mark allen is the -la mark to prove he can. mark allen is the play of — mark to prove he can.ove he can. mark allen is the play of the season so _ mark to prove he can. mark allen is the play of the season so we - mark to prove he can. mark allen is the play of the season so we will. mark to prove he can. mark allen is the play of the season so we will be an interesting match in the. we are back with you at 7pm on bbc see you there. tennis, and kyle edmund lost to dominic thiem in straight sets at the madrid open earlier. the brit is still waiting for his first atp win this year, losing all six games on tour. meanwhile, andy murray is playing the italian andrea vavassori. our tennis correspondent russell fuller is in madrid for us one. it looks as if andy murray could be stage in one of his famous comebacks but it wasn't to be. he stage in one of his famous comebacks but it wasn't to be.— but it wasn't to be. he came back in the second set _ but it wasn't to be. he came back in the second set to _ but it wasn't to be. he came back in the second set to level— but it wasn't to b

and mark allen claims the first session of the world's snooker championship semifinals against mark selbyive frames to three. hello and thanks forjoining us. here is your latest sports news. everton face a huge task to stay in the premier league following a 4—1 thrashing by newcastle united. newcastle continued their stunning form in front of goal which has seen them scoring ten goals in the past two games. and are eight points above fifth place tottenham as they look to secure champions league football. everton are 19th, two points from safety, with just five games left to avoid the clubs first relegation in 69 years in the top flight of english football. for a large part of that half, even with the result, i will take that performance. when the second goes in, you cannot take that performance. that is when the basics were out the window. there was plenty inside that goal so there is no chance. it was this exactly the same, that was the reality of the challenge i took over. it is still there and we have to corrected. the return to form in a really good way. i think it was a period where

mark allen holds the upper hand in his world championship snooker semifinal against mark selby at thein a back—and—forth session, allen and selby traded the lead before the world number three pulled away, winning the final two frames to take an overnight lead. their match resumes tonight. and the 20—year—old chinese star si ja—wee has also taken a 5—3 lead in his semi with against luca brecel. the belgian had the chance to go into the second session on even terms but gave si ja wee the opportunity to pinch a tense eighth frame... the debutant needed both pink and black and potted both. the match resumes at 9am gmt on friday american basketball player brittney griner has spoken for the first time since being released from a russian penal colony. the 6 foot 9 centre was arrested at moscow airport last year on drug—related charges and detained for nearly 10 months. she was freed in exchange for a russian arms dealer viktor bout. the phoenix mercury player had flown to moscow to rejoin a russian women's team she plays for in the off—season. griner broke down while speaking to the media. t

mark allen was 5—3 up after thursday's first session.st frame of this session took an absolute age. mark allen pinching that in the end to go 6—3 up. it's the first to 17 at this stage. a lot of snooker still to be played in that semifinal. on the other semifinal, siege are we is well under way against luca brazil. he is 11-5 under way against luca brazil. he is 11—5 up in that one. the belgian lost his composure at the end of the ninth frame after failing to get out of the snooker. have a look at this. he was warned for that. he hasn't come close to the form that's done ronnie o'sullivan. —— if that's done. harry kane says he and some of the other senior players held an honest conversation with the tottenham hotspur chairman on monday the day after the humiliating 6—1 defeat at newcastle. he says it was important for daniel eva to understand with their heads were at. later that day the interim coach was sacked. there is speculation that harry kane will leave the club in the summer with the prospect of champions league qualification fadi

he'll face either mark selby or mark allen who play to a finish in their semi tonight.k about the semifinals. we've seen a classic between luca brecel and sijiahui. what do you make of the performance? incredible, 14—5 down, no one gave him a chance. came back to get 14—10, played fantastically well today and for him to win17—15 from being behind, one of the best performances ever. i think we have witnessed one of the best semifinals. we are probably blessed here to have such a bull's—eye view of it because it is one match that i certainly will never forget in my lifetime. it was fabulous. sijiahui, a star born on the scene, luca brecel is through to the final. in terms of the establishment of a new star from china, what does si jiahui represent? he is an amazing talent, i'd not seen him play before this championship, i have now and you will be seeing him a lot more in the future. he's got the lot. he should be very proud. he will be so disappointed from losing from such an unassailable position, but he should be so proud of the way he's played in this championship. he'

the four—time champion mark selby has resumed his match against mark allen.at the table who had the best of the first session on thursday. this is the first frame of the day. he is just in amongst the balls and a big break on because the reds are nicely spread. it's his first world semifinalfor14 years. he is spread. it's his first world semifinal for 14 years. he is 5—3 app. first to 17 at this stage. in the other semifinal, siege are we as well on the way against luca

mark allen now leads 6-5. the frame back. mark allen now leads 6—5.eme is quite a difficult watch and pretty cagey. mark selby has got the better of the second session. two years ago he won the last of his four titles. it's the first to 17. in the other semifinal sijiahui is well under first to 17. in the other semifinal si jiahui is well under way against luca brecel. the chinese debutant is 11-5 luca brecel. the chinese debutant is 11—5 up after two sessions. the belgian really lost his composure at the end of one of the frames after failing to get out of the snooker. he got a warning. he hasn't come close to the form that saw him stunned defending champion ronnie o'sullivan in the quarters. si jiahui went on to win five out of the next seven frames. he is looking very good for the final. harry kane says he and some of the other senior spurs players held an honest conversation with the club's chairman on monday the day after their humiliating defeat at newcastle. he said it was important for the chairman to understand where the heads were. later tha

the four—time champion mark selby has resumed his match against mark allen.et's take you live to the crucible. that is mark allen at the table who had the best of the first session on thursday. this is the first frame of the day. he is just in amongst the balls and a big break on because the reds are nicely spread. it's his first world semifinalfor14 years. he is spread. it's his first world semifinal for m years. he is 5—3 app. first to 17 at semifinal for 1h years. he is 5—3 app. first to 17 at this stage. in the other semifinal, siege are we as well on the way against luca purcell. the 20—year—old chinese debutant is above the five sessions. the belgian who knocked out ronnie o'sullivan in the court is really lost his cool in the ninth frame. look at that. he is well on course for the final. from the returns this weekend after a four—week break. qualifying is currently under way for sunday's azerbaijan grand prix. there is also a sprint race on saturday with qualifying for that on the same day. away from the track there has been driver speculation with fer

mark allen claims the first session of the world soccer championship semifinal against mark selby fiveour latest sports news. everton face a huge task to stay in the premier league following a 412 fashion by newcastle united. newcastle

mark selby set up a semi—final with mark allen after comfortably advancing past fellow four—time champion 102 but selby hit a 67 as he sealed victory. a half—century from jason roy helped kolkata knight riders to a 21 run—win over royal challengers bangalore in the ipl on wednesday. jason roy's 56 — his second successive half—century — and 48 from captain nitish rana helped kkr set the home side 201 to win. although rcb got off to a flyer with a virat kohli half century, they could only manage 179 for 8 in their 20 overs. the win meants the kolkata knight riders move up to 7th in the league after breaking a four match winning streak — and are still in with a chance of making the play—offs to tennis and ahead of his title defence — carlos alcaraz has been reflecting on his momentous run to glory at last year's madrid 0pen. the 19—year—old caused a stir in the spanish capital after beating his idol rafa nadal in the quarter—finals, a player he first faced in 2021 and the teenager admits he was nervous before the match. 2021 on my 18th birthday was my first time playing rafaso it was difficu

northern ireland's mark allen and welshmanjakjones are neck and neck. s all. mark selby fought back afterjohn higgins raced into a 3 frames to nil lead. selby made it 4—4, ending the session with a century break, his 99th at the crucible. the two former champions will return on wednesday. and there was a similar story on the other table 20 year old chinese debutant si ja—hui led anthony mcgill 3—1 before the scotsman recovered to end the day all with it all square at a—all. wimbledon will donate more than half a million pounds to ukraine relief after what the all england club says was a "difficult decision" to lift its ban on russian and belarusians. they have though laid down guidelines for those players, who will have to declare their neutrality before taking part. the chief exexecutive of the all england club has been speaking to our tennis correspondent russell fuller so they are three parts of the declaration, signing up to say that they will compete as neutrals, so with no flag or a name next to their name representing russia or belarus. they are s

mark allen holds the upper hand in his world championship snooker semifinal against mark selby at thefirst session 5—3 ahead. in a back—and—forth session, allen and four—time champion selby traded the lead before the world number three pulled away, winning the final two frames to take an overnight lead. their match resumes on friday afternoon. formula one academy begins this weekend — a new all—female championship designed to develop drivers on their way to formula one. 15 young women are competing, including 20—year old briton abbi pulling, who topped the time sheets in the first free practice session at speilberg. i think it is not only were giving us good value for money for the same time we are getting and the teams that we get to work with. the calibre is top level. it is not only that, it is inspiring the next generation. they are showing a group of females that can compete at a high level. i always say, if it is not me with the 15 girls in this championship that make it and make that lead to formula 1, hopefully it is the ten—year—old watching us and inspired to make the differ

you ready for a marathon between mark selby and mark allen?chelle back at the aviva stadium next scotland's robert macintyre has the clubhouse lead in the korea championship. he went round in 69 and is on eight under. another scot, scott jamieson is a shot further back. and on the final day of the jump racing season, there was an extraordinary double for kitty's light who won the day's big handicap chase at sandown — only a week after winning the scottish national. this year's jump trainer's title goes to paul nicholls and the top jockey is brian hughes. over the coming six days, nottingham will host the world championship for six teams in division one — it's the biggest tournament staged in the uk for generations. home ice might give great britain the edge. the stage is set for the biggest clashes on ice to be witnessed in the uk in a generation — bone—crunching smashes, a lightning—fast blur of bodies, sticks and pucks. six nations battle for promotion to the top division and a chance to rejoin the world's elite teams, and for great britain,

and mark allen claims the first session of the world's snooker championship semifinals

on the other table, third seed mark allen is in action, one of the favourites for the tournament, andthree frames against chinese debutant fan zheng—yi. in the nba playoffs, the los angeles lakers upset the second—seeded memphis grizzlies 128—112 in the opening game of their western conference first—round series. lakers stars lebronjames and anthony davis combined for 43 points, but it was their team—mate who was the star of the show in memphis — rui hachimura scored 29 points for the seventh—seeded visitors, who only made the play—offs after winning a play—in. game two of the series is also in memphis on wednesday. we need this one, for sure, the first game which is really important, this is my second time in the play—off, every position, every game, it matters. especially now. if you can win this game, it is going to be much easierfor us to you can win this game, it is going to be much easier for us to win those games next... when we get back to la. the milwaukee bucks are sweating on the fitness of their star, giannis antetokounmpo, after he was forced off injured in their 130—117

the woman tried to get on the other side, on the other side of the barrier, at the moment where mark allenas playing. but the match referee stopped her before they could do any damage to the table. play resumed, but the other match was not able to continue as the cloth on the table needed to be replaced. i can tell you there was a lot of anger from those behind the scenes and the fans there about what had happened. have we seen anything like this before and how is this likely to impact the championship? we have seen protests before and we saw one protester getting onto the room for fathers forjustice many times ago. but in terms of the protest, i don't think it's going to have too much of an impact on the tournament. the second session of the match was due to be played tomorrow night, but in the first session and there is a rest morning on thursday so that match can be played to a finish and so it should not have an impact on this tournament. there was big shock earlier in the day with the 2016 runner—up ding junhui knocked out. ding led iran's hossein vafaei by 5 frames to 4 overnight, bu

mark allen has fought back from 3—1 down againstjakjones to put the score level at 4—4 at the interval

later this evening — from 7pm — we'll see the start of the other semi—final between mark allen v markmurray will step up his preparation ahead of the french open later when he takes to the court against italian qualifier andrea vavassori, but we've already seen one brit on court today. kyle edmund wasn't out there for too long though against former us open champion dominic thiem. the former british number one battled hard but lost the opening set 6—4. he had no answer to the austrian's power and precision in the second though with thiem easing through that 6—1. he'll now face fourth—seed stefanos tsitsipas in the second round. you can get all the latest sports news at from the bbc sport app, orfrom our website. from me and the rest of the team at the bbc sport centre, goodbye. hello, i'm samantha simmonds. we're going to bring you more now on those industrial action developments in the nursing, teaching and rail sectors. as we've been reporting, the government has won a legal battle against the royal college of nursing that will force their strike to end early. this comes as teachers

mark allen managed to finish his match.protesters as idiots and he said he didn't want to talk about them because he thought it would give them more publicity. security is never an issue really we have heard the players talk about. given that the venue is so small and some of the crowd are close enough to touch the players, i'm sure the players have thought about it in the past. shaun murphy has said he has had some concerns in the past about the level of security here. snooker is a soft target and i would hate, although i see it as an inevitability now, but i would hate for the relationship between the fans who come to watch our events around the world and the sport itself may change just that little bit now because i have been saying for a long time that our security protocols and access is too weak. one of the lovely things about the crucible as they say the crowd on the front row can literally reach out and touch the players or the table and play. yesterday we sought enacted in real life.— enacted in real life. unfortun

but things are a lot closer between mark allen and welsh debutant jakjones.irvine is leading the bbc�*s snooker coverage at the crucible. super heavyweight time as we approach the quarterfinals in this cosy world championship. they are under way and so to is mark selby and john higgins. what was there to enjoy about their match today? the first frame enjoy about their match today? he first frame was enjoy about their match today? tie: first frame was epic. enjoy about their match today? ii9: first frame was epic. john enjoy about their match today? i““i9 first frame was epic. john higgins's 607i had first frame was epic. john higgins's 607i had was 67 on. first frame was epic. john higgins's 607i had was 67 on. that sort of set the tone. john higgins raised a 4—1 lead and may be disappointed he didn't take that, but every credit to mark selby. he does what he does and he got himself back into the match. :, ., , :, , ., ., match. four frames of peace and two more sessions _ match. four frames of peace and two more sessions to _ match. four frames of peace and

mark allen fought back againstjackjones to finish 4—4. against jackjones to finish 4—4. for ronnie o'sullivan. you have followed his career. how focused is he looking now and how significant an eighth title will be, it has been a dramatic career. rem title will be, it has been a dramatic career. an incredible career. dramatic career. an incredible career- the — dramatic career. an incredible career. the longevity - dramatic career. an incredible career. the longevity of - dramatic career. an incredible l career. the longevity of ronnie o'sullivan at the top of the game is unprecedented. you are comparing him to tiger woods and roger federer. somebody who transcends the sport and would be an incredible moment of snooker history if he could get an eighth title. many would say he is the greatest of all time anyway. when he spoke to us before this tournament started he said why put a number on it? he believed he could win an eighth, ninth or tenth title before he retires. the coverage continues all day on the bbc. sean waite has named 15 uncapped players and his 19 man squad

mark allen has fought back from 3—1 down againstjakjones to put the score level at 4—1; at the intervale afternoon session has just got under way withjohn higgins taking on mark selby and anthony mcgill also in action against si and these are the live pictures. this is a battle between two four—time champions. this is a repeat of the 2017 and 2007 finals and at the momentjohn higgins is holding the frame, but it is the first frame. you can keep across the coverage on bbc two and across the bbc sport website. a big game at the bottom of the premier league this evening as leicester city travel to elland road to take on leeds united. leeds have lost their last three games and conceded 13 in the process of sliding down the table. they are just a point above leicester city who were victorious at the weekend under new boss dean smith. the? who were victorious at the weekend under new boss dean smith. they have had a struggle — under new boss dean smith. they have had a struggle so _ under new boss dean smith. they have had a struggle so far, _ under new boss dean smith. they have had a strugg

earlier mark allen, who's match was also disrupted, made it through to the second round, as did three—timel service is resumed on this birthday at the crucible and the man who was in the thick of it last night and in the eye of the storm, mark allen, competed his match on the most extraordinary circumstances. how much of a relief to get back to business as normal today mark? it to get back to business as normal today mark?— to get back to business as normal today mark? it was a weird session last niuht today mark? it was a weird session last night and _ today mark? it was a weird session last night and i— today mark? it was a weird session last night and i felt _ today mark? it was a weird session last night and i felt for— today mark? it was a weird session last night and i felt for the - today mark? it was a weird session last night and i felt for the guise i last night and i felt for the guise of the other table not get to the start but for me it was business as usual, a relaxing day sucked we had you in the studio all day and it has been fantastic and you watch some great snooker, besi

that was underlined this afternoon, in the second session between the two marks, mark selby and mark allenrphy? that is definitely one word for it. — sean murphy? that is definitely one word for it. it _ sean murphy? that is definitely one word for it, it was _ sean murphy? that is definitely one word for it, it was difficult _ sean murphy? that is definitely one word for it, it was difficult at - word for it, it was difficult at times— word for it, it was difficult at times to _ word for it, it was difficult at times to stay with that one month for both_ times to stay with that one month for both of— times to stay with that one month for both of the players it would be very taxing on their energy levels, their— very taxing on their energy levels, their concentration. both get a good early night _ their concentration. both get a good early night and get back out tomorrow and start fresh. it early night and get back out tomorrow and start fresh. it will be a monster last _ tomorrow and start fresh. it will be a monster last day _ tomorrow and start fresh. it will be a monster last day of— t

mike allen and mark selby get their semifinal under way this evening. —— mark allen and mark selby.9 to win in the first of the one—day internationals. the black caps innings was built upon daryl mitchell's 113. his second century in odi cricket. he was supported at the top of the innings by will young, who made 86. the same chair was the pick of the pakistan bowlers taking 2—29. in reply, pakistan a 59 without loss. in tennis dominic thiem says he is getting better and back to shape as he continues his comeback take out paladin on 6—46— he continues his comeback take out paladin on 6—46“ one to get through to the second round of the madrid masters —— 6—4, 6—1. plagued by injury since he won the us open in 2020 needed just 80 minutes to beat them to himself as he had two knee injuries and his struggle to fall. the former world number 13 team will face world and the five savanna tsitsipas in the second leg. that is all the spot for now. studio: thanks we much. we can return straightaway to our main story, sudan, very interesting development we have just been hearing about in those fe

and these are live pictures from mark allen moscow match with jax jones.ding 12-10 welshman, ranked 52. he is leading 12—10 and needsjust welshman, ranked 52. he is leading 12—10 and needs just one welshman, ranked 52. he is leading 12—10 and needsjust one more welshman, ranked 52. he is leading 12—10 and needs just one more to secure his place in the semifinals, to facejohn higgins or mark selby. they are both four—time world champions and resume this afternoon. we will see you soon. this is bbc news. we are getting breaking news from westminster. the conservative party had expelled their mp andrew bridgen from the party after he compared covid—19 vaccines to the holocaust, and he has been found to have breached lobbying rules. the north—west leicestershire mp lost the tory whip earlier this year after making these controversial comments. he has now been thrown out of the party as an ordinary member. a tory spokesperson said he was expelled from the conservative party today following the recommendation of a disciplinary panel. he has until may to 12 to ap

it's the first to seventeen in the other semifinal mark allen won the final frame of their morning sessiony. he leads 11—10. they'll play to a finish this evening at the crucible and it could be a late one given the very cagey nature of the match. both men taking a saftey first approach for long spells championship side inverness caledonian thistle are through to the scottish cup final after beating falkirk 3—nil at hampden park. this was a repeat of the 2015 final which inverness also won and they were rarely threatened by the league one side. billy mackay scored in each half and man of the match dan mackay added the other goal at hampden park. they will will play the either rangers or celtic who play their semi—final tomorrow it is massive for the club, a hard time of late in the championship, for five seasons so they have given them a bit of hope and also the play—offs this year so hopefully it will be a good end to the season. there arejust three premier league games today. the lunchtime kick—off was a seven goal thriller with crystal palace edging west ham 4—3. kick—off in south londo

the four time champion mark selby resumed his semifinal 7—6 ahead against mark allen.he evening session at the crucible. it could be a late finish there. china's sijiahui is looking to become the youngest finallist at the crucible. the 20—year—old who is making his world championship debut leads the belgian luca brecel14—10 in their semi final but it could have been more had it not been for this missed green. brecel , who knocked out ronnie 0'sullivan in the quarters, pinched the final frame and trails by fourframes. they are back out in a few minutes to play their final session england are on course for another six nations grand slam, they are facing their title rivals france at twickenham right 110w. both sides had a hundred percent record heading into their final match of this year's championship. in the last few minutes they've come out for the second half, it's 33—0. england haven't lost in the six nations since 2018. they're playing in front of a record crowd for a women's rugby union international with around 56,000 there. there's not too much riding on the othe

what does mark allen doubt for the? — do anything... what does mark allen doubt for the?lous. i don't know what they _ for the, it's ridiculous. i don't know what they have - for the, it's ridiculous. i don't know what they have done i for the, it's ridiculous. i don't know what they have done to| for the, it's ridiculous. i don't- know what they have done to harm the people? _ know what they have done to harm the people? they— know what they have done to harm the people? they have _ know what they have done to harm the people? they have done _ know what they have done to harm the people? they have done nothing. i people? they have done nothing. these _ people? they have done nothing. these people _ people? they have done nothing. these people have _ people? they have done nothing. these people have done - people? they have done nothing. these people have done nothingl people? they have done nothing. i these people have done nothing but harm and _ these people have done nothing but harm and the — these people have done nothing but harm and the train— these people have don

will have to beat mark selby though, the four—time champion withstood a great fightback himsel by mark allen. and let's get more now on that footballing story in italy, and napoli's chances of winning their first series a title in 33 years later today. let's talk to vincenzo credendino, reporter for the calcionapoli24 tv channel, and a native of the city. a big fan, i expect like everybody else that enables, you are there excited today?— excited today? good morning to everybody- _ excited today? good morning to everybody- now _ excited today? good morning to everybody. now i _ excited today? good morning to everybody. nowl am _ excited today? good morning to everybody. now i am outside i excited today? good morning to | everybody. now i am outside the hotel where nobody is resting the last few hours before all the city hopes this becoming a champion of italy. what you can see behind me as the bus and the official bus of napoli waiting for the team to finish their meal and to go to the stadium. now i am in a private house, i asked a family to be here because as you can imagine all the area is

mark allen secured his place in the quarterfinals earlier.dominant form as they seek a fifth successive title. now stay with sporty matters, let's talk about cricket and the indian premier league that is in full swing. the bbc are broadcasting each game on the radio with millions of fans following. we are nowjoined by two of them to find out why the ipl is the biggest cricket league in the world. sanchit desai is a superfan from mumbai and kiran tallapragada is from in hyderabad. i spoke to him earlir today. to talk about the ipl brings me back to all those days back in 2008 when it all started and that was the time when cricket was actually getting into a whole different place and the invention of ipl actually paved the way for bringing the younger generation into the games. previously, it was all about the older generation and very few younger people were actually taking an interest in cricket so ipl actually brought a whole different level to that and i since then i think it does continue to keep on evolving and to talk about its impact ri

speaking of whom, belgium�*s luca brecel is up against england�*s four—time champion mark allen.credible comeback to beat si jiahui after trailing 14—5 before winning 11 frames in succession. the four—time world champion marc selby has faced him 11 times previously including in last year�*s english open final, which selby won 9—6. he�*ll start the match as favourite against someone who hadn�*t won a crucible match before this year�*s tournament. and the denver nuggets beat the phoenix suns 125—107 on saturday night in game 1 of their second—round series. reigning back—to—back nba mvp nikola jokic had 2a points, but it was jamal murray who shone for the nuggets, scoring a game—high 3a points. game 2 is monday night in denver. sergio perez is leading the azerbaijan grand prix, on lap 38. live updates on the bbc sport website. and that�*s all the sport for now. as we�*ve been saying napoli football club are on the verge of a first serie a title win in 33 years. if they become champions, wild scenes of celebration are expected in the italian city. the last time they won the competiti

it's a first crucible appearance forjones, who will play mark allen in his quarterfinal. rd for selby against wasn't, this is the first time i can say talk seed at the crucible. selby is after a thorough title and you can see he has taken the first frame. continuing those lay pictures for you, we have rob wilkins against the chinese player who rocked out rob murphy, milk taken the first frame here. you can follow this all over on the bbc sport website. it's the london marathon tomorrow, and thousands of people will be taking part to raise money for charity. among them is emma bishop — she has a rare form of lung cancer, but the mum—of—two, has undergone treatment, that's delayed the spread of the condition. she's raised more than 65000 , for the royal marsden cancer charity, and is taking us, on herjourney to the finish line. here's emma's story. my my name is emma bishop, i am 38 years old and i am a mother of two, my cancer is incurable, last year in april after a long period of feeling very unwell, i was diagnosed with a mutated form of lung cancer which is quite preval

allen will face either john higgins or mark selby, who are both four time world champions, for a place it's finely poised, at eight frames all between sijiahui, and anthony mcgill. and the winner of that will face ronnie o'sullivan or luca brecel. it is currently 10—10 in that one, but we — it is currently 10—10 in that one, but we can— it is currently 10—10 in that one, but we can see live pictures now selby _ but we can see live pictures now selby is — but we can see live pictures now selby is 6—4 up in the session there, so sell be looking good, domestic viewers can catch the action over on bbc two on the bbc sport website. emma raducanu has withdrawn from the madrid open with a hand injury hours before herfirst—round match. the 20—year—old was set to face bulgaria's viktoriya tomova, who will now receive a bye in to the second round. raducanu's withdrawal means she is almost certain to drop out of the world's top 100, and our tennis correspondent russell fuller has been reacting to the news. the pressure of being emma raducanu and winning the us open, as she did in the such extraor

he could play mark selby next, he is currently 15 frames to turn up against northern ireland's mark allenbut he has been so good tonight, when in the first fourframes to been so good tonight, when in the first four frames to lead 15—10. remember, the first of 17 goes through, they arejust remember, the first of 17 goes through, they are just at a break in the crucible at the moment but they will be back on the table. that's all the sports now, back to you. some hospital bosses have warned that tomorrow's strike by nurses in england could be a significant risk to safety. members of the royal college of nursing are walking out from eight o'clock until midnight on monday. union insists it is engaging with hospitals to ensure safe staffing levels. health workers represented by unite have also rejected the same pay deal and say they will escalate industrial action. the gmb union which represents ambulance workers, some nurses, porters, and radiographers have accepted an nhs payoff offer, joining members of unison who accepted that deal two weeks ago. simonjones has its report. at the royal pre

the four time champion mark selby was 7 frames to 6 up overnight against mark allen.tures now. he is 10—9 up and he is at the table as well looking to take a two frame lead. now, they didn't manage to complete the scheduled number of frames, eight usually in a session, yesterday. both men are adopting a very safety first approach. they will play to the finish this evening but it is going well for the four—time champion, selby at the moment. 10—9 up champion, selby at the moment. 10—9 up at the moment, looking to go 11—9 up up at the moment, looking to go 11—9 up and every chance that he will do that. china's si ja wee is looking to become the youngest finallist at the crucible. the 20—year—old leads the belgian luca brecel14—10 in their semi final but it could have been more had it not been for this missed green. brecel, who knocked out ronnie o'sullivan in the quarters, pinched the finalframe and trails by four frames. it's the first to 17. it's scottish cup, semi final weekend. rangers and celtic play tomorrow. inverness caledonian thistle and falkirk are playing ri

mark allen and china's fan chen—yee were also in action and escorted from the theatre.ir match has since resumed. the other is expected to later. never seen that before at eight snooker event. that is a first. as i say, we don't know what that is on the table, whether it can be brushed off or whatever, but if it can, that match is not going to be played tonight at that table, because the whole table needs a recover and that takes a long time. how did they fit that session into the schedule, which is already tight, through the 17 days? every session is marked out, when it is going to be played. in terms of the action, there was a big shock earlier in the day, with the 2016 runner—up ding junhui knocked out. ding led iran's hossein vafaei by five frames to four overnight, but the world number 23 was in scintillating form, winning the first four frames of the day on his way to a 10—6 victory. vafaei now faces defending champion and world number one ronnie o'sullivan in the second round. three—time champion mark williams is also through to the last 16. his opponentjimmy rob

meanwhile earlier in the day, mark allen needed just one frame in the morning session to beat stuartn orjakjones in the quarterfinals, with the concluding session of that match about to get under way. elsewhere in the snooker, ronnie o'sullivan is about to continue his game against hossein vafaei as he looks to win with just one session to spare. follow that on the bbc sport website. that's all the sport for now. the african lion is one of the most endangered species in the world. there are as few as 20,000 of them left in the wild. their numbers have dropped by almost half, across the continent in just the last two decades. with me now is dr shivani bhalla, a kenyan conservationist who next week will be recognised for her work with an award from the whitley fund for nature. she's here withjeneria lekilelei — director of community conservation at ewaso lions project. thank you both so much forjoining me. to start when he first of all dr shivani bhalla, what led you to the project? i shivani bhalla, what led you to the ro'ect? ., , ., shivani bhalla, what led you to the ro'ect? . ., ,

world number three mark allen has also been in action, he won the first five frames against chinese debutantto 6—3, that match resumes in the final session of the day. let's ta ke let's take you to live pictures from the crucible in sheffield where mark williams, a three—time world champion, is one frame away from booking his place in the second round againstjimmy robertson from england. the welshman, williams, is “p england. the welshman, williams, is up 9—5, and if he wins the next frame he will book his place in round two. gunning for what would be a fourth world title for the welshman. you can follow all the action on the bbc sport website. elsewhere, quarterback gill and hertz will become the highest—paid player in nfl history after signing a contract extension with the philadelphia eagles. he had a year remaining on his original rookie contract but will now earn $255 million over the next five years. drafted in the second round in 2020, and has since developed into one of the league's best quarterbacks in leaving the eagles to last year's super bowl where they lost to the kansas city c

these are live pictures from the crucible where mark selby is up against mark allen.rst two frames of the session, it started 11—10 up to selby, it is now 13 frames to attend, the first in 17 frames will go through to tomorrow's final. and some formula 1, red bull's sergio perez won the first sprint race of the season. it won't put the mexican on pole for sunday's azerbaijan grand prix, charlotte claire secured that in front of a mac qualifying, but he has cut the gap on max verstappen who was furious with britain but like george russell after they collided on the opening lap. they should happen eventually finished third. i just eventually finished third. i 'ust don't understand i eventually finished third. i 'ust don't understand why i eventually finished third. i 'ust don't understand why you b eventually finished third. inst don't understand why you need to take so much risk. you know, that one, he went into my sidecar, he made a whole, it is easy to look up but in this beautiful way of explaining, look at the on board while it doesn't make sense. that is it for me

mark allen became the first player through to the semi—finals the first time he's made the final four the world number three played out a tense encounter with welshman jak jones, who's ranked 52nd in the world. the final frame lasted an hour — before the northern irishman finally prevailed to win by 13 frames to ten. allen will face either john higgins or mark selby, who are both four time world champions, for a place in this year's final. to the football, then — and that huge match at the top of the premier league table. leaders arsenal take on manchester city, at the etihad later. arsenal have struggled for form recently, taking just three points from their last three games with friday's draw coming against bottom of the table southampton. meanwhile, city are chasing a treble they've found their stride at the right time of the season. despite all the talk in the run up, both managers have played down the idea this match could decide the title. we knew that we had to go to the etihad. we know that after that, you're going to have another five very difficult games. that game is going

that was a bit of a shock in the top half but we know in the bottom half, marked allen in the draw withliant crucible rookie, jack, jones. can you describe the match in the closing stages question mark rejected all the prequalifying matches to go through and in the final defaulted and made of two simple parts and mark came in and did what he had to do and got 13 and doesn't feel as if his game is 100% yet but she's threw to the semifinal and credits him. we are down to one table tomorrow but there is a long way to go because we have two more and semifinal birds to be filled. this evening it would be either the crucible new boy were fighting for the last place of the top half of the last place of the top half of the draw. the top clash of the titans at the bottom marks of the verse is john titans at the bottom marks of the verse isjohn higgins puts up those two with eight crucible titles between them. emma raducanu has withdrawn from the madrid open just hours before herfirst round match. the 2021 us open champion has an injury to her right hand. confirmation came after a frosty exchange

mark allen secured his place in the quarterfinals earlier. next to the women's six nations.g a fifth successive title. they're into the second half of their match against ireland in cork with a 27—0 lead at half—time including a bonus point try. scotland, looking to end a run of 12 successive defeats, play italy later. and that's all the sport for now. now let's talk about cricket. and indian premier league that is in full swing. the bbc are broadcasting each game on the radio with millions of fans following. we are nowjoined by two of them to find out why the ipl is the biggest cricket league in the world. sanchit desai is a superfan from mumbai and kiran tallapragada is from in hyderabad. welcome to be both. first of all, tell me why you think ipl is so popular. what makes it so special? festival, thank you for having me on the programme. to talk about the ipl brings me back to all those days backin brings me back to all those days back in 2008 when it all started and that was the time when cricket was actually getting into a whole different place and the invention of ipl

mark allen tookjust one frame, to make the quarterfinals at the world snooker championship in sheffielde opening frame, to clinch a place in the last eight. and these are live pictures from the other table where, jack lisowski, and anthony macgill, have got heir second round match under way. the latest score is 2—1 to mcgill and he's going well in the fourth frame. and that's all the sport for now. the welsh club wrexham, could be promoted back into the english football league for the first time in 15 years this evening, and get the hollywood storyline, theirfilm star owners, have been aiming for, since they took over, a couple of years ago. the club could escape non league football tonight, with a victory over boreham wood, at the racecourse ground. hollywood stars, rob mackle—henney and ryan reynolds have pumped in millions of pounds into the club and theirjourney has been turned into a global tv series, meaning this game will be followed by new fans all over the world. 0ur reporter dave guest is in the city for us with fans getting ready for the match. here in wrexham excitement is s