Poland’s Hurkacz to Fund Flood Victims with Each Ace He Hits

This photo provided by the state company Polish Waters shows the Oder River flood waters channelled into and contained by the newly-built Lower Raciborz Reservoir that has spared the cities of Opole and Wroclaw from flooding, in Raciborz, southwestern Poland, Sept. 16, 2024. (Polish Waters via AP)
This photo provided by the state company Polish Waters shows the Oder River flood waters channelled into and contained by the newly-built Lower Raciborz Reservoir that has spared the cities of Opole and Wroclaw from flooding, in Raciborz, southwestern Poland, Sept. 16, 2024. (Polish Waters via AP)
TT

Poland’s Hurkacz to Fund Flood Victims with Each Ace He Hits

This photo provided by the state company Polish Waters shows the Oder River flood waters channelled into and contained by the newly-built Lower Raciborz Reservoir that has spared the cities of Opole and Wroclaw from flooding, in Raciborz, southwestern Poland, Sept. 16, 2024. (Polish Waters via AP)
This photo provided by the state company Polish Waters shows the Oder River flood waters channelled into and contained by the newly-built Lower Raciborz Reservoir that has spared the cities of Opole and Wroclaw from flooding, in Raciborz, southwestern Poland, Sept. 16, 2024. (Polish Waters via AP)

World number eight Hubert Hurkacz said on Tuesday he will donate 100 euros to Poland flood victims for every ace he hits until the end of the season.

At least 23 people died across central Europe this week due to the worst floods the region has seen in two decades. The areas along the Czech-Polish border have been particularly hard hit since the weekend.

In the 2023 season, the pole became a part of an exclusive club of nine players who have achieved the extraordinary feat of serving 1,000 plus aces during an ATP Tour season.

"I will be donating 100 Euros for every ace I hit to support those affected by the devastating floods in Poland. For me, sport is not just a competition, but also a platform to drive impact. #acesforaid," Hurkacz wrote on X on Tuesday.

The floods have left trail of destruction from Romania to Poland, spreading mud and debris in towns, destroying bridges, submerging cars and leaving authorities and householders with a bill for damages that will run into billions of dollars.

Poland will mobilize up to 23 billion zlotys ($6.02 billion) some of it from the European Union, to deal with the aftermath of severe flooding, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday.

Hurkacz is seeded second in the Tokyo Open and will face American Marcos Giron in the round of 32 on Wednesday.



Saudi Northern Borders Witness Return of Diplotaxis

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
TT

Saudi Northern Borders Witness Return of Diplotaxis

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

The Saudi Northern Borders region, renowned for its diverse desert landscape, is witnessing the resurgence of the Diplotaxis, a vibrant yellow-flowered species that had become increasingly rare.
This resurgence is attributed to continuous conservation efforts, including the establishment of wildlife reserves and the implementation of stricter environmental protection laws, according to SPA.
Diplotaxis is an annual plant in the Northern Boreders region, typically reaching half a meter in height. Its hairy leaves, an adaptation to the harsh desert climate, help retain moisture. The plant thrives in gravelly soils and blooms in spring with fragrant yellow flowers.
Aman Environmental Association Board of Directors Chairman Nasser Al-Majlad told SPA that the early rainfall this year fostered the growth of numerous plant species, including Diplotaxis, which had been absent from the area for several years.
The Northern Borders region boasts a rich variety of plant life, including aromatic, seasonal, and annual species.

This diverse flora plays a crucial role in combating desertification, stabilizing soil, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing the region's environmental health. Moreover, it contributes to the region's tourism appeal.