

defeated Qatar by 52 runs in its third match and the fourth round of round-robin matches yesterday in the International Cricket Council (ICC) 2017 World Cricket League (WCL) Asia Region Division One in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Batting first, the national team managed 233 for seven in its 50 overs, which saw the team slump at the start to 62 for five in 21.1 over following the cheap dismissals of openers Imran Ali Butt (14) and Janaka Chaturanga (6), followed by Mohammed Sameer (17), Junaid Aziz (0) and the skipper Azeem Ul Haq (9).

Bahrain’s fortune changed when Gamini Arachchige (47 off 85 deliveries, 5x4) and man

of the match Tahir Dar (79 off 88, 9x4, 2x6) and put on 127 for the sixth wicket.

Late in the innings Jabbar Amjad (11 off 10, 2x4) and Mohammed Rafeh (28 off 11, 1x4, 3x6) added a valuable 42 unbeaten runs for the eighth wicket.

Qatar’s best bowlers were Abbas Malak (three for 34) in nine overs, Mohammed

Nadeem (three for 34) in 10 and Nouman Sarwar (one for 17).

In reply, Qatar were dismissed for

181 in 38.4 overs with the main scorers being opener Mohammed Tanveer (53 off 52, 7x4, 1x6) and mid-order batsmen Tamoor Sajjad (36 off 47, 2x4) and Zaheer Ibrahim (20 off 32, 2x4).

Bahrain’s bowlers picking up wickets were Tahir Dar (three for 29) in nine overs, Junaid Aziz (three for 57) in 10, along

with Azeem Ul Haq (one for 13) in 2, Jabbar Amjad (one for 21) in 3.4 and Babar Ali (one for 33) in 10.

Bahrain prepared for this championship with five friendly matches in Sri Lanka, winning three and losing two, getting acclimatised and getting used to turf wickets.

Bahrain back to winning ways Other scores:

1) Saudi Arabia 131/4 in 26.3 overs (Shahbaz

Rasheed 27, Abdul Waheed 23; Haroon Shahid

2/25, Imran Ali 2/30) bt Kuwait 130 all out in

43.2 overs (Imran Ali 31, Ali Zaheer 30; Moham-

med Afzal 4/22, Imran Arif 3/21 by 4 wickets.

Man of the Match: M Afzal.

2) Thailand 58/3 in 13.5 overs (Daniel Jacob 22no,

Weerachai Maneerat 12; Ge Yong Sheng 1/7,

Zhang Yufei 1/9, Wang Qui 1/17) bt China 55

all out in 20.1 overs (Zhong Yu Fei 11, Zhang

Peng 10; Nopphon Senamontree 4/13, Kamron

Kamron Senamontree 2/14) by 7 wickets. Man

of the Match: N Senamontree.

Standings (after four rounds): (played-won-lost-points):

1) Saudi Arabia (3-3-0-6),

2) Qatar (4-3-1-6),

3) Bahrain (3-2-1-4),

4) Thailand (4-2-2-4),

5) Kuwait (3-1-2-2),

6) Bhutan (4-1-3-2),

7) China (4-0-4-0).

Today’s schedule: Rest Day:

Tomorrow: 1) Saudi Arabia vs Bhutan,

2) Qatar vs China,

3) Bahrain vs Kuwait.

Defeat Qatar in Asian cricket

Barcelona

Rafael Nadal began his quest for a 10th

Barcelona Open title in commanding fashion, whilst Andy Murray moved into the last 16 without hitting a ball yesterday.

Fresh from winning a record 50th clay court title at the Monte Carlo Masters on Sunday, Nadal swept aside Brazilian Rogerio Dutra Silva 6-1, 6-2 in his first appearance on the newly-baptised Rafael Nadal court.

“An honour to see this,” Nadal tweeted before the match on a rain-interrupted day in the Catalan capital alongside a picture of the court’s new title.

“The first match in any tournament is difficult, but it all went well,” added Nadal.

“The court was very slow and the conditions weren’t how I like, but it was a solid match.”

Nadal will face South

African Kevin Anderson on Thursday.

Murray had an even easier route into the next round as Bernard Tomic pulled out of their second-round clash with a back injury.

The world number one was a late entry into the draw after suffering a shock defeat in Monte Carlo to Albert Ramos-Vinolas last week as he seeks time on court after recently returning from an elbow injury.

However, the Scot will have to wait until Thursday to begin his campaign against Feliciano Lopez, who eased past fellow Spaniard Albert Montanes 6-2, 6-2.

Fifth seed David Goffin, who fell to Nadal in the semi-finals in Monte Carlo last week, remained on course for another last-four meeting with the 14-time Grand Slam champion after a 7-5, 6-0 win over Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili.

Nadal cruises, Murray

gets walkover

Results Results from 173.3km first stage:

1. Michael Albasini (SUI, Orica) 4hr 33min

10sec,

2. Diego Ulissi (ITA, UAE) same time,

3. Jesus Herrada (ESP, Movistar) s.t.,

4. Natnael Berhane (ERI, Dimension) s.t.,

5. Chris Froome (GBR, Sky) s.t.,

6. Pello Bilbao Lopez (ESP, Astana) s.t.,

7. Wilco Kelderman (NED, Sunweb) s.t.,

8. David De La Cruz (ESP, Quick-Step) s.t.,

9. Richard Carapaz (ECU, Movistar) s.t.,

10. Pierre Latour (FRA, AG2R) s.t.

Overall standings

1. Fabio Felline (ITA, Trek) 4hr 39min 07sec,

2. Maximilian Schachmann (GER, Quick-

Step) at 8sec,

3. Jesus Herrada (ESP, Movistar) s.t.,

4. Primoz Roglic (SLO, Lotto-NL) 9,

5. Ion Izagirre (ESP, Bahrain) 12,

6. Bob Jungels (LUX, Quick-Step) s.t.,

7. Jose Goncalves (POR, Katusha) 13,

8. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Movistar) s.t.,

9. Michael Albasini (SUI, Orica) 14,

10. Jonathan Castroviejo (ESP, Movistar) s.t.

Champery

Switzerland’s Michael Albasini won the first stage of the Tour

de Romandie yesterday as prologue winner Fabio Felline of Italy maintained his overall lead.

Twice former winner and favourite Chris Froome finished fifth on the stage and climbed 39 places, but remains 29 seconds off the pace after finishing 78th in Tuesday’s opening 4.8km prologue.

On a sopping wet day, Albasini won a sprint finish at the end of the 173.3km mountainous stage from Aigle to Champery in Switzerland, with Italian Diego Ulissi second and Jesus Herrada of Spain third.

It was 36-year-old Albasini’s seventh stage win at the tour.

Felline finished safely in the leading bunch in 12th in the same time as the winner. German Maximilian Schachmann jumped two places to second overall at 8sec with Herrada now third on the same time.

Victory continued a solid spring for Albasini of the Australian Orica team after he finished third at the Amstel Gold Race 10 days ago.

Thursday’s second stage is a hilly 160.7km run from Champery to Bulle.

The key stage will likely be Saturday’s mountainous 162.3km run including four categorised climbs. The race finishes on Sunday with an 18.3km individual time-trial.

stage

AlbasiniwinsRomandie

Switzerland’s Michael Albasini of Team Orica-Scott (R) sprints to win the first stage of Tour de Romandie

seven

Thursday, April 27, 2017 23SPORTS

FootballScores as of closing

English Premier League:

Spanish La Liga:

German Cup semi-final:

French Cup semi-final:

Russian Premier League:

Moscow

Reigning champions CSKA Moscow thrashed city rivals

Lokomotiv 4-0 yesterday to cut the gap to Russian Premier League leaders Spartak Moscow to seven points.

Russian internationals Alan Dzagoev and Alexander Golovin, Brazilian Vitinho and Israeli Bibars Natcho scored to set CSKA on their way to a well-deserved win.

CSKA play Spartak on Sunday in what looks like a title-decider.

Zenit St Petersburg defeated Orenburg 1-0 away and are third, one point further back.

CSKA started in lively fashion and in the 11th minute Dzagoev received a pinpoint pass by Vitinho in the area and sent the ball home with a low angled shot.

Vitinho and Golovin then added one apiece in the space of six minutes to give CSKA a commanding 3-0 lead at half time.

Seven minutes after the interval CSKA right winger

Mario Fernandes found the unmarked Natcho in the area and he kept his cool to fire into the corner.

“It’s a rare occasion when I’m happy with the result and our performance both in defence and in attack,” CSKA head coach Viktor Gancharenko said.

Orenburg squandered a couple of clear-cut chances in the first half before Giuliano put Zenit into the lead with a precise spotkick in the 17th minute after Yury Zhirkov was chopped

down in the area.After the interval the home

side surged forward seeking an equaliser but were thwarted by Zenit ‘keeper Andrei Lunev on several occasions.

“We won deservedly,” St Petersburg manager Mircea Lucescu said. “But I’m pleased with the result much more than with our play today.

“We’ve got three points that are very important for us as we’re still in the race for a place in next season’s Champions League.”

CSKA thrash Lokomotiv

Arsenal 1 Leicester 0Middlesbrough 1 Sunderland 0Crystal Palace 0 Tottenham 1

Barcelona 7 Osasuna 1Leganes 3 Las Palmas 0 Valencia 2 Real Sociedad 3Deportivo 2 Real Madrid 6

Bayern Munich 2 Borussia 3

PSG 5 Monaco 0

Orenburg 0 Zenit 1Rubin Kazan 0 Terek Grozny 1Arsenal Tula 2 Samara 0CSKA Moscow 4 Lokomotiv 0

Barcelona

Lionel Messi rewarded a homage by Barcelona

fans with two more goals as they thrashed Osasuna 7-1 to move three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

The much-criticised Andre Gomes and Paco Alcacer also bagged doubles, whilst Javier Mascherano scored his first Barca goal in seven years with the club from the penalty spot.

Madrid have two games in hand and can move back level on points with victory at Deportivo la Coruna later on Wednesday.

Osasuna remain rock-bottom and will be relegated if Leganes beat Las Palmas on Wednesday.

Messi’s brilliance against Madrid at the weekend El Clasico kept Barca in the title

race as he netted his 500th Barca goal with the last kick of the game to hand the Catalans a 3-2 win.

A huge “Thanks Leo” banner was raised before kick-off at the Camp Nou, whilst many fans imitated Messi’s goal celebration by raising Barca shirts with Messi’s name on the back in the 10th minute.

The five-time World Player of the Year responded by opening the scoring two minutes later as he pounced on an error in the Osasuna defence to stroll through on goal and lift the ball over the advancing Salvatore Sirigu.

Gomes has been the scapegoat for many of Barca’s most disappointing defeats this season.

But the Portuguese had

arguably his best night in a Barca shirt as he drilled home Ivan Rakitic’s cross to make it 2-0 on the half hour.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen was Barca’s other hero from the weekend with a string of stunning saves.

However, the German international was caught out by Roberto Torres’s free-kick which brought Osasuna back into the game three minutes into the second half.

Barca, though, simply went through the gears with a four-goal burst in 10 devastating minutes.

Firstly, Gomes slotted home his second of the night after Gerard Pique’s initial effort came back off the post.

Messi then curled in his 49th goal in 47 appearances this season from the edge of

the area.And the Argentine instantly

made way for 19-year-old Carles Alena to keep him fresh for Saturday’s Catalan derby at Espanyol.

Alcacer then finished on the stretch for Barca’s fifth.

And when Denis Suarez was felled in the area seconds later the cry went round the Camp Nou for Mascherano to take the spot-kick.

Rakitic obliged by stepping aside to let the Argentine take it and he smashed the ball into the roof of the net for his first goal in 319 Barca appearances.

Alcacer rounded off the scoring four minutes from time when he latched onto Suarez’s fine through ball to round Sirigu and slot into an empty net. (AFP)

Barca hit Osasuna for

Messi scores twice

Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates

Stuttgart

Maria Sharapova marked her return from a 15-month

doping ban yesterday with a rusty 7-5, 6-3 win over Roberta Vinci in Stuttgart, describing victory as the “best feeling in the world”.

Sharapova, the former world number one and five-time Grand Slam champion, brushed off a nervous start to eventually claim a convincing win on her controversial comeback having tested positive for meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open.

“It’s the best feeling in the world to walk out (on court), it’s been a stage of mine since I was a young girl and it was

very special,” said Sharapova who celebrated her win with a succession of double fist pumps and a broad smile before blowing kisses to all corners of the Porsche Arena.

“I have been waiting for this a long time.”

Sharapova was given a wildcard to play in Stuttgart, where she has been champion three times, a move which drew a barrage of criticism from rivals who believed she was receiving preferential treatment.

She fired 39 winners and 11 aces past 34-year-old Vinci, one of the Russian’s many critics.

After receiving warm applause from the crowd, which included

one fan who held up a Russian flag bearing the words ‘Welcome back Maria’, Sharapova, dressed in an orange top and lilac-coloured dress, initially struggled.

She quickly found herself 2-0 down before she broke back to level at 2-2.

As was to be expected after her long break, Sharapova laboured to find her shots and Vinci profited from several mistakes.

But the 30-year-old Russian started to move her Italian opponent around the court and found her range with a pair of aces.

Sharapova finally broke the Italian in the 11th game and then held her service, converting her

second set point in exactly an hour.

Vinci had lost to Sharapova in both their previous meetings and the Italian trailed from 2-0 down in the second set on Wednesday.

Sharapova quickly moved to 5-3 ahead up with an ace and extended her domination in the following game, racing into a 40-0 lead and converted her first match point for victory in one hour, 45 minutes. (AFP)

SPORTS

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2424 Thursday, April 27, 2017

P23Barca hit Osasuna for seven

Sharapova shines

Russia’s Maria Sharapova