Neil Robertson has called for a ban on the chalk used by Ronnie O’Sullivan during the World Snooker Championship, claiming that “all the players hate it” and suggesting it causes problems on the baize.

O’Sullivan’s hopes of a record eighth world title at the Crucible were ended by old rival John Higgins in a 13-12 thriller on Tuesday, with Robertson beating Chris Wakelin in the evening session to set up a meeting with the Scot.

Higgins suffered a notable kick in the deciding frame while potting a red, and subsequently ran out of on the next black, though held on to knock out O’Sullivan. Chalk marks were also evident during the match on the table.

O’Sullivan is one of only a handful of players on the World Snooker Tour (WST) to still use the traditional Triangle Chalk. While almost all players use Taom Chalk, which reduces kicks and leaves no marks on the table, there are no restrictions in events on the type used.

Robertson, though, admitted he was glad to avoid a meeting with the seven-time world champion.

“I would prefer to play John so I don’t have to contend with the chalk that Ronnie uses, which should be banned from the game,” Robertson told the BBC. “I don’t know how you are allowed to even use it.

“All the players hate it, it just destroys it. You get kicks, bounces and it makes an absolute mess of the table,” he said.

“I know he [O’Sullivan] is friends with [artist] Damien Hirst, but it’s like he is making artwork with the chalk all over the cloth. I don’t think he does it to put off anyone, he is not that way inclined at all. He is about the only player left on tour that uses that chalk – hopefully they bring in a ban.”

Robertson, rejuvenated of late, looked in good touch as he beat Wakelin 13-7 to continue his pursuit of a second world title. The Australian triumphed at the Crucible in 2010, though has not reached the final since.

Michael Carrick has a couple of injury issues to deal with following Manchester United’s win against Brentford, including Matheus Cunha after the forward suffered a hip problem

Manchester United all but secured their place in next season’s Champions League after recording a 2-1 win against Brentford on Monday.

Michael Carrick’s side stormed into a two-goal lead at Old Trafford as Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko struck in the first half, and although Mathias Jensen pulled one back late on for the Bees, it was too little too late, and the Reds held on for an important three points.

Indeed, it’s a win that has maintained United’s grip on third place and has extended the gap between them and Brighton in sixth to 11 points with four matches remaining. With the top five sealing automatic qualification for the Champions League, United require a win in their next match to guarantee a spot in Europe’s elite club competition.

But it wasn’t all positive for United. Matheus Cunha missed out on the matchday squad with a fresh issue, while Luke Shaw was forced off in the second half.

With this in mind, Manchester Evening News has all the latest injury news and potential return dates from United…

Matheus Cunha

Matheus Cunha was a shock omission from the United squad for the visit of Brentford, having been an almost ever-present in the XI during his time at the club. He played close to the full game in the win against Chelsea after scoring what proved to be the winner, but Carrick revealed pre-match that he picked up a minor hip flexor problem.

Carrick said: “(Cunha) just had a bit of a sore hip flexor after the Chelsea game the other day. He was looking promising during the week, so we thought he might have been OK, but he just didn’t quite recover quick enough. It is nothing too serious, but unfortunately, he doesn’t make it tonight.”

Potential return date: May 3 vs Liverpool (H)

Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw has enjoyed a consistent run of fitness this season, with the United left-back playing 34 matches so far, but he couldn’t finish Monday’s win against Brentford. He went down off the ball and hobbled off in the second half.

Carrick didn’t offer an update on Shaw’s condition post-match, but further clarity is expected later this week ahead of Sunday’s mouthwatering clash against Liverpool.

Potential return date: Unknown

Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt has endured a frustrating season, which has been plagued by a lower back injury he sustained back in November. The Dutchman hasn’t featured since, though he is closing in on a return to action.

He was pictured in training this week, sharing pictures on Instagram with the caption: “Working hard, getting closer”.

Speaking earlier this month, Carrick said of his rehabilitation: “It’s different treatment and different exercises. He’s in the gym and doing work but he’s not quite on the grass and he’s not ready for that yet.

“That’s the process that unfortunately when you’re injured you’ve to go through. Sometimes it happens quick quicker than others and sometimes there’s things that don’t quite go to plan and it’s a bit slower.

“He’s just at that stage where he’s working through that at the moment and we’re trying to get him back right.”

Potential return date: Before the end of the season

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This weekend, David Benavidez steps up to cruiserweight for a challenging fight with reigning and unified champion Gilberto Ramirez. Now, just days out from the fight, two-division world champion Tim Bradley has altered his prediction for how the fight may play out.

Benavidez has claimed world honours at both super-middleweight and light-heavyweight, but the 25lb gap between light-heavyweight and cruiserweight could mean that he is in for his toughest test to date.

Against Ramirez, ‘The Mexican Monster’ is tasked with a man who has also ruled at super-middleweight, but has proven himself as a cruiserweight – where he has won four consecutive unanimous decisions, picking up the WBA and WBO straps.

Last month, Bradley predicted that Benavidez will ‘whoop’ Ramirez, but he told Fight Hub TV that he is now anticipating a close and ‘great’ fight, with Benavidez still coming out on top.

“To be honest with you, it is a great fight. I think that Ramirez is kinda getting slept on. You gotta understand that he has been at this weight for some time now, he is acclimated, this is David’s first fight at cruiserweight, it is going to be different.

“I know that he has the right style to give Ramirez fits, if he can still have the punch volume that he punches with and the hand speed. I think that his mobility is going to be a little bit different too, [25lbs] that’s a lot of weight, man.

“Benavidez does have the style to give Ramirez some issues, but you have got to think about stamina, will his power translate at the heavier weight? There is a lot to think about in this fight, a lot of questions that need to be answered.

“I’m going to go with Benavidez, because I think that Benavidez is special. I think he has what is internal and needed, he can pull it off.”

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“He is going to bring it out, he has got that dog in him. I think that he is going to take Ramirez to that brink, I don’t think that he is going to stop him but I know that he is going to put some work in.”

Zurdo vs. Benavidez takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has accused authorities of deliberately blocking her return to competitive wrestling as the deadlines for the Asian and World Championships trials near. Vinesh, who hung up her boots after the Paris Olympics heartbreak, took a U-turn on her retirement last December. Speaking to The Indian Express, Vinesh said that while she was preparing to enter next month’s National Open Ranking tournament, she was unable to register because the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) portal stated that registrations had already closed.

Vinesh also revealed that while she tried reaching out to the WFI regarding the issues, the governing body is yet to respond to her.

“I am hoping to make a comeback at the National Open Ranking Tournament. The registration for it was open until April 30. However, when I tried to register, the portal said it was now closed. I have been trying to contact the administrative staff of the federation, but they haven’t responded to my calls,” said Vinesh.

Vinesh said she also faced similar hurdles at the Federation Cup, alleging that the selection criteria were changed at the 11th hour.

“I intended to compete there, too, but the team selection criteria were changed at the last minute, so I couldn’t take part. It feels like this is a deliberate attempt to stop me from competing, especially since this is an important tournament to remain in contention for the Asian Games and World Championship selection trials,” she added.

However, WFI chief Sanjay Singh refuted all the allegations made by Vinesh, insisting that many wrestlers faced the registration issue.

As per WFI’s Asian Games selection policy, only medal winners from the 2025 National Championships and the 2026 Federation Cup are eligible to compete in the senior selection trials. However, those who can secure medals at the Open Ranking tournament will earn a place in the national camp, which could also boost their bid to qualify for the trials.

“We received similar complaints from other wrestlers, too. They got in touch with our staff, and their issues were resolved. We are not going to stop anybody from competing, and the tournament remains open for everyone,” said Singh.

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For the imported three-year-old Accidental Bid to run in the Group 1 South Australian Derby at Morphettville, a rival needs to scratch.

Now handled by Ciaron Maher having launched in Britain, Accidental Bid is next in line after Tuesday acceptances and barrier allocations for the South Australian Derby (2518m) this Saturday.

Drawing inside at barrier 2, Accidental Bid installed as $3 favourite upon field finalisation, John Allen retained to steer.

This imported youngster yields maturity to foes, though Russian Camelot, bred in the UK, triumphed in 2020 at COVID’s zenith, piloted by Allen.

Perfect record in Australia with two Pakenham wins since shipping over after initial UK pair.

National Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull from the Ciaron Maher camp praised Accidental Bid’s staying aptitude.

“He literally turned three just three weeks ago,” Turnbull said.

“His run over the mile was very pleasing and then to back that up on a heavy track, he relished the ground.

I’m not sure what he beat, but he ran reasonable time and ran a good figure and given his profile and he should stay on.

We went to that race against older horses for the time between runs if we were to go to the Derby and thankfully it’s worked out.”

Turnbull revealed consideration for the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm near month’s close, yet the colt’s form has them keen.

Maher’s secondary contender Amazake earned Turnbull’s nod as maybe the stable’s premier maiden.

Post-spring Victoria Derby bid, Amazake notched three reliable showings this time in, latest a third over 2400m at Caulfield.

“He was terribly unlucky last start,” Turnbull said.

“He ended up in an awkward position, and the race was off and gone before he made his run at them.

He’s one of the better maidens in our yard and if we can break that in the Derby, everything will be repaid.

He is a lot stronger, more furnished than he was last season when he ran in the Victoria Derby when he didn’t run out the trip and his last start says the trip will be OK this time.”

Amazake drew wide in 17 under Ben Melham.

Discover competitive racing betting markets ahead of the South Australian Derby.