Sportsday - rolling sports news

1. Snooker: Stevens stuns Williams 10-2
2. Welshman to face Ronnie O'Sullivan
3. West Indies resume against England in second Test
4. Get involved: Tell us what is a #fairpriceforfootball?
5. 19:45 BST: Two Champions League quarter-finals

Reuters

"Why is Sportsday closing down for the day?!" queries Marcelo.

"Because live coverage of our match against Atletico is about to start over there, of course," responds* Cristiano Ronaldo.

Over where? Over here. Join our colleague Tom Rostance to see which Madrid side - Real or Atletico - will join Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Monaco/Juventus.

And remember that Sportsday will return at 08:00 BST tomorrow. See you then!

* This conversation may/may not have actually happened...

Countdown to kick-off

Reuters

Monaco will be without injured pair Lacina Traore and Tiemoue Bakayoko as they look to overturn a one-goal deficit against Juventus.

Striker Traore and midfielder Bakayoko both have leg injuries.

Arturo Vidal, who scored Juve's goal from the penalty spot in the first leg of this Champions League quarter-final, is a doubt with tonsillitis.

Paul Pogba (hamstring) and defender Martin Caceres (ankle) will also be missing for the Serie A leaders.

Chopra hits ton in Edgbaston draw

Warwickshire captain Varun Chopra hit an unbeaten 119 as their Championship Division One game against Hampshire ended in a draw.

Beginning the final day on 47-0, they needed to score another 332 for victory, but declined to chase the target after being reduced to 145-4.

Chopra added 82 for the fifth wicket with Tim Ambrose (29) and a halt was called after he struck three successive boundaries off Michael Carberry.

Banned Tiernan-Locke plans return

Ex-Team Sky rider Jonathan Tiernan-Locke wants to return to cycling in 2016 after a two-year doping ban.

The 30-year-old joined Team Sky in 2013 after a superb 2012 season in which he won a string of races including the Tour of Britain.

But he was sacked last summer when a UK Anti-Doping panel found him guilty of using the banned blood-booster EPO.

"I want to race next year and I'm starting to formulate a training plan for this summer," says Tiernan-Locke.

Countdown to kick-off

BBC Radio 5 live

With no British teams (that's zero, zilch, nada) in the last-eight of the Champions League, our chums at BBC Radio 5 live are turning their attentions to the continent tonight. "Who is the best manager in Europe and why?" - that's the question they are asking on 5 live Sport. Pep? Klopp? Ancelotti? Simeone? Tune in from 19:00 BST to have your say.

Glamorgan and Surrey draw in Cardiff

Getty Images

Glamorgan and Surrey play out an uninspiring draw on the final day in Cardiff in a game dominated by batsmen.

The visitors promoted first-innings double centurion Steven Davies in a bid to increase their 144-run lead quickly.

But after Davies fell for 21, Kevin Pietersen hit 53 not out to help Surrey to 207-4 declared and set the hosts 352 to win in a minimum of 57 overs.

Glamorgan reached 116-0, but with no chance of a positive result the captains shook hands at 17:00 BST.

Notts bat out draw against Yorkshire

Getty Images

Samit Patel and Chris Read lead a resolute Notts batting display to snuff out any threat of defeat by Yorkshire at Trent Bridge.

The loss of Will Gidman and James Taylor during the final morning left the home side 134-5, only 121 ahead.

But Patel hit 11 fours in his 76 before being caught behind off Will Rhodes.

Read (83 not out) and and Vernon Philander (38) then shared an unbroken stand of 109 before a declaration on 354-7 ended the game as a draw.

Crucible latest

Former world champion Shaun Murphy is back at the Crucible - 10 years on from his 2005 triumph. And Murphy, who told BBC Sport recently that he is a 'better person' to the one who won that title, is rolling back the years on the baize.

The 32-year-old is looking a dangerous opponent for anyone as he cruises into a comfortable 8-2 lead against qualifier Robin Hull.

Watch the match by clicking the 'Live Coverage' tab on this page.

Get involved

Leigh Baker: The FA should put a fix price on matchday prices and season ticket prices through all divisions. Fans get ripped off!!

Rob Tennant: £18.50 cheapest adult seat at League 1 Walsall so it's not just Premiership with over priced football.

Jono: I will only pay £20/£25 for a Premier League game, anymore and I simply just don't go. Will then watch on TV.

Countdown to kick-off

Reuters

Spanish champions Atletico Madrid, beaten by Real in last season's Champions League final remember, are hopeful Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic will recover from an ankle injury.

Los Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone is without suspended midfielder Mario Suarez, but otherwise has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Countdown to kick-off

Getty Images

No Gareth Bale. And no Karim Benzema. Real Madrid will have to cope without two thirds of their usual frontline as the pair were ruled out of the Champions League quarter-final second leg. But they do have Cristiano Ronaldo so let's not feel too much sympathy for them, eh?

Wales forward Bale has a calf problem and France striker Benzema has a knee injury, leaving Ronaldo, Javier Hernandez and Jese Rodriguez as Real's fit forwards.

Brazil left-back Marcelo is suspended, meaning Fabio Coentrao will start for Real.

Countdown to kick-off

Barcelona and Bayern Munich have already booked their spots in the Champions League semi-finals - but who will join them? In little under three hours, we will begin to find out....

Monaco v Juventus (0-1)

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (0-0)

First leg scores in brackets.

The 5 o'clock (sporting) headlines

Been bogged down in dull meetings all day? Or had loads of household chores to do and only just sitting down with a cuppa? If that sounds like your day and you need to catch up with today's sporting stuff then you are in luck. Here's your bitesized recap of Wednesday's best bits...

Top story: FA Cup final referee Jon Moss is "political pawn" whose appointment does not make any sense, says former Premier League official Mark Halsey.

Top video: Six-time winner Steve Davis presents his guide to surviving the gruelling fortnight of the World Snooker Championship.

Top feature: How Gareth Bale and Real Madrid sleep their way to the top...

Williams bemoans 'dreadful' display

Wondering what two-time world champion Mark Williams is thinking after his 10-2 hammering by Welsh compatriot Matthew Stevens? Well, thanks to social media, you don't have to wonder anymore....

Twitter

And then Williams tells his followers that he is going to drown his sorrows, along with long-time pal Stevens, with some German lager.

Get involved

West Ham have announced that their cheapest adult season ticket in the 2016-17 season will cost £289, down from between £620 and £940 for the 2014-15 campaign. That works out at just a touch over £15 per home league game.

Here's a few Twitter followers' thoughts on what would be a fair price...

Josh Daniels: The equivalent at a theatre or a concert costs £50-£70, a top Premier League game is comparable and so should the pricing be.

Jack Connor: Easy for West Ham to lower prices, in their oversized stadium paid for by tax payers. Not all clubs have that luxury.

James Porter: You are always going to pay more for bigger clubs like Chelsea but we shouldn't pay more than £40, would build more atmosphere

Chopra remains steadfast for Warwickshire

BBC Radio Solent's Kevan James at Edgbaston: "Three wickets in the afternoon session briefly gave Hampshire some hope that a victory might be possible.

"But captain Varun Chopra (71 not out off 223 balls) has been steadfast throughout and made sure the home side did not lose another wicket in the hour before tea.

"Indeed Chopra scored just 26 runs in the session."

Notts batsmen defy Yorkshire

BBC Radio Leeds' Dave Callaghan at Trent Bridge: "Notts look set to earn a draw after some determined batting against Yorkshire on the final afternoon to reach 292-7, a lead of 279 with just 32 overs left in the day's play.

"The champions have stuck to their task, but have surely now run out of overs to force a win.

"Important runs from Samit Patel (76), Riki Wessels (43) and Chris Read (40 not out) have tipped the game towards stalemate, but with injury problems and Test calls, Yorkshire will take the draw and feel satisfied."

Rose hoping to bloom in New Orleans

EPA

Justin Rose will make his first appearance since finishing second in the Masters this week.

And the 34-year-old Ryder Cup star is looking to continue an impressive recent record at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Former US Open champion Rose, who was joint second with Phil Mickelson behind Jordan Spieth at Augusta National, has not been outside the top 15 on his last three outings at TPC Louisiana.

Guardiola faces T-shirt sanction by Uefa

EPA

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola faces disciplinary charges from Uefa after wearing a T-shirt in support of a dead journalist at a recent news conference.

Guardiola wore a t-shirt bearing #JusticiaParaTopo during his pre-match meeting with the media before Bayern's Champions League win against Porto.

The message relates to an Argentine journalist - Topo Lopez - who died at the World Cup last year.

Initially, it was reported that it was an accident, but now there is a campaign underway because some suspect he was murdered.

Get involved

Jason Hackett: FFP is part of the problem, the emphasis on "matchday revenues" means teams with European aspirations can't discount.

Christian Evans: The only way ticket prices will go down is if fans start boycotting games in large numbers.

Chris Walker: How about 3,000 tickets: £10 each, apply online week before, lottery allocation, notification on Wednesday. New fans aplenty.

Glamorgan openers frustrate Surrey

Reuters

BBC Radio Wales' Nick Webb at Cardiff: "Glamorgan reached tea on 57-0 in their bid for survival on the final day against Surrey, after being set an improbable 352 in a minimum of 57 overs.

"The visitors batted on for a further seven overs after lunch, declaring on 207 for 4 with Kevin Pietersen top-scoring on 53 not out.

"But Gareth Batty's decision to make virtually sure of avoiding defeat allowed Glamorgan to bat towards a draw, after scraping past the follow-on figure last night."

Shahzad burst inspires Sussex win

Getty Images

Worcestershire suffer another second-innings batting collapse as they lose by 61 runs against Sussex

Resuming on 47-0 needing another 200 for victory, the visitors stumbled to 185 all out as Ajmal Shahzad took 5-46.

Steve Rhodes' side are finding life tough back in Division One of the County Championship after winning promotion last season.

They were bowled out for just 100 in their second innings in the defeat by defending champions Yorkshire in the opening game.

Get involved

West Ham have announced that their cheapest adult season ticket in the 2016-17 season will cost £289, down from between £620 and £940 for the 2014-15 campaign. That works out at just a touch over £15 per home league game.

Here's a few Twitter followers' thoughts on what would be a fair price...

Andy Brook: No reason for any football ticket to cost more than £20.

Nick: What about random 'pay what you like games'? It would bring in new fans who can't afford normal prices every game.

Craig Cameron: A fair price is always the point that supply meets demand. Media complains about Arsenal, but waiting list is huge

England's selection policy is 'the best'

More from Wasps director of rugby Dai Young, who believes selecting foreign-based players has "wrecked" Welsh regional rugby.

"You see falling crowds, everybody wants to see their top stars. The games aren't as attractive with your top stars not playing," says the ex-Wales captain.

"You lose control over your players as well, as in their fitness, their condition and their welfare and so on. To me England's stance is absolutely right and they should stick to it, otherwise you will see the quality of the Premiership dwindle.

"I've seen it from Wales, and it's done much more harm than good allowing players to go. I certainly think England's stance is by far the best."

'Welsh selection policy wrecked regional game'

Getty Images

Wasps director of rugby (and former Wales captain) Dai Young has been talking international selection policy following the news that Australia will now select overseas-based players if they have more than 60 caps.

And it is strong stuff. Young says Wales' policy of selecting those playing outside of the country "wrecked" regional rugby.

He adds the decision put domestic Welsh rugby under "a hell of a lot of pressure", while he believes England's policy of not selecting players who are based abroad "is absolutely right".

Liverani banking on Orient 'quality'

Leyton Orient manager Fabio Liverani says his squad still have the quality to survive relegation from League One.

The O's are two points from safety with two games of the season remaining after Tuesday's 1-0 defeat at Rochdale.

"Clearly we have to win both games and, at the same time, have to hope that the other teams don't do better than us," the Italian tells BBC London 94.9.

"I believe in the players and believe we have the quality to win both games. Then, we will see."

Get involved

West Ham have announced that their cheapest adult season ticket in the 2016-17 season will cost £289, down from between £620 and £940 for the 2014-15 campaign. That works out at just a touch over £15 per home league game.

Here's a few Twitter followers' thoughts on what would be a fair price...

Ross: £20 adult, £10 concession, £5 under 12s.

Mark Smith: £20-£25 is a fair price but other leagues need help not just the Premier League. Their prices are high too.

John Ireland: £20-£30 would be fair for a game where entertainment is never guaranteed unlike theatre or cinema

How the Crucible draw is shaping up...

A few first-round matches are still ongoing, but here's a glance at how the second round draw is panning out...

Mark Selby v Anthony McGill

Joe Perry/Zhang Anda v Shaun Murphy/Robin Hull

Barry Hawkins v Mark Allen

Ali Carter v Neil Robertson

Ding Junhui v John Higgins

Marco Fu v Judd Trump/Stuart Carrington

Matthew Stevens v Ronnie O'Sullivan

Graeme Dott v Stuart Bingham

Hard beating 'brother' Williams - Stevens

Matthew Stevens talking about his 10-2 win against Mark Williams on BBC Two: "It was most unexpected really - I don't think I've beaten him since 2003. But I didn't say that to him, I was just trying to keep it out of my head. I felt comfortable out there, to beat Mark even 10-9 would be difficult. So to win 10-2 is beyond my wildest dreams really."

On eliminating his long-time friend Williams: "It's not nice, we have grown up with each other since we were young. We are like brothers. It is hard but we are both professionals and luckily for me it was my turn to win."

Crucible latest

PA

Not many smiles from Matthew Stevens as he pots the decisive pink in his first-round match against good friend Mark Williams. But he must be happy inside - he has just thrashed his fellow Welshman in 10-2 win. Next up for Stevens? Ronnie O'Sullivan in round two.

Televised Challenge Cup fixtures announced

The Challenge Cup sixth-round ties involving defending champions Leeds Rhinos and fifth-round giant-killers Leigh Centurions will be broadcast live on BBC television next month.

Leeds' home game with fellow Super League club Huddersfield Giants will be shown on BBC One on Saturday, 16 May.

A day later, BBC Two will screen the match between struggling Wakefield Wildcats and Championship side Leigh, who beat Salford in the last round.

Vote result

We asked you, in the light of West Ham cutting prices for 2016-17, what would be a fair price to pay for a Premier League match ticket.

More than half of those who responded to our vote, thought ticket prices of between £21 and £30 were justifiable.

24% optimistically said £11-£20, while 17% thought £31-40 was fair.

Just 1.5% thought north of £50 was reasonable.

Footloose and fancy free

BBC

Snooker's 'Shoegate' has been the talk of the Crucible after Ronnie O'Sullivan briefly played without the required footwear.

Tournament director Mike Ganley stepped in with a new pair. His gesture was such a shining example of generosity, that 1991 champion John Parrott treated his kicks to a little polish.

Wigan have 'evolved' attacking style

Wigan Warriors have "evolved" their style to get the best out of their array of outside backs, says Castleford full-back Luke Dorn.

Shaun Wane's side showed their attacking prowess in beating Warrington 30-20, including a second treble in as many games for Dom Manfredi.

Anthony Gelling, Sydney Roosters-bound Joe Burgess, Dan Sarginson and Ryan Hampshire have all flourished in 2015.

"Their game has evolved," Dorn told the BBC Super League Show.

Tiernan-Locke aims for 2016 comeback

Getty Images

British rider Jonathan Tiernan-Locke has told the Torquay Herald Express that he plans to return to racing next season after serving a two-year ban for abnormalities detected in his biological passport.

"I've no doubt that I can get back to the level I was riding at in 2012," said the 30-year-old, who was tripped of that year's Tour of Britain win.

"I also believe I can make myself a more complete rider than before.

"I do feel I have a point to prove."

Millwall will keep fighting - Harris

Getty Images

Millwall will not throw in the towel despite a setback in their Championship survival bid, says caretaker boss Neil Harris.

The Lions are four points from safety after Tuesday's 2-0 loss at Blackburn.

"Nothing has changed. We are still in a difficult position but we are in a better position than we were four weeks ago," he told BBC London 94.9.

"The bottom line is we need to win two games of football. It is time for me to put the players under pressure and say that Saturday we need to beat Derby."

Get involved

Joe Shaughnessy: £20-35. Season tickets need lowering the most though, anything over £1000 is a joke!

Russell Newcombe: I think £40 for top of the league £20 for bottom an a sliding scale.

Aidan: £15 maximum. Bundesliga games are less than that though despite Germany having a better quality league.

Bale out

@garethbale11

Real Madrid's Gareth Bale on Instagram: Gutted not to be playing tonight, but working hard to get back to fitness. Good luck lads!!

Real Madrid take on city rivals Atletico tonight with their Champions League semi-final scoreless after the first leg.

Testing times in Grenada

Play is about to resume in Grenada in the second day of the second Test as England face the West Indies. Once the rain stops that is...

The West Indies will restart on 188-5 with Marlon Samuels 94 not out.

Live text commentary with BBC Radio 5 live commentary is available for you over here.

Villa hunting ex-Spur Luongo

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood will attempt to sign Swindon midfielder Massimo Luongo, who he worked with when they were both at Tottenham, in the summer says the Daily Mail.

The 22-year-old has played 36 times for Swindon, scoring six goals, this season.

Sole man

BBC

You've heard about Ronnie O'Sullivan and his shoeless escapades - but what became of those not-so-loveable brogues? Snooker-loving youngster Aaron Crosby from Lincolnshire is now the proud owner of Ronnie's footwear.

Pietersen brings up half century

Getty Images

BBC Radio Wales' Nick Webb in Cardiff:

"Kevin Pietersen has scored his first Championship fifty for two years on the final day of Surrey's game against Glamorgan.

"He reached his half-century off 66 balls, including just four boundaries, as Surrey looked to set the home side a demanding target."

Toure on tour?

Yaya Toure's agent says that the Manchester City midfielder "has offers" to leave the club and that he is still waiting for someone from the Etihad hierarchy to say they want him to stay.

"We have had different offers for Yaya but we must speak to Manchester City," Dimitri Seluk told Sky Sports News.

"I want someone to say that they want Yaya to stay at Manchester City. Yaya is a legend at the club. All the supporters like him, he's helped them make history."

Toure has been linked with a reunion with former manager Roberto Mancini at Inter Milan.

Bless Ronnie's cotton socks...

PA

Usually you get told off for leaving your shoes on - especially if your mum or dad has just mopped the kitchen floor. Ronnie O'Sullivan, on the other hand, has been told off for taking his shoes off.

But the five-time champion will not face disciplinary action after briefly playing in his socks at the World Championship, reports BBC Sport's Frank Keogh.

He breached the dress code on Tuesday by playing without shoes after feeling discomfort in his feet, but then borrowed a pair from tournament director Mike Ganley.

It is understood Ganley gave the player a warning about the dress code during his 10-3 defeat of Craig Steadman - but felt it did not warrant further action.

Carroll enjoys rough and tumble

AP

West Ham striker Andy Carroll says that he will never change his robust style of play despite his aggression on the pitch causing injuries that have kept him out of action for 17 of the 32 months he has been at Upton Park.

"Most of the injuries — I've hyper-extended when running for a tackle — it is just because I am trying to give 100 per cent every time and throw myself into everything," he told the Evening Standard.

"I don't think anyone can stop me running about like I do throwing myself into challenges.

"Whatever the gaffer has got to say, I don't think he could do anything to change that!"

Notts County 'still not dead' - Moniz

League One strugglers Notts County can still avoid the drop despite losing 3-1 to Preston, says boss Ricardo Moniz.

The Magpies are currently on an 11-match winless run, and have taken just two points in four games since Moniz joined the club.

County remain 22nd in the table, two points adrift of safety with two games left to play.

"We're still not dead, still everything is possible," the former Hamburg boss told BBC Radio Nottingham.

Zidane talks up Chelsea's Hazard

Getty Images

Zinedine Zidane, who has been tipped to take over in the Real Madrid dugout from his current role of reserve team coach, says that he rates Chelsea's Eden Hazard alongside Real's Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

"They're fantastic players, but I like Eden Hazard a lot too," he told Fifa.

"I enjoy everything he does on the pitch. I like the way he carries himself, that decisive streak in him and the fact that he's improving every year.

"He can still get better too, and I think he's a big reason why Chelsea are on top of the table."

Perry motors towards round two

Getty Images

Joe Perry is hurtling towards the second round of the World Championship at a rapid pace. The Englishman, ranked ninth in the world, has raced into a 7-0 advantage against China's Zhang Anda.

Anyone fancy a whitewash? See if Perry can blitz Zhang without reply by watching our live coverage from the Crucible. Where do you find that? By clicking the, er, 'Live Coverage' tab on this page or by flicking over to BBC2 on your television.

Shahzad shines for Sussex

BBC Sussex's Adrian Harms at Hove:

"Ajmal Shahzad has been unwell for much of Sussex's match against Worcestershire - but not today.

"Roaring in down the slope at Hove, he took four of the seven wickets to fall during the morning in an impressive display of hostile fast bowling.

"Worcestershire reached lunch on 127-7, still needing another 120 to win, and that looks a tall order with just three wickets left and the wicket now showing signs of variable bounce."

You can listen to commentary from all of today's county cricket matches right here.

Lancashire wrap up emphatic win

Pace bowler Kyle Jarvis produced an inspired spell as Lancashire completed a 250-run win over Derbyshire in their Championship Division Two game.

The Zimbabwean took 5-13 in nine overs as the home side were bowled out for 114, having resumed on 27-2.

His victims included New Zealander Martin Guptill (32) and skipper Wayne Madsen (29), the only two batsmen to reach double figures.

Get involved

West Ham have announced that their cheapest adult season ticket in the 2016-17 season will cost £289, down from between £620 and £940 for the 2014-15 campaign. That works out at just a touch over £15 per home league game.

Here's a few Twitter followers' thoughts on what would be a fair price for a Premier League game...

Callum Thorn: £10 juvenile. £25 for adults and £15 for concessions.

Baz Cooper: Why just focus on the Premier League? Championship costs are crazy. £34 for some to watch Forest's final meaningless game v Cardiff.

Razz70: What's the point voting! It's not gonna change anything is it?

Notts hang on against Yorkshire

BBC Radio Leeds' Dave Callaghan at Trent Bridge:

"The second session will be crucial in deciding the outcome of the game between Notts and Yorkshire.

"The champions Yorkshire are still hoping to push for a victory, while Notts may well feel the draw is their best possible outcome.

"Notts lost two wickets in an even morning, including James Taylor for 35, but were 156-5 at the interval, a lead of 143, with Samit Patel still there on 36."

You can listen to commentary from all today's county cricket matches right here.

Draw on cards at Edgbaston

BBC Radio Solent's Kevan James at Edgbaston: "Not a session that advanced the game in either sides favour.

"Just 65 runs were added this morning for the loss of Ian Westwood lbw to Andre Adams.

"The Edgbaston pitch has been playing increasingly easier. Hampshire can do no more than bowl accurately as they did this morning.

"Warwickshire may now feel that another 267 runs in two sessions is too much and a draw now looks to be the favourite result."

You can listen to commentary from all today's county cricket matches right here.

Pietersen looks for quick runs

Getty Images

BBC Radio Wales' Nick Webb at Cardiff: "Kevin Pietersen has reached 41 not out off 52 balls as Surrey raced to 176-4 at lunch on the final day against Glamorgan, a lead of 320.

"Pietersen was obliged to go on the attack without the chance to settle in as Surrey look for a declaration during the afternoon, but gave no chances despite the odd false shot, and hit four boundaries.

"Graham Wagg dismissed both openers quickly, but Kumar Sangakkara smashed 40 off 27 balls before falling to Glamorgan's third-day batting hero Craig Meschede."

You can get the latest scores from today's county cricket right here.

Gestede on Swansea radar

Reuters

Swansea are reportedly planning a summer move for Blackburn striker Rudy Gestede - a former Cardiff player - as the long-term replacement for Wilfried Bony, who left for Manchester City in January.

Crystal Palace could provide competition for the 26-year-old's signature according to the Daily Telegraph.

BBC Sport vote

All day we have been asking for your thoughts about a #fairpriceforfootball, which comes after West Ham announced they are cutting season ticket prices to about £15 per match.

Now you have the opportunity to vote for one of six price bands which you feel is acceptable to watch a Premier League match. The vote closes at 15:00 BST - so get clicking!

If reading the terms and conditions of the vote is your thing, then you are in luck.

The 1 o'clock (sporting) news

Been slogging away all day? Not had chance to catch up with the world of sport? Catch up in our bite-sized look at Wednesday's best bits...

Top story: West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels mocks England all-rounder Ben Stokes and his attempts at sledging during the second Test in Grenada.

Top video: Reanne Evans should be given the "opportunity" to play against men and will "do herself justice", says Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Top feature: How to beat the bookies - the first person to be arrested for 'courtsiding' at tennis matches reveals the tricks used to stay ahead of the game.

Itoje on England radar - Farrell

Talking of Sarries... their 20-year-old lock Maro Itoje is firmly on the England radar ahead of the upcoming World Cup, says backs coach Andy Farrell.

Itoje cemented his breakthrough season with a stellar showing despite Saracens' 13-9 Champions Cup semi-final defeat by Clermont on Saturday.

"Maro would be a prime example of those fortunate that their club will be there and thereabouts in the big games at the end of the season," says Farrell.

"There's no bigger game for him to perform in than in the semi-final of the Champions Cup against the French giants of Clermont, and he performed outstandingly I thought.

"There's that type of player with potential all over the division, so we'll keep an open mind."

Barritt agrees new Sarries deal

Getty Images

England centre Brad Barritt signs a new long-term deal with Premiership side Saracens.

The 28-year-old is the latest Saracen to commit his future to the club, following the likes of Marcelo Bosch, Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and George Kruis in agreeing contract extensions.

"It's been a privilege to be a part of this successful team and this squad's evolution over the years," he says.

"This club has really come on in the past seven seasons and I'm really looking forward to some happy and successful years ahead."

Welling appoint Fazakerley as boss

Conference strugglers Welling United appoint Loui Fazakerley as their new manager on a permanent basis.

The 30-year-old defender had been in caretaker charge of the Wings since 3 March, when Jody Brown was sacked.

"The board have been impressed by Loui and his team since they have taken charge," Welling general manager Barry Hobbins told the club website.

"They have displayed plenty of passion and qualities that we look for in our club, and we wish him every success."

George Riley

BBC Sport at the Crucible

Referee Jan Verhaas has just told a spectator in Perry v Zhang match to stop eating his crisps so noisily...

Crucible latest

What's going on at the Crucible, I hear you cry. Play has just resumed on table one, with England's Joe Perry re-emerging from the dressing room with a 4-0 mid-session lead over Zhang Anda of China.

See how those two fare by watching our live stream. Do that with ease by clicking the 'Live Coverage' tab on this page...

Get involved

West Ham have announced that their cheapest adult season ticket in the 2016-17 season will cost £289, down from between £620 and £940 for the 2014-15 campaign. That works out at a just a touch over £15 per home league game.

Here's a few of Twitter thoughts on what would be a fair price for a Premier League game...

Graham Dron: For a one off game in the Premier League I'd pay £30/40, but clubs should lower season ticket prices.

Gary Wilkinson: £20 for adults, £10 for U16 & OAPs. Same for away supporters as well.

The Empty Net: £20-25 adults max. Under 16s £15 max and no tiering of games (e.g. 'Gold' or 'Silver' fixtures).

One of 'Leeds six' faces lay-off

Heard the tale about the 'Sicknote Six'? The one where six of Leeds United's foreign legion pulled out of their match at Charlton with injuries, despite head coach Neil Redfearn believing they would be fit? Here's the latest chapter.

One of those six players in question - Italian defender Giuseppe Bellusci - is likely to miss the final two games of the season following an MRI scan, according to the Championship club.

Barkley happy to sign new Welsh deal

Getty Images

Former England fly-half Olly Barkley says a feeling of unfinished business was behind his decision to sign a new deal with relegated London Welsh.

Barkley, 33, has started just eight of Welsh's Premiership games this season and has made 12 appearances in total.

The relegated club will play in the Championship next season after just one season in the top flight.

"When I signed a year ago I had a very strong idea about what I wanted to achieve at this club," says Barkley.

Get involved

West Ham have announced that their cheapest adult season ticket in the 2016-17 season will cost £289, down from between £620 and £940 for the 2014-15 campaign. That works out at a just a touch over £15 per home league game.

Here's a few of your Twitter thoughts on what would be a fair price for a Premier League game...

Stephen Ellis: No more than 20 #twentysplenty

Tom Dunn: I really hope those rest of the Premier League takes note of West Ham today. That's what football should be priced at.

Steven Khan: For Scottish football £10 a ticket for all, as families are put off by the price of taking kids.

Get in touch via #fairpriceforfootball on Twitter, 81111 on text and the MOTD Facebook page.

De Jong eyes Newcastle return

Injury-hit Newcastle midfielder Siem de Jong is set to play a part in Saturday's Premier League home match against Swansea after an eight-month lay-off.

The Dutch international, 26, has made just three appearances since arriving from Ajax in a £6m deal because of a torn thigh muscle and a collapsed lung.

But he has returned to the reserves, playing 72 minutes against Aston Villa on Tuesday.

"We will see what happens," he says. "I don't think I could play 90 minutes yet, especially not on a level higher, so we will have to build it up and see how it goes."

Grieving Worrall dedicates winner to son

Getty Images

Southend winger David Worrall has dedicated a vital goal to the memory of his baby son, who died recently.

Worrall scored the only goal in Tuesday's 1-0 win at Bury, keeping the Shrimpers in the hunt for automatic promotion from League Two.

He told BBC Essex: "It's for Noah, my son, and my girlfriend. I went to his grave and told him I was playing. It was emotional, I felt like crying. It was for him and I knew he was looking down on me."

Get involved

More of your thoughts on a fair price for a Premier League match ticket are coming in on #fairpriceforfootball and the MOTD Facebook page.

Pete Finch: It's 20quid where I sit at the villa, the prices for adults range from £20-£49 but they always have deals on for kids which can start from £1. And also for adults they do bundle games, for example 3 games for £30. So no complaints from a villa fans perspective

Stuart Massie: just check season tickets for best teams in world , Bayern and Barca , then double it and you may be allowed to watch Sunderland or Stoke...

Adam Precious: £25 for teams like arsenal, united, Chelsea, then maybe £20 for small premier league clubs

Sako close to Villa switch

PA

Aston Villa have edged ahead of West Brom as they attempt to convince Bakary Sako to sign when the 26-year-old winger's contract expires at Wolves this summer.

According to the Shropshire Star, Sako is ready to consider a move to Villa now their Premier League status seems secure.

Sako has scored 15 goals in 44 appearances for Wolves this season.

'Those shoes were bashing my feet up'

PA

Five-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan caused a stink in yesterday's opening session when he whipped off his shoes. He explains why had to play in just his socks:

"I've no fashion sense at all. I had the last ones for 10 years and didn't want to get rid of them. But I left them in a hotel room and lost them," Ronnie tells BBC Two.

"Then I just bought the wrong pair and they were bashing my feet up. I had to take them off. I couldn't wear them. They said I couldn't play in my socks - I didn't want to play in my socks. But didn't want to play in those shoes either!

"So I got a pair of [tournament director] Mike Ganley's old shoes - they felt great."

I'm building momentum - Ronnie

Getty Images

Victorious Ronnie O'Sullivan talking to BBC Two after his 10-3 win against Craig Steadman: "I'm never thinking about just getting over the line. If you start thinking like that then you won't win tournaments. With each match, each ball, you become stronger or weaker. For me it is about building momentum."

On facing either Mark Williams or Matthew Stevens in the second-round: "It's too early to say which one I'll be playing - it is not like Matthew has played out of his skin. Mark will come out fighting and draw on his experiences. The Welsh never give in!"

O'Sullivan through to round two

All over! Ronnie O'Sullivan strolls into the World Championship second round with a 10-3 victory against qualifier Craig Steadman.

The five-time champion was not at his fluent best in today's session and will be disappointed not to have compiled a ton since yesterday's opening frame.

Nevertheless, it has been a decent workout for the 39-year-old tournament favourite. Next up for him is a Welshman. But will it be Mark Williams or Matthew Stevens on Saturday evening? Probably Stevens as he leads 7-2 ahead of the resumption of their match at 14:30 BST.

BBC Sport widget

PA

Getting the latest news couldn't be easier…

The BBC Sport app has been enhanced so that it can now show top stories right on your phone or tablet's home screen without needing to enter the app.

Users can add this feature, known as a widget, on either iOS or Android. For Apple devices it will pull through the day's top stories, while the Android option is customisable allowing users to choose top stories, and any combination of top stories from individual major sports.

For example you could set it to just pull through the biggest football stories.

The BBC Sport app also allows users to customise by adding alerts for football, cricket and Formula 1.

Find out more here.

I'll be fit for World Cup - Houghton

Getty Images

England captain Steph Houghton is confident she will be fit in time for this summer's World Cup in Canada.

The Manchester City defender injured her knee at the Cyprus Cup in March.

"I'm 100% sure (that I'll be fit)," Houghton tells BBC Sport. "I'm joining back in training in the next few weeks."

Zlatan in admission of inferiority shocker

Getty Images

Paris St Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was philosophical after suffering Champions League quarter-final defeat to his former club Barcelona last night.

"Let's be realistic, they were better than us. They will probably win the Champions League," Ibrahimovic admitted.

"As far as we are concerned, it is not possible to reach that goal in the short term.

"Let's not lie to ourselves, it's just reality."

O'Sullivan closes on opening win

*One frame from victory klaxon*

PA

That's right, Ronnie O'Sullivan is rocketing towards the World Championship second round. The five-time champion takes advantage of a missed black by qualifier Craig Steadman to snaffle a 9-3 lead.

Can Ronnie wrap this match up at the first attempt? Click the 'Live Coverage' tab on this page to find out....

Finch ruled out for three months

Big blow for Australia - and Yorkshire. Baggy Greens batsman Aaron Finch is ruled out for three months after having surgery on his left hamstring.

The 28-year-old had been scheduled to join up with Yorkshire at the end of May but suffered the injury playing for Mumbai Indians against Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.

Kondogbia linked to Liverpool and Arsenal

Reuters

French newspaper L'Equipe claim that Monaco anchorman Geoffrey Kondogbia is interesting both Arsenal and Liverpool, with Spanish clubs Atletico Madrid and Valencia also monitoring the 22-year-old.

Benitez to be replaced by Mihajlovic?

Getty Images

Is Rafa Benitez's time up at Serie A club Napoli? Seemingly so, according to the Italian media.

Today's Corriere dello Sport reports that Napoli have reached an agreement with Sampdoria coach Sinisa Mihajlovic to replace the Spaniard.

Former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Benitez is widely expected to leave the Neapolitan side, who are fourth in Serie A and on the verge of the Europa League semi-finals, in the summer.

Premier League land grab

Twitter

Is Luis Suarez behind Liverpool's popularity in Uruguay?

Are Arsene Wenger, Thierry Henry, Patrick Viera et al the reason why Arsenal are the number one team in France?

And which regions stay true to their local club?

I haven't got all the answers, but it is fun formulating theories on the back of this research by Twitter, who have looked at where tweets about different Premier League clubs come from.

Crucible latest

PA

Lifeline for Craig Steadman? Probably not. But the qualifier has narrowed the deficit against Ronnie O'Sullivan to trail 8-3 in the best-of-19 first-round match.

Across the Crucible partition, England's Joe Perry is 2-0 ahead against Chinese opponent Zhang Anda.

Watch all the action - from whichever table that takes your fancy - by clicking the 'Live Coverage' tab on this page.

Masters to host Cream of the women's game?

American Paula Creamer has called for a women's Masters at Augusta National.

The club accepted its first women members in 2012 but chairman Billy Payne has said it is unlikely Augusta could host another tournament.

But Creamer, 28, suggested a women's version could be played the week after the men's event in April.

"I think the patrons and everybody would love to have two weeks there, two tournaments. Why wouldn't you?" says the 2010 women's US Open champion.

Get Involved

Your thoughts on what would be a fair price range for a Premier League match ticket are coming in via #fairpriceforfootball on Twitter.

Samy Kadeera: anything over £25 is stupid

Ian Whittingham: Just renewed with @MCFC £380 for the season which is £20 a game. Can't complain at that. Other areas are £1750 though

Dave: Considering the concrete/metal environment of stadiums, with inflation (£5 in 1990), £20 for an end, £25 for a side.

Festa takes on Cagliari

Getty Images

Cagliari have appointed former Middlesbrough defender Gianluca Festa as their new head coach.

Festa, 46, had been linked with the Leeds job. Banned Leeds president Massimo Cellino sold Cagliari last year.

Ronnie takes session opener

Craig Steadman looks solemn as he sits in his corner, contemplating how he can overturn an 8-2 deficit against five-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Because Ronnie has just extended his advantage against the qualifier to an eight-frame lead in this best-of-19 match. That's two more frames for the win - you had better click on the 'Live Coverage' tab quickly before you miss it.

Three-game ban for Salford's Paterson

Salford forward Cory Paterson has been suspended for three games with Catalans prop Jeff Lima handed a two-match ban.

Paterson, 27, was found guilty of a Grade D challenge of intentional striking with the shoulder in the Challenge Cup loss at Leigh.

Lima, 32, received his suspension after a Grade B dangerous contact on Huddersfield's Ukuma Ta'ai.

Hull KR prop Adam Walker, 24, escaped a ban but was fined £300 after striking Bradford's Adam O'Brien.

Messi night for Murray

Getty Images

Andy Murray is not likely to see his beloved Hibernian play at Barcelona's Nou Camp any time soon - so the British number one had to make do with seeing French champions Paris St-Germain take on the Catalan giants instead.

Murray, who is currently training on clay courts in the city, sat in the stands with retired British doubles player Ross Hutchins as Barca eased into the Champions League semi-finals.

O'Connell to join the Toulon brigade?

PA

This could be a big move...

According to local French newspaper Var Martin, Toulon are in advanced talks for 36-year-old Munster and Ireland captain Paul O'Connell over a post-World Cup move.

The French and European champions have previous in hiring ageing, but formidable second rows with New Zealand's Ali Williams and South Africa's Bakkies Botha on the books.

Get Involved

West Ham have announced that their cheapest adult season ticket in the 2016-17 season will cost £289, down from between £620 and £940 for the 2014-15 campaign.

That works out at a just a touch over £15 per home league game.

So, what would be a fair price for a Premier League game?

Give us an idea of what you think fans should pay for games in the top flight and feel free to give us a range depending on "category" of opposition, just like the clubs do.

Get in touch via #fairpriceforfootball on Twitter, 81111 on text and the MOTD Facebook page.

Back on the baize

The animated announcer is geeing up the packed Crucible crowd. The sound system is pumping out some cheesy walk-on music. And the doors open from the players' dressing room as four suited and booted men emerge. Today's session is under way!

Click the 'Live Coverage' tab on this page to watch every pot - wherever you are.

Wednesday's schedule

Have shoeless O'Sullivan, dozy Ding and statty Steve perked up your interest? Excellent. Now schedule your meetings and plan your meals around today's timetable...

10:00 BST:

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) 7-2 Craig Steadman (Eng)

Joe Perry (Eng) v Zhang Anda (Chn)

14:30 BST:

Mark Williams (Wal) 2-7 Matthew Stevens (Wal)

Shaun Murphy (Eng) v Robin Hull (Fin)

19:00 BST:

Joe Perry (Eng) v Zhang Anda (Chn)

Judd Trump (Eng) v Stuart Carrington (Eng)

Crucible highlights

BBC Sport

What do you mean snooker's boring? Shame on you. Take a look at these three little gems from the BBC Sport website, then tell us that it is dull....

Top story: Ronnie O'Sullivan - that loveable brogue (sorry) - risked a fine by briefly playing in his socks as he took a 7-2 lead in his opener against qualifier Craig Steadman.

Top video: China's Ding Junhui misses out on a 147 break after appearing to forget he was on for a maximum.

Top feature: What's the maths behind the perfect 147? Steve Davis looks at the numbers behind O'Sullivan's amazing maximum in the 1997 World Championship.

Ronnie pots Wednesday's opening slot

PA

In case you haven't noticed, the World Championship has rolled back into town. That town being Sheffield - where the famous Crucible theatre hosts the planet's best snooker stars once again.

Five-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan opens up Wednesday's action in less than 10 minutes - and you won't miss a pot. Head over to BBC Two or watch right here by clicking the 'Live Coverage' tab.

Selfie City

Salford City

FC United - the club set up as a result of Malcolm Glazer's takeover of Manchester United - and Salford City - part-owned by former Manchester United players Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes - both won promotion last night.

FC United rise to the Conference North and their place in the Evo-Stik Premier League will be taken by Salford City.

Salford celebrated with a team shot with Giggs.

County Championship Division Two preview

Surrey will start their second innings against Glamorgan with a lead of 144 runs, but their encounter match looks set to peter out towards a high-scoring draw.

Elsewhere, Derbyshire are 27-2 chasing 365 to beat Lancashire, while Essex wrapped up a comfortable five-wicket victory over Kent yesterday with more than a day to spare.

Listen to ball-by-ball commentary from 11:00 BST on the BBC Sport website and via the BBC Sport app.

"Pogba, £75m, Bale, £120m, Martinez, £25m"

@MUTV

"Mats Hummels, £36m, Nathaniel Clyne, £15m, Paul Pogba, £75m, Gareth Bale, £120m, Jackson Martinez, £25m. Next year, we will be champions."

Has Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal revealed his summer transfer targets? Sort of...

The Dutchman was handed a list of suggested squad purchases by a fan on a club community day and gleefully revealed all to the MUTV cameras.

"He didn't tell me who to sell, but after a little pushing, I know," Van Gaal added.

County Championship Division One preview

Worcestershire and Warwickshire will chase sizeable victory targets on the final day of their Division One fixtures against Sussex and Hampshire respectively.

Worcestershire will resume on 47-0 and require another 200 runs to win at Hove, while Warwickshire, needing to score 379 in the final innings at Edgbaston, will also commence the fourth day's play on 47-0.

The match between Nottinghamshire and champions Yorkshire looks to be heading towards a draw, although a Notts collapse this morning would ensure a tense finish at Trent Bridge.

Listen to ball-by-ball commentary from 11:00 BST on the BBC Sport website and via the BBC Sport app.

Drugs-ban star up for national gong

Getty Images

Imagine a world where a sporting star can fail a drugs test and still be nominated for their nation's sportsman of the year award. Imagine no more. That's what has happened in Malaysia.

Former badminton world number one Lee Chong Wei has been listed for the 2014 sportsman of the year award - despite being provisionally suspended for a doping offence.

The double Olympic silver medallist is waiting to hear a verdict from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) after testing positive for a banned anti-inflammatory drug during last summer's world championships.

Mirallas and Lennon to swap clubs?

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon and Everton attacker Kevin Mirallas will swap clubs in the summer according to the Daily Telegraph.

Lennon, 28, has spent the second half of the season on loan at Goodison Park and will make a permanent switch, while Spurs are free to bid for Mirallas after Atletico Madrid dropped their interest.

"Goal-gasm"

Bild

German newspaper Bild describes Bayern Munich's 6-1 Champions League win over Porto last night as a "Goal-gasm" that "even tore the trousers of Pep Guardiola".

'I'm still optimistic' - jockey Robbie McNamara

Jockey Robbie McNamara, who was seriously injured in a fall earlier this month, has been speaking about his injuries for the first time.

"I'm feeling great and I'm still optimistic. I've no feeling in my legs at the minute, but it's early days," said the rider who was injured at Wexford on the eve of the Grand National, where he was due to ride Lord Windermere.

McNamara told the Final Furlong podcast: "My back is badly battered and bruised and there's a lot of swelling. I'd be hoping when all that swelling and bruising goes down, some of the nerve damage might repair and some feeling might come back."

Twitter

Matt Giteau on Twitter: "Massive news re. @QantasWallabies policy change..The ultimate honour to represent your country however form still must warrant selection."

Way clear for Giteau return

Getty Images

Toulon's utility back Matt Giteau could now play a part in Australia's World Cup campaign after the Australian Rugby Union relaxed its ban on overseas-based players representing the Wallabies.

Players who have earned 60 Test caps and have held a contract with Australian Rugby for at least seven years can now be selected, opening the way for Giteau, Toulon team-mate Drew Mitchell and Lyon's George Smith to play in September's tournament.

Australia are in the same pool as England, Wales, Fiji and Uruguay with two teams to progress to the knockout stages.

Saints play down Pochettino return

Getty Images

Morgan Schneiderlin says the return of former Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino with new club Tottenham on Saturday will not affect the players.

Pochettino returns to St Mary's for the first time since his acrimonious departure to Spurs last summer, but ahead of their vital Premier League encounter, midfielder Schneiderlin says Saints have moved on.

"He's a great manager, we achieved great things last year, but the page is turned," he told BBC Radio Solent.

Halsey criticises FA Cup final ref

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has criticised the appointment of Jon Moss to officiate the FA Cup final.

"Seriously, Jon Moss at Wembley? I can't be having that," he wrote on social media

"He's made too many high profile mistakes this season already. Even last weekend he missed two blatant penalties, one for Palace and one for West Brom."

"I reckon we'll be a laughing stock around the world."

Madrid holds its breath

Marca

"The prize is heaven" is the headline in Spanish sports newspaper Marca this morning as it cranks up the hyperbole ahead of Atletico and Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final second leg.

The teams face off at the Bernabeu after a goalless first leg, with kick-off at 19:45 BST.

"I don't think Atletico will be in a rush to score and neither will we," said Real boss Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the game.

Reuters

The top headlines on the BBC Sport website this morning covers the West Indies stubborn middle-order fightback against England on the first day of the second Test in Grenada. The hosts finished on 188-5.

Elsewhere West Ham have announced that they will cut season ticket prices for the 2016-17 season - their first campaign based at the Olympic Stadium and the season in which a 5.13bn Premier League television rights deal start to pay out.

Gossip column

That story and other transfer tittle-tattle is rounded up in our Gossip Column this morning.

Manchester City playmaker Yaya Toure's future is one of the lines, with the Times claiming that Paris St-Germain and Inter Milan are likely to mount bids after the Ivory Coast international suggested he was not happy at the Etihad.

United might yet buy loanee Falcao

Daily Mail

Despite scoring just four goals so far on his season-long loan from Monaco, Radamel Falcao could still earn a longer-tern contract at Manchester United with the club in talks with his Ligue 1 employers over a deal according to the Daily Mail.

'It's not his best season, but they kept the opportunity to make a decision at the end of the season," said Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev.

Rafa returns to England with City?

Star

The Daily Star claims that former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez, currently at Serie A side Napoli, could be installed as a stop-gap boss at Manchester City.

Benitez could be handed a 12-month deal while City's number one choice, Pep Guardiola, sees out the final year of his deal at Bayern Munich.

Ashley under pressure at Newcastle

The Sun

The Sun lead on an open letter to Newcastle owner Mike Ashley from the club's official fans forum calling on him to "show fans some respect" and make "a statement of intent" to "overturn the negativity surrounding the club".

The fans' forum consist of 14 fans who meet with club chiefs on a quarterly basis. Thousands of supporters boycotted Sunday's home game against Tottenham in protest at the way Ashley has run the club.

Good morning and welcome to Sportsday Live.

After a night that Pep Guardiola tore apart his trousers while his team tore apart Porto, we will start off with a look at the back pages of today's papers.

AP