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2024 Miami Open results: Alcaraz ‘felt like a 13-year-old’ in shock defeat to Dimitrov

Ben Miller
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2024 Miami Open results: Alcaraz ‘felt like a 13-year-old’ in shock defeat to Dimitrov

Miami Open top seed Carlos Alcaraz said Grigor Dimitrov “made me feel like I’m 13 years old” in the Spaniard’s shock 6-2, 6-4 quarter-final loss to the world number 12.

Reigning Wimbledon champion Alcaraz “couldn’t find solutions” as Dimitrov threatened to drub the former world number one, who began a comeback from 4-1 down in the second set before being broken for a fourth time in a 92-minute defeat.

“I couldn’t find the way to make him feel uncomfortable,” conceded Alcaraz. “Once you’re on the court, it’s even hard to see where you have to go or what you have to do.

“It was a great game from his side. I feel I played good – not perfect – tennis, but I have a lot of frustrations because he made me feel like I’m 13 years old.

“It was crazy – I was talking to my team, saying that I don’t know what I have to do. I really want to see the stats: they are going to rank him 10 or 9.9 [out of 10], something like that. Seeing Gregor playing at this level, he is really tough to play against.”

Read our other sports news stories here:
Sinner tees up Medvedev semi-final
Andy Murray to miss ‘extended period’ after suffering ankle ligament damage
Southgate: Door remains open for White to make England return

Bulgarian Dimitrov won the ATP Finals in 2017 but has never been beyond the semi-finals at a Grand Slam.

The 32-year-old will return to the top 10 for the first time in seven years if he beats Alex Zverev to reach the final in Florida.

Alcaraz v Dimitrov: Bulgarian ‘very proud’

“I’m very, very proud of myself that I was able to play such a good and clean match,” said Dimitrov.

“I’m very grateful to be this far into a Masters event and very, very excited for what’s to come.

“I always call Carlos a firecracker: he’s amazing and I love watching him play. I love practising and competing against him.

“I’m 12 years older than him so it’s a lot of fun for me to challenge myself. It’s a great opportunity. You cannot let him hit the ball.

“We have limited time to celebrate. The most important thing is to get ready and prepare for the next match.”

Man City team news v Arsenal: Stones, Walker out with injuries, Ederson, De Bruyne, Akanji updates

Ben Miller
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Man City team news v Arsenal: Stones, Walker out with injuries, Ederson, De Bruyne, Akanji updates

John Stones and Kyle Walker will miss Manchester City’s potentially crucial Premier League match at home to Arsenal on Sunday with injuries they sustained while playing for England during the international break, manager Pep Guardiola has said.

Full-back Walker was replaced during the Three Lions’ 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday because of a suspected hamstring injury before Stones also limped off early in their 2-2 draw against Belgium on Tuesday.

“Kyle’s is tougher than John’s,” said Guardiola, who did not accept an invitation to comment on his feelings about the centre-back playing five days before City try to overhaul the table-topping Gunners. “They will be out for I don’t know how many games.”

Read our other sports news stories here:
Sinner tees up Medvedev semi-final
Andy Murray to miss ‘extended period’ after suffering ankle ligament damage
Southgate: Door remains open for White to make England return

Guardiola said goalkeeper Ederson was “much better” following a spell out and Manuel Akanji was “okay” after missing training on Thursday.

The Spaniard also offered an update on playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, who missed five months of the campaign following hamstring surgery and did not join Belgium’s squad this month because of a separate issue.

“It has been a tough season for him through injuries,” said Guardiola, adding that City would not “put all of the pressure” on the 32-year-old despite his track record of inspiring them in huge games. “He trained really well yesterday, so we will see.”

City v Arsenal: Top spot the prize

City and Arsenal’s meeting immediately after the international schedule at Etihad Stadium is one of the most anticipated games of an absorbing title race.

The reigning champions are a point behind the visitors, who are again challenging for their first title since 2004 under Guardiola’s former assistant, Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal are above second-placed Liverpool, who host Brighton & Hove Albion earlier on Sunday in the first of the 10 remaining league matches for each of the contenders.

Guardiola’s side have not lost at home since November 2022 but their 1-0 defeat at Arsenal in October ended their 12-match winning league run in the fixture.

Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in the 86th minute of a game in which City had one of the three shots on target the teams shared.

Arsenal also beat City in this season’s Community Shield, equalising 11 minutes into added time through Leandro Trossard before triumphing 4-1 on penalties after the 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium.

The Cityzens have not lost since December 6 and signed off before the break with a 2-0 home win against Newcastle to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

Unrestricted grants launched today give hope to North West charities

Helen Greaney
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Unrestricted grants launched today give hope to North West charities

The Fore – a not-for-profit venture philanthropy fund supporting exceptional small charities and social enterprises – is launching its new North West Summer Funding Round, marking the seventh year of grant distribution in the region.

At least 93% of the 11,300 charities registered in the North West of England turn over less than £500,000 per year and are reaching crisis point.

This leaves thousands of local people, who rely on essential support services for their wellbeing and livelihoods, at risk.

Nationally, of the 168,000 registered UK charities, small charities make up a substantial 92%, yet receive only 4% of total sector income.

North West Summer funding round 2024 launches today

Up to three local organisations will each be offered an unrestricted grant of £30,000, plus free access to a pro bono network of over 2,000+ professionals, skills training, peer to peer networks and impact measurement support.

The programme is open to charities, Charitable Incorporate Organisations (CIOs), Community Interest Companies (CICs), and Community Benefit Societies (CBSs) based in the North West of England, across any sector, with an annual turnover of under £500,000.

Christopher Kenna, local partner of The Fore, said: “There are so many incredible charities in the North West who need and deserve support to help unlock their full potential. We’ve seen how The Fore’s grants help boost financial resilience and ability to scale and so we are thrilled to offer support again this year. I urge small charities in the region to apply, the process is quick and really simple.”

The Fore expertly identifies the most innovative small charities and catalyses their impact. Across the UK, it has awarded over £9m through 555 grants, and provided over 18,000 hours of skills support.

In the North West alone, since 2018 The Fore has awarded almost £500,000 to more than  30 local organisations, including Mandem Meetup, Manchester Refugee Support Network, Just Psychology, Happy Smiles Training, All Ears Mental Health Awareness CIC, and Stable Lives.

How to apply

Register interest in applying for the 2024 funding round on this page from  today (March 28) until noon on April 4. Grant decisions to be announced in July. To take an eligibility test, visit Who we fund – The Fore

Miami Open: Sinner tees up Medvedev semi-final

Harry Carr
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Miami Open: Sinner tees up Medvedev semi-final

Jannik Sinner will face Daniil Medvedev in the Miami Open semi-finals after cruising past Tomas Machac in the last eight on Wednesday.

Machac overcame Andy Murray and Andrey Rublev during his stunning run to the quarter-finals, but he was unable to cope with Sinner’s power and precision on Wednesday.

The Australian Open champion needed just 92 minutes to wrap up a 6-4 6-2 victory, dominating a series of lengthy baseline rallies and converting four of his 11 break points.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Andy Murray to miss ‘extended period’ after suffering ankle ligament damage
Southgate: Door remains open for White to make England return
Novak Djokovic announces split from coach Ivanisevic

Sinner was a beaten finalist in Florida last year, going down in straight sets to Medvedev, but he will get a chance to avenge that result after the Russian clinched a 6-2 7-6 (9-7) quarter-final win over Nicolas Jarry.

Speaking to Sky Sports Tennis after his win, Sinner said: “For me it’s special to play here.

“It’s a special tournament – four years ago I made the final here for the first time in a masters event and this will always be in my heart.

“Coming back is really special for me. There was not much of a crowd four years ago because of Covid and the support is much better now.

“I’m really enjoying these moments. It’s really tricky to play here sometimes because of the wind and you have to be very strong mentally.

“I have really improved a lot here. I’m very happy to be in the semi-finals and hopefully it will be a good match.”

The other two semi-finalists in the men’s draw will be decided on Thursday, with Carlos Alcaraz facing Grigor Dimitrov and Alexander Zverev taking on Fabian Marozsan in the last eight.

Vet issues urgent warning to pet owners on approach to Easter weekend

Helen Greaney
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Vet issues urgent warning to pet owners on approach to Easter weekend

One small chocolate Easter egg could be enough to cause harm to your dog this Easter, a Manchester vet has warned.

The 24/7 pet emergency hospital, Vets Now, is expecting a sudden leap in cases over the Easter weekend.

Last year, there was an 175% increase in chocolate-related cases over the Easter weekend, when compared to the week before.

With the four-day weekend fast approaching, many will be looking forward to indulging in some chocolatey treats.

But whilst the holiday can be a joyful period of celebration, it’s important for pet owners to remember to keep chocolate – which is toxic for dogs and dangerous for cats – out of reach.

Dr Simon Hagley, clinical director at Vets Now Manchester, said: “Just a handful of chocolate can be life-threatening for your dog. With more chocolate likely to be in our homes for Easter treats and egg hunts, it’s even more important for pet owners to be extra careful over the Bank Holiday weekend.

“Our advice is always to keep chocolate treats well away from your dog. As long as it’s treated early and there’s been no organ damage, the prognosis for chocolate toxicity is generally good. But we’d like to help pet owners avoid a trip to the emergency room over Easter.”

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is poisonous and highly toxic for both dogs and cats.

How toxic depends on the amount of chocolate your pet has consumed and smaller dogs or puppies face a higher risk due to their size. Dark chocolate and high % cocoa chocolate usually poses the highest danger but theobromine can still be found in milk chocolate.

Cadbury’s Mini Eggs may be a popular Easter snack but a family-sized 270g bag is enough to cause toxicity in a medium sized (12-25kg) dog. It could also cause serious problems for small breeds weighing between 5 to 12kg.

With the average chocolate Easter eggshell containing between 90 to 200g of milk chocolate, that on its own is enough to cause toxicity in medium-sized dogs and smaller dogs.

A dark chocolate egg poses a much higher risk and even just 90g could be toxic for large dogs weighing 25 kg or more. With small breeds or puppies, that quantity could be life-threatening.

The first signs of chocolate poisoning to look out for are:

  • Restlessness
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Excessive thirst

If untreated, these clinical signs may develop into hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rate, hyperthermia, and rapid breathing. In severe cases, dogs may even experience fits and heartbeat irregularities and some cases can result in coma or death.”

Owners can use an online chocolate toxicity calculator developed by Vets Now to work out whether their dog has eaten a potentially toxic amount.

Heating installers in Manchester could get a refund following government changes on ‘boiler tax’

News Desk
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Heating installers in Manchester could get a refund following government changes on ‘boiler tax’

Heating installers in Manchester could get a refund following government changes on ‘boiler tax’.

Following recent announcements about the changes in government policy surrounding the Clean Heat Market Mechanism, City Plumbing will make it quick and simple for customers in Manchester to get a refund for the added cost – the so-called ‘boiler tax’ – that was applied to any boilers purchased between January 1, 2024 – March 21, 2024. 

Customers could claw back refunds ranging from £95-£120 per boiler, depending on manufacturer. 

City Plumbing is working with the industry’s leading boiler brands and offering any customer who has purchased a boiler from January 1, 2024 – March 21, 2024 a refund onto their account for the difference in price that was applied due to the increase.

Contact will be made with all City Plumbing customers who are affected in the coming days to update them with details of the refund process (starting from the week commencing April 2, 2024).

Adam Foy, chief commercial officer at City Plumbing, said: “Customers have lots to keep track of in this ever-changing landscape as we transition to low temperature heating and more renewable technologies. Keeping things fair and straight-forward for our installers is fundamental to how we do business at City Plumbing, which is why we’ve been working closely with all the leading boiler manufacturers to create a process for refunds for the additional cost that was applied, and ensuring this process is quick and easy in order to give the best possible customer experience.” 

The Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM), which has now been delayed until April 1, 2025, mandated that manufacturers of fossil fuel boilers must sell a percentage of heat pumps proportional to their fossil fuel boiler sales.

This resulted in an increase in the cost of boilers from the start of 2024, with manufacturers passing the cost on into the supply chain.  

Account customers will receive notification of how refunds will be automatically processed, and Cash customers will receive information about a simple process to enable them to claim the refund. City Plumbing will be making contact with all its customers, with direct communications starting from the week commencing April 2, 2024. 

Southgate: Door remains open for White to make England return

Harry Carr
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Southgate: Door remains open for White to make England return

Gareth Southgate insists the door remains open for Ben White to end his self-imposed England exile, though he admits it will be tough for the Arsenal defender to make his squad for Euro 2024.

White has not played for the Three Lions since leaving the 2022 World Cup early, with the Football Association putting his departure down to “personal reasons”.

Reports later suggested White had been involved in a bust-up with Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland while in Qatar.

Read our other sports news stories here:
IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad set record with Klaasen leading the charge
Cancelo calls Man City ‘ungrateful’ as Barcelona loanee discusses Guardiola
Novak Djokovic announces split from coach Ivanisevic

White has enjoyed a fine campaign at club level and would likely have been considered for England’s recent friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, but Arsenal sporting director Edu informed Southgate that the defender did not wish to be picked ahead of the latest squad being named.

Gunners team-mate Declan Rice has expressed hope that White may change his position, and Southgate has refused to rule out a return for the 26-year-old.

“It’s really for Ben now,” Southgate told reporters. “As I’ve said, the door is open.

“Although that’s clearly difficult ahead of the Euros, when he’s missed all the qualifying campaign and you’ve got other players that have played all the way through.”

 

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A POST SHARED BY BENJAMIN 🦋 (@BENWHITE)

Southgate is set to name his provisional squad for Euro 2024 on May 21, with his final 23-man party due to be submitted by June 7.

UEFA allowed teams to select 26 players for Euro 2021 due to the impact of COVID-19, with FIFA extending that measure to cover the Qatar World Cup.

While squad sizes for this summer’s tournament are supposed to revert to 23 players, Southgate will push the case for an enlarged party at a meeting of coaches in Dusseldorf next month.

“There is one more UEFA meeting where there’s been a little bit of talk among some of the coaches about possibly increasing that,” Southgate said.

“We’ve got to make the best decisions with what we know and some of those currently are going to be medical decisions.

“We’ve been able to get those right in the previous tournaments. We’ve been able to give injured players time. But with 23 that’s definitely more difficult.”

IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad set record with Klaasen leading the charge

Jon Fisher
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IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad set record with Klaasen leading the charge

Sunrisers Hyderabad today smashed the highest total in IPL history by making 277 for three against the Mumbai Indians.

Although opener Mayank Agarwal missed out, everyone else cashed in on what was a chastening afternoon for the Mumbai bowling attack.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Djokovic announces split from Ivanisevic
Rajasthan Royals v Delhi Capitals: Preview and prediction
Andy Murray to miss ‘extended period’ after suffering ankle ligament damage

Agarwal went for 11, and with the score on 45 and Travis Head already opening his shoulders. The Australia Test star smashed 62 from just 24 balls, an innings that was almost identical to that of number three Abhishek Sharma who contributed 63 off 23.

When Sharma departed, the Sunrisers had accumulated 161 from just 11 overs.

The scoring rate did drop slightly but South African duo Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen were not exactly pedestrian.

Markram scored 42 from 28 balls with Klaasen ensuring Hyderabad finished strongly with a magnificent 34-ball 80.

The Sunrisers broke the previous IPL record set by Royal Challengers Bangalore of 263 for five against the Pune Warriors in 2013.

“We have got the best groundsmen in the world,” Klaasen said. “And they are producing very good wickets to bat on. 

“Our top order set the tempo. It was incredible to have my best mate [Markram] with me.”

Mumbai’s bowlers will not remember the game with much fondness, particularly Kwena Maphaka who saw his four overs disappear for 66 with an economy rate of 16.5. He was hit for five sixes and seven fours.

Giraffe360 unveils new video marketing tools for estate agents

Helen Greaney
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Giraffe360 unveils new video marketing tools for estate agents

Giraffe360, a proptech startup specialising in real estate visualisation, has released a range of new features designed to empower real estate professionals worldwide.

Understanding the importance of video in today’s digital landscape, Giraffe360 introduced an advanced set of video editing tools with the launch of vertical video generation, expanding on its current video walkthrough solution.

This caters to the growing demand for mobile-friendly content, allowing for portrait or landscape orientations to maximise reach and engagement across social media channels.

Giraffe360 has also added the ability to customise music, text, voiceovers, speed adjustment and angle selection of videos. These features enable estate agents to effortlessly create eye-catching videos for social media platforms, with no prior video editing experience required.

Its new Measurement Tool empowers users to calculate specific property dimensions directly within virtual tours. Leveraging LiDAR data, this feature provides the spatial knowledge needed to visualise and plan effectively, enhancing decision-making for space utilisation, renovations, and interior planning.

Giraffe360’s new Object Placement feature in its custom Floor Plan Editor offers a new level of customisation and control, allowing for a clearer representation of property layouts. Users can now add, delete, and adjust common and custom objects within floor plans, improving the visual appeal and understanding of a property’s spatial arrangement.

In response to its global user base, Giraffe360 has expanded camera language support to include German and French, ensuring a seamless and confident capturing experience.
Additionally, the introduction of the Leads Page within the Giraffe360 dashboard enhances lead management, providing agents with intuitive tools to track and respond to potential buyers efficiently.

“Through these innovative features, we are excited to further empower real estate professionals globally, enabling them to list and market properties with unparalleled accuracy and effectiveness,” said Mikus Opelts, CEO at Giraffe360. “We are dedicated to continuous innovation and are eager to see how our partners leverage these new capabilities to transform their listings.”

For more information about Giraffe360 and demo its latest features, please visit giraffe360.com.

Kao Data gets green light for £350m data centre in Stockport

Helen Greaney
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Kao Data gets green light for £350m data centre in Stockport

A £350 million sustainable data centre is set to be created at Kenwood Point in Stockport.

The 40,000 m2 former industrial site – which will operate from late 2025 – will create a leading infrastructure hub to support Greater Manchester’s fast-growing and diverse technology ecosystem.

Kao Data – the specialist developer and operator of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing – has been granted planning permission for what has been described as a “significant investment”.

Kao Data’s new facility represents an inward investment of £350M into the region and has the potential to boost Stockport’s local economy by £155m during its construction period, according to a recent report from Nicol Economics.

Central to the approval was Kao Data’s detailed public consultation process, in which it worked with JLL and Cavendish Consulting to engage key members of the local business, residential and public sector communities to ensure the data centre will play a vital role within the region’s digital economy.

Further, its tangible commitments to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers were also recognised as a pivotal part of decision-making – reinforcing Kao Data’s ethos for environmental social and governance (ESG), and its plans to engage with schools, colleges, and universities to support Mayor Andy Burnham’s vision for a Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) by helping support technical career pathways for local students.

Doug Loewe, CEO at Kao Data, said: “I’m delighted to see that planning for our new cutting-edge facility has been approved by Stockport Council, and to see the region claim its position as the UK’s foremost next-tier data centre hub outside of London.

“As the UK accelerates its ambitions to become a world leader in AI, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) continues its mission to ensure the region is a world-class destination for business, our new data centre will play a pivotal part in its technological and economic future.”

David Bloom, founder and chairman of Kao Data, said: “Since inception, I have always believed that our organisation would play a vital role in serving the UK’s scientific, research and AI communities, and as we blaze a new trail into Greater Manchester, helping to pave a new path to the skyscrapers for local students’, I’m excited to see those plans become reality.”

Kao Data’s BREEAM-certified and NVIDIA DGX-Ready data centre platform will create one of the UK’s most sustainable and energy-efficient homes for intensive GPU-powered computing applications, providing an SLA-backed PUE as low as <1.2, being powered by 100% renewable energy, and utilising hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in its backup power generators.

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