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FABIO FOGNINI has announced his retirement from tennis aged 38.

The Italian maverick has decided to hang up his racquet following his epic first round exit to Carlos Alcaraz last week.

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Fabio Fognini has announced his retirement from tennis[/caption]

AFP

Fognini, 38, hugs Carlos Alcaraz after their five-set epic[/caption]

Two-time defending champion Alcaraz required nearly four-and-a-half hours to defeat Fognini on day one of Wimbledon.

Having gone back to Italy and considered his future, Fognini decided to call it a day.

After returning to Wimbledon, Fognini confirmed in a press conference that his clash with Alcaraz was his final match.

After the first round epic, the Spaniard said of his wily opponent: “I told him that I have big respect for him. He’s the best.

“I have big respect for him. Everything that he has done in his career, what he has done today.

“I love watching him play. I’m just glad to have shared the court once again with him, that I have shared the locker rooms, the tournament with him.

“Just amazing. I have big respect for him.”

Following his battle with Alcaraz, Fognini said: “It was really emotional. I have to be honest, I cried in the locker room. I cried.

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“Because, as I say, I didn’t expect play five set against him. I have to be honest.

“The way I was coming here, I had no expectation because since I started this year, after the injury, I was playing really badly. I didn’t win so many matches.

“So I say, okay. I was seven out at the beginning here in Wimbledon. I get in few last.

“I say before, there is no better way to play in this court with a great champion that I have a lot of respect for.”

Fognini peaked at No9 in the world rankings in 2019, while has earned around £14million in career prize money.

The wily veteran’s biggest tournament win in singles came in Monte Carlo six years ago, while he also triumphed in the Australian Open men’s doubles in 2015.

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A QUICK-witted TD delivered a sharp quip after all power went out in the Dail during a debate on the cost of living and rising supermarket prices, saying: “Have you paid the electricity bill Minister?”

Leinster House was thrown into disarray today after the Dail and its surrounding buildings suffered a series of power outages.

Dail Eireann

Dail Eireann

Electricity cut off in the buildings around Kildare Street on several occasions with politicians’ offices left without power for the morning.

The first power outage hit Leinster House during a debate on rising food prices and the cost of living.

The Social Democrats had brought forward a bill demanding that supermarkets be forced to disclose their profits in Ireland amid rising prices.

The party wants the five major supermarkets in Ireland to be more transparent about how much they make in Ireland with the grocery sector here worth €15 billion a year.

SocDems TD Jennifer Whitmore was raising the impact of skyrocketing food prices on household bills in the Dail when the power cut.

The sharp Wicklow TD didn’t miss a beat when the electricity went out during her speech as she quipped: “Have you paid the electricity bill Minister?”

After finishing the point she was making the TD asked the chamber if she should continue.

And even with the shut off in the Dail chambe,r business continued with Galway TD Catherine Connolly who was chairing the debate laughing: “The sound is more important than the vision on this occasion.”

The Dail Chamber itself had a back up power to enable business to continue however, all Committee meetings were suspended after the rooms in the nearby LH2000 building were cast into darkness by the outage.

Four Oireachtas committees were sitting at the time with witnesses giving evidence on a range of subjects from drone use to social welfare changes in the upcoming budget.

The Committee on Disability Matters was hearing from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission when they lost power and the room fell into darkness.

Confused politicians and staff in the room at the time questioned: “Will I go out and have a look and see if I can flick a switch?”

The power in Leinster House continued to flick on and off throughout the morning as staff worked to address the issue which was being put down to an ESB network problem.

CONNOLLY STATION POWER CUT

It is understood the power outage impacted the wider Dublin 2 area with electricity lost for over an hour in parts.

Power is being restored across the area sporadically this afternoon.

Connolly Station in Dublin was also hit by a power cut this morning, leaving lights and announcements unavailable.

Irish Rail warned customers: “Passengers are advised there is currently an ESB power outage at Connolly Station. No impact to the running of services.

“However station lights, announcements/monitors and ticket vending machines are out of service until further notice.”

The power to the station was restored just after 7am.

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In a lively gathering that buzzed with anticipation, Bangkok’s top officials huddled together in a grand meeting to weave a future where cutting-edge technology and traditional urban wisdom walk hand in hand. The agenda was as ambitious as it was innovative: to blend the eagle-eyed gaze of CCTV with the lightning-fast analysis of AI, all while rolling out a sleek series of physical upgrades to the beloved cityscape of roads and pavements. It’s the kind of partnership that brings a sparkle to the eyes of tech enthusiasts and urban developers alike. Imagine this: bustling economic hubs and charming tourist spots, often vulnerable to the whims of mischief-makers, fortified with an invisible shield of security. This initiative doesn’t just cast a wide net over key areas, it hones in with laser precision on those pockets most prone to trouble. From the lively clamor of marketplaces to the shadowy alleys whispering tales…

In the heart of bustling Bangkok, beneath the dappled shade of an overcast tropical sky, an extraordinary event unfolded at the city’s iconic Lumphini Park. With a thoughtful mixture of ceremonial pomp and environmental mindfulness, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Mayor Chen Tao of Shantou Municipality, China, came together to plant a Flame Tree. This wasn’t just a tree planting; it was a heartfelt nod to a quarter-century of friendship between Bangkok and Shantou, complementing the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Thailand and China. The setting, Lumphini Park, was a tapestry of vibrant hues—a perfect backdrop as dignitaries, environmental champions, and local onlookers gathered to witness this harmonious blend of nature and diplomacy. Joining Governor Sittipunt was an illustrious roster of officials, including Torsak Chotimongkol, Chief Advisor to the Governor, Wisanu Subsompon, Deputy Governor, and Pornprom Vikitsreth, the voice leading sustainability efforts. In addition to these city stalwarts, representatives…

In an exciting step towards bolstering Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Southeast Asia, Bangkok and Shantou have formalized a groundbreaking “sister hospital” partnership. This strategic alliance promises to usher in a new era of healthcare collaboration, destined to enrich the lives of Bangkok’s community with the age-old wisdom of TCM. Today, the auspicious signing event was supervised by none other than Governor Chadchart Sittipunt of Bangkok and Mayor Chen Tao of Shantou Municipality. Together, they sealed the deal with a Memorandum of Understanding, marking a significant leap in medical cooperation between these vibrant cities. Uniting under this promising accord are three prominent Bangkok institutions: BMA General Hospital, Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital, and the esteemed Navamindradhiraj University. Their counterpart in this venture is the Shantou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, renowned for its expertise in TCM. The ceremonial signing unfolded within the historic ambiance of the Rattanakosin Room at Bangkok City Hall.…

The atrium of Bangkok City Hall was abuzz with excitement as the vibrant city played host to a unique entourage of Thai youth and their families visiting all the way from the United States. This event marked the 14th rendition of the “Thai Youth in USA Visit Homeland Project,” which, over the years, has blossomed into a cherished tradition. The atmosphere was nothing short of electric as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) extended a heartfelt welcome to its guests. Presiding over the ceremonious gathering was Dr. Wantanee Wattana, a cornerstone of the BMA, who, with a warm smile and a twinkle of pride in her eyes, represented the city in welcoming the delegation. Although Governor Chadchart Sittipunt had pressing commitments with a visiting contingent from Shantou, the spirit of camaraderie and hospitality was unmissable under Dr. Wantanee’s stewardship. Dr. Wantanee, radiating warmth, conveyed, “To all who have journeyed from afar,…

DES Cahill joked “Jacqui is excited” while calling for Cork and Tipperary fans to fill out the Up for the Match audience.

They leaned into Hurley being a Corkwoman while promoting this year’s edition which will take place on Saturday July 19 – the night before Cork lock horns with Tipperary.

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Cahill had some fun at his co-host’s expense as he teaser her over her natural bias[/caption]

Channelling old school Hollywood icon James Dean, she quipped that the Rebels certainly have a cause as they aim to end a two-decade wait to lift Liam MacCarthy.

The adjoining promotional caption read: “Applications for the #UpForTheMatch Hurling Special are now OPEN.

“Are you a Cork or Tipperary superfan heading to Croke Park on July 20 for the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final? Are you mad about your county, and mad for a bit of craic?

“Well then we want YOU in our audience, kitted out in your county colours. Apply now via this link.”

Tuesday saw the GAA announce that Liam Gordon will referee the July 20 showpiece. It will be the Galway native’s first time taking charge of a senior decider.

Yesterday also witnessed Premier boss Liam Cahill hailing Kilkenny for not kicking up a fuss over scoregate – and saying Tipperary have moved on from the saga.

Noel McGrath’s wide in Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final was waved wide by the umpire, but the Croke Park scoreboard registered the point. 

GAA officials declared that the Premier had won 4-21 to 0-30 – but McGrath’s effort was subsequently chalked off, and the official scoreline was changed to 4-20 to 0-30. 

Believing they were three points down, the Cats chased a goal in vain before the Premier advanced to the All-Ireland final against Cork. 

And boss Cahill lauded the Cats for leaving it at that ahead of their July 20 showdown against the Rebels. 

He said: “We know Kilkenny from the start of time are a huge hurling county and I said that afterwards.

“Like ourselves, if Kilkenny don’t win it on the field, they ain’t going to bring it to the boardroom, that’s for sure.

“For me, we were going on the scoreboard. Through Declan Laffan and the lads down the earpiece, there might have been a little query alright but for us we were playing what was in front of us.

“What can we say sure, it’s human error, that’s the bottom line. A mistake was made but it had no effect on us, on what we wanted to achieve at the end of the day, which was just to get the result. 

“Everybody in the GAA, we do our best to try and do things voluntary and keep things as right as we can and unfortunately it was just human error. What can be done, only move on.

“It was out of our control, really. It is unfortunate. From the outset, these boys here were just concentrating on getting over the line. 

“Look, you can go into all the ins and out of it, there were several other passages of play, decisions that work out throughout the 74-plus minutes. 

“The reality is that’s what big matches like that are made of and you just roll with the punches and you take the hits.” 

LEICESTER are ready to pay £500,000 compensation to QPR to land Marti Cifuentes as their new manager.

Cifuentes, 43, has beaten Gary O’Neil, Chris Wilder and Danny Rohl in the race to succeed Ruud Van Nistelrooy at the Kingpower.

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Ruud van Nistelrooy was sacked by Leicester City following their relegation from the Premier League[/caption]

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Former QPR boss Marti Cifuentes is set to replace Van Nistelrooy at the helm[/caption]

The Spanish coach left QPR last month after two seasons in charge at Loftus Road.

But it was not a straightforward departure as Cifuentes was put on gardening leave in April after strong links to West Brom, who were looking for a new manager.

As part of his exit agreement, a new club will have to pay compensation and Leicester look ready to do that.

Should the Foxes fork out the compensation fee, Cifuentes could be appointed in the next few days.

Cifuentes had only signed a new long-term deal with QPR last September but his spell in west London turned sour.

The manager had taken charge of 83 games as R’s boss, winning 29, drawing 23 and losing 31.

Leicester believe he can lead them back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Pre-season has already started at the club with Andy King leading training.

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They beat Peterborough United 3-1 in their opening friendly on Saturday.

Leicester’s first game is on August 10 against Sheffield Wednesday who are managed by Rohl, who was interested in moving to the east midlands.

IRISH homeowners are being warned to complete a simple task before temperatures soar to 28C this weekend.

As the weather gets warmer, maggots and other insects are far more likely to invade your garden bins.

Roger Vila

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And one expert revealed how you can stop them from getting into your bins[/caption]

Met Éireann has said Ireland could be basking in scorching temperatures up to 28C within days as Europe’s heatwave drifts closer.

Parts of the continent have already seen the mercury rocket past 46C, shutting schools and causing a string of heat-related deaths.

And experts are now urging everyone to keep a close eye on their bins as the hot spell makes maggot infestations much more likely.

The warm air and leftover scraps in bins create the perfect home for these pests to thrive.

Mark Hall from BusinessWaste.co.uk recommends pouring boiling water straight into your garden bins if you spot any maggots crawling around.

He said: “The summer heat can turn bins into a breeding ground for maggots when household waste isn’t managed properly.

“It’s easier to prevent maggots making a home in your bins than it is to evict them.

“Making sure your bins are as clean as they can be before the weather gets warm is the simplest solution.

“Use hot water and a strong disinfectant or bleach solution (one part bleach to 10 parts water).

“Scrub the bin’s interior and lid thoroughly, focusing on corners and crevices where maggots might live and hide.

“Rinse well and let the bin dry completely before using it again.”

He also suggests scrubbing the bin with hot water and using a splash of disinfectant or bleach to destroy any hidden eggs before they hatch.

If you miss the eggs and see maggots already, just tip in a kettle of boiling water to kill them instantly.

Mark advises repeating this boiling water trick every few days while the hot weather lasts to stop new batches appearing.

Another tip is to sprinkle a layer of salt or garden lime across the bottom of the bin, as this dries maggots out and prevents flies laying eggs.

And if you can, try storing food waste in sealed bags or a compost bin so flies can’t get at it in the first place.

Double bagging meat scraps or anything smelly is especially important during heatwaves along with moving the bin into a shaded corner to slow down the maggots’ life cycle.

Mark says even a couple of these simple steps can save you the hassle of dealing with an outbreak when the weather peaks.

He also recommends giving your bin a rinse every week with hot water and cleaning products to keep smells and bacteria to a minimum.

If the maggots keep coming back, you could consider using a bin liner or old newspapers to cover the base and stop waste sticking to the plastic.

Mark added: “Maggots are quite prevalent in the summer due to the heat, but there are a lot of easy ways to prevent and remove them.

“Just applying a couple of these tips should be enough to prevent these pests from becoming a problem.”

WIMBLEDON is facing calls to move parts of its iconic queue – to save bats.

A short section of the lengthy path to The Championships, where 10,000 people a day have camped or waited to get in, runs through a Wimbledon Park bat protection zone.

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Ticketless fans queue in their thousands at Wimbledon Park[/caption]

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There are calls for the queue to be moved to protect wildlife[/caption]

Queuers are not allowed to stand in the zone and are moved through quickly to avoid disturbing the black nocturnal mammals.

Activists claimed that tournament bosses should shift the queue entirely over fears it could be disturbing the protected animals.

Simon Wright, of the Save Wimbledon Park group, said the queue was defeating the point of a conservation area.

The campaigner, who is contesting the All England Club’s planned expansion, added: “The queue could be on their own land.

“Every year, we lose more of the park to the queue, and every year, they start building it earlier.

“There has not been a consideration of the impact of their plans on wildlife all the way through, so I’m not particularly surprised that they’re doing this.

“I’m a big fan of the bats of Wimbledon Park because it’s a lovely thing to do to go and sit by the lake at dusk and watch the bats feeding on the insects as they fly around.

“It’s completely ridiculous to have a bat protection zone and then put a load of people through it.

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“Just walking through will still disturb the bats’ natural environment, and they’re very sensitive creatures.”

No WiFi is available in the zone as critical wireless hardware used to beam signals to fans’ phones is not allowed.

But hopeful queuers are permitted to walk through the zone despite a drive to conserve the eight protected bat species in the 67-acre Wimbledon Park.

The move is not linked to WiFi signals, though previous studies have claimed radio waves can damage bats’ “magnetic compass”.

It can prevent the animals from remembering where their shelters are.

A 2017 study found birds, insects and plants are likely being harmed by electromagnetic radiation from Wi-Fi, cell phone towers, broadcast transmitters, and power lines.

Birds and insects affected by radio waves can become disorientated, though generally most are unaffected.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Wimbledon’s organisers, who were asked to comment.