NEWPORTplayed host to two fantastic sporting occasions yesterday in a perfect illustration off the city's massive potential.

In the morning 1,200 runners took to the streets in the 2014 Newport Half Marathon.

And what an occasion it turned out to be.

The city was awash with runners, as well as dozens of marshalls and volunteers who had all turned out to make the event go off without a hitch.

But it was the crowds who lined the streets to support the event which really made the difference.

The carnival atmosphere carried along by street entertainers and the support from the likes of the Riverfront Theatre, combined to make this year's event a huge success.

Credit must go to organisers, St David's Hospice Care, but also to the growing list of sponsors for helping make the event bigger and better than last year.

We have said it before and we make no bones about making the point again, but we feel the half marathon can be turned into a major annual attraction for the city with all the knock-on benefits that would bring.

Yesterday's half marathon showed just what sort of atmosphere can be created.

Meanwhile over at Newport Centre, snooker's Welsh Open finished on a real high for sport in the city with Ronnie O' Sullivan finishing with a flourish.

It is a shame this is the last time Newport will host this particular event, but its success shows just what we can do here.