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    Puzzled fans say ‘this is so random’ as snooker royalty spotted ringside for Beterbiev vs Bivol

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    RONNIE O’SULLIVAN couldn’t get enough as Artur Beterbiev edged out Dmitry Bivol for undisputed light-heavyweight glory.Boxing fan O’Sullivan was seated ringside as Bivol suffered a tight and contentious loss to his Russian counterpart Beterbiev by a majority decision.Ronnie O’Sullivan was sat ringside for Beterbiev’s controversial win over BivolO’Sullivan is an ambassador for Saudi Arabian snookerFans were left stunned at the result as many thought Bivol had done enough to retain his WBC, IBF and WBO belts.Yet the judges scored the bout 114-114, 115-113 and 116-12 in Beterbiev’s favour.Bivol’s promoter Eddie Hearn labelled the decision “absolutely disgusting” and viewers called it a “robbery”.But O’Sullivan, 48, was one person who enjoyed the fight in the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.READ MORE BOXING NEWSThe seven-time world snooker champ posted a close-up from his ringside seat with the caption: “What a fight!!!!”And fans were left stunned by his involvement, with one writing: “Ronnie O’Sullivan being there is so random😂.”While another said: “What is O’Sullivan doing ringside?”A third wrote: “I did not expect to see Ronnie O’Sullivan there… so random.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother replied: “The Rocket is in the house!”While another added: “From Ronnie O’Sullivan to Medvedev at the Beterbiev vs Bivol fight, who would have thought.”Ronnie O’Sullivan explains heartwarming reason behind snooker walk-on song and says he used to play it on repeatBut fans shouldn’t be that surprised as O’Sullivan agreed to become an ambassador for Saudi Arabian snooker in April.He penned terms on a three-year deal with the Gulf State and will commit to playing in all World Snooker Tour (WST) events in Saudi Arabia.The Rocket lost 6-4 to Si Jiahui at the quarter-final stage of the inaugural Saudi Arabia Masters in Riyadh last month and has backed the venue as “one of the world’s best”.Meanwhile, O’Sullivan wasn’t the only random sporting star in attendance.Neymar appeared in the ring after Chris Eubank Jr to retain his IBO middleweight titleFootball star Neymar, who plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, was pictured in the ring after Chris Eubank Jr’s seventh-round KO win over Kamil Szeremeta.The former Paris-Saint Germain and Barcelona star was caught in-between Eubank’s face off with Conor Benn to the confusion of fans.Tennis star Danil Medvedev, who was beaten by Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals of the US Open last month, was also spotted in the crowd.READ MORE SUN STORIESAll surely witnessed Frazer Clarke’s brutal first-round knockout at the hands of Fabio Wardley in their rematch.Clarke will undergo an operation to repair his jaw and cheekbone. More

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      Watch Kyren Wilson nail the Ivan Toney snooker shot then pour perfect pint of Guinness without looking in ‘filth’ video

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      SNOOKER world champion Kyren Wilson hilariously potted balls and poured a pint of Guinness without looking in a nod to England striker Ivan Toney.Brentford striker Toney, 28, went viral for his spot kick technique in the Three Lions’ penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland after he did not look at the ball once when stepping up to convert from 12 yards.Ivan Toney did not look at the ball when taking his penalty for EnglandCredit: GettyKyren Wilson hilariously released a Toney-inspired videoCredit: TikTok / @twsportsmanagement via Instagram / @kyrenwilson147He did not look at his cue or the ball while potting a ballCredit: TikTok / @twsportsmanagement via Instagram / @kyrenwilson147He produced a second shot to pot the black while staring at the cameraCredit: TikTok / @twsportsmanagement via Instagram / @kyrenwilson147World champion Wilson wrote the ‘4’ without looking to complete ‘#WC24’ on the whiteboardCredit: TikTok / @twsportsmanagement via Instagram / @kyrenwilson147He also poured a pint of Guiness without looking at the glassCredit: TikTok / @twsportsmanagement via Instagram / @kyrenwilson147Following the furore around it, Toney then starred in and England video this week in which he performed a number of tasks without looking.They included playing Connect Four, darts, basketball and reading a book.Now reigning Crucible champion Wilson, 32, has taken inspiration from that ahead of England’s semi-final with Netherlands on Wednesday evening.The Englishman put chalk on his cue and potted two balls while looking at the camera as England’s famous “Three Lions” song played over the top.READ MORE ON IVAN TONEYHe then wrote the number four on a whiteboard to complete “#WC24”, referencing his Crucible victory earlier this year.And he finished the video by pouring a no-look pint of Guinness.Alongside the clip, he added the caption: “Practising hard before the @england game tonight! @ivantoney1 style 👀.”And some of Wilson’s 61,000 Instagram followers were loving the Toney-influenced content.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSToney played a no-look move in Connect FourCredit: https://x.com/EnglandHe also threw darts while staring down the camera and away from the boardCredit: https://x.com/EnglandToney jokingly read a book without looking at the wordsCredit: https://x.com/EnglandAnd he also threw a basketball at the hoop without lookingCredit: https://x.com/EnglandOne said: “Brilliant lads 😂.”Another added: “Hahaha legend.”Ivan Toney plays Connect Four and reads a book without LOOKING in hilarious England video after his famous penaltyEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYA third replied: “Haha yes Kyren! Love it 😂.”While a fourth responded: “Filth.” More

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      I was the youngest referee in World Snooker Championship history – it went horribly wrong when a streaker caused mayhem

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      PAUL COLLIER says farewell to snooker refereeing on Monday night – and he is praying it is less eventful than his first world final.The Welshman has the honour of being in the middle as Kyren Wilson and Jak Jones battle it out over two days for the £500,000 top prize.Referee Paul Collier stands behind Ronnie O’Sullivan and Graeme Dott ahead of the Embassy World Snooker finalA streaker was a nuisance for Collier before the fourth and final sessionThis is his fourth final at the highest level but his first in 2004 was famously interrupted by a male STREAKER before the fourth and final session.Some hairy-a***d bloke jumped out of the crowd, whipped off his shirt and trousers and then tried to hide under the table before being escorted away by security.Collier, 53, recalled: “I was the youngest referee of a world final at the time, it was quite an experience for me.“I’d never done the one-table before and normally everybody does a semi-final then a final, but I was straight into a final.Read more snooker news“I’ve seen bits of it back. It was unfortunate because it was the year we had the streaker and that idiot came out of the crowd.“I’m focused ready for the last session of the final and this bloke’s crawling round naked under the table.“If you look at it I’ve hit him with the rest as we’re trying to get him out from underneath.“It broke the atmosphere. You don’t expect that. It would be nice not to have one this time!”Most read in FootballCollier will ref low-level Q School matches in Leicester this month but then hangs up his gloves and black tie for good to become a tournament director on the World Snooker Tour.Between 2005 and 2011, he took a break from the sport, disillusioned by the then rulemakers, and he ran a snooker club in his home town, sold cars and bought a café.World Snooker Championship referee Marcel Eckardt suffers official’s worst nightmare after Jak Jones missOff-the-baize, it has been a difficult couple of years with mum Shirley dying in 2021.And then he had to give his wife, his “beloved Dragon”, emergency CPR when her heart stopped at a dinner party – thankfully she is okay these days.Like in football, a good ref is one you barely notice because they have not made a mistake or become the main talking point.Yet Collier, who can spend more time with his grandkids, does not want VAR to become a mainstay in the sport.The Newport-based official, who oversaw Mark Selby’s triumphs in 2016 and 2021, said: “I was on the wrong end of one of these calls at the Tour Championship when Gary Wilson was playing and I made a call.“I called it as I’d seen it and it turned out after 20 replays I’d got it wrong.“It was raised at the time, ‘can you look at the replay?’“What people don’t realise is we don’t have that technology yet.“If the TV company can queue it up in time, you end up watching it on one of the floor cameras viewfinders. You can’t always tell on that, you don’t know.“My view is why do you want to stop play for four or five minutes and you might not get an answer anyway.“It’s not like I didn’t see it, I saw it. I made a decision. On reflection I got it wrong.Paul Collier says his goodbyes to the Crucible before the World Snooker Championship final“I’m not a big football fan. I follow rugby union, which has TMO. That frustrates the hell out of me because it takes so long.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When you’re at the game, the amount of time you don’t know what’s happening because you haven’t got an earpiece and can’t listen to it.“I’d like to stay away from it in snooker. But it’s gutting when you get it wrong.” More

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      Former Snooker world champion Ken Doherty once told iconic Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson to ‘go f*** himself’

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      SNOOKER legend Ken Doherty once told Sir Alex Ferguson “go f*** yourself”.The Irishman, now 54, stormed to the World Snooker Championship title in 1997.Ken Doherty became world champion at The Crucible in 1997Credit: PAMan Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson rang Doherty to congratulate himCredit: Times Newspapers LtdHe claimed glory by beating Stephen Hendry 18-12 at The Crucible, but then put his foot in it as he celebrated.Dublin star Doherty is a huge Manchester United fan.But when he received a call from Sir Alex following his Crucible success, he thought his pals were on the wind-up.After picking up the phone to the United icon, Doherty delivered an X-rated response.READ MORE IN SPORTRecounting the experience, he told the Mail: “The voice at the other end went, ‘Kenny, Alex Ferguson here, I know you are a big Manchester United fan, how about parading that trophy up at Old Trafford?’ and I told him to go f*** himself!”I thought it was my mate joking! He goes, ‘Kenny, I’m not going to ask you twice, it’s Alex Ferguson’ and I said, ‘Sorry Mr Ferguson’.”I went up the day they were picking up the Premiership trophy against West Ham. It was incredible. The roar I got walking out at Old Trafford was one of the most memorable days of my life.”Doherty’s 1997 triumph saw him receive a hero’s welcome home with an open-top bus parade through Dublin — and a police chief even told him that crime stopped in the city for hours during the crucial frames.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe continued: “I suppose May 5, 1997 is the day that defined my life really — wherever you go after that day you are referred to as the world champion.”When I saw Alex Higgins win it in 1982, I knew I wanted to be a snooker player, and then there was Dennis Taylor also from Northern Ireland in 1985.’Shot of the tournament’ – Ryan Day shows off ‘absolutely unbelievable cue power’ on way to upset win over Barry Hawkins”So to emulate them and win it was a dream come true, and especially to beat Stephen in the final who was going for six in a row and hadn’t lost there for so long. That was the icing on the cake.”The open-top bus was just unbelievable, that’s something you get for the Ireland football team or Olympic heroes — not snooker.”But it had that impact.”ALL THE LATEST FROM THE WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP 2024 More

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      Snooker star launches furious rant about Mauricio Pochettino after ‘out of control’ Chelsea draw with Sheffield United

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      SNOOKER star Neil Robertson launched a scathing rant about Chelsea following the club’s 2-2 draw with Sheffield United on Sunday.Chelsea took the lead twice during the match, but Ollie McBurnie’s late strike saw the points shared.Chelsea dropped points against Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyNeil Robertson slammed Chelsea following Sunday’s resultCredit: GettyThe Blues subsequently failed to climb above ninth in the Premier League table, putting another dent in their hopes of European football this season.Fans were left furious at full-time, with many criticising Mauricio Pochettino.And Blues fan Robertson was quick to voice his frustration on social media.The snooker ace took to X to write: “All of our games get out of control.Read More on Football”There’s no structure to anything and we rely constantly on individual impact in defence or attack.”Somehow have the chance to get 6th and this is the performance Poch can muster?”Gallagher was playing left wing for anyone who wants to know.”Former world champion Robertson is an avid supporter of Chelsea and a close friend of Blues legend John Terry.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea’s next five gamesChelsea next face Everton on April 15.They then take on Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals followed by Arsenal in the Premier League.Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino?Speaking after Sunday’s 2-2 draw, Pochettino said: “When you concede in the last few minutes, always we feel very disappointed and frustrated because we should win the game in this moment.”But for different circumstances, we concede and in the end, it’s a draw. I want to say also now with the draw in our hands, it’s a fair result.”If you analyse the game, even though we had the control and possession, we didn’t create enough or show the capacity to be solid, strong, and not concede goals. That is the most painful situation.” More

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      Eerie omen for Man Utd that coincides with O’Sullivan’s snooker Tour Championship final clash with Mark Williams

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      MANCHESTER UNITED host Liverpool this afternoon while Ronnie O’Sullivan faces Mark Williams in snooker’s Tour Championship final.O’Sullivan, 48, and Williams, 49, are two veterans of the circuit these days and will face off just two miles from Old Trafford.Man Utd will meet Liverpool at Old Trafford this afternoonCredit: AFPRonnie O’Sullivan will be in action against Mark Williams later todayCredit: GettyTheir combined age of 97 is the oldest in the history of the tournament.While incredibly this is their first meeting in a ranking final since 2000.Curiously, on that day, Man Utd also hosted Liverpool.If any Red Devils fans reading believe in omens, they may want to look away now.READ MORE MAN UTDThat’s because on that occasion, on December 17, 2000, Liverpool beat United 1-0.A 43rd minute goal by Danny Murphy consigned Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to defeat.Meanwhile, around 6,000 miles away in Shenzhen, O’Sullivan beat Williams to lift the 2000 China Open.So any Liverpool fans that support the Rocket will hope for the same pair of outcomes this afternoon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERO’Sullivan and Williams trophy haulsThe experienced duo have picked up plenty of silverware
      Ronnie O’Sullivan:
      World Champion – 2001, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020, 2022
      UK Championship – 1993, 1997, 2001, 2007, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2023
      Masters – 1995, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2024
      41 ranking titles
      Mark Williams:
      World Champion – 2000, 2003, 2018
      UK Championship – 1999, 2002
      Masters – 1998, 2003
      25 ranking titles

      Should Jurgen Klopp’s side win they will return to the top of the Premier League table.Arsenal are currently a point above the Reds at the summit.Fans disgusted by darts sensation Luke Littler’s ‘horrible’ Man Utd vs Liverpool combined XIMan Utd, meanwhile, will hope to narrow the gap with fifth-placed Tottenham.The Red Devils are nine back from Spurs, with Ange Postecoglou’s men also in action this afternoon, hosting Nottingham Forest.United were rocked by their last-gasp 4-3 defeat to Chelsea in mid-week.While they also suffered a setback at Brentford last weekend by conceding a late leveller.They will draw confidence from their 4-3 FA Cup over Liverpool at Old Trafford last month, however, during which they fought back to win when Amad Diallo netted in stoppage time of extra time.Danny Murphy celebrates netting the winner at Old TraffordCredit: GettyRonnie O’Sullivan won the 2000 China Open in ShenzhenCredit: AFPThe Rocket beat Mark Williams in the finalCredit: AFP More

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      Fans think Tommy Fury wants to fight Ronnie O’Sullivan after snap of Love Island star and boxer in Saudi emerges

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      BOXING fans joked Tommy Fury wants to fight Ronnie O’Sullivan after a picture emerged of the Love Island star watching the snooker legend in Saudi Arabia.O’Sullivan, 48, is competing in the inaugural World Masters of Snooker – the first snooker event to take place in Saudi Arabia.Ronnie O’Sullivan won his opening match in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyTommy Fury watched O’Sullivan in Riyadh as the cameras caught a snap of the boxerCredit: EuroSportAnd, despite being made to wait until the early hours of Wednesday morning, the seven-time world champion kicked things off in fine form as he thrashed John Higgins 4-0 to set up a semi-final clash with Judd Trump.One famous face watching on was boxer and reality star Fury, 24.The 10-0 pro, whose last two wins have come against YouTubers Jake Paul and KSI, is understood to be in Saudi for the huge boxing event on Friday.Anthony Joshua is taking on Francis Ngannou in the main event, while the undercard includes Tommy’s brother Roman Fury.Yet some fans made the connection that Tommy – brother of heavyweight king Tyson Fury – might actually be looking to get O’Sullivan or another snooker star into the ring.One said: “Potential fight with Ronnie O’Sullivan?”Another added: “Looking for his next opponent.”A third replied: “Him Vs Mark Selby. my money on Selby via century.”Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA fourth responded: “Can’t wait for Tommy Fury v John Higgins next.”While a fifth said: “Ronnie would smoke him.”Ronnie O’Sullivan confirms where historic golden ball will be placed ahead of Riyadh World Masters of Snooker eventDespite a sensational win, O’Sullivan did not manage to make the first ever 167 break in his win over Higgins.To raise the event’s profile, against a backdrop of sportswashing accusations, a 20-point “Gold Ball” is available for those who are on a 147 maximum break.The achievement would also see the player pocket a huge £400,000.And O’Sullivan has already revealed he is setting his sights on achieving the feat. More

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      Inside Maddison’s ‘dream’ games room with snooker and pool tables, darts board and mountain of iconic football shirts

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      JAMES MADDISON’S incredible games room features snooker and pool tables, a darts board and a mountain of iconic football shirts.The Tottenham and England playmaker, 27, opened up his home to feature on Stephen Hendry’s Cue Tips YouTube channel.
      James Maddison has a new snooker table in his ultimate games roomCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@stephenhendryscuetips
      The Tottenham star welcomed Stephen Hendry in for a couple of framesCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@stephenhendryscuetips
      Maddison got the ‘snooker bug’ and is able to practise regularlyCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@stephenhendryscuetips
      And during his two frames of snooker against the seven-time world champion, fans got a glimpse of Maddison’s epic pad.
      The Spurs star revealed he only got the full-size snooker table “recently” after catching the “snooker bug” again while watching the Masters.
      It is thought to be a Rasson Magnum II 12-foot table which retails at approximately £10,000.
      And the green baize unsurprisingly takes centre stage in the middle of the plush carpet, with his customised JM10 pool table pushed to the back of the room.
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      The Ally Pally regular’s darts board is also set on a stand meaning it can easily be moved around to the footballer’s liking.
      But it was not an easy task getting the snooker table installed at the top of Maddison’s house – thought to be a new home since moving from Leicester to Tottenham last summer.
      He told Hendry: “At the minute I’m up here playing a lot.
      “I only recently got the table and the Masters was on – I’ve got the snooker bug at the minute.
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      “I don’t know if you’ll see on the video how to get up here but there is a video of the six lads bringing the slates up.”
      Then around the perimeter of the room is a stunning collection of framed tops – including a few from Spurs’ rivals.
      Inside James Maddison’s personalised private box at Tottenham with incredible mural on the wall
      As well as his own shirts playing for Coventry, Norwich, Leicester and England, there are a host of Premier League legends propped up against the white walls.
      Current heroes Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson, Jorginho and Kyle Walker have all swapped shirts with Maddison over the years.
      Former Prem stars Sergio Aguero, Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva and Paul Pogba did the same.
      And though it is not on display in the YouTube video, he even managed to get Cristiano Ronaldo’s – thanks to tapping up a former team-mate.
      Maddison revealed: “I supported Manchester United growing up so in the early stages my hero was David Beckham and I loved Wayne Rooney as well.
      “I loved Cristiano growing up, I used to watch him on YouTube every day at school.
      “His attitude to being the best is admirable.
      ‘I DON’T GET JEALOUS BUT…’
      “I played against him last year when he came back to United.
      “As you can see I love collecting shirts and I texted Harry Maguire – it is the first time I’ve ever texted someone before a game.
      “I said, ‘Listen, keep Cristiano’s shirt aside for me today please.’ And I managed to get it thankfully.”
      Hendry, 55, did jokingly criticise Maddison for his poor brushing technique on the table which will slow down the balls.
      But Maddison’s ultimate games room, understandably, caught the attention of viewers watching him test his snooker skills against one the all-time greats.
      One said: “That game room is just a dream. Beautiful. Lucky guy.”
      Another wrote: “I would love a room like that.”
      A third added: “When you’re on £150k a week it’s a given you’re going to have a belter of a games room.”
      A fourth typed: “Love these tables what a room that is.”
      A fifth replied: “Lovely room and the table looks awesome. Kudos to the guys who got the slates up.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      And a final user commented: “I don’t get jealous very often, but that room is an absolute dream! That’s how you treat yourself.”
      A host of Premier League legends’ shirt surround the snooker tableCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@stephenhendryscuetips
      Hendry did pick Maddison up on his brushing techniqueCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@stephenhendryscuetips
      The footballer is also keen on darts and golfCredit: https://www.youtube.com/@stephenhendryscuetips
      The room has been reconfigured from when Ben Foster visited
      The playmaker regularly celebrates by pretending to throw a dartCredit: PA More

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      Joe Cole and Peter Crouch given hilarious new nickname as England legends spotted at snooker Masters

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      JOE COLE and Peter Crouch have been given new nicknames after they were spotted at the Masters.The England icons joined snooker fans as they watched on at Alexandra Palace this week.
      Joe Cole and Peter Crouch have been given a hilarious new nicknameCredit: X @WeAreWST
      The England heroes were compared to a cue and cue ball by snooker fansCredit: Reuters
      A picture of the two TNT Sports pundits was shared to social media by the Snooker World Tour.
      Their height difference was on full display as they posed for the camera in a box at the event.
      One fan even gave Cole and Crouch a hilarious new nickname underneath the post.
      They jokingly commented: “That wasn’t Joe Cole and Peter Crouch. It was just the cue and the cue ball.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Crouch also showed off his snooker skills in a separate post, celebrating after potting the black.
      He and Cole made 18 appearances together for the Three Lions during their careers, including at the 2006 World Cup.
      Since retiring, they have both forged successful careers as pundits.
      Meanwhile, Crouch has also become a fan-favourite podcast host with That Peter Crouch Podcast and The Therapy Crouch, which he fronts with wife Abby Clancy.
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      He has even appeared on The Masked Singer, featuring as a guest panellist on the show’s fourth season last year.
      As for the Masters snooker, Crouch and Cole watched on as both Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump won their opening matches.
      The tournament’s opening round concludes on Wednesday, with the final scheduled for Sunday. More