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Serena Williams beats Nuria Parrizas Diaz for first singles win in over a year
Serena Williams has won the National Bank Open title three times
Serena Williams claimed her first singles win in 14 months as she beat Spain’s Nuria Parrizas Diaz to reach the second round of the National Bank Open in Toronto.
The American great, 40, showed glimpses of her vintage ball striking in a 6-3 6-4 victory over the world number 57.
Williams’ last singles success was at the 2021 French Open.
She will play either Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic or Tereza Martincova next.
Williams made her singles return at Wimbledon in June after a year out with injury after speculation she may retire.
When asked what drove her to continue playing, she said: “I guess there’s just a light at the end of the tunnel.
“Lately that’s been it for me. I can’t wait to get to that light. I love playing, so it’s amazing but, you know, I can’t do this forever.
“Sometimes you just want to try your best to enjoy the moments and do the best that you can.”
A three-time champion at the Toronto event, Williams was given warm and vocal support by the crowd in her first hard court match since the 2021 Australian Open.
She and Parrizas Diaz exchanged breaks in the early stages, before a backhand smash gave the 23-time major winner a 5-3 lead and chance to serve for the set.
Williams then saved a break point of her own, before finally taking the set on another smash at the net.
Although her serve and movement were not at their best, she produced some superb defence to save another break point and keep the second set on serve.
That continued into a 25-minute service game that saw nine deuces, with Williams somehow coming through to hold before breaking Parrizas Diaz in the next game.
After converting her first match point, Williams congratulated her 31-year-old opponent, telling her she “played really well” before acknowledging the crowd.
The Toronto competition is one of several warm-up events for the US Open, which begins on 29 August.
Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and Simona Halep also advanced on the opening day’s play. -BBC
Accra’s creative industry is preparing for one of the most ambitious film projects in recent Ghanaian cinema as award winning filmmaker Big Ghun and acclaimed media personality and producer Doreen Avio officially open auditions for their upcoming feature film, Scarlett Unveiled.
The highly anticipated auditions will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM at MCB Studios, Lapaz Tabora, with actors of all ages invited to participate.
Presented by PB Studios Africa, Scarlett Unveiled is a bold and emotionally charged Ghanaian creative project.
The project is expected to resonate strongly with young audiences in Ghana and across the diaspora..
The production is being developed in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana, which is supporting the project’s executive launch.
Renowned textile brand Woodin has also come on board as the official clothing partner, while MCB Studios is serving as a support partner for the audition process.
According to Big Ghun, known for directing internationally recognized projects such as Koro (One), Leaked, and Vibes the Movie, Scarlett Unveiled is designed to become a landmark cultural production that will travel from cinema screens to schools and global platforms.
Producer Doreen Avio, one of Ghana’s most respected media personalities and event hosts, says the project aims to discover both established and emerging actors who can bring authenticity and emotional depth to the story.
She added that “This is more than an audition,” the producers say. “It is an opportunity for talented individuals to become part of a one of a kind Ghanaian story with the potential to inspire audiences around the world.”
Interested participants are encouraged to come with a passport sized photograph and be prepared to showcase their talent and confidence before the casting team.
With an award winning creative team, respected institutional partners, and a story rooted in truth and transformation, Scarlett Unveiled is shaping up to be one of Ghana’s most significant cinematic undertakings in the coming year.
Parliament has confirmed that the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Kwame Ohene Frimpong, has been detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Parliament said the incident had been brought to the attention of the House leadership.
According to the statement, the Speaker of Parliament and the leadership of the House are currently in contact with Ghana’s Mission in The Hague to gather detailed information about the matter.
Parliament, however, did not disclose the reasons behind the MP’s detention.
“The public will be duly informed appropriately on this matter,” the statement added.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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