Shia LaBeouf is citing his fear of “big gay people” as the reason for his arrest in New Orleans last week.
In one interview with YouTuber Andrew Callaghan released on Saturday, the 39-year-old actor shared what led up to his arrest amid the city’s Mardi Gras celebrations.
“When I’m standing alone and there are three gays next to me touching my feet, I get scared,” he said. “I’m sorry. If he’s homophobic, so am I. Yes.”
LaBeouf said, “I’ll be honest with you, older gay people are scary to me.”
A representative for LaBeouf did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The actor, best known for his starring roles in “Transformers” and Disney Channel’s “Even Stevens”, was arrested in New Orleans last week and accused of fatally shooting two people outside a Royal Street business during the festival, according to police.
“LaBeouf then allegedly attacked another man –
punching him in the nose,” police said in a statement last week. “LaBeouf was again restrained until police arrived.”
It is unclear what exactly caused the incident.
But in the interview with Callaghan, the actor suggested that he had had a fight with someone gay or that he was frustrated at the presence of gay people around him.
He said, “I’m fine with gays – though, stay gay out there.” “Don’t be gay in my lap.”
He said, “That’s why. I was drunk and it’s Mardi Gras. So everything I’m saying is bullshit.”
LaBeouf was arrested upon being released from the hospital that day for treating “undisclosed injuries.” According to officials, he was charged with simple batteries twice.
Last week was not his first run-in with the law, nor were his latest comments the first bigoted remarks he has made.
LaBeouf was arrested in 2017 on suspicion of public intoxication, The Associated Press reported. According to the AP report, LaBeouf made racist remarks at police upon his arrest. The actor later apologised, calling his addiction a struggle and the public intoxication allegations were dropped.
An Interior Ministry official says that 66 missiles were fired at Qatar and there are reports of 114 pieces of shrapnel falling.
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Doha, Qatar – Eight people were injured in Qatar after missile shrapnel fell on several locations across the country, officials said, with Qatar saying the volley of Iranian missiles had been intercepted by its air defence forces.
Brigadier Abdullah Khalifa al-Mufta, head of public relations at Qatar’s interior ministry, said in a televised address on Saturday that 66 missiles were fired at Qatar and authorities received 114 reports of shrapnel falling across the country. He said that the condition of one of the injured is critical.
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The Interior Ministry issued an emergency warning urging the public to stay away from military sites and stay indoors, warning people to avoid approaching or handling any unidentified debris and to report it to authorities.
All missiles before they reached the country’s territory,
Qatar’s Defence Ministry said it “successfully prevented” a second wave of attacks targeting several areas. The Defence Ministry stated that they intercepted all missiles before they reached the country’s territory, urging residents to maintain calm and adhere to official instructions.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the targeting of Qatari territory with Iranian ballistic missiles, calling it “reckless and irresponsible,” “a gross violation” of sovereignty, and “a threat to regional stability.”
Ibrahim Sultan al-Hashemi, head of public relations at the Foreign Ministry, said the attack was inconsistent with the principles of “good neighbourliness” and that Qatar reserved the right to respond “in accordance with international law.”
The ministry also called for an immediate end to tensions and a return to talks.
The missile attacks came as Iran launched attacks across the Gulf following US-Israeli attacks on Iran, leading to increased air-defence interdiction in several countries. Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain said they intercepted Iranian missiles, while Jordan also intercepted aircraft, news agency Reuters reported.
This incident is not the first Iranian attack on Qatar. In June 2025, during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, Iran launched missiles at Al Udeid Air Base, a major facility hosting US forces near Doha.
Saturday’s bombing followed attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, raising fears of a wider conflict and increasing pressure on Gulf countries that host US forces and critical energy infrastructure.
The development raised concerns across the Gulf, where Ramadan routines were disrupted by airstrike alerts, interceptions and warnings about unidentified fragments, Leaders urged restraint amid fears of a wider confrontation.
The UAE announces petrol and diesel prices for March 2026: What drivers in the emirate need to know: The UAE Fuel Price Committee has unveiled its official fuel price update for March 2026, providing motorists with a more precise understanding of their petrol and diesel expenses this month. The monthly revision, which takes effect from March 1, 2026, reflects changes in global crude markets and aligns local retail prices with international trends as part of a pricing arrangement introduced when the UAE deregulated fuel prices in 2015.
UAE’s new fuel prices for March 2026 amid the Iran-US-Israel conflict
Petrol and diesel prices in UAE for March are as follows:
Super 98 Petrol: Dh 2.59 per liter (up from Dh 2.45 in February)
Special 95 Petrol: Dh 2.48 per liter (up from Dh 2.33)
E-Plus 91 Petrol: Dh 2.40 per liter (up from Dh 2.26)
diesel: Dh 2.72 per liter (up from Dh 2.5) 2)
The increases end a brief period of cheap fuel in early 2026, when prices fell in January and February after earlier declines. The Committee reviews fuel prices monthly to reflect average international oil prices and the costs associated with refining and distribution.
Why fuel prices rose in the UAE: Context of global oil market amid Iran and US-Israel conflict
The rise in local pump prices for March comes amid broader global oil price pressure, partly driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly recent increases involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which have pushed crude oil prices higher in recent weeks. These tensions could increase geopolitical risk premiums in oil markets, meaning traders face additional costs due to fears of supply disruptions, particularly around strategically important chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of global crude passes.
UAE fuel prices March 2026: Petrol and diesel prices hiked amid global oil pressure
Additionally, crude oil benchmarks such as Brent are running at higher levels than in the months leading up to February fuel prices, prompting the committee to make minor adjustments at the pump.
How the UAE’s monthly fuel pricing system works
Since 2015, the UAE has used a market-linked fuel pricing mechanism. Under this system:
Oil prices are averaged over the month preceding the pricing decision.
The government adds refinery, distribution and retail costs to determine local prices.
These adjusted rates are announced at the end of each month and are applicable for the following month.
This approach ensures that UAE gasoline and diesel prices reflect real global supply and demand dynamics rather than being fixed – a policy that informs consumers and aligns local fuel costs with international benchmarks.
What does this mean for drivers in the UAE
Slightly higher fuel costs mean that everyday motorists and commercial transporters in the UAE will pay more to fill up a typical compact car than they did last month. The cost of diesel-powered vehicles, widely used in logistics and trucking, will also increase marginally. Monthly budget planning may need to accommodate these changes, especially if crude oil prices remain high. While the March increase is not a dramatic jump, it highlights how closely UAE fuel prices are linked to global oil market movements, which in turn react to factors such as geopolitical events, seasonal demand and production decisions by major oil-producing countries.
Fuel prices soar in UAE: Geopolitical tensions push up costs for drivers
Fuel prices in the UAE are expected to continue to reflect global crude oil dynamics in the coming months. If geopolitical tensions ease or global oil supplies increase, pump prices could stabilise or even decline in late 2026. Conversely, further pressure on crude oil could push fuel rates higher in April and beyond. For now, drivers in the emirate should be prepared for a small increase at the pump but should also keep an eye on international news and oil markets, as these will shape future pricing decisions. UAE fuel prices rise in March 2026, with petrol and diesel rising across all major grades. Super 98 is Dh 2.59/litre, Special 95 is Dh 2.48, and diesel is Dh 2.72. Price changes reflect global oil market trends, which are influenced by geopolitical risks and fluctuations in crude oil costs. Fuel pricing in the UAE is reviewed monthly under a market-linked system introduced in 2015.
Are you seeking a breakfast that is not only nutritious but also indulgent? These Whole-Grain Cinnamon-Apple Pancakes offer the perfect balance of hearty whole grains, sweet apples, and warm cinnamon in each fluffy bite. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weekend morning or meal-prepping breakfasts for the week, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Whole-Grain Pancakes
Traditional pancakes often leave you hungry an hour later, but these whole-grain cinnamon-apple pancakes keep you satisfied thanks to their fibre-rich ingredients. The combination of whole wheat flour, fresh apples, and heart-healthy oats provides sustained energy without sacrificing taste.
Here’s everything required to make approximately 16 delicious pancakes:
For the Pancakes:
2 cups whole wheat flour (white whole wheat works beautifully)
1 cup rolled oats
1 tablespoon baking powder
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
1¼ cups milk (dairy or plant-based both work)
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 medium apples (one shredded, one diced)
For the Cinnamon-Apple Topping:
1½ apples, diced
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Topping
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples and ¼ cup water, then cover and cook until the apples are tender—about 10–12 minutes. Stir in the maple syrup and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, then set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, oats, baking powder, brown sugar, salt, baking soda, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, applesauce, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 5: Combine and Add Apples
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—a few lumps are perfectly fine. Gently fold in the shredded and diced apples.
Step 6: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a large non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. For each pancake, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface.
Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set—about 3–4 minutes. Flip carefully and cook for another 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Stack the pancakes on plates, top generously with the warm cinnamon-apple mixture, and drizzle with additional maple syrup if desired.
(Image Suggestion: A close-up shot of syrup being drizzled over a stack of pancakes with apple pieces visible. Caption: The finishing touch—warm maple syrup over fresh apple pancakes.)
Nutrition Information
Based on a serving of three pancakes with an apple topping:
Nutrient
Amount
% Daily Value
Calories
298
–
Total Fat
8g
10%
Saturated Fat
4g
20%
Cholesterol
63 mg
21%
Sodium
459 mg
20%
Total Carbohydrates
48 g
17%
Dietary Fiber
5g
18%
Protein
12 g
24%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.*
These Whole-Grain Cinnamon-Apple Pancakes are also an excellent source of manganese (75% DV), selenium (45% DV), and phosphorus (45% DV).
Tips for Perfect Pancakes Every Time
1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing develops gluten, which leads to tough, rubbery pancakes. Stir until the flour is just moistened—lumps are your friend.
2. Let the Batter Rest
Allow the batter to rest for 5–10 minutes while your griddle heats up. This gives the whole grains time to absorb liquid and results in fluffier pancakes.
3. Test Your Griddle Temperature
Sprinkle a few drops of water on the griddle—if they dance and evaporate quickly, it’s ready. Too hot, and your pancakes will burn before cooking through.
4. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold ingredients can make the batter seize up. Take your egg and milk out of the refrigerator 15–20 minutes before starting.
5. Adjust Consistency If Needed
Whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid than white flour. If your batter seems too thick, add an extra ¼ cup of milk.
Variations and Substitutions
Make It Dairy-Free
Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, and substitute the butter with coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil.
Make It Egg-Free
Replace the egg with a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
Change Up the Fruit
While apples and cinnamon are a classic combination, you can substitute with:
Small fresh blueberries
Diced peaches or pears
Sliced bananas
Add Extra Nutrition
Sprinkle in ¼ cup ground flaxseed or chia seeds for added omega-3 fatty acids and fibre.
Try a Dutch Baby Variation
For a dramatic presentation, prepare this batter in a cast-iron skillet and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. Top with the cinnamon-apple mixture and serve family-style.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezer
These pancakes freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour). Transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between each pancake. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Microwave: 30–60 seconds for refrigerated pancakes, 1–2 minutes for frozen
Toaster: Works great for frozen pancakes—just pop them in until warm and slightly crisp
Oven: Arrange on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour 1:1. Keep in mind that the fibre content will be lower, and the texture will be slightly lighter.
Can I use diced apples instead of shredded?
Yes, but for best results, dice the apples tiny. If you prefer larger apple pieces, consider quickly sautéing them first so they soften fully during the short pancake cooking time.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Watch for bubbles forming across the surface and edges that look slightly dry and set. That’s your signal to flip.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
For best results, cook the pancakes immediately. The leavening agents begin working as soon as they contact liquid, so pre-made batter may not rise as well. However, you can mix the dry ingredients in advance and add wet ingredients when ready to cook.
What are the best apples for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a pleasant contrast to the sweet batter. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn also work beautifully. Really, any apple you enjoy eating will work well here.
Conclusion
These Whole-Grain Cinnamon-Apple Pancakes prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour. With hearty whole grains, fresh fruit, and warming spices, this recipe transforms an ordinary breakfast into something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for busy mornings, these pancakes deliver nutrition and satisfaction in every bite.
The combination of tender apple pieces, aromatic cinnamon, and fluffy whole-grain batter creates a breakfast experience that feels indulgent but aligns with your wellness goals. Top with the optional sautéed apples and a drizzle of maple syrup for the ultimate morning treat.
Give this recipe a try this weekend—your family (and your taste buds) will thank you!
An Israeli military official told reporters on Saturday that it was working with the US to carry out dozens of strikes across Iran.
The official stated that intelligence indicated an acceleration in Iran’s ballistic missile programme, prompting the decision to take immediate action.
The official also said that Iran’s government was working to advance its nuclear program while simultaneously concealing and strengthening it, and the offensive was intended to significantly degrade the Iranian regime’s capabilities.
In an interview with French network TF1 posted online 10 days ago, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency, said most of Iran’s enriched uranium remains intact after a US attack on nuclear facilities in June 2025, but he said there is no indication that Iran is working to develop a nuclear weapons capability.
When asked if the IAEA had seen evidence of Iran trying to work toward a weapon, he told TF1, “No,” adding, “On the contrary, I see today a willingness on both sides to reach an agreement.”
“Despite this, Iran had accumulated most of the material by June last year. Bombings and attacks are still largely where they were at the time of the attacks,” Grossi told the French network. Some of it may be less accessible, but the content is still there. From a nonproliferation perspective, the material remains. “That’s why there is so much interest – I would say urgency – in reaching an agreement that can prevent new military action in the region.”
Grossi was directly involved in the latest round of indirect talks between the US and Iranian delegations in Geneva, Switzerland, last week.
An Israeli military official said Saturday that the initial strikes had a variety of initial targets, ranging from practical targets to “essential personnel” who would have more freedom of operations, though the official declined to comment when asked by reporters on who might have been targeted.
Paramount has signed a deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery for $110 billion.
This deal happened after Netflix walked away from a bidding war for the company.
Netflix on Thursday declined to match Paramount’s latest $31-per-share offer, which offered a $27.75-per-share deal for its studio and streaming assets.
Paramount, which is led by David, the son of billionaire Larry Ellison, has deep political ties to Donald Trump’s administration.
The acquisition means that Paramount will own the Skydance news channels CNN and CBS News.
The deal brings together two of Hollywood’s five legacy studios, potentially reshaping the American film industry.
This implies the addition of movies such as Harry Potter, Superman, and Barbie, along with popular TV series like Succession, to Paramount’s content library.
Paramount’s titles include Top Gun and The Godfather, as well as the Paramount+ streaming service.
David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount, said, “From the beginning, our pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery has been guided by a clear purpose: to honour the legacies of two iconic companies while accelerating our vision of building a next-generation media and entertainment company.
“By bringing together these world-class studios, our complementary streaming platforms and the extraordinary talent behind them, we will create even greater value for audiences, partners, and shareholders – and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s next.”
Both Democrat and Republican politicians in the US have raised concerns that any deal to acquire Warner Bros. could result in higher prices and fewer choices for customers.
Mercedes’ rivals have succeeded in forcing a rule change following a pre-season technical dispute over engine performance.
Audi, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Honda were pushing for a change to the regulations governing compression ratios on the grounds that they believed Mercedes had gained an advantage through the clever use of material technology.
Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, said on Saturday that changes to the way compression ratios are measured will be introduced on June 1, with a further amendment for the 2027 season.
All power-unit manufacturers have unanimously approved the rule change, the FIA said in a statement.
Compression ratio is a measure of cylinder displacement between the two extremes of the piston stroke. Typically, growth will result in more power.
Some estimates suggest Mercedes may have an advantage of 0.3 seconds per lap, but Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has said the number is “equivalent to a few horsepower – in England you would say ‘a couple’, which is the same as ‘two’ and ‘three’.”
New engine rules were introduced this year.
The original rule stated that the new engine rules introduced this year would limit the ratio to 16:1 – a change from 18:1 under the previous rules – and it was measured at ambient temperatures.
Mercedes’ rivals were insisting on measuring the compression ratio at operating temperature.
The Mercedes engine has been measured by the FIA at both ambient and operating temperatures and complied with the 16:1 limit at all times, senior F1 insiders have told BBC Sport.
The compression ratio decreases as the temperature increases due to thermal expansion of the materials involved in the engine. The belief was that Mercedes had found a more effective way of limiting this loss than other manufacturers.
From June 1, the compression ratio will be measured at 130°C along with ambient temperature, and from next year onwards it will be measured only at 130°C.
This means that from next year, manufacturers will be able to have engines with a compression ratio greater than 16:1 at ambient temperatures, even though this reduction from the previous limit was introduced in the 2026 rules to make the rules more attractive to new manufacturers.
Audi and Ford both entered F1 because they were attracted by the new power-unit rules, which introduced a roughly 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power, and Honda reversed the decision to leave.
The FIA said in a statement that they have made a significant effort to find a solution to the issue of compression ratio.
“The rules introduced for 2026 represent one of the biggest changes in recent memory.
“All parties acknowledge that with the introduction of such significant regulatory changes, collective lessons must be learned from pre-season testing and the early stages of the 2026 Championship.
“Further assessment and technical investigation on energy management matters is ongoing.”
This last sentence is a reference to the discussion on energy deployment and recovery.
Drivers have complained that energy-draining cars have led to unusual and counterproductive driving techniques – and there have been several proposals to change the rules to make energy management easier.
American singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka has died at the age of 86.
In a statement, the Breaking Up Is Hard to Do and Laughter in the Rain singer’s family said, “Our family is devastated by the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Neil Sedaka.
“A true rock and roll legend, an inspiration to millions, but most importantly, at least to those of us who were fortunate enough to know him, an incredible human being who will be deeply missed.”
image: Sedaka was accompanied by his wife, Leba. Photo: AP
The statement did not provide further details about his death.
Sedaka was a key member of the Brill Building songwriting factory and collaborated with songwriter and childhood neighbour Howard Greenfield on songs such as “Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen,” “Calendar Girl,” and “Oh!” Carol.
image: Sedaka in 1992. Photo: Ralph Dominguez/MediaPunch/IPX/AP
After a long drought, he re-emerged with hits like Laughter in the Rain and Bad Blood.
In 1975, their cover of ‘Love Will Keep Us Together’, written by Captain and Tennille, topped the charts.
Sedaka played dozens of concerts each year, even into his 80s.
He also kept his enthusiasm intact and never got tired of the songs he sang hundreds of times.
Read more from Sky News:
Paramount strikes deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery for $110 billion Former MasterChef host Gregg Wallace drops legal claim against BBC
He told The Associated Press in 2012, “Approaching the age of 70, Pavarotti told me that the larynx was no longer the same. I am very fortunate that my voice has survived.”
In the most obvious and consequential policy move yet on AI security, the Trump administration has announced that it will blacklist a leading AI lab for refusing to allow unfettered access to its technology for military purposes.
This president and his secretary of war, Pete Hegseth, are carrying out a nuclear attack on Anthropoid’s refusal to allow the Pentagon to use its AI for “any lawful purpose.”
Describing Anthropic as a woke, radical leftist company, the US President said on his Truth Social platform that “the leftist jobs at Anthropic made a disastrous mistake in trying to strengthen the War Department,”, adding that the company’s actions were endangering American lives and national security.
However, by now, Anthropic was doing more work to support the Pentagon than any other AI lab.
The only frontier model currently in use at scale for sensitive military planning and operations is Anthropic’s Cloud AI.
It has been widely reported that cloud AI was used as part of the Pentagon’s “Maven Smart System” to plan and execute the military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January.
The core of the controversy was not about Anthropic’s commitment to the US military; instead, it insists on “red lines” regarding the use of AI technology.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei sought assurances that it would not be used for mass surveillance of civilians or lethal automated attacks without human oversight.
image: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is in conflict with the Pentagon. Photo: Reuters
In a statement on Wednesday, Amodei said some uses of AI were “outside the range of what today’s technology can do safely and reliably.”
In a post on the
Read more: AI is evolving so fast that it’s becoming hard to measure‘ AI bubble still intact
Given growing concerns about AI security, it’s a move that has stunned AI security campaigners, but it also raises serious questions about the future feasibility of the Pentagon’s “AI-first” strategy.
Why did the Pentagon threaten the AI company?
Secretary Hegseth has given Anthropic six months to remove its AI from the Pentagon’s systems. But now there are questions as to what can replace it.
For the first time in the short history of superintelligent AI, this controversy appears to be uniting the AI industry.
In a memo to staff Thursday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who is also in talks with the Pentagon, declared that he shares the same “red lines” as Anthropic.
Separately, more than 400 employees at Google and OpenAI have signed an open letter calling on their industry to stand together in protest of the War Department’s position.
image: OpenAI boss Sam Altman is concerned about the use of AI technology in warfare. Photo: Reuters
In a copy of the OpenAI memo seen by Sky News, Altman tells staff: “Regardless of how we got here, our concern is no longer just an issue between Anthropic and DOW; our worry is an issue for the entire industry and it is important to make our stance clear.”
So, it appears that the Trump administration’s move is as much about AI safety as it is about power.
The Pentagon has already said it will not use AI for mass surveillance of the US population, nor unsupervised autonomous weapons.
image: Photo: Reuters
Its furious reaction to Anthropic appears to be more in response to Big Tech trying to dictate terms to the government than what those terms actually are.
Britain’s Katie Boulter did not get off to a great start, as she lost to top seed Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the last eight of the Merida Open.
Against the world number seven in Mexico, Boulter won the first set in 28 minutes without losing a game.
But the mistakes started piling up and Paolini won, 0-6, 6-3, 6-3.
After winning only three points on her serve in the opening set, Paolini started the second set strongly, holding serve for the first time and then taking a break to lead 3–1
Boulter entered the competition.
Boulter, who came into the competition on the back of a seven-match winning run, including claiming the Ostrava Open title, broke straight back to love but neither player could hold serve in the next three games.
It was Paolini who maintained courage and won the second set and levelled the match.
The 2024 Wimbledon and French Open finalist raced to a 2–0 lead in the deciding game, and, although Boulter fought back and held serve to lead 3–2, the Italian’s confidence grew as she won four consecutive games to book a place in the semi-finals.
“It was really tough – in the first set, Katie was hitting every ball and hitting a winner everywhere,” Paolini told Sky Sports.
I told myself to play deeper in the court and hit the ball harder because I needed to raise my level to try to win the match, and in the end, it worked.
“I was trying to stay calm and think about what to do. I guess when you’re nervous you can‘t find solutions.”
