SNOOKER: Shaun Murphy begins the defence of his British Open title against Reanne Evans in Cheltenham this afternoon. Three-time finalist Ronnie O’Sullivan and 2022’s runner-up Mark Allen are missing from the tournament, but new world number one Zhao Xintong will face Dronfield’s Oliver Brown, currently ranked 88th, in his opening match. 2024 champion Mark Selby starts his campaign against David Lilley.