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O’Sullivan begins bid for record-breaking World Snooker Championship title against Chinese debutant Guoqiang Ronnie O’Sullivan will face Chinese debutant He Guoqiang when he begins his bid to win an eighth World Snooker Championship title on Tuesday.The 25-year-old beat world number 18 Jack Lisowski in qualifying for the showpiece event at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, northern England, and has defeated O’Sullivan in two of their three previous career meetings.O’Sullivan, a 50-year-old Englishman, is looking to take sole possession of a modern-day record of seven world titles he currently shares with the retired Stephen Hendry of Scotland.Guoqiang is one of a record 11 Chinese players in the tournament, a sign of how the country has become a force in snooker, a sport traditionally dominated by players from Britain and Ireland.The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday.Two of the first-round ties are all-Chinese encounters, with Xiao Guodong taking on Zhou Yuelong and Wu Yize playing Lei Peifan. The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Getty Images The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Four-time world champion John Higgins faces two-time runner-up Ali Carter, with the winner potentially taking on O’Sullivan in the second round.Mark Selby, another four-time world champion, starts against shock 2024 finalist Jak Jones.Antoni Kowalski, the first Polish player to qualify for the Crucible, is up against three-time champion Mark Williams.The tournament starts on Saturday, with Zhao’s match against Highfield, while Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen faces China’s Zhang Anda on the other table.England’s Joe Davis won fifteen consecutive world titles between 1927 and 1946, but many of those successes came in challenge matches.The record in the modern era is usually dated from the reintroduction of a knock-out tournament in 1969.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #OSullivan #begins #bid #recordbreaking #World #Snooker #Championship #title #Chinese #debutant #Guoqiang

O’Sullivan begins bid for record-breaking World Snooker Championship title against Chinese debutant Guoqiang

Ronnie O’Sullivan will face Chinese debutant He Guoqiang when he begins his bid to win an eighth World Snooker Championship title on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old beat world number 18 Jack Lisowski in qualifying for the showpiece event at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, northern England, and has defeated O’Sullivan in two of their three previous career meetings.

O’Sullivan, a 50-year-old Englishman, is looking to take sole possession of a modern-day record of seven world titles he currently shares with the retired Stephen Hendry of Scotland.

Guoqiang is one of a record 11 Chinese players in the tournament, a sign of how the country has become a force in snooker, a sport traditionally dominated by players from Britain and Ireland.

The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday.

Two of the first-round ties are all-Chinese encounters, with Xiao Guodong taking on Zhou Yuelong and Wu Yize playing Lei Peifan.

O’Sullivan begins bid for record-breaking World Snooker Championship title against Chinese debutant Guoqiang Ronnie O’Sullivan will face Chinese debutant He Guoqiang when he begins his bid to win an eighth World Snooker Championship title on Tuesday.The 25-year-old beat world number 18 Jack Lisowski in qualifying for the showpiece event at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, northern England, and has defeated O’Sullivan in two of their three previous career meetings.O’Sullivan, a 50-year-old Englishman, is looking to take sole possession of a modern-day record of seven world titles he currently shares with the retired Stephen Hendry of Scotland.Guoqiang is one of a record 11 Chinese players in the tournament, a sign of how the country has become a force in snooker, a sport traditionally dominated by players from Britain and Ireland.The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday.Two of the first-round ties are all-Chinese encounters, with Xiao Guodong taking on Zhou Yuelong and Wu Yize playing Lei Peifan. The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Getty Images The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Four-time world champion John Higgins faces two-time runner-up Ali Carter, with the winner potentially taking on O’Sullivan in the second round.Mark Selby, another four-time world champion, starts against shock 2024 finalist Jak Jones.Antoni Kowalski, the first Polish player to qualify for the Crucible, is up against three-time champion Mark Williams.The tournament starts on Saturday, with Zhao’s match against Highfield, while Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen faces China’s Zhang Anda on the other table.England’s Joe Davis won fifteen consecutive world titles between 1927 and 1946, but many of those successes came in challenge matches.The record in the modern era is usually dated from the reintroduction of a knock-out tournament in 1969.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #OSullivan #begins #bid #recordbreaking #World #Snooker #Championship #title #Chinese #debutant #Guoqiang

The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

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The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Four-time world champion John Higgins faces two-time runner-up Ali Carter, with the winner potentially taking on O’Sullivan in the second round.

Mark Selby, another four-time world champion, starts against shock 2024 finalist Jak Jones.

Antoni Kowalski, the first Polish player to qualify for the Crucible, is up against three-time champion Mark Williams.

The tournament starts on Saturday, with Zhao’s match against Highfield, while Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen faces China’s Zhang Anda on the other table.

England’s Joe Davis won fifteen consecutive world titles between 1927 and 1946, but many of those successes came in challenge matches.

The record in the modern era is usually dated from the reintroduction of a knock-out tournament in 1969.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#OSullivan #begins #bid #recordbreaking #World #Snooker #Championship #title #Chinese #debutant #Guoqiang

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Ronnie O’Sullivan will face Chinese debutant He Guoqiang when he begins his bid to win an eighth World Snooker Championship title on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old beat world number 18 Jack Lisowski in qualifying for the showpiece event at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, northern England, and has defeated O’Sullivan in two of their three previous career meetings.

O’Sullivan, a 50-year-old Englishman, is looking to take sole possession of a modern-day record of seven world titles he currently shares with the retired Stephen Hendry of Scotland.

Guoqiang is one of a record 11 Chinese players in the tournament, a sign of how the country has become a force in snooker, a sport traditionally dominated by players from Britain and Ireland.

The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday.

Two of the first-round ties are all-Chinese encounters, with Xiao Guodong taking on Zhou Yuelong and Wu Yize playing Lei Peifan.

The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

lightbox-info

The China contingent includes reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

Four-time world champion John Higgins faces two-time runner-up Ali Carter, with the winner potentially taking on O’Sullivan in the second round.

Mark Selby, another four-time world champion, starts against shock 2024 finalist Jak Jones.

Antoni Kowalski, the first Polish player to qualify for the Crucible, is up against three-time champion Mark Williams.

The tournament starts on Saturday, with Zhao’s match against Highfield, while Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen faces China’s Zhang Anda on the other table.

England’s Joe Davis won fifteen consecutive world titles between 1927 and 1946, but many of those successes came in challenge matches.

The record in the modern era is usually dated from the reintroduction of a knock-out tournament in 1969.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

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Deadspin | Padres C Freddy Fermin hit by foul ball but avoids concussion <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28738736.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28738736.jpg" alt="MLB: Seattle Mariners at San Diego Padres" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 15, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Freddy Fermin, center, leaves the game next to manager Craig Stammen, left, and a trainer during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>San Diego catcher Freddy Fermin left the Padres’ Wednesday game against the visiting Seattle Mariners in the top of the third inning after taking a second foul ball off his mask.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>“Took him back, tested him, no concussion stuff going on, but just a head contusion,” San Diego manager Craig Stammen said postgame. “It just feels like he got hit in the head. Luckily it’s not a concussion at this point. All the tests came back negative.”</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>After getting struck with a foul ball in the second inning, Fermin was hit directly between the eyes when Brendan Donovan, leading off the Seattle third, fouled off a 1-1 pitch from Randy Vasquez.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>Fermin went to his knees after getting hit. After the team’s training staff and Stammen came out to consult with Fermin, the catcher walked off the field.</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>Luis Campusano replaced Fermin, who hadn’t batted in the first two innings. Fermin is hitting .161 with no homers and two RBIs in 15 games.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>At the time of Fermin’s departure, Seattle led 2-0. The Mariners were up by four before the Padres scored five runs in the bottom of the ninth for a 7-6 victory.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Padres #Freddy #Fermin #hit #foul #ball #avoids #concussion

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Deadspin | NBA gives LaMelo Ball fine, but no suspension, for tripping Bam Adebayo Apr 14, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) looks to pass defended by Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the second half during the play-in rounds between the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Hornets guard LaMelo Ball was fined by the NBA but not suspended for tripping Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo during Charlotte’s play-in victory on Tuesday night. The NBA completed its assessment of the incident on Wednesday, and it handed Ball a ,000 fine for the play and retroactively assessed a flagrant-2 foul. Had a flagrant-2 foul been called during the game, Ball would have been ejected. Instead, no call was made, and Ball went on to be the hero of the Hornets’ 127-126 overtime win. The second-quarter incident knocked Adebayo out of the do-or-die game with a back injury. NBA executive vice president/head of basketball operations James Jones wrote in a press release that Ball’s actions “created a significant injury risk.” The league also issued Ball a separate ,000 fine for swearing in a live TV interview following the game. On Friday, Ball and the Hornets will face the loser of the Wednesday play-in game between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers. The winner will earn the No. 8 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. Ball tried to explain his actions following the Hornets’ Tuesday victory. “I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head (on the preceding action) and didn’t really know where I was,” he said. “But I’m going to check on him, see if he’s OK and everything.” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Ball should have been ejected after he yanked Adebayo’s left foot, sending the Miami center crashing hard to the court. Ball was on the floor and he pulled the foot as Adebayo chased the loose ball. “I didn’t see it (when it happened), but I don’t think it’s cute,” Spoelstra said. “I don’t think it’s funny. I think it’s a stupid play. It’s a dangerous play. Obviously, our best player was out. “I’m not making an excuse. The Hornets played great and they made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities to win. That’s a shame. You should be penalized for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game — tripping guys, shenanigans.” Ball, 24, wound up with 30 points, including a layup with 4.7 seconds left in OT for the game-winning points. Adebayo, 28, had six points and three rebounds before exiting. The three-time All-Star averaged a double-double during the regular season, putting up 20.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per contest. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #LaMelo #Ball #fine #suspension #tripping #Bam #AdebayoApr 14, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) looks to pass defended by Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the second half during the play-in rounds between the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Hornets guard LaMelo Ball was fined by the NBA but not suspended for tripping Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo during Charlotte’s play-in victory on Tuesday night.

The NBA completed its assessment of the incident on Wednesday, and it handed Ball a $35,000 fine for the play and retroactively assessed a flagrant-2 foul. Had a flagrant-2 foul been called during the game, Ball would have been ejected. Instead, no call was made, and Ball went on to be the hero of the Hornets’ 127-126 overtime win.

The second-quarter incident knocked Adebayo out of the do-or-die game with a back injury.

NBA executive vice president/head of basketball operations James Jones wrote in a press release that Ball’s actions “created a significant injury risk.”

The league also issued Ball a separate $25,000 fine for swearing in a live TV interview following the game.

On Friday, Ball and the Hornets will face the loser of the Wednesday play-in game between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers. The winner will earn the No. 8 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.


Ball tried to explain his actions following the Hornets’ Tuesday victory.

“I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head (on the preceding action) and didn’t really know where I was,” he said. “But I’m going to check on him, see if he’s OK and everything.”

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Ball should have been ejected after he yanked Adebayo’s left foot, sending the Miami center crashing hard to the court. Ball was on the floor and he pulled the foot as Adebayo chased the loose ball.

“I didn’t see it (when it happened), but I don’t think it’s cute,” Spoelstra said. “I don’t think it’s funny. I think it’s a stupid play. It’s a dangerous play. Obviously, our best player was out.

“I’m not making an excuse. The Hornets played great and they made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities to win. That’s a shame. You should be penalized for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game — tripping guys, shenanigans.”

Ball, 24, wound up with 30 points, including a layup with 4.7 seconds left in OT for the game-winning points.

Adebayo, 28, had six points and three rebounds before exiting. The three-time All-Star averaged a double-double during the regular season, putting up 20.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per contest.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NBA #LaMelo #Ball #fine #suspension #tripping #Bam #Adebayo">Deadspin | NBA gives LaMelo Ball fine, but no suspension, for tripping Bam Adebayo Apr 14, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) looks to pass defended by Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) during the second half during the play-in rounds between the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Hornets guard LaMelo Ball was fined by the NBA but not suspended for tripping Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo during Charlotte’s play-in victory on Tuesday night. The NBA completed its assessment of the incident on Wednesday, and it handed Ball a ,000 fine for the play and retroactively assessed a flagrant-2 foul. Had a flagrant-2 foul been called during the game, Ball would have been ejected. Instead, no call was made, and Ball went on to be the hero of the Hornets’ 127-126 overtime win. The second-quarter incident knocked Adebayo out of the do-or-die game with a back injury. NBA executive vice president/head of basketball operations James Jones wrote in a press release that Ball’s actions “created a significant injury risk.” The league also issued Ball a separate ,000 fine for swearing in a live TV interview following the game. On Friday, Ball and the Hornets will face the loser of the Wednesday play-in game between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers. The winner will earn the No. 8 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. Ball tried to explain his actions following the Hornets’ Tuesday victory. “I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head (on the preceding action) and didn’t really know where I was,” he said. “But I’m going to check on him, see if he’s OK and everything.” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Ball should have been ejected after he yanked Adebayo’s left foot, sending the Miami center crashing hard to the court. Ball was on the floor and he pulled the foot as Adebayo chased the loose ball. “I didn’t see it (when it happened), but I don’t think it’s cute,” Spoelstra said. “I don’t think it’s funny. I think it’s a stupid play. It’s a dangerous play. Obviously, our best player was out. “I’m not making an excuse. The Hornets played great and they made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities to win. That’s a shame. You should be penalized for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game — tripping guys, shenanigans.” Ball, 24, wound up with 30 points, including a layup with 4.7 seconds left in OT for the game-winning points. Adebayo, 28, had six points and three rebounds before exiting. The three-time All-Star averaged a double-double during the regular season, putting up 20.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per contest. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NBA #LaMelo #Ball #fine #suspension #tripping #Bam #Adebayo

After underscoring his talent as the Asian champion in 70kg, freestyle wrestler Abhimanyou Mandwal is keen to be consistent like his former roommate, Olympic silver medallist Ravi Dahiya, and shine in bigger competitions including the Olympics.

Mandwal, who had claimed a bronze in the Asian Championships and became the Asian under-23 champion two years back, suffered a major ankle injury before bouncing back.

“My left ankle was broken. I couldn’t compete in the 2024 and 2025 World Championships. It was really bad, my bone was cracked. I did rehab in JSW, mentally prepared myself. It was challenging, it took me a year to recover,” Mandwal told Sportstar.

Mandwal, hailing from a wrestlers’ family of Shamsukh village in Hisar district of Haryana, fought back with determination. “I won gold medals in the National Championships last year and the Zagreb Open Ranking Series in February. In the Pro Wrestling League (PWL), I learnt about my weaknesses and how much power and stamina I needed.

“The Asian Championships was good. The semifinal bout (against Olympian, multiple Worlds medallist and last year’s Asian champion Mongolian Ernazar Akamataliev) was the toughest. I considered myself better than him. He came from 65kg and I aim at competing in 74kg.”

The 24-year-old Mandwal, who was enrolled at the famous Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi by his uncle in 2012 (a year after his father’s death), acknowledged the influence of different coaches, including current coach Lalit Kumar, and his role model Ravi in his growth. “They take good care of young wrestlers. I used to live with Ravi before he shifted to a new house. I learnt a lot from him. I liked his consistency and mindset.”

Looking to switch to an Olympic weight, 74kg, Mandwal understands that he needs to decide wisely as the World Championships and the Asian Games are scheduled close to each other this year. “The World Championships has 70kg, but the Asian Games has 74kg. I’ll have to keep all factors in mind when I plan. The main goal is the (2028) Olympics and there’s enough time to prepare for that,” said Mandwal.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Wrestling #Abhimanyou #Mandwal #vies #consistent #roommate #Ravi #Dahiya">Wrestling: Abhimanyou Mandwal vies to be consistent like roommate Ravi Dahiya After underscoring his talent as the Asian champion in 70kg, freestyle wrestler Abhimanyou Mandwal is keen to be consistent like his former roommate, Olympic silver medallist Ravi Dahiya, and shine in bigger competitions including the Olympics.Mandwal, who had claimed a bronze in the Asian Championships and became the Asian under-23 champion two years back, suffered a major ankle injury before bouncing back.“My left ankle was broken. I couldn’t compete in the 2024 and 2025 World Championships. It was really bad, my bone was cracked. I did rehab in JSW, mentally prepared myself. It was challenging, it took me a year to recover,” Mandwal told Sportstar.Mandwal, hailing from a wrestlers’ family of Shamsukh village in Hisar district of Haryana, fought back with determination. “I won gold medals in the National Championships last year and the Zagreb Open Ranking Series in February. In the Pro Wrestling League (PWL), I learnt about my weaknesses and how much power and stamina I needed.“The Asian Championships was good. The semifinal bout (against Olympian, multiple Worlds medallist and last year’s Asian champion Mongolian Ernazar Akamataliev) was the toughest. I considered myself better than him. He came from 65kg and I aim at competing in 74kg.”The 24-year-old Mandwal, who was enrolled at the famous Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi by his uncle in 2012 (a year after his father’s death), acknowledged the influence of different coaches, including current coach Lalit Kumar, and his role model Ravi in his growth. “They take good care of young wrestlers. I used to live with Ravi before he shifted to a new house. I learnt a lot from him. I liked his consistency and mindset.”Looking to switch to an Olympic weight, 74kg, Mandwal understands that he needs to decide wisely as the World Championships and the Asian Games are scheduled close to each other this year. “The World Championships has 70kg, but the Asian Games has 74kg. I’ll have to keep all factors in mind when I plan. The main goal is the (2028) Olympics and there’s enough time to prepare for that,” said Mandwal.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #Wrestling #Abhimanyou #Mandwal #vies #consistent #roommate #Ravi #Dahiya

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