"They're absolutely shocked, it's a very close-knit community, but also sad as well to think that this would happen on their doorstep, " he said.

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Skipper Colin Montgomerie said the call was "motivational" but also "sad", as Ballesteros is still recovering after operations to remove a brain tumour.

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It was a relief, in a way, but also a little sad.

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"I am happy to see the shuttle's gone in one sense because what will replace it will give us much more interersting capabilities, but I'm also very sad to see it gone because it is the most beautiful spaceship that has ever been built, " he said.

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"It's a very sad day, not only for snooker but also for the sporting world, " he said.

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He also said she was proved right over the miners' strike, but said it was sad to see people losing their livelihoods.

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Sophia also left (as planned, no mystery there), which is very sad, but she was on the lights-and-sound desk, so Anne-Marie (who is now in the opening dance) has to alternate with Brian on lights.

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