Our competition to win three free year-long subscriptions to Snooker Scene magazine closes at 5pm British time today.
To stand a chance of winning, you need to correctly answer the three following questions:
1) Who was the first player to win the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield?
2) Who was the opponent when Stephen Hendry made a record seven centuries in a UK Championship final?
3) How many ranking tournaments has Ronnie O'Sullivan won in this decade (2000-2008)?
DO NOT post your answers below.
Email them to snookersceneblog@aol.com.
2 comments:
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the replies to the last post - am currently on day release - so I have more for you to look at.
Wow! What a summer of snooker woe and hijinks - and that is a statement I thought I'd never see me writing about this sport.
Well done to Mark Selby for the premier league wildcard. And to Liu Chuang for the season's tour card. Do the WSA have a standby person in case he was to fall ill, or does the WSA have others to give.
Nice to see Ding give his money from the Chinese tournament to the relief fund for the disaster that occured over there.
How succesful was the six-red tournament in Thailand and, like the 20/20 cricket over here, I can see it developing into a tournament in a few years time on the calendar.
Why is Prestatyn used for most of the qualifying tournaments and the English Institute get a couple, Dave? Can't one or the either have all of them?
Seeing Shaun Murphy as a school governor is farcical (one remembers his general knowledge skills on the Weakest Link) but good luck to him.
Has there been any further developments in the 'bribed match' claim? Or did it get resolved?
How is Stephen Maguire's injury? Is he fit to play? I seem to remember Anthony Hamilton breaking his wrist, whilst chasing a robber, 8 years ago.
I cannot believe the WSA would not believe Chris Small, has there been any changes, what is Chris doing now? But I think the whole farago is shambolic of the WSA. The snooker media helped Chris didn't they, Dave?
Indeed, Joe Swail's website is smooth. How is Joe's Tinnitus, Dave? When interviewing him, does he pick everything up. As for Ken he is a model player, and he should stay in the game in whatever capacity? Maybe a documentary on Snooker for the South Bank show for starters?
Dave, I would like to see the doors open again to Snooker qualification. And, like you say, if 'players' pay a certain amount of money, the WSA will be able to explore further situations with funds in the bank. But the whole sport would need to be shaken up, we are seeing that happen now, and the WSA I don't think, realise what is happening...Speaking of which...
Who is gonna fund the World Championship next season? WSA or Rodney Walker's bank account? Unfair it maybe for 888 to walk away, Walker said they knew weeks before the news was released and, that, they have the funds? Do they? Do 888 still sponsor Middlesbrough as well as the Spanish team?
Any more news on whether the German Open is coming back? Just like the old days of playing it in the army barracks in the mid-90s. They are missing a trick with this and the Paul Hunter English Open.
And eventually it has happened. Hearn's fantastically sucessful Premier League along with the World Series, is now vying alongside a disfunctional WSA calendar, who don't know what place they've book in advanced, who maybe sponsoring, and generally making all the wrong decisions. I would love to see the WSA disbanded and a new tour set up that encompases the Higgins/Hearn razmazztazz. Hearn, has already proved he can walk away from snooker and still be successful (Darts with its £5 million tour) proves this. But, he supports the sport still, with a good contract from Sky, Higgins is tied to the European side, and we now see this is successful - as we've known for years - and Eurosport have picked up on this.
Why, when F1 and Golf tie-down places, sponsors, media and the like to specific dates and contracts, the snooker calendar which is only half-a-year long cannot even organise a few tournaments. The NI trophy has been shunted backwards and forwards and now the new Bahrain event which has been talked about for so long, that they make a mess of it. Dave, being an ex-worker of the WSA, tell me, does anyone know whats going on?
The players should have voted for the new set-up/rival tour by TSN when it was announced or, at least got some of the old players like Steve Davis/Terry Griffiths or Dennis Taylor on its board.
Couple of final points: I've read the articles with regards O'Sullivan over the summer. I think his time with 110 was only short-term, and he is almost a free agent now. He's not signed to an offshoot company of Matchroom by any chance has he? He seems to be in good spirits whatever and wherever he is living at the moment. And I also read, that Robert Kubica, the F1 driver, looks at the Rocket as a sporting inspiration! Thats definitely a first...or maybe he saw O'Sullivan on Top Gear!
Who are Mark Williams and Maguire signed with now. I cannot believe Williams fell out with 110. He and Hendry, I thought, were part of the furniture. Though 110 have undergone various changes. I remember when they took the whole snooker media with them for various projects around the time of the new tour in 2000. But that backfired as well.
If Wheels in Motions collasped who is Matthew Stevens represented by now? I agree with you. Its not too hard to become a manager of a snooker player, they should try to manage an Indie band, that would sort out snooker managers and the WSA in one!
Well done to Clive for winning his case, when does the paperback come out?
I read the grumble about golf and snooker on TV. It is a working class sport. I go back to what Hearn's done, and the WSA must follow or employ him if they want to see Snooker stay in the 21st century and not be overtaken by Darts. We do have 17 days of the World Championship on TV which is what the Golf gets on BBC for the the whole season. But go to digital, and with 2 tours, golf is everywhere...Stars are everywhere, and it garners more features in written press. Snooker will have to progress with flamboyant tournaments, players and sponsors taking a risk to garner interest of the young and old and...the media.
But what can you do when the players give you 30 seconds of soundbite to type up and include in your match report copy? Nothing...so the Sports Editor gives you a paragraph of space...and thats just the Broadsheets! So I don't mind reading about the gossip of snooker...it keeps it highlighted.
Well done to Jimmy White at the NI Trophy qualifying. But why is the final qualifying round going to be a sink or swim affair in Belfast and not still in Prestatyn? Also, how do the WSA decide what is an invitation tournament (the player who said there was a possible new one coming - did it happen?)or what isn't?
Keep up the wonderful work, Dave. It's to the point, succinct, erudite and never evades the question. You and Clive always target the truth, and thats what good journalism is about!
Finally, the Spinto Band are back and still loving their snooker!
Thanks, Joe
PS - Got the TV times for the coming week in Belfast?
Joe - you either live an exciting life of intrigue or have a terrible internet connection. Anyway, I'll answer each point in turn...
"Well done to Mark Selby for the premier league wildcard. And to Liu Chuang for the season's tour card. Do the WSA have a standby person in case he was to fall ill, or does the WSA have others to give."
- No. They should have a list of reserves I think because so many people want to play but don't.
"How succesful was the six-red tournament in Thailand and, like the 20/20 cricket over here, I can see it developing into a tournament in a few years time on the calendar."
- Very successful in as much as it is guaranteed for another two years and the prize money has doubled. The players all seemed to enjoy it, although I certainly hope it doesn't overtake the established game.
"Why is Prestatyn used for most of the qualifying tournaments and the English Institute get a couple, Dave? Can't one or the either have all of them?"
- I think the general idea is to move them all to Sheffield eventually but as to how long this will take I've no idea. They are both excellent set ups.
"Has there been any further developments in the 'bribed match' claim? Or did it get resolved?"
- Matt Selt was not fou ds guilty due to 'insufficient evidence'
"How is Stephen Maguire's injury? Is he fit to play? I seem to remember Anthony Hamilton breaking his wrist, whilst chasing a robber, 8 years ago."
- Yes, he is fit to play as far as I'm aware but it will have affected his preparation.
"I cannot believe the WSA would not believe Chris Small, has there been any changes, what is Chris doing now? But I think the whole farago is shambolic of the WSA. The snooker media helped Chris didn't they, Dave?"
- We went him £300 as part of his benefit night.
"Indeed, Joe Swail's website is smooth. How is Joe's Tinnitus, Dave? When interviewing him, does he pick everything up. As for Ken he is a model player, and he should stay in the game in whatever capacity? Maybe a documentary on Snooker for the South Bank show for starters?"
- As long as you speak up, Joe can hear you fine.
"Who is gonna fund the World Championship next season? WSA or Rodney Walker's bank account? Unfair it maybe for 888 to walk away, Walker said they knew weeks before the news was released and, that, they have the funds? Do they? Do 888 still sponsor Middlesbrough as well as the Spanish team?"
- Don't think they sponsor 'boro now (I may be wrong). Sir Rodney Walker says World Snooker has £4m in reserves so if this is indeed the case there is no immediate threat to the Championship. I would expect a replacement sponsor to be found.
"Any more news on whether the German Open is coming back? Just like the old days of playing it in the army barracks in the mid-90s. They are missing a trick with this and the Paul Hunter English Open."
- Germany does not seem to feature in World Snooker's current plans.
"And eventually it has happened. Hearn's fantastically sucessful Premier League along with the World Series, is now vying alongside a disfunctional WSA calendar, who don't know what place they've book in advanced, who maybe sponsoring, and generally making all the wrong decisions. I would love to see the WSA disbanded and a new tour set up that encompases the Higgins/Hearn razmazztazz. Hearn, has already proved he can walk away from snooker and still be successful (Darts with its £5 million tour) proves this. But, he supports the sport still, with a good contract from Sky, Higgins is tied to the European side, and we now see this is successful - as we've known for years - and Eurosport have picked up on this."
- A breakaway tour would be a bad idea. I remember the turmoil the last time it was attempted. However, there is no doubt at all that snooker would significantly benefit from Hearn's input.
"Why, when F1 and Golf tie-down places, sponsors, media and the like to specific dates and contracts, the snooker calendar which is only half-a-year long cannot even organise a few tournaments. The NI trophy has been shunted backwards and forwards and now the new Bahrain event which has been talked about for so long, that they make a mess of it. Dave, being an ex-worker of the WSA, tell me, does anyone know whats going on?"
- Yes, some do. There are good people who work for World Snooker but their hands are tied by its constitutional set up: it tries to be a commercial body, player's union and rules committee and they all compete against each other.
"Couple of final points: I've read the articles with regards O'Sullivan over the summer. I think his time with 110 was only short-term, and he is almost a free agent now. He's not signed to an offshoot company of Matchroom by any chance has he? He seems to be in good spirits whatever and wherever he is living at the moment. And I also read, that Robert Kubica, the F1 driver, looks at the Rocket as a sporting inspiration! Thats definitely a first...or maybe he saw O'Sullivan on Top Gear!"
- Ronnie's always been his own man, even when he's been in a management stable.
"Who are Mark Williams and Maguire signed with now. I cannot believe Williams fell out with 110. He and Hendry, I thought, were part of the furniture. Though 110 have undergone various changes. I remember when they took the whole snooker media with them for various projects around the time of the new tour in 2000. But that backfired as well."
- I believe Maguire is with Pat Mooney. Williams is looking after his own affairs.
"If Wheels in Motions collasped who is Matthew Stevens represented by now? I agree with you. Its not too hard to become a manager of a snooker player, they should try to manage an Indie band, that would sort out snooker managers and the WSA in one!"
- Stevens is managed by 110sport, such is the managerial merry-go-round.
"Well done to Clive for winning his case, when does the paperback come out?"
- I thought it was this year but he tells me it's next summer.
"I read the grumble about golf and snooker on TV. It is a working class sport. I go back to what Hearn's done, and the WSA must follow or employ him if they want to see Snooker stay in the 21st century and not be overtaken by Darts. We do have 17 days of the World Championship on TV which is what the Golf gets on BBC for the the whole season. But go to digital, and with 2 tours, golf is everywhere...Stars are everywhere, and it garners more features in written press. Snooker will have to progress with flamboyant tournaments, players and sponsors taking a risk to garner interest of the young and old and...the media."
- The game is still very strong but I agree there needs to be a rethink about how it is presented. I credit the World Series organisers for at least thinking about this.
"WBut what can you do when the players give you 30 seconds of soundbite to type up and include in your match report copy? Nothing...so the Sports Editor gives you a paragraph of space...and thats just the Broadsheets! So I don't mind reading about the gossip of snooker...it keeps it highlighted."
- Yes, spot on.
"Well done to Jimmy White at the NI Trophy qualifying. But why is the final qualifying round going to be a sink or swim affair in Belfast and not still in Prestatyn? Also, how do the WSA decide what is an invitation tournament (the player who said there was a possible new one coming - did it happen?)or what isn't? "
- No news on the tournament I mentioned. Some tournaments they take 48 players, others 32. It often depends on the requirements of the broadcaster and size of the venue.
"Keep up the wonderful work, Dave. It's to the point, succinct, erudite and never evades the question. You and Clive always target the truth, and thats what good journalism is about!"
- Thank you, we do try our best!
"Finally, the Spinto Band are back and still loving their snooker!"
-Excellent, I look forward to hearing their new material
"PS - Got the TV times for the coming week in Belfast?"
I shall see if I can find them out and post them on here.
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