Wuhan to Play Host as World Snooker Returns to China

China's Ding Junhui in action at the 2018 Shanghai Masters. AFP
China's Ding Junhui in action at the 2018 Shanghai Masters. AFP
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Wuhan to Play Host as World Snooker Returns to China

China's Ding Junhui in action at the 2018 Shanghai Masters. AFP
China's Ding Junhui in action at the 2018 Shanghai Masters. AFP

The World Snooker Tour hailed the "momentous announcement" of three tournaments in China this year, including one in Wuhan, as the return of international sport to the country gathers pace.

Almost all international sports events were cancelled in China after Covid emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, and they are only just returning after travel curbs were lifted.

The World Snooker Tour will stage the first professional snooker tournament in mainland China in four years with the showpiece Shanghai Masters on September 11-17, the WST said.

That will be followed by the Wuhan Open on October 9-15 and the International Championship in November at a Chinese city yet to be confirmed, AFP reported.

Total prize money for three events combined will be more than £2 million ($2.5 million).

"This is a momentous announcement for our sport as we ramp up our return to staging events in Asia," said WST chairman Steve Dawson.

"Throughout the pandemic we have maintained dialogue and relationships with the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association as well as our key partners and promoters across China.

"This has allowed us to make a fast return to staging key events now that travel restrictions have lifted."

In a nod to snooker's popularity in the world's most populous country, Dawson added: "We will continue to explore opportunities to stage further events in China and beyond."



Atletico Ban Spectator Who Threw Object During Interrupted Madrid Derby

Atletico Madrid's players applaud at the end of the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on September 29, 2024. (AFP)
Atletico Madrid's players applaud at the end of the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on September 29, 2024. (AFP)
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Atletico Ban Spectator Who Threw Object During Interrupted Madrid Derby

Atletico Madrid's players applaud at the end of the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on September 29, 2024. (AFP)
Atletico Madrid's players applaud at the end of the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on September 29, 2024. (AFP)

Atletico Madrid on Monday said they have imposed a permanent stadium ban on a fan who police identified as throwing an object onto the pitch during Sunday's LaLiga match against local rivals Real Madrid.

The match was suspended for 20 minutes due to Atletico fans throwing objects towards Real's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois after the visitors took the lead in the second half. Atletico salvaged a 1-1 draw after Angel Correa scored in added time.

"Our Security Department continues to work with the Police to identify the rest of those involved, who will be permanently expelled," Atletico said in a statement.

The club said it will also prohibit the use of any element or garment that allows a person to hide their identity inside the stadium.

Atletico, fourth in LaLiga, will visit Benfica for a Champions League clash on Wednesday.