The Snooker thread

[ShadowDancer]

Gets going in less than an hour. I don't miss much snooker and I'm pretty excited!

Will the rocket behave! Century breaks a plenty!

Anyone else excited?

[DavidH]

I'll watch some of the latter rounds for sure, good thing to have on in the background while doing other stuff :)

[tomato]

If I was in the UK I'd probably watch all of it.

Does whispering Ted Lowe still commentate?

[ShadowDancer]

Hes long gone..so has Vine. My friend and I wrote a letter to vine but he never replied. Higgins and Stevens at the moment. I've got it on in background..doing a mr Holliss :) trying to work out where we're going to watch the fight!

[tomato]

That's too bad. Surely his voice suited his sport better than any commentator ever.

Just looked at the world rankings on sportinglife.com . Surprised to see a few names from the 80s still in it, like James Wattana and Tony Drago.

[ShadowDancer]

I love Drago and Wattana! Just switched to table two. Aussie Robertson is 3-0 over the aging bond.

[ShadowDancer]

Oh and for those who haven't experienced the Crucible, this is going to be your last chance. It is pretty magical. Its so silent and the atmosphere is amazing.

[prinnysquad]

Uh? Is it moving?

[Skull Commander]

Uh? Is it moving?
Aye, I was almost in tears......:ph34r:

[tomato]

Century breaks a plenty!


It always surprises me that snooker watchers like seeing century breaks. For me a gritty, nerve-wracking battle of safety shots and snookers is far more exciting.

[NW2013]

Higgins v. Stevens should be good. I'd like to see Ding do well too, he's really good.

[ShadowDancer]

It always surprises me that snooker watchers like seeing century breaks. For me a gritty, nerve-wracking battle of safety shots and snookers is far more exciting.

Don't get me wrong, watching a tactical frame is brilliant, especially one that requires endurance and patience. But i would be lieing if i said i didn't like watching the players make a gold old fashioned century.

Just looking at the draw again as its always a lot to take it. Plenty to look forward to.

EDIT

I'm sure if i started my original posted with..tactical frames a plenty..it might of been misconstrued as sarcasm! Even my dad as a seasonal watcher enjoys tactical frames.

I don't need to document that its well known that 90% of players look to win the frame in one visit and play attacking. Some earlier than others. But i do agree with you, a good tactical battle is a beautiful thing. Expect any player who plays Davis to have little chance but to be drawn in to one as thats pretty much his style now.

[tomato]

It's looking dodgy for the sporting titan that is Nigel Bond at the moment.

[ShadowDancer]

It does. I've always liked Bond..i remember when he came onto the scene at a similar time to ebdon. I think you can get 7's and 8's on Robertson, Murphy and Maguire. I'm thinking of having a tenner on each. O'Sullivan is favourite but he lacks consistency. Even as an English man, i like Hendry, i don't think he is capable tho anymore.

Loads will unfold after the first week. Outside bet is Docherty at 25's. There are a few Asian players that i know little about. I think O'Sullivan faces one in his first game.

The less said about his recent antics the better. A friend sent me the link to the Guardian website. I laughed. Its nuts. But its not right.

[tomato]

I've never supported people just because they were English, in Snooker. Don7t know why. In the 80s I always supported Cliff Thorburn and Bill Wernenicks as well as Jimmy White and the Golden Nugget, then in the 90s supported Nigel Bond after hoping he'd win a final against Hendry (can't remember which year, but he was 5-3 up, then lost 10-5).

Wasn't having a dig with the century breaks comment - it's just that nearly all snooker watchers seem to like them. I could understand it more in the 80s, when 147s were a rarity, but now it seems less exciting. Even commentators seem to describe the tactical frames as scrappy, and seem disappointed.

Think I'll have a frame or too on World Snooker Challenge tonight.

[ShadowDancer]

Ahhh man..if my xbox wasn't broke (now gone! just, last week) we could of hooked up for a game!

I'm in my 30's so i remember the great cliff, aswell as Bill and Kirk Stevens. I even remember match-play doubles with Tony Meo and Davis.

[tomato]

I've just been reminded that I'm crap at the game - no breaks out of the twenties.

Would be great to see Steve Davis do well this year. I think I'll check out the odds on him - if they're long enough I might have a flutter.

[ShadowDancer]

Robertson was not much troubled against Bond. 10-4. Hendry starts his campaign at 2.30. And the Ebdon and Carter matches are both pretty interesting.

[ShadowDancer]

Hendry and Allen match is very interesting. Some pots by Allen are leaving me in awe. 5-2 to Allen..but Hendry looks on to take the eight. Really good match this one.

[Roddie]

Even as an English man, i like Hendry, i don't think he is capable tho anymore.
Interesting, because even though I'm Scottish I can't stand Hendry, but I'm a big fan of O'Sullivan. I don't really care where someone is born, it doesn't come into the equation for who I support, I find Hendry to be the most boring, expressionless, robotic player; I enjoy watching snooker, but he just puts me to sleep.

[ShadowDancer]

Hehe..I'm a fan of Hendry because of what he has achieved. Plus he was on gamesmaster many years ago and was into games.

Carter has literally just beat Hawkins..was a magnificent match..went to 9-9 and Carter won the decider which could of gone to Hawkins had he not put to much pace on an red to clinch it...bitter pill to swallow as Taylor said.

On the other table is 8-7 against Cope and Cope is on to make it 8-8.

Exciting stuff today :)

[ShadowDancer]

Hendry and Allen tied at 6-6 which is a craking match.

[ShadowDancer]

Allen now one frame away, he leads 9-7 which has been a cracking match.
On the other table, Selby and King are tied at 2-2.

[toythatkills]

It always surprises me that snooker watchers like seeing century breaks. For me a gritty, nerve-wracking battle of safety shots and snookers is far more exciting.

This. But within reason. It's nicest when it's mixed up a bit! The Dott Ebdon final of a few years back, my God, I do hope there's never another match like that ever. 317 hours it took them.


Allen now one frame away, he leads 9-7 which has been a cracking match.

Final frame, Allen may have missed a golden opportunity

[thebuddahman]

Just won £6 betting on Hendry to take the last frame - experience always seems to prevail in these tight matches.

[ShadowDancer]

Yes..and Hendry has always been known to produce when his back is against the wall. Cracking match.

Davis..(Steve) once my hero is the most boring snooker player to watch..I got the Williams match on. Davis was 6-3 down about 20 minutes ago.

Williams is looking good at the moment.

Nice one on your little winner.

[thebuddahman]

I hope Davis pulls this game out of the bag - the bloke is a legend and is a far better player IMO. He also reminds me of my dad!

[ShadowDancer]

He is a Legend..I've met him twice and he is a gentleman. He was my hero as a kid and throughout my twenties too. But he is boring to watch these days :/

[ShadowDancer]

Davis bowed out 10-8 and he made a comeback from 8-3 down to 8-8. Although i made comments about him being boring to watch, I'd of sooner seen him progress.

Williams who was looking good is storming. 8-1. He was looking good when i watched the earlier frames.

Didn't follow too much of the Selby-King match..but i think Selby has a one frame advantage. 5-4.

Rocket on Wednesday..will be counting the hours down tomorrow..

[ShadowDancer]

Kings taken the first 4 frames against Selby..hes now 8-4 in front. I think Ding is 3-1 up over Fu..but haven't watched any of that..

[tomato]

I've never liked Hendry very much, although I admired his talent. I think Snooker lost a lot of its appeal in the 90s because, with the exception of Ronnie O'Sullivan, a lot of the top players were rather colourless (looking at Ken Dockerty, John Higgins and Hendry). Even the so-called boring Steve Davis in the 80s took the piss out of himself for his reputation.

I like the sport, but it's unlikely the golden age of two decades ago will ever be bettered.

Sad to see Davis lose - hope he has another go next year.

[ShadowDancer]

Williams coasted over Mark Davis 10-3. King beat Selby!! First shock so far..10-8. I think Ding and Fu is 5-4 (but not seen any of that match atall)

[ShadowDancer]

Ding just beat Fu 10-9. Only watched the latter stages but is was pretty entertaining. Murphy leads 7-1.

[ShadowDancer]

Perry has just beaten Dott 10-7. Doherty is 5-2 down and looks like he might lose the eight too. O'Sullivan @ 2.30.

[ShadowDancer]

Rockets 3-0 up. 3rd frame was quite tactical and a ten minute session on the yellow. Was nice to watch. On the other table Harold trails 8-3 against Murphy.

[ShadowDancer]

Lui's taken the last 2 frames to trail by one 3-2 which is so far a cracking match. The Murphy won 10-3 against Stokes Harold.

[ShadowDancer]

Liu and Rocket tied at 4-4 with one to play in this session. Rocket has missed chance as did Liu in the earlier frames. This is really good to watch.

[NW2013]

Yeah the o'sullivan match has been cracking. Doherty seems to be in trouble at 7-2 down against Wenbo. The Chinese lads have been great.

[ShadowDancer]

Agreed Stu...Wenbo went on to win and made it look easy. Maguire is making short work of Hamilton. 8-1.

[ShadowDancer]

Rocket won 10-5 in the end. King and Ebdon are 2-2..currently watching that now.

[ShadowDancer]

Higgins won the first 4 but Day has taken the 5th 4-1.

Really looking forward to Ding and Hendry tomorrow.

[ShadowDancer]

Day won the eight but trails 5-3 overnight which resumes tomorrow afternoon. Really interesting this one.

[ShadowDancer]

Hendry is 6-2 up over Ding.

[ShadowDancer]

Carters just taken the final frame of session to lead 6-2 against Murphy.
Hendry is beating Ding 6-2 also.
Day and Higgins is nicely poised at 8-8.

[ShadowDancer]

Ebdons just beat King 13-9. Ding has taken the last 2 against Hendry but still trails 10-4. He just missed frame ball in the 15th.

[ShadowDancer]

Dings just about hanging in there, he trails 11-5. Play resumes tomorrow afternoon. He won 3 out of 4 in the final session and he could of won all 4, but he missed frame ball as mentioned on above post.

I'd like to see him make a real fight of this and take the opening few tomorrow and give Hendry something to think about.

[ShadowDancer]

If you haven't heard..the moaning Scotsman reigning world champion thankfully lost 13-9 to Day. Murphy is on the brink of losing 12-4..good!

The Rocket and Williams gets underway soon.

In other news..Chelsea beat United.

[NW2013]

Whats the deal with that bloke and his kids wearing different footie t-shirts sitting next to the players. They've been there in just about every session! It must be costing them a fortune.

[ShadowDancer]

Yes..i know what you mean..He sometimes wears Coventry shirts...he has for the last 3 seasons i think.

Carter won the first frame he needed to take the match against Murphy.
Ronnie and Williams is 2-2 which has been cracking. Tactical stuff too.
Like both players..

[ShadowDancer]

Finished 5-3 Ronnie. Fascinating match. Very enjoyable. Resumes tomorrow evening.

[thebuddahman]

What's happened to Robertson? Great young player and getting battered at the moment!

[ShadowDancer]

I watched some of that..apparently he left his shoes in Cambridgshire and he bought a new pair which are uncomfortable (in my experience even expensive shoes take breaking in) which is causing him distraction.

I honestly believe this is distracting him.

[ShadowDancer]

In the earlier sessions..Wenbo leads 6-2 over Swail (which i was going to bet on but other plans scuppered that. Was betting Wenbo) and Bingham is beating Perry 5-3.

The evening sessions have got under way. Tall order for Robertson 8-0 down and the game I'm watching as we speak is Rocket and Williams who i am a massive fan of both. (5-3 Rocket)

[thebuddahman]

Ronnie up 9 - 6 against Williams, Maguire is 10-2 up on Robertson. Great matches with a few intriguing elements. I fancy Mark to come back but Ronnie take the game in the end. If Robertson sorts out his shoes (and his head) he could come back but Maguire looks strong and confident.

Did a bit of 'Frame Betting' tonight and won a few quid which was nice.

[ShadowDancer]

147 to win the match. ****ing magnificent!

[Widegoat]

147 to win the match. ****ing magnificent!

Just watched that - really amazing. Do they have an official time yet? It was fast.

[ShadowDancer]

I'm still buzzing..haven't heard the time yet.

[DavidH]

Just read about it, hope it gets shown again tonight.

[ShadowDancer]

There you go Mr Hollis.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/7371844.stm

[DavidH]

Much appreciated, will watch that later.

[ShadowDancer]

Swail 12 Liang 12..this is cracking..tune in!

[DavidH]

O'Sullivan's 147 was perfection, virtually every shot/position was spot on. He used to practice at Ilford Snooker Hall which is opposite where I work, but it closed down last year, saw a few other people like Anthony Hamilton in there over the years also.

[ShadowDancer]

Nice David :)

Omfg i could not even begin to explain events in this match. Liang won 13-12..if you have a slight ounce of interest I suggest you read a post match report. Amazing, absolutely amazing.

[Pilotwings]

Yeah I just watched the very late highlights of the Swail match. Really good watch with millions of twists and turns to keep me glued to my seat!

[ShadowDancer]

Hendry is 7-1 over day and Ebdon and Carter is tied at 4-4

Liang and Rocket start at 2.30 as does Perry and Maguire.

[ShadowDancer]

Carters just made a 147 ****ing amazing.

Watching Hendry and Day...players stopped..knew what was happening, flicked to other table..****ing unbelievable.!!!

[NW2013]

Ronnie will be gutted, no Bentley GTC for him now.

[DavidH]

Tough life eh, hope the beeb put Carter's 147 on the website also, two 147's in two days, cracking stuff :)

[DavidH]

Video of Carter's 147, not quite as quick as O'Sullivan's :)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/7373388.stm

[ShadowDancer]

Carter went on to win. And the Rocket is 11-5 up.

[ShadowDancer]

Great game of snooker Perry 11-11 against Maguire. After a re-rack on the 23rd. Followed loosely because of the Football.

Rocket Ronnie ousted out Liang 13-7 who will face Hendry in the Semi..which i can not wait for.

To update..the winner of this will play Carter in the other.

[ShadowDancer]

12-12 decider! brilliant stuff.

[ShadowDancer]

Perry has done it! 13-12..i really didn't expect that. Both played nice snooker in places. Roll on the semis.

:)

[Roddie]

Anyone know what time O'Sullivan's match starts tomorrow? Wanting to record it while I'm at work.

[DavidH]

2pm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/snooker/7349578.stm

[Roddie]

Wicked, thanks.

[ShadowDancer]

What an opening frame..total clearance of 140 from Hendry. Sublime!

[ShadowDancer]

3-1 to Hendry at the mid session. Apart from the first they could of gone either way. Plenty of missed balls by both players but more Ronnie than Hendry. 3-1 is probably a fair reflection to be honest. Still very interesting...this is going to develop into something and I'm loving it.

[ShadowDancer]

Tied at 4-4...very interesting..

[ShadowDancer]

Perry leads Carter 3-1. Nothing exciting so far but interesting all the same.

[DavidH]

Miss after miss so far tonight, both players seem very nervy.

[ShadowDancer]

Bang on David. Neither played have taken a hold on this and Perry goes into 2nd session 5-3 in front.

[toythatkills]

I'm not watching the game right now, but from the scores O'Sullivan looks like he's in unstoppable form. If I was either of the guys in the other semi I'd be soiling myself.

[ShadowDancer]

Haha damn right! He won all 8! 12-4.

[DavidH]

Was reading about it bit earlier, it's the first session Whitewash Hendry has ever suffered at the Crucible. Ouch. O'Sullivan has even played a few left-handed shots.

The trophy does seem to have his name already on it this year.

[ShadowDancer]

This is so interesting..Carter leads 9-7 overnight. Carter put put his foot hold on the match..but Perry got back in. Still in the balance. Very very interesting.

[ShadowDancer]

First 4 frames shared. Rocket leading 14-6. Hard to see Hendry coming back. Love to see Hendry get some more frames that would make it even more exciting even though Ronnie is my favourite player. This is very good regardless.

[ShadowDancer]

Ronnie needs 1 of the final 2 frames to win with a sesion to spare. Mesmerizing. 16-6.

[ShadowDancer]

17-6 an absolute master class.

[fuse]

Bloody hell his luck in those last couple of frames was unreal. Not that he needed it to finish it all up, but still...

[ShadowDancer]

I know..the one in the middle and the one past the yellow! just about finished it off with all his superb play. Was amazing to watch.

[NW2013]

I wish someone one shoot that bloody MC bloke, totally unnecessary and frankly embarrassing. 'LET'S GET THE BOYS ON THE BAIZE!' Er, alright then. I love it when you see the players laughing at him too. Never with him though.

[ShadowDancer]

Perry has taken the first four frames. Hes 11-9 in front.

[ShadowDancer]

Tied at 12-12. Can't wait for tonights final session.

[ShadowDancer]

14-14 at the mid-session interval. Possible 5 to play. Couldn't call this at all.

[Herbalizer]

This is so hard to call, if I had to chose it would be Perry.

[DavidH]

Can't see either of them beating O'Sullivan in the final, would like Carter to go through due to his 147.

[Herbalizer]

I've just watched the press conference Ronnie did in China, did he get into any trouble for it?

[ShadowDancer]

Carter wins 17-15. It was magnificent to watch. The two 147 meet.

I think its with the governing body at the moment Herb.

[ShadowDancer]

3-1 rocket at the interval. Fast stuff! In other news..well done Seany..the Saints stay up. Leicester down!

[ShadowDancer]

6-2 Rocket.

[ShadowDancer]

11-5 over night (rocket).

[Herbalizer]

First time I've seen this new announcer who brings the players out, the other chap was much better.

Ronnie will win this with ease, lets hope we get some big breaks to watch.

[ShadowDancer]

I don't mind him..hes certainly different though.

14-6 at the mid-session. 4 more to play in this session....could he win with a session to spare..

[Roddie]

That new MC is unbearable, but anyway, I can't wait to see Ronnie lift the trophy again.

[NW2013]

Looks in the bag for the Ronster. It's a shame he hasn't played his absolute best in the final but he definitely deserves another win.

[ShadowDancer]

Agreed Stu.

Needs two..just started. Streaker to start with!

[DavidH]

Wondered why the first frame of the evening started at 8.10, just a matter of time before Ronnie wraps it up.

[ShadowDancer]

Winner...but talks of retirement :( (again)

[vanpeebles]

I've followed most of the championship this season but lost interest by the time the final came about.

O'Sullivan looked good for it from the opening days and he ran hot and cold. Just how poor is everyone else a mix of fading names and kids who play it by the text book.

They should show more old time snooker on the telly.

[DavidH]

Watch the video in this link, O'Sullivan conceedes the frame when just 23-0 points down

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/7786773.stm

[ShadowDancer]

Yes..saw it. Been watching the late night coverage on beeb2 apart from Saturday which I watched during the day. This is already getting good...

[vanpeebles]

Someone should give O'Sullivan five or six good licks with their belt.

[ShadowDancer]

Well, Murphy is up 5-3 against Fu (The Final) Its been pretty good stuff. Looking forward to the evening session (around 8pm)

Wondering what will happen with the Burnett enquiry...

[NW2013]

The Maguire - Murphy match was good too. Difficult to call the result on this one as Fu is very resilient.

[ShadowDancer]

I was hoping for a Maguire comeback as I'm not a fan of Murphy. It was nice when it went to 8-4 but realistically, when it went 8-3, there was only going to be one winner.

Still..pretty much enjoying this final despite the finalists.

Soft spot for Fu though..he won me 100+ quid years ago when he beat Ebdon. Fu was quite new on the circuit.

[DavidH]

Really doesn't feel like Murphy's night, been a very tactical session. Neither player is exactly on fire.

[ShadowDancer]

I really enjoyed the final. Kinda fitting it went to 9-9, then obviously 10-9.

I had the it on the computer and my brothers even watched the last frame with me, neither one a snooker fan.

£100,000 is a nice sum of money to win.

[DavidH]

Really thought it would go Fu's way, he must be gutted.

Liked the 147 feature the BBC did during the interval around 10pm.

[ShadowDancer]

Damn...I missed that. I took a bath during the interval. When Fu was 9-8..yes, it probably should of been his.

It was well documented throughout the championship that Murphy hadn't won a ranking match all season, so hats off to him really, dug deep.

[DavidH]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/7796421.stm

Think this interesting feature on what it's like qualiftying for those outside the "Top 16" was also shown during the interval, keep an eye open, sure the 147 one will make it to the BBC website at some point soon.

[ShadowDancer]

Very nice post :) I enjoyed that.

[ShadowDancer]

Vine has passed away :( Legend.

Masters coverage on the beeb and beeb website. Currently 3-3 between Murphy and Ding...catching up on the rest...

[ShadowDancer]

Yesterdays results.

1st rd:

Stephen Maguire (Sco) bt Graeme Dott (Sco) 6-5

Ronnie O'Sullivan (Eng) bt Joe Perry (Eng) 6-5

Ricky Walden (Eng) bt Mark King (Eng) 6-2.

[NW2013]

Anyone see the O'Sullivan match yesterday? It was really good. Perry should have won 6-4 but bottled a shot on the pink in the 10th frame (as well as several other frame balls earlier in the game), Ronnie drew level 5-5 then won the final frame. It was ace.

[ShadowDancer]

Anyone see the O'Sullivan match yesterday? It was really good. Perry should have won 6-4 but bottled a shot on the pink in the 10th frame (as well as several other frame balls earlier in the game), Ronnie drew level 5-5 then won the final frame. It was ace.

Damn..I missed it.

I knew snooker was on..as I was watching the darts and the interactive button said press red for snooker. I took an early night after the darts and missed any snooker :(

[ShadowDancer]

Higgins just beat Fu 6-4 in what was a brilliant match.

Higgins needed a snooker and got it. He also fluked the final black.

Really entertaining.

[NW2013]

I haven't seen too much of that Mark Allen before but he looks a great player. He destroyed Ryan Day (who is also good) yesterday. Shaping up to be a good tournament this one.

[ShadowDancer]

Underway guys. :)

[ShadowDancer]

Rocket was silky. 10-5 triumph. (over Bingham) Think the Carter and Green match is being played atm.

[DavidH]

Yeah hard to see Ronnie not retaining his title .. unless he throws a hissy-fit sometime in the next fortnight.

[ShadowDancer]

I think Ronnie needs this under his belt. He has achieved so much and is largely recognised as the most natural player to have ever held a cue. (apart from Dave at the local snooker club) (not you Holliss!)

To be remembered as a great, you really do need the titles, he isn't that far off, but I want to see the day in my lifetime when Hendry's record can be beaten. Nothing to do with any bollocks of nationality or personal views..I just love the game of snooker and this would be a landmark in history to me.

Politicians. Ha. Dead souls. (literally)

[ShadowDancer]

Hendry has just won 10-7. Can't believe how many mistakes Williams made. Very entertaining even tho it was low scoring.

[Ian(not Ian)]

I think Ronnie needs this under his belt. He has achieved so much and is largely recognised as the most natural player to have ever held a cue. (apart from Dave at the local snooker club) (not you Holliss!)

Alex Higgins was the most natural player ever to hold a cue, the sullivan bloke can't hold a candle to Alex. Sheesh, the next most natural player was Jimmy White. Then take into account Fred Davis, and people I've missed, the Sullivan bloke ranks outside the top 5, maybe top 10 natural snooker players ever. For sure. :P

[ShadowDancer]

I see your point. But you are wrong :p

Not missed much this week. Davis is currently getting turned over by Robertson, who had a chance 11 reds 11 blacks I think it was was then missed a red. Wasn't straight forward either.

All seriousness..can you really say that Ronnie is outside the top 5..have you ever seen him when he is flowing, he will never be touched and never has.

[ShadowDancer]

Hendrys just made a 147!!!! Magnificent.

[DavidH]

Good, like hendry, look forward to watching a replay of that online/tonight.

Funnily enough I saw one of the BBC's trivia things on the snooker last night, year that Dennis Taylor won, 1989 (I think) is the only final when a century break hasn't been scored. End of useless information from me.

[ShadowDancer]

Just watched the afternoon session. Allen is trailing 6-2. Higgins sure knows how to dig in.

Robertson and Murphy play their first session later.

Not missed much..been a magnificent championship. Hard to call.

[ShadowDancer]

Higgins is 13-3 up against Allen. Was watching it in passing as I was busy. Higgins looks like he will continue to outclass Allen.

The Murphy/Robertson match resumes in 30 mins..can't wait. They are 4 frames apiece.

I had Robertson to beat Magure at 11/8 and won. I also had Robertson at 9/1 to win Championship. He is capable..but Murphy is in fine fettle.

[ShadowDancer]

I watched the majority of the Allen/Higgins match..Allen has came out of this a 'winner' even though he lost. He pulled back so many frames. He eventually lost. He even had a chance to win the frame he lost but missed an easy blue before the colours. Was it 17-14? (may of been 17-13) either way, amazing comeback. (it was once 13-3!)

Robertson has just won the first frame which is on now and played to a finish. He trails 14-11 but he was once 14-7. This is fascinating.

I think the final will be a good one, we already have a solid former twice world champion there + either someone gunning for their first or another World Champion.

I haven't posted much this year...but this has been a cracker of a world championship.

I even have a proper ariel on my room these days so no more crappy picture quality!

Its been great...if you're not busy and have an interest in snooker..I'd tune into the Robertson/Murphy Match.

[NW2013]

Cracking stuff from Mark Allen, what a fightback even though he didn't go on to win. A Murphy-Higgins final should be good.

[toythatkills]

Might not get that final though, what an awesome comeback this is, 14-14!

I hope Murphy goes out, cannot stand him.

[ShadowDancer]

The Aussie has taken all 4 frames before the mid session. 14-14! This is so thrilling. He has won 7 in a row. Murphy looks out of sorts and Robertson has grown stronger. The rest to be played in 15! Tune in. :)

[toythatkills]

Rats :dry:

Go Higgins!

[ShadowDancer]

Hats off to the Murphy. Trouble off the table, trouble on the table...and digs in. That was absolute class..sounds like I like Murphy...His interviews irritate me, I'm not his biggest fan. But...Higgins v Murphy should be a great final.

[ShadowDancer]

4-4 first session. Just watched the evening session. Higgins won 7-1! he leads 11-5 going in to tomorrows final sessions. After the mid session...higgins rattled in 4 amazing frames with decent scoring..He did look commanding and the score line reflects that too. Long way to go. (best of 35)

[toythatkills]

Long way to go for Murphy, Higgins could have it wrapped up in the next session unless Murphy really picks up his game/Higgins dies

[ShadowDancer]

Not long started, Higgins has won the first which could of gone either way. Really want Murphy to make a final of this, he is capable in all honestly.

I'm looking back over the bank holidays over the years in which I have watched the final day of the snooker..I am actually feeling old! (I am 34)

[ShadowDancer]

Close first 4 frames...could of gone either way, but Higgins win the session 3-1 before the mid session, he is 14-6 in front now..with 4 to play before the evening session. If he wins all 4 (as you probably already know) he'll win with a session to spare. Murphy was unlucky in that session. 2-2 would of been fairer. The way it can go though.

[ShadowDancer]

Gets underway in about 45 Minutes. Higgins needs 2 Murphy needs 10. 16-8.

Not close. Always good to see players reactions after winning, is a long hard road to be World Champion and is often emotional.

Been a great championship. Century record obliterated. A 147 by the most successful player in the game.

[toythatkills]

Good stuff :)

Is this the earliest finish in years?

[ShadowDancer]

I can't remember it finishing this early in a while.

Nice to see Higgins win. He is a lovely man (obv going by interviews, I don't know him) he has dedicated so much of his life to this game and its nice to see him breaking records and reaping rewards. Well Done John.

I'm pretty sure that both players will get to the final again, especially Murphy..perhaps not at the same time!

Oh well..the end. Its been absolutely stunning.

[NW2013]

Great semi in the Grand Prix between Higgins and Robertson yesterday. Can't believe the commentators talking like it was all over when it went to 5-3 Robertson, how many times do we see deciding frames these days? Surprised Higgins didn't actually make him pot the last ball, it still could have gone wrong (though unlikely).

I like Ding too so looking forward to the final today.

[ShadowDancer]

That was some match...not a lot of us talking about snooker lately as a championship has passed before this one. Rocket came back from 8-2 down agains Higgins only to lose the decider..he made it 8-8. I am drained.

Final Tomorrow. Ding V Higgins.

[ShadowDancer]

Its been the Masters this week. Missed one match so I am feeling involved, as usual.

Great matches all week with the semi between Williams (who I like a lot) and Ronnie, Rocket won 6-5 after trailing 5-4. Very very high standard and it was a great match to watch.

The final is Selby v O Sullivan.

First session was 5-3 to the Rocket which resumes at 8. (best of 19)

Selby could of made it 4-4. That and 5-3, a fair reflection which was pretty high standard after the first frame.

Can't wait until 8.

[ShadowDancer]

Selby Won 10-9! Went all the way. Rocket was 9-7 in front and amazingly lost the 3 remaining frames. He did have a chance before that and over stretched on a yellow and missed.

He did seem rather unhappy that he lost. I guess that's only right? anyone got any views on his talk with Parrot?

Well done Mark Selby.

[booth83]

He did seem a bit short in the final interview, but there seems to be an expectation for the loser to react a certain way (humble and gentlemanly?) which you can never predict with roonnie, i think he was really annoyed with himself for the green he went for to be honest, it was way off the mark and i think he could have had it had he played a good safety at that point.

Wasa cracking game though, had me on the edge of my seat the last 3 frames.

[NW2013]

Steve Davis knocks John Higgins out of the World Championship. Amazing scenes!

Ha ha, there has also just been an hilarious live TV invasion by Fathers for Justice. Brilliant!

[DavidH]

Great story about Ronnie's 147 today, suppose when you have his genius you can be a super cocky git and get away with it

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/9016342.stm

[ShadowDancer]

Pretty sure I'm not the only one watching this...

Hope you're enjoying it as much as me..

(The event before this was the China Open, was live on Eurosports. Judd Trump won..)

Highlight of the 1st round was the Hendry v Perry match, Hendry...Legend!

[Flabio]

I keep missing the good matches cause the Freeview red button coverage is really patchy for some reason. Sure they used to have two different live streams on there, now there's only one and it keeps being turned off to do interactive tie-ins for other shows.

I guess I could always stream it online.

[ShadowDancer]

Was that a one off? I've had no problems with 2 tables via the red button.

[NW2013]

Why hasn't the snooker been in HD?

Great stuff in the Ding V Trump match yesterday, brilliant. I'd like either of them to win. Of course, Higgins and Williams are excellent too. I don't think I've ever liked all of the potential finalists before.

[ShadowDancer]

Agreed....Trump won a couple of hours ago in a very memorable semi.

The BBC have shown and spoke about Judd Trump for many years now, Im on about when he was a very young child,
I'm sure many of you have known this. Perhaps at a time when potential didn't seem as great.

Was it spoke about in this thread (sure it was) when he was in a WR event a few years back and his shirt was literally
4 sizes too large.

Hes came of age, would love to see him win now. As good as he is and has been, far too many good match players
for any one player to dominate now, thats not to descredit what Davis and Hendry (In my time) have acheived.
That for the record is amazing, and will always be.

Can wait for Higgins and Williams to resume.

Then its the final, and the beautiful conclusion on May Day.

Really love snooker. That was a brilliant semi.

I really do want Trump to win tho. (Big fan of Williams and Respect for Higgins also)

[NW2013]

Was a good match and feel sorry for Ding because he played brilliantly and it really could have gone either way. I think Williams or Higgins will beat Trump though, mainly through experience.

[ShadowDancer]

Thats what I'm afraid of. Although, he is attacking and good in the balls, if he can get a lead going, hold his head together...

Saying that, even if he played brilliantly, Higgins hates losing and will grind if he needs to, and Williams is World No1 for a reason.

Makes for a great final either way. Thank you God for not having to witness Dott anywhere near it.

[ShadowDancer]

Higgins v Trump it is.

[NW2013]

Yeah, it should be a good one. I think Higgins will do it personally but maybe if Trump pots as well as he did in the first session against Ding who knows. Trump's all round game is not as polished as Higgins' though.

[ShadowDancer]

RIP Ted Lowe :(

Not long started. Trump has taken the 1st.

[ShadowDancer]

Brilliant Days Snooker. Trump leads 10-7 Overnight. Cannot wait for tomorrow. I'm well excited the way this has set up.

(A long way to go yet)

[ShadowDancer]

All set up for tonight.

Fascinating stuff earlier. Trump went in 12-9 up at the mid session and then lost the final 4. He had a couple of chances
to extend his lead to four frames...

Finished 13-12. Can. Not. Wait!!!

:)

[NemesiS]

If there is any justice in the world Trump will triumph. Higgins should never have been allowed to pick up a cue after being caught blatantly throwing games for money

The decision to ban him for 6 months, when he apparently wasn't guilty made a mockery of snookers governing body. A lesser player would have got a lifetime ban and not a trumped up, made up charge to appease certain sectors to show they had to act against him for something so to keep their number one playing.

Higgins is a greedy, cheating scumbag and i hope Trump wipes the floor with him, but i don't think he will. His safety play is too ragged and he lacks experience should he get drawn into a war of attrition with Higgins. His savior is his potting ability as Higgins hasn't been at the top of his game in this respect but when he does get in, he needs to clear up every chance he gets or Higgins will grind him down.

[NW2013]

All set up for tonight.

Fascinating stuff earlier. Trump went in 12-9 up at the mid session and then lost the final 4. He had a couple of chances
to extend his lead to four frames...

Finished 13-12. Can. Not. Wait!!!

:)

Trump took on a few risky pots that other players wouldn't have gone for. I suppose he'll learn that from experience.

A snooker irk for me today is I wish the BBC would stop showing the players' families and asking them questions, etc. I couldn't give a rat's ass about that stuff.

[NemesiS]

Trump has to really start making the most of the chances he's getting here and not over complicating his potting shots. He can't afford any more silly slip ups as i feel Higgins is there for the taking if he tightens up.

[Kungfu]

Trump is not getting the luck, but agree Higgins is beatable tonight and would be amazing if the youngster could do it.

[NemesiS]

I hate to say it but i think experience will win through here as the young lad is taking to many showboat shots on and making mistakes. He isn't getting any luck either i agree. Higgins will be happy to just sit tight until he misses one or plays a ragged safety.

[NemesiS]

"Sighs"... Higgins isn't having to do anything of substance here. Trump just keeps giving the frames away and Higgins just comes in plays a safety or clears up from an unnecessary mistake from taking on a silly pot

[ShadowDancer]

One away :(

[NemesiS]

Can't argue with that result. Trump threw it away with some amateur play and shot choices. Only young though and he will learn from experience that you can't win finals by hitting balls at 100mph and only getting 40 odd breaks and missing frame winning shots.

[ShadowDancer]

Throught the tournament, he was amazing with opening reads but all too often, the break came apart at
around 30-40. Higgins never let go in the Final (he doesn't with anyone) and hes too good not to take
frames that were handed to him.

Like a young Jimmy, Trump is agressive with tremendous cue power, he'll lose some of his amazing appeal
which he already has if he reigns it in, but, he will have to reign in a bit. (think Jimmy was a 6 times WC finalist)

This WC, I thought that maybe Higgins would be the only one that could stop Trump. And it happened.

Judd was amazing though, some of his shots throughout were exciting and really really amazing. He had taken
on shots, and potted, that no-one else would of taken whilst the frame was in play, sure we see magnificent
shots when the frame is won, but he played like that regardless.

I don't want him to change, he is a talent, but, comparing him to Jimmy, you have to draw a line and have
a safetly element to your game. His safetly play weren't bad at-all in all fairness, but it wasn't that
that let him down (as said by Nemisis) it was his agressive shot play.

Good final.

I don't know all the stuff with Higgins, but I had been told that his family were threatened if he didn't
comply. If that is true, he was in a very unfortunate position. All these things that are handled
by the governing body, when a player misbehaves, to something far more serious (as with John)
you seem to get brief statements, and a quick discussion that kinda hushes the whole issue.

I love my snooker, but have missed key things I admit.

[Supergoal]

I was about to agree with what someone had posted earlier about Higgins being banned for life instead of the paltry 6 months he got, but if true that he was threatened then that's awful. He seems perfectly alright now though.
This was the first game of snooker I'd seen for more than 10 years but I'd forgot how good the game is to watch. Where I live I don't think there are any snooker halls unfortunately.. Feel like getting my game on.

[ShadowDancer]

I read a newspaper article (just earlier) It didn't mention any family threatining, but said Higgins refused to throw frames/matches..

I really don't know what is what unfortunately, perhaps well this thread is active..people could shed some light onto it...

[yesteryeargames]

Hate higg the pig, unlucky Trump im sure he will win it in the next few years.

[NemesiS]

If you go back over news footage and the hidden video, he's caught bang to rights "agree'ing" to throw frames and explaining how easy it is to his co-conspiritors. His excuse was that he felt threatened and went along with it....please. He shouldn't have gone to a meeting with a couple of shady characters in the first place. He must have known it wasn't about buying a timeshare.

Doesn't really matter anyway now as he got what he got and served his time regardless of what anyone thinks. I did feel a bit for him when Hazel Irvine kept banging on about his dad who passed away a few months ago watching him from up above and making him tearful.

Good WC tho overall and Trump was a real breath of fresh air with his play. Reminded me of O'Sullivan or White in his heyday with some of his amazing shots. I agree he can't take too much away from his game but he does need to work on his safety play and all round defensive game as his maverick approach to some of the shots he made cost him almost all of his frames in the final. You simply can't play that way against a top operator like Higgins as they will just wait for mistakes and clear up or grind out defensive wins.

[NW2013]

Shame for Trump but I'm sure he'll win a good few more tournaments and maybe the WC in future.

[15peter20]

Hope you're all enjoying the 'shorter format' UK. How many tournaments a season now!!

Sunday afternoon saw Rocket see off the Legend 6-1.

[Flabio]

I preferred the longer format for this one, there's only really one major now that puts them under the pressure of having to perform over multiple sessions.

New lady referee on table two this evening, althought table one looks to be the more interesting match.

[15peter20]

My covers up - I'm ShadowDancer. If it wasn't for Davis respecting Hearn, i'd probably be more Angry.

Balance is in order tho, it isn't there. Yan is class, hope it does it.

[15peter20]

Trump v Dale today, I can hardly control myself :)

[15peter20]

Anyone know where I can find footage of the lol Quinten Hann Break Off shots...

My little brother has never seen them, I'm sure it was against Andy Hicks....

Hann had issues for sure...Which is a shame, colourful (But obv can't be forgiven)

Anyone please help...

Update is 2 a piece (Judd Trump & dominic Dale) Love them both actually, in my element.

[NW2013]

New lady referee on table two this evening, althought table one looks to be the more interesting match.

Is she fit?

[NW2013]

Trump v Robertson match was pretty amazing. Some superb play and very tense.

I haven't seen this rumoured new lady ref.

[Flabio]

Doubt you will again in this one. They won't be using anyone new for the semis or final.

[15peter20]

Trump v Robertson was absolutely great viewing.

Can't wait for the final now :)

[15peter20]

Edit - caught a glimpse of the lady ref via the open plan in the earlier stages.

In all my years of watching snooker, I've never seen so many mistakes made by a ref than Tabb, shes made many errors, including knocking balls when re-spotting a colour.

[NW2013]

Could be in the irk thread but I'm not remotely interested in the players' family and friends. Of course they're there to support the players, don't need to see them on TV or hear about them though. Although to contradict myself slightly Mark Allen's lady friend is canny.

Trump shooting himself in the foot at the moment. Interesting second half of the session to come.

[ShadowDancer]

Time of year again. 17 Days of Heaven and Hendry has just made a maximum!!!!! get in.

Ken had a chance against Aus earlier, missed the 14th red. Day 1 :)

[ShadowDancer]

Higgins 8 Wenbo 8 - best of 3 now. Great Saturday night viewing.
Glad the beeb see fit to show 'in it to win it' on 1 and red button to keep the mainstream happy. ****ing pricks.

[NW2013]

Another good Chinese player emerging, Cao Yupeng. I see Mark Allen is calling him a cheat though! I haven't seen the foul that he alleges swung the whole match though. Seems like he's a sore loser.

[ShadowDancer]

Sour grapes - agree stu. Selby Hawkins - 30 mins on the last red - brilliant (Selby needing snookers) ultimately failed but good attempts.

5-3 Hawkins, final frame of session not long started.