World

Ding Junhui into World Snooker quarter final

Sheffield-based Ding Junhui, the most successful Asian player in world snooker, spoke to Sheffield Live! on handling the pressure of top flight snooker. Ding is world number six, last year’s beaten finalist and set to face Ronnie O’Sullivan in the quarter finals of the World Snooker Championship 2017 at The Crucible. He has been an inspiration to the new generation of Chinese snooker players and has been training at the World Snooker Academy since moving to Sheffield in 2006. Ding spoke to Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed about setting up home in Sheffield, which football team he secretly supports and how he copes with life in the spotlight.

Higgins in philosophical mood at The Crucible

Four time World Snooker winner John Higgins tells Sheffield Live! how his priorities have changed over twenty years of top flight snooker. Higgins, known as the Wizard of Wishaw, remains one of the top sixteen players in the world as he competes at the World Snooker Championships 2017. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield Eagles welcome decision on 2021 Rugby League World Cup

Sheffield Eagles are hoping the decision to hold the 2021 World Cup in England signals a brighter future for the game. The Rugby League International Federation gave England the nod ahead of the United States in the competition to stage the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. The decision, recognising the popularity of the sport in England together with government backing, is expected to boost fan numbers and bring more cash into the game. Sheffield Eagles has been looking for a new home since the demolition of Don Valley Stadium and with players reverting to part time status finding new financial backers has been a priority. Sheffield reporter Simon Thake spoke with Eagles head coach Mark Aston.

Protestors urge UK to accept more child refugees from Calais

Protestors gathered outside Sheffield train station on Friday to call for the UK to provide more support in accepting child refugees from the Jungle camp in Calais. The peaceful demonstration was designed to raise awareness of the plight of refugee children. Children’s shoes were lined up outside the station to symbolise the young refugees in need and protestors lit candles and waved banners. A similar protest was also organised in Barnsley. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Val Huzzard from Sheffield Donations for Refugees.

Sheffield turns purple for World Prematurity Day

People gathered in the Peace Gardens to mark World Prematurity Day. Around one in ten babies worldwide are born prematurely. Landmarks around the world have turned purple to raise awareness, remember those who have lost babies, and celebrate the children who have survived. Julie Bathie, a Senior sister of the Neo Natal unit at Jessops Wing, organised the event in the Peace Gardens.