Latest news with #ScottWilliams
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
‘People didn't realise I was really ill' – Darts star, 42, feared he'd never play again after health scare
JAMES WADE feared he'd never play darts again after suffering a string of illnesses. The Aldershot hotshot claimed the Players Championship 19 title after defeating Scott Williams 8-3 in yesterday's final in Leicester. It was Wade's first ranking title since 2022 and the 19th Players Championship Event in his stellar career. 'The Machine' took out a brilliant 110 checkout to take a 4-2 lead against 'Shaggy'. The World No.10 followed this up with a cracking 120 finish to gain a 5-2 advantage over Williams at the Mattioli Arena. Wade, a ten-time major winner, pearled in a ten-darter to go 6-3 up. Wade sealed the deal with another cracking 110 outshout as he averaged 101.52 and pinged in eight out of nine doubles for the victory. Former World Matchplay champ Wade opened up about struggles with his health and how it impacted his career and rankings before making a terrific comeback to the winner's circle. He said: 'It's been a bloody long time that is for sure. 'I'm really pleased and happy. I felt I have just been lucky the last two games. 'Everyone forgets I had pancreatitis. It's a serious health condition and I went from world number three to plummeting down and out of the rankings. 'I just think everyone takes their health for granted. Peter Wright stunned after James Wade farts during game 'The public and probably the organisation didn't realise I was really ill. 'I went from world No3 to 27. It wasn't because my darting ability disappeared, it was because my health disappeared. 'So give me a little bit of a break. 'Today I felt really proud of myself because I've never been a press favourite or an organisation favourite. 'But you know when I've gone against what I've gone against, not knowing if I'm going to play darts again, today is a milestone. 'I've put myself under quite a bit of pressure over the last 12 months so today it has been really nice.' The 42-year-old smashed in two ton plus checkouts to overcome Gian van Veen 6-4 in the quarter-final. Wade hit seven out of 13 doubles to record a routine 7-3 triumph against Andrew Gilding in the last four.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AFN Launches First New FM Radio Station In Japan In 70 Years
The American Forces Network launched its first new FM radio station in Japan in over 70 years last week, AFN Sasebo FM 93.1. This comes after a decade-long effort to restore broadcasting capabilities to the southern Japanese port city. The milestone marks a significant communications upgrade for U.S. military personnel and Japanese locals who have relied on streaming services since 2017. The new frequency represents an engineering feat in Japan's challenging mountainous terrain. AFN-Pacific deputy director Scott Williams noted that 'standing up a new FM frequency had not been done before by AFN-Pacific anywhere in the Pacific region.' The push for FM capability began in 2014 when Sasebo's AM tower faced severe maintenance issues. Three years later, AFN dismantled the deteriorating structure entirely. 'Our AFN station in Sasebo has a long history of service in that community and has always been one of our most popular stations,' Williams said. 'Since losing their AM tower, the AFN Sasebo station had to rely on AFN's streaming radio service, AFN Go, to keep its audiences informed.' Initial attempts to restore service proved frustrating. AFN-Pacific sourced 1.5-watt mini-antennas from the United States and placed them around the base, but building structures blocked the signals. The technical team then embarked on months of testing with Japanese regulators. Kenneth Burton, who leads AFN-Pacific's technical services, described the unique partnership: 'Working with the Japanese government on getting this frequency has been a unique experience. Nothing like this has been done in the past 70 years.' Japan's Ministry of Internal Communications conducted monthly inspections as AFN gradually increased broadcasting power. The team started at 50 watts and reached 300 watts by March 2025. 'Every step of the way required thorough planning and testing,' Burton said. 'We drove all over the area while testing and despite the mountainous terrain were able to establish a clear signal with a new FM transmitter.' The station's popularity extends well beyond the base fence. Williams recounted how one Japanese listener drove nearly 100 kilometers from Fukuoka just to tune in during testing phases. 'We have a huge shadow audience of local Japanese listeners at each of our stations,' Williams said. 'The Japanese people really value AFN and love listening to our local broadcasts.' Local military leadership championed the project throughout its development. Fleet Activities Sasebo commander Capt. Michael Fontaine emphasized the practical benefits beyond entertainment value. 'AFN programming has long been an important source of news, entertainment, and emergency information for listeners both on and off the base,' Fontaine said. 'The ability to reach the entire Sasebo area during an emergency will improve our readiness and response capability.' Still, the achievement represents just the beginning. Williams revealed plans to expand FM capabilities to other installations across Japan. 'Our work is not ending here in Sasebo,' he said. 'We are looking to bring this great FM broadcast capability to other bases in Japan, and we've begun scouting sites at MCAS Iwakuni and Misawa Air Base.' The new station will broadcast music, news, command information, and emergency alerts covering typhoons and safety issues. For a network whose motto is 'We Bring You Home,' the FM launch delivers on a long-awaited promise to reconnect with audiences in southern Japan.
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Welsh club announce departures list as Wales international isn't offered deal
Welsh club announce departures list as Wales international isn't offered deal The Dragons have announced who will be leaving Rodney Parade ahead of next season Scott Williams in action for the Dragons (Image: Getty Images ) Wales international Scott Williams won't be offered a deal at the Dragons as the Rodney Parade club announced their leavers' list following a nightmare season. The former Scarlets and Ospreys centre had trained with the Dragons this season after leaving Parc y Scarlets at the end of last year. The 34-year-old made two appearances off the bench, before putting in an impressive performance against the Scarlets at Judgement Day to raise hopes he would be offered a deal. However, that wasn't to be. The Men of Gwent won just one game in the United Rugby Championship this term, having lost 17 on the bounce after beating the Ospreys on the opening day of the season. Filo Tiatia has made a host of signings ahead of next year, as he looks to turn the club's fortunes around in his first full campaign in charge. As such, it was always likely there would be a number of departures too. Article continues below The departures of wing Ashton Hewitt and second-row Joe Davies had already been announced by the club, as had Wales international Dan Lydiate's retirement. Deals for Taine Basham and Dane Blacker at Cardiff and Scarlets had also been confirmed, while Will Reed joined Worcester this week. The Dragons have now confirmed tighthead prop Dmitri Arhip, loosehead prop Josh Reynolds, second-row George Nott, flanker George Young, fly-half Lloyd Evans and full-back Jordan Williams will also leave Rodney Parade. Nott is expected to follow Basham to the Arms Park. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Wales international Cai Evans isn't named on the list, despite his deal being up this summer. The full-back, who can also play fly-half, ruptured his Achilles in January, but will remain with the club to do his rehabilitation and is likely to sign a deal for next season. Tonga prop Paula Latu is also leaving after joining the club in December on a short-term deal. As well as Williams, Newport tighthead Nathan Evans and Lloyd Lewis were also thanked for their service during the season. 'The club would also like to thank Scott Williams, Nathan Evans, and Lloyd Lewis for their endeavours with us throughout this season,' said the Dragons' statement on their leavers. Wing Walker Price and hooker Tomoya Nieuwendijk-Adachi also leave the Dragons academy. Article continues below Tiatia said: 'I'd like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone at Dragons RFC to thank those leaving for the commitment, dedication, and professionalism they have shown throughout their time at Rodney Parade. 'Players such as Taine, Ashton, Joe and Dan have played more than 100 games for the club and leave a lasting impression with their impact and performances. 'Every single player had a role to play, and we wish them all every success moving forward. We look forward to welcoming them and their families back to Rodney Parade in the future.'
Wales Online
13-05-2025
- Wales Online
Driver was 'showing off' when he killed dog walker after losing control of car, court hears
Driver was 'showing off' when he killed dog walker after losing control of car, court hears Daniel Boucher, 28, denies causing the death of David Chaplin, 66, in Nelson, Caerphilly, as a result of dangerous driving but admits careless driving. Daniel Boucher outside Cardiff Crown Court where he is on trial for death by careless driving (Image: John Myers ) A driver who caused the death of a pedestrian who was out walking his dogs was speeding and "showing off", a court has heard. The victim suffered multiple traumatic injuries and died at the roadside. Daniel Boucher, 28, struck and killed 66-year-old David Chaplin after he lost control of his red Peugeot 207 which left the road as he failed to negotiate a left bend. The car rolled onto its side and struck Mr Chaplin who was later found unconscious on a grass verge. A trial at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday heard Boucher, of New Road, Argoed, Caerphilly, admits causing the death of Mr Chaplin by careless driving but denies his actions amounted to dangerous driving. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter. Opening the case to the jury, prosecutor Owen Williams said the defendant worked for a window cleaning firm based in Nelson, Caerphilly and was leaving premises at Whitebeam industrial estate at around 5.10pm on April 18, 2023 when the collision occurred. The trial heard he had been speaking to colleague Scott Williams about his Peugeot 207 and his love for cars. He had told Mr Williams his Peugeot was "turbo-charged" and had brake horsepower between 165 and 170. Upon leaving the industrial estate, Boucher was said to have repeatedly rev his engine for no apparent reason, with Mr Williams suggesting the defendant was "showing off." Article continues below He appeared to rev his engine again as he left the industrial estate with Scott Williams following on behind. As he reached a junction onto Ty Du Road, it is the prosecution's case Boucher took a left at speed and accelerated as he made the turn. Boucher was said to "oversteer" and his rear tires lost grip, resulting in his car mounting the pavement (Image: John Myers ) Prosecutor Mr Williams said the defendant was travelling "way too fast" to negotiate the bend. At this point Scott Williams saw a man walking towards them on the pavement walking two dogs. He later learnt this man was David Chaplin. As he took the left bend Boucher was said to "oversteer" and his rear tires lost grip, causing the vehicle to slide sideways across the road and head towards the pavement. The Peugeot mounted the pavement while sideways at an angle and collided with a lamppost, causing the vehicle to flip onto its side and come to a stop on a grass verge on the driver's side. Scott Williams ran to help Boucher and opened the passenger door to help him climb out of the vehicle. He was in a state of shock and had an injury to his head. The men then saw Mr Chaplin lying on his back on the grass verge and was unconscious. He was breathing but had been seriously injured. Scott Williams called an ambulance and briefly returned to his workplace to get help as Boucher remained at the scene of the collision with Mr Chaplin. Paramedics and police later arrived and took over Mr Chaplin's treatment but despite their best efforts he was pronounced dead at the scene. A cause of death was later given as multiple traumatic injuries. Police officers attended Boucher's workplace, where he had been told to go by those at the scene, and he was arrested. He told officers "I lost control of the car" and confirmed he was driving over the speed limit. He did not respond to his arrest and cautioned but he later said: "What have I done, I'm sorry." A forensic collision investigation was carried out on Ty Du Road concluded the defendant had lost control of the Peugeot as a result of "lift off oversteer." The maximum speed a vehicle could navigate the left hand bend and remain in its own lane was calculated at 51mph. It is estimated the Peugeot was travelling between 45mph and 50mph around the time of the collision, but at this stage the vehicle was decelerating. No defects were found to the vehicle. Concluding his opening, prosecutor Mr Williams said: "(The defendant) drove dangerously and thereby caused tragically Mr Chaplin's death. That's the prosecution case literally there. "The defence case is the defendant's driving was 'merely careless'. The prosecution's case is it wasn't simply careless but dangerous, it was far below the standard of driving required." Article continues below The trial continues.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Darts star nicknamed the ‘Ginja Ninja' faces fine for unsavoury antics after loss in fiery clash
A DARTS star is facing a fine over his unsavoury antics in a fiery Players Championship 15 clash. Matt Campbell lashed out during his first round defeat to Scott Williams in Hildesheim, Germany. 4 4 4 Following the 6-3 loss, Campbell raised his arm and showed the dart board his middle finger. Williams then tapped his face in a consolation gesture. Campbell, 35, who is known as the Ginja Ninja, will likely be fined for his actions given the PDC's strict stance on player conduct. Williams himself will know all about the disciplinary action his opponent could face. Last month the World Darts Championship semi-finalist gave fans the middle finger during the German Grand Prix. During the contest, Williams was heckled by fans in the crowd and appeared to be on the end of an F-word jibe. And as he stepped up to the oche, Williams flashed his middle finger towards the crowd behind him. Fans found the clash between the pair hilarious, with one saying of Campbell: "Yeah, that made me chuckle. Totally wasn't expecting that reaction from him at the end of that game 🤣🤣🤣" Another added: "Scott Williams is always absolute comedy to watch 🤣" Williams, 35, reached the semi-final where he lost 7-4 to Krzysztof Ratajski, who won the tournament.
