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Federer leads Switzerland past Britain at Hopman Cup (Lead)
Sydney, Dec 30 (IANS) The defending champions Switzerland and the runners-up Germany are a step closer to book their final rematch as both of them triumphed 3-0 in their respective debut against Britain and Spain at the Hopman Cup here on Sunday.
Veteran Roger Federer claimed a commanding 6-1, 6-1 victory over 23-year-old Cameron Norrie to earn Switzerland a first point, reports Xinhua news agency.
“I’m happy in all aspects of my game that things were working — foot work, offensive play, serve, return — it was all there. It was a great match for me,” said Federer, who added a 20th Grand Slam trophy to his collection at the Australian Open in January this year.
Belinda Bencic stormed seven points in the tie-break of the second set to outclass Katie Boulter 6-2, 7-6. The Swiss pair combined for another 4-3, 4-1 win to claim a 3-0 sweep over the Brits in Group B.
Switzerland will play the United States on the New Year’s Day, when Federer will play against Serene Williams in the mixed doubles.
In a Group A clash earlier, world no. 2 Angelique Kerber beat Garbine Muguruza 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 to put Germany ahead, while snapping her five-match losing streak against the two-time Grand Slam winner.
ATP finals champion Alexander Zverev fended off David Ferrer 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 to seal the victory for Germany. Another 4-2, 4-3 victory in the dead rubber mixed doubles enabled the Germans to beat the Spaniards 3-0 in their opening tie at the tournament.
“Of course, it is just the beginning and I am quite happy with how I played,” Kerber said. “There are a few matches to come here. So far I have won everything, so it is not so bad.”
The Germans could enjoy a New Year celebration first before their next match-up against France, who lost to hosts Australia 2-1 on the opening day.
The Hopman Cup is an annual mixed competition named in honour of Australian tennis legend Harry Hopman. This year’s Hopman Cup, the 30th edition of the tournament, is being held from December 29 to January 5.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.