Zhao leads but Williams fights back in compelling Crucible final

Images courtesy of Getty
  • 575 Comments

After three-time champion Mark Williams held the lead in the World Championship final at the Crucible Theatre on day one, Zhao Xintong maintains an 11-6 overnight lead.

The 28-year-old led 7-1 in the opening session, but Williams, who is the oldest Crucible finalist, took 5 of the 9 frames on offer on Sunday, including a tense 17th frame.

No player has previously overturned a deficit of more than four frames before the second day of a World final, which gives the Welshman, 50, a glimmer of hope when play resumes on Monday.

Williams will regret what might have happened despite his brief recovery, even though Zhao is confident that he will become the first Chinese player to win the title and the only other player from outside the UK to do so since 1997.

When Williams’ opponent cleared the table after creating half-century breaks, but the frame-deciding ball went missing, Williams also lost crucially in the sixth and sixteenth frames.

Zhao was unable to maintain his dominance that he had already displayed in the opening period, but he did manage to add four more half-centuries to the breaks of 77, 100, 57, 104, and 83.

Zhao, who won the 2021 UK Championship before receiving a 20-month ban for his part in a sport-changing match-fixing scandal, is hoping to become the only qualifiers to receive the biggest prize since South Yorkshire’s move to South in 1977.

The £500, 000 top prize would also make him the first amateur to win in Sheffield, and his return to the main professional tour next season would place him 11th in the world.

This video is not playable.

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.

Williams’ repair job is finished after a start that was hampered by errors.

With Zhao defeating Ronnie O’Sullivan, a seven-time champion, in the semi-finals, the match has been billed as having the potential to be a changing-of-the-guard moment for the sport.

The 22-year age difference between two Crucible finalists and Zhao, who was only three years old when Williams won his first World Championship in 2000, is the biggest ever age difference.

After defeating Judd Trump on Saturday, Williams joked that he had been playing Zhao in an exhibition when he was just a boy.

He struggled to replicate the performance he had against the world number one, who occasionally seemed to be missing a pot.

Instead, he spent Sunday evening on a salvage operation after a stumbling opening session put him in danger against a man who had won his first world championship with consummate ease.

Williams will hope not to end their semi-finals on Saturday evenings, despite Zhao having 24 hours off after beating O’Sullivan with a session remaining.

In the first session of the 2023 and 2024 finals, both Jak Jones (7-1) and Mark Selby (7-2) suffered injuries, failing to win the matchup against Luca Brecel and Kyren Wilson, who would later become champions.

related subjects

  • Snooker

Charley Scalies dead: Sopranos and The Wire star dies aged 84

Charley Scalies, the 84-year-old actor and Sopranos star, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 84. His daughter, Anne Marie Scalies, confirmed the father’s passing on Thursday while he was being cared for at a nursing facility in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

In addition to playing Tony Soprano’s childhood football coach, Coach Molinaro, in the acclaimed Mafia series, he also portrayed Thomas ” Horseface ” Pakusa in 12 episodes of The Wire. The Hollywood Reporter was informed of the news by Anne Marie.

In Philadelphia in July 1940, Scalies was the youngest of three children. He entertained his father’s pool hall guests while he was still a child with jokes and impressions.

*This is a significant piece of showbiz news. Follow The Mirror on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Apple News, TikTok, Follow The Mirror on Facebook, Follow Us on Twitter, and Follow The Mirror on Twitter.

Strictly’s Gorka Marquez suffers facial injury after family holiday with Gemma and kids

Gorka Márquez, his fiance Gemma Atkinson, and their two children recently returned from a vacation in Tenerife with their significant other.

Professional dancer Gorka Márquez has revealed that he injured himself whilst on holiday with Gemma Atkinson and their two children recently. He shared the news this week ahead of an appointment to address the impact of it.

Gorka, 34, and his fiancée Gemma, 40, enjoyed some time away in Tenerife with their kids Mia, five, and Thiago, one, recently. The family returned to the UK just last week after soaking up the sun on the largest of the Canary Islands.

Since coming back home, Gorka and Gemma – who met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 – have continued to prepare for the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run. The couple are set to take part in the half marathon in Manchester on May 18.

Whilst sharing an update over his progress on his Instagram Story this morning, Gorka revealed to his followers that he chipped one of his teeth during their holiday last month. He shared that he’s yet to get it “fixed” by a dentist though.

Gorka Márquez has revealed this weekend that he chipped one of his teeth recently(Image: instagram.com/gorka_marquez)

Gorka stated that he had just run before the half-marathon in two weeks in the video released earlier today. After revealing that some fans would take notice, he continued to confirm that he had recently damaged a tooth.

Continue reading the article.

Gorka told fans, “Yes, I chipped my tooth on holiday, for the ones who might notice,” without giving any details about how he got hurt. I need to have it fixed. He then continued to show off the tooth, “So yeah, cute”!

After Gorka shared updates with his partner and their children throughout their trip, Gorka announced the news. He once stated to his followers, “Always a fun holiday in Tenerife,” in a post posted shortly before they left the platform.

Gorka Márquez and Gemma Atkinson in a selfie on holiday.
He shared the update after his holiday in Tenerife with his partner Gemma Atkinson and their two children last month(Image: instagram.com/gorka_marquez)

Gorka, who has been dancing on Strictly since 2016 and is best known, recently took a moment to reflect on the holiday with his family. He suggested that Gemma, Mia, and Thiago having a “favourite” sunset was one of his favorite experiences.

Alongside photos of them at a beach, he wrote: “One of my favourite of the holidays was just to watch the sun go down all together. Find it so relaxing and also so incredible just to think at the same time that we’re watching the sunset somewhere in the world [others] are watching the sunrise.”

Gemma Atkinson with her kids Mia and Thiago at a beach.
The couple had taken their kids Mia and Thiago to the island for a family holiday (Image: instagram.com/gorka_marquez)

Gemma, who had been revealing details about their vacation, also confirmed last weekend that the couple were returning home after a break. She made fun of it in a post on her account that said “what they all needed.”

In the post shared on April 27th, she wrote, “Adiós Tenerife,” in addition to photos of her time spent in the pool. Vitamin D, excellent nutrition, excellent sleep, swimming, and lots of laughter. Just what was required of us all. until next time.

This story, do you like? Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads for more latest news and gossip.

Continue reading the article.

READ MORE: ‘Exceptional’ solar-powered water fountain that ‘brightens up gardens’ hits sale with 30% off

JLS star JB Gill’s son bags impressive new job as family ‘can’t control their excitement’

JB Gill’s son has already forged a successful show career by following his father’s example and acting in a brand-new Nickelodeon series.

JLS star’s son, 10, bags impressive new job as family ‘can’t control their excitement’(Image: instagram.com/mrschloegill)

JLS star JB Gill’s son Ace has got himself a new job working for Nickelodeon, with the 10-year-old already building a successful showbiz career. Strictly contestant JB and his wife Chloe were thrilled to share their son’s exciting news, as they updated fans on social media.

Writing on Instagram, an delighted Chloe wrote: “The little Gills can’t control their excitement as we have got news to share! We can fiiiiiinally reveal what @acejgill has been up to for the last 18 months!!

Make sure you tune in to the brand-new @nickelodeon animation TIM REX IN SPACE, which premieres tomorrow at 7:30am on @milkshake_tv! He will play TOMMY in this! We are so incredibly proud of you, @acejgill Well Done #timrexinspace #newseries #proud.

Tim Rex in Space follows a Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex) named Tim, his big brother Tommy, little sister Tia and triceratops best friend Kai as they embark on adventures in space. Tim and his family live in a world made up of a cluster of asteroids – the town of Rumbleton.

JB and his wife Chloe share two children, Ace, 10, and Chiara, six
JB and his wife Chloe share two children, Ace, 10, and Chiara, six(Image: jbgill/Instagram)

Every asteroid has its own family homes, cafes, shops, parks, and even a beach, according to the intergalactic environment. A network of slides, ziplines, and trampolines connects the asteroids, and they can also be reached quickly via a rocket ride.

Continue reading the article.

JB and Chloe also have a daughter Chiara, six. The little girl gave her family a huge scare recently, having been rushed into hospital with a worrying health scare while JB was working on the Strictly Come Dancing tour.

Speaking to the Mirror at the TV Choice Awards in February, JB opened up about the terrifying ordeal, giving an update on her recovery and revealing how he struggled with being away from his family. When asked if Chiara had got the all clear, JB enthused: “Yeah, absolutely. She’s much better.”

However, he also shared some unsettling information, stating that doctors had never been able to explain what had caused her to become suddenly ill. He said, “I don’t know what it was, and I still don’t know what it was.”

The family are thrilled with Ace's good news
The family are thrilled with Ace’s good news(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/WireIma)

“But she essentially had an infection and her eye was swollen, and we obviously erred on the side of caution,” she said. “But yeah, she did.”

For me, obviously, because I was traveling on the road at the time, and you’re always sort of wondering, “Should I be coming home, do I need to come and support…?”

“Under normal circumstances, I’d obviously be there with Chlo, and we’d all be there for our daughter. She received that, but she was fine because it was obvious that she required urgent care and attention.

Chloe, JB’s wife, broke the news about Chiara’s illness last month. She is also a trained dancer. She shared images of the young girl receiving IV antibiotics while a home-care professional followed her.

She said, “This is your reminder to ALWAYS listen to it when you have that gut feeling you can’t shift” Kiki and I ended up going to A& E a few days ago because I wasn’t happy with her eye, she didn’t have a history, and she ended up getting Periorbital Cellulitis without any further treatment.

Continue reading the article.

Chloe went on to thank the NHS for caring for Chiara, adding that staff are “living angels”.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

READ MORE: Debenhams’ ‘fabulous’ hanging egg chair rivals Aldi’s as it’s slashed from £400 to £160

Emmerdale wedding at risk as John Sugden’s secrets finally exposed

Oliver Farnworth’s portrayal of Emmerdale’s John Sugden has been keeping secrets from his fiance Aaron Dingle, which could sabotage their wedding day on the ITV soap opera.

It’s been teased that John Sugden’s secrets threaten to ruin his upcoming wedding on Emmerdale(Image: ITV)

John Sugden’s secrets threaten to ruin his wedding to Aaron Dingle on Emmerdale, it’s been revealed. The couple are preparing to exchange vows but a producer has teased that things might not go to plan for them on the soap opera.

John (played by Oliver Farnworth) and Aaron (Danny Miller) have been planning their nuptials since getting engaged in March. There’s speculation that the occasion could bring former residents back to the village, including after some fans noticed an initial guest list in an episode last month.

Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw spoke to the Mirror and other outlets recently about the upcoming wedding, teasing that there could be drama. It came during a discussion about what’s to come on the ITV show over the summer.

It has been revealed that John’s secrets will weigh on him in the lead up to the event. Viewers have already discovered that he was responsible for the death of Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) and, in orchestrated situations, appears to have harmed others so that he can be their ‘saviour’ too.

And there’s suspicion that he may have contributed to his ex-fiancé Aidan Moore now being in a coma. He’s also part of the cover-up following the apparent death of Anthony Fox (Nicholas Day) and has refused to tell the others who are involved where the body is supposedly buried.

Danny Miller, in a dark outfit, and Oliver Farnworth, in a green jacket and grey trousers, sat in a woodland in a scene from Emmerdale.
John Sugden (played by Oliver Farnworth, right) and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller, left) are preparing to get married on Emmerdale (Image: ITV/Mark Bruce)
Continue reading the article.

Laura recently mentioned the character’s future when she said, “There’s a wedding coming up, and that is Aaron and John.” The producer continued, “Those episodes are very brilliant and very exciting, and I just signed them off.”

She said, “John worries about what secrets might come out of the wedding, especially as it approaches.” The wedding takes place in one day, spread over the course of a full week. Some of John’s nightmares are stylistically entertaining.

We see potential events that might occur, Laura said. Before making a hint that Nate’s body might present a challenge for John, she teased Aidan’s former partner and suggested that he might recover from his coma before the wedding.

Oliver Farnworth and Isabel Hodgins in a kitchen set in a scene from Emmerdale.
It’s however been teased that secrets kept by character John, seen alongside his sister Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins), could ruin the day(Image: ITV)

She stated, “Aidan is also in a coma, and I can tell you that he won’t be there forever.” Will he then awaken? What secrets, if any, can he return with? Will he enter the wedding and ruin it?”

Laura continued, “We know Nate’s body is still in that lake, but I can tell you again that he won’t stay there ever.” Will John honor his vows when he learns that the lake is being dredged and that he is aware that the body will rise? Will he be detained, or not?

What steps will John be made to prevent that happening when Nate and Aidan both threaten to ruin the day for John and put everything in danger with Aaron?

Emmerdale airs on ITV, ITVX, STV, and STV Player starting at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow.

This story, do you like? Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads for more latest news and gossip.

Continue reading the article.

READ MORE: Next’s ‘great fitting’ £48 jacket that’s ideal for chilly spring spells is now £21

U-20 AFCON: Nigeria, Morocco Share Spoils In Group B Cracker

At the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco and Nigeria battled to a goalless draw on Sunday in a Group B encounter. &nbsp,

Nigeria won a point in a game in which possession was almost evenly distributed, increasing their chances of making it to the knockouts.

Daniel Bamenyi will be remembered for holding down the defense line for the Flying Eagles. Following his display at Cairo, Egypt’s 30 June Stadium, the defender’s heroics merited him the Man of the Match award.

Harry Kane claims his first-ever trophy as Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga.

After defeating Tunisia 1-0 in their opening match of the competition, Aliyu Zubairu’s men now have four points from two games.

Tunisia defeated Kenya 3-1 to resurrect their hopes of making it to the next round of the tournament in the other Group B match.

Read more about Former Liverpool star Firmino’s “Proud” After More Champions League History at READ ALSO:

Morocco leads the group in scoring with four points, equal to the four goals scored by Nigeria. Kenya are currently at the bottom of the table, undefeated, while Tunisia are in third place.