A presidential contender who says he fled&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;because he feared for his freedom and custody of his children has told Reuters the country's opposition is pinning its hopes on a candidate he characterised as a latter-day Joan of Arc.

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Valery Tsepkalo, who was this month barred from running in an August&nbsp;9 election against veteran President Alexander Lukashenko, fled to Russia with his two young sons, fearing they could be taken away, his campaign said on Friday.

Authorities disqualified Tsepkalo, 55, from the race after saying they suspected some of the signatures he had collected in his support had been forged, an allegation he denies.

His campaign said officials from the General Prosecutor's Office has visited his sons' school to try to strip him and his wife of their parental rights. The General Prosecutor's Office has denied trying to take his children away.

Tsepkalo, who said he suspected he would meet the same fate as two other opposition figures who have been jailed, said he had no choice but to flee.

"If I would be imprisoned, then I cannot speak openly about what is happening in&nbsp;Belarus," the former diplomat told Reuters at a cafe in central Moscow. "Lukashenko's idea was to split us all and to destroy us one by one and he really did that."

Lukashenko has denied that any opposition figures have been jailed for political reasons, saying law-enforcement policies were aimed at preventing chaos in the country.

Tsepkalo, a successful entrepreneur, said he hoped the opposition had thwarted Lukashenko by uniting behind Svetlana Tikhanouskaya, the wife of an anti-government blogger who has taken her husband's place in the election.

Tikhanouskaya has joined forces with Tsepkalo's wife Veronika and a female campaign team member from another camp to try to unseat Lukashenko, who has dismissed women as being too fragile to run&nbsp;Belarus.

"Lukashenko couldn't expect that we would be able to organise behind one person who appears to be for&nbsp;Belarus&nbsp;society a symbol, like the symbol of the French resistance movement Joan of Arc," said Tsepkalo. He was referring to the 15th-century teenage girl who led the French to victory against the English army, which was besieging the city of Orleans.

Lukashenko, a 65-year-old former collective farm manager, has ruled for over a quarter of a century. He says he has delivered economic and political stability, with the state continuing to provide for many of people's needs.

He has accused opponents of plotting to overthrow him by force and accused Russian and Polish forces of trying to meddle in the election, something Moscow and Warsaw deny.

Tsepkalo described how he had taken a 700-km minibus ride to Moscow from Minsk, the&nbsp;Belarusian capital, with his seven-year-old twins, with only a small suitcase and plastic bags filled with their belongings.

Lukashenko's refusal to take measures to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis had galvanised opposition against him, he said.

The president has told people to drink vodka and take saunas to keep the disease at bay.

Tsepkalo added that the public was also fed up with economic stagnation.

A former ambassador to the United States, Tsepkalo said he hoped to travel to Ukraine and Poland to try to shape public opinion about his country's political problems.

Asked if he feared for his wife back home, Tsepkalo said he sensed Lukashenko's government had yet to determine how to handle female opposition figures.

"I hope that I will be able to go back as soon as possible because I love my country," Tsepkalo said. "I would like to see my country be a good, democratic and prosperous state."

A presidential contender who says he fled Belarus because he feared for his freedom and custody of his children has told Reuters the country's opposition is pinning its hopes on a candidate he characterised as a latter-day Joan of Arc.

A presidential contender who says he fled Belarus because he feared for his freedom and custody of his children has told Reuters the country's opposition is pinning its hopes on a candidate he characterised as a latter-day Joan of Arc. Also read: Trump calls demonstrators 'terrorists' and promises 'retribution' against them Valery Tsepkalo, who was this month barred from running in an August 9 election against veteran President Alexander Lukashenko, fled to Russia with his two young sons, fearing they could be taken away, his campaign said on Friday. Authorities disqualified Tsepkalo, 55, from the race after saying they suspected some of the signatures he had collected in his support had been forged, an allegation he denies. His campaign said officials from the General Prosecutor's Office has visited his sons' school to try to strip him and his wife of their parental rights. The General Prosecutor's Office has denied trying to take his children away. Tsepkalo, who said he suspected he would meet the same fate as two other opposition figures who have been jailed, said he had no choice but to flee. "If I would be imprisoned, then I cannot speak openly about what is happening in Belarus," the former diplomat told Reuters at a cafe in central Moscow. "Lukashenko's idea was to split us all and to destroy us one by one and he really did that." Lukashenko has denied that any opposition figures have been jailed for political reasons, saying law-enforcement policies were aimed at preventing chaos in the country. Tsepkalo, a successful entrepreneur, said he hoped the opposition had thwarted Lukashenko by uniting behind Svetlana Tikhanouskaya, the wife of an anti-government blogger who has taken her husband's place in the election. Tikhanouskaya has joined forces with Tsepkalo's wife Veronika and a female campaign team member from another camp to try to unseat Lukashenko, who has dismissed women as being too fragile to run Belarus. "Lukashenko couldn't expect that we would be able to organise behind one person who appears to be for Belarus society a symbol, like the symbol of the French resistance movement Joan of Arc," said Tsepkalo. He was referring to the 15th-century teenage girl who led the French to victory against the English army, which was besieging the city of Orleans. Lukashenko, a 65-year-old former collective farm manager, has ruled for over a quarter of a century. He says he has delivered economic and political stability, with the state continuing to provide for many of people's needs. He has accused opponents of plotting to overthrow him by force and accused Russian and Polish forces of trying to meddle in the election, something Moscow and Warsaw deny. Tsepkalo described how he had taken a 700-km minibus ride to Moscow from Minsk, the Belarusian capital, with his seven-year-old twins, with only a small suitcase and plastic bags filled with their belongings. Lukashenko's refusal to take measures to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis had galvanised opposition against him, he said. The president has told people to drink vodka and take saunas to keep the disease at bay. Tsepkalo added that the public was also fed up with economic stagnation. A former ambassador to the United States, Tsepkalo said he hoped to travel to Ukraine and Poland to try to shape public opinion about his country's political problems. Asked if he feared for his wife back home, Tsepkalo said he sensed Lukashenko's government had yet to determine how to handle female opposition figures. "I hope that I will be able to go back as soon as possible because I love my country," Tsepkalo said. "I would like to see my country be a good, democratic and prosperous state."

Self-exiled Belarus presidential contender pins hopes on new 'Joan of Arc'

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has accused Russian and Polish forces of meddling in his country’s presidential election campaign and trying to discredit him.

Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for 26 years and allowed little dissent, said he would discuss the alleged meddling with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But did not say when.

Lukashenko faces the strongest challenge in years to his hold on power in the August 9 election as frustration mounts over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and grievances grow over the economy and human rights.

In comments made while appointing new ambassadors, Lukashenko said external forces stood behind his opponents and were disseminating information discrediting him and his family members.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has, however, denied Lukashenko’s allegations.

“Russia has never, is not and does not intend to interfere in election processes, particularly in the ones of our Belarusian ally,” he told reporters.

Relations between Belarus and traditional ally Russia have been strained in recent months as Moscow reduced subsidies that have propped up Lukashenko.

Belarus sovereign bonds fell as much as 2.5 cents after Lukashenko’s comments.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has accused Russian and Polish forces of meddling in his country’s presidential election campaign and trying to discredit him.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has accused Russian and Polish forces of meddling in his country’s presidential election campaign and trying to discredit him. Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for 26 years and allowed little dissent, said he would discuss the alleged meddling with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But did not say when. Lukashenko faces the strongest challenge in years to his hold on power in the August 9 election as frustration mounts over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and grievances grow over the economy and human rights. In comments made while appointing new ambassadors, Lukashenko said external forces stood behind his opponents and were disseminating information discrediting him and his family members. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has, however, denied Lukashenko’s allegations. “Russia has never, is not and does not intend to interfere in election processes, particularly in the ones of our Belarusian ally,” he told reporters. Relations between Belarus and traditional ally Russia have been strained in recent months as Moscow reduced subsidies that have propped up Lukashenko. Belarus sovereign bonds fell as much as 2.5 cents after Lukashenko’s comments. (with inputs from Reuters)

Belarus accuses Russia of election meddling, seeks talks with Putin

The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed his government on Wednesday, according to the Belta news agency.

The presidential election is set to take place on August 9, 2020, and Lukashenko is anticipated to return to power, who has ruled the country since 1994.

If he wins, it would mark his sixth term as president.

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While addressing officials from his office, Lukashenko on Wednesday said that cabinet is more likely to remain the same.

"A sharp scrapping, replacing all members of the government would be wrong from the point of view of the current moment," Lukashenko said.

"A new generation of leaders has grown up who have shown themselves well and worked well in the government. Why change them? They can work," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/sports/fans-and-dummies-how-belarus-is-conducting-live-football-matches-amid-covid-19-pandemic-293171" hreflang="en">Fans and dummies: How Belarus is conducting live football matches amid COVID-19 pandemic</a>

The Prime Minister Sergei Rumas was recently fired after being appointed in 2018. No details about the new government formation are available yet.

Lukashenko is a former Soviet head, has had little to no opposition in the country, but is now facing dissent.

Recently, opposition leader Mikola Statkevich was sentenced to 15 days in police detention. Dozens of activists were also arrested after rallies across the country.

Public outcry against the announced presidential elections has stormed the country.

(With inputs from AFP &amp; Reuters)

The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed his government on Wednesday, according to the Belta news agency. The presidential election is set to take place on August 9, 2020, and Lukashenko is anticipated to return to power, who has ruled the country since 1994.

The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed his government on Wednesday, according to the Belta news agency. The presidential election is set to take place on August 9, 2020, and Lukashenko is anticipated to return to power, who has ruled the country since 1994. If he wins, it would mark his sixth term as president. Also read: Russia marks Victory Day with coronavirus-reduced ceremony, Belarus with full fervour While addressing officials from his office, Lukashenko on Wednesday said that cabinet is more likely to remain the same. "A sharp scrapping, replacing all members of the government would be wrong from the point of view of the current moment," Lukashenko said. "A new generation of leaders has grown up who have shown themselves well and worked well in the government. Why change them? They can work," he added. Also read: Fans and dummies: How Belarus is conducting live football matches amid COVID-19 pandemic The Prime Minister Sergei Rumas was recently fired after being appointed in 2018. No details about the new government formation are available yet. Lukashenko is a former Soviet head, has had little to no opposition in the country, but is now facing dissent. Recently, opposition leader Mikola Statkevich was sentenced to 15 days in police detention. Dozens of activists were also arrested after rallies across the country. Public outcry against the announced presidential elections has stormed the country. (With inputs from AFP & Reuters)

Belarus president dismisses government: Report

The coronavirus pandemic has affected many celebrations around the world and this weekend orthodox Christians are observing Easter, their biggest holiday. In many Christian countries, a few worshippers came out for the festivities. Let's take a global look at how Easter is getting celebrated around the world.&nbsp;

Patriarch Kirill, the head of Russia's Orthodox Church, led an Easter service in Moscow's biggest cathedral, Christ the Saviour. Due to the coronavirus threat, the public was not allowed to attend the service this year.

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Dozens went to Main Sameba cathedral in the Tbilisi, Georgia, where the 87-year-old Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II held the service. Most of the people, including the priests&nbsp;wore masks during the service.&nbsp;

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Orthodox Greeks observed Easter mass in front of TV screens instead of visiting churchers as Greece's archbishop conducted the mass to an empty cathedral due to the coronavirus lockdown. Greece tightened lockdown measures for the Easter holiday, prohibiting people from leaving their place of residence to visit friends and family. &nbsp;

Across the capital, lights were on inside homes as the public respected the lockdown.&nbsp;

Orthodox Belarusians brought traditional Easter food to be blessed in the capital Minsk, despite the coronavirus threat. After the service, which was held inside the church, as usual, priests went outside to sprinkle holy water on Easter cakes and painted eggs as they do every Easter but with much fewer people presented this time.

The country's President Alexander Lukashenko, who is in power since 1994, has been skeptical about the need for strong action to curb the spread of the virus. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The coronavirus pandemic has affected many celebrations around the world and this weekend orthodox Christians are observing Easter, their biggest holiday. In many Christian countries, a few worshippers came out for the festivities.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected many celebrations around the world and this weekend orthodox Christians are observing Easter, their biggest holiday. In many Christian countries, a few worshippers came out for the festivities. Let's take a global look at how Easter is getting celebrated around the world. Patriarch Kirill, the head of Russia's Orthodox Church, led an Easter service in Moscow's biggest cathedral, Christ the Saviour. Due to the coronavirus threat, the public was not allowed to attend the service this year. Also read | 'No way': Wuhan lab director rejects coronavirus origins from its facility Dozens went to Main Sameba cathedral in the Tbilisi, Georgia, where the 87-year-old Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II held the service. Most of the people, including the priests wore masks during the service. Also read | Coronavirus: Spain extends lockdown by two weeks as death toll tops 20,000 Orthodox Greeks observed Easter mass in front of TV screens instead of visiting churchers as Greece's archbishop conducted the mass to an empty cathedral due to the coronavirus lockdown. Greece tightened lockdown measures for the Easter holiday, prohibiting people from leaving their place of residence to visit friends and family. Across the capital, lights were on inside homes as the public respected the lockdown. Orthodox Belarusians brought traditional Easter food to be blessed in the capital Minsk, despite the coronavirus threat. After the service, which was held inside the church, as usual, priests went outside to sprinkle holy water on Easter cakes and painted eggs as they do every Easter but with much fewer people presented this time. The country's President Alexander Lukashenko, who is in power since 1994, has been skeptical about the need for strong action to curb the spread of the virus.

Amid coronavirus pandemic, how world celebrated Easter

Belarus comes up with a 'dummy' idea to not interrupt football season

Russia announced new steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus on Monday, including closing its border with Belarus, but hopes to avoid taking "tougher measures".

Moscow has already shut its border with China and limited flights with Iran and South Korea. Russia announced last week it was limiting flights to the European Union.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-linked-disinformation-campaign-fueling-coronavirus-alarm-us-282159">Russia-linked disinformation campaign fueling coronavirus alarm: US</a>

"Proactive preventative measures we already took in February have reduced the spread of the new coronavirus in Russia," Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

Russia has recorded 63 cases of COVID-19 but no deaths, according to official figures.

"We should do all we can so that the situation does not develop like in other countries," Mishustin said.

The prime minister announced a task force was being created to lead Russia's response to the pandemic.

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A new 24-hour online alert system will alert Russians with updates via social media and a dedicated hotline will be active soon, the prime minister said.

"We are deliberately introducing all the current restrictions in order to avoid tougher measures in the future," he added.

Russians have been advised to avoid public transport during rush hour and shaking hands.

Last week Moscow said it was building a special medical centre inspired by a rapidly built Chinese facility to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Russia announced new steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus on Monday, including closing its border with Belarus, but hopes to avoid taking "tougher measures".

Russia announced new steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus on Monday, including closing its border with Belarus, but hopes to avoid taking "tougher measures". Moscow has already shut its border with China and limited flights with Iran and South Korea. Russia announced last week it was limiting flights to the European Union. Also Read: Russia-linked disinformation campaign fueling coronavirus alarm: US "Proactive preventative measures we already took in February have reduced the spread of the new coronavirus in Russia," Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said. Russia has recorded 63 cases of COVID-19 but no deaths, according to official figures. "We should do all we can so that the situation does not develop like in other countries," Mishustin said. The prime minister announced a task force was being created to lead Russia's response to the pandemic. Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: Russia temporarily bans entry of Chinese nationals A new 24-hour online alert system will alert Russians with updates via social media and a dedicated hotline will be active soon, the prime minister said. "We are deliberately introducing all the current restrictions in order to avoid tougher measures in the future," he added. Russians have been advised to avoid public transport during rush hour and shaking hands. Last week Moscow said it was building a special medical centre inspired by a rapidly built Chinese facility to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Russia to launch task force to contain covid-19 pandemic

Coronavirus continued to spread to new countries with New Zealand, Belarus and Nigeria confirming their first case as the World Health Organization warns that coronavirus has a pandemic potential

WHO: Coronavirus has a Pandemic Potential

Over 90 men from 12 countries including Denmark, Britain, Japan and Brazil took part in the first Beard & Moustache competition. They came together to pick the best in several categories - corporate, casual and hipster. The atmosphere in the bar was intense as the participants showed off their assets to a cheering crowd.

Long, bushy and soft - Belarus picks the best beard

In the past, Indian diplomats have lodged complaints about the harassment they faced&nbsp;in Pakistan. Now, diplomats hailing from other countries&nbsp;have&nbsp;raised the matter of harassment.

On January 21, the Belarusian diplomatic mission received a threatening email against one of its diplomats. The email from a certain Muhammad Ahmed Rashid labelled a certain diplomat from the mission as&nbsp;''anti-Pakistan'' and asked for him to be thrown out.&nbsp;

The Belarus mission raised the matter with Pakistani authorities seeking protection of the premises of the mission and demanding improved&nbsp;security.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-declares-national-emergency-to-fight-locusts-278140">&nbsp;Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts</a>

The mission,&nbsp;in a strong message, asked the Pakistani foreign office to take action against the person who dropped the mail&nbsp;as a&nbsp;preventive measure.

2019 and 2018 saw several cased of harassment of Indian diplomats. From increased surveillance to cutting off electricity in cold winters of Islamabad to aggressively questioning anyone who visited the houses of Indian diplomats was increasingly becoming a norm.

In 2019, a major case of harassment of Indian diplomats&nbsp;by Pakistani security was witnessed. Within this, they physically stopped anyone attending an Iftar party hosted by the Indian mission.

In the past, Indian diplomats have lodged complaints about the harassment they faced in Pakistan. Now, diplomats hailing from other countries have raised the matter of harassment.

In the past, Indian diplomats have lodged complaints about the harassment they faced in Pakistan. Now, diplomats hailing from other countries have raised the matter of harassment. On January 21, the Belarusian diplomatic mission received a threatening email against one of its diplomats. The email from a certain Muhammad Ahmed Rashid labelled a certain diplomat from the mission as ''anti-Pakistan'' and asked for him to be thrown out. The Belarus mission raised the matter with Pakistani authorities seeking protection of the premises of the mission and demanding improved security. Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan declares national emergency to fight locusts The mission, in a strong message, asked the Pakistani foreign office to take action against the person who dropped the mail as a preventive measure. 2019 and 2018 saw several cased of harassment of Indian diplomats. From increased surveillance to cutting off electricity in cold winters of Islamabad to aggressively questioning anyone who visited the houses of Indian diplomats was increasingly becoming a norm. In 2019, a major case of harassment of Indian diplomats by Pakistani security was witnessed. Within this, they physically stopped anyone attending an Iftar party hosted by the Indian mission.

After Indian diplomats, Belarusian diplomats face harassment in Islamabad

Defender Matthias Ginter scored one goal and was involved in two more as Germany comfortably saw off Belarus 4-0 on Saturday to clinch their place at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/soccer-ronaldo-moves-onto-99-as-portugal-qualify-for-euro-2020-262792">Euro 2020</a>, qualifying for the finals for a record 13th time in a row.

The inspired Ginter broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with a clever backheel, provided a dummy which allowed Leon Goreztka to score the second and the pass for Toni Kroos to add the third.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer saved a penalty from Igor Stasevich in the 75th minute and Kroos added a fourth to complete his first national team brace since the 7-1 World Cup semi-final win over Brazil in 2014.

Group C leaders Germany were given a helping hand by arch-rivals the Netherlands who held Northern Ireland 0-0 away to ensure the Dutch and Germans qualified with one match to spare.

Germany have 18 points, from six draws and one defeat,&nbsp;while the Dutch have 16 and Northern Ireland 14.

Belarus have four points but could still qualify as they have reached the playoffs of the Nations League which offers four more places.

"I'm satisfied, there were some very good passing exchanges," said coach Joachim Loew, who took over in 2006 and will be in charge at his seventh major tournament.

"We did a good job. All in all, I'm very satisfied. Kroos is extremely important for the team, he's always ready to play, always keeps his cool - he's elementary for such a young team. He does that very well."

As expected, Germany quickly took control although their early attacks were somewhat predictable.

They were given a fright when Stasevich's dipping long-range shot forced Neuer into a difficult save and they went ahead shortly afterwards.

Serge Gnabry wriggled past his marker and fired a low ball across the face of goal which was flicked in by Ginter for his first Germany goal on his 29th appearance.

Germany increased their lead four minutes after halftime when Kroos sent a low corner to the edge of the area, Ginter dummied and Goretzka fired home.

Six minutes later, Ginter's pass found Kroos on the edge of the area and he swept the ball home with a trademark first-time shot.

Belarus were awarded a penalty when Robin Koch tripped Pavel Nekhaychik but Neuer dived to his right to save Stasevich's spot-kick. Kroos rubbed it in when he collected the ball in the area, spun past his mark, evaded another and fired a low shot past Aleksandr Gutor to complete the rout.

Defender Matthias Ginter scored one goal and was involved in two more as Germany comfortably saw off Belarus 4-0 on Saturday to clinch their place at Euro 2020, qualifying for the finals for a record 13th time in a row.

Defender Matthias Ginter scored one goal and was involved in two more as Germany comfortably saw off Belarus 4-0 on Saturday to clinch their place at Euro 2020, qualifying for the finals for a record 13th time in a row. The inspired Ginter broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with a clever backheel, provided a dummy which allowed Leon Goreztka to score the second and the pass for Toni Kroos to add the third. Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer saved a penalty from Igor Stasevich in the 75th minute and Kroos added a fourth to complete his first national team brace since the 7-1 World Cup semi-final win over Brazil in 2014. Group C leaders Germany were given a helping hand by arch-rivals the Netherlands who held Northern Ireland 0-0 away to ensure the Dutch and Germans qualified with one match to spare. Germany have 18 points, from six draws and one defeat, while the Dutch have 16 and Northern Ireland 14. Belarus have four points but could still qualify as they have reached the playoffs of the Nations League which offers four more places. "I'm satisfied, there were some very good passing exchanges," said coach Joachim Loew, who took over in 2006 and will be in charge at his seventh major tournament. "We did a good job. All in all, I'm very satisfied. Kroos is extremely important for the team, he's always ready to play, always keeps his cool - he's elementary for such a young team. He does that very well." As expected, Germany quickly took control although their early attacks were somewhat predictable. They were given a fright when Stasevich's dipping long-range shot forced Neuer into a difficult save and they went ahead shortly afterwards. Serge Gnabry wriggled past his marker and fired a low ball across the face of goal which was flicked in by Ginter for his first Germany goal on his 29th appearance. Germany increased their lead four minutes after halftime when Kroos sent a low corner to the edge of the area, Ginter dummied and Goretzka fired home. Six minutes later, Ginter's pass found Kroos on the edge of the area and he swept the ball home with a trademark first-time shot. Belarus were awarded a penalty when Robin Koch tripped Pavel Nekhaychik but Neuer dived to his right to save Stasevich's spot-kick. Kroos rubbed it in when he collected the ball in the area, spun past his mark, evaded another and fired a low shot past Aleksandr Gutor to complete the rout.

Ginter the inspiration as Germany clinch Euro 2020 spot

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was made to fight by the 102nd-ranked teenager Aryna Sabalenka at the Tianjin Open on Sunday before winning her first title since her 15-month doping ban.

The former world number one, who returned to action in April, came from behind in both sets and needed four championship points in the tie-breaker before beating the 19-year-old 7-5, 7-6 (10/8).

Sharapova clasped her hands to her chest in delight as she absorbed the feeling of winning her 36th tour title and first in more than two years since the 2015 Italian Open.

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Sharapova, 30, was contesting the seventh tournament of what has been an injury-plagued and controversial comeback since testing positive for the banned substance meldonium in early 2016.

She exchanged 11 breaks of serve with the Belarusian, who has yet to win a WTA trophy, before finally clinching it in the tie-breaker when the teenager put a forehand return long.

In a tight final of high-decibel shrieking, Sabalenka was broken in the opening game but any expectations that she would roll over quickly dissolved when she won four games in a row to go 4-1 up.

Sharapova&#39;s coach Sven Groeneveld urged her to use the body serve, and momentum immediately shifted as she held the next game and then edged a nine-minute game seven to wrestle it back on serve.

Sabalenka angrily slammed her racquet down as she double-faulted to be broken for a third time and with Sharapova serving at 6-5, the Belarusian overcooked a forehand to hand over the set.

The second set followed a similar pattern and Sabalenka was 5-1 up before Sharapova reeled her in, breaking three times -- and saving a set point along the way -- before serving for the match at 6-5.

But a double fault from the Russian took it to a closely contested tie-break, where Sharapova held championship points four times before finally sealing it after two hours and five minutes.

Sharapova, whose ranking has dropped to 86, has been playing on wildcards this season. Her return has proved divisive, with some rivals insisting she shouldn&#39;t be back on tour at all.

She now heads to next week&#39;s Kremlin Cup in Moscow for the first time since 2007, after also being given a wildcard to play in what is her home tournament.

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was made to fight at the Tianjin Open by the 102nd-ranked Belarusian teenager Aryna Sabalenka

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was made to fight by the 102nd-ranked teenager Aryna Sabalenka at the Tianjin Open on Sunday before winning her first title since her 15-month doping ban. The former world number one, who returned to action in April, came from behind in both sets and needed four championship points in the tie-breaker before beating the 19-year-old 7-5, 7-6 (10/8). Sharapova clasped her hands to her chest in delight as she absorbed the feeling of winning her 36th tour title and first in more than two years since the 2015 Italian Open. Sharapova clasped her hands to her chest in delight as she absorbed the feeling of winning her 36th tour title and first in more than two years since the 2015 Italian Open × Sharapova, 30, was contesting the seventh tournament of what has been an injury-plagued and controversial comeback since testing positive for the banned substance meldonium in early 2016. She exchanged 11 breaks of serve with the Belarusian, who has yet to win a WTA trophy, before finally clinching it in the tie-breaker when the teenager put a forehand return long. In a tight final of high-decibel shrieking, Sabalenka was broken in the opening game but any expectations that she would roll over quickly dissolved when she won four games in a row to go 4-1 up. Sharapova's coach Sven Groeneveld urged her to use the body serve, and momentum immediately shifted as she held the next game and then edged a nine-minute game seven to wrestle it back on serve. Sabalenka angrily slammed her racquet down as she double-faulted to be broken for a third time and with Sharapova serving at 6-5, the Belarusian overcooked a forehand to hand over the set. The second set followed a similar pattern and Sabalenka was 5-1 up before Sharapova reeled her in, breaking three times -- and saving a set point along the way -- before serving for the match at 6-5. But a double fault from the Russian took it to a closely contested tie-break, where Sharapova held championship points four times before finally sealing it after two hours and five minutes. Sharapova, whose ranking has dropped to 86, has been playing on wildcards this season. Her return has proved divisive, with some rivals insisting she shouldn't be back on tour at all. She now heads to next week's Kremlin Cup in Moscow for the first time since 2007, after also being given a wildcard to play in what is her home tournament.

Sharapova wins first title since return from doping ban, has to fight for it

The Maldives, an archipelago of some 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean, is a global tourist destination which is very popular with honeymooners. But a troubling statistic lies under the Maldives&#39; white sand beaches and blue lagoons -- the country has the highest divorce rate in the world.&nbsp; 
 
According to the United Nations, the average Maldivian woman has already been divorced three times by the time she is 30 years old. The country has 11 divorces per 1,000 people a year, two times higher than Belarus which has five divorces per 1,000 people. The US, which has the third-highest divorce rate in the world, has four divorces per 1,000 people. 
 
A Maldivian woman in her twenties who has been divorced twice told WION that getting divorced was a very common phenomenon in Maldives. 
 
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not that I want to be divorced. But for several reasons marriages ending up in divorce is common in this country,&rdquo; she said. 
 
According to figures from the judicial administration in Maldives, there were 3,332 divorces in the country in 2013 -- the country has a total population of 350,000 -- which went up 2% in 2014 to 3,414. 
 
Figures from the family court in the capital city Male show 1,288 divorces were processed through the family court in 2015 alone. 
 
The Maldives is a Muslim country, adhering to a mix of Shari&rsquo;ah and common law. As per the Shari&rsquo;ah, a man is allowed to divorce his wife simply by saying that he is divorcing her. Divorce is legal in Islam, but it is also strongly detested. 
 
The Family Act was ratified in 2000. It does not allow the processing of a divorce outside of court. If a man should still do so, he has to pay a fine of 5,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa (USD 325) or spend six months under house arrest. Under the Act, women can also seek divorce through the court. And an amendment to the Act ratified this year allows for the equitable distribution of marital property after divorce. 
 
The measures were meant to make divorce less appealing and force separation rates down&nbsp;but that has not really happened.&nbsp; 
 
The divorce rate did go down at first -- there were 2,742 divorces in 1999, which went down to 2,674 divorces in 2000 --&nbsp;but it began to inch up again after a few years. 
 
Why are divorce rates so high in this tiny country? Unfortunately, no formal study has been conducted so far but Dr Aishath Ali Naaz, clinical psychologist and researcher on psychological and social issues in the Maldives, told WION that a number of social issues could be responsible, and that reasons for divorce in the capital city might be different from those on the other islands. 
 
Male is one of the most densely-populated cities in the world and with an area of less than six square kilometres holding up one-third of the country&rsquo;s total population, it is an expensive city to live in. 
 
&ldquo;The congested households with extended families is a huge issue. In the capital city, mostly both the wife and husband have to work. Living expenses are high, families live in single rooms, with no privacy for couples. There also are joint family interpersonal conflicts. In the other islands, most men work away from home and families,&rdquo; Dr Naaz said.&nbsp; 
 
Because of all of the above, said Dr Naaz, couples don&#39;t get to spend any quality time with each other, which affects the quality of their marriage. 
 
She added that marriage and divorce were easy in the Maldives, as compared to other countries. The&nbsp;Maldives, for example, does not have laws or regulations which would make divorce (or marriage) a problematic process. It takes about a week to get legally married, a little longer to get divorced -- should you follow the law. 
 
And she adds that marriages do not end in divorce only because of post-marriage problems; starting a marriage without being prepared is also a problem young couples suffer from. 
 
&ldquo;People don&rsquo;t think much and do not plan before they get into a marriage. Once they are married, they struggle to face the challenges and most of them quit instead of trying to work things out,&rdquo; she said. 
 
Domestic violence, Naaz added, also plays a role.&nbsp; 
 
And when people have to bring children from an earlier spouse into a new marriage, that too becomes a challenge.&nbsp; 
 
Naaz added that it is important people realise the impact divorce has on their children. 
 
On its part, the Maldivian government has been working with the United Nations to provide couples with counselling. An official from the gender ministry told WION that the Maldivian government was providing counselling services across the country. 
 
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not specifically focused on divorce. We are providing counselling to anyone who is in need of it,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; 
 
But the Maldives still needs to commission studies to identify specific reasons for the high divorce rate. For only when they have understood why it&#39;s happening can they find a way to address the issue. 
 
(WION)

According to the United Nations, the average Maldivian woman has already been divorced three times by the time she is 30 years old

The Maldives, an archipelago of some 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean, is a global tourist destination which is very popular with honeymooners. But a troubling statistic lies under the Maldives' white sand beaches and blue lagoons -- the country has the highest divorce rate in the world. According to the United Nations, the average Maldivian woman has already been divorced three times by the time she is 30 years old. The country has 11 divorces per 1,000 people a year, two times higher than Belarus which has five divorces per 1,000 people. The US, which has the third-highest divorce rate in the world, has four divorces per 1,000 people. A Maldivian woman in her twenties who has been divorced twice told WION that getting divorced was a very common phenomenon in Maldives. “It’s not that I want to be divorced. But for several reasons marriages ending up in divorce is common in this country,” she said. According to figures from the judicial administration in Maldives, there were 3,332 divorces in the country in 2013 -- the country has a total population of 350,000 -- which went up 2% in 2014 to 3,414. Figures from the family court in the capital city Male show 1,288 divorces were processed through the family court in 2015 alone. The Maldives is a Muslim country, adhering to a mix of Shari’ah and common law. As per the Shari’ah, a man is allowed to divorce his wife simply by saying that he is divorcing her. Divorce is legal in Islam, but it is also strongly detested. The Family Act was ratified in 2000. It does not allow the processing of a divorce outside of court. If a man should still do so, he has to pay a fine of 5,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa (USD 325) or spend six months under house arrest. Under the Act, women can also seek divorce through the court. And an amendment to the Act ratified this year allows for the equitable distribution of marital property after divorce. The measures were meant to make divorce less appealing and force separation rates down but that has not really happened. The divorce rate did go down at first -- there were 2,742 divorces in 1999, which went down to 2,674 divorces in 2000 -- but it began to inch up again after a few years. Why are divorce rates so high in this tiny country? Unfortunately, no formal study has been conducted so far but Dr Aishath Ali Naaz, clinical psychologist and researcher on psychological and social issues in the Maldives, told WION that a number of social issues could be responsible, and that reasons for divorce in the capital city might be different from those on the other islands. Male is one of the most densely-populated cities in the world and with an area of less than six square kilometres holding up one-third of the country’s total population, it is an expensive city to live in. “The congested households with extended families is a huge issue. In the capital city, mostly both the wife and husband have to work. Living expenses are high, families live in single rooms, with no privacy for couples. There also are joint family interpersonal conflicts. In the other islands, most men work away from home and families,” Dr Naaz said. Because of all of the above, said Dr Naaz, couples don't get to spend any quality time with each other, which affects the quality of their marriage. She added that marriage and divorce were easy in the Maldives, as compared to other countries. The Maldives, for example, does not have laws or regulations which would make divorce (or marriage) a problematic process. It takes about a week to get legally married, a little longer to get divorced -- should you follow the law. And she adds that marriages do not end in divorce only because of post-marriage problems; starting a marriage without being prepared is also a problem young couples suffer from. “People don’t think much and do not plan before they get into a marriage. Once they are married, they struggle to face the challenges and most of them quit instead of trying to work things out,” she said. Domestic violence, Naaz added, also plays a role. And when people have to bring children from an earlier spouse into a new marriage, that too becomes a challenge. Naaz added that it is important people realise the impact divorce has on their children. On its part, the Maldivian government has been working with the United Nations to provide couples with counselling. An official from the gender ministry told WION that the Maldivian government was providing counselling services across the country. “It’s not specifically focused on divorce. We are providing counselling to anyone who is in need of it,” he said. But the Maldives still needs to commission studies to identify specific reasons for the high divorce rate. For only when they have understood why it's happening can they find a way to address the issue. (WION)

Sun, sand & separation: Maldives has world's highest divorce rate

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