Unseeded Naomi Osaka has won her first WTA title and simultaneously, she logged the record as the first Japanese player to win the Indian Wells final, routing Russian Daria Kasatkina 6-3, 6-2 on Sunday.

World number 44 Osaka rolled over Kasatkina, breaking her serve four times and winning the battle of the 20-year-old rising stars in just 70 minutes.

I just knew that she was going to fight for every point, too, said Osaka. So I couldnt afford to lose points based on nerves, and I had to keep making the right decisions.

Osaka captured the title on her first match point by blasting a backhand into the open side of the court.

The Japanese dynamo improved to 13-4 on the season two days after her biggest previous win, a dominating semi-final triumph over world number one Simona Halep.

She was only the fourth unseeded player to reach the Indian Wells final, with the most recent before her being Kim Clijsters in 2005.

The loss ends a brilliant run in the California desert by Kasatkina, who was playing in her second final in a row after a runner-up finish in Dubai.

She was much better today than me, so she really deserved to win, Kasatkina said. Of course, we were both nervous at the beginning, because the biggest finals so far.

But during the match, she was able to manage her nerves and stuff, and I was still a little bit tight during the match. So it is what it is.

Kasatkina was two points from defeat against Venus Williams in the semi-finals but rallied for the upset triumph.

Kasatkina, who wasnt even born when Williams first competed at Indian Wells, said she really felt the nerves getting to her on the big stage in the final.

She called her coach to come down from the stands for advice at one point but couldnt remember after the match what he told her.

I mean, I already forgot what he told me. I was so nervous, that I really forgot, she said.

Osaka blasted five aces, made three double faults and won 79 percent of her first-serve points.

I wasnt really trying to hit hard today, said Osaka, who was born in Osaka, Japan, but is a dual citizen after living in America since the age of three.

I felt like it would be better for her to take my pace.

So I wanted her to do whatever she wanted to do and I was going to sit back and see what she does.

Like Osaka, Kasatkina was playing in her first Indian Wells final. This was the first time both Indian Wells finalists were under age 21 since Serena Williams beat Clijsters in 2001.

The opening set was even until Osaka blasted two aces to take a 4-3 lead. She then broke Kasatkina to make it 5-3 and finished it off with another strong service game.

Osaka pounced on Kasatkina from the beginning of the second set, starting with an opening break of serve.

She also broke Kasatkina to go up 4-1 with another precision forehand winner down the line and never looked back.

Kasatkina is now 1-3 in WTA singles finals, winning in Charleston last year and finishing runner-up last year in Moscow and this year at Dubai.

*AFP

Source: NAN

Former US Open winner Juan Martin Del Potro stunned world number one Roger Federer 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (7/2) to win the Indian Wells Masters tournament on Sunday.

In the close to three-hour thriller, the two players kept the audience on tenterhooks, as Federer came from one set down to level scores in a tie breaker.

Federer missed clinching the championship, when he broke del Potro at 4-4, then fluffed the opportunity when he served, by allowing the Argentinian to claw his way back to level scores at 5-5. Like the second, the third set also went into a tie break, with Federer spraying many errors and losing the match.

Del Potro survived three match points before clinching the championship in the tiebreaker, ending a two hour, 42 minute marathon contest on the main stadium court.

He won the first five points of the third set tiebreaker then closed it out when Federer smack a forehand long.

Im still shaking, Del Potro said. Its difficult to describe with words. Its like a dream.

After all my problems, after all my surgeries, I couldnt believe Im here winning a Masters 1000 and beating Roger. Its amazing.

Del Potro was competing in his first Indian Wells final since 2013 when he lost to Spaniard Rafael Nadal.

This is just Del Potros seventh win over Federer in 25 career meetings.

Del Potro is back in the top 10 in rankings this season after dropping to No. 1,045 before beginning his comeback from three left wrist surgeries in 2016.

Its a bit disappointing but thats how it goes, Federer told the press.

But well done to him. I lost my serve a little bit (in the tiebreak) and he was clean.

Standing at the trophy ceremony I wish I couldve played that tiebreak again, he added.

I had a great run again this week, Federer said. We love coming here. There was not much in between us, but you (del Potro) deserve it. Enjoy the moment.

See you all next year.

Source: NAN

Ethiopian debutants

Wondwosen Geremew BabsaTemesgen Duba Holeta, Abdulsamad andTeklu Tafese Kummascoring for the Ethiopian visitors.

It was the first time for an Ethiopian side to knock Zamalek from a CAF competition, as the White Knights poor recent continental record continued. Zamalek havent tasted continental glory since 15 years when they won the 2003 CAF Super Cup.

After losing the first leg 2-1 a fortnight ago in Hawassa, Zamalek seemed confident of overturning the resukt and qualifying to the next round in style. Ehab Galal side started the game on attacking note. Abdel Aziz fired Zamalek first shot after 8 minutes but Geremew Babsa parried it easily, before Mohamed Antars shot missed the target four minutes later.

Bassem Morsy should have given Zamalek the lead after 33 minutes when he rounded his marker and fired a shot that missed its target by a whisker.

Zamalek finally broke the deadlock just before halftime. Hazem Emams cross was handed by one of the visitors defenders inside the vital area, and Madbouly made no mistake from the spot to put the White Knights ahead as both sides went into the break.

Three minutes after the restart were enough for Madbouly to double his tally. The talented winger weaved through two defenders to send a curling shot into the net.

And while Zamalek thought it was going to be a goal festive, Abdulsamad Ali reduced the deficit after 52 minutes, when he headed home after Zamaleks goalkeeper Ahmed Elshennawy failed to hold a cross from Tafesse Kummas freekick.

Morsy was the one to blame again when he shot high after 56 minutes. With time passing Zamalek players looked nervous as they tried to score a vital third goal. Ghanaian Nana Poku shot directly at Babsa, before substitute Ayman Hefnys shot caused no trouble to the visitors goalkeeper.

The 90 minutes ended with aggregate score tied at 3-3, and it was to be decided by penalty shootout that smiled for the Ethiopian surprise pack. Debutants Wolaitta Dicha will wait for a relegated side from the premier club competition, while Zamalek were sent packing in one of the second tier club competitions biggest shocks.

*Published by CAF Online

Source: NAN

Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra State pledged four years of more remarkable achievements after he and his deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke were sworn-in for a second term on Saturday in Awka.

Obiano and Okeke accompanied by their wives were sworn-in by the Anambra State Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi, at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.

Obiano said that the state was on another journey of remarkable achievements.

The governor assured the people that his second tenure would witness improvement in the provision of infrastructure, entrepreneurship and agriculture.

As we have commenced another journey of four years, we will install CCTV cameras to further improve security across the major cities.

We will dualize major roads in Nnewi and Onitsha and transform Awka to 21st century modern city, he said.

Obiano advised people of the state to stand together with his government to bend the tide of destiny of the state.

The governor reviewed his achievements in the past four years in the areas of healthcare, infrastructure, education and security.

He assured the people that the Airport City project he promised during his campaign would be achieved.

NAN reports that the event was attended by the Governors of Delta, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, Ebonyi, Chief Dave Umahi, Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu, Enugu State, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state.

Other personalities that attended the event were the Obi of Onitsha, Prof. Nnaemeka Achebe, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, HRM Dubem Iweka, the traditional ruler of Obosi, members of the National Assembly from the zone and captains of industries and religious leaders.

The event also witnessed cultural displays from different parts of the state.

Source: NAN

President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe says the country will hold its first presidential and parliamentary elections in July after the long ruler of former president Robert Mugabe.

He made the announcement after meeting with the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday night.

.The polls will be the first major test of the new leader, who took power in November after a de facto military coup forced the 94-year-old Mugabe to resign.

They will also be the first without Mugabes name on the ballot since independence from Britain in 1980.

As a nation, party and government, we are looking forward to very peaceful, transparent and harmonised elections in July this year, Mnangagwa sid

Mnangagwa, 75, said the elections would be free of the violence that gripped previous polls and which was one of the reasons for strained relations between Zimbabwe and the West.

I have already invited all political parties in Zimbabwe to a roundtable where we all commit ourselves to non-violence, he added.

Mnanaggwa will have to announce a date in an official notice. He has said he would invite Western observers, who had been banned under Mugabes rule.

The state-owned weekly Sunday Mail said a European Union pre-election team was expected in Harare on Monday.

The EU head of mission in Zimbabwe, Phillipe Van Damme, told the paper it would meet the president, political party leaders, and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

Mugabe, in his first comments since he stepped down, said last week that Mnangagwas rule was illegitimate and a disgrace.

source/uk.reuters.com/article/uk-zimbabwe-politics/president-says-zimbabwe-to-hold-elections-in-july-idUKKBN1GU0GM?rpc=401

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun, on Monday declared that the forthcoming July 14, 2018 Ekiti governorship election is a litmus test for the party, ahead of the general election in 2019.

He said the party must therefore work very hard to win the state.

Oyegun made the remark in Ado-Ekiti during the kick-off of fresh membership registration drive of the APC in Ekiti.

According to him, the party will deploy every available resources to win the election and promised all the 33 APC governorship aspirants that the party would conduct a free, fair and credible primary in the state.

He debunked the possibility of delegates list padding and other fraudulent practices that could vitiate the outcome of the May 5 primary.

He also assured that the national secretariat of the party did not have any favourite among the aspirants as being insinuated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Chairman of APC, Chief Jide Awe, reportedly in hiding over an alleged murder case, made a surprise appearance at the event.

NAN reports that the Ekiti State Government had been after Awe, over his alleged complicity in the murder of Juliana Adewunmi and Ayo Jeje, who were killed in Erinjiyan Ekiti on May 30, 2014 during the administration of Dr Kayode Fayemi.

Oyegun hinted that the delegates list to conduct the primary had been compiled and would be made available to aspirants with good financial standing for verification.

We will work hard to ensure that Ekiti returns to the progressives fold after the July 14 election.

Though, we are in power at the centre, that doesnt mean we should not work hard.

President Muhammadu Buhari, as you know, will not rig or compromise or subvert the will of the electorate, so we must work hard to deserve the victory that will come to us, he said.

NAN reports that Oyegun had earlier on arrival made a stop-over at the party secretariat where he flagged-off the new membership registration exercise.

Oyegun was received by party chieftains, including the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Segun Oni and members of the State Working Committee.

Other aspirants at the event included Sen. Gbenga Aluko, Sen. Ayo Arise, Wole Oluyede, Wole Oluleye, Capt. Sunday Adebomi, Bimbo Daramola, Dr Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, Victor Kolade, Mr Kola Alabi, Mr Diran Adesua, Dr Bayo Oriire and Femi Bamisile.

Others like Mr Opeyemi Bamidele, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu and Mr.Bamidele Faparusi sent representatives.

We have got your demands and we are giving you assurances that there will be no imposition and that the primary shall be free, fair and credible

To all the aspirants, you must not campaign as if there wont be tomorrow. Dont campaign in a way that breeds enmity. I learnt that you are above 30, but the large number shouldnt be a source of problem.

Let me say this clearly, anybody who wants to fly the flag of our party must maintain decorum. We shall be fair to you as much as possible because there cant be peace when justice is denied

We must not also have bad losers, you must work with whomever the electors pick as their candidate during the primary.

All aspirants must ensure that there is no division before and after the primary. We are also barring members of SWC from joining the bandwagon of campaign for any of the aspirants, because this can cause further division, he stated.

Oyegun said the choice of Ekiti to flag off the programme was strategic, saying this conveyed a vivid and strong message of love for the people of the state, especially with regards to the July poll.

I am happy with APC in Ekiti with the level of mobilisation from our aspirants. You have shown that you are desirous to join the progressives fold. We didnt choose Ekiti for the flag off of this programme by accident

We have decided that this election is one that we will particularly work hard and leave no stone unturned, because to us it is a must-win election, he said

Source: NAN

The Nigeria Police has reacted to report that President Muhammadu Buhari queried the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris for allegedly not obeying his order.

The police said claims by Presidency officials that Buhari had queried Idris as a result of the matter was false.

The Police boss met with President Buhari last week.

Recall that on his visit to Benue State early last week, President Buhari was told that the IGP flouted his order to relocate to the crisis-rocked state.

He was said to have spent one day in the state and jetted out to Nasarawa.

Speaking to ThisDay on the matter, Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, said,“The IGP was not queried.

“Anybody that said the IGP was queried by the president should bring the copy of the query, let us display it.

“There is very clear issue on that, that he was not queried by the President.”

Source: Dailypost.NG

President Muhammadu Buhari has threatened to sack over 45 chief executives of federal parastatals and agencies.

This follows the outcome of the President’s meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly on Thursday.

The lawmakers had complained to President Buhari that the chief executives were refusing to appear before the National Assembly to defend their budgets.

According to Punch, Buhari made his position to dismiss the chief executives known during a meeting he had with the leadership of the National Assembly at the Presidential Villa.

A source who was at the meeting told the newspaper that Buhari took the decision after the federal lawmakers succeeded in convincing him that they should not be blamed for the delay in passing the appropriation bill so far.

According to the report, the lawmakers told the President that out of about 60 government parastatals and agencies, only about 10 chief executives had appeared before them to defend their budgets.

NEWSBudget: Buhari set to sack heads of agencies, parastatalsPublished on March 17, 2018 By John Owen Nwachukwu

President Muhammadu Buhari has threatened to sack over 45 chief executives of federal parastatals and agencies.

This follows the outcome of the President’s meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly on Thursday.

The lawmakers had complained to President Buhari that the chief executives were refusing to appear before the National Assembly to defend their budgets.

According to Punch, Buhari made his position to dismiss the chief executives known during a meeting he had with the leadership of the National Assembly at the Presidential Villa.

A source who was at the meeting told the newspaper that Buhari took the decision after the federal lawmakers succeeded in convincing him that they should not be blamed for the delay in passing the appropriation bill so far.

According to the report, the lawmakers told the President that out of about 60 government parastatals and agencies, only about 10 chief executives had appeared before them to defend their budgets.

The federal lawmakers were also said to have reported some ministers who they claimed had not been cooperating with them to the President.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, are some of the ministers whose cases came up at the meeting.

Recall that at the end of the meeting on Thursday night, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, had told reporters that Buhari had directed all ministers and parastatals to appear before the National Assembly to defend their budgets.

Source: Dailypost.NG

Hillary Clinton has fractured her hand during a tour of India, reportedly slipping in a bathtub at a luxury hotel in a former palace.

A doctor at the private Goyal Hospital told AFP Friday that Clinton had undergone screening after suffering pain in her right hand following a fall.

The 70-year-old former presidential candidate was staying at Umaid Bhawan, the palace of the former royal family of Jodhpur in western Rajasthan state, now a spectacular heritage hotel.

“We did a CT scan and X-ray and found a hairline fracture around the wrist area. She was advised to take rest for few days and use a crepe bandage for support,” said the doctor on condition of anonymity.

Local and international media quoted unnamed sources as saying Clinton had slipped in the bath in an accident that comes just five months after she broke her toe in London.

She is in India to promote her book, “What Happened”, which tells the story of her losing the 2016 presidential elections to Donald Trump.

A few days earlier, video footage emerged showing Clinton stumbling on the uneven stairway of a 13th century Indian monument while holding the arm of an aide for support.

Source: Guardian.NG

A 24-year-old mother of 3 has given birth to a set of twins in Zaria, with one of them having four hands and three legs. According to report, Malama Hawwa’u Jamilu delivered the twins on Sunday, 25th February 2018. .

Strangely, Hawwa’u was not perturbed about the physique of her baby. She told Daily Trust that she regarded it as part of the might of Allah. “Both of them are female. Of course, one would have loved to deliver the babies without any deformity.

But since Allah in His infinite mercy had decided to create the twins like this, what can I do?

This is why you see me relaxed, and I love them both.

Source: Guardian.NG