News

O’Sullivan bows out of Welsh Open amid stage fright concerns

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2024

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The Welsh Open marks the seventh ranking tournament from which O’Sullivan has withdrawn this season, including his absence from the Champion of Champions event in Bolton last November.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.

News

Hakin motorist banned after driving 14 times over drug limit

Published

8 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A HAKIN motorist has been banned from driving for three years after being caught behind the wheel with cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.

Mark Briskham, 53, of Waterloo Square, Wellington Road, Hakin, was stopped by police on January 5 as he drove a Ford Kuga along Steynton Road, near Milford Haven.

Blood tests carried out at the police station showed he had 800mcg of benzoylecgonine in his system. The legal limit is 50mcg.

He also had 64mcg of cocaine in his system. The legal limit is 10mcg.

Briskham pleaded guilty to two drug-driving charges when he appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for three years, taking into account a previous drug-drive conviction from 2020.

He was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.cr

Crime

Begelly man remanded over alleged May Day assault

Published

8 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been remanded in custody following an alleged May Day assault against a woman in Begelly.

Tomas Baker, 34, of Ty Dee, New Road, Begelly, is accused of assaulting the woman, causing actual bodily harm, at an undisclosed location in Begelly on May 1.

Baker appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week by video link from Swansea Prison.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His trial will take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on June 22.

Crime

Waterston man denies child rape and sexual assault charges

Published

8 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A WATERSTON man has appeared before magistrates charged with 13 sexual offences against children, including three allegations of raping a girl under the age of 13.

Chaisee Price, 25, of Biggins Hill, Waterston, Milford Haven, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

He faces three charges of raping a girl under 13, eight charges of sexually assaulting girls aged between five and eight, and two charges of intentionally inciting girls under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2014 and 2019.

Price denied all charges.

Because of the seriousness of the allegations, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case will now proceed to Swansea Crown Court on July 10.

Price was released on conditional bail.

The conditions include a daily electronically monitored curfew between 6:00pm and 6:00am, no contact with the prosecution witness, no unsupervised contact with children under 18, and a requirement to surrender his passport to police.