News
O’Sullivan bows out of Welsh Open amid stage fright concerns
IN NEWS that has shaken the world of snooker, Ronnie O’Sullivan, the undisputed world number one, has regrettably announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Welsh Open in Llandudno, attributing his decision to debilitating stage fright and anxiety. This setback comes despite O’Sullivan’s triumphant season, highlighted by prestigious wins at the UK Championship, the Masters, and the World Grand Prix.
In an earnest message to his followers on X, O’Sullivan disclosed his long-standing battle with stage fright, an issue that he admits has intermittently plagued his career. “Morning guys, I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided I’m not able to play in Llandudno next week. It’s hard to explain but for years I’ve suffered from stage fright at times, brought on by anxiety,” O’Sullivan shared, shedding light on the personal challenges that have overshadowed his professional achievements. He further extended his apologies to fans who had purchased tickets in anticipation of his performance, expressing his inability to compete under the grip of anxiety.
Despite his withdrawal from the Welsh Open, O’Sullivan has expressed his intention to remain engaged with the tournament through his role with Eurosport, offering some solace to fans disheartened by his absence from the competition.
The Welsh Open marks the seventh ranking tournament from which O’Sullivan has withdrawn this season, including his absence from the Champion of Champions event in Bolton last November. Following his withdrawal from the German Masters in January, the snooker virtuoso has been vocal about prioritizing his “health and wellbeing”, despite the lure of continued success on the snooker circuit.
O’Sullivan’s season has not been without controversy, with the sport’s governing body investigating his comments regarding unsanctioned exhibition matches, as well as a profanity-laden outburst directed at rival Ali Carter following his victory in the Masters final in January. In the heat of the moment, O’Sullivan labelled Carter “a fucking nightmare”, comments that have since cast a shadow over his celebrated win.
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Charity
Tenby club raises £1,000 for Wales Air Ambulance
TENBY INNER WHEEL CLUB has raised £1,000 for Wales Air Ambulance after holding a popular fish and chip supper fundraiser.
The club has supported the lifesaving charity for 12 years, raising £8,600 in total.
The latest event, held at the Boathouse in Saundersfoot, included both lunch and evening sittings, as well as a raffle.
The Inner Wheel Club of Tenby is a women’s organisation focused on friendship and service. It currently has 23 members who raise money for a range of good causes.
Karen Tulley, from the club, said: “Our members use our skills to promote and help good causes, while having plenty of fun at the same time.
“We are all aware that Wales Air Ambulance relies totally on donations and receives no government funding, which is why we are always keen to make this a really good event and raise as much money as we can.
“The air ambulance service is essential, particularly in rural areas.”
Following the fundraiser, Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager, attended the club’s annual meeting, where he was presented with the £1,000 cheque.
He said: “A huge thank you to everyone at Inner Wheel Club of Tenby for raising a further £1,000 for our service.
“The members have fundraised for us for 12 years and in that time they have raised an incredible £8,600, which is amazing. We really do appreciate their ongoing support of our all-Wales charity.
“Fundraisers like these will ensure that the Wales Air Ambulance continues to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most.”
Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service which takes hospital-standard treatment to patients and, if needed, transfers them directly to the most appropriate hospital.
The charity must raise £13m every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
Pic: Mike May, Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager, at the cheque presentation.
Community
Protest planned outside police station calling for Chief Constable’s removal
Campaigners accuse Dyfed-Powys Police of failing to safeguard children in Carmarthenshire
A PROTEST calling for the removal of Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis is due to take place outside Llanelli Police Station this weekend.
The demonstration, organised by campaign group Predator Awareness and activist Zack Griffiths, is scheduled for Saturday (May 23) at 11:00am.
Promotional material shared online claims the protest is being held because the current Chief Constable has “failed to safeguard the children of Carmarthenshire”.
Campaigners are urging members of the public to gather outside Llanelli Police Station under the slogan: “No more silence. No more excuses. Protect our children.”
The specific concerns behind the protest have not been fully outlined publicly, although organisers have linked it to wider safeguarding concerns.
When approached by The Herald, Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers were aware of the planned demonstration.

A police spokesperson said: “We are aware of plans for a protest in Llanelli this weekend.
“We will always seek to facilitate lawful peaceful protest while balancing it with the rights of others, keeping the public safe, and preventing crime and disorder — and we encourage anyone organising a protest to contact us so we can work together to ensure any demonstrations are done safely and with respect for the wider community.”
The protest is expected to take place outside Llanelli Police Station on Saturday morning.
News
Bank holiday rail works to affect Cardiff and Valleys passengers
PASSENGERS are being urged to plan ahead this bank holiday weekend as essential rail improvement works take place across the Cardiff and Valleys network.
Transport for Wales said all lines through Cardiff Queen Street will be closed on Sunday (May 24) and Bank Holiday Monday (May 25).
Rail replacement buses and service diversions will be in operation to keep passengers moving.
Services from Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil will continue to run into Cardiff Central via the City Line, through Ninian Park. Replacement buses will run between Radyr and Llandaf, Cathays, Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Bay.
The works come as warm weather is forecast and services to popular coastal destinations, including Barry Island and the North Wales coast, are expected to be busier than usual.
Passengers are also being reminded that a new timetable came into effect on Sunday (May 17), with some trains now calling at different stations and at different times.
Industrial action by West Midlands Railway is also expected to affect Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton and Hereford to Birmingham routes on Friday (May 22) and Saturday (May 23). TfW said its own services are likely to be busier as a result, with extra capacity provided where possible.
Sarah Higgins, Operations Director at Transport for Wales, said: “Transport for Wales will be running its normal timetable over the Bank Holiday weekend, but some services may be much busier than usual due to industrial action at West Midlands Railway affecting Shrewsbury–Birmingham and Hereford–Birmingham services on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May.
“With high temperatures also forecast, customers are encouraged to take extra care when travelling, check for the latest travel information using the TfW website, mobile app, or social media channels, and to stay hydrated.”
On Sunday and Monday, buses will replace trains between Rhymney or Caerphilly and Cardiff Central, and between Radyr and Cardiff Central via Llandaf, Cathays and Cardiff Queen Street.
Penarth to Coryton services will terminate at Cardiff Central, with tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus routes 21, 23 and 27. On Monday only, tickets will also be valid on Cardiff Bus routes 92, 93 and 94 between Penarth and Cardiff city centre.
For the Cardiff Bay Line, tickets will be accepted on Cardiff Bus route 6, with an additional hourly bus running between Radyr and Cardiff Bay, calling at Llandaf, Cathays and Cardiff Queen Street.
Passengers are advised to allow extra time, carry water, and check before travelling.
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