As the 2025 Championships kick off, Pacific island nations continue to defy the odds — proving that population size is no barrier to producing world-class sport, writes JAMES NALTON
O’Sullivan eases into International Championship third round
Ronnie O'Sullivan in action against Stuart Bingham (not pictured) in the quarter-finals on day eleven of the 2024 World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, April 30, 2024
In a town shaped by hardship and history, a grassroots boxing club led by Andrew McFarlane gives purpose to the next generation — including a rising champion, writes JOHN WIGHT
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN eased into round three of the International Championship with a 6-2 victory over home favourite He Guoqiang in Nanjing.
The seven-time world champion recovered from losing the opening frame to take control of the contest with breaks of 73, 87, 83 and 70.
The Chinese player edged a tight sixth frame to reduce his deficit before two further half-century breaks from world number five O’Sullivan set up a last-32 meeting with Pang Junxu.
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