Reigning women's snooker world champion Bai Yulu is gearing up for the upcoming 2025 Women's Snooker Championship in Dongguan on May 20, aiming to secure back-to-back titles after her breakthrough 2024 victory.
The 21-year-old Chinese player has a disciplined approach to the game. "When I compete, I try to keep a peaceful mind. You have to focus on the game. If you're too eager to win, it might impact your performance negatively."
Currently training in Sheffield, home to snooker's iconic Crucible Theater, she recalled her journey since her snooker-lover father bought a second-hand snooker table. "When my dad saw I was interested, he started to teach me basic tricks. He's the one who introduced me to the sport."
"The main quality to have in snooker is perseverance. Training can get quite boring and dry, but the key is to persevere. If you put the work in, you will succeed," Bai emphasized the importance of perseverance in her journey.
As she prepares to defend her title in Dongguan, Bai remains focused on her game. "This year's Women's Snooker Championship will take place on 20th May in Dongguan and my goal is to win the championship again."
Chinese snooker star Bai Yulu eyes second world title
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.
At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.
Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.
The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.
Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.
Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.
Iran swears to counterattack if attacked
