Sports

Blades fans celebrate team success

Thousands of people lined the streets to watch Sheffield United’s open-top bus parade in celebration of their League One title win. The victory parade began at Bramall Lane before the players boarded the bus and made their way through the city centre with the team later taking to the balcony of the town hall. The team gained 100 points en route to clinching the title, bringing to an end a six-year stint in the third tier of English football much to the relief of Co-owner Kevin McCabe. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!

Selby crowned World Snooker Champion 2017

Reigning World Snooker Champion Mark Selby retained his title after beating former title-holder John Higgins. Snooker fans witnessed a spectacular final at the Crucible, with a controversial decision over the black ball in the 31st frame. Selby goes into the book of legends alongside the likes of Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry who have also won back to back titles. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Higgins and Selby after the match.

En garde! Fencing stars of the future

The Junior Fencing Championships took place at the English Institute of Sport over the bank holiday weekend. Fencing has recently had its Olympic funding cut but at grassroots level the sport is thriving and is keen to shake off accusations of elitism. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield hosts Junior Disability Snooker Championships

The tournament, now into its fourth year, is hosted and managed by the Stephen Harrison Snooker Academy. Children under eighteen, with physical and learning disabilities, compete in knock out frames of snooker to win the  prize trophy. Parents and carers assist to ensure the children are safe and fully supported. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Ding into semi-finals after defeating O’Sullivan

Ding Junhui held his nerve to knock out five-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in the World Snooker Championship 2017 at The Crucible. In a classic quarter final match Ding edged to a 13-10 win despite a strong start from O’Sullivan including a magnificent 146 break. It is Ding’s first ranking-event win against O’Sullivan since 2006. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed was at The Crucible.

Snooker chief Hearn rejects bullying allegation

The head of World Snooker Barry Hearn has defended himself against charges of bullying aired by snooker star, Ronnie O’Sullivan. Hearn responded at a press conference in which he rejected the allegations, adding “I don’t like being called a bully”. Discussing the future of the game, he predicted Europe as well as China will have a big say in shaping its direction. Hearn also announced that the the prize fund for the World Snooker Championship is set to increase again in 2018, with the winner to receive a whopping £425,000, an increase of £50,000 on 2017. Hearn spoke to Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake.

Fu beats Robertson in tight snooker drama

Aussie snooker star Neil Robertson was edged out of the World Championship in a closely fought battle with Marco Fu. Before the match Robertson spoke to Sheffield Live! about his Aussie temperament, the buzz of The Crucible and which players he believes pose the strongest challenge. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

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.

Judd Trump reflects on snooker and Sheffield

Bookies favourite Judd Trump faced a surprise challenge from world number 54 Rory McLeod in the World Snooker Championship 2017. In an interview with Sheffield Live! on the eve of the tournament, Trump reflected on being the poster boy for the next generation, nights out in Sheffield, and the challenges of a big tournament. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!