Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Off Topic => Sports Arena => Topic started by: kippaxvilla2 on April 21, 2018, 01:24:35 PM
-
From the Crucible. Anyone interested? Mr Jester from Leicester is in a bit of trouble in his opening match. Is Ronnie playing this year?
-
I'll probably dip in and out every now and then. Will watch most of the Final.
-
Reigning champion out. Beaten 10-4 by Joe Perry.
-
Big shock about Selby although he did start slowly in the China open but got away with it. Didn't yesterday though. Makes things interesting in the top half of the draw.
I've got a spare ticket for the morning session tomorrow as my daughter can't make it because of work. Any takers? Only asking face value £22.
-
O’Sullivan in a spot of bother against Maguire too. Makes for an interesting competition should the two favourites go out straight away.
-
He’s through but he had some right luck with the balls this morning.
-
Although his voice sounds just like Steve Davis', I really like Peter Ebdon commentating. Shame they've paired him with John "Where's the cue ball going?!" Virgo.
-
‘THIS YOUNG MAN’
-
‘THIS YOUNG MAN’
Don't! ::)
-
Mark Williams snooker escape/fluke shot to pot a green was quite impressive.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/43882663
-
My favourite event of the year, I always try to watch as much as possible, albeit pesky work makes that difficult (though not impossible). I'm attending my first ever match this week. It's only MacGill v Day but I'm sure I'll still enjoy it.
Hoping we get a new champion, preferably Ding or Lisowski as I have money on them (plus I quite like both players anyway).
Please not the cheat Higgins.
Ding has been the most impressive of the big names so far.
-
Although his voice sounds just like Steve Davis', I really like Peter Ebdon commentating. Shame they've paired him with John "Where's the cue ball going?!" Virgo.
The best thing about Peter Ebdon commentating is that it means Peter Ebdon isn't playing.
-
My favourite event of the year, I always try to watch as much as possible, albeit pesky work makes that difficult (though not impossible). I'm attending my first ever match this week. It's only MacGill v Day but I'm sure I'll still enjoy it.
Hoping we get a new champion, preferably Ding or Lisowski as I have money on them (plus I quite like both players anyway).
Please not the cheat Higgins.
Ding has been the most impressive of the big names so far.
I went on Monday for the first time after watching it on the telly for 40 odd years. It was incredible, I know it's a cliche, but I can't describe the atmosphere as anything other than electric. I'll be applying for tickets for next year when they go on sale on 7th May. One thing I found was that they usually have a few tickets for each session that have been returned so if you wanted to watch another session on the day you go, you may be able to. I'm sure you'll have a great day.
-
Cheers mate. I'll try for some returns for the day after.
-
Despite living in Sheffield for over 15 years I've still not been...
Had a look yesterday and the cheapest session ticket was £55!!
-
Despite living in Sheffield for over 15 years I've still not been...
Had a look yesterday and the cheapest session ticket was £55!!
Was that on viagogo? They're trying to clamp down n the secondary market charging rip off prices from next year. The tickets from the venue are a lot cheaper. Mine was £22 for a morning session and not much more for an afternoon. You can sometimes just turn up and buy tickets as they do get some returns.
-
My tickets were thirty quid each. Was at the McGill V Day match. Far from a classic but enjoyed it a lot and already planning to go back next year.
-
Despite living in Sheffield for over 15 years I've still not been...
Had a look yesterday and the cheapest session ticket was £55!!
Was that on viagogo? They're trying to clamp down n the secondary market charging rip off prices from next year. The tickets from the venue are a lot cheaper. Mine was £22 for a morning session and not much more for an afternoon. You can sometimes just turn up and buy tickets as they do get some returns.
It was all that was left. Via the official site.
Too late I think.
-
Williams 15-10 in front of Higgins....last session at 7:00pm
-
I've watched a lot of snooker in the past, Higgins(Alex) was my hero, but that from Higgins(John) tonight was some of the best I've ever seen!
-
This match is fantastic. Want Williams to win but you can't fault Higgins' bottle to make this so close. A lesser player would have thrown in the towel.
-
This match is fantastic. Want Williams to win but you can't fault Higgins' bottle to make this so close. A lesser player would have thrown in the towel.
Brilliant stuff from both. At 4pm it looked like a none event
-
Anyone seen Ronnie O'Sullivan's interview complete with Australian accent? Bonkers.
-
O'Sullivan makes thousandth century as he wins the Players Championship. Some effort.
-
And promptly loses to an amateur in round 1.
-
He deserved to lose, too. He treated the first session like he was playing his mate down the pub, going for stupid shots. He showed his opponent no respect whatsoever.
I have Quarter-Final tickets for Wednesday. Was hoping for something like O'Sullivan vs Ding but looks like I might end up with the slightly less-appetising Gilbert vs Hawkins or Kyren Wilson 😂
Robertson looks the player to beat so far, with Selby unconvincing. The winner of Trump vs Ding could have a decent chance.
-
Selby is out got to be Robertson I think
-
This is a great watch. 12-12 Maguire vs Cahill.
-
Trump leading 12 - 5, needs just 6 frames from 18 tomorrow.
-
Trump played 8 of the greatest run of frames ever according to Steve Davis and Ken Doherty. Davis said it was annihilation!
-
Cue everyone's favourite headline : TRUMP WINS!
-
Personally I'd have gone with: HIGGINS TRUMPED!
-
He was fantastic. Happy to say I saw the World Champion. Admittedly he had arguably his worst session but never mind!
-
‘HIGGINS SMELLS TRUMP’
-
Anyone been watching the old 80s finals on the BBC RB? Shocking how gung-ho and seat of the pants the play was compared to nowadays. Also you can almost smell the tobacco smoke off the velour. :)
-
Watched the Higgins vs Reardon one. It is amazing that Alex ever potted a ball, he jumps around like a bunny in a minefield every shot. He basically plays like me except that they go in. Also surprised they went with that rather than the semi-final against White, featuring possibly the best clearance ever.
-
I watched the Reardon Higgins final they showed again. Higgins was all over the shop technically and the fact that he played as well as he did and usually being pissed as well, just shows what a genius he was. That clearance against White in the semi final that year was the greatest ever for me. I mean that blue when he had to screw back to the reds with a ton of side as well. Ridiculous.
This year's World championship has been re-arranged for 31st July to 16th August. Can't see it happening with a full crowd though. Hope it does as I'm going on the second Saturday and a mate of mine is coming from Qatar for it. He isn't sure if he'll be able to make it as they may still have 14 days quarantine for re-entering the country.
-
I have tickets for the final afternoon of the Quarter-Finals. They say that if it is behind closed doors this season then tickets carry over until next season's event.
I would prefer that, to be honest. Would rather go when things are more likely to be back to normal, and I can enjoy myself in Sheffield for a couple of days rather than just be straight there and back as everything is shut. Sheffield is a good drinking city and I don't want to go when all the pubs are shut!
-
I have got excited every day this week when seeing Crucible Classics on BBC2. Once they show one that doesn't involve Jimmy White losing, I may tune in.
-
Watched the Higgins vs Reardon one. It is amazing that Alex ever potted a ball, he jumps around like a bunny in a minefield every shot. He basically plays like me except that they go in.
Agreed, it's like watching club players compared to now with even Reardon going for pretty much everything. When did it switch to the more precise game we see nowadays? Was it the arrival of Hendry in 1990 or was it a progression during the mid-late 80s Davis era?
-
I think Hendry revolutionised the game in terms of break building. They would always look to pick off individual reds and play zero risk breaks. If they fall for you, great, but if not I'll win the frame in thirty breaks. Hendry was the first to always be looking to smash the reds open at the earliest possibility even when there were other pots available. You could tell he was always pissed off if he didn't win the frame in one visit and would quite often drop frames to far inferior opposition if it went scrappy.
-
I think Hendry revolutionised the game in terms of break building. They would always look to pick off individual reds and play zero risk breaks. If they fall for you, great, but if not I'll win the frame in thirty breaks. Hendry was the first to always be looking to smash the reds open at the earliest possibility even when there were other pots available. You could tell he was always pissed off if he didn't win the frame in one visit and would quite often drop frames to far inferior opposition if it went scrappy.
That sounds plausible. Watched some of the re-run of his first final against White and he was simply superb. Still felt sorry for Jimmy.
-
Just read that Peter Ebdon has retired and immediately found out he is a rabid anti-vaxxer!
-
1985 final reshown last night and amazing the amount of missed shots. Not BBC NI's greatest idea to show the Alex Higgins documentary at the same time as the final frame.
-
Wasn't there a final in the eighties when someone in the crowd shouted '"C'Mon" (whoever it was) which led to a crucial black being missed in the final frame? I think Jimmy White was involved. I'm not sure it was the World Championship final though.
-
Ronnie sets new record in his first round win at the snooker. Hopefully he's in good form and up for it. https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/53636639
Another highlight is that the lovely Seema Jaswal has replaced Hazel Irvine in the BBC coverage.
-
Lisowski v McGill into a deciding frame. McGill had led 9-6, really good game.
-
John Higgins 147.
-
John Higgins 147.
...and still knocked out 😂. Well done Kurt Maflin.
-
Enjoyed that match immensely. Strangely, Higgins looked the more nervous of the 2.
I thought he'd win easily, after going 2-0 up.
-
The tournament has been great, imo. Delighted they went ahead with it.
-
At this rate McGill v Clarke scheduled to finish sometime on Friday. Still pretty watchable with all the safety shots.
-
At this rate McGill v Clarke scheduled to finish sometime on Friday. Still pretty watchable with all the safety shots.
Yep, I wouldn't like to pick a winner in this one. Some excellent safety being played.
-
Would love to see Ding win it, but it looks increasingly unlikely with each passing year. His long game was rubbish tonight. O'Sullivan will have to improve to win it though, someone like Williams won't let him get away with missing blacks off the spot.
-
Would love to see Ding win it, but it looks increasingly unlikely with each passing year. His long game was rubbish tonight. O'Sullivan will have to improve to win it though, someone like Williams won't let him get away with missing blacks off the spot.
Yes it was very odd missing those blacks off the spot when you see how well he played overall tonight. Will be a great match with Williams.
-
Hopefully it will be O'Sullivan v McGill in the final. McGill doesn't seem the most exciting character on or off the baize but I've enjoyed the grittiness in his matches so far.
-
The McGill vs. Wilson match is exciting... But fuck ME Dave Farrar is a dreadful commentator!
-
Two brilliant semis so far.
-
O'Sullivan decides to chuck it away by playing like me playing pool after a few beers too many.
-
And then again...
-
What a difference! From playing like I used to to playing like he is untouchable.
-
Fuck me, 16 all again.
-
What a final frame, unbelievable.
-
Two quality semi-finals.
-
What a day of snooker! Some of the shots in that last frame to get out of snookers were incredible.
Glad Ronnie's through but thought he'd effed it up on a few occasions.
-
Thought there were a few sour grapes from Selby in that post match interview.
-
Thought there were a few sour grapes from Selby in that post match interview.
I've never liked Selby. One of those pricks who like to think they're a 'personality' when they're winning, and turn into a nasty, bitter tosser when they're losing.
-
Selby has gone down massively in my opinion after that childish interview. He must've said 'disrespected' at least 8 times. That's Ronnie, the most gifted player ever.....a speed genius around the table and a great personality. Too many boring, predictable players now with no charisma.
-
Link?
-
Interview on the BBC Lee. Said he felt disrespected by O'Sullivan when he was whacking the safety shots around. The classless twat, he should have just won one more frame then he'd have had nothing to moan about.
-
Can't find it. Agree with you, though. He had his chance and blew it.
-
Ah. Just seen it. What an ungracious loser.
-
If they insist on interviewing someone who has lost such a huge match within 5 minutes of leaving the table it’s a bit unfair to dissect his every word - he was obviously gutted and was venting (see the first 50 comments in a post match thread on here after we lose a game & we ain’t even players!) - if it was his opinion that Ronnie was being disrespectful then that was his opinion, we moan when interviews are vanilla and say nothing fair play for saying what he thought.
I massively wanted Ronnie to win, so happy he’s in final :-) now win it!!
-
It looks like it is going that way. Wilson looks permanently on the verge of tears.
-
It looks like it is going that way. Wilson looks permanently on the verge of tears.
Thing with Ronnie is, he's a frontrunner. He's calm when he's behind, and when evens, but once he's ahead, he hates being challenged, and loses his cool. That's why his Triple Crown wins are often by a wide margin, but he has been on the end of some pretty famous comebacks.
Edit: not sure if 'frontrunner' is the term I wanted. Probably not.
-
It looks like it is going that way. Wilson looks permanently on the verge of tears.
He's just got one of those hangdog expressions where he constantly looks like he's lost a pound and found a penny. There was a segment on him at home during the week and he seems a likeable guy to be fair.
-
I saw that as well. He does. Making a good comeback at the moment.
-
10-7, Ronnie got out of jail there after Wilson's miss on the final red.
-
Ronnie looks a totally different player today and Wilson's positional weaknesses are going to cost him. He should have won at least two of the first four frames.
-
Gonna stick my neck out and suggest it won’t be a late night finish at Crucible
-
I think Wilson needs to do a Villa.
-
I think Wilson needs to do a Villa.
He's 125/1 on at the moment. Not even Damo sticking a grand on O'Sullivan would sway this one I reckon.
-
I think Wilson needs to do a Villa.
He's 125/1 on at the moment. Not even Damo sticking a grand on O'Sullivan would sway this one I reckon.
;D Made me laugh!
-
O'Sullivan beats Ding Junhui 6-5 in a little cracker of a match.
-
Fair play to Yan Bingtao great win over John Higgins but how bad is bbc coverage - Virgo has to be one of the most hopeless pundits on any sport, even worse than McManaman. Constantly wittering on, virtually every comment is a question & the amount of times he says ‘think he can see it’ when it is blatantly obvious....just a shame Eurosport have Joe Johnson who is worse :-)
-
Perfect break
https://twitter.com/livesnooker/status/1361795948310061062?s=21
-
Brilliant!
RIP Doug. He was a lovely guy. I met him when he did an exhibition at our club many years ago, a real gentleman. I'll always remember that amazing win against Hendry in the 1988 UK Championship after he worked with the great coach, Frank Callan.
-
Back to the 90s watching Hendry and White in the qualifiers. Pretty poor standard so far mind
-
Hendry won 6-3. Will have to improve significantly to get near qualification but forgivable as it is only his second game back since unretiring. White needs to hope for another wildcard spot to stay on the tour, would imagine he'll get it.
-
Hendry won 6-3. Will have to improve significantly to get near qualification but forgivable as it is only his second game back since unretiring. White needs to hope for another wildcard spot to stay on the tour, would imagine he'll get it.
Was never going to be a match where both players were rattling in century breaks. Hendry hasn't played competitively for nearly ten years.
Jimmy White must be having thoughts about retirement even if he does get another wildcard. He was awful at times yesterday.
-
Good to see the fans back with a full house planned for the final. Will be cheering on Ronnie, David Gilbert and John Higgins.
-
Robertson twatting Liang 10-3 is a bit ominous. Can't really see anyone outside of ROS, Robertson, Trump or Selby winning. I have money on ROS, Selby, Gilbert and Yan.
-
I'd love to see Gilbert win it although he'll be playing Trump in the next round assuming he beats Liam Highfield.
Gilbert came so close to beating Higgins in the semi final two years ago and he's certainly overdue a ranking title.
-
Love his nickname "The Angry Farmer". :) I know he's from Tamworth, is he one of the Chosen?
Really enjoyed McGill's billiard style pot onto a red over the corner pocket. Even had Davis and Taylor purring about it.
-
Matt Selt who starts tomorrow is a Villa fan
-
Didn't know that, hope he wins. Hawkins is tricky at the Crucible, though.
Ding v Bingham could be a classic second session, tomorrow afternoon.
-
Matt Selt who starts tomorrow is a Villa fan
Met Mr Selt a few years ago at the Atack Snooker Club in Nuneaton, he was based in Atherstone for a couple of years and practiced in Nuneaton.
He had a trial at Villa and was a half decent footballer as a youngster.
I played one shot on his practice table when he demonstrated to me how tight the pockets were on the pro tables.
I got it in the 'ole' and quickly returned to the bucket table i was playing on..........
That means my pot success on a match table is 100%
-
Ding vs Bingham deciding frame due at half eight on BBC4. I love a Crucible decider. ☺
-
Ding vs Bingham deciding frame due at half eight on BBC4. I love a Crucible decider. ☺
Tension is getting both of them before a ball is even potted.
-
Poor Ding is never gonna win the World Championship. Shame, he's my favourite. I do like Gilbert and Selt, too.
-
It's been an absolutely shite First Round for those of us that like to see the underdogs do well.
-
Poor Ding is never gonna win the World Championship. Shame, he's my favourite. I do like Gilbert and Selt, too.
I know, Ding is far from one of my favourites, but I do feel sorry for him. The weight of expectation must be huge.
He's a cracking player, has achieved loads in the game, but is only ever judged on whether he's the first Chinese chap to win the World Championship.
Not only is it unfair to put the pressure on of expecting him to win (when so many fantastic players haven't), but with so many top players coming out of China & Hong Kong, he has the added pressure of knowing, should one of those guys win at the Crucible before him, they'll be seen to have usurped him.
He seems a nice bloke, and he broke through when the sport wasn't as global as it is now. He put the work in when pretty much every tournament was based in the UK. He deserves huge credit.
-
You could argue that, just as the players of the eighties owed much of their wealth and fame to Alex Higgins popularising the game, so today's players owe much of their increased sponsorship and prize money to Ding and the explosion in popularity he gave the sport in China.
I think it'll be a shame if he never wins it, but he still has a chance. Forty seems to be the new thirty in snooker so you never know.
-
You could argue that, just as the players of the eighties owed much of their wealth and fame to Alex Higgins popularising the game, so today's players owe much of their increased sponsorship and prize money to Ding and the explosion in popularity he gave the sport in China.
I think it'll be a shame if he never wins it, but he still has a chance. Forty seems to be the new thirty in snooker so you never know.
True enough, he'd be relatively old for a first time winner, but he's not old as a player, and the sport has changed a lot over the past ten years.
-
I quite often play on the table next to Dave Gilbert in Tamworth (lockdowns permitting), fair to say his frames don't last quite as long as ours do.
Would love him to win it, will be tough against Trump though.
-
Ronnie went through the motions earlier as he often does in a morning session. Going to be some comeback to win from here.
-
I really hate the new break off shot.
-
I really hate the new break off shot.
I've not watched. What happens? Does the opponent lift the pink out of the way?
-
That would be much better. Nah it is just a boring roll up to the pack off the top cushion. Only O'Sullivan and Williams do it, I think. Though Higgins did do it once to take the piss out of Williams.
Anyway, McGill seems to have fucked this up.
-
Decider!
-
Well done McGill, never doubted you!
-
BBC switching over mid-147 attempt to show gymnastics, FFS.
-
When I went to the Crucible, got chatting to 2 blokes in the lift of our hotel about the snooker.
Turns out they were there with Gilbert. They were his mates and were pretty shocked that he'd gotten so far in the tournament.
So I've had a soft spot for him since then, plus he's quite local.
-
I reckon he needs to get to at least the semis to stay in the top sixteen. Trump next so should be easy enough...
-
When I went to the Crucible, got chatting to 2 blokes in the lift of our hotel about the snooker.
Turns out they were there with Gilbert. They were his mates and were pretty shocked that he'd gotten so far in the tournament.
So I've had a soft spot for him since then, plus he's quite local.
I saw his semi final two years ago and saw him arrive with his mum for the morning session. I had a chat with her as we were waiting for the doors to open, very nice lady. Since then, I've been a Dave supporter.
He's made a great start against Trump this morning who's looking very edgy.
-
Not a great advert this. Concede Selby, you boring twat.
-
The BBC coverage is now terrible, you keep having to chase it around, bbc1, bbc2, bbc4, iplayer (if you can find it on there).
-
I've really enjoyed this year's Championship, hope Murphy wins it.
-
Selby booed by some of the crowd as he walked out tonight.
-
Im sure his nickname of the Jester is ironic, but why boo him??
-
Im sure his nickname of the Jester is ironic, but why boo him??
Same reason Davis and Hendry used to get booed - because they're successful.
Been a masterclass from Selby. Murphy has played well, just can't get on the table long enough.
-
Met him a couple of years back and he’s a down to earth guy and was happy to chat.
-
Back to back centuries from Murphy.
-
Selby looks a bit rattled.
-
Selby the Champion. Brilliant fightback from Murphy, but that hesitation on the shot down the cushion cost him
-
Neil Robertson comes back from 9-4 down to beat John Higgins 10-9 in the final of the Tour Championship.
World Championship Qualifiers start tomorrow. After a three year absence I'm heading back to The Crucible with quarter-final tickets. 🙂
-
I see 2006 World Champion Graeme Dott made a 147 yesterday, now into the final qualifying round.
-
I've got tickets for all 3 sessions on Sunday but have just tested positive for covid. Bought the tickets 3 years ago. Gutted.
I'll be putting them up for sale at the Crucible box office soon so if you fancy going. The evening ones are front row tickets.
-
Selby knocked out by China's Yan Bingtao 13-10, the 22nd frame lasted 85 mins, a record for the Crucible, I wouldn't have thought there were too many still awake, when that finished!
-
Neil Robertson has just made a 147 brea.
-
And then loses in a decider. Match of the tournament so far, well done Jack Lisowski.
-
And then loses in a decider. Match of the tournament so far, well done Jack Lisowski.
Yeah, thought he'd blown it when he went 12-11 down but was delighted he won. Can't warm to Robertson at all.
Who will you be watcing in the quarter-finals?
-
I think Lisowski vs Higgins, but hoping our seats enable us to view Yan Bingtao vs Williams at the same time as we could see both matches last time and I tried to get some in pretty much the same spot. Unless I've fucked it up, which is entirely possible.
-
I think Lisowski vs Higgins, but hoping our seats enable us to view Yan Bingtao vs Williams at the same time as we could see both matches last time and I tried to get some in pretty much the same spot. Unless I've fucked it up, which is entirely possible.
Lisowski v Higgins should be pretty decent but hopefully you'll get to see both. Enjoy!
Should we keep an eye out for someone in a Villa shirt having a set-to with the Crucible Coventry fan?
-
I think football shirts are banned. I'll be passed out near the back from my exertions the night before, I imagine.
-
147 for Neil Robertson
-
I think football shirts are banned. I'll be passed out near the back from my exertions the night before, I imagine.
Well don't go out drinking with Drummond then. Thought that Coventry fan was known for wearing a different shirt of theirs every day and watching the 147 it looked like there was a guy in a Finland (Suomi) ice hockey shirt. Not that I'd wear a Villa shirt to it if I got tickets to go.
-
They banned them a few years ago. Now he wears a variety of Coventry-themed shirts that are not actually Coventry shirts. Not sure if they have any rule re: ice hockey.
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-city-shirt-snooker-football-14571557
-
Actually that rings a bell now, was probably where I heard of him in the first place.
-
Looks like football tank tops aren't banned though. https://twitter.com/PGaillimh/status/1518593152906633217/photo/1
-
147 for Neil Robertson
and he still lost the match 13-12 to Jack Lisowski
-
Is it ok to wear 'I love Bono' shirts?
-
Yes. It makes it easier for the death squads to identify the wrong 'uns, come the revolution.
-
Yes. It makes you easier for the death squads to identify the wrong 'uns, come the revolution.
Sounds like a job for Pol Pot.
-
You'd think their wives and girlfriends would chose their clothe....oh wait ???
-
I think football shirts are banned. I'll be passed out near the back from my exertions the night before, I imagine.
I thought this but was there on Sunday afternoon for Robertson v Lisowski and there were redscouse and Leeds tops both in the crowd. They were quite far back out of camera shot though so maybe its only the first few rows that matter.
-
Matty Cash at the snooker, living life in the fast lane.
https://twitter.com/wearewst/status/1518645737294381059?s=21&t=OCl-FQxN-Fdc2xtpy8bjbA
-
Great match between Higgins and Lisowski, think CDBF got his money's worth.
-
Cracking match-up between O Sullivan and Higgins.
-
That last frame from Ronnie O to go 10-6 up was magnificent.
-
Mark Williams has made a comeback against Judd Trump. Trump was 7-1 up last night and now it is 13-11.
-
Mark Williams has made a comeback against Judd Trump. Trump was 7-1 up last night and now it is 13-11.
Yes, superb stuff to make a real match of it with some amazing long pots.
Cheering for Ronnie, Higgins, Williams in that order or, like many people come US election time, anyone but Trump. I did like his tweet on Thursday though. https://twitter.com/judd147t/status/1519457187738927108
-
Williams with a 137 break to make it 14-14. Best of 5 for a place in the final.
-
The 18th frame clearance from O'Sullivan was some of the best snooker you'll ever see.
-
Well done Ronnie number 7.
-
Yes great stuff, some achievement to win his 7th and be the oldest to do so. I don't think he's really looked under pressure at any stage during the tournament so a very deserving winner.
-
Pissed it. Was hoping for a closer final. The hug at the end was uncomfortable.
-
Yes great stuff, some achievement to win his 7th and be the oldest to do so. I don't think he's really looked under pressure at any stage during the tournament so a very deserving winner.
Often the way with Ronnie. When he makes tonnes of big breaks or ridiculous shots early on, it's normally a bad sign. When he's calm and easy, his cue ball control is on song, cruising along is when he tends to win tournaments. You can sometimes spot it as early as the second round.
Not an easy draw for him this year, either.
-
Pissed it. Was hoping for a closer final. The hug at the end was uncomfortable.
I thought that, too, but they’re good buddies listening to the interviews at the end.
If I heard it correctly RO’S sort of mentored Trump
-
Perhaps for the smile thread, but I feel almost embarrassed to have hit a certain age where not only is new music uninteresting, but I'll now happily listen to the snooker theme as actual music. Does the BBC still use the remixed version or have they gone back to "classic" ?
Also, in a Bill Bailey pleasing way, I get to hear "the rest of / the whole track".
-
Not worth starting a new thread, in the UK Championship Ding Junhui has beaten Ronnie 6 Nil.
-
Goo on Ding.
-
Might be nice if a friendly moderator could change this to just "Snooker", please.
-
I'd love Ding to win this.
-
Footy-Vill is now on a break. Is this a coincidence?
-
I'd love Ding to win this.
Jack Lisowski for me. Even if it’s just to shut the commentators up about him being the best to never win anything. Fact is, he’s good, but clearly not good enough to win anything yet. Which is why he hasn’t. He is just unfortunate to live in an era where there are so many better players than him. I did like his win agains Murphy though. Even if it was just as punishment for that waistcoat…
-
Pretty unusual in that we've got to a semi-final and I don't dislike any of the players.
-
Wow what a match Allen wins it on the black.
-
Vital last frame win for Allen, just about keeping him in the match, Ding leads 6-2.
-
Allen takes the title with an amazing comeback winning 9 out of the last 10 frames.
-
Oh, Ding. ☹️
-
Might be nice if a friendly moderator could change this to just "Snooker", please.
Thanks to whoever it was.
-
A return to the Dark Ages. https://twitter.com/eurosport/status/921002078398484486 :(
-
A return to the Dark Ages. https://twitter.com/eurosport/status/921002078398484486 :(
Credit to the players for remaining calm. Reminds me of Federer at the French Open 2009, when some loon ran on with a Spanish flag and tried to tie it to him.
It's a morbid thought, but when you think that little fat SHA guy managed to get on the pitch and get close enough to tickle Grealish, it's a surprise more terrorist attacks don't happen like that.
How much more high-profile could you get than an attack on the pitch in a Premier League or European Cup match? And I wouldn't particularly trust the dumpy retired blokes who act as stewards to do anything about it.
-
Especially if they hate the target.
-
Matty Cash in the crowd at the Masters final I think. Wasn't it Wimbledon the other year, he likes his big events. Well done Trump by the way.
-
Lovely little video with Ronnie and Ray Reardon. https://twitter.com/WeAreWST/status/1625467529236987904
-
Not something you'd expect to see at the snooker..
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/65305903
-
Lets hope it does not happen during a game involving us (unless we are losing) and the game gets abandoned.
-
Donald Trumps ashes being scattered?
-
This is potty.
-
Hendry was quick to spot the really important concern over this:
Speaking on the BBC Red Button, at the time of the incident, seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry said: "I have never seen that before at a snooker event. It's a first.
"It is scary. Wow! You just hope the cloth can be recovered from that. It caught us all by surprise and then this happens.
"For me, straight away as a snooker player I am thinking: 'Is the table recoverable?' We don't know what that is on the table."
-
Si Juahui wins an epic contest vs Shaun Murphy in the deciding frame. No-fear snooker from the twenty-year-old.
-
Making his Crucible debut, it was a very impressive win for Jak Jones beating Neil Robertson 13-7.
-
Has anyone spotted the Coventry shirt guy in the crowd this year? I haven't seen him, at least not yet.
-
Has anyone spotted the Coventry shirt guy in the crowd this year? I haven't seen him, at least not yet.
Yep I've seen him but only for one match, can't remember which one.
-
He has been there…think they banned football shirts though
You wouldn’t want tickets for today…potential the afternoon session is over in 2 frames and tonight might only last 5 frames over the 2 tables
-
Big turn up, Ronnie knocked out, beaten by Luca Brecel 13-10.
-
Luca Brecel made the greatest Crucible comeback ever, coming from 14-5 down to beat Si Jiahui 17-15, which included winning 11 frames in a row.
-
This Allen v Selby semi-final has been a bit of a war of attrition.
-
Neither player’s been close to their best. Looks like Selby’s match.
-
Brecel’s a great player, fearless. Love the tattoos on his hands and knuckles….
-
147!!!
-
Great final so far. Got tickets for next year too.
-
C'mon Luca, I only want one Leicester win tonight.
-
An excellent final and a worthy winner. Both players really forced each other to raise their game and it’s always nice to see a new name on the trophy.
-
Yes, excellent stuff and fully deserved although I thought he was toast when Selby got it back to 16-15 and Luca couldn't pot a ball for love or money. Cracking tournament overall, and good for snooker to have a young champion and the first from Continental Europe.
-
Ive been away this weekend but caught the final 2 frames having heard updates this afternoon. I thought Brecel did well to hold his nerve and it sounds like a brilliant final all round.
-
Yes, well done to Brecel. He had a tough route, beating Williams, O'Sullivan, Si (who had a cracking tournament) and Selby. Fully deserved.
-
Chinese players Liang Wenbo and Li Hang have been handed lifetime bans for their involvement in snooker's biggest match-fixing scandal.
Eight other players, all from China, have received bans ranging from 20 months to five years and four months from the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).
The allegations include manipulating games, approaching players to cheat, betting on snooker and fixing matches.
Yan Bingtao, the 2021 Masters champion, has been banned until December 2027, while former UK Championship winner Zhao Xintong must serve a suspension that ends in September 2024.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/65641122
-
Just watching the champion of champions. Those t shirts the players are wearing are horrendous looking things. All shiny polyester crap that look like an explosion in a paint factory.
What's wrong with the shirt and waistcoat?
-
Weird old crowd at the snooker shoot out…
-
So Ronnie wins 2 ranking events in the space of 7 days, producing the best single session of snooker I've ever seen (I watch a lot) during his semi final on Saturday.
There can't be many sportsmen who remain at the very top of their profession after 30 odd years, the bloke is incredible.
-
So Ronnie wins 2 ranking events in the space of 7 days, producing the best single session of snooker I've ever seen (I watch a lot) during his semi final on Saturday.
There can't be many sportsmen who remain at the very top of their profession after 30 odd years, the bloke is incredible.
Yes, he's incredible. Trump must be sick after being 4 nil up and missing that black to go 7 each.
-
So Ronnie wins 2 ranking events in the space of 7 days, producing the best single session of snooker I've ever seen (I watch a lot) during his semi final on Saturday.
There can't be many sportsmen who remain at the very top of their profession after 30 odd years, the bloke is incredible.
Yes, he's incredible. Trump must be sick after being 4 nil up and missing that black to go 7 each.
Yeah that was huge, I seem to remember there was a brown later on too which was a big miss in the context of the match, but that black was unforgivable.
-
So Ronnie wins 2 ranking events in the space of 7 days, producing the best single session of snooker I've ever seen (I watch a lot) during his semi final on Saturday.
There can't be many sportsmen who remain at the very top of their profession after 30 odd years, the bloke is incredible.
Yes, he's incredible. Trump must be sick after being 4 nil up and missing that black to go 7 each.
Yeah that was huge, I seem to remember there was a brown later on too which was a big miss in the context of the match, but that black was unforgivable.
I think that brown was in the frame after that. A difficult shot and he was so close to getting it. Very unlucky with that one.
-
The excellent 'Gods of Snooker' is being repeated on BBC 4 over the next 3 nights. A nice trip down memory lane.
-
Selby out in the first round to Crucible newbie Joe O’Connor
-
He's supposed to be taking a break from the game.
-
Looks like Hearn is planning to move away from the Crucible after the current deal there runs out
-
The Saudis love their snooker.
-
What a great night of snooker. Was hoping Lisowski would win against Bingham, but pleased for Higgins. Thought Allen had him, but that was some clearance in the deciding frame.
-
Especially the double that got him started!
-
With Trump out I'm thinking a Higgins v O'Sullivan final now.
-
With Trump out I'm thinking a Higgins v O'Sullivan final now.
I would love that to be the final, but have a feeling Bingham might grind out the win tonight. Hope I'm wrong.
-
With Trump out I'm thinking a Higgins v O'Sullivan final now.
I would love that to be the final, but have a feeling Bingham might grind out the win tonight. Hope I'm wrong.
Kyren Wilson is about to knock Higgins out.
-
Kyren Wilson is about to knock Higgins out.
No surprise, Wilson's been ahead in that from the start. Don't mind Wilson tbh, probably because he always reminds me of Droopy. :)
-
Bingham wins it 13-10. Disappointed for Ronnie as I''d like him to win an 8th World title, but Bingham deserved it over the course of the match.
-
Not the most exciting semi-final line-up, but would like Kyren Wilson or Dave Gilbert to win it from here.
-
Jak Jones is the big surprise of the tournament a qualifer and only 2nd time at The Crucible.
-
I was at the Crucible for the Saturday evening session so feel a bit invested in Bingham and Wilson
-
It’s very hard to pick a winner from the last four; all of them have raised their games substantially. It could even be an all-qualifier final!
-
It's the battle of the text speak first names. Hope Wilson wins it but glad Jones is making a game of it. That last frame was a bit dramatic, and winning it is a massive boost for Wilson.
-
I don't mind who wins. It'll be nice to see a new winner, and both seem like good lads.
-
I was at the Crucible for the Saturday evening session so feel a bit invested in Bingham and Wilson
I was there too that night. Wilson looked good I thought. Seemed to be more fluent and a bit quicker this year.
Had a bit of a problem with not having enough space between the table and the new advertising surround. It's not great, surprised that wasn't checked when they designed it.
-
It's been an enjoyable last day. I do think it's time for John Virgo to hang up his mic though.
-
Virgo is really annoying
-
Kyren really limping now!
-
…but he makes it to the line. A dogged performance from the new champ!
-
Yep. Pretty evenly matched, in the end. But the Kettering boy prevailed. Which is how it should be.
-
Wanted Wilson to win as he seems a likeable guy. Also thought he deserved to win, as he was the most consistent performer over the 17 days.
-
‘THIS YOUNG MAN’
-
Almost a Brian Clough impression.
-
A sad day for snooker as Clive Everton passes away- during the tournament at which the trophy bears his name. RIP Clive, champion of and ambassador for snooker and billiards. A fitting obituary by David Hendon:
https://www.wst.tv/news/2024/september/27/commentary-legend-clive-everton-passes-away/
-
A sad day for snooker as Clive Everton passes away- during the tournament at which the trophy bears his name. RIP Clive, champion of and ambassador for snooker and billiards. A fitting obituary by David Hendon:
https://www.wst.tv/news/2024/september/27/commentary-legend-clive-everton-passes-away/
Yes very sad, I think he was the best commentator ever. Lovely tribute by Dave Hendon.
-
Haven't watched this yet but reckom it could be a good and some others may like it as well. I've warmed a lot to Hendry watching his channel.
-
I like a lot of those Hendry videos so will watch that at some point. He seems quite a likeable bloke. Quite self-deprecating.
Deciding frame in the Players Championship Final, now on ITV4. Judd Trump 9 Kyren Wilson 9.
-
Haven't watched this yet but reckom it could be a good and some others may like it as well. I've warmed a lot to Hendry watching his channel.
Yeah I didn't used to like him but since he started commentating and doing his Youtube channel he seems like a good bloke.
-
It was so boring when he used to win every year but hindsight is a wonderful thing and I recognise it for the achievement it was now.
-
It was so boring when he used to win every year but hindsight is a wonderful thing and I recognise it for the achievement it was now.
Never enjoyed him as a player, but hard to argue he competed in a weak era when he was playing Davis, White and (the real) class of '92.
-
When he was dominating I found him tedious, especially as someone that loved Jimmy. It's only looking back, and from watching his channel, that I can appreciate he was just as attacking a player if not even more so than Jimmy.
-
Yikes.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c985555nr49o
-
Yikes.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c985555nr49o
I never liked him, but that was because he was a dull player and Rangers fan. But this is a surprise.
-
I always hated Peter Ebdon and he turned out to be a fucking crank. Didn't have a read on Dott, though.
-
I always hated Peter Ebdon and he turned out to be a fucking crank. Didn't have a read on Dott, though.
Yeah, naturally I hated Ebbo.
-
I always thought of Ebdon as some sort of turbo-psycho-nutter-bastard, with his screams when he won a frame belying his quiet, polite manner in general conversation.
-
It's Crucible time as well as the Beeb, TNT are also showing it. Reading this morning Ronnie, who has been having problems, may pull out of it, if as he says 'he has a meltdown' before his first match.
-
I think it’ll be wide open this year- Judd and Kyren are expected to do well (Crucible Curse notwithstanding in the case of the latter), but there are so many players capable of beating anyone it’s too tricky to call.
Looking back a few posts re:Hendry, Matty Cash appeared on his YouTube channel a while back:
https://youtu.be/TRN3tT3xHdk?si=LbFYuY0a7WWzf1C5
-
It's Crucible time as well as the Beeb, TNT are also showing it. Reading this morning Ronnie, who has been having problems, may pull out of it, if as he says 'he has a meltdown' before his first match.
I get a bit tired of listening to him.
-
Wow reigning champion beaten 10-9 by Lei Peifan.
-
I think it’ll be wide open this year- Judd and Kyren are expected to do well (Crucible Curse notwithstanding in the case of the latter), but there are so many players capable of beating anyone it’s too tricky to call.
Looking back a few posts re:Hendry, Matty Cash appeared on his YouTube channel a while back:
https://youtu.be/TRN3tT3xHdk?si=LbFYuY0a7WWzf1C5
What was that about Kyren?... 😄
-
It's a curse for a reason.
Not that it's actually a curse, it's just a very difficult tournament to win. How many have defended it since it moved to the Crucible? Three?
I can only think of Davis, Hendry and Ronnie.
Edit: just looked it up and saw Selby did, as well.
-
I think it’ll be wide open this year- Judd and Kyren are expected to do well (Crucible Curse notwithstanding in the case of the latter), but there are so many players capable of beating anyone it’s too tricky to call.
Looking back a few posts re:Hendry, Matty Cash appeared on his YouTube channel a while back:
https://youtu.be/TRN3tT3xHdk?si=LbFYuY0a7WWzf1C5
What was that about Kyren?... 😄
Yep, fair play to Lei, he was outstanding last night and held his nerve when Kyren pulled it back to 9-9 from 9-6 down.
-
It's a curse for a reason.
Not that it's actually a curse, it's just a very difficult tournament to win. How many have defended it since it moved to the Crucible? Three?
I can only think of Davis, Hendry and Ronnie.
Edit: just looked it up and saw Selby did, as well.
Of course it's a curse. 😡
-
Peifan becomes the first debutant to beat the defending champion in the first round, for 25 years, watch out the Cinese are coming.
-
Any of the qualifiers have come through 2/3 best of 19 frame games last week which is a leveller in these first round games. Doubt Wilson is anything like the last seed to get binned in this round
-
Yes, the current qualifying format is great for providing upsets in the First Round. In the nineties, the utter maniacs had the qualifiers six months before the event.
-
Very enjoyable matches tonight.
-
Random little thing, but I was at Paul Hunter's last Crucible match, vs Robertson, who I think was making his first appearance.
I'm pretty sure I was the only person in the whole building rooting for Robertson.
-
Random little thing, but I was at Paul Hunter's last Crucible match, vs Robertson, who I think was making his first appearance.
I'm pretty sure I was the only person in the whole building rooting for Robertson.
Not surprised, I find it hard to warm to Robertson. Same with Selby and Allen, although I'll support the latter as he's Irish.
I also can't bring myself to cheer for someone called Jak Jones or Zak Surety.
-
I find Selby a lot more likeable these days since opening up about his mental health struggles. Would much rather save my contempt for Murphy and Carter. Quite fancy Selby to go far this year as he's looked in good nick lately.
-
I find Selby a lot more likeable these days since opening up about his mental health struggles. Would much rather save my contempt for Murphy and Carter. Quite fancy Selby to go far this year as he's looked in good nick lately.
Yeah, his style of play isn't my bag, but I reckon he's a decent bloke.
-
I find Selby a lot more likeable these days since opening up about his mental health struggles. Would much rather save my contempt for Murphy and Carter. Quite fancy Selby to go far this year as he's looked in good nick lately.
Murphy is a complete arse.
-
I find Selby a lot more likeable these days since opening up about his mental health struggles. Would much rather save my contempt for Murphy and Carter. Quite fancy Selby to go far this year as he's looked in good nick lately.
Murphy is a complete arse.
Ooo yes. I really dislike him.
-
I'm hoping Higgins wins his match as a) I like John Higgins, and b) Joe O'Connor reminds me of Ralf Little.
-
It's mental that in 2025 a World Championship Quarter-Final could be between John Higgins and Mark Williams. Like turning on Match of the Day and seeing that Tom Finney is still banging them in.
-
It's mental that in 2025 a World Championship Quarter-Final could be between John Higgins and Mark Williams. Like turning on Match of the Day and seeing that Tom Finney is still banging them in.
That trio of Williams, Higgins, Ronnie has changed snooker as much as Federer, Nadal & Djokovic changed tennis.
Crazy to think that Davis won his last World Championship aged 32; Hendry aged 30. And they were kind of elder statesmen by then.
Now, snooker players don't even hit their prime until they're 30-odd.
Just think how much one of the three could've won if he hadn't had the other two as contemporaries.
-
Random little thing, but I was at Paul Hunter's last Crucible match, vs Robertson, who I think was making his first appearance.
I'm pretty sure I was the only person in the whole building rooting for Robertson.
Not surprised, I find it hard to warm to Robertson.
Think it was mainly because of four factors:
- Hunter was local, so always had loads of support at the Crucible
- Hunter was dying of cancer
- Robertson was very young, so had no established fan base
- Robertson was Australian, so any fans he did have at that point were likely thousands of miles away
I was no fan of Hunter. Excellent player, but I hated the whole 'Beckham of the baize' bullshit. However, it was very sad to see him that day. He was so thin, clearly didn't have the energy for a best-of-19 match, and kept having to take little breaks to lean on things and catch his breath.
I don't know how many of you have been, but there's no mistaking body language and atmosphere at the Crucible, you're just so close. I saw Higgins's comeback against Maguire in the 2007 SF, and wish I'd gone out and placed a bet after the first frame.
I was four rows back, maybe 12ft from Maguire and you could sense his tension. Every time he went to his seat you could hear him berating himself under his breath and see him flinching in anger. No way was he ever winning that match.
Fascinating character study, and so apt that it all takes place in a theatre.
-
Big grudge match today between O'Sullivan and Carter starts this afternoon.
-
Zak Surety trailing 7-6 but has made four centuries which is a new record in a debut match at the Crucible.
-
Wrt the banned football shirts, I see the guy is back in his Finland (Suomi) hockey shirt. There's also a young lad in a Mayo GAA shirt, so they need to start enforcing the dress code more strictly.
-
Oh are football shirts banned? I was wondering only yesterday where the bloke in the Coventry shirt was these days.
-
I was there today and there was a bloke in a West Ham jacket and I spotted what looked like a retro England Admiral top too. In terms of other sports, someone was wearing a Williams racing top.
-
I was there today and there was a bloke in a West Ham jacket and I spotted what looked like a retro England Admiral top too. In terms of other sports, someone was wearing a Williams racing top.
Were you watching Ronnie? He looked very sharp in that second session.
-
I was there today and there was a bloke in a West Ham jacket and I spotted what looked like a retro England Admiral top too. In terms of other sports, someone was wearing a Williams racing top.
Were you watching Ronnie? He looked very sharp in that second session.
No, he was the other side of the screen unfortunately. I saw Day and Brecel making a dog's dinner of things, for the most part.
-
That's a shame , but the luck of the draw I guess. Ryan Day makes me smile, as he get older he looks more like the CEO of a bank than a snooker player.
-
He married his stepmother, didn't he?
-
His stepmother's sister
-
Oh fair enough.
-
Oh are football shirts banned? I was wondering only yesterday where the bloke in the Coventry shirt was these days.
They certainly were banned a few years back but I saw someone in a retro Arsenal top there last year, they were sat quite near the back though.
That Coventry bloke seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth, he's normally there year in, year out, hope he's OK!
-
Oh are football shirts banned? I was wondering only yesterday where the bloke in the Coventry shirt was these days.
They certainly were banned a few years back but I saw someone in a retro Arsenal top there last year, they were sat quite near the back though.
That Coventry bloke seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth, he's normally there year in, year out, hope he's OK!
Yes I think he has been there, watching Ronnie yesterday whilst strangely sporting dark sunglasses.
-
The 'Suomi' bloke seems to be at every session. He's starting to annoy me with his little banners though.
-
Oh are football shirts banned? I was wondering only yesterday where the bloke in the Coventry shirt was these days.
They certainly were banned a few years back but I saw someone in a retro Arsenal top there last year, they were sat quite near the back though.
That Coventry bloke seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth, he's normally there year in, year out, hope he's OK!
Yes I think he has been there, watching Ronnie yesterday whilst strangely sporting dark sunglasses.
Just spotted him, he's got the glasses on again.
-
Oh are football shirts banned? I was wondering only yesterday where the bloke in the Coventry shirt was these days.
They certainly were banned a few years back but I saw someone in a retro Arsenal top there last year, they were sat quite near the back though.
That Coventry bloke seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth, he's normally there year in, year out, hope he's OK!
Eddie Hearn is in charge now rather than Barry Hearn so they may have changed the rules again re: football shirts. I think they tried to limit the number of tickets one person could buy so as to give more people a chance to attend and the Coventry bloke stopped attending altogether in a strop. Sounds like he's back now but as a more occasional viewer. When I was last there he was wearing a short sleeve shirt clearly designed to look like a retro Coventry shirt, to get around the ban.
-
I suspect the ban was due to the large number of teams that are sponsored by betting companies, resulting in potential free advertising for the tournament sponsor’s competitors sitting in shot throughout the matches. The reduction in gambling sponsorship may have led to a relaxation of the ban. That’s my tuppence worth anyway, I’m no ITK on this.
-
Hadn't thought of that. I thought it might be in case a couple of them got into a scrap, but you may be right. Are they allowed at the darts?
-
Hadn't thought of that. I thought it might be in case a couple of them got into a scrap, but you may be right. Are they allowed at the darts?
No, only fancy dress allowed there.
-
I suspect the ban was due to the large number of teams that are sponsored by betting companies, resulting in potential free advertising for the tournament sponsor’s competitors sitting in shot throughout the matches. The reduction in gambling sponsorship may have led to a relaxation of the ban. That’s my tuppence worth anyway, I’m no ITK on this.
That's a really good shout.
-
That's a shame , but the luck of the draw I guess. Ryan Day makes me smile, as he get older he looks more like the CEO of a bank than a snooker player.
Ryan Day could easily play the roll of a bad ass in a horror film
-
That's a shame , but the luck of the draw I guess. Ryan Day makes me smile, as he get older he looks more like the CEO of a bank than a snooker player.
Ryan Day could easily play the roll of a bad ass in a horror film
I like Day; he always looks like he’s worried that something bad is going to happen, like when he gets home he’ll find he’s left the gas on or something. I was delighted for him when he won the British Open a few years back but I think his best days are behind him.
-
That's a shame , but the luck of the draw I guess. Ryan Day makes me smile, as he get older he looks more like the CEO of a bank than a snooker player.
Ryan Day could easily play the roll of a bad ass in a horror film
I like Day; he always looks like he’s worried that something bad is going to happen, like when he gets home he’ll find he’s left the gas on or something.
This reminds me of when Mike Hallett lost the Masters final 9-8 to Hendry having led 7-0 and 8-2, then got home to find his house had been burgled.
-
That's a shame , but the luck of the draw I guess. Ryan Day makes me smile, as he get older he looks more like the CEO of a bank than a snooker player.
Ryan Day could easily play the roll of a bad ass in a horror film
I see Joe Perry in that role.
Him or Tony Drago.
-
Selby knocked out
-
Selby knocked out
Gutted.
-
Just as well. The BBC might have had to request a delay to our kick-off on Saturday if it had gone to a decider.
-
Selby knocked out
Woollaston deserved it, and I'm glad the frame he let Selby back into with snookers didn't cost him in the end. He's had some health issues after his COVID vaccine injury, so good for him. It opens the draw up nicely for Ronnie, as he was scheduled to meet Selby in the quarters.
-
Selby knocked out
Woollaston deserved it, and I'm glad the frame he let Selby back into with snookers didn't cost him in the end. He's had some health issues after his COVID vaccine injury, so good for him. It opens the draw up nicely for Ronnie, as he was scheduled to meet Selby in the quarters.
Generally, Ronnie gives off an air when he's about to win a tournament. When he's on it, it takes something special to stop him.
I may be premature, but think he gave off that air in his first-round match.
-
Generally, Ronnie gives off an air when he's about to win a tournament. When he's on it, it takes something special to stop him.
I may be premature, but think he gave off that air in his first-round match.
He looked pretty sharp in his second session even with the new cue tip. Trump's looked the most impressive so far, followed by O'Sullivan and Murphy. However, it's such a long tournament that things can completely turn around by the semis. Trump v Murphy should be a cracking match in the second round.
-
Mark Allen was losing 10-2 to Chris Wakelin, but just made a 147.
-
Nice to see someone in the crowd made £25,000 as a result, too. I think that puts him above Jimmy White in the World Rankings.
-
Nice to see someone in the crowd made £25,000 as a result, too.
Particularly nice as the ticket was a 75th birthday present from his son. He's from Tamworth, wonder if he's a Villa fan.
-
Brecel 6-1 up and on fire tonight, even did a double and a three ball plant.
-
7-1. Ding Junhui won the first frame with a 141 break, and what followed was na absolutely sensational session of snooker.
-
Higgins through 13-12 after a hard fought battle with Xiao Guodong.
-
7-1. Ding Junhui won the first frame with a 141 break, and what followed was na absolutely sensational session of snooker.
He either gets knocked out first up or gets to the final. A bit like Villa in the FA Cu ...oh shit
-
Magic by Brecel. Obviously, because I'm a Ding fan. It's been that sort of day/week/millennium.
-
After being congratulated on Celtic's title win, Higgins said 'we're 54 ahead of our nearest rivals'. Poor Hazel Irvine didn't get the joke as she said it was title No. 55. I could see CDBF nodding approvingly/shaking his head in the background.
-
Higgins through 13-12 after a hard fought battle with Xiao Guodong.
That was a great match.
Just watching Judd v Murphy. Jane insisted on watching the start of the London Marathon, so I missed Murphy going into a 2 frame lead in about 35 mins only to tune into a 40 minute cat and mouse safety.
-
I hope no one here has tickets for tomorrow evening's session.
-
Trump just got his hundredth century of the season and bagged himself £100k. Looking good to go 10-6 up against Murphy as well.
-
Judd just blew Murphy away there over the last three frames. Brilliant performance.
-
Good. Trump is a good bloke, great player, and Murphy is a twat.
-
It's mad that people can make a hundred centuries in a season. Alex Higgins made 87 in his entire career. Ray Reardon made 54 and he won six world titles. I get that they play more matches nowadays but, even so, ridiculous standard.
-
It's mad that people can make a hundred centuries in a season. Alex Higgins made 87 in his entire career. Ray Reardon made 54 and he won six world titles. I get that they play more matches nowadays but, even so, ridiculous standard.
Seriously?
-
That's what Mr Google tells me. They're definitely both under a hundred according to this well-maintained list...
https://snookerinfo.co.uk/
-
It's mad that people can make a hundred centuries in a season. Alex Higgins made 87 in his entire career. Ray Reardon made 54 and he won six world titles. I get that they play more matches nowadays but, even so, ridiculous standard.
You only had to watch the re-showing of the 'Black Ball final' last night to see that the standard is far higher now. Today's equipment may be marginally better, but lots of the current players would have battered Steve Davis in his prime.
-
Whilst on the matter of breaks my highest is 121
Red Yellow Red
Or in the words of Old Willie Thorne, Red Yella Red
-
That's what Mr Google tells me. They're definitely both under a hundred according to this well-maintained list...
https://snookerinfo.co.uk/
Incredible.
-
Whilst on the matter of breaks my highest is 121
Red Yellow Red
Or in the words of Old Willie Thorne, Red Yella Red
I once got red, black, red, black, red, blue, red, brown. I make that 27.
That's my best in 25+ years of playing.
A friend of mine has made five hundreds and I am so fucking jealous.
-
27 is also my highest break. Missed an easy blue trying to split reds with giddy dreams of getting to fifty. I could have had a thirty-two break, still haunts me.
-
27 is also my highest break. Missed an easy blue trying to split reds with giddy dreams of getting to fifty. I could have had a thirty-two break, still haunts me.
You were trying to split reds, mate. You have my undying respect.
-
I got carried away, caught up in the intoxicating aura of glory. Potted a couple of colours and could begin to picture myself living the high life. Champagne, cocaine, supermodels fighting over me, as I grimly battled to the last 64 of the Lada Classic. That blue. I still have nightmares.
-
You coulda had class. You coulda been a contender. You coulda been somebody!
-
Instead of a bum, which is what I am...
-
Instead of a bum, which is what I am...
Love heart
-
It's easier to make centuries now than it was back in the day, the tables are much quicker, cushions are livelier and more consistent. Obviously the standard is incredible now but even Judd Trump with his cue power would struggle on those old 80s Riley tables never mind 70s tables. Even little things like the new chalk they use, far fewer kicks and look at the cloth after a sesseion and then look at one after a frame or two with the old chalk.
-
It's easier to make centuries now than it was back in the day, the tables are much quicker, cushions are livelier and more consistent. Obviously the standard is incredible now but even Judd Trump with his cue power would struggle on those old 80s Riley tables never mind 70s tables. Even little things like the new chalk they use, far fewer kicks and look at the cloth after a sesseion and then look at one after a frame or two with the old chalk.
Don't forget the pundits: "these pockets are much tighter than you'd see on a club table".
Like fucking bollocks are they. Why on earth would they make them tougher for spectator sport? The number of times I've rattled a jaw 5, 6, 7, 8 times and it pops out when on a pro-table it would drop.
Of course it's not even remotely the difference between amateur and pro, but you can bet your arse that if amateur players had fresh cloth and professional pockets, we wouldn't see the ball deviate where some ****** burnt the table with fag ash 20 years ago or the ball bounce out of the pocket thanks to some dickhead punching it in rage.
-
The pockets on pro tables are 100 percent cut tighter than a club table. Selby’s practice table at the club he plays at is in an open plan room next to the club tables.
The difference is like night and day.
Yes like Rory suggests all the other factors make the game blooming hard on a club table.
The pros get as close to perfect conditions with slate heaters new quality cloths etc regardless of where they play…you could compare it to playing football on Premier league football pitches or trying to play on Oaklands Rec
-
The pockets on pro tables are 100 percent cut tighter than a club table. Selby’s practice table at the club he plays at is in an open plan room next to the club tables.
The difference is like night and day.
Yes like Rory suggests all the other factors make the game blooming hard on a club table.
The pros get as close to perfect conditions with slate heaters new quality cloths etc regardless of where they play…you could compare it to playing football on Premier league football pitches or trying to play on Oaklands Rec
The pockets are genuinely cut tighter?
I'm willing to believe you, but why?
-
27 is also my highest break. Missed an easy blue trying to split reds with giddy dreams of getting to fifty. I could have had a thirty-two break, still haunts me.
You were trying to split reds, mate. You have my undying respect.
My record is 33. I played a bit around 15/16. I had a mate though who was both incredibly good (entered comps) and also a massive* ******, so when school ended I lost touch with him and snooker. I had a few attempts playing pool last year and I was embarrassed at how shite I was.
*the biggest head I have seen, both physically and ego. I remember a photo on a coach where the size difference of his head compared to others the same age genuinely made him look like a different species. He was like a walking vinyl pop. Oh and he was a ******. Can't get that across enough.
-
I've never compared a modern tournament table against a club table so can't comment on difference in pockets, but I do know that the modern tourney tables are cut a lot more consistently around the pockets. It's quite interesting listening to someone like Steve Davis when he talks about tables and how they've changed as he's played on since them since the 70s. Even at the Crucible they'd be playing a big match on a table where one cushion was pretty dead but another would be really lively.
-
27 is also my highest break. Missed an easy blue trying to split reds with giddy dreams of getting to fifty. I could have had a thirty-two break, still haunts me.
You were trying to split reds, mate. You have my undying respect.
My record is 33. I played a bit around 15/16. I had a mate though who was both incredibly good (entered comps) and also a massive* ******, so when school ended I lost touch with him and snooker. I had a few attempts playing pool last year and I was embarrassed at how shite I was.
*the biggest head I have seen, both physically and ego. I remember a photo on a coach where the size difference of his head compared to others the same age genuinely made him look like a different species. He was like a walking vinyl pop. Oh and he was a ******. Can't get that across enough.
So this dickhead wasn't banned yesterday, as I requested?
Dave W and I (mainly I, admittedly) have made it clear multiple times that I am his heir. Yes, I stand to inherit his millions on the basis of being his favourite and best-looking poster.
Dave W might be 12-18 months from gorging himself to death at one of his banquets, but I still demand respect as the heir apparent.
-
It's mad that people can make a hundred centuries in a season. Alex Higgins made 87 in his entire career. Ray Reardon made 54 and he won six world titles. I get that they play more matches nowadays but, even so, ridiculous standard.
You only had to watch the re-showing of the 'Black Ball final' last night to see that the standard is far higher now. Today's equipment may be marginally better, but lots of the current players would have battered Steve Davis in his prime.
John Virgo and John Parrot were talking about this on the comms last night. They kept saying how much better the baize is now, and that it allows greater positioning of the cueball. Rather like how football pitches used to be as opposed to now
-
One thing that is really noticable. On a pro star table the pockets whilst tighter than a club table, accept the pot at much higher speeds than a club table would. Also you will see that almost all shots played to the far jaw of the pocket are accepted but if you hit the near jaw more often than not the ball will not pot. If anyone on here is really keen on playing snooker i would recommend having a go on a star table..you will love the experience. The cushions react so much differently as well. On pro tables the white skids off the cushion where as on a club table the white squares off more.
-
Incredible tension there, had no idea who was going to win those matches.
-
John Virgo and John Parrot were talking about this on the comms last night. They kept saying how much better the baize is now, and that it allows greater positioning of the cueball. Rather like how football pitches used to be as opposed to now
That's a fair point. The baize in the '85 final looked like woolly carpet compared to today's. The chalk they use nowadays is a lot less likely to produce 'kicks' as well.
-
It's probably 25+ years since I played snooker, but I think my highest break is around 30. I'm pretty decent at pool (eight-ball rather than nine-ball) but never been much cop at snooker.
-
It's probably 25+ years since I played snooker, but I think my highest break is around 30. I'm pretty decent at pool (eight-ball rather than nine-ball) but never been much cop at snooker.
You can fuck off on the same boat as edgy.
Making my glorious career-best 27 look shit. The nerve.
-
All the cool people have a high break of 27. Me, you, Kurt Cobain, the lot.
-
All the cool people have a high break of 27. Me, you, Kurt Cobain, the lot.
Yeah. Yeah you're right. Up yours, losers!
-
All the cool people have a high break of 27. Me, you, Kurt Cobain, the lot.
Min 27 too, once cleared the colours…not from the spots though…that would have been a step too far
-
Hurrah. Another member of The 27 Club.
-
It's probably 25+ years since I played snooker, but I think my highest break is around 30. I'm pretty decent at pool (eight-ball rather than nine-ball) but never been much cop at snooker.
You can fuck off on the same boat as edgy.
Making my glorious career-best 27 look shit. The nerve.
I'm bald. I am at one with the cue ball. Also, I'm bald, you already win, and you want to have a better break than me? Let me have something.
-
That miss from Williams on the brown then when he’d fought so well to get into winning the frame…oh my goddddd
-
Higgins v Williams should be decent tonight. I expect Zhao Xintong to beat Chris Whitty fairly comfortably.
-
It's probably 25+ years since I played snooker, but I think my highest break is around 30. I'm pretty decent at pool (eight-ball rather than nine-ball) but never been much cop at snooker.
You can fuck off on the same boat as edgy.
Making my glorious career-best 27 look shit. The nerve.
I'm bald. I am at one with the cue ball. Also, I'm bald, you already win, and you want to have a better break than me? Let me have something.
Nothing wrong with being bald, brother.
-
It's probably 25+ years since I played snooker, but I think my highest break is around 30. I'm pretty decent at pool (eight-ball rather than nine-ball) but never been much cop at snooker.
You can fuck off on the same boat as edgy.
Making my glorious career-best 27 look shit. The nerve.
I'm bald. I am at one with the cue ball. Also, I'm bald, you already win, and you want to have a better break than me? Let me have something.
Nothing wrong with being bald, brother.
Aw shucks ⚪️.
-
Decider!
-
Superb match
-
Brecel's on fire this afternoon. He's won the first 4 frames scoring 375 points to Judd's 36.
-
Frightening to think how good he could be if he gave a shit.
-
Ronnie has been poor all tournament. Will have to up his game to not get beat comfortably here.
-
Ronnie has been poor all tournament. Will have to up his game to not get beat comfortably here.
I haven't watched much at all this year, but when Ronnie is in the press saying he's playing shit but in a semi, I always take it with a pinch of salt. So he's actually playing poor then?
-
Ronnie has been poor all tournament. Will have to up his game to not get beat comfortably here.
I haven't watched much at all this year, but when Ronnie is in the press saying he's playing shit but in a semi, I always take it with a pinch of salt. So he's actually playing poor then?
Ronnie has been saying he's playing poorly for about 15 years now. Normally a 4/10 Ronnie is enough to win a tournament, but I do think he is struggling to feel comfortable at the table this tournament.
Wouldn't surprise me if he lost this SF, but *if* he makes it to the final, I reckon he loses to Trump but beats Williams.
-
Wow.
-
That was coming. He’s been arse.
-
It would be even funnier if it wasn't a cheat twatting him.
-
Well he's answered my question. I get really bored of Ronnie saying he's playing shit when he clearly isn't by most standards. Well, he was right today.
-
That's an absolute beating.
-
As a Ronnie fan, fair play to the lad.
Hope he approaches the final in exactly the same way; plays his game, doesn't let the occasion overawe him, and we could be in for a cracking finish to the tournament.
-
I hope the match fixing cheat gets twatted.
-
Doesn't seem to have been involved in any match-fixing himself.
"Zhao Xintong accepted the following:
That he on 3rd March and 11th March 2022 he was a party to another player fixing two snooker matches.
That between 1st September 2019 and 31st December 2022 he bet on snooker matches in breach of the rules."
It's not great, but he's been banned correctly and has now served his time.
-
The important thing is that he didn't do me out of any money. Xintong diddle I? No.
-
Fuck him, cheating twat. John Higgins can fuck off as well.
-
What was Higgins specifically done for, again?
It's been so swept under the carpet I don't even remember.
-
He had sex with a badger.
-
He had sex with a badger.
Who hasn't?
I mean, erm, oh that dirty bastard!
-
What was Higgins specifically done for, again?
It's been so swept under the carpet I don't even remember.
'Higgins was cleared of the most serious charges – of agreeing to accept a bribe and agreeing to engage in corrupt or fraudulent conduct – but found guilty of failing to report the illegal approach and intentionally giving the impression he was prepared to act in breach of betting rules.'
His former business partner Pat Mooney is banned for life so seems he took the majority of the fall.
-
The video of them agreeing to it has always felt very damning to me.
-
What was Higgins specifically done for, again?
It's been so swept under the carpet I don't even remember.
'Higgins was cleared of the most serious charges – of agreeing to accept a bribe and agreeing to engage in corrupt or fraudulent conduct – but found guilty of failing to report the illegal approach and intentionally giving the impression he was prepared to act in breach of betting rules.'
His former business partner Pat Mooney is banned for life so seems he took the majority of the fall.
Cheers edgy.
It's difficult because I was brought up in a law-abiding family but was always taught that everybody hates a grass. I then went to an all-male secondary school where grassing could get you beaten or worse.
The number of times that approach has failed me at work and I've taken shit for somebody else (who is then willing to ignore that and throw me under the bus) is ridiculous, but I still kind of believe in it.
-
The video of them agreeing to it has always felt very damning to me.
Haven't seen that...
-
There's a difference between being a snitch over something small and keeping quiet about agreeing a 300k bribe with your entire career and reputation on the line. IMO at least.
-
The video of them agreeing to it has always felt very damning to me.
Haven't seen that...
If you want to watch it.
-
The video of them agreeing to it has always felt very damning to me.
Haven't seen that...
If you want to watch it.
Thanks, never seen that before.
Yeahhh... doesn't look good.
-
So it's Wales v China
-
I've enjoyed this tournament more than any WC in recent memory. More exciting matches than Sexual Ealing would get on Grindr.
-
Yeah and me the only disappointment was Ronnie's thrashing, I was expecting a close match.
-
I've enjoyed this tournament more than any WC in recent memory. More exciting matches than Sexual Ealing would get on Grindr.
There's been a few classics, the other one that stands out was the one during Covid. Both semi finals were up there among the best matches I've ever seen.
-
Yeah, the McGill-Wilson match especially was fantastic.
-
7-1 Zhao and don't really feel like he's got out of first gear.
-
Finely poised, I'd say. Advantage Zhao, obviously, but he's never been here before. We'll see.
In a Reform sort of way, I'm kind of hoping Willians wins, because I think there's nothing Hearn would like more than a non-British world champion to justify selling the entire sport off to China/Saudi Arabia.
Fear we're only a couple of years from 'The Snooker World Championship - brought to you by his eminence Prince Salman the journalist butcher'.
-
You'd be ruing that final session ticket now if you bought one
-
A match fixer will win, Hearn will say how fantastic it is and push on even harder to move the Championship abroad, and money grabbers like O'Sullivan will back it.
-
Punjab Villans in the house. And Adrian Chiles by the looks on it.
-
That Chinese flag can fuck off, for starters.
-
Right, half two. Just in time for the afternoon session.
Oh, bollocks. Don't tell me I have to do some work?
-
Right, half two. Just in time for the afternoon session.
Oh, bollocks. Don't tell me I have to do some work?
The Conclave has started today so you can keep an eye on that instead.
-
Got excited when I thought I saw white smoke, only to realise that Sexual Ealing had sneezed.
-
Ronnie got two 147s in a match last night. He’s 50 in a few months.
-
Controversial, maybe, but I think he might be a decent player.