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Wales Online
a day ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
World Snooker Championship winner compared to ‘billionaire's son' as he receives warning
World Snooker Championship winner compared to 'billionaire's son' as he receives warning Zhao Xintong won his maiden World Snooker Championship last month, but Anthony Hamilton believes the Chinese star will never dominate the sport like Judd Trump World snooker champion Zhao Xintong has been warned by Anthony Hamilton (Image: Getty Images ) Snooker veteran Anthony Hamilton has offered some advice to rising star Zhao Xintong, suggesting that despite his evident talent, he may not reach the heights of dominance achieved by Judd Trump. The Englishman, who hung up his cue earlier this month after a 31-year career, has been full of praise for the Chinese sensation following his World Championship win against Mark Williams at The Crucible. Zhao's ascent in the snooker world was marked by his breakthrough during the 2021/22 season, clinching the 2021 UK Championship and then the 2022 German Masters. Known as the Cyclone, Zhao's relaxed playing style has caught Hamilton's eye, who likened it to that of a "billionaire's son". "It looks like he's just on a little Sunday stroll in the club when he's playing," he told Metro. "You know what he plays like? He plays like a billionaire's son." However, while acknowledging Zhao's skill, the Sheriff of Pottingham expressed doubts about his ability to consistently dominate the sport in the manner of current world No. 1 Trump. "He might go missing again for another half of the season," Hamilton commented on Zhao's potential inconsistency. "He's done it before, where he's won tournaments and gone missing because it just looks like it's the way he plays. Article continues below Judd Trump remains the world number one (Image: Getty Images ) "He could go missing, but then he could win two back-to-back, easy. He's not going to dominate like Judd does, I don't think. But he will win tournaments at a canter at times." Remaining at the pinnacle of the sport, Trump embarked on an impressive streak of 10 consecutive ranking event wins between 2018 and 2020, a run that included clinching the World Snooker Championship in 2019. Hamilton shared his admiration for the 35-year-old's transformation from what he initially considered a "one trick pony" to a formidable player. "When he first came on the scene he was a one trick pony, just potting everything," Hamilton added. "He sat down and thought about it with his brother. How can I improve? What do I do? Zhao captured his maiden world title last month (Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images ) Article continues below "And he's done it off his own back. That's really impressive. Now when I watch him I'm like, 'Christ, I'm glad I'm not playing you anymore.' Even when he's c**p he's amazing!" Zhao's triumph at the Crucible marked a significant comeback after his suspension due to involvement in snooker's most notorious match-fixing scandal. Hamilton acknowledged the role of Zhao's ban and increased maturity in his subsequent success, noting: "He appreciates it now that he had it taken away. But also he's 28, he's not a spring chicken anymore, and it can take that long to really get to grips with this game."
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Snooker star whose wife is World Championship referee gets new job away from the table
Ben Woollaston, who caused one of the biggest upsets at the 2025 World Championship by knocking out fellow Leicester star Mark Selby, has landed a new role with snooker's governing body Snooker star Ben Woollaston, the husband of a leading referee, has secured a new role after achieving his best-ever result at the World Championship. The Leicester potter reached the second round after pulling off a major upset by defeating Mark Selby before being eliminated by Si Jiahui in a 13-10 loss. Woollaston's wife, Tatiana, refereed at the Crucible this year, having made her debut at snooker's premier event in 2020. She also took charge of last season's UK Championship final in York. Naturally, she is not permitted to officiate her husband's matches, not that she would want. She said last year:"I don't spend time with Ben while he's practising to help me refereeing-wise. "He's on the circuit as a player, I'm on the circuit as a referee. We've never really mix that. I'm obviously not allowed to referee his games and I wouldn't want to, to be fair." Away from snooker, Tatiana works as a merchandiser at the head office of clothing retailer Next. Meanwhile, her husband has also taken on a new role away from the table, having been appointed to the WPBSA's governance board. The sport's governing body announced on Wednesday that Woollaston had been appointed as a non-executive director with immediate effect. WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said: "We are pleased to welcome Ben to the WPBSA board, which follows his election to the board of WPBSA players last December. "A professional for over 20 years, Ben has just enjoyed arguably the best season of his career, highlighted by his memorable victory against four-time world champion Mark Selby at the World Championship. Ben is ideally suited to this new role, as a player of great integrity and who is well thought of by his peers. "It has been positive to see him take a keen interest in coaching in recent years, becoming one of our WPBSA 1st4sport Level 2 Coaches and sharing his knowledge with aspiring players of all levels." Meanwhile, Woollaston, 38, said: "I am pleased to join the board of WPBSA Governance and be able to provide representation for player issues at the highest level of our sport. "As a professional snooker player for over 20 years, I have been privileged to see first-hand the development of our sport during that time and to live the highs and lows of competing on the World Snooker Tour. "I look forward to sharing my experience with the team at the WPBSA and to helping shape the future development of our sport, from grassroots level to the professional circuit." The governance board is chiefly tasked with the overall direction and management of the WPBSA, the global governing body for snooker and billiards. Woollaston joins the board as the second player-director alongside Mark Davis, who was appointed in January. The duo will work in tandem with Ferguson, vice-chairman and director Nigel Mawer and governance director Nigel Oldfield.
Scottish Sun
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I started playing snooker when I was 13 then hit my first 147 a year later aged 14, reveals Crucible legend
He also attempted to settle an age-old sporting debate BREAK SILENCE I started playing snooker when I was 13 then hit my first 147 a year later aged 14, reveals Crucible legend HAVE you ever wondered how long it took Stephen Hendry to hit his first 147? As you would probably expect, the seven-time world champion scored his first maximum break in what could be record time. Advertisement 2 Stephen Hendry is one of snooker's greatest ever players Credit: Alamy 2 He made 11 official maximum breaks in his career Credit: AFP Hendry, 56, made his first official 147 break in May 24, 1992, during a Matchroom League clash against Willie Thorne when he was aged 23. But according to the man himself, he achieved the incredible feat for the first time in practice NINE years earlier. That's despite him only picking up a cue for the first time 12 months prior to that. Hendry joined The Golf Supply YouTube channel for an interview during a round of golf at the Centurion Club for an event organised by Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison. Advertisement The Scot was quizzed about his career in snooker throughout the 18-hole round, and in the discussion he was asked when he hit his first maximum. "In practice? When I was 14," said Hendry. Pressed on when he actually began playing the sport, he said: "About a month before my 13th birthday. I got a wee table for Christmas and basically within two or three weeks I made 50 breaks. "It could just do it, it was just natural. After six months I made my first century in a full size table." Advertisement Hendry also attempted to settle an age-old sporting debate which involves snooker, golf, and darts. Which is harder? Hitting a 147, getting a hole-in-one, or a nine-darter? Stephen Hendry 'threw microphone' in ITV commentary box after getting frustrated with snooker star The Crucible legend had an interesting take on the subject. Asked if he believes a 147 is the hardest, Hendry unsurprisingly replied: "Oh god, yeah, absolutely. You've got to be perfect for 36 shots. Once you're out of position then you can't stay on the black." Advertisement But he continued: "Someone told me an interesting way of looking at it. He said if it's all professionals in their sport doing it, what's the hardest? "A professional (golf player) trying to get a hole in one? That could be the hardest." Stephen Hendry career achievements Seven-time World Snooker Champion Youngest-ever winner of World Championship Six-time Masters Champion Five-time UK Championship winner 18 Triple Crown tournament wins 36 ranking titles Nine seasons as World No1 Awarded MBE in 1994 Two-time BBC Scotland Sports Personality of the Year Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Snooker legend Jimmy White coming to Kerry village this Bank Holiday weekend
Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, 63-year-old White, who was nicknamed 'The Whirlwind' in his heyday, will be taking part in an exhibition match on the night as well as a meet and greet with fans before a BBQ and a Q & A session afterward. While he enjoyed a remarkable career, winning two of snooker's Triple Crown events, the 1984 Masters and the 1992 UK Championship, he is still regarded as one of the greatest players never to win the coveted World Snooker Championships in which he reached six finals over the course of his career, finishing runner up on each of the occasions. The night is being organised by Mike Parker and all funds raised from the night will go towards the Kilflynn Community Together group. 'We've had Denis Taylor and Ken Doherty here at the pub before so it was only right that Jimmy be the next big name that we get. Ticket sales are starting to pick now so hopefully we'll have a good crowd there on the night to raise funds for the group,' Mike Parker of Parker's Pub told The Kerryman. Mike Brady meanwhile is the Chairperson of the Kilflynn Community Together Group and he also spoke to The Kerryman to let people know what work the volunteer-led group gets up to in the community. 'We're just a small community-based organisation who are responsible for the general upkeep of the village. We try to take on small projects around the place, too. We look after Halloween here, St Patrick's Day, the Christmas tree and lights, all that sort of stuff. We are completely dependent on donations. We're delighted that Mike is doing this for us, we got a few bob from when he had Ken Doherty there as well so anything we can get at all is a big help,' said Mike. V.I.P tickets for the event will cost €20 and the doors will open on the night at 7pm with the first frame set for 8.15pm. Standard tickets meanwhile will cost €10. They can be bought from Parker's Pub itself or from the pub's website.
Edinburgh Live
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Rubiks cube prodigies face off at Scottish championship held in capital
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Over 200 Rubik's Cube solvers from across Scotland and beyond will descend on Edinburgh this May for the Kewbz Scottish Championship 2025 — set to be the biggest speedcubing competition ever held in Scotland, and one of the largest in Europe this year. Taking place from Friday, May 20 to Sunday, June 1 at Meadowbank Stadium, the event will see competitors from over 20 countries attempt to solve the famous Rubik's Cube — as well as a range of other events from blindfolded to one handed — in the shortest possible time. The competition, which is the first ever Scottish Championship to be held, is hosted by the UK Cube Association, with its results officially recognised by the World Cube Association (WCA), the international governing body for speedcubing. 'Speedcubing has exploded in popularity in recent years,' said Adam Leyton, one of the event organisers from the UKCA. People often think of the Rubik's Cube as a retro toy from the 1980s, but it's actually now more popular than ever. It's fantastic that we have the opportunity to host such a high-profile competition right here in Edinburgh.' All eyes are on 13-year-old prodigy Johnny Morello Kerlaff from Edinburgh as he heads into this year's prestigious 3x3 event, where he's one of the leading contenders. A rising star in the cubing scene, Johnny currently holds the Scottish record for the fastest solve time, clocking in at a speedy 5.41 seconds. In 2024, Johnny made a strong impression at the UK Championship, finishing in third place and earning recognition as one of the country's most promising young cubers. Now he'll be aiming to build on that success at this year's Scottish Championship, hoping to deliver another memorable performance. Also among the standout names competing in Edinburgh will be Lanarkshire cuber Ryan Eckersley, who currently holds multiple European Records in the blindfolded solving category and placed second at the 2024 European Championships. Ryan said: "Competing at such a major event in my home country is something really special to me. "There's going to be some serious competition but I've been putting in a lot of practice lately and I'm really excited to see how I perform.'
