News for today's 2018

Ebola Outbreak in West Africa 'WHO'

11:05 PM Anonymous 0

<h1 class="headline" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 20px 12px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
WHO Statement on the Meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee Regarding the 2014 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa</h1>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The first meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the Director-General under the International Health Regulations (2005) [IHR (2005)] regarding the 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD, or “Ebola”) outbreak in West Africa was held by teleconference on Wednesday, 6 August 2014 from 13:00 to 17:30 and on Thursday, 7 August 2014 from 13:00 to 18:30 Geneva time (CET).</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Members and advisors of the Emergency Committee met by teleconference on both days of the meeting<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; border: 0px; bottom: 0.8ex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 9px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">1. The following IHR (2005) States Parties participated in the informational session of the meeting on Wednesday, 6 August 2014: Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
During the informational session, the WHO Secretariat provided an update on and assessment of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The above-referenced States Parties presented on recent developments in their countries, including measures taken to implement rapid control strategies, and existing gaps and challenges in the outbreak response.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
After discussion and deliberation on the information provided, the Committee advised that:</div>
<ul class="disc" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; list-style: none outside; margin: 0px 20px 18px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">the Ebola outbreak in West Africa constitutes an ‘extraordinary event’ and a public health risk to other States;</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">the possible consequences of further international spread are particularly serious in view of the virulence of the virus, the intensive community and health facility transmission patterns, and the weak health systems in the currently affected and most at-risk countries.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">a coordinated international response is deemed essential to stop and reverse the international spread of Ebola.</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
It was the unanimous view of the Committee that the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) have been met.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The current EVD outbreak began in Guinea in December 2013. This outbreak now involves transmission in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. As of 4 August 2014, countries have reported 1 711 cases (1 070 confirmed, 436 probable, 205 suspect), including 932 deaths. This is currently the largest EVD outbreak ever recorded. In response to the outbreak, a number of unaffected countries have made a range of travel related advice or recommendations.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
In light of States Parties’ presentations and subsequent Committee discussions, several challenges were noted for the affected countries:</div>
<ul class="disc" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; list-style: none outside; margin: 0px 20px 18px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">their health systems are fragile with significant deficits in human, financial and material resources, resulting in compromised ability to mount an adequate Ebola outbreak control response;</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">inexperience in dealing with Ebola outbreaks; misperceptions of the disease, including how the disease is transmitted, are common and continue to be a major challenge in some communities;</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">high mobility of populations and several instances of cross-border movement of travellers with infection;</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">several generations of transmission have occurred in the three capital cities of Conakry (Guinea); Monrovia (Liberia); and Freetown (Sierra Leone); and</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">a high number of infections have been identified among health-care workers, highlighting inadequate infection control practices in many facilities.</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The Committee provided the following advice to the Director-General for her consideration to address the Ebola outbreak in accordance with IHR (2005).</div>
<h3 class="section_head1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 20px 9px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
States with Ebola transmission</h3>
<ul class="disc" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; list-style: none outside; margin: 0px 20px 18px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Head of State should declare a national emergency; personally address the nation to provide information on the situation, the steps being taken to address the outbreak and the critical role of the community in ensuring its rapid control; provide immediate access to emergency financing to initiate and sustain response operations; and ensure all necessary measures are taken to mobilize and remunerate the necessary health care workforce.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">Health Ministers and other health leaders should assume a prominent leadership role in coordinating and implementing emergency Ebola response measures, a fundamental aspect of which should be to meet regularly with affected communities and to make site visits to treatment centres.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should activate their national disaster/emergency management mechanisms and establish an emergency operation centre, under the authority of the Head of State, to coordinate support across all partners, and across the information, security, finance and other relevant sectors, to ensure efficient and effective implementation and monitoring of comprehensive Ebola control measures. These measures must include infection prevention and control (IPC), community awareness, surveillance, accurate laboratory diagnostic testing, contact tracing and monitoring, case management, and communication of timely and accurate information among countries. For all infected and high risks areas, similar mechanisms should be established at the state/province and local levels to ensure close coordination across all levels.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should ensure that there is a large-scale and sustained effort to fully engage the community – through local, religious and traditional leaders and healers – so communities play a central role in case identification, contact tracing and risk education; the population should be made fully aware of the benefits of early treatment.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">It is essential that a strong supply pipeline be established to ensure that sufficient medical commodities, especially personal protective equipment (PPE), are available to those who appropriately need them, including health care workers, laboratory technicians, cleaning staff, burial personnel and others that may come in contact with infected persons or contaminated materials.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">In areas of intense transmission (e.g. the cross border area of Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia), the provision of quality clinical care, and material and psychosocial support for the affected populations should be used as the primary basis for reducing the movement of people, but extraordinary supplemental measures such as quarantine should be used as considered necessary.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should ensure health care workers receive: adequate security measures for their safety and protection; timely payment of salaries and, as appropriate, hazard pay; and appropriate education and training on IPC, including the proper use of PPEs.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should ensure that: treatment centres and reliable diagnostic laboratories are situated as closely as possible to areas of transmission; that these facilities have adequate numbers of trained staff, and sufficient equipment and supplies relative to the caseload; that sufficient security is provided to ensure both the safety of staff and to minimize the risk of premature removal of patients from treatment centres; and that staff are regularly reminded and monitored to ensure compliance with IPC.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should conduct exit screening of all persons at international airports, seaports and major land crossings, for unexplained febrile illness consistent with potential Ebola infection. The exit screening should consist of, at a minimum, a questionnaire, a temperature measurement and, if there is a fever, an assessment of the risk that the fever is caused by EVD. Any person with an illness consistent with EVD should not be allowed to travel unless the travel is part of an appropriate medical evacuation.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">There should be no international travel of Ebola contacts or cases, unless the travel is part of an appropriate medical evacuation. To minimize the risk of international spread of EVD:</li>
<ul class="disc" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 36px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif) 0% 0.5em no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">Confirmed cases should immediately be isolated and treated in an Ebola Treatment Centre with no national or international travel until 2 Ebola-specific diagnostic tests conducted at least 48 hours apart are negative;</li>
<li style="background: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif) 0% 0.5em no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">Contacts (which do not include properly protected health workers and laboratory staff who have had no unprotected exposure) should be monitored daily, with restricted national travel and no international travel until 21 days after exposure;</li>
<li style="background: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif) 0% 0.5em no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">Probable and suspect cases should immediately be isolated and their travel should be restricted in accordance with their classification as either a confirmed case or contact.</li>
</ul>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should ensure funerals and burials are conducted by well-trained personnel, with provision made for the presence of the family and cultural practices, and in accordance with national health regulations, to reduce the risk of Ebola infection. The cross-border movement of the human remains of deceased suspect, probable or confirmed EVD cases should be prohibited unless authorized in accordance with recognized international biosafety provisions.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should ensure that appropriate medical care is available for the crews and staff of airlines operating in the country, and work with the airlines to facilitate and harmonize communications and management regarding symptomatic passengers under the IHR (2005), mechanisms for contact tracing if required and the use of passenger locator records where appropriate.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States with EVD transmission should consider postponing mass gatherings until EVD transmission is interrupted.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="section_head1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 20px 9px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
States with a potential or confirmed Ebola Case, and unaffected States with land borders with affected States</h3>
<ul class="disc" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; list-style: none outside; margin: 0px 20px 18px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">Unaffected States with land borders adjoining States with Ebola transmission should urgently establish surveillance for clusters of unexplained fever or deaths due to febrile illness; establish access to a qualified diagnostic laboratory for EVD; ensure that health workers are aware of and trained in appropriate IPC procedures; and establish rapid response teams with the capacity to investigate and manage EVD cases and their contacts.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">Any State newly detecting a suspect or confirmed Ebola case or contact, or clusters of unexplained deaths due to febrile illness, should treat this as a health emergency, take immediate steps in the first 24 hours to investigate and stop a potential Ebola outbreak by instituting case management, establishing a definitive diagnosis, and undertaking contact tracing and monitoring.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">If Ebola transmission is confirmed to be occurring in the State, the full recommendations for States with Ebola Transmission should be implemented, on either a national or subnational level, depending on the epidemiologic and risk context.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="section_head1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 20px 9px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
All States</h3>
<ul class="disc" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; list-style: none outside; margin: 0px 20px 18px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">There should be no general ban on international travel or trade; restrictions outlined in these recommendations regarding the travel of EVD cases and contacts should be implemented.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should provide travelers to Ebola affected and at-risk areas with relevant information on risks, measures to minimize those risks, and advice for managing a potential exposure.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should be prepared to detect, investigate, and manage Ebola cases; this should include assured access to a qualified diagnostic laboratory for EVD and, where appropriate, the capacity to manage travelers originating from known Ebola-infected areas who arrive at international airports or major land crossing points with unexplained febrile illness.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">The general public should be provided with accurate and relevant information on the Ebola outbreak and measures to reduce the risk of exposure.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.who.int/sysmedia/media/style/img/list.gif); background-position: 0% 0.5em; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px 0px 1px 18px; vertical-align: baseline;">States should be prepared to facilitate the evacuation and repatriation of nationals (e.g. health workers) who have been exposed to Ebola.</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The Committee emphasized the importance of continued support by WHO and other national and international partners towards the effective implementation and monitoring of these recommendations.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-right: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Based on this advice, the reports made by affected States Parties and the currently available information, the Director-General accepted the Committee’s assessment and on 8 August 2014 declared the Ebola outbreak in West Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The Director-General endorsed the Committee’s advice and issued them as Temporary Recommendations under IHR (2005) to reduce the international spread of Ebola, effective 8 August 2014. The Director-General thanked the Committee Members and Advisors for their advice and requested their reassessment of this situation within 3 months</div>

WHO Statement on the Meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee Regarding the 2014 Ebola Outbreak in West Africa ...

Robredo reaches second round in Cincinnati

7:32 PM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/8ffyR6ZDnsmqupSygf48fg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTY2NztweW9mZj0wO3E9NzU7dz05NjA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/Sports/ap/201408111609581851353" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Robredo reaches second round in Cincinnati" border="0" height="222" src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/8ffyR6ZDnsmqupSygf48fg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTY2NztweW9mZj0wO3E9NzU7dz05NjA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/Sports/ap/201408111609581851353" width="320" /></a>MASON, Ohio (AP) -- Madison Keys accomplished something Serena Williams couldn't - beating Alize Cornet. 
Keys pulled off a 6-2, 6-4 win over Cornet in the first round of the Western & Southern Open on Monday. 
 
''I don't have many complaints about today,'' the 19-year-old American said. ''I definitely played pretty well and stayed in my game for the most part. There's obviously a couple of things that I still want to work on and have better for next round, but I'm pretty happy with today.'' 
 
Cornet, who upset the top-ranked Williams in the third round at Wimbledon six weeks ago, was playing with an injured left leg that she said started bothering her during her second-round loss to Victoria Azarenka last Tuesday at the Rogers Cup in Montreal. 
 
''That's not the reason I lost, but it didn't help,'' said the Frenchwoman, who lost to Keys earlier this year. ''She was very aggressive, hitting all winners.'' 
 
Three qualifiers advanced in other women's first-round action. Taylor Townsend outlasted Klara Koukalova, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, while Pauline Parmentier eliminated Casey Dellacqua, 7-6 (4), 6-2, and Karin Knapp upset wild-card Belinda Bencic, 6-2, 7-6 (1). 
 
Also, Kirsten Flipkens defeated qualifier Polona Hercog, 6-3, 6-2, while Zhang Shuai beat Heather Watson, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, and Elina Svitolina cruised past Lauren Davis, 6-3, 6-2. 
 
In the men's draw, Tommy Robredo survived a first-set tiebreaker to advance to the second round with a 7-6 (5), 6-3 win over wild-card American Jack Sock. 
 
Fernando Verdasco needed three sets to eliminate Marcel Granollers, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (5). Three other players advanced with first career wins over their opponents, led by qualifier Benjamin Becker, whose 7-6 (5), 6-4 upset of Ivo Karlovic was the German's first win in seven matches against the 28th-ranked Croatian. Also, Philipp Kohlschreiber beat Jeremy Chardy, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, the 24th-ranked German's first win in three matches against the Frenchman, and Lu Yen-Hsun advanced with a 6-3, 6-4 win Denis Istomin, Lu's first win in four matches against Istomin. 
 
Qualifier Marinko Matosevic moved on with a 6-4, 7-6 (4) win over Nicolas Mahut, while Gael Monfils needed three sets to get past 63rd-ranked Federico Delbonis, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Serena US Open 2013: Serena Williams breaks Li Na's resistance to reach final Robredo reaches second round in Cincinnati

MASON, Ohio (AP) -- Madison Keys accomplished something Serena Williams couldn't - beating Alize Cornet. Keys pulled off a 6-2, 6-4 win...

Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

7:20 PM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/10/595523header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014" border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/10/595523header.jpg" title="Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014" /></a>Agnieszka Radwanska claimed her first silverware of 2014 as she beat Venus Williams 6-4 6-2 in the Rogers Cup final on Sunday. 
 
The Pole, who has 13 career titles to her name, has struggled to make too much of an impact this season, but was convincing in disposing of Williams at the WTA Premier hard court event in Montreal. 
 
Third seed Radwanska won four games in a row in the first to storm into a 4-1 lead after Williams had claimed the opener. 
 
Williams battled hard to break back in a tight game six, but was unable to complete a comeback after seeing two break points come and go at 4-3 down. 
 
The American struggled on her first service throughout and that fact was emphasised by a second set in which she mustered only a 42 per cent success rate. 
 
Combined with an inability to win points on her second serve - Williams won just one out of 12 in the second set - it proved to be a recipe for disaster. 
 
Radwanska claimed the opening game of the second on Williams' serve to put the former world number one on the back foot from the off. 
 
Williams broke back to level matters at 2-2, but Radwanska won the next game to love as the seven-time grand slam winner's chances of coming away with the win grew ever slimmer. 
 
As it turned out, Williams would not win another game, leaving Radwanska to emphatically serve for the title.

Agnieszka Radwanska Rogers Cup tennis Venus Williams Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

Agnieszka Radwanska claimed her first silverware of 2014 as she beat Venus Williams 6-4 6-2 in the Rogers Cup final on Sunday. The Pole, w...

Tsonga into top 10, Halep climbs to second

7:18 PM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/11/595783header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/11/595783header.jpg" /></a>Jo-Wilfried Tsonga climbed back into the ATP's top 10 for the first time in five months after his Rogers Cup triumph. 
 
The Frenchman more than deserved his rise from 15th to 10th in the rankings, as he downed four top-10 players - including Roger Federer in the Toronto final - to clinch his second career Masters title. 
 
The only other change in the top 10 was David Ferrer of Spain rising one spot to sixth, at the expense of Canada's Milos Raonic (seventh). 
 
The top five of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Federer, Stan Wawrinka and Tomas Berdych remained. 
 
Feliciano Lopez rose to his highest ranking since May 2012 - 16th, up nine spots - after his run to the Toronto semi-finals. 
 
South Africa's Kevin Anderson - a Rogers Cup quarter-finalist - rose four places to 17th, his equal-highest career standing first achieved in July. 
 
Such is the fickle nature of sport, Anderson blew match points in his last-eight match against Grigor Dimitrov - had he converted, Anderson would have reached a career-best ranking. 
 
Big sliders in the top 50 were Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov - down five to 22nd - and Canada's Vasek Pospisil, who fell 19 spots to 46th. 
 
Australia's Nick Kyrgios continued his rise, climbing 12 spots to 58th, while Poland's Jerzy Janowicz dropped 13 places to 65th. 
 
Kyrgios' compatriot Marinko Matosevic was shuffled 30 places down the pecking order to 89th. 
 
Back inside the top 100 was Cyprus' Marcos Baghdatis, who won a Challenger-tour event in Aptos to catapult 24 places up to 82nd. 
 
In the WTA Tour rankings, Romania's Simona Halep is officially the new world number two, assuming the mantle virtually due to Li Na's inactivity. 
 
Li, of China, has already flagged her withdrawal from the US Open due to a knee injury, which has seen her out of competition since Wimbledon. 
 
Returning to the top 10 was Belarus' Victoria Azarenka, up from 11th, with Serbia's Ana Ivanovic falling out. 
 
Rogers Cup finalist Venus Williams moved to 20th from 25th, while her fellow American Coco Vandeweghe - who had to qualify for the main draw in Montreal - rose 13 spots to 38th.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Rogers Cup tennis Tsonga into top 10, Halep climbs to second

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga climbed back into the ATP's top 10 for the first time in five months after his Rogers Cup triumph. The Frenchman mo...

Caballero: ´I want to be number one´Manchester

7:16 PM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/12/596823header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/12/596823header.jpg" /></a>Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero is desperate to challenge Joe Hart for the number one spot at the Premier League champions. 
 
The Argentine shot-stopper, signed from Malaga in July, started for City on Sunday as they suffered a 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield. 
 
Caballero said he is desperate to retain his spot ahead of Sunday's league clash at Newcastle United. 
 
"Yes I want to be number one," he said. 
 
"I will train for the weekend for the next decision to see who starts next. Both of us will train for that chance. 
 
"I came to fight for the number one spot. Sunday at Wembley was an important match for me – I have a chance to play. 
 
"I am happy for this – not for the score. I have been training well but there is no doubt that this was not one of my best games. 
 
"A defeat like this hurts but the most important thing is not to repeat these errors." 
 
Caballero has no doubt City can defend their title while starting to challenge for the UEFA Champions League. 
 
"We have a strong team," he said. 
 
"We are the Premier League champions, with very good players, but we have things we need to prove. 
 
"[Manager] Manuel [Pellegrini] has told all of us that we need to learn game by game, and that we have to start well in the league. 
 
"I think we can win the title again. We have to do what we did last year, to win the league. 
 
"We were the best team in the Premier League. We have to improve in the Champions League and we have a good squad to do that."

Champions League goalkeeper Joe Hart Manchester City Premier League Willy Caballero Caballero: ´I want to be number one´Manchester

Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero is desperate to challenge Joe Hart for the number one spot at the Premier League champions. The...

Medel thrilled with Inter move

7:12 PM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/12/596837header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Medel thrilled with Inter move" border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/12/596837header.jpg" title="Medel thrilled with Inter move" /></a>Inter signing Gary Medel is delighted to have joined the Serie A club as he targets a return to full fitness. 
 
The Chilean, 27, trained with Inter on Monday and has joined after a season with Cardiff City in the Premier League. 
 
Medel injured his left quad two days before Chile's World Cup round of 16 loss to Brazil but played 109 minutes before finally succumbing to the injury. 
 
Speaking to Inter's website after training with Walter Mazzarri's side for the first time, Medel – a midfielder capable of playing in defence – said he was looking forward to representing the Milan-based club. 
 
"Yes, I'm finally at Inter and I'm thrilled to be at this great club," he said. 
 
"Very good. I'm doing physical work [running] at the moment. 
 
"I'm working hard and hopefully I'll be ready to play for Inter soon. I'm really happy to have joined a great club where there are lots of great players. 
 
"Hopefully my team-mates and I will be very successful this season."

Gary Medel Inter midfielder Premier League Serie A Medel thrilled with Inter move

Inter signing Gary Medel is delighted to have joined the Serie A club as he targets a return to full fitness. The Chilean, 27, trained wit...

Tigers maul Vikings to reach Challenge Cup final

4:23 PM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/rugby/2014/8/10/595359header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/rugby/2014/8/10/595359header.jpg" /></a>Castleford Tigers ran in five tries as they demolished Widnes Vikings 28-6 to reach the Challenge Cup final on Sunday. 
 
Daryl Powell's men started the stronger and never looked like giving an inch as they scored three without reply before half-time. 
 
Two more tries from Jamie Ellis and Jake Webster followed after the interval, while Widnes were restricted to a late consolation from Jack Owens. 
 
Victory earns Castleford - the surprise package of the season - a place in their first Wembley showpiece since 1992 where they will meet local rivals Leeds Rhinos, who disposed of Warrington Wolves on Saturday. 
 
Having initially picked up the ball on the halfway line, Liam Finn sprinted under the posts to score the sixth-minute opener, before Daryl Clark, who played a pivotal role in setting up the first, added his own name to the scoresheet three minutes later by bundling over the line from close range. 
 
Widnes were offered some reprieve in the 15th minute when Kirk Dixon had a try ruled out for a knock on by Webster. 
 
And Castleford did not have things all their own way. Craig Huby left the field with a dislocated elbow midway through the half and was taken to hospital after doctors at the ground failed to repair the joint. 
 
But the sun was soon shining on the Tigers once again on a gloomy day in Leigh - Dixon capping an excellent passing move by stepping inside to beat the challenge of Rhys Hanbury on the touchline and touch down seven minutes before the break. 
 
The 14-0 scoreline at half-time mirrored that in Saturday's first semi-final between Leeds and Warrington. 
 
But while Leeds allowed Warrington back into the match in the second half, there was no let-up from Castleford in front of a fervent travelling contingent in the stands. 
 
Ellis powered over eight minutes into the second half before Sneyd added two points from a penalty. 
 
The Castleford fans were already celebrating a trip to Wembley when Webster put the icing on the cake 10 minutes from time, before Owens picked up a late consolation for Widnes - converting his own try to take his side's tally to six points. 
 
The day belonged to Castleford, who will face Leeds in the final on August 23, while Widnes could face repercussions following a pitch invasion on the final whistle.

Castleford Tigers Challenge Cup Hiccup Series rugby Vikings Tigers maul Vikings to reach Challenge Cup final

Castleford Tigers ran in five tries as they demolished Widnes Vikings 28-6 to reach the Challenge Cup final on Sunday. Daryl Powell's ...

Toews, Kane agree to eight-year extensions

4:02 PM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/hockey/2014/7/10/561233header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/hockey/2014/7/10/561233header.jpg" /></a>Chicago Blackhawks stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane agreed to eight-year contract extensions on Wednesday. 
 
The NHL franchise announced the deals, which are believed to be worth $84million each, and will hold a news conference next week. 
 
Captain Toews, 26, and Kane, 25, are both two-time Stanley Cup champions, having helped the Blackhawks to the title in 2010 and 2013. 
 
Toews became the youngest captain in the Blackhawks' history in 2008 and third-youngest in NHL history. 
 
He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for being the play-off MVP in 2010, while Kane claimed that prize in 2013. 
 
Toews is also a two-time Olympic champion after helping Canada win back-to-back gold medals in 2010 and 2014.

Blackhawks Chicago Hockey Jonathan Toews NHL Patrick Kane Toews, Kane agree to eight-year extensions

Chicago Blackhawks stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane agreed to eight-year contract extensions on Wednesday. The NHL franchise announce...

Marquez focused on staying ahead

3:59 PM Anonymous 0

Marc Marquez is determined to stay ahead of the pack after making it 10 straight race wins in 2014 with victory in Indianapolis on Sunday. 
 
The 21-year-old Spanish sensation became the first rider since Mick Doohan in 1997 to record a double-figure winning streak, with the Repsol Honda star prevailing by just under two seconds from Movistar Yamaha duo Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi. 
 
Marquez will now seek to extend his sequence in the Czech Republic on Sunday, having narrowly won at the Brno circuit last year. 
 
"The race was very hard, especially as the track temperature was very high," Marquez said. 
 
"I struggled a little with the front tyre so I stayed behind Rossi to try to keep the front tyre cool. 
 
"I tried to push but then the rear started sliding. Eventually I was able to open the gap and take 25 points. 
 
"We will try to fight for the victory in Brno. The test we had went well but it was very slippery so we don't have too much data. 
 
"I have never gone great there and Jorge and Vale are very strong there.” 
 
Lorenzo, meanwhile, had to settle for second best for the second time this season, but was happy to see some light at the end of the tunnel just over halfway through a frustrating campaign. 
 
"It has been a long road, but we are getting better and better," said the 2010 and 2012 champion. 
 
"This is the closest race, other than Mugello, we have had to the front. 
 
"I needed one or two tenths to catch Marquez, hopefully it will come at the next race. The bike was working very well and I was able to get faster and faster. 
 
"Maybe on more of a Yamaha track and a track that is better for my style, we can challenge him. Brno is luckily a track that I really like and our bike works well at.” 
 
Rossi, who became the first rider to reach 4,000 career points, said: "I knew it would be difficult, as Marc and Jorge were faster than me in practice. I would have hoped to have a bit of a better battle with Lorenzo, but I am satisfied as this is one of my worst tracks, with no podium since 2008."

Marquez Motorsports news SPORTS Marquez focused on staying ahead

Marc Marquez is determined to stay ahead of the pack after making it 10 straight race wins in 2014 with victory in Indianapolis on Sunday. ...

MK Dons host AFC Wimbledon, managerless Huddersfield at Chesterfield

3:57 PM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/11/595677header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/soccer/2014/8/11/595677header.jpg" /></a>MK Dons hosts AFC Wimbledon in an emotionally charged League Cup round one clash on Tuesday. 
 
League Two AFC Wimbledon were formed when their League One opponents relocated from London to Milton Keynes in 2002. 
 
It will be the second meeting between the two sides, with MK Dons coming out on top in a December 2012 FA Cup clash. 
 
MK Dons started the season in emphatic fashion with a 4-2 comeback win at home to Gillingham on Saturday, while AFC Wimbledon shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Shrewsbury Town 
 
Huddersfield Town begin life without Mark Robins with a trip to Chesterfield. 
 
Robins parted company with Town after their 4-0 opening day defeat to Bournemouth - who travel to face League Two Exeter City - and Chesterfield will hold hopes of claiming a Championship scalp, having begun life back in League One with a 2-1 win over last season's beaten play-off finalists Leyton Orient. 
 
Orient's Wembley conquerors from last May Rotherham United host League Two play-off final winners Fleetwood Town, while the 2013 finalists in the competition, Bradford City, are in another trans-Pennine clash as they make the trip to the Lancashire coast to face Morecambe. 
 
There are all-Lancashire clashes between Bolton Wanderers and Bury and Rochdale and Preston North End, while York and Doncaster Rovers will contest Yorkshire bragging rights. 
 
Leeds United will be dearly hoping to avoid any slip ups against Accrington Stanley after Dave Hockaday's unlikely reign as manager got off to a lacklustre start with a 2-0 loss at Millwall, who also entertain League Two opposition in the form of Wycombe Wanderers. 
 
Cambridge United and Luton Town sealed their returns to the Football League last term and look to build on opening day wins with ties against Birmingham City and Swindon Town respectively. 
 
Shrewsbury Town will have designs on a Championship scalp when crisis club Blackpool travel to Greenhous Meadow, while the latter's 2-0 weekend conquerors Nottingham Forest head to Merseyside to take on Tranmere Rovers. 
 
Forest’s local rivals Derby County get the 2014-15 competition under way at Carlisle United on Monday night, while the two other teams that fell short in the Championship play-offs last season - Brighton and Wigan Athletic - face Cheltenham Town and Burton Albion respectively. 
 
Ipswich Town and Watford are on the road at Crawley Town and Stevenage following impressive weekend showings in the second tier, with Middlesbrough and Cardiff City also travelling Oldham Athletic and Coventry City. 
 
The remaining Championship sides in the draw are Blackburn Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic and Reading and the quartet will enjoy home advantage against Scunthorpe United, Notts County, Colchester United and Newport County respectively. 
 
Elsewhere, Barnsley host Crewe Alexandra, Bristol City face Oxford United, Dagenham and Redbridge welcome Brentford, Plymouth Argyle entertain Leyton Orient, Hartlepool United travel to Port Vale, Portsmouth tackle Peterborough United, Wolves host Northampton Town, Gillingham head to Yeovil Town and Sheffield United play Mansfield Town.

AFC Champions League FA Cup football MK Dons news news sports MK Dons host AFC Wimbledon, managerless Huddersfield at Chesterfield

MK Dons hosts AFC Wimbledon in an emotionally charged League Cup round one clash on Tuesday. League Two AFC Wimbledon were formed when the...

Tsonga clinches Toronto title

3:55 PM Anonymous 0

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga completed his impressive Rogers Cup by claiming the title with a straight-sets win over Roger Federer on Sunday. 
 
The Frenchman battled to a 7-5 7-6 (7-3) victory over Swiss maestro Federer in the final in Toronto. 
 
It marked the 13th-seeded Tsonga's 11th ATP World Tour title and first since February 2013. 
 
On his way to the title, Tsonga claimed the scalps of four of the world's top 10 - Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Grigor Dimitrov and Federer. 
 
The 29-year-old will return to the top 10 for the first time since March after becoming the first Frenchman to win on Canadian soil. 
 
Tsonga served 11 aces and gave second seed Federer no break-point opportunities during the 107-minute battle at the ATP 1000 hard-court event. 
 
Both players were comfortable on serve in the first set, until Tsonga broke to 30 in the 12th game. 
 
Tsonga wasted chances in the second, squandering break points in the sixth and eight games. 
 
His next missed opportunity was a match point in the 10th, but he made no mistake from 3-3 in the tie-break as he ran away to claim the title.

Federer Grigor Dimitrov Jo-Wilfried Tsonga news sports Rogers Cup Toronto Tsonga clinches Toronto title

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga completed his impressive Rogers Cup by claiming the title with a straight-sets win over Roger Federer on Sunday. The Fr...

Tsonga to meet Federer in Rogers Cup final

3:48 PM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/10/594807header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/10/594807header.jpg" /></a>Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made it through to his first final in three years after disposing of Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets at the Rogers Cup. 
 
Tsonga - seeded 13th - was too strong for Bulgarian seventh seed Dimitrov in the semi-finals, easing to a 6-4 6-3 win after an hour and 24 minutes in Toronto. 
 
The Frenchman won three break points, saved all four presented to Dimitrov and won 88 per cent of his first service points as he reached his first ATP Tour final since finishing runner-up at the BNP Paribas Masters in 2011. 
 
Tsonga - coincidently - lost that match-up to Roger Federer, who he will face in Sunday's decider after the Swiss second seed accounted for Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 6-3 6-4. 
 
"I'm feeling good," said Tsonga. 
 
"I have been waiting for this moment for a couple of years now. 
 
"It's good because I have always believed in myself during all these years. 
 
"It will for sure make me stronger and keep my motivation at the highest level." 
 
A day after eliminating Andy Murray, Tsonga continued where he left off against Dimitrov, taking the opening set. 
 
Tsonga, though, did not have it all his own way in the first stanza after being forced to save four break points as he attempted to serve for the set with a 5-4 lead. 
 
The 29-year-old Frenchman ramped up the pressure in the second set, breaking twice as progressed to his third ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final. 
 
Standing in Tsonga's way is Federer, who leads the head-to-head record 11-4. 
 
Federer - Rogers Cup champion in 2004 and 2006 and runner-up in 2007 and 2010 - made light work of Lopez as he wrapped up proceedings in straight sets. 
 
The 33-year-old sent down 13 aces and won 86 per cent of his first services points. 
 
Federer also broke twice throughout the encounter, while he did not face a break point against Lopez.

Federer Grigor Dimitrov Jo-Wilfried Tsonga news sports Rogers Cup tennis Tsonga to meet Federer in Rogers Cup final

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made it through to his first final in three years after disposing of Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets at the Rogers Cup. ...

Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

3:45 PM Anonymous 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/10/595523header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cache.images.core.optasports.com/news/tennis/2014/8/10/595523header.jpg" /></a></div>
Agnieszka Radwanska claimed her first silverware of 2014 as she beat Venus Williams 6-4 6-2 in the Rogers Cup final on Sunday. 
 
The Pole, who has 13 career titles to her name, has struggled to make too much of an impact this season, but was convincing in disposing of Williams at the WTA Premier hard court event in Montreal. 
 
Third seed Radwanska won four games in a row in the first to storm into a 4-1 lead after Williams had claimed the opener. 
 
Williams battled hard to break back in a tight game six, but was unable to complete a comeback after seeing two break points come and go at 4-3 down. 
 
The American struggled on her first service throughout and that fact was emphasised by a second set in which she mustered only a 42 per cent success rate. 
 
Combined with an inability to win points on her second serve - Williams won just one out of 12 in the second set - it proved to be a recipe for disaster. 
ews 
Radwanska claimed the opening game of the second on Williams' serve to put the former world number one on the back foot from the off. 
 
Williams broke back to level matters at 2-2, but Radwanska won the next game to love as the seven-time grand slam winner's chances of coming away with the win grew ever slimmer. 
 
As it turned out, Williams would not win another game, leaving Radwanska to emphatically serve for the title.

Agnieszka Radwanska news sports Rogers Cup SPORTS tennis Venus Williams Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

Agnieszka Radwanska claimed her first silverware of 2014 as she beat Venus Williams 6-4 6-2 in the Rogers Cup final on Sunday. The Pole,...

Venus through to Montreal final

1:09 PM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J5AOauiV6bs/U-fQ6Pmz3AI/AAAAAAAAAFA/YAf00Vjt1rQ/s1600/594795header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Venus through to Montreal final" border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J5AOauiV6bs/U-fQ6Pmz3AI/AAAAAAAAAFA/YAf00Vjt1rQ/s1600/594795header.jpg" title="Venus through to Montreal final" width="320" /></a>Venus Williams booked her spot in the Rogers Cup final, at the expense of her top-seeded sister Serena on Saturday. 
 
In the 25th career meeting between the Williams sisters, it was Venus who earned bragging rights with a shock 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 6-3 win after just over an hour in Montreal. 
 
Venus' triumph - her 11th against Serena - was her first over a reigning world number one since upstaging Dinara Safina in the 2009 Wimbledon semi-finals. 
 
The 34-year-old fended off 19 aces from Serena to advance to Sunday's decider, where she will face Agnieszka Radwanska after the third-seeded Pole overcame Russian Ekaterina Makarova 7-6 (7-1) 7-6 (7-3). 
 
"The level of game we played was pretty high," said Venus 
 
"We're both serving well, returning well, moving well - everything is happening so well that all of our matches seem to be very competitive." 
 
Venus stormed out of the blocks to take a 3-1 lead only for Serena to hit back, levelling the match at 3-3, before eventually closing out the opening set in a tie-break. 
 
Two breaks of serve in the second stanza - the first coming in the opening game - set the tone as Venus forced a third set. 
 
It was a similar story in the deciding set, with Venus breaking Serena's serve in the sixth game to reach her second final of 2014, having won the Dubai Tennis Championships in February. 
 
Following Venus into the final was Radwanska, who finally got the better of Makarova in straight sets after two hours and four minutes on court. 
 
Radwanska had lost her past two meetings against Makarova, slipping up at the US Open in 2013 and Wimbledon in June. 
 
But the 2012 Wimbledon finalist exacted revenge, making the most of Makarova's 43 unforced errors. 
 
Radwanska finished the match with 28 winners and just 14 unforced errors. 
 
"I think it was a great match," Radwanska said. 
 
"Two hours of fighting and long rallies and tight games - I had to really run a lot to win that match because she's so good. I had to give 100 per cent today. 
 
"I think I was just better on a few points today. I'm really happy with the win."

2014 Championships news news sports Rogers Cup SPORTS tennis Venus Williams Venus through to Montreal final

Venus Williams booked her spot in the Rogers Cup final, at the expense of her top-seeded sister Serena on Saturday. In the 25th career mee...

Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

1:06 PM Anonymous 0

Agnieszka Radwanska claimed her first silverware of 2014 as she beat Venus Williams 6-4 6-2 in the Rogers Cup final on Sunday. 
 
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHcqRx3mxYk/U-fQPQu0q3I/AAAAAAAAAE4/lGcW1fEHR5s/s1600/595523header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014" border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHcqRx3mxYk/U-fQPQu0q3I/AAAAAAAAAE4/lGcW1fEHR5s/s1600/595523header.jpg" title="Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014" width="320" /></a>The Pole, who has 13 career titles to her name, has struggled to make too much of an impact this season, but was convincing in disposing of Williams at the WTA Premier hard court event in Montreal. 
 
Third seed Radwanska won four games in a row in the first to storm into a 4-1 lead after Williams had claimed the opener. 
 
Williams battled hard to break back in a tight game six, but was unable to complete a comeback after seeing two break points come and go at 4-3 down. 
 
The American struggled on her first service throughout and that fact was emphasised by a second set in which she mustered only a 42 per cent success rate. 
 
Combined with an inability to win points on her second serve - Williams won just one out of 12 in the second set - it proved to be a recipe for disaster. 
 
Radwanska claimed the opening game of the second on Williams' serve to put the former world number one on the back foot from the off. 
 
Williams broke back to level matters at 2-2, but Radwanska won the next game to love as the seven-time grand slam winner's chances of coming away with the win grew ever slimmer. 
 
As it turned out, Williams would not win another game, leaving Radwanska to emphatically serve for the title.

2014 Agnieszka Radwanska news sports Rogers Cup tennis Venus Williams Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

Agnieszka Radwanska claimed her first silverware of 2014 as she beat Venus Williams 6-4 6-2 in the Rogers Cup final on Sunday. The Pole, w...

Rain halts play at Valhalla

1:02 PM Anonymous 0

The final round of the US PGA Championship has been suspended due to heavy rainfall at Valhalla. 
 
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-27cTW9y522Q/U-fPLM2vG5I/AAAAAAAAAEw/rXU6hG8_zoA/s1600/595431header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Rain halts play at Valhalla" border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-27cTW9y522Q/U-fPLM2vG5I/AAAAAAAAAEw/rXU6hG8_zoA/s1600/595431header.jpg" title="Rain halts play at Valhalla" width="320" /></a>With the heavens opening over the Kentucky course, officials had no choice but to bring a halt to the fourth round of golf's final major of the year, with huge puddles forming. 
 
The PGA of America subsequently confirmed that play would be halted for at least one hour, although continued rainfall puts Sunday's play at jeopardy. 
 
Bad weather also affected the second day of the tournament, where the inclement conditions saw several players have their tee time put back. 
 
The delay in play is likely to affect players at the top of the leaderboard, leader Rory McIlroy was due to tee off with Bernd Wiesberger - who sits second - at approximately 15:00 local time (20:00 GMT). 
 
McIlroy - who is 13 under par for the tournament - is targeting a hat-trick of victories after triumphing at The Open Championship last month and at last week's WGC Bridgestone Invitational. 
 
That run has helped the Northern Irishman reclaim top spot in the world rankings, but he faces stiff competition from the likes of Rickie Fowler who is two shots adrift, while Phil Mickelson and Jason Day are a further stroke off the pace. 
 
Despite the poor weather, Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen showed that low scoring remained a possibility - he was four under par through 11 holes before the break in play. 
 
Shane Lowry also carded four under in his final round, a score which took him to one under par for the tournament. 
 
However, Spain's Rafael Cabrera-Bello will act as a warning to the leaders, he shot a nine-over-par 80, including double-bogeys at the seventh and the 12th, to end his tournament at 10 over par.

America america's cup finals championship golf news sports Rain halts SPORTS US PGA US PGA Championship Rain halts play at Valhalla

The final round of the US PGA Championship has been suspended due to heavy rainfall at Valhalla. With the heavens opening over the Kentuck...

Suarez suffers brain injury in friendly victory

12:56 PM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6wFb90a8SM/U-fL_rT9WaI/AAAAAAAAAEk/jnPavYGTXdw/s1600/595491header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Suarez suffers brain injury in friendly victory" border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6wFb90a8SM/U-fL_rT9WaI/AAAAAAAAAEk/jnPavYGTXdw/s1600/595491header.jpg" title="Suarez suffers brain injury in friendly victory" width="320" /></a>Mario Suarez suffered a "traumatic brain injury" in Atletico Madrid's 5-1 friendly win over Wolfsburg on Sunday. 
 
The midfielder was left unconscious following a first-half collision with team-mate Cristian Ansaldi, who was challenging Wolfsburg's Ivica Olic for an aerial ball. 
 
Suarez required lengthy treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Tiago, with Atletico later confirming details of the injury. 
 
"Mario Suarez suffers a traumatic brain injury," they tweeted. "He's regained consciousness. He's being taken to the hospital for tests." 
 
Raul Garcia had already headed Atletico in front by the time Suarez was stretchered from the field, and added his second nine minutes after the interval. 
 
A Mario Mandzukic penalty made it three before Naldo reduced the deficit, but further goals from Koke and Hector put Atleti out of sight. 
 
Diego Simeone's men started well and Mandzukic tested goalkeeper Diego Benaglio inside the opening minute as the Liga champions looked to end a run of three matches without a goal. 
 
And it was not long before they were in front, with Garcia rising well to power home a header from Gabi's corner in the 13th minute. 
 
Kevin De Bruyne started to cause problems in the Atleti penalty area, but the visitors had an even bigger issue to deal with when Suarez was felled in the 21st minute. 
 
That injury cast something of a shadow over the remainder of the match, but Garcia did his bit to lift Spanish spirits when he capped a flowing Atleti move to double the advantage in the 54th minute. 
 
And the visitors were three up eight minutes later when Mandzukic was clumsily brought down in the penalty area by Naldo - the referee showing no hesitation in pointing to the spot. 
 
The Croatian dusted himself down to drive the ball straight down the middle and into the back of the net. 
 
Naldo atoned for his earlier mishap by drilling into the bottom left-hand corner from a 67th-minute free-kick, but Koke's curling effort ensured the German club's joy was short-lived. 
 
Hector put the gloss on the result seven minutes from time after being teed up by debutant Antoine Griezmann. 
 
Despite the serious injury to Suarez, who later underwent a CT scan and was kept in hospital for observation, the nature of the result and a debut for Griezmann should send the men from the Spanish capital home with at least some cheer.

Atletico Madrid football Mario Suarez midfielder news news sports The Players Wolfsburg Suarez suffers brain injury in friendly victory

Mario Suarez suffered a "traumatic brain injury" in Atletico Madrid's 5-1 friendly win over Wolfsburg on Sunday. The midfiel...

Mazzarri blames defeat on heavy workload

12:44 PM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUQXSQXvNoc/U-fKwZ8yYlI/AAAAAAAAAEc/XvKaUjwoXGQ/s1600/595469header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Mazzarri blames defeat on heavy workload" border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JUQXSQXvNoc/U-fKwZ8yYlI/AAAAAAAAAEc/XvKaUjwoXGQ/s1600/595469header.jpg" title="Mazzarri blames defeat on heavy workload" width="320" /></a>Inter coach Walter Mazzarri put Inter's 3-1 friendly defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday down to a challenging week of training. 
 
The Serie A outfit had gone in front at the Commerzbank-Arena through Ruben Botta, but on-loan Chelsea man Lucas Piazon levelled for Frankfurt. 
 
Haris Seferovic then netted twice before half-time as Inter succumbed to defeat in their penultimate friendly before their return to competitive action in the UEFA Europa League play-offs in 10 days' time. 
 
Mazzarri, while disappointed with the result, felt the hard work put in by his players during the week had been detrimental to their short-term cause. 
 
"Was this down to the heavy workload during the week? I don't want any excuses," he told Inter Channel. 
 
"My fitness coach told me we needed to work on strength right now, as otherwise we'd lack sharpness later on in the season. I think the lads paid that price and they looked pretty heavy-legged. 
 
"We weren't sharp and I hope that is only down to the fitness work. At this stage of the season it's easy to do well in one game and badly the next. If you lack just a tiny bit of sharpness and focus, then you can trip up. 
 
"Up until our goal Eintracht hadn't created any chances, but we have to be more concentrated in some situations. Perhaps we subconsciously let go after taking the lead. 
 
"In the second half we focused on damage limitation."

Mazzarri blames defeat on heavy workload

Chelsea coach Eintracht Frankfurt Europa League football Haris Seferovic Inter news news sports Serie A UEFA Walter Mazzarri Mazzarri blames defeat on heavy workload

Inter coach Walter Mazzarri put Inter's 3-1 friendly defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday down to a challenging week of training. T...

Stewart speaks of sadness following fatal collision

12:38 PM Anonymous 0

<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21KtQ9-QF2U/U-fKIbF2AMI/AAAAAAAAAEI/B_yickdCZak/s1600/595467header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Stewart speaks of sadness following fatal collision" border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21KtQ9-QF2U/U-fKIbF2AMI/AAAAAAAAAEI/B_yickdCZak/s1600/595467header.jpg" title="Stewart speaks of sadness following fatal collision" width="320" /></a>Tony Stewart has spoken of his sadness after being involved in a collision that took the life of fellow driver Kevin Ward Jr. on Saturday. 
 
According to authorities and eye-witness accounts, the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion hit and killed Ward Jr. who had walked towards Stewart's car after the two had an altercation during a race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. 
 
The Ontario County (N.Y.) Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a news release that Ward Jr. had been declared dead 45 minutes after the incident upon arrival at Thompson Hospital. 
 
Some reports suggested that Stewart would still take part in Sunday's Cheez-It 355 Sprint Cup Series event in Watkins Glen, New York, but Stewart-Haas Racing vice president of competition Greg Zipadelli confirmed the 43-year-old's withdrawal earlier in the day. 
 
And Stewart has now released his own brief statement. 
 
"There aren't words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr.," it read. 
 
"It's a very emotional time for all involved, and it is the reason I've decided not to participate in today's race at Watkins Glen. 
 
"My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and everyon affected by this tragedy." 
 
In relation to Saturday's tragedy, Sheriff Philip C. Povero had earlier told reporters: "Right now, this is an on-track crash investigation. 
 
"There are no criminal charges pending at this time. We are not making any inferences of any criminal conduct at all. 
 
"He [Stewart] was visibly shaken by this incident and promised his continuing cooperation of this investigation."

Kevin Ward Motorsports NASCAR New York Daily News Sprint Cup Tony Stewart Stewart speaks of sadness following fatal collision

Tony Stewart has spoken of his sadness after being involved in a collision that took the life of fellow driver Kevin Ward Jr. on Saturday. ...

Wenger gives Arsenal captaincy to Arteta

12:34 PM Anonymous 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuI6h-jdHkc/U-fIjCXhoCI/AAAAAAAAAD8/tmwyCbWuPi4/s1600/IMG_20140727_061819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Wenger gives Arsenal captaincy to Arteta" border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuI6h-jdHkc/U-fIjCXhoCI/AAAAAAAAAD8/tmwyCbWuPi4/s1600/IMG_20140727_061819.jpg" title="Wenger gives Arsenal captaincy to Arteta" width="320" /></a></div>
Arsene Wenger confirmed Mikel Arteta as Arsenal's new captain after watching his side beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield. 
 
Hours after the sale of former skip 
per Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona, Arsenal dispatched the Premier League champions at Wembley on Sunday as Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud found the net in an impressive performance. 
 
Arteta featured alongside Jack Wilshere as the FA Cup holders dominated central midfield and Wenger named the former Everton player as his new captain, with Per Mertesacker to serve as vice-captain. 
 
Wenger said: "One, Arteta and two, Mertesacker. Arteta will be captain and Mertesacker vice-captain." 
 
Mertesacker was absent against City due to an extended break after being part of Germany's triumphant World Cup squad. 
 
It opened the way for close-season signing Calum Chambers to partner Laurent Koscielny at centre-back and the 19-year-old produced as assured display, despite playing the majority of his senior football to date at right-back. 
 
"For a 19-year-old he had an outstanding performance," Wenger said. "The kind of performance he delivered is very promising. 
 
"It's impressive because he hasn't got a long history in this position because he was a right-back and I think if all goes well he has a good career in front of him. 
 
"He can challenge both centre-backs and that's what you want. You cannot play with two centre-backs the whole season; that means he will play." 
 
At the other end of the field, an Arsenal attack featuring showpiece new signing Alexis Sanchez caused City no end of problems and Wenger is pleased with the talent at his disposal for the new campaign. 
 
"I have more attacking options than I had for a long time - that's for sure," he said. 
 
"Three, four, five years ago, every year we lost a big player. In the last two years, we added players like [Mesut] Ozil and this season like Alexis so of course that strengthens the squad. 
 
"I am, of course, very ambitious but I'm a bit cautious because I have quite a good experience. I look around and see the other teams have strengthened as well so it will be interesting to watch the Premier League because it looks like all the big teams will be very strong." 
 
Arsenal's title bid last term was undermined by heavy defeats at the hands of fellow Premier League heavyweights. 
 
"That's why it was important for us not to lose the game," Wenger added. 
 
"On that front we know that last year we were very consistent against the teams outside the top six and not consistent against the top six teams. 
 
"The year before it was reversed so let's hope that this year it will be right on both sides."

Arsenal Arsene Wenger football Manchester City Mikel Arteta news news sports Wenger gives Arsenal captaincy to Arteta

Arsene Wenger confirmed Mikel Arteta as Arsenal's new captain after watching his side beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield...

Ebola Outbreak in West Africa 'WHO'

Robredo reaches second round in Cincinnati

Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

Tsonga into top 10, Halep climbs to second

Caballero: ´I want to be number one´Manchester

Medel thrilled with Inter move

Tigers maul Vikings to reach Challenge Cup final

Toews, Kane agree to eight-year extensions

Marquez focused on staying ahead

MK Dons host AFC Wimbledon, managerless Huddersfield at Chesterfield

Tsonga clinches Toronto title

Tsonga to meet Federer in Rogers Cup final

Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

Venus through to Montreal final

Radwanska beats Williams in Montreal for first title of 2014

Rain halts play at Valhalla

Suarez suffers brain injury in friendly victory

Mazzarri blames defeat on heavy workload

Stewart speaks of sadness following fatal collision

Wenger gives Arsenal captaincy to Arteta

Ads

Archive