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When the traditional photo of the world’s top 16 was taken outside Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre on Friday, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump were conspicuously absent. Their failure to attend the press event—required by player contracts—cast a shadow over the opening weekend of the World Snooker Championship.Organisers have not explained the duo’s absence, but the snooker community worries it could trigger disciplinary measures. Financial penalties are unlikely, yet the mood shift was palpable among players and journalists.Defending champion Zhao Xintong arrives as the clear favourite, with bookmakers offering odds reminiscent of Stephen Hendry’s dominance in the 1990s. The tournament’s long‑term deal with the Crucible is no longer the headline; instead, the focus is on whether Zhao can break the “Crucible curse” that has plagued first‑time champions.World No 8 Shaun Murphy, a 2005 champion, voiced his disappointment: “It’s become normal that they don’t turn up for these things… It’s a real shame, and they could have done more to promote the game.” Murphy stressed that the absence reflects on the players themselves rather than on snooker as a whole.Beyond the headline names, the championship showcases a historic record 11 Chinese players in the 32‑man field, underscoring China’s growing influence on the sport. Zhao’s 2025 triumph marked the first world title for a Chinese player, and his presence continues to boost the game’s profile in Asia.At the same time, fresh British talent is emerging. Nineteen‑year‑old Stan Moody of Halifax and twenty‑year‑old Liam Pullen from York have qualified for the first time, while Antoni Kowalski, aged 22, becomes Poland’s inaugural Crucible competitor. World No 14 Mark Allen praised the “strength in depth” these youngsters bring, and Murphy echoed the sentiment, suggesting that visible success could inspire a new wave of UK players.All eyes will eventually turn to O’Sullivan, who is slated to begin his campaign on Tuesday against qualifier He Guoqiang. Until then, the tournament balances the allure of established stars with the promise of a new generation poised to seize the spotlight.

At a damp morning meeting in Sandy Park, Exeter Chiefs chairman Tony Rowe outlined the club’s next chapter: a potential sale to an American investment group that will be decided by the club’s 700‑plus members at an extraordinary general meeting on 7 May.Rowe, now 77, has steered the Chiefs for more than three decades, guiding the team from a modest county‑ground side to Premiership champions in 2010. Yet he admits that “romance doesn’t pay the bills” in today’s professional rugby, and a well‑funded owner could finally provide the financial muscle the club needs.The proposed buyer is described as a “mega‑wealthy multi‑sport investor” already active in British football. If the vote passes, the investor would inject fresh capital, allowing Exeter to compete for top talent such as marquee player Immanuel Feyi‑Waboso and to pursue broader ambitions.Rowe argues that English club rugby must look beyond nostalgia. “We’ve got to wake up and smell the coffee,” he said, emphasizing the need for an owner with deep pockets. He warned that the club’s current shareholder structure, which “has no money,” limits growth.The takeover is part of a wider trend of foreign money entering English rugby, following recent investments in Newcastle Red Bulls and Bath. Rowe believes a cash‑rich owner will position Exeter to help expand the Premiership from its current ten clubs to twelve, and eventually fourteen, with a view to incorporating Welsh sides.He suggested that adding “two Welsh clubs” could revitalise Welsh rugby, which he described as “on its arse,” and noted that travel logistics would not be a barrier for English clubs making weekend trips to Wales.Financial pressures remain acute. Rowe cited a £25 million loss from Covid and the post‑pandemic mini‑recession, compounded by a government grant that was later converted into a loan and a Rugby Football Union (RFU) contribution that covered only half of the promised support.He also criticised a £200 million 2018 deal that gave private‑equity firm CVC Capital Partners a 27 % share of the club’s commercial rights. “We should never have sold those shares,” Rowe lamented, adding that CVC has done little to boost sponsorship or “razzmatazz” for the sport.Looking ahead, Rowe stresses the importance of attracting a younger, millennial fan base, noting that “our future supporters are millennials” and that they will be the financial lifeline of the club.Despite the uncertainties, Rowe remains optimistic. He confirmed he will stay on under the new ownership, describing the investors as “long‑term” and “understanding of the sport.” He warned the new owners must respect Exeter’s Devonian heritage, likening the club’s future to a bus that needs a fresh fuel supply to reach “even greater success.”

Despite facing personal challenges, including a restraining order and homelessness, Kershaw continued to work in radio, eventually returning to Radio 3 to co-present Music Planet and report on The One Show.

A significant 53% of all voters support a full return to the EU, with 83% of Labour voters, 84% of Liberal Democrat voters, and 82% of Green party voters backing the policy. In contrast, only 39% of Conservative voters and 18% of Reform voters support rejoining the EU.Labour's approach to EU relations has been described as 'muted' and may risk losing support among progressive voters and in 'red wall' constituencies. The party's policy is to align with, but not join, the single market, which means it has no say in shaping regulations and directives.Experts warn that Labour's strategy may be flawed, as the loss of the liberal voter base on issues like Brexit could be more damaging than the loss to pro-Brexit parties. Neil Kinnock, the former Labour leader, believes that Labour will one day campaign for rejoining the EU, but did not provide a timeline.Anand Menon, director of UK in a Changing Europe, argues that Labour's position on EU relations is contradictory and economically unsustainable. He suggests that aligning with EU regulation would require constant monitoring to prevent accidental divergence.

Javokhir Sindarov sealed the men’s Candidates in Pegeia, Cyprus, with a historic 10 out of 14 points, finishing 1.5 points clear of Anish Giri. The 20‑year‑old Uzbek also posted the highest tally of six wins and eight draws since the current Candidates format began in 2013. In the women’s section, India’s Vaishali Rameshbabu claimed the title by a narrow ½‑point margin over Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva. Sindarov’s play evoked the classic Soviet master Mikhail Botvinnik, with meticulous opening preparation that often anticipated his opponents’ ideas deep into the endgame. When pressure mounted – notably in his second round against world No. 3 and US champion Fabiano Caruana – his defensive technique remained precise and confident. Final standings (14 rounds): Sindarov 10, Giri 8.5, Caruana 7.5, Wei Yi 7, Hikaru Nakamura 6.5, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu 6, Matthias Blübaum 6, Andrey Esipenko 4.5. The upcoming world championship match will be a best‑of‑14 showdown, pitting Sindarov against reigning champion Gukesh Dommaraju. Both will be 20 years old when the contest takes place in the second half of 2026, though the venue remains undecided. Gukesh’s recent dip to 15th in the ratings has added intrigue to the encounter. Analysts rate Sindarov as at least a 60 % favourite, while India’s grandmaster cohort – led by former champion Viswanathan Anand – is expected to rally behind Gukesh. Speculation also surrounds Magnus Carlsen, the current world No. 1, who stepped away from the classical crown in 2023. He indicated a willingness to defend only against Alireza Firouzja, but Firouzja’s recent focus on blitz and fashion has left the door open for a possible Carlsen‑Sindarov clash, should the Norwegian be persuaded. Sindarov’s rise is remarkable: he earned the grandmaster title at 12 years 10 months, later fell into a teenage obsession with the video game Counter‑Strike, and refocused on chess after defeating Firouzja at the 2021 World Cup. His resurgence helped Uzbekistan win gold at the 2022 Olympiad. Financial projections suggest a potential $10 million revenue stream for a Carlsen‑vs‑Sindarov title match, a figure that could also bolster Carlsen’s claim as the all‑time No. 1 ahead of Garry Kasparov. Nonetheless, Carlsen’s aversion to the intensive computer‑prep demanded by modern classical play remains a major hurdle. Carlsen may instead target the forthcoming 2027 FIDE World Total Championship Tour, which blends classical, rapid, and blitz formats, offering a more varied competitive landscape. In the Women’s Candidates, Vaishali Rameshbabu staged a stunning turnaround. After a 0‑5 start, she surged to the top after round 11, maintained a one‑point lead despite a round‑12 loss to China’s Zhu Jiner, and clinched the final round with a decisive victory over Kateryna Lagno in a sharp Sicilian Dragon, delivering the winning combination 39 Rd8+! 40 c4! Women’s final scores (14 rounds): Vaishali 8.5, Assaubayeva 8, Aleksandra Goryachkina 7.5, Zhu 7.5, Anna Muzychuk 7, Kateryna Lagno 6.5, Divya Deshmukh 5.5, Tan Zhongyi 5.5. Five‑time women’s world champion Ju Wenjun enters the upcoming title defence as a clear favourite, holding a peak rating above 2600 and currently rated 2559 against Vaishali’s 2470. Elsewhere, English GM Dan Fernandez posted an unbeaten 7/9 at the Menorca Open, achieving a 2601 performance rating and boosting his chances for selection to the England Olympiad squad. Young talents also featured: Argentina’s Faustino Oro and England’s Supratit Banerjee – both 12‑year‑olds – failed to secure their final GM norms, while India’s 10‑year‑old prodigy Aarit Kapil became only the fifth player ever to earn an IM norm before turning 11, later flirting with a historic GM norm. The English Chess Federation will host a 24‑hour chess marathon on Chess.com in memory of coaches GM Jonathan Hawkins and IM Adam Hunt, with proceeds supporting Macmillan Cancer Support. 4020: 1…Bxd4! 2 cxd4 Nf4! 3 Qb3 Qxf1+! 4 Kxf1 Rc1+ 5 Qd1 Rxd1 #

From my home in Hawai‘i, the reef is more than a backdrop—it feeds families, shields shorelines, and anchors our culture. Today that vital connection is under unprecedented threat. Scientists report the most extensive coral‑bleaching episode ever recorded, persisting for 33 months into 2025. At a projected 1.5 °C rise in global temperatures, the IPCC warns that up to 90% of the world’s coral reefs could disappear. That temperature threshold is not a distant projection; it is looming now. Even if climate targets are eventually met, reefs continue to be battered by plastic waste, coastal development, agricultural runoff, and overfishing. Their degradation weakens natural storm barriers, leaving coastal communities more vulnerable to floods and erosion, jeopardising homes, jobs, and cultural heritage. In Hawai‘i we speak of kuleana—a generational duty to protect what sustains us. That principle must expand to every person on the planet: caring for reefs is caring for ourselves. On the ground, communities in French Polynesia have shown that, when equipped with the right tools, they can actively restore damaged reefs. Likewise, my collaboration with the Global Fund for Coral Reefs and the UN Environment Programme demonstrates how targeted financing can create sustainable livelihoods, boost marine conservation, and help coastal societies rebound after extreme weather. Time, however, is not on our side. The next twelve months could become a defining turning point for coral ecosystems. New scientific findings and a series of high‑profile gatherings—including the Kenya Ocean Conference, the International Coral Reef Symposium in New Zealand, and the upcoming Global Coral Reef Summit—will focus world attention on reef survival. The responsibility now lies with governments, businesses, and individuals alike. Proven actions include: cutting carbon footprints, eliminating plastic leakage, protecting keystone species, supporting reef‑positive enterprises, investing in resilient coastal economies, enacting protective legislation, and amplifying public advocacy. Moments like 2026 are not just about pledges; they are about swift, measurable change. Coral reefs cannot wait for perfect plans—they need us to act now, embodying the spirit of kuleana for the sake of our children and the ocean that sustains us. Jason Momoa is an actor, filmmaker, and UNEP Advocate for Life Below Water, dedicated to protecting oceans and raising global awareness of coral‑reef conservation.

LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil has acknowledged that the rebel golf tour's finances are being managed very tightly and that structural changes are on the horizon, which may necessitate raising additional funds. However, he emphatically stated that the league will not fold.O'Neil's comments come on the heels of reports that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, a key backer of LIV Golf, is cutting its funding for the league. Despite this, O'Neil described the situation as 'business as usual' and expressed confidence in the tour's future prospects.In an interview with LIV employees during the broadcast of the tour's Mexico City event, O'Neil hinted at upcoming structural changes but did not provide specifics. He suggested that these changes could involve new formats or business structures, possibly including team-based elements.O'Neil also downplayed speculation about the tour's financial health, stating that LIV Golf had secured almost $500 million in sponsorships last year from major brands like Rolex, HSBC, and Aramco. He emphasized the tour's global appeal, particularly in markets such as Australia and Asia, where it has attracted significant interest.While acknowledging that fundraising may be necessary, O'Neil expressed optimism about the tour's trajectory, suggesting that continued revenue growth could mitigate the need for external funding. He concluded by stating that LIV Golf is poised for long-term success and will continue to evolve in the coming months.

Angelina Jolie leads the new fashion‑driven drama Couture, bringing a rare level of personal honesty by confronting a storyline that mirrors her own double mastectomy performed to prevent breast cancer. While her performance is undeniably courageous, the film’s overall execution falls short of its ambitions.The plot follows Maxine, an American indie filmmaker (Jolie) who arrives in Paris to direct the opening short for a prestigious runway show. She discovers, through a compassionate doctor played by Vincent Lindon, that a recent biopsy confirms she has breast cancer, forcing her to consider postponing or abandoning her next project. Jolie conveys the shock and denial with subtlety, yet the script, penned by director Alice Winocour, often lapses into glib dialogue that undermines the emotional weight of the situation.Supporting characters include Ada, a fledgling South Sudanese model (Anyier Anei), makeup‑artist‑turned‑writer Angèle (Ella Rumpf), and the brooding first‑assistant director Anton (Louis Garrel). Their subplots—most notably Ada’s ankle injury that threatens the runway performance—remain underdeveloped, serving more as decorative set‑pieces than integral narrative threads.Visually, the film captures the glamour of Parisian haute couture with polished cinematography, yet this sheen accentuates the story’s lack of depth. The fashion world is presented with a “precious” aesthetic that feels specious, offering little insight beyond surface‑level allure.Despite these shortcomings, Jolie’s star power shines through. Her willingness to align a fictional role with a deeply personal health battle adds a layer of authenticity that the surrounding screenplay fails to sustain. ‘Couture’ will be available on digital platforms from 20 April, offering audiences a chance to appreciate Jolie’s performance even if the film’s broader ambitions remain unfulfilled.

Christine Baranski, known for her TV roles in The Good Fight and The Gilded Age, is set to make her West End debut in a revival of Noël Coward's comedy Hay Fever. She will star as Judith Bliss, a newly retired actor, alongside Richard E Grant, who will play her novelist husband.Baranski, a two-time Tony award winner for best featured actress in a play, expressed her excitement to “tear a passion to tatters” in the 1925 play about a family toying with their guests at a country house party. The production, directed by Emily Burns, will run at Wyndham’s theatre from 22 September to 12 December.Baranski described the play as a “101-year-old comedy of appalling manners” that requires “quicksilver delivery and suave flamboyance.” She also praised Grant as “whip-smart and wickedly funny.” This production marks a significant return to the theatre for Grant, who has recently appeared in supporting roles in films like The Thursday Murder Club and Nuremberg.The revival of Hay Fever is part of a recent surge in productions of Noël Coward's works, including Fallen Angels and Easy Virtue. Baranski's West End debut is a long-awaited event, with the actress having attended her first West End play in 1971 as a student at Juilliard.