bbc--2020-08-15--BBC Women's Sport Survey: How decisions on abortion and starting a family affect female athletes

`` It was a very easy decision to make .
The day after the operation , I won a race . ''
A BBC survey of elite British sportswomen has found that just over 4 % of respondents have had abortions , because they felt a baby would affect their sporting careers .
This is more than twice the average rate of abortions in England and Wales over the past decade , which stands at around 1.7 per 100 women .
`` I was 21 .
I knew life would be over for me doing what I wanted to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the 22 women of 537 survey respondents who said she has had an abortion .
`` You just could n't do what I went on to do .
The risks are high in my sport .
You 're either in or out .
It only really worked for me when I did n't have any responsibilities to anyone else .
`` I do n't regret it at all .
`` I very much kept it to myself .
I 've never spoken about it .
I never told anyone - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at such a young age that I just went and sorted it out and then carried on as if nothing had happened . ''
One rugby player , who had already had a baby , said she had a termination because she was concerned that a scar from a C-section might erupt as a result of repeatedly crouching in the scrum .
`` I wanted to have another child but I knew if I did I would n't be able to play my game any more , '' she says .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sport . ''
Others have not had to make that decision yet , but say they know what they would do .
`` Sadly that 's something that my partner and I have had to speak about - what if… ? ''
says Para-archer Jodie Grinham .
`` It 's a hard one .
I sit there with tears in my eyes because it 's so hard to say .
It 's really hard to say to your partner who really wants a baby : Look , I love you with all my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pregnant , we would n't be able to keep it .
`` It 's very hard to say : ' I love you but I would n't have your child right now . '
It 's awful , it really is .
`` We put so many measures in place to make sure that would never be able to happen .
I 've put my body under different stresses , different mood swings just so I make sure I can go and compete and have my career .
It 's bloody hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lucky we can . ''
Three years ago , American former Olympic 400m champion Sanya Richards-Ross revealed she had had a termination a day before leaving for the 2008 Beijing Games , where she won a gold and bronze medal .
She later said every female athlete she knew had had an abortion but the issue was `` not talked about '' and that she felt she had helped other women by speaking publicly about it .
According to the survey , just over one in three ( 34 % ) have delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ careers .
`` I would probably be pregnant now or trying [ if I was not an athlete ] , '' Grinham , 27 , says .
`` But I 'm not in that 9-5 job where it is more accepted that a woman will take some time off at some point in her career to have a baby - you get maternity cover for those kinds of jobs .
I do n't get maternity cover for my career ; no-one is going to be able to go and compete and shoot for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he and his wife decide to have a baby , he can literally have a baby at any point .
Sadly , if you compete you might miss the birth and that is rubbish but it does n't take a toll on his body , his physique , his training ability , not having to physically handle the pregnancy . ''
And for athletes who do decide to start a family during their careers , there is meticulous planning involved to hit the 'perfect timing ' .
And of course , no guarantees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baby I 'd need to have it the year after a Games year , or going into the Europeans year , so I can recover - because I need to be back the year before a Games year to win a quota place to then get ready for the Games , '' says Grinham .
`` The concern I 've got is if I do n't follow that structure and have a baby at the wrong point , then I 'm showing that my career is n't the priority .
`` Why would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going out partying every weekend , I would n't be seen to be a committed athlete .
For me , if I decide to have a baby a year before a Games , then I 'm not committed to going to the Games . ''
Grinham says she looks at her schedule for planning a family in four-year blocks , coinciding with the sporting calendar .
And the window of opportunity is incredibly small .
`` Say , if next year after the Games was the year we decided to have a baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case of : We 're going to do everything we can , we 're going to have to check fertility , we 're going to have to do ovulation tests , we 're going to have to get this bang on .
Otherwise , sadly , we 're going to have to wait another four years , '' says Grinham , who says she has also considered freezing her eggs .
`` We have four months and if we ca n't do it in four months then we wait four years ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to be the best' Just over a quarter ( 26 % ) of those who took part in the survey said they felt supported by their club or governing body to have a baby and return to their sport , but more than a third ( 36 % ) said they did not .
Of the 184 who said they had delayed starting a family , 29 % percent said they felt supported and 52 % did not ( the rest ticked 'not applicable ' ) .
Among the thoughts expressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ None `` If I was n't doing sport , I can imagine I definitely would have settled down by now and had a family .
I just definitely would not do it now while I am doing sport . ''
• None `` I think it is a lot harder for women to have a family while playing sport .
No-one in our sport has ever had a baby and come back and therefore I do n't feel confident that I would have the support necessary to start a family , mainly financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athlete , I would have hoped to have been well on my way in a career and have already started a family . ''
• None `` I have n't pursued a family .
In some ways this is due to sport , but then I have always been self-funded - I wish I could have depended on an income in the sports I have been involved in . ''
• None `` I have always said to my fiance that I 'm not having babies until I 'm satisfied and until I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with sport .
I can imagine it 's hard to do what I need to after that .
My body clock is ticking in my head .
I do n't want to find out too late that it 's made it difficult to have children .
If I go and have a baby and have nine months off , then I 'm probably not going to be the best or the top .
If you come back and want to be picked , you have to be the best , but that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of many issues raised by the BBC Elite British Sportswomen 's Survey .
BBC Sport will be shining a spotlight on the others with coverage throughout the week on the BBC Sport website , BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC TV .
More information can be found here .

"It was a very easy decision to make. The day after the operation, I won a race."
That decision was abortion and Lucy - not her real name - was competing at the very top of her sport.
A BBC survey of elite British sportswomen has found that just over 4% of respondents have had abortions, because they felt a baby would affect their sporting careers. This is more than twice the average rate of abortions in England and Wales over the past decade, which stands at around 1.7 per 100 women.
"I was 21. I knew life would be over for me doing what I wanted to do in my sport," says Lucy, one of the 22 women of 537 survey respondents who said she has had an abortion.
"You just couldn't do what I went on to do. The risks are high in my sport. You're either in or out. It only really worked for me when I didn't have any responsibilities to anyone else.
"I don't regret it at all.
"I very much kept it to myself. I've never spoken about it. I never told anyone - it's bit of an amazing feat at such a young age that I just went and sorted it out and then carried on as if nothing had happened."
One rugby player, who had already had a baby, said she had a termination because she was concerned that a scar from a C-section might erupt as a result of repeatedly crouching in the scrum.
"I wanted to have another child but I knew if I did I wouldn't be able to play my game any more," she says. "I didn't want to give up my sport."
Others have not had to make that decision yet, but say they know what they would do.
"Sadly that's something that my partner and I have had to speak about - what if…?" says Para-archer Jodie Grinham.
"It's a hard one. I sit there with tears in my eyes because it's so hard to say. It's really hard to say to your partner who really wants a baby: Look, I love you with all my heart but if we were to fall pregnant, we wouldn't be able to keep it.
"It's very hard to say: 'I love you but I wouldn't have your child right now.' It's awful, it really is.
"We put so many measures in place to make sure that would never be able to happen. I've put my body under different stresses, different mood swings just so I make sure I can go and compete and have my career. It's bloody hard to have those conversations but we are so lucky we can."
Three years ago, American former Olympic 400m champion Sanya Richards-Ross revealed she had had a termination a day before leaving for the 2008 Beijing Games, where she won a gold and bronze medal.
She later said every female athlete she knew had had an abortion but the issue was "not talked about" and that she felt she had helped other women by speaking publicly about it.
Jodie Grinham won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics
According to the survey, just over one in three (34%) have delayed starting a family because of their sporting careers.
"I would probably be pregnant now or trying [if I was not an athlete]," Grinham, 27, says.
"But I'm not in that 9-5 job where it is more accepted that a woman will take some time off at some point in her career to have a baby - you get maternity cover for those kinds of jobs. I don't get maternity cover for my career; no-one is going to be able to go and compete and shoot for me.
"A man... if he and his wife decide to have a baby, he can literally have a baby at any point. Sadly, if you compete you might miss the birth and that is rubbish but it doesn't take a toll on his body, his physique, his training ability, not having to physically handle the pregnancy."
And for athletes who do decide to start a family during their careers, there is meticulous planning involved to hit the 'perfect timing'. And of course, no guarantees.
"In order to have a baby I'd need to have it the year after a Games year, or going into the Europeans year, so I can recover - because I need to be back the year before a Games year to win a quota place to then get ready for the Games," says Grinham.
"The concern I've got is if I don't follow that structure and have a baby at the wrong point, then I'm showing that my career isn't the priority.
"Why would I be selected? If I was going out partying every weekend, I wouldn't be seen to be a committed athlete. For me, if I decide to have a baby a year before a Games, then I'm not committed to going to the Games."
Grinham says she looks at her schedule for planning a family in four-year blocks, coinciding with the sporting calendar.
And the window of opportunity is incredibly small.
"Say, if next year after the Games was the year we decided to have a baby, it would have to be a case of: We're going to do everything we can, we're going to have to check fertility, we're going to have to do ovulation tests, we're going to have to get this bang on. Otherwise, sadly, we're going to have to wait another four years," says Grinham, who says she has also considered freezing her eggs.
"We have four months and if we can't do it in four months then we wait four years!"
'If you want to come back, you have to be the best'
Just over a quarter (26%) of those who took part in the survey said they felt supported by their club or governing body to have a baby and return to their sport, but more than a third (36%) said they did not.
Of the 184 who said they had delayed starting a family, 29% percent said they felt supported and 52% did not (the rest ticked 'not applicable').
Among the thoughts expressed in the anonymous survey were:
"If I wasn't doing sport, I can imagine I definitely would have settled down by now and had a family. I just definitely would not do it now while I am doing sport."
"I think it is a lot harder for women to have a family while playing sport. No-one in our sport has ever had a baby and come back and therefore I don't feel confident that I would have the support necessary to start a family, mainly financial. If I wasn't a full-time athlete, I would have hoped to have been well on my way in a career and have already started a family."
"I haven't pursued a family. In some ways this is due to sport, but then I have always been self-funded - I wish I could have depended on an income in the sports I have been involved in."
"I have always said to my fiance that I'm not having babies until I'm satisfied and until I have achieved what I want to do with sport. I can imagine it's hard to do what I need to after that. My body clock is ticking in my head. I don't want to find out too late that it's made it difficult to have children. If I go and have a baby and have nine months off, then I'm probably not going to be the best or the top. If you come back and want to be picked, you have to be the best, but that's just sport."
Abortion is one of many issues raised by the BBC Elite British Sportswomen's Survey. BBC Sport will be shining a spotlight on the others with coverage throughout the week on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC TV. More information can be found here.


bbc--2020-08-15--A former Man Utd misfit and no pressure - why Man City should fear Lyon

They have sailed past Real Madrid .
Now , all that stands between Manchester City and a Champions League semi-final place are the seventh-best team in France .
The bookmakers - in the UK , anyway - have Pep Guardiola 's side as favourites to lift the famous trophy for the first time .
But should they be worried about Lyon ?
Where might they trip up when the sides meet in Lisbon on Saturday night ?
BBC Radio 5 Live 's Euro Leagues Football Show sat down to discuss the tie this week ... • Champions League quarter-finals : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , done that ?
On the face of it , City are overwhelming favourites to beat Rudi Garcia 's Lyon young team .
After all , Lyon have won only four of their last 12 official matches in all competitions .
But Juventus were also big favourites and still were dumped out by the French side .
Lyon also have the advantage - merely psychological or not - of facing City twice last season in the group stage without defeat , including a fine win at Etihad Stadium .
French football writer Julien @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the results last season when , OK , it was a different Lyon , and the key players have all left .
`` But if you are Lyon , you look at those games and say 'we have done it already , maybe we can produce it again ' .
`` They will have the same approach , defend deep and exploit any mistakes that City could make and be very clinical .
`` They certainly believe .
No one thought they could beat Juventus and Cristiano [ Ronaldo ] over two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester City have reached one Champions League semi-final in their history , while Guardiola has now gone nine years without lifting the trophy .
The Spanish manager is aiming to reach his eighth semi-final , which would be a joint record for a manager in the competition alongside old nemesis Jose Mourinho .
This week 48 % of BBC Sport readers picked Bayern Munich to win the tournament for the first time since 2013 - but City were second pick on 30 % .
Tellingly , Lyon registered 0 % of the vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with absolutely no pressure , all the pressure is on Guardiola and Man City .
`` Guardiola is under so much pressure because people keep repeating he has n't won it since 2011 , and he has n't won it without Lionel Messi in his team . ''
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague : `` Let 's kill a myth .
Pep has never been asked to win the Champions League .
Not once .
He has nothing to prove , but he is trying to take City to the next level .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ take them to the next level . ''
Do City rely on De Bruyne too much ?
City were blown away in the Premier League title race by Liverpool this season , but were excellent in both legs to beat European giants Real .
Without the injured Sergio Aguero , Gabriel Jesus stepped up , but it is midfielder Kevin de Bruyne who remains arguably the best footballer in England .
The former Wolfsburg midfielder was directly involved in 33 Premier League goals this season ( 13 goals , 20 assists ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frank Lampard 's 36 for Chelsea in 2009-10 .
Belgian football writer Kristof Terreur : `` De Bruyne is the star man of the season for all Belgians , with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku .
`` Belgian people still think to win the Champions League , he needs to move to a different team .
I do n't agree but people still think he is not at the right club because of what happened in the last few seasons at City in this competition .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semi or a final and at his age we expect him to do it in the big games .
It is his time now . ''
Balague : `` City are the best team in the competition with Bayern and they have shown it in important games - they did it against Real Madrid .
For them to succeed they have to go back to what they were last season and be much more effective .
`` They had 14 clear chances against Real Madrid and how did they qualify ?
Two mistakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only with De Bruyne - the best midfielder in the world - they need Raheem Sterling to be effective .
Jesus was outstanding against Real but can he do it again and again and again ? ''
Since lockdown Lyon have been resolute in taking Paris St-Germain to a penalty shootout in a domestic cup final , and then shutting down a Ronaldo-inspired Juventus .
They are compact , with a slick and tidy midfield three of Maxence Caqueret , Houssem Aouar and Bruno Guimaraes all aged between 20 and 22 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defensively they are very sound , only conceding 27 times in 28 league games and 10 times in eight Champions League clashes this season .
If Lyon can score first , City could be in for a frustrating evening .
And if they do , it will probably be thanks to former Manchester United misfit Memphis Depay .
Depay has scored in six successive Champions League games - Ruud van Nistelrooy is the only Dutch player to go on a longer scoring streak in the competition 's history ( a run of nine @ @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Champions League
Memphis Depay damaged his cruciate knee ligament on 15 December; he would have missed the rest of the season but lockdown helped him return for the Champions League
Champions League quarter-final: Manchester City v Lyon Venue: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon Date: Saturday, 15 August Kick-off: 20:00 BST Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live; text commentary, report and reaction on the BBC Sport website and app
They have sailed past Real Madrid. Now, all that stands between Manchester City and a Champions League semi-final place are the seventh-best team in France.
The bookmakers - in the UK, anyway - have Pep Guardiola's side as favourites to lift the famous trophy for the first time.
But should they be worried about Lyon? Where might they trip up when the sides meet in Lisbon on Saturday night?
BBC Radio 5 Live's Euro Leagues Football Show sat down to discuss the tie this week...
Been there, done that?
On the face of it, City are overwhelming favourites to beat Rudi Garcia's Lyon young team.
After all, Lyon have won only four of their last 12 official matches in all competitions.
But Juventus were also big favourites and still were dumped out by the French side.
Lyon also have the advantage - merely psychological or not - of facing City twice last season in the group stage without defeat, including a fine win at Etihad Stadium.
French football writer Julien Laurens: "City should be worried after the results last season when, OK, it was a different Lyon, and the key players have all left.
"But if you are Lyon, you look at those games and say 'we have done it already, maybe we can produce it again'.
"They will have the same approach, defend deep and exploit any mistakes that City could make and be very clinical.
"They certainly believe. No one thought they could beat Juventus and Cristiano [Ronaldo] over two legs and they did it."
Pressure? What pressure?
Manchester City have reached one Champions League semi-final in their history, while Guardiola has now gone nine years without lifting the trophy.
The Spanish manager is aiming to reach his eighth semi-final, which would be a joint record for a manager in the competition alongside old nemesis Jose Mourinho.
This week 48% of BBC Sport readers picked Bayern Munich to win the tournament for the first time since 2013 - but City were second pick on 30%. Tellingly, Lyon registered 0% of the vote.
Laurens: "Lyon arrive here with absolutely no pressure, all the pressure is on Guardiola and Man City.
"Guardiola is under so much pressure because people keep repeating he hasn't won it since 2011, and he hasn't won it without Lionel Messi in his team."
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague: "Let's kill a myth. Pep has never been asked to win the Champions League. Not once. He has nothing to prove, but he is trying to take City to the next level.
"That's the pressure - to take them to the next level."
Do City rely on De Bruyne too much?
City were blown away in the Premier League title race by Liverpool this season, but were excellent in both legs to beat European giants Real.
Without the injured Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus stepped up, but it is midfielder Kevin de Bruyne who remains arguably the best footballer in England.
The former Wolfsburg midfielder was directly involved in 33 Premier League goals this season (13 goals, 20 assists), the most by a central midfielder since Frank Lampard's 36 for Chelsea in 2009-10.
Stop De Bruyne, stop City?
Belgian football writer Kristof Terreur: "De Bruyne is the star man of the season for all Belgians, with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku.
"Belgian people still think to win the Champions League, he needs to move to a different team. I don't agree but people still think he is not at the right club because of what happened in the last few seasons at City in this competition.
"He hasn't done it in a semi or a final and at his age we expect him to do it in the big games. It is his time now."
Balague: "City are the best team in the competition with Bayern and they have shown it in important games - they did it against Real Madrid. For them to succeed they have to go back to what they were last season and be much more effective.
"They had 14 clear chances against Real Madrid and how did they qualify? Two mistakes. They need everything to click, not only with De Bruyne - the best midfielder in the world - they need Raheem Sterling to be effective. Jesus was outstanding against Real but can he do it again and again and again?"
Stand-out performers
Since lockdown Lyon have been resolute in taking Paris St-Germain to a penalty shootout in a domestic cup final, and then shutting down a Ronaldo-inspired Juventus.
They are compact, with a slick and tidy midfield three of Maxence Caqueret, Houssem Aouar and Bruno Guimaraes all aged between 20 and 22. Energy should not be an issue.
Defensively they are very sound, only conceding 27 times in 28 league games and 10 times in eight Champions League clashes this season.
If Lyon can score first, City could be in for a frustrating evening. And if they do, it will probably be thanks to former Manchester United misfit Memphis Depay.
Depay has scored in six successive Champions League games - Ruud van Nistelrooy is the only Dutch player to go on a longer scoring streak in the competition's history (a run of nine in the 2002-03 campaign).


bbc--2020-08-15--Serena Williams: Shelby Rogers shocks former world number one at Top Seed Open

Last updated on .From the section Tennis Serena Williams lost in the Top Seed Open quarter-finals after fellow American Shelby Rogers came back from a set down to win their rain-delayed match 1-6 6-4 7-6 in Lexington .
Rogers , ranked 116 in the world , then edged the tie-break to record a memorable victory .
`` It 's every kid 's dream to be able to do something like that , '' Rogers said .
Meanwhile , 16-year-old American Coco Gauff is through to her second WTA semi-final after she battled to beat Tunisia 's number eight seed Ons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been two games from defeat in the second set when she won four in a row to level the match and then reeled off five straight games in the decider .
The world number 53 will play fellow American Jennifer Brady in the next round . '
I made it difficult on myself' It was Williams ' first loss since 2012 to a player outside the WTA 's top 100 since Virginie Razzano at 2012 Roland Garros .
The tournament top seed , who came from a set down to beat her sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing her first tournament in six months .
Seemingly unaffected by the three-hour rain delay , the 23-time Grand Slam champion looked comfortable in the opening set , showcasing a full variety of shots and big serves , powering the ball from the baseline with some neat footwork .
Williams , 38 , could not find a way past Rogers in the second set , who left it late to break her compatriot and take the game in to a third set .
A confident Rogers , 27 , played some classy shots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including a brilliant lob to take the score to 6-5 , before a Williams hold set up a tense tie-break .
But Rogers , who did not face a break point in the second and third sets , came out on top .
`` I could play a lot better , I think that 's the main thing I can take from this match , '' said Williams .
`` I made it difficult on myself by making a plethora of unforced errors . ''

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Rogers is the first player outside the world's top 100 to beat Williams since Virginie Razzano at the 2012 French Open
Serena Williams lost in the Top Seed Open quarter-finals after fellow American Shelby Rogers came back from a set down to win their rain-delayed match 1-6 6-4 7-6 in Lexington.
Former world number one Williams dominated the first set but a resilient Rogers forced a decider.
Rogers, ranked 116 in the world, then edged the tie-break to record a memorable victory.
"It's every kid's dream to be able to do something like that," Rogers said.
"Weird circumstances. Weird situation. But a win is a win."
Meanwhile, 16-year-old American Coco Gauff is through to her second WTA semi-final after she battled to beat Tunisia's number eight seed Ons Jabeur 4-6 6-4 6-1.
Gauff had been two games from defeat in the second set when she won four in a row to level the match and then reeled off five straight games in the decider.
The world number 53 will play fellow American Jennifer Brady in the next round.
'I made it difficult on myself'
It was Williams' first loss since 2012 to a player outside the WTA's top 100 since Virginie Razzano at 2012 Roland Garros.
The tournament top seed, who came from a set down to beat her sister Venus in the previous round, was playing her first tournament in six months.
Seemingly unaffected by the three-hour rain delay, the 23-time Grand Slam champion looked comfortable in the opening set, showcasing a full variety of shots and big serves, powering the ball from the baseline with some neat footwork.
Williams, 38, could not find a way past Rogers in the second set, who left it late to break her compatriot and take the game in to a third set.
A confident Rogers, 27, played some classy shots of her own in the third set, including a brilliant lob to take the score to 6-5, before a Williams hold set up a tense tie-break.
But Rogers, who did not face a break point in the second and third sets, came out on top.
"I could play a lot better, I think that's the main thing I can take from this match," said Williams.
"I made it difficult on myself by making a plethora of unforced errors."


bbc--2020-08-15--Wyndham Championship: Billy Horschel, Si Woo Kim, Tom Hoge & Talor Gooch tied for lead

Last updated on .From the section Golf American Billy Horschel shares a four-way tie for the lead at the halfway @ @ @ @ @ .
Ireland 's Shane Lowry is one shot off the lead after hitting a seven-under @ @ @ @ @ round of the day .
However , England 's Justin Rose and fellow major winner @ @ @ @ @ failed to make the cut .
Joint leader Hoge had led after the first round @ @ @ @ @ Varner III and Roger Sloan , who fell back after carding 69 and 70 respectively @ @ @ @ @ Simpson , the highest-ranked player in the field , is among seven players on eight @ @ @ @ @ at Sedgefield Country Club .
England 's Tommy Fleetwood and Paul Casey are in a @ @ @ @ @ one shot further back .
Saturday 's third round will be played in threesomes and @ @ @ @ @ of the threat of bad weather in North Carolina , USA .

Last updated on .From the section Golf
Billy Horschel birdied four of last six holes to claim a share of the lead going into the weekend
Wyndham Championship second-round leaderboard (all players US unless stated) -10 B Horschel, T Hoge, T Gooch, SW Kim (Kor); -9 S Lowry (Ire), H English, A Landry, D Redman, H Varner III; -8 R Sloan (Can), CT Pan (Tpe), W Simpson, M Hubbard, R Oppenheim, J Kokrak, T Duncan Selected others: -7 P Casey (Eng), T Fleetwood (Eng); -5 T Lewis (Eng); -3 R Knox (Sco), S Garcia (Spa), J Spieth; level J Rose (Eng); +2 B Koepka; +4 L Donald (Eng), D Willett (Eng), G McDowell (NI) Full leaderboard
American Billy Horschel shares a four-way tie for the lead at the halfway stage of the Wyndham Championship.
Horschel carded a six-under-par 64 to move to 10 under for the event, along with compatriots Tom Hoge and Talor Gooch, and South Korea's Si Woo Kim.
Ireland's Shane Lowry is one shot off the lead after hitting a seven-under 63, the joint lowest round of the day.
However, England's Justin Rose and fellow major winner Brooks Koepka of America both failed to make the cut.
Joint leader Hoge had led after the first round on eight under with Harold Varner III and Roger Sloan, who fell back after carding 69 and 70 respectively.
World number six Webb Simpson, the highest-ranked player in the field, is among seven players on eight under going into the weekend at Sedgefield Country Club.
England's Tommy Fleetwood and Paul Casey are in a group of nine who are one shot further back.
Saturday's third round will be played in threesomes and off a two-tee start because of the threat of bad weather in North Carolina, USA.


bbc--2020-08-15--Belarus: Thousands protest outside state TV building

Thousands of people have gathered outside the state television station in Belarus demanding full coverage of protests against the disputed presidential election .
Opposition supporters outside the building in Minsk held banners with signs saying `` show people the truth '' .
Mass protests erupted after President Alexander Lukashenko claimed a landslide victory in the 9 August vote .
The state broadcaster initially chose not to cover the protests .
The election result has been condemned with widespread allegations of vote-rigging .
• 'If you croak we do n't care ' : Brutality in Belarus • Five things you may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election Commission says Mr Lukashenko , who has been in power since 1994 , won 80.1 % of the vote and the main opposition candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya 10.12 % .
But Ms Tikhanovskaya insists that where votes were properly counted , she won support ranging from 60 % to 70 % .
On election day , Belarusian state channels aired the voices of Lukashenko supporters and did not cover the demonstrations .
State TV later showed footage of violence to blame protesters and warn people not to participate .
Several journalists have resigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union foreign ministers agreed to prepare new sanctions against Belarusian officials responsible for `` falsification '' .
The US has also condemned the election as `` not free and fair '' .
And on Saturday , three Baltic states called for the vote to be re-run .
What 's the latest with the protests ?
Some 100 staff came out of the state television building to join the protests and said they planned a strike on Monday , AFP news agency reports .
Others have signed a letter in support of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanding free elections and the release of those detained at mass protests , '' one employee , Andrei Yaroshevich , told AFP .
Mr Lukashenko 's press secretary Natalya Eismont and senate speaker Natalya Kochanova arrived at the broadcast centre to meet staff , to shouts of `` shame '' from the crowd gathered outside .
Earlier on Saturday , thousands of people waved flags , lit candles and laid flowers at the scene close to the metro station where one of the protesters , Alexander Taraikovsky , died on Monday .
Others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while drivers joined in by honking their horns .
Many opposition supporters chanted `` Leave ! ''
- a call for President Lukashenko to resign - and some carried signs with slogans against police violence .
The circumstances of Mr Taraikovsky 's death are unclear .
Officials say he died when an explosive device went off in his hand during a protest , but opposition supporters dispute this .
His partner , Elena German , told the Associated Press news agency that she believed the 34-year-old was shot by police .
On Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Taraikovsky 's body was held .
`` There is a seam in the chest area - the hole was sewn up , but there is a black bruise ; it 's small but we noticed .
His hands and feet are completely intact , there are not even bruises , '' she said .
Mr Taraikovsky had worked hard at his automobile repair business , Ms German said , and that neither of them had shown an interest in politics until the presidential election when they decided to support Ms Tikhanovskaya .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mood here .
Earlier in the week , police with batons beat anyone who dared to come out on the street in the evening .
But following widespread strike action in some of Belarus ' largest factories , people have been emboldened to come out in greater numbers in the daytime .
On Friday , workers from the famous Minsk Tractor Factory joined thousands of protesters in a spontaneous march and rally on Independence Square in Minsk .
Such scenes would have been unimaginable just a few weeks ago - in a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition to President Lukashenko is brutally repressed .
One woman told us : `` We 're sure everything will change .
We believe in our victory .
That 's why we will come to the streets every day .
Every day ! ''
What else is happening ?
A `` March for Freedom '' is also planned in the centre of the city on Sunday , a week after the contested election .
It follows Ms Tikhanovskaya 's call for further peaceful rallies across the country on Friday .
`` Do n't stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Amid the unrest , Mr Lukashenko sought help from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday .
Mr Lukashenko said President Putin had promised to provide what he called comprehensive assistance in the event of external military threats to Belarus .
In a joint statement on Saturday , the prime ministers of three Baltic republics - Latvia , Lithuania and Estonia - `` expressed deep concern at the violent crackdown ... and the political repression of the opposition by the authorities '' .
Lithuania and Latvia have also previously said they are prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities stopped violence against protesters and formed a national council with members of civil society .
They warned that the alternative was sanctions .
The leaders said the presidential election was `` neither free nor fair '' and called for a `` transparent '' vote `` with the participation of international observers '' .
`` The prime ministers urge the Belarusian authorities to refrain from violence against peaceful demonstrators [ and to ] release all political prisoners and those that have been detained , '' the statement added .
Ms Tikhanovskaya left for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denounced the results .
She had sent her children to Lithuania for safety before the vote .
Some 6,700 people were arrested in the wake of the election , and many have spoken of torture at the hands of the security services .
More about the protests in Belarus • LETTER FROM MINSK : Shocked by violence , people lose their fear

Earlier in the week, police with batons beat anyone who dared to come out on the street in the evening. But following widespread strike action in some of Belarus' largest factories, people have been emboldened to come out in greater numbers in the daytime.


bbc--2020-08-15--Coronavirus: South Africa eases lockdown as 'outbreak reaches peak'

South Africa 's president has said coronavirus infections appear to have peaked in the country , as he announced a sweeping relaxation of lockdown measures .
President Cyril Ramaphosa said nearly all restrictions on the country 's economy will be eased from Monday .
A controversial ban on the sale of alcohol and tobacco will be lifted .
Domestic travel , small family gatherings and the reopening of businesses will all be allowed .
In a TV address on Saturday , Mr Ramaphosa said the easing of restrictions will help to revive the country 's flagging economy after a period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , he called on South Africans not to let their guard down against Covid-19 despite `` signs of hope '' , warning of difficult times ahead .
The country has recorded more than half of Africa 's coronavirus infections , with more than 570,000 cases and 11,500 deaths to date .
• Why things are going both right and wrong in South Africa • South Africa 's outbreak : Eight lessons for the rest of the continent • How fast is coronavirus spreading in Africa ?
South Africa also has the fifth-highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US , Brazil , Russia and India , but infections have started to dip in recent days .
Mr Ramaphosa said the number of new daily confirmed cases had dropped from a peak of more than 12,000 to an average of 5,000 over the past week .
The number of active cases has declined to about 105,000 and the recovery rate risen to 80 % , the president said .
`` As we look back at the past five months , all indications are the South Africa has reached the peak and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curve , '' Mr Ramaphosa said .
How has South Africa handled its coronavirus outbreak ?
In March , the South African government introduced some of the toughest lockdown restrictions in the world .
Borders were shut to international travellers , schools were closed , alcohol was banned and people were told to stay at home .
Those measures were credited with slowing the initial spread of Covid-19 , giving the health sector valuable time to prepare for more patients .
Meanwhile , the economy faltered as businesses struggled to stay afloat during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the government began a gradual reopening in June , but restrictions were reintroduced last month as infection rates began to rise again .
A state of emergency was declared effective until 15 August .
A large proportion of South Africa 's coronavirus infections have been reported in Gauteng , the country 's financial hub .
The influx of patients has put an incredible strain on South Africa 's hospitals .
A BBC investigation found an array of systematic failures that had exhausted healthcare professionals and brought the health service in some areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big moment for South Africa .
Praising his government 's response to the pandemic , President Ramaphosa spoke of a new phase , and signs of hope .
And he has a point .
The official death toll here is 11,000 .
But a quick , aggressive response has enabled most hospitals and provinces to contain an outbreak many feared would overwhelm the nation .
The economic price has been devastating , though .
President Ramaphosa spoke of hardship and hunger for millions , and warned it would take years to rebuild the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a second wave of infections , which , Mr Ramphosa warned , could be worse than the first .
But many South Africans - still sporting face masks in public - will be relieved that the lockdown is easing .
What lockdown restrictions have been lifted ?
Mr Ramaphosa said , as of midnight on 17 August , South Africa will move to level two of its five-stage coronavirus alert system .
`` The move to level two means that we can remove nearly all of the restrictions on the resumption of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Ramaphosa said .
Mr Ramaphosa said his government would end the ban on the sale of alcohol and tobacco .
Alcohol sales were prohibited to ease pressure on hospitals , and tobacco products were restricted due to the risk of spreading Covid-19 via the sharing of cigarettes .
The restrictions were unpopular , with bar and restaurant owners protesting against the ban on selling alcohol .
Mr Ramaphosa said travel between provinces will now be allowed , but restrictions on international arrivals will remain in place .
He said other restrictions will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people and crowds at sporting events .

"As we look back at the past five months, all indications are the South Africa has reached the peak and moved beyond the inflection point of the curve," Mr Ramaphosa said.


bbc--2020-08-15--China restaurant apologises for weighing customers

A restaurant in central China has apologised for encouraging diners to weigh themselves and then order food accordingly .
The policy was introduced after a national campaign against food waste was launched .
The beef restaurant in the city of Changsha placed two large scales at its entrance this week .
It then asked diners to enter their measurements into an app that would then suggest menu items accordingly .
Signs reading `` be thrifty and diligent , promote empty plates '' and `` operation empty plate '' were pinned up .
Hashtags about the restaurant have been viewed more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform Weibo .
The restaurant said it was `` deeply sorry '' for its interpretation of the national `` Clean Plate Campaign '' .
`` Our original intentions were to advocate stopping waste and ordering food in a healthy way .
We never forced customers to weigh themselves , '' it said in an apology posted online .
President Xi Jinping ignited the campaign this week , calling the levels of national food wastage `` shocking and distressing '' .
Following Mr Xi 's message , the Wuhan Catering Industry Association urged restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dishes served to diners - implementing a system where groups have to order one dish fewer than the number of diners .
State TV also criticised livestreamers who filmed themselves eating large amounts of food .

Following Mr Xi's message, the Wuhan Catering Industry Association urged restaurants in the city to limit the number of dishes served to diners - implementing a system where groups have to order one dish fewer than the number of diners.


bbc--2020-08-15--Chloe McCardel: Swimmer seeks to beat men's Channel record and quarantine

A cross-Channel swimmer is facing a new challenge in her latest record-breaking feat - quarantine restrictions between France and the UK .
Australian Chloe McCardel 's planned 10-hour swim starting on Saturday night will be her 35th Channel crossing , breaking the men 's record .
But she hopes her short stay on French soil will not require self-isolation .
`` Literally , I reach the shore and stand up on land for a couple of minutes , '' she said .
The 35-year-old is due to start from Dover at 20:00 BST on Saturday , with the 21-mile crossing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday morning .
She said that when she arrives , she will spend only a few moments on the French shore before swimming back out to her support boat for the return journey .
`` We do n't go anywhere near the border officials or passport control , so I 'm hoping technically the quarantine thing wo n't apply , '' she said .
`` I 've got a little celebration planned in England with the support crew , the team , the volunteers who have been so supportive throughout this .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that without having to quarantine . ''
• Woman first to swim Channel four times non-stop • How an 11-year-old came to swim the Channel The Department of Transport said Ms McCardel should seek legal advice .
She says she has been advised by the Channel Swimming Association that her swim can go ahead .
`` They said channel swims are allowed as long as you observe social distancing when you land and do n't stay on the shore for more than 10 minutes , which is standard practice for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly before embarking on the swim .
She said there was little risk of coming into contact with someone in France because her swims usually end in an area of boulders near Cap Gris-Nez .
`` I usually finish where there are large boulders and it 's inaccessible to people on land because you ca n't walk through the boulders .
There 's no sand , '' she said .
Ms McCardel already negotiated special dispensation from the Australian government to travel to the UK for her record attempt .
In recent weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking her level with British swimmer Kevin Murphy , the current men 's record holder on 34 crossings .
She told the Daily Telegraph that she hopes that her latest feat can help to raise awareness about domestic violence , revealing that she is a survivor who has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder .
`` What I 'm doing might seem like a superhuman feat , but I 'm just a normal , everyday person who 's had huge challenges , '' she told the paper .
Equalling the women 's record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Alison Streeter , the `` Queen of the English Channel '' , has swum the distance 43 times .
Ms McCardel holds multiple records for endurance swimming , including the longest ratified unassisted ocean swim in 2014 , when she covered 77.3 miles ( 124.4km ) in 41.5 hours in the waters around the Bahamas .
In 2017 , she became the first person to attempt a quadruple non-stop crossing of the English Channel , but she was not successful in completing the 84-mile journey .
The feat was finally achieved by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , last year - one year after she was treated for breast cancer .

"I would like to have a little celebration this evening in England. I'm extremely lucky to be surrounded by so much love and support, from my English host to my support boat captains and crew, and I'm excited to celebrate this achievement together with them."


bbc--2020-08-15--VJ Day: UK commemorates 75th anniversary as royals lead tributes

The Royal Family has led the UK 's commemorations on the 75th anniversary of VJ Day - the day World War Two ended with Japan 's surrender .
The Prince of Wales led a two-minute silence at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire , as part of a service of remembrance .
Later , in a TV address , his elder son Prince William urged the public `` to learn the lessons of the past '' .
And a message from the Queen thanked those `` who fought so valiantly '' .
She said : `` Those of us who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign , whether on active service overseas , or waiting for news at home , will never forget the jubilant scenes and overwhelming sense of relief . ''
The Prince of Wales attended the event at the arboretum with the Duchess of Cornwall .
He laid a wreath at the Kwai Railway Memorial , as a small number of veterans and their relatives sat on benches dotted around the garden , to maintain social distancing .
A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast also commemorated those who fought .
In a speech , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` will echo through the ages . ''
He referred to the description of them as the Forgotten Army , noting how many soldiers , nurses and other personnel felt aggrieved at the way some of the public associated the end of World War Two with the victory in Europe in May 1945 .
`` Let us affirm , they and serving veterans are not forgotten , rather you are respected , thanked and cherished with all our hearts and for all time , '' he said .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Exhortation before the silence , thanked those who had fought for restoring `` peace and prosperity '' .
In a pre-recorded speech for BBC One 's VJ Day 75 : The Nation 's Tribute - broadcast on Saturday evening - the Duke of Cambridge spoke of how King George VI addressed the nation on August 15 1945 as `` the most catastrophic conflict in mankind 's history came to an end '' .
`` It is hard for us to imagine what Victory over Japan Day must have felt like at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jubilation , and sheer relief , together with a deep sadness and overwhelming sense of loss for those who would never return home .
`` Today we remember those who endured terrible suffering and honour all those who lost their lives . ''
He cautioned : `` As we look back , we must not forget our responsibility to learn the lessons of the past and ensure that the horrors of the Second World War are never repeated .
`` We owe that to our veterans , to their families , and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He went on to thank those veterans , among them his own grandfather , the Duke of Edinburgh , who `` remembers vividly his role in collecting released prisoners of war '' , said Prince William .
Prince Philip was a young Royal Navy officer aboard a warship in Tokyo Bay when Japan surrendered .
As part of the commemorations , he appeared in a photo montage of veterans which featured on large screens in locations across the country throughout the day .
In the montage each veteran was pictured with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service .
It marked a rare appearance for Prince Philip , 99 , who has only been seen a handful of times in public since retiring in 2017 - most recently for a military event at Windsor Castle .
Earlier in the morning , Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was joined by military chiefs as he placed a wreath at the Cenotaph in London .
The defence secretary also met some of the famous Chelsea Pensioners during his visit to their iconic home , the Royal Hospital Chelsea , as part of events to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Red Arrows - who were due to carry out a flypast over the capital cities of all four nations of the UK - were forced to cancel flights over Edinburgh , Cardiff and London , where they were to fly directly over the Royal Hospital Chelsea , due to poor weather conditions .
They were , at least , able to fly over Belfast , and pilots met three veterans during a stop at Prestwick , near Glasgow .
VJ Day - or Victory over Japan Day - on 15 August 1945 ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military history , during which tens of thousands of servicemen were forced to endure the brutalities of prisoner of war camps .
It is estimated that there were 71,000 British and Commonwealth casualties of the war against Japan , including more than 12,000 prisoners of war who died in Japanese captivity .
More than 2.5 million Japanese military personnel and civilians are believed to have died over the course of the conflict .
The fighting in Europe had ended in May 1945 , but many Allied servicemen were still fighting against Japan in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for peace , and the US believed that dropping a nuclear bomb would force them to surrender .
The US dropped two atomic bombs on Japan , killing an estimated 214,000 people , and two weeks later Japan surrendered .
To mark the 75th anniversary , Japan 's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent an offering to a controversial war shrine in Tokyo , but did not attend in person .
However , two of his ministers did visit the Yasukuni Shrine , in which 14 leaders who were later convicted by the Allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Memorial Arboretum seems to lend itself perfectly to the concept of a socially distanced commemorative service .
Veterans of the Burma campaign , their families , and other guests sat on chairs spaced out on the grass between the trees .
The proceedings focused on the multinational and multicultural make up of the Allied forces that fought the Japanese .
Gurkhas , alongside Sikhs , sat next to troops from Welsh and Scottish regiments , representing the 40 nations involved in the Far East .
After sitar music , readings from British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those who fought , the roar of aircraft engines could be heard overhead .
A Lancaster , Hurricane and three Spitfires from the Battle of Britain Memorial flew over in formation and in tribute .
Then those who could stand , were invited to do so for a two-minute silence .
The Prince of Wales then laid a wreath at the Burma Railway Memorial .
Flowers had been placed between the sleepers and track that make up the memorial .
It was known as the `` Death Railway '' and 16,000 prisoners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It makes an incongruous , yet incredibly poignant sight among the granite and brass of the other memorials .
Boris Johnson earlier joined other world leaders including US President Donald Trump in recording a video message to thank veterans .
In the video , each leader says in turn : `` To all who served , we thank you . ''
Mr Johnson added : `` On this 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War , we pay tribute to the heroes deployed thousands of miles away in the mountains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Unable to celebrate the victory in Europe , and among the last to return home , today we recognise the bravery and ingenuity of those who , in the face of adversity , restored peace and prosperity to the world .
`` Their immeasurable sacrifice changed the course of history and , at today 's commemorations , we take the opportunity to say what should be said every day - thank you . ''
• How a Belfast doctor used Irish to keep WW2 secrets • Daughter of WW2 prisoner of war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addressed to Far East veterans , Mr Johnson said : `` You were the last to come home but your achievements are written in the lights of the glittering capitals of the dynamic region we see today . ''
`` All of us who were born after you have benefitted from your courage in adversity .
On this anniversary , and every day hereafter , you will be remembered , '' he added .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also recorded a message , paying tribute `` to the wartime generation , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spirit and determination that we need to always remember and always be grateful for '' .
`` It 's important that as we face the challenges of today , we take inspiration from that generation , '' he said .
Meanwhile Capt Sir Tom Moore , who served in the Burma campaign has encouraged the public to join in the commemorations , describing VJ Day as `` the most special day '' .
`` It was VJ Day when the pain of war could finally start to fall away as peace was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir Tom - who raised millions of pounds for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden during lockdown .
`` I respectfully ask Britain to stop whatever it is doing and take some time to remember .
`` We must all take the time to stop , think and be thankful that were it not for the ultimate sacrifices made all those years ago by such a brave band of men and women , we would not be enjoying the freedoms we have today , even in these current difficult times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arboretum was broadcast on BBC One between 09:30 and 11:30 BST and is available on Iplayer .
VJ Day 75 : The Nation 's Tribute is broadcast from 20:30 BST .
• A LEVEL RESULTS : I did n't get the results I wanted ... What happens next ?
• 'MY MENTAL HEALTH CRASHED ' : The impact of being turned away from therapy in lockdown

"We must all take the time to stop, think and be thankful that were it not for the ultimate sacrifices made all those years ago by such a brave band of men and women, we would not be enjoying the freedoms we have today, even in these current difficult times."


bbc--2020-08-15--Pompeo signs deal to redeploy troops from Germany to Poland

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has signed a new defence agreement with Poland that will see American troops redeployed there from Germany .
The deal will see the number of US troops in Poland rise to about 5,500 .
Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said the number could quickly be increased to 20,000 if a threat justified it .
US President Donald Trump has previously accused Germany of not contributing enough to Nato .
But the US move has raised concern among Nato allies worried over possible Russian expansionism .
The Enhanced Defence Co-operation Agreement ( EDCA ) was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Warsaw on Saturday .
`` This is going to be an extended guarantee - a guarantee that in case of a threat our soldiers are going to stand arm-in-arm , '' Poland 's President Andrzej Duda said at the signing ceremony .
`` It will also serve to increase the security of other countries in our part of Europe . ''
• What does the US do for Nato ?
About 4,500 US troops are currently stationed in Poland and another 1,000 will be added under the new pact .
The headquarters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be relocated from Germany to Poland .
Last month the US confirmed that almost 12,000 troops - out of more than 38,000 - would be withdrawn from Germany in what it described as a `` strategic '' repositioning of its forces in Europe .
About 6,400 troops are being sent home with the rest moved to other Nato countries including Poland , Italy and Belgium .
President Trump said the move was a response to Germany failing to meet Nato targets on defence spending .
Billed by its advocates as a means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Moscow , this new military agreement could be as much about politics as it is about strategy .
The US already contributes to and commands a small multi-national Nato battlegroup in Poland , with regular exercises drawing in additional forces .
A land-based ballistic missile defence system is under construction .
But since 2018 in particular , Polish politicians have been pushing for much more , at one stage arguing that a full US division should be permanently based in the country with Warsaw shouldering at least some of the cost ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fort Trump '' .
The new agreement falls well short of this .
But it sends a clear signal about Mr Trump 's preferences .
Muscular Poland , with relatively strong defence spending , is the sort of ally the president likes .
By contrast he has already announced the pull-out of some US forces from Germany , which he believes does not carry its share of the defence burden .
It is not clear that the shifting around of forces will necessarily strengthen Nato at a time when many of its key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We do n't want to be the suckers any more , '' Mr Trump told reporters shortly after the move was announced .
`` We 're reducing the force because they 're not paying their bills ; it 's very simple . ''
Mr Trump has long complained that European Nato members should spend more on their own defence and not rely so heavily on the US to shoulder the costs of maintaining the alliance .
The row between the allies focuses around the target agreed by all Nato members that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GDP ( gross domestic product , the total value of goods produced and services provided in a country ) by 2024 .
Germany , along with other countries , has yet to meet this target .
German officials have criticised the US move , suggesting it could weaken Nato and embolden Russia .

The new agreement falls well short of this. But it sends a clear signal about Mr Trump's preferences. Muscular Poland, with relatively strong defence spending, is the sort of ally the president likes. By contrast he has already announced the pull-out of some US forces from Germany, which he believes does not carry its share of the defence burden.


bbc--2020-08-15--Tea at the Ritz soured by credit card scammers

Diners at the luxury Ritz hotel in London have been targeted by `` extremely convincing '' scammers who posed as hotel staff to steal payment card details .
The scammers phoned people with exact details of their restaurant bookings , asking them to `` confirm '' card details .
They then tried to spend thousands of pounds at the catalogue retailer Argos .
The Ritz told the BBC it was investigating a `` potential data breach '' and said it had alerted the Information Commissioner 's Office ( ICO ) .
How did the scam work ?
The fraudsters phoned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reservation at the Ritz , pretending to be hotel staff .
How they got this information is still unknown .
One woman , who had made an online booking for afternoon tea at the Ritz as part of a celebration , received a call the day before her reservation .
The scammers asked her to `` confirm '' the booking by providing her payment card details .
The call was convincing because it appeared to have come from the hotel 's real phone number , and the scammers knew exactly when and where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the BBC that caller ID spoofing in this way was `` quite easy '' .
The scammers told the woman that her payment card had been `` declined '' , and asked her for a second bank card .
After they had taken the payment card details , the scammers tried to make several transactions in excess of £1,000 at the catalogue retailer Argos .
When her bank spotted the suspicious transactions , the scammer phoned again - this time pretending to be from her bank .
He told the victim that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card , and in order to cancel the transaction she should read out a security code sent to her mobile phone .
In reality , this would have authorised the transaction .
A second woman , who made her original booking over the telephone rather than online , told the BBC that the exact same tricks had been tried on her .
She later felt suspicious that the scammer had not been able to correctly answer questions about the hotel 's facilities .
`` People tend to trust caller ID , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to authenticate the caller , '' said Dr Jessica Barker , co-founder of the cyber-security company Cygenta .
`` On top of that , when a scam like this involves insider information it adds an air of legitimacy and authority . ''
What has the Ritz said ?
The Ritz said it had been made aware of a potential data breach within its `` food and beverage reservation system '' on 12 August .
It is continuing to investigate how the scammers accessed customer information .
It said it had emailed customers that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` After a reservation has been made at the Ritz London , our team will never contact you by telephone to request credit card details to confirm your booking with us . ''
It has not revealed how many people were affected .
How can I protect myself from scams like this ?
Restaurants should never phone you asking for payment information to `` confirm '' your booking .
If you receive a suspicious call , you could hang up and call the venue back later - or from a different phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website .
Dr Barker warns against giving card details to somebody who had called you , and suggests always calling the company back yourself .
If a bank believes a transaction has been fraudulent , they will not ask you for security codes in order to cancel the transaction .
If you receive a suspicious call you think is pretending to be from your bank , hang up and call your bank back later - or from a different phone - using the number on the back of your payment card .
Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other technology story ?
You can reach Chris directly via email , on Twitter or through encrypted messaging app Signal on : +44 7861 520418

It said it had emailed customers that may have been affected, warning them: "After a reservation has been made at the Ritz London, our team will never contact you by telephone to request credit card details to confirm your booking with us."


bbc--2020-08-15--MS Dhoni: India legend retires after 16-year international career

Last updated on .From the section Cricket India legend and World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni says he has retired .
`` Thanks a lot for your love and support throughout .
From 1929 hrs consider me as retired , '' he wrote on Instagram .
Dhoni , who made his India debut in 2004 , scored 10,773 one-day international runs - the 11th highest tally in history - in 350 games .
He also played 90 Tests and 98 T20s .
Dhoni did not specify whether he has retired from all cricket , although Indian media have reported he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IPL ) later this year .
The wicketkeeper scored 4,876 Test runs and guided India to the top of the International Cricket Council rankings before retiring from the longest form of the game in 2014 .
Appointed India captain in 2007 , Dhoni stepped down as limited-overs skipper in 2017 having won two Asia Cups in addition to the three global titles , but returned to lead the team for his 200th ODI as captain a year later .
He captained India in a record 322 international matches - 200 in ODIs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and his 110 ODI wins in charge is second only to Australia 's Ricky Ponting 's 165 .
Shortly after Dhoni 's announcement , India batsman Suresh Raina also retired from international cricket .
Left-hander Raina , a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning side , scored 5,615 runs at an average of 35.31 in 226 ODIs .
He played 18 Tests and 78 T20s .
Former team-mates , opponents and commentators paid tribute to Dhoni , who also won the IPL three times with Chennai Super Kings .
India captain Virat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end his journey one day , but still when someone you 've gotten to know so closely announces that decision , you feel the emotion much more .
`` What you 've done for the country will always remain in everyone 's heart , but the mutual respect and warmth I 've received from you will always stay in mine .
The world has seen achievements , I 've seen the person .
Thanks for everything skip .
I tip my hat to you . ''
Former England captain Michael Vaughan : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's farewell but masterminded by MS Dhoni .
What an incredible international career .
You could argue the greatest ever white ball captain & finisher .
Cheers for all the memories MS. '' England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler : `` A hero of mine and so many millions more all around the world .
Congratulations on a quite incredible international career MS Dhoni !
An honour to have played against you . ''
India head coach Ravi Shastri : `` Massive boots to fill .
It 's been a privilege and honour to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you as a thoroughbred professional at work .
Salute one of India 's greatest cricketers .
Second to none .
Enjoy .
God Bless MS DHONI . ''
India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin : `` The legend retires in his own style as always .
You have given it all for the country .
The Champions Trophy triumph , 2011 World Cup and the glorious Chennai triumphs will always be etched in my memory . ''
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya : `` There 's only one MS Dhoni .
Thank you my friend and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in my career .
Will miss playing with you in the blue jersey but am sure you will always be there for me and will keep guiding me . ''
India pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah : `` You 've been a friend and a guide on the field and off it .
I 've learnt so many valuable lessons by simply watching you and I am glad I got to be a part of your professional journey .
Congratulations on an illustrious career , Mahi Bhai , thank you for the memories .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kumble : `` Congratulations on a great international career .
It was an honour to play alongside you .
Your calm demeanour and the laurels you brought as skipper will forever be remembered and cherished .
Wishing you the very best . ''
Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi : `` One of the true legends of Indian cricket and one of the greatest captains . ''
Ex-England batsman Kevin Pietersen : `` Welcome to the retirement club , MSD !
What a magical career ! ''
Dhoni was one of the most colourful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revered by his fans to an intensity matching Sachin Tendulkar and the Bollywood superstars .
His wicketkeeping was not aesthetic , but efficient , while his aggressive batting will forever link him to limited-overs cricket .
His big hitting and improvisation was responsible for turning many a match on its head .
The most famous , and the innings of his I will never forget , was the World Cup final in Mumbai in 2011 , which Sri Lanka appeared destined to win through a beautifully crafted century by Mahela Jayawardene .
Dhoni @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , typically , he finished the match with a straight six that flew into the Wankhede pavilion .
Dhoni did not create the helicopter shot , but he perfected it with no-one else coming close to the furious flourish that completed his stroke , while among his many successes as captain , India 's whitewash of Australia in 2012-13 will rank as one of his most memorable .
Dhoni set the tone with 224 in the first Test .

India legend and World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni says he has retired.
Dhoni, 39, led India to the 2007 World Twenty20 title, the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
"Thanks a lot for your love and support throughout. From 1929 hrs consider me as retired," he wrote on Instagram. external-link
Dhoni, who made his India debut in 2004, scored 10,773 one-day international runs - the 11th highest tally in history - in 350 games. He also played 90 Tests and 98 T20s.
Dhoni did not specify whether he has retired from all cricket, although Indian media external-link have reported he will play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) later this year.
The wicketkeeper scored 4,876 Test runs and guided India to the top of the International Cricket Council rankings before retiring from the longest form of the game in 2014.
Appointed India captain in 2007, Dhoni stepped down as limited-overs skipper in 2017 having won two Asia Cups in addition to the three global titles, but returned to lead the team for his 200th ODI as captain a year later.
He captained India in a record 322 international matches - 200 in ODIs, 60 in Tests and 72 in T20 - and his 110 ODI wins in charge is second only to Australia's Ricky Ponting's 165.
Shortly after Dhoni's announcement, India batsman Suresh Raina also retired from international cricket. external-link
Left-hander Raina, a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning side, scored 5,615 runs at an average of 35.31 in 226 ODIs. He played 18 Tests and 78 T20s.
'Greatest ever white-ball captain and finisher' - reaction
Former team-mates, opponents and commentators paid tribute to Dhoni, who also won the IPL three times with Chennai Super Kings.
India captain Virat Kohli: "Every cricketer has to end his journey one day, but still when someone you've gotten to know so closely announces that decision, you feel the emotion much more.
"What you've done for the country will always remain in everyone's heart, but the mutual respect and warmth I've received from you will always stay in mine. The world has seen achievements, I've seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you."
Former England captain Michael Vaughan: "The 2011 World Cup win was Tendulkar's farewell but masterminded by MS Dhoni. What an incredible international career. You could argue the greatest ever white ball captain & finisher. Cheers for all the memories MS."
England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler: "A hero of mine and so many millions more all around the world. Congratulations on a quite incredible international career MS Dhoni! An honour to have played against you."
India head coach Ravi Shastri: "Massive boots to fill. It's been a privilege and honour to be part of the dressing room and seeing you as a thoroughbred professional at work. Salute one of India's greatest cricketers. Second to none. Enjoy. God Bless MS DHONI."
India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin: "The legend retires in his own style as always. You have given it all for the country. The Champions Trophy triumph, 2011 World Cup and the glorious Chennai triumphs will always be etched in my memory."
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya: "There's only one MS Dhoni. Thank you my friend and elder brother for being the biggest inspiration in my career. Will miss playing with you in the blue jersey but am sure you will always be there for me and will keep guiding me."
India pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah: "You've been a friend and a guide on the field and off it. I've learnt so many valuable lessons by simply watching you and I am glad I got to be a part of your professional journey. Congratulations on an illustrious career, Mahi Bhai, thank you for the memories."
India's all-time leading wicket-taker Anil Kumble: "Congratulations on a great international career. It was an honour to play alongside you. Your calm demeanour and the laurels you brought as skipper will forever be remembered and cherished. Wishing you the very best."
Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi: "One of the true legends of Indian cricket and one of the greatest captains."
Ex-England batsman Kevin Pietersen: "Welcome to the retirement club, MSD! What a magical career!"
Analysis
BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew
Dhoni was one of the most colourful and charismatic cricketers of his generation, revered by his fans to an intensity matching Sachin Tendulkar and the Bollywood superstars.
His wicketkeeping was not aesthetic, but efficient, while his aggressive batting will forever link him to limited-overs cricket.
His big hitting and improvisation was responsible for turning many a match on its head.
The most famous, and the innings of his I will never forget, was the World Cup final in Mumbai in 2011, which Sri Lanka appeared destined to win through a beautifully crafted century by Mahela Jayawardene.
Dhoni's unbeaten 91 came from 79 balls and, typically, he finished the match with a straight six that flew into the Wankhede pavilion.
Dhoni did not create the helicopter shot, but he perfected it with no-one else coming close to the furious flourish that completed his stroke, while among his many successes as captain, India's whitewash of Australia in 2012-13 will rank as one of his most memorable. Dhoni set the tone with 224 in the first Test.


bbc--2020-08-15--Coronavirus: France quarantine starts after race to beat deadline

Thousands of British holidaymakers have made a last-minute dash to get home before a 14-day quarantine requirement came into force for people arriving from France .
The isolation measure also applies to the Netherlands , Monaco , Malta , Turks and Caicos , and Aruba , amid concerns about a rising numbers of Covid cases .
Eurotunnel trains sold out and air fares were up to six times more than normal , but ferries increased capacity .
The Netherlands advised against all but essential travel to the UK once the restrictions came into force on Saturday , but said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries were targeted for quarantine restrictions because their infections rates exceeded 20 cases per 100,000 people over seven days , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said .
• I 'm in France right now - what do I do ?
• Lockdown to ease further in England from Saturday There were reported to be about 160,000 British holidaymakers in France when the changes were announced , and the deadline left many travellers in a frantic rush for plane , train or ferry tickets costing hundreds of pounds .
Kim Wells and his family were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrive in the UK before the quarantine measures began - getting in to Newhaven from Dieppe in northern France with eight minutes to spare .
He told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme he had a `` pretty fraught 40 minutes '' online after hearing of the restrictions through a BBC News alert .
`` I ended up booking a ferry on a pretty unfashionable route ... it was impossible to get back on Eurotunnel , which was the way we went to France originally , '' he said .
Mr Wells is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local government worker .
They felt they should cut their holiday short to avoid having to quarantine as they are key workers .
Mr Wells said he was frustrated by the short notice the government had given for the rule change , adding : `` I completely understand the decision , but I think 30 hours ' notice and announcing it at 11 o'clock in the evening French time ... was pretty unrealistic .
`` I do n't really understand why they ca n't be a little bit more clear with the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we might perhaps be approaching the need to quarantine .
Why not 48 or even 72 [ hours ] just to allow those who need to or want to get home , get home without rushing dangerously . ''
Kate Mooney and her family arrived back at their home in Cornwall at about 01:00 BST after ending their holiday to France a week early .
`` Our immediate response was 'let 's just stay and finish our holiday ' , and then we started to really consider what quarantine meant , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be no way we could leave the house ... that 's when we decided we would come back . ''
Tom Duffell , who runs a small business and ended his family holiday in Nice four days early , told the BBC that social distancing had `` gone out of the window '' in the scramble for transport , with `` huge queues '' at the airport .
Eurotunnel , which increased its capacity , said 12,000 people had tried to book tickets for its Channel Tunnel trains in the hour after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 22:00 BST on Thursday - compared with just hundreds normally .
It carried more than 30,000 passengers in the run-up to the deadline .
Additional staff were sent to the terminals to allow 11,600 vehicles to quickly load its shuttles throughout Friday .
P & O Ferries and DFDS Ferries also added an extra four departures .
Meanwhile , a group of musicians from Scotland found a creative way to beat the deadline with just 10 minutes to spare - by chartering a fishing boat to get them back to the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight members of the Scotland-based Dunedin Consort arrived at Hayling Island in Hampshire at 03:50 .
They made the last-minute dash after a performance in Lessay Abbey , Normandy , on Friday night .
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Some were unable to get back home in time .
One passenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had passed told BBC Radio 4 : `` It 's ridiculous .
They 're leaving us high and dry .
We tried to change our flights ... impossible .
`` Me and the kids have been to Cornwall and the Lake District this summer and I do n't think that felt any more at risk than where we 've been - in a fairly rural part of France . ''
Another said : `` It 's a shame to have missed it by such a narrow margin but that 's life really , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on with it . ''
One woman is wondering whether her unusual journey from France to Britain later today will fall foul of the travel rules .
Australian Chloe McCardel , 35 , is aiming to complete her 35th endurance swim across the Channel .
If she 's successful , she will beat the current men 's record for the most Channel crossings , held by British athlete Kevin Murphy .
She is due to leave Dover at 20:00 BST and aims to make the 21-mile crossing to Calais in about 10 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boat for the return journey .
Since she will only stand on French soil for a matter of minutes , McCardel hopes it wo n't be necessary to spend 14 days in self-isolation on her return .
`` We do n't go anywhere near the border officials or passport control , so I 'm hoping technically the quarantine thing wo n't apply , '' she said .
`` I 've got a little celebration planned in England with the support crew , the team , the volunteers who have been so supportive throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government allow us to do that without having to quarantine . ''
Gloria Guevara , president of the World Travel and Tourism Council , said the UK was lagging behind other countries that had `` shunned quarantines '' in favour of `` comprehensive '' testing programmes for everyone departing and arriving back into their respective countries .
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said that while Labour supported `` evidence-based measures '' at the border , it was `` vital '' that No 10 had a `` joined-up strategy '' and `` urgently '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the heavily impacted travel sector .
He added : `` That the government has still not put in place an effective track , trace and isolate system has made matters far worse and made it more likely that we are reliant on the blunt tool of 14-day quarantine . ''
The Foreign Office is now warning against all but essential travel to France .
According to data company Statista , Britons paid 10.35 million visits to France last year , putting it second behind Spain - with 18.12 million - in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules in France and other parts of Europe ?
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• You finally got abroad , but was it worth it ?
A list of more than 50 so-called travel corridors - allowing movement between the UK and other countries without the need to self-isolate on return - was published at the start of last month and later expanded .
But quarantine measures were later re-imposed on several countries , including Spain on 25 July .
On Friday , France reported 2,846 new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number since lockdown restrictions were eased .
The seven-day average increased to 2,041 , marking the first time it has surpassed 2,000 since 20 April , a 66 % week-on-week rise .
For the Netherlands , it was up 52 % .
And the increase for Malta was 105 % , while it was 273 % for Turks and Caicos and 1,106 % for Aruba .
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"I don't really understand why they can't be a little bit more clear with the public about what the tipping point is, when we might perhaps be approaching the need to quarantine. Why not 48 or even 72 [hours] just to allow those who need to or want to get home, get home without rushing dangerously."


bbc--2020-08-15--Belgian cyclist crashes off bridge in Italy

Last updated on .From the section Cycling Remco Evenepoel suffered a fractured pelvis after crashing off a bridge during the Il Lombardia race .
He was lying around fourth in the group when he struck the wall of a bridge before somersaulting on to his back and over the edge .
Evenepoel was attended to by paramedics and taken to hospital .
In a statement on Saturday night his team said he had suffered `` multiple injuries '' .
`` Evenepoel crashed inside the last 50 kilometre hitting a bridge wall and going over it into a ravine , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conscious at all times as he underwent a series of examinations to reveal the extent of his injury .
`` Unfortunately , the X-rays showed a fractured pelvis and a right lung contusion , which will keep Evenepoel on the sidelines for the upcoming period .
Our rider will remain in the hospital overnight under observation , before flying on Sunday to Belgium . ''
The Belgian is one of the most promising prospects in road cycling , winning the Tour of Poland and the Volta a Burgos already this year .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fellow Belgian who is widely regarded as the greatest cyclist of all time - for his all-round ability on the bike .
• None Bernal out of Dauphine with back problem The one-day 'monument ' race from Bergamo to Como was won by Jakob Fuglsang of Astana after breaking away from Jumbo-Visma 's George Bennett - himself on good form after winning the Gran Piemont one-day race in Italy last week .
They were in a breakaway with multiple Grand Tour winner Vincenzo Nibali and last year 's Il Lombardia victor Bauke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another bizarre twist at the end of the race Bora-Hansgrohe 's Max Schachmann was struck by a car which somehow entered the closed roads and cut across the German Paris-Nice winner as it attempted to park .
The Tour of Poland was also the race where Evenepoel 's team-mate Fabio Jakobsen last week suffered a huge crash in a bunch sprint on the first stage .
Jakobsen was hospitalised and put into an induced coma as well as having plastic surgery to his face .
The crash was caused when Jumbo-Visma 's Dylan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be pitched into barriers which broke and saw the sprinter strike a post and a spectator , who also needed hospital treatment .
It prompted an angry reaction , leading Jakobsen 's team boss to call for Groenewegen to be jailed .
Jakobsen has since been transferred to hospital in his native Netherlands to continue his recovery .

Last updated on .From the section Cycling
Evenepoel is one of cycling's biggest prospects
Remco Evenepoel suffered a fractured pelvis crashing off a bridge during the Il Lombardia race.
The Deceuninck-Quick Step rider, 20, was part of a leading group who were descending from the Colma di Sormano - the highest climb on the race.
He was lying around fourth in the group when he struck the wall of a bridge before somersaulting on to his back and over the edge.
Evenepoel was attended to by paramedics and taken to hospital.
In a statement his team said he had suffered "multiple injuries".
"Evenepoel crashed inside the last 50 kilometre hitting a bridge wall and going over it into a ravine," Deceuninck-Quick Step said.
"Remco was conscious at all times as he underwent a series of examinations to reveal the extent of his injury.
"Unfortunately, the X-rays showed a fractured pelvis and a right lung contusion, which will keep Evenepoel on the sidelines for the upcoming period.
"He had a quiet night at the hospital and the evolution of his condition is good. Due to the nature of the injury, Remco has to be transported by plane to Belgium in a supine position [lying down].
"The team is doing everything possible to bring him back home as soon as possible, hopefully in the next 24 hours, in the most efficient and safe way."
The Belgian is one of the most promising prospects in road cycling, winning the Tour of Poland and the Volta a Burgos already this year.
He is being compared to Eddy Merckx - a fellow Belgian widely regarded as the greatest cyclist of all time - for his all-round ability on the bike.
The one-day 'monument' race from Bergamo to Como was won by Jakob Fuglsang of Astana after breaking away from Jumbo-Visma's George Bennett - himself in good form after winning the Gran Piemont one-day race in Italy last week.
They were in a breakaway with multiple Grand Tour winner Vincenzo Nibali and last year's Il Lombardia victor Bauke Mollema, both of Trek-Segafredo.
In another bizarre twist at the end of the race Bora-Hansgrohe's Max Schachmann was struck by a car which somehow entered the closed roads and cut across the German Paris-Nice winner as it attempted to park.
Evenepoel paid tribute to injured team-mate Fabio Jakobsen just last week
Quick Step's second horrifying injury in a week
The Tour of Poland was also the race where Evenepoel's team-mate Fabio Jakobsen last week suffered a huge crash in a bunch sprint on the first stage.
Jakobsen was hospitalised and put into an induced coma as well as having plastic surgery to his face.
The crash was caused when Jumbo-Visma's Dylan Groenewegen leaned toward Jakobsen, causing him to be pitched into barriers which broke and saw the sprinter strike a post and a spectator, who also needed hospital treatment.
It prompted an angry reaction, leading Jakobsen's team boss to call for Groenewegen to be jailed.
Jakobsen has since been transferred to hospital in his native Netherlands to continue his recovery.
Il Lombardia result:
1. Jakob Fuglsang (Den/Astana) 5hrs 32mins 54secs
2. George Bennett (NZ/Jumbo-Visma) +31secs
3. Aleksandr Vlasov (Rus/Astana) +51secs
4. Bauke Mollema (Ned/Trek-Segafredo) +1min 19secs
5. Giulio Ciccone (Ita/Trek-Segafredo) +1min 40secs
6. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita/Trek-Segafredo) +3min 31secs
7. Max Schachmann (Ger/Bora-Hansgrohe) +4mins 31secs
8. Diego Ulissi (Ita/UAE Team Emirates) +5mins 20secs
9. Ben Hermans (Bel/Israel Start-Up Nation) +6mins
10. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned/Alpecin-Fenix) +6mins 28secs


bbc--2020-08-15--Angola orders Brazil evangelical churches to close

Prosecutors in Angola have ordered the closure of places of worship belonging to one of Brazil 's biggest churches , accusing it of corruption .
At least seven buildings belonging to the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God ( UCKG ) have been seized in the capital , Luanda .
Prosecutors said the evangelical church had been involved in tax fraud and other fiscal crimes .
Last year about 300 Angolan UCKG bishops broke away from the Brazilian leadership , accusing it of mismanagement and not being African enough .
UCKG officials described the accusations as `` defamatory '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight million members in Brazil and branches in several African countries .
It promotes `` prosperity theology '' , whereby believers are told their faith and donations to the Church will lead to material wealth .
The row started last year when Angolan bishops broke away from the Brazilian Church , accusing it of `` fiscal evasion '' and of practices contrary to the `` African and Angolan reality '' .
In December , Angolan authorities opened an investigation and on Friday prosecutor-general Alvaro Da Silva Joao announced the seizure of seven UCKG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that in the records there are enough indications of the practice of crimes of criminal association , tax fraud , illicit export of capital , abuse of trust and other ... illegal acts , '' he said in a statement .

"These apprehensions result from the fact that in the records there are enough indications of the practice of crimes of criminal association, tax fraud, illicit export of capital, abuse of trust and other... illegal acts," he said in a statement.


bbc--2020-08-15--Campaigners win fight to stop Maldives islands becoming luxury resort

Local residents in the Maldives have won a campaign against developers and the government who wanted to turn two islands @ @ @ @ @ They argued the plan would have deprived local people of vital jobs and caused damage @ @ @ @ @ wider ecosystem .
Listen to more stories from Newsday .

Local residents in the Maldives have won a campaign against developers and the government who wanted to turn two islands into a luxury resort.
They argued the plan would have deprived local people of vital jobs and caused damage to coral reefs and the wider ecosystem.
Video produced by Trystan Young and Jasmin Souesi.
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