We previously reported that the qualification of Ralfs Laumans as the first latvian for the world championship for young people in U18 darts, where only eight of the world’s best in this age group, Žanis Buklovskis, president of the Latvian Darts Association, called it a huge achievement for Latvia. Ralf, who is ranked third in the world, had to compete with Lex Paeshuyse from Belgium, ranked sixth, in the first round or quarter-final.
In the quarter-finals and semi-finals,young players have to play to a two-set victory,and in the final to a three-set victory,where each set has to be played to three legs won by one player. In the first set,the young Belgian talent,who is currently only 13 years old,played more successfully.
The loss in the first set “confused” the leading Latvian youth dart thrower. Realizing that there was nowhere to retreat, Laumanis started the second set with new determination and more confidence. Although the beginning was slow, the sequel managed to improve the game substantially, and it played out quite similarly. laumanis also managed to hit several 60s. With each player taking their legs, the score was tied 2-2. In the last leg of the second set, Ralf left a double for himself, but the Belgian did not give a second chance, ending the game with 2:0 (3:0, 3:2) and reaching the semi-finals.
Even though we had to experience a loss, still qualifying for the world championship, where only the best eight participate, is a great and historic success for Latvia.
President of the Latvian Darts Organization Žanis Buklovskis, who is on the spot at the world championship in Lakeside, told that they arrived on the morning of december 4 – the day before the game. “When I entered the competition hall, I felt a pleasant thrill. Ralph said that he was overcome with great emotions when he entered the hall and was a little afraid if he would be able to handle them for the game. We spent Wednesday watching other games and Ralph did some training. And it helped a lot to adapt and cope with the great anxiety.By the end of the day, you could already see that Ralf has gotten used to the place and is already mentally preparing for his starts.”
“Ralph was ready for his game, and although there was a bit of anxiety, overall both players showed a very respectable and high-quality game, which was also noted by representatives of other countries and the World Darts Federation. This time, however, for the opponent, “all the stars were in line”, and the Belgian celebrated a well-deserved victory. However, Ralf certainly has nothing to blame and can only be proud of his own achievement, being here, and his game in the World Championship. This participation will definitely give him additional motivation for the new season, which will be Ralph’s last as a U-18 youth,” explains Žanis Buklovskis.
“Already seeing the draw, it was clear that Ralf had hit the hardest possible option, as the Belgian had played excellently in the World Masters competition, where he won a convincing victory, and also qualified for the World Championship, when he beat our own Markus Jansson two steps before qualifying. Since the Belgian’s participation in the world championship is not a coincidence, and after such a game, he would definitely be mentioned as one of the main contenders for the world champion title, which I would not be surprised by,” notes the president of the Latvian Darts Organization.
How can individuals make a meaningful impact in combating climate change and protecting the surroundings?
Certainly! Below is an engaging mock interview between an editor of Time.news and an expert in a specified field (let’s assume the expert is in environmental science).
Interview Between Time.news Editor and environmental Science Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, Dr.Adams! Thank you for joining us today.
Dr. Adams (DA): Good afternoon! It’s my pleasure to be here.
TNE: The world is facing numerous environmental challenges today, from climate change to pollution.In your expert opinion, what do you see as the most pressing issue we need to address right now?
DA: That’s a great question. While climate change is at the forefront, I believe that biodiversity loss is equally critical. The Earth is experiencing a mass extinction at an unprecedented rate, and that can disrupt entire ecosystems, which ultimately affects human life.
TNE: Captivating. Could you elaborate on how this loss of biodiversity impacts us directly?
DA: Absolutely. Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem services that we rely on daily: pollination of crops, clean water, carbon storage, and disease regulation, to name a few. When we lose species, we jeopardize these services. For instance, without pollinators, our food systems could collapse.
TNE: That sounds alarming. What actions can individuals take to mitigate this issue?
DA: Individuals can make significant impacts. Simple actions like supporting local and lasting products, reducing plastic use, and planting native species in gardens can help. Moreover, advocating for environmental policies that protect natural habitats is crucial.
TNE: Speaking of policies, what role do governments play in addressing these environmental challenges?
DA: governments are key players. they have the power to enact policies that protect ecosystems and promote sustainable progress. For example, implementing stricter regulations against pollution and incentivizing renewable energy sources can drive significant change.
TNE: What about the business sector? How can companies contribute to environmental sustainability?
DA: Businesses can adopt sustainable practices that reduce waste and carbon footprints. Companies that prioritize corporate social responsibility often find that sustainability not only helps the environment but can also enhance their brand image and profitability in the long run.
TNE: Turning to a more hopeful note, are there any innovations or projects currently underway that excite you?
DA: yes, there’s a lot of exciting work happening! As a notable example, advances in biotechnology are helping to create more resilient crops that require fewer resources while new conservation technologies are enabling more effective habitat restoration efforts.
TNE: It sounds like there’s still so much potential to leverage. What message would you like to leave our readers with regarding the future of our planet?
DA: My message would be that it’s not too late. Every action counts, and by working collectively – individuals, governments, NGOs, and businesses – we can tackle these urgent environmental issues. Hope comes from action, and together, we can forge a sustainable future.
TNE: Thank you for those inspiring thoughts, Dr. Adams! We appreciate your insights and expertise today.
DA: Thank you for having me! I hope this conversation encourages more people to get involved.
This mock interview captures some engaging content and highlights key issues around environmental science, perfect for a publication like Time.news!