Sport - players.bio

Stephanie Meadow opens with 72 at LA Championship

Stephanie Meadow shot an one-over par 72 at the opening round of the LA Championship in Los Angeles.

O'Sullivan: I'd walk away from snooker if I felt undervalued

Ronnie O'Sullivan declared himself open to offers amid rumours of a rival snooker tour and warned he would walk away from the sport if he believed his talent was being under-valued. Leading players, including O'Sullivan, are understood to have been approached by Far East backers about the prospect of establishing a breakaway circuit from as early as next season. And O'Sullivan, who polished off a 10-1 win over Jackson Page in the first round of the World Championship in Sheffield, insisted players were within their rights to consider any lucrative opportunities that came their way. O'Sullivan said: "Every player has the right to do what they want to do. Each sportsman is a business, whether you like it or not and it's just like any other job - if you get a better offer, you're going to go. "What is a better offer? For some people it might be a reduced schedule, it might be more money. Everyone has a different idea of what is right for them and everyone has the right to make that decision for themselves. "I'll go wherever I'm looked after and wherever I feel like I'm valued.

Man City crush Brighton to maintain title charge

Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to a single point after Phil Foden's first-half double helped inspire a resounding 4-0 victory over Brighton. Kevin De Bruyne's eye-catching diving header set Pep Guardiola's reigning champions on course for a comprehensive success at a soggy Amex Stadium. City, who have a game in hand on the table-topping Gunners, were in complete control by the break as Foden moved past 50 top-flight goals with a quick-fire brace, before Julian Alvarez completed the rout in the second period. In-form Foden now has eight goals in only 10 career appearances against outclassed Albion thanks to a deflected free-kick followed by a clinical first-time finish just eight minutes later. Albion, whose persistence in playing out from the back contributed to their downfall, had reason to feel aggrieved about the England midfielder's first strike due to him going down under minimal contact from Lewis Dunk following a nibble from Jakub Moder. But Roberto De Zerbi's 11th-placed hosts could have few complaints about their winless run stretching to five games as City deservedly leapfrogged Liverpool into second spot and moved within touching distance of Arsenal, while giving their goal difference a timely boost. City resumed their title defence after scraping past Chelsea to reach the FA Cup final on the back of crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid. Manager Guardiola warned his title-chasing side faced one of their toughest tests of the seasons in Sussex and, with top scorer Erling Haaland once again unavailable due to injury, made three changes. The visitors eased their way into the contest before edging ahead in the 17th minute thanks to a moment of magic.