Latest news with #CultureClub
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Sarin and Muradli shine on opening day of 25th Dubai Open Chess Tournament
Top-seed Grandmaster (GM) Nihal Sarin of India and defending champion GM Mahammad Muradli of Azerbaijan won their respective matches with relative ease to lead 27 other players who hurdled their opening-round assignments at the start of the silver jubilee edition of the Dubai Open Chess Tournament on Tuesday at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club. Sarin, fresh from a two-way tie for first place in the Asian Individual Men's Chess Championships in Al Ain early this month, deployed the Scandinavian Defense against compatriot Fide Master (FM) Akshay Borgaonkar. The tournament top-seed sacrificed a pawn in exchange for strong pressure against white's queenside pawns, and then gradually outplayed Borgaonkar in a Queen and rook endgame. Playing the white side of a Catalan game, Muradli built a sizeable advantage on the board and the clock against Israel's International Master (IM) Or Bronstein on the way to a 38-move win. Muradli snatched a pawn on the 23rd move and still had over an hour on his clock while Bronstein was already surviving on the 30-second time increment when the game entered a knight-vs-bishop endgame. The 25th edition of the tournament was inaugurated by Khalid Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Chairman of the Dubai Chess and Culture Club, in the presence of Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, and Nasser Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General of the Council. A documentary film was presented highlighting the tournament's 25-year history, tracing its development since its inception in 1999 alongside the opening of the club. Falasi stated: 'Thanks to the unwavering support of our leadership and the vision to elevate chess in the UAE, we celebrate 25 years of the Dubai Open Chess Championship—an idea that began with ambition and has grown into a globally recognized event. 'This tournament is a source of pride for UAE sports and for the city of Dubai. It reflects our commitment to intellectual development, mental skills, and nurturing young talent.' He added: 'What sets this edition apart is the high caliber of international participation and the continuous improvements in organization and execution—thanks to our leadership, dedicated partners, and sponsors.' Reigning Asian junior champion GM Aleksey Grebnev, meanwhile, scored the tournament's first full point after disposing of Vietnam's IM Pham Tran Gia Phuc. The 18-year-old from Russia essayed the Rossolimo Attack against Pham and then won a pawn on the 18th move when the Vietnamese missed a tactical blow. Grebnev consolidated his advantage and wrapped up the game on the 36th move. The second and third seeds, GM Shant Sargsyan of Armenia and GM Aleksandar Indjic, the 2024 European champion from Serbia, were both held to a draw by Indian teenage international masters Jimmy Jubin and Neelash Saha, respectively. The biggest opening-round casualties, on the other hand, included fifth-seed GM Tin Jingyao, Singapore's number one player, who lost to 46th-seed GM G B Harshavardhan of India, and former Dubai Open champion GM Abhijeet Gupta, who was outplayed by his Indian compatriot IM Mayank Chakraborty, winner of the category B event in last week's Sharjah Masters. A total of 29 grandmasters are taking part in the jubilee edition of the event, which is being contested over two categories with more than 180 players from 34 countries vying for the championships. In Category B, top-seed FM Sargis A. Manukyan of Armenia was held to a draw by 12-year-old Dmitriy Al Novodvorskiy of Russia, while second-seed IM Anastasios Pavlidis of Greece led the day-one winners after scoring a victory over Indian youngster Shayan Noushad Ibrahim Muhammad. The tournament offers a prize pool of $52,000 to be handed out to the winners of both categories. Category A, contested by players with a rating over 2300, has a total prize fund of USD$39,500 with $12,000 going to the champion, while Category B, open to players rated below 2300, offers $12,500 in total prizes and $2,000 awarded to the champion.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Boy George slams massive pop star for refusing to pose for fan selfies as he prepares to make UK comeback
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BOY GEORGE has hit out at stars such as Chappell Roan, who refuse to have selfies with fans. The Culture Club singer, whose Netflix documentary about the band will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York next month, said: 'I see a lot of famous people online behaving awkwardly. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 The Culture Club singer Boy George says he would never refuse a photo with a fan Credit: Getty 6 He hit out at stars such as Chappell Roan who refuse to have selfies with fans Credit: Getty 'I was watching this thing the other day with Chappell saying she won't have photos with fans. 'I went through periods like that but now I never, ever say no to a photograph unless I am on the toilet. 'I say, 'What is the point of doing this unless you absolutely love it?' I don't mind if people come and say hi to me. 'But I am lucky because I have this Batman thing, I can put on a hat with a sweatshirt and get on the bus. Madonna and Elton John can't do that.' Speaking on the Saturday Series podcast in US, George also opened up about the new Culture Club film and said it sheds light on his decision to not take part in the Live Aid concerts. 'The new documentary goes on about Live Aid and it makes it sound like it was the only thing that ever happened. 'Some acts seem so destroyed that they did not do Live Aid. "I had no idea why they were obsessed. "I knew it was the worst idea for me to appear on Live Aid. 'I did them a favour as I knew I was not well. I did not have any regrets not doing it.' Boy George sparks surprise feud with huge Hollywood actress in shock video BEY'S GOT GOOD JEANS 6 Beyonce dazzles in a denim leotard and chaps at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey Credit: Instagram/beyonce 6 The Texas Hold 'Em singer has been wowing the crowds Credit: Instagram/beyonce BEYONCE is keeping her stylist busy on the Cowboy Carter Tour by showing off another personally designed look. She strutted her stuff in a denim leotard and chaps at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at the weekend, where she has been wowing the crowds. The Texas Hold 'Em singer will play her last show there tomorrow before bringing the tour to London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for six nights from next Thursday. She is regularly joined on stage by her daughters Blue Ivy and Rumi, and they are expected to continue that over in Blighty. Hopefully they'll all leave as Spurs fans, just like me. TOP GUN READY TO FLY AGAIN 6 A third instalment of Tom Cruise's Top Gun is in the works FANS had to wait 36 years for a Top Gun sequel, but a third film is poised to take flight sooner than expected. Filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie, who has worked on every Tom Cruise film since 2015's Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, and was one of the writers of Top Gun: Maverick has revealed plans for the next instalment, teasing: 'It's in the bag.' On the Happy Sad Confused podcast, he said: 'I already know what it is. I thought it would be harder, and that's a good place to go from as you walk into the room going, 'Come on, what are we going to do?'' The 2022 flick Top Gun: Maverick made $1.5billion at the box office, so I can see why they're keen to get another one on screens. CHRISTINE 'CAST ON DATING 6 Christine McGuinness has launched a podcast with her pal, best-selling author Sophie Gravia CHRISTINE McGUINNESS is adding another string to her bow and has launched a podcast with her pal, best-selling author Sophie Gravia. The pair have called the venture Situationships, and promise to spill all on 'life, love and best pal boundaries' in the new series for BBC Sounds. Christine said: 'I am so excited to be hosting this podcast with Sophie. 'It'll be real, raw and, most importantly, judgment-free. We'll be chatting all things love, relationships, and everything in between.' Sophie added: 'Just like a girls' night in, no topic is off limits, and we will be diving headfirst into the comedy, chaos and sometimes downright cringe of dating. 'I cannot wait to chat through our own outrageous stories and the listeners' dating dilemmas.' The series launches on June 19 on BBC Sounds. I can't wait to tune in. BRYAN ADAMS is joining the line-up of shows at Warwick Castle Live and will play a huge concert there on August 28. The Everything I Do (I Do It For You) singer joins Texas and Pet Shop Boys on the bill for the three-day event, with tickets on sale from 10am on Friday. Bryan will release his 17th studio album, Roll With The Punches, the following day.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Boy George slams massive pop star for refusing to pose for fan selfies as he prepares to make UK comeback
BOY GEORGE has hit out at stars such as Chappell Roan, who refuse to have selfies with fans. The Culture Club singer, whose Netflix documentary about the band will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York next month, said: 'I see a lot of famous people online behaving awkwardly. 6 6 'I was watching this thing the other day with Chappell saying she won't have photos with fans. 'I went through periods like that but now I never, ever say no to a photograph unless I am on the toilet. 'I say, 'What is the point of doing this unless you absolutely love it?' I don't mind if people come and say hi to me. 'But I am lucky because I have this Batman thing, I can put on a hat with a sweatshirt and get on the bus. Madonna and Elton John can't do that.' Speaking on the Saturday Series podcast in US, George also opened up about the new Culture Club film and said it sheds light on his decision to not take part in the Live Aid concerts. 'The new documentary goes on about Live Aid and it makes it sound like it was the only thing that ever happened. 'Some acts seem so destroyed that they did not do Live Aid. "I had no idea why they were obsessed. "I knew it was the worst idea for me to appear on Live Aid. 'I did them a favour as I knew I was not well. I did not have any regrets not doing it.' Boy George sparks surprise feud with huge Hollywood actress in shock video BEY'S GOT GOOD JEANS 6 6 BEYONCE is keeping her stylist busy on the Cowboy Carter Tour by showing off another personally designed look. She strutted her stuff in a denim leotard and chaps at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at the weekend, where she has been wowing the crowds. The Texas Hold 'Em singer will play her last show there tomorrow before bringing the tour to London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for six nights from next Thursday. She is regularly joined on stage by her daughters Blue Ivy and Rumi, and they are expected to continue that over in Blighty. Hopefully they'll all leave as Spurs fans, just like me. TOP GUN READY TO FLY AGAIN 6 FANS had to wait 36 years for a Top Gun sequel, but a third film is poised to take flight sooner than expected. Filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie, who has worked on every Tom Cruise film since 2015's Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, and was one of the writers of Top Gun: Maverick has revealed plans for the next instalment, teasing: 'It's in the bag.' On the Happy Sad Confused podcast, he said: 'I already know what it is. I thought it would be harder, and that's a good place to go from as you walk into the room going, 'Come on, what are we going to do?'' The 2022 flick Top Gun: Maverick made $1.5billion at the box office, so I can see why they're keen to get another one on screens. CHRISTINE 'CAST ON DATING 6 CHRISTINE McGUINNESS is adding another string to her bow and has launched a podcast with her pal, best-selling author Sophie Gravia. The pair have called the venture Situationships, and promise to spill all on 'life, love and best pal boundaries' in the new series for BBC Sounds. Christine said: 'I am so excited to be hosting this podcast with Sophie. 'It'll be real, raw and, most importantly, judgment-free. We'll be chatting all things love, relationships, and everything in between.' Sophie added: 'Just like a girls' night in, no topic is off limits, and we will be diving headfirst into the comedy, chaos and sometimes downright cringe of dating. 'I cannot wait to chat through our own outrageous stories and the listeners' dating dilemmas.' The series launches on June 19 on BBC Sounds. I can't wait to tune in. BRYAN ADAMS is joining the line-up of shows at Warwick Castle Live and will play a huge concert there on August 28. The Everything I Do (I Do It For You) singer joins Texas and Pet Shop Boys on the bill for the three-day event, with tickets on sale from 10am on Friday. Bryan will release his 17th studio album, Roll With The Punches, the following day.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Boy George slams massive pop star for refusing to pose for fan selfies as he prepares to make UK comeback
BOY GEORGE has hit out at stars such as Chappell Roan, who refuse to have selfies with fans. Advertisement 6 The Culture Club singer Boy George says he would never refuse a photo with a fan Credit: Getty 6 He hit out at stars such as Chappell Roan who refuse to have selfies with fans Credit: Getty 'I was watching this thing the other day with Chappell saying she won't have photos with fans. 'I went through periods like that but now I never, ever say no to a photograph unless I am on the toilet. 'I say, 'What is the point of doing this unless you absolutely love it?' I don't mind if people come and say hi to me. 'But I am lucky because I have this Batman thing, I can put on a hat with a sweatshirt and get on the bus. Madonna and Advertisement READ MORE ON BOY GEORGE Speaking on the Saturday Series podcast in US, George also opened up about the new Culture Club film and said it sheds light on his decision to not take part in the Live Aid concerts. 'The new documentary goes on about Live Aid and it makes it sound like it was the only thing that ever happened. 'Some acts seem so destroyed that they did not do Live Aid. "I had no idea why they were obsessed. Advertisement Most read in Bizarre Latest Exclusive "I knew it was the worst idea for me to appear on Live Aid. 'I did them a favour as I knew I was not well. I did not have any regrets not doing it.' Boy George sparks surprise feud with huge Hollywood actress in shock video BEY'S GOT GOOD JEANS 6 Beyonce dazzles in a denim leotard and chaps at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey Credit: Instagram/beyonce 6 The Texas Hold 'Em singer has been wowing the crowds Credit: Instagram/beyonce Advertisement BEYONCE is keeping her stylist busy on the Cowboy Carter Tour by showing off another personally designed look. She strutted her stuff in a denim leotard and chaps at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at the weekend, where she has been wowing the crowds. The Texas Hold 'Em singer will play her last show there tomorrow before bringing the tour to London's She is regularly joined on stage by her daughters Advertisement Hopefully they'll all leave as Spurs fans, just like me. TOP GUN READY TO FLY AGAIN 6 A third instalment of Tom Cruise's Top Gun is in the works FANS had to wait 36 years for a Top Gun sequel, but a third film is poised to take flight sooner than expected. Filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie, who has worked on every Tom Cruise film since 2015's Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, and was one of the writers of Top Gun: Maverick has revealed plans for the next instalment, teasing: 'It's in the bag.' Advertisement On the Happy Sad Confused podcast, he said: 'I already know what it is. I thought it would be harder, and that's a good place to go from as you walk into the room going, 'Come on, what are we going to do?'' The 2022 flick Top Gun: Maverick made $1.5billion at the box office, so I can see why they're keen to get another one on screens. CHRISTINE 'CAST ON DATING 6 Christine McGuinness has launched a podcast with her pal, best-selling author Sophie Gravia CHRISTINE McGUINNESS is adding another string to her bow and has launched a podcast with her pal, best-selling author Sophie Gravia. Advertisement The pair have called the venture Situationships, and promise to spill all on 'life, love and best pal boundaries' in the new series for BBC Sounds. Christine said: 'I am so excited to be hosting this podcast with Sophie. 'It'll be real, raw and, most importantly, judgment-free. We'll be chatting all things love, relationships, and everything in between.' Sophie added: 'Just like a girls' night in, no topic is off limits, and we will be diving headfirst into the comedy, chaos and sometimes downright cringe of dating. Advertisement 'I cannot wait to chat through our own outrageous stories and the listeners' dating dilemmas.' The series launches on June 19 on BBC Sounds. I can't wait to tune in. BRYAN ADAMS is joining the line-up of shows at Warwick Castle Live and will play a huge concert there on August 28. Advertisement The Everything I Do (I Do It For You) singer joins Texas and Pet Shop Boys on the bill for the three-day event, with tickets on sale from 10am on Friday. Bryan will release his 17th studio album, Roll With The Punches, the following day.
CNA
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Author T. A. Morton's colourful but flawed characters in 'The Coffee Shop Masquerade'
CNA938 Rewind In 'Culture Club', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Singapore-based Irish Australian author T. A. Morton about her novel, 'The Coffee Shop Masquerade'. Morton will talk about how she came up with the idea for the book, which is about the lives of different people from various generations who have one thing in common – a popular café in Hong Kong. In the café lies an abandoned mask with a mysterious past – it lays witness to these people's dark pasts, loneliness, quirks and deep personal insecurities.
