Defending champion Shaun Murphy will begin the defence of his 888.com World Championship title against Thailand’s James Wattana when this year’s prestigious tournament gets underway on April 15.

If Barry Pinches shocks Stephen Hendry in the last 16 of the Malta Cup tonight, expect thanks to be extended to Norwich bank manager Stephen Feeney.

An Arsenal and Republic of Ireland footballer accused of raping a law student after meeting her in a West End club told police who arrested him “I didn’t have sex with her", a court heard today.