After the Los Angeles Clippers fought back from 22 points down for an improbable win over the Golden State Warriors, James Harden said it must serve as a turning point in their difficult season.
The Clippers were staring at back-to-back losses to their neighbours at 70-48 down in the third quarter, just one day after suffering a 120-114 defeat against the same opponents at Chase Center.
However, the Clippers outscored the Warriors 65-42 the rest of the way, with Paul George sinking a decisive three-pointer in the final 10 seconds as they claimed a 113-112 victory.
The Clippers, who have alternated between defeat and victory in their last six games, are now 9-10 after a troubled start to 2023-24.
Former NBA MVP Harden believes he is now beginning to strike up an understanding with fellow stars George and Kawhi Leonard, and he hopes the Clippers can kick on from here.
"Wow, 22…. we don't want to keep going up and down," Harden said when he was made aware of the size of the Warriors' lead.
"We want to be consistent. I told [George] and [Leonard] before the game, 'let's catch our rhythm'. Let's be good, like we're going to be later in the season. Let's start it now."
George finished with a game-high 25 points, also adding six rebounds and six assists, while Harden and Leonard finished with 21 and 20 points respectively.
"It's big," Leonard said of the win. "We've been trying to be consistent.
"We are getting better, but very slowly… You know, with how things have been going, it feels great to pull out a win."
Gentlemansgame will be seen next in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown on December 28.
Mouse Morris’ grey caused something of a shock when beating last year’s Gold Cup runner-up Bravemansgame in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on what was only his third run over fences.
With Gerri Colombe, who runs in the same Robcour silks, mooted for a possible King George bid over Christmas, it clears the way for Gentlemansgame to stay closer to home.
“He’s very well, he came out of Wetherby with not a bother on him, thankfully,” said Morris.
“It was great to see him do that given how inexperienced he is.
“He’ll be going to Leopardstown at Christmas for the Savills, all being well.”
As well as sending Gentlemansgame to win the Charlie Hall, Morris also won the Cross Country at Cheltenham’s November meeting with Foxy Jacks.
Incredibly, they were the trainer’s first winners in the UK since Rule The World won the Grand National in 2016.
“It’s been a good start to the season, they are running well, long may it continue,” he added.
Ding Junhui clawed his way back into contention for a fourth UK Snooker Championship title after an absorbing opening session of his final against Ronnie O’Sullivan in York ended all square.
The Chinese 36-year-old looked down and out after a string of costly errors handed the seven-time winner the simplest of opportunities to ease into a 4-1 lead in their best of 19-frame encounter.
But Ding, who first won the title at the age of 18 in 2005, dug in to reel off the final three frames of the session, including breaks of 114 and 70, to leave the tie poised at 4-4 ahead of Sunday evening’s conclusion.
It had all looked like it was going to be too easy for O’Sullivan, who has seldom been required to find his best form in the tournament as opponents, including Zhou Yuelong and Hossein Vafaei, appeared to capitulate in his presence.
Despite his vast experience at the top of the game, including a run to last year’s final, Ding looked set to go the same way after missing a routine pink on a break of 63 in the opener, allowing O’Sullivan to sweep up.
O’Sullivan swiftly extended his lead and needed no second invitation to move 3-0 ahead with a break of 91 after Ding, once again presented with the first chance, missed a black off its spot.
It was the world number one’s turn to run aground in the fourth frame with Ding’s nervous 89 allowing him to get a frame on the board before the mid-session interval, but O’Sullivan duly restored his three-frame lead upon the resumption.
Facing the prospect of a one-sided final session, Ding dug in, pouncing on an uncharacteristic foul with the rest by O’Sullivan to close to 4-2, then summoning a 114 clearance to pink to haul back within one frame.
A break of 70 ensured Ding did enough in the next – despite unnecessarily extending the session after running out of position on frame ball – to leave it all to play for later on Sunday evening.
Teahupoo proved too game for hot favourite Impaire Et Passe as he completed back-to-back wins in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Gordon Elliott’s charge ended the long unbeaten run of Honeysuckle in the Grade One contest last year and this time it was Willie Mullins’ Impaire Et Passe who had his bubble burst.
Sent off the 4-5 favourite, Impaire Et Passe was looking to pick up where he left off last term with top-level successes at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals and he appeared to be travelling supremely well as they turned for home.
Pacemaker Zanahiyr dropped out in the straight, leaving Paul Townend to go for home on the market leader – but Teahupoo had other ideas.
The pair were neck and neck on the approach to the final flight but it was Teahupoo who kept finding for pressure on the run to the line, with Jack Kennedy’s mount registering a length success at odds of 85-40.
Teahupoo finished a close third in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last term and Betfair go 4-1 from 6s about him for that race, while Impaire Et Passe is out to 8-1 from 11-2 for the Champion Hurdle following the first defeat of his career.
Luka Doncic said he was simply exhausted after the Dallas Mavericks failed to capitalise on an NBA-record 30-point run in Saturday's "rollercoaster" defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A depleted Mavericks side found themselves facing a 24-point deficit at one stage, but Doncic played a talismanic role to drag his team back into contention.
Dallas took the lead with a 30-0 run in the fourth quarter, the best in the NBA in the PXP era (since 1996-97), which took them from 111-87 down to 117-111 up.
Doncic finished with a game-high 36 points while also adding 15 rebounds and 18 assists, but his terrific performance wasn't enough as the Thunder rallied again for a 126-120 victory.
Having played his part in a thrilling contest one day after becoming a father for the first time on Friday, Doncic struggled to hide his fatigue.
"It was the happiest day of my life with the baby, but then today's game was a big rollercoaster too," Doncic said after the game.
"I'm so sad we didn't win this game, but man, we gave a big, big effort. I was a little bit exhausted."
Doncic was frustrated by his finish to the game after committing two turnovers in the last 87 seconds, with the first the result of a travelling call which infuriated the four-time All-Star.
"My view is it probably was a travel, but those travels happen about, in my opinion, 20 times a game," he said.
"So a minute and a half to go, if you're going to call that travel for the first time in the game… you can't do that.
"I don't think so. I think those travels happen a lot of times in one game and the NBA doesn't call the travels, so I was really surprised."
The Mavericks are now 11-8 after suffering back-to-back defeats, and they will look to respond when they welcome the Utah Jazz to American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
I Am Maximus made a victorious return to Fairyhouse to secure Grade One glory in the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase.
The seven-year-old won the Irish Grand National at the track back in April, defying his novice status to claim a length success in the Easter highlight for trainer Willie Mullins.
Having his first start since then – and his last in novice company – I Am Maximus travelled well into the race for Jody McGarvey, having been happy to let 5-4 favourite Letsbeclearaboutit cut out much of the early running.
Found A Fifty was also to the fore and it looked between the three of them coming down to the final two obstacles, with Letsbeclearaboutit the first to crack.
A slow jump at the last hardly helped Found A Fifty’s cause and, dropping back to two and a half miles – nine furlongs less than the Irish National distance – I Am Maximus (11-1) had more than enough stamina to assert again on the run-in and win by two and a half lengths.
Coral make I Am Maximus the 16-1 joint favourite for next year’s Randox Grand National, while Betfair go 12-1 about his chance in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period.
Farren Glory led home a one-two for Gordon Elliott in the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Elliott fielded three in the Grade One contest, with Jack Kennedy opting to ride 11-2 shot Farren Glory as An Tobar was sent off the 5-2 favourite for Henry de Bromhead.
Rachael Blackmore had the market leader to the fore throughout, disputing the lead with Horantzau D’airy before his early exertions told and he dropped away, leaving An Tobar in the driving seat.
However, King Of Kingsfield was travelling notably well for Elliott and jockey Jordan Gainford and he seized the initiative heading down to the final flight, with Farren Glory jumping the last a bit awkwardly in second.
Despite a slight check on his momentum, Farren Glory found plenty for Kennedy on the run to line, eventually pipping his stablemate by a length and a half, with a further length and a quarter back to An Tobar in third.
Nurburgring swooped late to grab Grade Three honours in the Bar One Racing “Price Boosts Across All Channels” Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Joseph O’Brien’s charge was last seen coming home in front of Friday’s impressive Newbury Listed winner Wodhooh at Listowel in September, with Nurburgring later demoted to second by the stewards after bumping his rival in the closing stages.
He was again involved in a tight finish in this two-mile affair, with Kala Conti appearing to hold all the aces before Richard Deegan conjured a late burst from Nurburgring to prevail by half a length on the line.
The Zoffany gelding had to survive another stewards’ inquiry but was eventually declared the 17-2 winner, with 7-4 favourite Batman Girac unplaced.
Solness had been a Listed scorer at Fairyhouse in the colours of Bronsan Racing on Saturday and Neil Sands felt the victory had added poignancy following the death of renowned owner-breeder Theresa Marnane.
He said: “It has been an extraordinary week, as this has been our third winner in the space of seven days, which is very special.
“However, it is a win tinged with sadness, as the Marnanes from Bansha House are our partners who have sadly lost Theresa Marnane.
“I was particularly touched by the minute silence here yesterday for Theresa, which was observed with such sincerity.”
Brides Hill had to work hard to justify 2-1 favouritism in the Bar One Racing “Bet 10 Euros Get 50 Euros Sign Up Offer” Irish EBF Mares Handicap Chase.
Keith Donoghue’s mount turned in a fine round of jumping but after taking the lead between the final two fences, she was all out to fend off the late challenge of Queen Jane by a head, with the pair pulling 14 lengths clear of third-placed Must Be Obeyed.
Trainer Gavin Cromwell said: “She was top weight and the classiest mare in the race. She needed the line and probably just over-raced a bit on that ground.
“Apart from the first, she jumped really well. We have done an awful amount of schooling with her and I think the penny has finally dropped.
“She wouldn’t want the ground any softer than that and is probably one more for the spring. We might look at Leopardstown, as the ground is often better there.”
The extended three miles and five furlongs of the Listed Bar One Racing “Guaranteed Overnight Prices” Porterstown Handicap Chase proved a stern test on deep ground, but Street Value rose to the challenge at odds of 22-1.
The eight-year-old had not won since January 2022 but he kept finding for Danny Mullins, keeping on to beat History Of Fashion by three lengths in a gruelling renewal.
John Flavin said: “He deserved that, as he got a wicked bad fall here in the race after the Grand National and I thought he was dead when he hit the ground.
“The lads (Miracle Cure Syndicate) deserved a big day like that and they have been with me from the very start.
“To come back and do that is unbelievable. He ran well over hurdles in Clonmel but the ground dried up too much in Carlisle the last day.
“This was always the plan. They went a wicked gallop, which I knew would suit him as he stays, and Danny gave him a great ride. He kept him wide and he jumped great.
“He loves soft ground and is much better going this way. If he got in, he might go for the Irish National one day. The National Trial in Punchestown could be a race for him.”
Flooring Porter will return to racing left-handed at Leopardstown over the Christmas period, with Gavin Cromwell retaining faith that he can repeat his top-level hurdling exploits over fences.
The dual-Stayers’ Hurdle hero made a brilliant start to his chasing career when beating subsequent Listed scorer Broadway Boy at Cheltenham in October, but could only finish third when continuing his education in Punchestown’s Florida Pearl Novice Chase.
That was the first time Flooring Porter had raced right-handed in over two years and, after interference from loose horse Churchstonewarrior saw him veer left for the majority of that contest, Cromwell is keen to quickly revert to racing the other way round.
He is now poised to run in Dublin on December 29 in the Grade One Neville Hotels Novice Chase, as his handler continues to aim high with one of his stable stars.
Cromwell said: “The loose horse messed it all up for us, but he started off in a nice position and in a nice rhythm.
“He jumped the first four fences fine and then the loose horse upset him, which kind of put told to his chances.
“I think he actually ran an OK race considering everything which happened in the race and he came home safe and sound, so we’re happy with that.
“He’s entered in the Grade One (at Christmas) and we’ll more than likely go there.
“He’ll be back going left-handed, which is a big thing, really. He’s clearly better that way and I wouldn’t be ruling it (right-handed) out again, but for the moment we’ll definitely be sticking to left-handed.”
In a thrilling spectacle at the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix, Jamaican driver Fraser McConnell showcased his prowess despite encountering challenges during the qualifying rounds. X44 Vida Carbon Racing, with McConnell behind the wheel, emerged as the top qualifiers in Round 9 of Season 3, setting the stage for an electrifying competition.
The qualifying sessions were rife with incidents and red flags, adding an extra layer of intensity to the already competitive event. Despite facing hurdles, X44 Vida Carbon Racing secured the coveted top spot in the qualification standings, thanks to McConnell's stellar performance in Qualifying 1 Heat 2 and Qualifying 2 Heat 2.
Cristina Gutiérrez and Fraser McConnell accumulated 18 points, positioning themselves strategically for the Grand Final. The achievement holds particular significance as it gives the team, currently in fifth on the championship leaderboard, an opportunity to climb higher and contend for the title.
The competition saw the unfortunate exit of the No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV Chip Ganassi Racing due to a Did Not Finish (DNF) in Qualifying 1 and a subsequent 30-second penalty in Qualifying 2. This setback relegated them to the Redemption Race and out of contention for the championship.
Despite the challenges, McConnell and Gutiérrez demonstrated resilience and skill, earning them a well-deserved top qualifying position. Their impressive performance sets the stage for an exciting Grand Final, where they will compete against other top qualifiers.
As the teams prepare for the final showdown, X44 Vida Carbon Racing remains a strong contender, aiming to capitalize on McConnell's driving prowess and secure a notable victory in the Antofagasta Minerals Copper X Prix. The championship battle promises to be fierce, and fans can expect thrilling moments as the season reaches its climax.
Lookaway could step into deep waters for his next start, with Aintree’s Formby Novices’ Hurdle on Boxing Day a possible option for the Greatwood Hurdle runner-up.
Neil King’s six-year-old enjoyed one of his finest hours on Merseyside when claiming the Grade Two bumper during the Grand National meeting in 2022 and following a forgettable 2022-23 campaign, has sprung back to life with a fine run of form.
Having won cosily in two low-key Uttoxeter events in the spring, he brought up a three-timer in a Cheltenham Grade Two in October before narrowly missing out on more Prestbury Park success when chasing home Iberico Lord most recently.
He received a 4lb rise from the handicapper for that performance which brings Ascot’s Betfair Exchange Trophy on December 23 into calculations, but King is leaning towards waiting three days for a first taste of Grade One action in Liverpool.
“He’s taken the Greatwood well and come out of it nicely,” said King.
“He only went up 4lb for that which I thought was very acceptable and it will be all systems go now for either the big hurdle at Ascot on the Saturday before Christmas, or probably more likely the race that was the Tolworth that’s at Aintree.
“He’s ran well at Aintree before and we’ll enter for both and keep an eye on the weather etc. But I thought it would be more likely we’ll go for the Tolworth.
“I’m thrilled with his progress, he’s stepping in the right direction and the direction we thought he would. He has plenty of options being a second-season novice.”
In a solemn ceremony at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston on Saturday, Jamaica's Sports Minister, the Honourable Olivia Grange, paid a touching tribute to the late Marland Washington Nattie, Vice President of the Jamaica Basketball Association.
Nattie, a stalwart in the world of basketball, passed away on October 8 after battling a massive stroke. His funeral drew mourners from across the basketball and sports fraternity who gathered to bid farewell to a beloved figure. They included Paulton Gordon, President of the Jamaica Basketball Association, past JABA president Ajani Williams, Christopher Samuda, President of the Jamaica Olympic Association as well as past Netball Jamaica President Marva Bernard and members of the Sunshine Girls.
Addressing the congregation, Minister Grange reflected on Nattie's character and contributions, stating, "A heart of gold has stopped beating. Working hands are at rest. Marland Washington Nattie was as good to people as he was a powerhouse in the sport of basketball."
Nattie, survived by his wife of more than a decade, Oberon Pitterson-Nattie, a former national netball player and coach, and daughter Coleen, was remembered not only for his sporting achievements but also for his compassion and generosity. Minister Grange highlighted Nattie's selfless acts, including purchasing a house for his mother to uplift her from challenging circumstances.
"He was a disciplinarian who stood for integrity, but he was kind. He Coleen to always help others. He lived by the ancient African word, Ubuntu, which means ‘humanity to others.’ It reminds us that, 'I am what I am because of who we all are,'" expressed Minister Grange.
Marland Nattie's impact on the basketball community was immeasurable. As a player, coach, and administrator, he devoted his life to the sport. Minister Grange acknowledged his multifaceted contributions, stating, "He gave his all to the sport as a player, coach, and administrator. We benefited from his lifetime love and affinity for basketball."
Despite his significant role in sports, Nattie's character extended beyond the court. Minister Grange shared, "Most persons in sports would hesitate to 'big up' a politician or a minister of government, but he would always speak highly of me even in the media."
Nattie served as the President of the Jamaica Basketball Association on multiple occasions, contributing significantly to the development of basketball in Jamaica and the Caribbean region. His recent role as Vice President in charge of development at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) underscored his commitment to the sport beyond national borders.
Expressing the sorrow of losing Nattie just when recovery seemed imminent, Minister Grange remarked, "It is particularly sad that Marland’s passing on October 8, 2023, came just when we thought he was on the road to recovery from his illness."
In conclusion, the Minister extended her gratitude, saying, "As Minister of Sport and on behalf of the Government of Jamaica, I must say thanks to Marland Washington Nattie for his herculean work to take the sport of Basketball to another level not just in Jamaica but in the Region."
The heartfelt tribute concluded with condolences to Nattie's family and the entire basketball community. "Nattie, your life was truly a blessing, your memory a real treasure. May the Angels welcome him to the Heavenly Court and peace be his in the Eternity," said Minister Grange.
Dual Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle is reported to be embracing potential motherhood after a positive update about her new broodmare career.
The daughter of Sulamani dominated on the track over the course of her racing campaign, bringing the house down when bowing out with an emotional fourth Cheltenham Festival victory in the Mares’ Hurdle this March.
However, as soon as the dust settled on that triumphant farewell, she left Henry de Bromhead’s Knockeen training grounds to embark on the next stage of her career and in May was discovered to be in foal to Walk In The Park, having been sent to the star National Hunt sire for her maiden cover.
Although the foal’s due date remains the best part of five months away, the journey so far has gone well and, following a scan in early October, anticipation builds ahead of the arrival of Honeysuckle’s first progeny.
“She’s good and still in foal,” said Peter Molony, racing manager to owner Kenny Alexander and at whose Rathmore Stud in County Limerick Honeysuckle currently resides.
“She was in foal on October 1 and she is due in April next spring, so fingers crossed, everything crossed, everything will be good.
“It’s so far, so good and all seems fine with her so far.”
Fairyhouse and Carlisle have been given the green light to race this afternoon, but the meetings at Leicester and Southwell have been lost to the cold weather.
Day two of the Fairyhouse Winter Festival, which features a trio of Grade One contests, has survived the threat of frost and a dense fog.
Clerk of the course Brendan Sheridan said: “The fog has lifted, even a little earlier than Met Eireann said it would, which is great.
“You can see the full length of the straight here now and you can also see right around Ballyhack.
“As you know, fog is a bit tricky and it can come and go, but at this point in time, we don’t envisage any more problems.
“We’re in a good place now and we’re all good to go.”
Sheridan had earlier reported on the IHRB Twitter site: “Thankfully, the frost didn’t set in overnight.
“The ground on both tracks is soft. We’ve a completely fresh hurdles and bumper track and we’ve seven or eight yards of fresh ground on the chase track.”
Parts of Cumbria were hit by heavy snowfall overnight but Carlisle passed an early-morning inspection, although racegoers have been warned to be careful on the surrounding roads.
The Arizona Coyotes continued an impressive stretch with their fourth straight win on Saturday, as Alex Kerfoot had a goal and two assists in a 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues.
Michael Carcone scored for the fourth time in three games and Connor Ingram stopped 31 shots to give Arizona four consecutive wins, all against the last four Stanley Cup champions – Colorado (2022), Tampa Bay (2020-21), Vegas (2023) and St. Louis (2019).
Carcone, Nick Schmaltz and Matias Maccelli scored and the Coyotes limited the Blues to three shots in a dominant first period.
Brandon Saad spoiled Ingram’s shutout bid midway through the third before Kerfoot sealed the win with an empty net goal with 1:15 left.
Stars pound struggling Lightning
Jason Robertson scored twice and the Dallas Stars matched a season high in goals in an 8-1 rout of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Joe Pavelski had a goal and two assists and Jamie Benn and Mason Marchment each added a goal and an assist as Dallas improved to 7-2-2 in its last 11 games.
The Stars also scored eight goals in an 8-3 win at Minnesota on Nov. 12.
Tampa Bay has lost a season-high four straight and had to replace Andrei Vasilevskiy after two periods. He allowed six goals on 25 shots in his fourth start since returning last week following offseason back surgery.
Marchand lifts Bruins over Maple Leafs in OT
Brad Marchand scored with eight seconds left in overtime to lift the Boston Bruins to a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
David Pastrnak had a goal and two assists and Linus Ullmark made 37 saves to help Boston win its second straight following three consecutive regulation losses.
Marchand snapped an eight-game goal drought with his eighth goal of the season.
Auston Matthews had a pair of goals for Toronto, his second coming with six seconds left in regulation.
Mikal Bridges scored 26 of his 42 points in the first quarter to help the Brooklyn Nets snap the Orlando Magic’s franchise record-tying nine-game winning streak with a 129-101 victory on Saturday.
Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony each had 20 points for the Magic, who were bidding for the first 10-game win streak in team history but never caught up after Brooklyn opened a 43-22 lead after 12 minutes.
Spencer Dinwiddie added 22 points and Cam Thomas contributed 20 for the Nets, who sent Orlando to its first loss since Nov. 14 and won for the fourth time in five games.
Bridges’ 26 points were the most in the opening period of any game since Dallas’ Luka Dončić had 28 against the Clippers in the 2021-22 season.
The Magic trimmed the deficit to 89-80 with 2:37 left in the third quarter, but Dinwiddie answered by outscoring Orlando 9-5 to increase Brooklyn’s lead to 98-85 heading into the fourth quarter.
Thunder rally past Mavericks after allowing 30-0 run
Jalen Williams led eight players in double figures with 23 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 126-120 despite allowing an NBA-record 30-0 run in the fourth quarter.
The franchise-record surge took the Mavericks from a 111-87 deficit to a 117-111 lead with 4:18 remaining. Dallas led 120-116 before Oklahoma City scored the game’s final 10 points, the first four by Chet Holmgren.
Luka Doncic returned after missing one game following the birth of his daughter and notched his 59th career regular-season triple-double with 36 points, 18 assists and 15 rebounds in a season-high 46 minutes.
Hot-shooting Pacers beat Heat
Despite playing without leading scorer Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers shot a blistering 66 percent from the field in a 144-129 win over the Miami Heat.
Obi Toppin led six players in double digits with 22 points and T.J. McConnell added 20 and 11 assists off the bench for Indiana, which connected on 56 of 85 from the field for 65.9 percent, the second-best rate in team history.
The Pacers shot 67 percent against Minnesota on Oct. 24, 2017.
Jimmy Butler scored 33 points as Miami clearly missed Bam Adebayo on the defensive end. Adebayo has a bruised left hip and isn’t expected to play again until Friday against Cleveland at the earliest.
Ronnie O’Sullivan and Ding Junhui will roll back the years when they square off in the UK Snooker Championship final in York on Sunday.
Their clash comes 30 years after O’Sullivan reached his first UK final as a 17-year-old in 1993, while Ding’s first taste of UK glory came in 2005 when he saw off four-time winner Steve Davis at the age of 18.
The pair came through their respective semi-finals in contrasting circumstances on Saturday, with O’Sullivan easing past Hossein Vafaei 6-2, while Ding held his nerve to deny Judd Trump with a 6-4 win in the evening session.
O’Sullivan and Ding – still the two youngest winners of the prestigious trophy – boast 10 UK titles between them and the world number one quipped that he was motivated by the desire to deny his rivals the chance of more silverware.
“I’m just hanging around so people don’t get as good as a career as me,” joked O’Sullivan, who ruthlessly exploited a series of costly errors from his Iranian opponent to seal by far his most comfortable victory of a gruelling week.
“If I could stop (Mark) Selby winning a few and Judd winning a few, and Ding and (Neil) Robertson winning a few – just ruin their careers a little bit – that would be great. Sometimes that’s just a nice motivation to play.”
O’Sullivan, who had previously laboured through final-frame deciders against Robert Milkins and Zhou Yuelong, was still far from his best but managed to ruthlessly exploit a string of errors by Vafaei, who spurned a good chance in five of the six frames won by his opponent.
“I feel as fresh as a daisy,” added a revitalised O’Sullivan afterwards.
“These tournaments are not a problem. I can do it quite comfortably. I’m still happy to have got this far, it’s great and I have enjoyed my week.”
Sunday’s clash will also see a repeat of last year’s quarter-final when Ding dealt out a rare 6-0 whitewash to O’Sullivan before going on to the final, where he surrendered a 6-1 lead to fall 10-7 to Mark Allen.
The Chinese 36-year-old, who also won the tournament in 2009 and 2019, had arrived in York considering withdrawal due to a serious bout of ‘flu, but like O’Sullivan, had managed to chisel out final-frame wins over Allen, then Mark Williams in Friday’s last eight.
Trump, also clearly still feeling the effects of illness, had reached the last four despite playing far from his best and will have been motivated by the possibility of facing O’Sullivan in the final with the title and the world number one ranking also at stake.
Trump started well with two centuries in the first eight frames but he could not shake off the dogged Ding, with the pair locked together at 4-4 before Ding nudged through a tense ninth to put himself one frame from victory.
Trump had the first chance to stretch the tie into another decider but jawed a relatively-simple red to middle and Ding stepped in with a nerveless 84 clearance to black, including a stunning long red after straying out of position, to seal his swift return in the final.
Ding, who routinely saves his best form for York, admitted such a scenario had seemed impossible when he was ailing midway through his first-round match against Allen.
“A lot of fans were watching and I just wanted to finish it – it didn’t matter how well I played, maybe I lost and would go home, I’d just try my best,” he admitted.
Of his win over Trump, Ding added: “It was a very tough match and the last few reds were a bit scrappy, but to pot that long red and go on to win the frame is saying something to myself.
“I hadn’t seen myself playing like that for a long time.”
Kevin Sinfield was greeted by Welsh rugby union great Sir Gareth Edwards as he completed the latest of seven back-to-back ultra marathons in aid of research and support for those living with Motor Neurone Disease in Cardiff.
Sinfield was greeted by Edwards on the pitch at Cardiff Arms Park during half-time in the United Rugby Championship match against Scarlets, which the visitors won 29-23.
Afterwards Sinfield, whose latest fund-raising feat ticked over the quarter of a million pound mark in the course of its second day, hailed his welcome in the Welsh capital as one of the best he has experienced.
Speaking to members of the Cardiff squad, Sinfield said: “Over the last few years we’ve been to some pretty special places and we’ve run in some pretty amazing cities, but the welcome the team has had today in Cardiff has been as good as anywhere.
“Don’t under-estimate the friends you have in here, the bonds that you get playing rugby of either code is something that not many sports give you.
“Win or lose, there will come a point where you can’t play any more for whatever reason. You look after each other when you cross the line, and for the rest of your lives you need to look after each other as well.”
Sinfield’s fourth fundraising challenge takes him on to Birmingham on Sunday, beginning at Alexander Stadium and calling at St Andrews, Villa Park and Edgbaston before concluding in Centenary Square on Sunday afternoon.
He will then move on to undertake routes around Edinburgh, Dublin and Brighton, before concluding with a route that takes him up The Mall in London next week.
Since starting his ultra-marathon quest in 2020, the 43-year-old has raised over £8million to help fund research and help those with the disease, and he has vowed he will continue to undertake his marathon quest until a cure can be found.
:: To donate to Kevin Sinfield’s 7 in 7 in 7 quest, see https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/kevin-sinfield
Jayson Tatum was perplexed by the decision to eject him from the Boston Celtics' win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, claiming the officials were "ready" to throw him out of the game.
Tatum was ejected with just two seconds to play in the third quarter after he caught Robert Covington in the face with a flailing arm near the sideline.
The foul was upgraded to a flagrant one upon review, with the four-time All-Star subsequently remonstrating with referee Nick Buchert and interrupting the officials' huddle, which saw him awarded his second technical foul of the game.
A series of Covington free throws saw the Sixers take the lead after Tatum's dismissal, but the Celtics rallied for their third win in a row as Al Horford and Jaylen Brown finished with 20 points apiece.
Tatum was still stunned by the call to dismiss him when conducting his post-game media duties, saying of the officials: "They were ready to throw me out. Did I cuss? No, I didn't. I was shocked.
"They always say, 'get your money's worth. You're going to get fined.' I definitely did not get my money's worth!
"I was extremely surprised. You all saw what happened. You might not know what I said, but I mean, I guess whatever I said doesn't matter at this point. I don't agree with that.
"One of the assistant coaches was there with me, he doesn't agree. But it doesn't really matter, right? When they throw you out, they throw you out.
"Even if I was right, you know, they could go back and talk about it after the game. It's not like we get that game back, I don't get that time back.
"It's unfortunate, but like I said, I can't change what happened, just how players compete and affect the game.
"The refs have an effect on the game. They threw me out, and right or wrong, it's their word against ours. I can't get that time back."
Tatum had 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 27 minutes on the court. Despite his ejection, the Sixers struggled without reigning MVP Joel Embiid and guard Tyrese Maxey as Boston improved to a league-best 15-4.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla did not mind Tatum showing some fight, declaring: "I actually like it, I think some of that is important.
"Obviously, you don't want it to get in the way of winning. But I think that type of passion and caring… I'd rather see that than nothing at all."
The Celtics will look to stretch their winning streak to four games when they go on the road to face the Indiana Pacers on Monday, before hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers for back-to-back games the following week.
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