The Joy of Six: sporting heartbreak

Sport gives us an opportunity to see people at the greatest moments of their lives, but also at their sometimes-tragic worst

One of sport’s many affirming beauties is its intimacy: we get to see people experience the most ecstatic and most mortifying moments of their lives, live. Yes, they’re seeking fulfilment and validation in the wrong places and yes, this is your super soaraway Joy of Six about to volunteer an unsolicited self-help tip but, immeasurably wise though The Awakened Family is – if you’re a parent or a person, read it – how many titles, belts or majors has Dr Shefali Tsabary won? Exactly.

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Mark King suspended from World Snooker Tour amid betting investigation

  • Allegations of irregular betting patterns in defeat by Joe Perry
  • Ten Chinese players suspended since October face April hearing

The snooker player Mark King has been suspended from the World Snooker Tour amid an investigation into irregular betting patterns. The allegation concerns King’s 4-0 defeat to Joe Perry in last month’s first round of the Welsh Open.

A statement from the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association read: “WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson has today taken the decision to suspend Mark King from attending or competing on the World Snooker Tour with immediate effect.

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