classy

MANCHESTER CITY paid a classy tribute to the “People’s Champion” Ricky Hatton following his sad passing.

British boxing legend Hatton – an avid City fans – was found dead on September 14.

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He was just 46 years old.

City paid tribute on the weekend of his passing before their 3-0 win over United at the Etihad.

And it has continued with a banner raised behind one of the goal’s which read “The People’s Champion” with a mural of Hatton.

Flowers were also laid down in Hatton’s usual seat – with some of his family at the match – as City welcomed Burnley to the Etihad.

City manager Pep Guardiola was left almost in tears with the news of Hatton’s passing – and paid his respects before the derby win.

He said: “For all the Man City family it was a tough wake up.

“Of course the success, a world champion, a massive fan (of City). But the loss for his family, his kids and he was a grandad.

“On behalf of Man City and all the people I wish them the comfort in these incredibly tough hours, tough days and tough weeks.

“Of course it is a big, big loss for them, for the boxing world because he was a true, true champion and of course for the Man City family.”

City legend and former captain Vincent Kompany was a friend of Hatton’s and wrote online: We’ll miss you Ricky.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends. Rest in piece legend.”

Micah Richards added: “The news is devastating. I was taken aback because he’s such an icon.

“British icon, boxing, sports. True Man City fan but most importantly he was a man of the people. He was the nicest man ever.

“He was a deep person. Very deep. He overthought a lot of things. The news is just devastating.

“It’s absolutely ruined my mood for the whole day. He would be here today, celebrating. He’s had a box here many times.

“To get this news now just feels surreal. Someone so young, for this to happen now is devastating.”

City star Phil Foden was also spotted visiting Hatton’s family – carrying flowers.

Hatton won world titles at super-lightweight and welterweight – beating the great Kostya Tszyu in his crowning night in 2005.

But he struggled mentally following defeats to Floyd Mayweather in 2007 and then Manny Pacquiao two years later.

He returned in 2012 but retired after losing to Vyacheslav Senchenko.

Hatton later became a coach and manager – beloved for his sense of humour and kind heart.

He had an exhibition with Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera and was preparing for a comeback bout in Dubai in December.

Hatton leaves behind son Campbell, two daughters Millie and Fearne as well as his granddaughter Lyla.

The working class hero is and will always be Britain’s most adored fighter.

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After being asked to bat first, Sibley and Jacks reached 59-0 at the end of the six-over powerplay, but the stand was broken on 74 in the eighth over when Jacks cut Benny Howell to Liam Dawson for 41 from 24 balls.

In-form Jason Roy was run out following some fine work from the sprawling James Vince after scoring seven from 13 balls, having amassed 258 in his previous five knocks.

With his side 96-2 in the 12th over, Sibley got back to work and brought up his half-century from 32 balls but after adding 42 from 27 balls with Curran, he eventually fell for 70 off 46 balls to a diving catch from James Fuller at mid-on after toe-ending one off Scott Currie (2-36).

Curran and Laurie Evans added 34 from the next 13 deliveries before Curran skied Fuller to Vince to depart for a 20-ball 38 with two overs remaining.

Evans was caught by Dewald Brevis off Currie in the final over for 19 off 10 balls, and the visitors closed on 193-6 with Tom Curran run out off the final ball for 10.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius clipped Sam Curran off his pads for a six from the third ball of Hampshire’s reply and showcased his power with 14 off Reece Topley’s first over on his return to the Surrey side.

However, the South African fell in tame fashion in the fourth over, trying a reverse sweep only to top-edge to Topley (2-24) off Jacks for 28 from 19 balls.

Hawks skipper Vince (9) followed him in the following over, looping Topley to Chris Jordan at mid-on, and Toby Albert inside-edged Nathan Smith behind to Evans as the hosts were 45-3 at the end of the powerplay.

Brevis welcomed Kiwi spinner Mitch Santner with two sixes in three balls, but the game looked up when he holed out to Smith in the deep off Jordan to depart for 16 from 10 balls with 120 runs still needed from 11 overs.

Jordan (2-17) picked up his second wicket when Joe Weatherley’s promising knock ended as he pulled one to Ollie Sykes on 27, while Fuller (11) looped Santner to Jacks, and Liam Dawson (1) chipped Topley to Curran to leave the Hawks 98-7 in the 14th over.

Santner bowled Chris Wood (3) to end with 2-36, and Smith had Benny Howell (10) caught by Roy and John Turner (4) hole out to Jordan to finish with figures of 3-18 as the Hawks were bundled out with 13 balls to spare.

ZHAO XINTONG made a beeline for Ronnie O’Sullivan’s dressing room after his epic win at the Crucible.

The Chinese star reached the final of the World Championship after beating The Rocket 17-7 in Sheffield.

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Zhao, 28, is playing his first Worlds since returning from a 20-month ban.

Xintong did not fix a match himself, but was one of 10 Chinese stars suspended in the sport’s biggest corruption scandal in 2023.

O’Sullivan has been a mentor to the 28-year-old, who cites The Rocket among his snooker heroes.

Straight after the match, Xintong went directly to Ronnie’s dressing room.

He reportedly thanked O’Sullivan for his help and support in helping him reach first World Final, before the pair shared a hug.

The Cyclone later wrote on social media alongside a snap of O’Sullivan: “Because of you”.

Despite starting again as an amateur this season, Zhao has stormed up the rankings.

The Chinese star was already set to rejoin the pro ranks with a two-year tour card earned on the Q Tour.

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He will now retain his ranking points after a memorable run in Sheffield – and has already guaranteed a cheque for £200,000.

Zhao said: “In the past, when I played Ronnie, I’d get nervous because I really wanted to win.

“But I didn’t put too much pressure on myself this time.

“Today I felt a lot more relaxed and enjoyed it, and I ended up playing pretty well. He gave me a few chances, and I took them.

“Tonight I could feel that the whole crowd was cheering for Ronnie. But honestly, I think he deserves it.

“He’s won here seven times already, and he absolutely has the ability to win an eighth.

“That’s why I told myself not to relax, because I know he’s someone who can come back from almost any scoreline.

World Snooker Championship 2025

WE are now into the final days of what has been a THRILLING World Snooker Championship!

A new world champion will be crowned this year after Kyren Wilson crashed out in the first round.

Heavyweights such as John Higgins and Mark Selby have also fallen as we head to the final on Sunday and Monday.

Ronnie O’Sullivan was eyeing a record eighth world title but crashed out at the hands of the brilliant Zhao Xintong – who reached the final qualifying as an amateur after his ban.

In the other semi-final, World No 1 and tournament favourite Judd Trump is facing Mark Williams.

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“I just tried to focus on one shot at a time and make the most of every chance he gave me.”

No Chinese player has ever become world champion – but Zhao does not feel weighed down by history.

He continued: “This tournament feels totally unique.

“For Chinese and Asian players, no one has won it yet.

“Every match win here is incredibly difficult. Even though I’ve made it to the final, there’s still a long way to go.”