Stories from Sheffield · United Kingdom

Former world champion Neil Robertson is calling for a ban on the specific chalk used by Ronnie O'Sullivan. Higgins won his recent match, and Robertson expressed relief regarding the outcome. Professional snooker player Neil Robertson has called for a ban on certain types of chalk used in the game. The source noted that players generally dislike the chalk due to the debris it leaves behind. Sports reporter Patrick Geary noted the impact of poor contact during the match. Robertson made the comments following John Higgins' defeat of Ronnie O'Sullivan at the World Championship in Sheffield. The issue was highlighted after a 'kick' occurred during a frame in the match. Colin Freeman, a materials expert and snooker fan from the University of Sheffield, noted that different brands of chalk have slightly different chemical compositions.

An inquest into the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson has been told of a 'chaotic scene' during the incident. Johnson sustained a fatal neck injury while playing for the Nottingham Panthers in Sheffield.

The World Snooker Tour is seeking 50 million to save the Crucible temple in Sheffield. The organization is also evaluating alternative venues in Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia is reportedly reducing its financial commitments to the sport. The funding effort aims to preserve the snooker site.

Zhao Xintong holds a 9-7 lead over Ding Junhui following the second stage of a professional snooker match in Sheffield, United Kingdom. He recorded breaks of 115, 77, 59, 87, and 135 to maintain momentum. His opponent Ding Junhui recorded a break of 69. His performance included scoring segments of 77, 59, 87, and a 50+ break. Ding Junhui must utilize defensive tactics to attempt a comeback in the next phase. The winner must reach 13 frames to advance to the quarter-finals. Fans are awaiting the final 9 frames of this high-profile competition. The match featured Ding Junhui, a 39-year-old former world champion, against 29-year-old Zhao Xintong, who holds four world championship titles. Chinese snooker player Zhao Xintong tied his quarterfinal match against UK's Mu Fei Lin at 8-8 during the second stage of play.

Four-time champion Mark Selby has successfully moved into the second round of the World Snooker Championship held in Sheffield. In other tournament action, Mark Williams also lost with a 13-9 scoreline. Defending champion Xiao Xing Tong currently leads Ding Junhui 9-7 and seeks four more frames for victory tomorrow. Neil Robertson and Chris Wakeland remain tied at four frames each. The quarterfinal lineup now includes two English players, two Chinese players, and one player each from Northern Ireland and Wales. Fergal O'Brien, a world championship quarterfinalist, discussed the match performance. Selby noted he managed to make a fight of the end against Hawkins. He is scheduled to play Sean Murphy later today. The 40-year-old player is seeking to become the oldest first-time world champion in the modern era. His semi-final match is scheduled for 7:00 PM.