THE British Open Snooker has reached the business end of the competition – with many of the sport’s top stars still in contention for the £100,000 jackpot.
Tonight’s action sees Judd Trump take on Mark Allen in a mouth-watering quarter-final clash.
Before that, Mark Selby will be looking to secure his spot in the last-4 as he takes on David Gilbert.
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BARCELONA have been slapped with a Uefa ban and fine after fans displayed a Nazi banner during their Champions League opener against Monaco.
Barca suffered a 2-1 defeat during their their first European match of the season last week at Stade Louis II.
The Blaugrana sustained an even bigger blow as some of their travelling supporters unfurled a racist sign that read: “Flick Heil (Hail Flick)”.
That was of course a play on words referring to the infamous “Sieg Heil (Hail victory)” statement used by the Nazis during Adolf Hitler’s dictatorship in Germany.
And those yobs seemed to be addressing that sickening banner towards Barcelona’s German manager Hansi Flick.
The sign managed to get through security but was swiftly removed after being spotted and reported to Uefa.
The incident caught the attention of Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) who who issued swift penalties.
As a result, the Catalan giants have been fined €10,000 (£8,332) and prevented from selling tickets for their away game against Red Star Belgrade on November 6.
UEFA has also issued the LaLiga outfit a one-year suspended ban, which will be triggered in the event of any further breaches within the next 12 months.
This comes after Barcelona were handed a suspended ban following racist behaviour by their fans during a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain in April.
Barca fans caused damage and let off fireworks inside the Parc des Princes five months ago, which led to a €32,000 fine (26,673) and a suspended ban on selling away tickets.
The CEDB cited Article 14 of the UEFA disciplinary regulations reads: “Any entity or person subject to these regulations who insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons on whatever grounds, including skin colour, race, religion, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, incurs a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specified period of time, or any other appropriate sanction.”
Barcelona had even more problems on the pitch against Monaco as they lost Eric Garcia to a straight red card just 10 minutes after kick-off.
Maghnes Akliouche opened the scoring for the hosts just six minutes later before Lamine Yamal’s equaliser on 28 minutes.
But Adi Hutter’s side completed a famous victory against Barcelona in the 71st minute with George Ilenikhena’s winner.
CYPRUS is a popular holiday destination with Brits looking for an affordable winter sun break.
However, the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has raised concerns due to its proximity to the island.
The UK Foreign Office has not issued any warnings against traveling to Cyprus.
However, it has warned that protests can occur quickly and suddenly on the island.
It also does not acknowledge the “the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” and has noted that it may be difficult for the UK to offer consular support in the region.
Tensions between Lebanon and Israel were intensified when Hezbollah voiced anger at Israel’s response to the October 7 attacks.
The situation worsened on September 17 and 18, 2024, after thousands of pagers and hundreds of walkie-talkies belonging to members of Hezbollah simultaneously exploded.
Several sources have suggested this attack was perpetrated by Israel.
Since then, Keir Starmer has said UK nationals in Lebanon need to be evacuated to Cyprus in case of further conflict.
Cyprus is home to two UK sovereign base areas named Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
The island is 293 miles from Israel and 180 miles from Lebanon.
This makes the island very significant for the UK’s and its allies’ operations in the Mediterranean and in the Middle East.
On June 19, 2024, the leader of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah said that Cyprus could come under attack if it allowed its airbases to be used against Hezbollah.
However, Cyprus’s president Nikos Christodoulides has denied Cyprus’ involvement in any conflict and the UK Foreign Office maintains that travelling to Cyprus is safe.
With no travel warnings currently in place, it is not advised to cancel your stay on the island.
Anyone with a trip booked is unlikely to get a refund for their trip unless the UK government advises against travel.
If you are nervous about your vacation, then you should contact your tour operator instead, as you may be able to move your dates instead.
You can travel to Cyprus without a visa for 90 days.
However, you must remember your passport that is comfortably in date.
You may also need to be able to produce your ticket and return ticket, as well as proof that you have enough money for your stay.
A POSITIVE psychology practitioner to the stars has reacted to Catherine Zeta-Jones, baring all for her hubby and saying that “everyone” should do the same.
The 55-year-old actress shared a racy snap as part of a joint birthday gift for her other half, 80-year-old actor, Michael Douglas.
Wearing nothing, but a pair of black heels, Zeta-Jones proved that she’s still very much got it while leaning over a bathroom sink in the buff.
Elle Mace, a positive psychology practitioner from Devon, who has worked with reality TV stars, dancers and Olympians, says shy Brits should follow suit.
The 36-year-old knows just how complicated the relationship with our bodies can be – having struggled to accept her own frame for 20 years.
Now, the expert wants women and men to follow Zeta-Jones’ example and has also shared top tips on how to get comfortable getting naked with your lover.
And the benefits this could bring to your relationship and sex life.
“I’d love to see more women proudly show off their naked bodies to their partners,” says the 36-year-old, who boasts over 15,000 followers on Instagram (@iamellemace).
“You don’t have to post a photo for the world to see – but show yourself off as the trophy you are, to be won by your lucky lover or other half.
“I know myself just how important it is to you the skin you’re in – my body has been put through the mill with pregnancies and birthing.
“I have felt insecure in the past but now I think my body is top-tier.
“You’re not shallow or smug if you like taking sexy photos or admiring your frame.
“Like Zeta-Jones, we should all get naked.
“Whether you pose over a bathroom sink though, that’s up to you.
“Personally, I think I’d find it a bit cold.”
Elle also points out that it’s particularly great to see an older woman proudly flaunting her body.
She said: “Zeta-Jones is a well-respected influencer.
‘She is an older woman showing older people that it’s liberating to take your clothes off.
“Society has told us that ageing is bad – but ageing isn’t negative, it’s natural.
“Don’t fight it, own it.”
Elle also shares some tips for getting more confident in your own body, as well as being naked with your partner.
Elle said: “Be brave – ask your partner: what do they enjoy?
“In what physical way do they want to admire you?
“Getting naked in front of someone else can be incredibly beneficial for both of you.
“It takes a certain level of trust – especially when it’s outside of the comfort of the bed.”
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Elle said: “People often think nudity is about women putting on a show for men.
“But it’s not just women who should be doing this – husbands and boyfriends should flaunt their bodies, too.”
Elle said: “Show off a body part you like first or take baby steps by removing one or two layers.
“For instance, you could stand naked with just your top off, so it’s not all immediately ‘out there’.
“Or wear underwear, then go topless, then drop the knickers.
“In the same manner, men could start with a T-shirt and boxers.”
Elle said: “Instead of making nudity a big reveal, start incorporating it in your daily life.
Practice by walking out of the shower to another room naked.
Or perhaps incorporate a level of nudity in your wardrobe, by swapping long-sleeved tops for tank tops, or something similar.
“Just get used to having your skin out in the comfort of your own home.”
Elle said: “For some people, just going to the beach in a bikini is a big deal – for others, the goal might be to hit up a nudist beach or other nude space.
“Work at your own pace.
“As for couples, they can play games together, such as strip poker or perhaps just doing exercises such as looking at each other, then hugging and kissing.
“Or maybe tease each other by sending some sexy photos back and forth.
“If you feel bold, do a naked or boudoir photo shoot solo or together, at home or with a professional photographer.
“Couples who have been together for a while and want to get it back on might benefit from starting with foreplay.
“That way, the pressure of having sex is removed.
“It’s also worthwhile allocating a specific time for this type of closeness so it doesn’t feel rushed.”
FANS have been left amazed by a stats comparison between Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo following their respective £100million-plus moves last summer.
Arsenal made West Ham captain Rice, 25, their record signing over a year ago when they splashed £105m on the defensive midfielder.
But Chelsea spent even more on Caicedo, 22, handing Brighton a Premier League record £115m fee.
Rice settled down quickly enough at Arsenal and eventually helped them to an impressive second-place finish.
While Caicedo struggled to settle under Mauricio Pochettino before showing signs of his talents in Chelsea’s final few games as the Blues finished sixth.
Now, stats have emerged showing Rice and Caicedo’s starts to the new season.
Arsenal have made a good start again, winning three of their five matches while remaining unbeaten to bag 11 points.
But Chelsea have also looked strong with new boss Enzo Maresca, sitting one point off Arsenal with one defeat to champions Man City.
Rice and Caicedo have both been at the heart of matters since the campaign kicked off last month.
Yet the stats show that Caicedo is having a much better individual season so far than his Arsenal couterpart.
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For starters, the Ecuadorian has featured in all five of Chelsea’s league games so far, with Rice only making four appearances following his controversial red card against Brighton.
As a result, Caicedo has clocked 122 more minutes on the field.
And while neither man has scored a goal yet, Chelsea’s holder already has one assist to his name over Rice’s zero.
Caicedo is impressing in playmaking too, completing 252 passes to Rice’s 84.
Of Caicedo’s passes, 85 have been attacking forward passes compared to Rice’s 31.
Arsenal’s man is also beaten in the touches department with 142, while Caicedo’s 364 emphasises the difference in style between Maresca and Mikel Arteta.
And Rice also loses out in ALL of the vital defensive areas too.
He’s made just ONE tackle all season, while Caicedo has stopped an opponent 21 times.
The ex-Brighton man has also won more fouls with nine to Rice’s two.
In terms of duels won, Caicedo leads Rice 38-nine.
And he has also won six aerial duels to Rice’s four.
Finally, Caicedo has completed six clearances over Rice’s five.
While he has also made nine interceptions to Rice’s three.
And fans were amazed at seeing the huge gulf in key numbers.
One said: “You know what’s most crazy? One tackle made in four games being a DM.”
Another declared: “Caicedo has always been clear.”
One noted: “They’re both great players and both will have very good seasons.”
Another added: “I prefer not to speak.”
ARCHAEOLOGISTS were left baffled after uncovering a vintage car buried beneath a pre-historic ritual site on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire.
The old motor, which was found in a former World War 2 artillery position, appears to be the remains of a 1932 MG J2.
The area of Salisbury Plain is famous for its archaeology and rich ancient history, which includes Stonehenge, one of England‘s best known landmarks.
More so, large areas have been used by the British Army for decades – which included training troops ahead of the Allied invasion of mainland Europe during WW2.
However, the discovery of a classic and rare motor has left experts scratching their heads.
Damien Campbell-Bell, from Wessex Archaeology, said: “This find was a real surprise.
“This particular MG J2 is pretty rare; it was one of only 2,083 of the model ever made.
“When it was new in 1932, it had a top speed of 65mph and would have cost £199.
“In the 1930s, the average annual salary was £200 and a three-bedroom house cost around £350, so the car’s owner was clearly very wealthy.”
The MG J2 was indeed a popular vehicle in the 1930s, and was produced by the British brand from 1932 until 1934.
Featuring two seats and a 847 cc engine, the motor was considered the height of automotive technology at the time of its release, with a rear-mounted slab type petrol tank with a large fast-fill petrol cap, along with a fold flat windscreen and optional aero screens.
According to How Rare Is My Car, only a single J2 model exists on the road today with a valid MOT.
The mystery of the car’s former owner and how it came to be buried deepens when Damien revealed excavators were able to uncover its serial number.
He said: “We only know of one owner of the car with the serial number J2192 – a Mr J H Howard of Retford, from July 1934 – though it is likely that it had other owners
“We can tell from the tyre pattern that the car was probably in use until the early 1960s, at which point it seems to have been buried here.
“Many cars were patched up during the 1950s to keep them running, and this MG J2 is no different.”
He also revealed that an engine was discovered alongside the car – but doesn’t match those built by MG at the time.
He added: “The engine next to the car is not from an MG – it was fitted by welding extra brackets to the chassis – and there is also evidence of lots of common bodged repairs.
“We think that the car had been dismantled, presumably for repair by a local soldier, but was then seemingly abandoned.
“Exactly why this happened we cannot be sure, but the introduction of the MOT test in 1960 was the end for many cars that had been kept going in this way.
“It may be that the introduction of the MOT also sentenced this MG J2 to the grave.
Today, MG J2 models are exceedingly hard to come by but a handful are currently available to buy – including on the Cars & Classic auction website with models ranging from £18,000 to £55,000.
Martin Brown, the Principal Archaeologist at WYG, whose team created a 3D model of the car to show how it was found on the site, believes the find reveals what life could’ve been like for soldiers training at army camps.
He said: “The MG is a particularly exciting find in that it shows the unrecorded side to life on an army camp, including the unofficial ‘pool cars’ available to troops, as well as the slightly dodgy method of disposal by dumping it in a disused weapons pit.
“As a buried artefact, it almost conforms to the urban myths of buried tanks, aircraft, and equipment one hears about on Salisbury Plain.”
This comes as an urban explorer who’s journeyed 40,000 miles across the UK to visit multiple car and plane graveyards opens up on her best, strangest and most awful discoveries.
DIDDY ate chocolate-covered strawberries off a naked woman at one of his debauched Miami parties.
The rapper, real name Sean Combs, was seen in resurfaced snaps from a star-studded 2004 bash attended by Will Smith and Bruce Willis.
Do you know the naked woman in Diddy’s picture? Get in touch by emailing juliana.cruzlima@the-sun.co.uk
There is no suggestion that any celebrities or partygoers were aware of the music mogul’s alleged abuse.
Combs, 54, has been charged with racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution after his arrest.
The disgraced music producer behind many iconic ’90s hits was denied bail by a second judge and remains in jail following his arrest last Monday evening at a Manhattan hotel.
Last Tuesday, he pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him, which include racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
He is currently being held in the infamous Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, which formerly housed fellow disgraced musician R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s right hand.
Accused of running a sex crime empire, Diddy has denied the allegations stemming from a months-long investigation.
In the resurfaced pics, Diddy, who was 34 at the time, is seen eating a chocolate-covered strawberry from a naked woman who serves as the centrepiece of a food tray.
The guests in the now-resurfaced images seemed totally undisturbed, munching on their food idly as the nude woman stayed put.
Fruit for the guests surrounds the woman at the table, while one green leaf is thoughtfully positioned to conceal her private parts.
Diddy was spotted standing close to the nude woman, eating a strawberry, and sporting an all-white suit.
The disgraced rapper was known to invite A-listers to a number of his parties.
Titanic star Leonardo DiCaprio distanced himself from Diddy earlier this week after it surfaced that he was present at one of the music mogul’s infamous “white parties.”
The Hollywood star, according to a close source, hasn’t spoken to Diddy “for years.”
Diddy has also hosted A-listers like Diana Ross, Owen Wilson, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, and Mariah Carey.
It comes as Combs’ lawyer claimed that racism plays a significant role in this case and that his client’s situation is just another illustration of the federal government’s animosity towards successful Black men.
Marc Agnifilo makes an appearance in the recently released Tubi-themed TMZ Studios documentary “The Downfall of Diddy: The Indictment” and claims that Diddy is being targeted by the government due to the colour of his skin.
Meanwhile, Netflix has already signed up with a megastar celebrity to produce its own bombshell docuseries on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sex crimes case.
Rap star 50 Cent will call the shots as he will produce a shock documentary series on Combs, Page Six reports.
The “In da Club” artist, 49, and the project’s director, Stapleton announced the news in a joint statement on Wednesday.
They told Variety: “This is a story with significant human impact.
“It is a complex narrative spanning decades, not just the headlines or clips seen so far.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to give a voice to the voiceless and to present authentic and nuanced perspectives.”
50 Cent will produce the docuseries through his G-Unit Film & Television, with Stapleton executive producing with his House of Nonfiction company.
House of NonFiction is a community of filmmakers and creators that produces premium nonfiction and unscripted content for Netflix and other networks.
He labelled the charges against Combs as “disturbing,” and told viewers to remember that Diddy’s actions do not tell the entire story of hip-hop and its culture.
He said: “We aim to ensure that individual actions do not overshadow the culture’s broader contributions.”
