Latest news with #2023WorldChampionship
Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
John Parrott's wife, net worth, Question of Sport exit and stance on BBC snooker outcry
John Parrott has been a familiar face on BBC snooker coverage for a number of years and has enjoyed a successful career in the sport both on the baize and in the commentary booth John Parrott has been a guiding voice for fans during the World Snooker Championship for many years, having himself clinched the title in 1991. The Liverpool-born snooker star turned pro in 1983 and had a dazzling career among the sport's elite, reaching numerous Triple Crown finals and adding a UK Championship to his World title in the 1991/92 season. When he decided to hang up his cue, Parrott smoothly transitioned into punditry and hasn't looked back since. The 60-year-old served as a captain on A Question of Sport from 1996 to 2002. An avid horse racing enthusiast, he's also dabbled in covering the sport for the BBC, where he provides insightful commentary and analysis when snooker graces our screens. Mirror Sport delves into Parrott's life off the green baize, including his net worth, wife, departure from the popular BBC show, and reaction to the potential dismissal of some close colleagues. Impressive net worth From his victorious World Snooker Championship career to his years as a sharp-witted pundit, Parrott has accumulated a wealth estimated at around £9.1million as of March 2024, according to reports. The man known as The Entertainer raked in £3.2m in prize money during his playing days, but it appears his most profitable venture has been television, reports Wales Online. Wife and leaving A Question of Sport Parrott's wife Karen remains a bit of a mystery, shying away from the public eye. Together, they have two kids, Josh and Ellie, born in 1994 and 1997, respectively. In fact, it is stated that Parrott's departure from A Question of Sport was motivated by his yearning to be with his family more often, avoiding the show's late finishes. In a heart-to-heart with The Telegraph back in 2002, Parrott admitted: "The travelling was tough. Often, I'd be leaving the house at 10 o'clock in the morning to film three shows and not get back until three or four the next day. "I loved the show, but I'd had a good stint and, as much as I enjoy Ally's company, I'd rather be at home with my boy, my girl and my wife. From the day the children were born, my priorities changed. "Getting up in the morning with the radio on in the kitchen, seeing the two of them sitting there at the table while the missus runs round making a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea is my idea of paradise." Speculated BBC shake-up After the end of the 2023 World Championship, whispers began circulating that two of Parrott's colleagues from the BBC punditry bench, the legendary John Virgo and Dennis Taylor, might be hanging up their commentating headsets. They've both been voices of snooker since their days as top-class players in the 80s, and it was rumoured the BBC would ask them to step down. Speaking on the Talking Snooker podcast, Virgo made it known: "Listen, you never know what's around the corner in life, but it looks like this will be my last season. Not my choice, theirs [the BBC]. Along with Dennis [Taylor], apparently." Despite fans' concern that the beloved pair might depart, their positions remained secure, much to their delight. Parrott voiced his respect for his colleagues. "They're the voices of snooker, the two of them," Parrott recognised. "They've seen the game over all the eras, all the greats. We have a broad spectrum of people who love the game and there's plenty of older people who still remember John and Dennis playing, and they like the old stories, the memories. "Dennis and JV put it over brilliantly. Their voices are synonymous with the sport. They're very knowledgeable, they're sitting in the commentary box talking about it, it's not a massive physical effort, so at there's no reason at their age why they shouldn't be allowed to carry on. Both of them are excellent at their jobs."
Metro
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Ronnie O'Sullivan finds form to fly past Ali Carter in World Championship opener
Ronnie O'Sullivan hit his stride and surged into the second round of the World Snooker Championship thanks to a 10-4 win over Ali Carter. The first session on Tuesday was a struggle for both players and there was little between them as it finished 5-4 in the Rocket's favour. O'Sullivan had not played competitively since January and Carter was dealing with a neck problem, so there were reasons for both being a long way from their best. Overnight the situation changed for one but not the other as the Captain continued to be well below par, while the seven-time world champion found his rhythm. Breaks of 59, 117, 74 and 123 from O'Sullivan saw him go to the mid-session interval 9-4 ahead in no time at all and one frame from victory. The 49-year-old secured that frame as soon as he returned from the interval to make a break of 131 and picked up a heavy win over his old rival to progress to the last 16. Carter's winless run at the Crucible continues, with the last time he won a match at the Sheffield theatre back in 2019. Waiting for O'Sullivan in the last 16 is Pang Junxu after he beat his Chinese compatriot Zhang Anda 10-7 in his first contest. Pang and O'Sullivan met in the opening round of the 2023 World Championship, with the Rocket emerging a 10-7 winner. However, the 25-year-old has picked up two wins over O'Sullivan in his short career so far, most recently at this season's International Championship when he played brilliantly to win 6-4. The performance in Wednesday's second session will be very encouraging for O'Sullivan fans as he really did look impressive, fluent and confident again. More Trending He arrived at the Crucible playing down expectations, but they will surge again after a dominant five frames to power to victory and set up a second round match for which he will be the heavy favourite. Mark Allen in the BBC studio said: 'We can talk all day about some of the mistakes Ali made but you just have to hold your hands up sometimes and say that is ridiculous snooker from Ronnie O'Sullivan. 'You can't play any better than that. What was a close match 90 minutes ago turned into a comfortable win.' More to follow… MORE: John Higgins can roll back the years to claim another world snooker title at The Crucible MORE: Luca Brecel names his three favourite snooker players to watch MORE: Shaun Murphy rates his World Snooker Championship chances after 'intimidating' opening win
