Snooker star Hossein Vafaei looks primed to set up a new home in Hong Kong after being granted residency by its government. The Iranian ace has thanked the authorities for their decision as he follows the sport’s other stars away from the United Kingdom.

Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan has settled in Hong Kong and Dubai in recent years and the Rocket revealed his family’s decision to leave their home in Chigwell, in part, came down to its convenience for the tournament circuit. O’Sullivan made the move with his wife not keen on relocating to Sheffield.

While O’Sullivan resides in Dubai, he initially made his move to Hong Kong through the ‘Quality Migrant Admission Scheme’ and it appears Vafaei may have had a similar success.

“Thanks to Hong Kong government for gifting me Hong Kong residency,” Vafaei posted on Instagram.

The Persian Prince has already seen a well-travelled career and found himself living in Darlington somewhat by accident in 2021. Vafaei relocated to County Durham where he practiced at the Q House Academy with players including Zhou Yuelong, Thepchaiya Un-nooh and compatriot Soheil Vahedi.

After travelling to the United Kingdom for the World Championship, lockdown struck and he remained. “At the moment I’m living in Darlington, for the last World Championship I came with one small suitcase and after that I couldn’t go back,” Vafaei said at the time.

“I just came by myself, I couldn’t even go back to change my clothes or anything, and now everything’s closed I couldn’t buy anything. Oh my God, what I’ve done, trying to lose some weight! I ordered stuff but it was too big, so I had to wait till lockdown finished to go to the shop.”

More recently, Vafaei took up residence in Sheffield. A decision he was very pleased about when it came to competing at this year’s World Championship at the Crucible.

“I live in Sheffield,” he said. I wake up from my own bed, I come to the match. Perfect.

“That’s why I came to live in Sheffield and be beside the Crucible, and to imagine one day lifting the trophy, and then it should happen.”

Vafaei was the only qualifier to make it past the first round last month before ultimately falling to eventual champion Wu Yize in the quarter-finals. Wu also resides in Sheffield, training at Ding Junhui’s academy.

“Sheffield is a snooker city. They love snooker. Lots of snooker academies here, lots of good international restaurants,” Vafaei has also said on living in the Steel City.

“Whenever you want to play someone, there’s always someone for you to play and not easy opponents, they always give you a good game. Sheffield is a good city.”

Marcus Rashford helped propel Barcelona to the La Liga title as the Catalan giants clinched the championship with an El Clasico triumph over Real Madrid. Rashford netted a magnificent free-kick to give Barca the advantage at Camp Nou after merely nine minutes.

There can be few more unforgettable occasions than securing such a triumph against your fiercest adversaries. While Los Blancos have experienced episodes of internal discord leading up to the encounter, Barcelona have stayed concentrated on achieving their victory and cruised to success on Sunday evening.

Former Manchester City player Ferran Torres extended Barca’s advantage to help Rashford’s ambitions materialise. The United academy graduate had an objective upon joining the club last summer that was triumphantly fulfilled.

“I want to win the biggest trophies and feel like Barcelona is a huge club in the football world so it is the perfect place,” Rashford said at his official unveiling. “You see, with the team last season, they have a young, ambitious team, and I want to add my qualities, my personality, improve the team and help them win.”

Rashford was mobbed by his teammates after finding the net against Real Madrid, with his celebrations carrying him towards the dugout of Hansi Flick. The 28-year-old has consistently made clear his desire to prolong his time at Barcelona.

Rashford has registered 14 goals and 14 assists in 47 appearances during his spell with the Catalan club, earning considerable praise from manager Hansi Flick. Barca may still favour a cut-price transfer or a further loan arrangement, with Rashford’s wages presenting a significant stumbling block.

Yet last month, reports emerged that Rashford has ‘zero plans’ for his future beyond remaining at Barcelona. The forward was said to be ‘settled and valued in a squad he considers the best in the world’, and that sentiment appears unlikely to have shifted following tonight’s exploits.

His contribution could enhance his prospects of Barca triggering their option to sign him on a permanent basis, and if not, he has undoubtedly placed himself firmly in the shop window. A year on from being left out of United’s squad entirely, he has enjoyed a full season of making his mark one that could maximise any transfer fee his parent club are able to command.

The sole remaining concern is that Rashford has just a year remaining on his contract.