15 h. ago Xiao Guodong and Zhao Xintong continue Chinese charge at World Championship

Xiao followed compatriot Lei Peifan into the last 16 after completing a 10-4 victory over qualifier Matt Selt.

Politics

28 h. ago Kyren Wilson crashes out at Crucible as Lei Peifan leads Chinese charge

Defending champion loses first-round thriller 10-9Debutant Lei and Xiao exemplify China’s fine startKyren Wilson became the latest victim of snooker’s Crucible curse after a shock defeat on the opening day of the World Snooker Championship at the hands of Chinese sensation Lei Peifan – underlining the belief many have that this could finally be the year China crowns its first champion of the world.Not since snooker’s most prestigious event moved to Sheffield in 1977 has a first-time winner of the event gone on to successfully defend the title. Wilson is now the 20th man on that list after his defence came to a shuddering halt within hours of this year’s tournament beginning, after the world No 39 produced a magnificent comeback victory. Continue reading...

Events

32 h. ago Xiao Guodong leads Chinese charge as snooker’s balance of power tilts

Xiao’s fine start against Matthew Selt serves notice of China’s strong presence at the Crucible this yearThere are few sports as synonymous with one place as snooker is with Sheffield. For two weeks every year, this city becomes the beating heart of the sport, with supporters from across the globe descending upon South Yorkshire – but this year there is a distinct feel of significant change on the horizon.That is not to suggest that the future of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible is any more under threat than usual: there have been almost annual murmurings about the event being moved from its spiritual home, though there is hope a new deal can be agreed to keep it here beyond the end of the current deal in 2027. It is more on the baize this year where there is the potential for a seismic shift. Continue reading...

Politics

39 h. ago 'World's largest gold deposit' worth £61billion could be terrible news for Donald Trump

A huge gold deposit discovered in China could hold an eye-watering £61billion worth of gold which could tip the balance of global power, amid Trump's tariff chaos

Economics

39 h. ago 'World's largest gold deposit' discovery worth £61billion could be terrible news for Donald Trump

A huge gold deposit discovered in China could hold an eye-watering £61billion worth of gold which could tip the balance of global power, amid Trump's tariff chaos

Economics

3 d. ago Snooker hot head taking advice from John Terry after leaving opponent furious

Matthew Selt is set to take on Xiao Guodong in the first round of the 2025 World Championship at the Crucible this weekend and has received some advice from a Chelsea icon

Politics

4 d. ago Former snooker world champion Graeme Dott in court over child sex abuse charges

Former snooker world champion Graeme Dott has appeared in court over allegations of child sex abuse, with the 47-year-old accused of two charges

Events

4 d. ago Xi promises greater access to Chinese market for Malaysia, Vietnam on Southeast Asia tour

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has promised Malaysia and Vietnam greater access to Chinese markets as he tours Southeast Asia this week

Politics

6 d. ago China’s Xi Jinping is in Vietnam to figure out how to ‘screw’ the US, says Trump

US president issues scathing view of Chinese counterpart’s motivations amid escalating trade war with Beijing Xi Jinping’s tour of South-east Asia this week is likely intended to “screw” the United States, President Donald Trump has suggested, as the Chinese leader embarks on five-day tour of some nations hardest hit by Trump’s tariffs.China’s president arrived in Hanoi on Monday, where he met Vietnam’s top leader, To Lam, called for stronger trade ties, and signed dozens of cooperation agreements, including on enhancing supply chains. Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago Xi warns ‘no winners’ from Trump trade war as he heads to Vietnam

Chinese leader seeks to strengthen ties with export-dependent economies facing high US levies

Events

9 d. ago Trump live updates: U.S. markets close up ending volatile week despite China raising tariffs to 125% in retaliation

‘Going against the world will only lead to self-isolation,’ Chinese Premier Xi Jinping warns

Politics

9 d. ago F1 news: Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari status at risk as 'bizarre problem' arises at Bahrain Grand Prix

Friday at the Bahrain Grand Prix saw the first two practice sessions of the weekend held and helped us to form a picture of what the balance of power might look like

Sport

9 d. ago Tottenham: Vinai Venkatesham appointment raises questions over balance of Spurs boardroom power

Shock arrival of former Arsenal stalwart as chief executive comes at a crucial time for the club and Daniel Levy

Politics

9 d. ago Trump live updates: Stock markets down again after China raises tariffs to 125% in retaliation

‘Going against the world will only lead to self-isolation,’ Chinese Premier Xi Jinping warns

Economics

9 d. ago China raises US tariffs to 125% as Xi invites EU to team up against Trump ‘bullying’

Chinese leader canvasses Spain and other trading partners on how to tackle economic fallout as market turmoil continuesBusiness live – latest updatesWhy did ‘strongman’ Trump back down on tariffs? – podcastChina has raised its tariffs on US products to 125% in the latest salvo of the trade dispute with Washington, just hours after Xi Jinping said there were “no winners in a tariff war”.Xi made the comments during a meeting with the Spanish prime minister in which he invited the EU to work with China to resist “bullying”, part of an apparent campaign to shore up other trading partners. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott faces sexual abuse charges

The 47-year-old is charged with abuse of a boy and a girlHe defeated Peter Ebdon to win 2006 world titleThe former world snooker champion Graeme Dott has been accused of sexually abusing children. The 47-year-old is facing charges of sexual abuse against a boy and a girl.Court papers allege he abused the girl in Glasgow between 1993 and 1996. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Snooker world champion Graeme Dott, 47, is charged with historic sexual abuse against two ten

The 47-year-old, who took the world title in 2006 and the China Open a year later, is facing charges of historic sex abuse against a boy and a girl.

Events

1 week ago Former snooker champion Graeme Dott charged with child sex offences

Dott has been suspended from snooker ahead of the World Championship

Politics

1 week ago Unbelievable moment goat balances on a power line to reach shrubbery snack

A goat has been snapped hilariously defying gravity to get a snack - while balancing on top of powerlines. The animal was spotted by a passerby who couldn't believe their eyes.

Politics

2 w. ago Hegseth is to travel to Panama for meetings following Trump's demands for the canal

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will travel to Panama next week to meet its leaders following recent U.S. allegations of Chinese interference in the operations of the critical Panama Canal shipping lane

Politics