22.2.09

CARTER V SWAIL

The Welsh Open has been one of the strangest - and the best - tournaments I can remember.

The level of entertainment on offer has been extremely high and it's proven that you don't need century breaks flying in every frame to make snooker interesting.

You can't beat scraps on the colours, unexpected misses and players winning frames after getting snookers.

The final pits Ali Carter against Joe Swail.

Carter has lost a number of matches he should have won; Swail has won a number he should have lost.

The Belfast man becomes the first Northern Irishman to take part in a ranking tournament final since Dennis Taylor lost to Stephen Hendry in the 1990 Asian Open.

He would be the first Northern Irish ranking event winner since Taylor won the 1985 world title.

If he does come through expect tears, and not just from him.

Carter is in his second ranking final and, whatever happens, we'll have the sixth different winner from as many tournaments this season.

Snooker at the moment is unpredictable and this week has reminded us of its ability to serve up great slices of drama.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Joe Swail had the biggest smile I've seen in snooker after last night's match. All throughout the tournament he has really not hidden his emotions after or during matches. I like that.

Anonymous said...

Is Joe now guaranteed a top16 place?

Unknown said...

No, Joe still needs a good run in the China Open or Worlds to get into the top 16 - he'd had a pretty poor season before the Welsh Open.

Anonymous said...

Nicely poised going into tonight, still fancy Ali to come through but it's going to be a battle.

Anonymous said...

Tears have been had already today, just watching Joe come out into the arena.
Come on Joe - you deserve this.

Anonymous said...

By my calculations Joe will be provisionally ranked 22nd at worse case scenario if he exits, still to play tournaments, at his first match or ranked 18th (when) he lifts that trophy.

I am sure Dave would be able to check/correct this?

stuartfanning said...

Why are people so partisan for Swail? This could be Carter's first ranking tournament win and surely he deserves it more than Swail for his consistency, during most of the season, if nothing else!

Anonymous said...

Joe's knocking on a bit though, I think Carter will have more chances in the future - that's why i'm guessing there's a bit of favouritism here.

Anonymous said...

Can understand why Swail is popular, he's getting on, is a nice guy, has been in the game for 18 years and fallen before in nine ranking event semi-finals. Would be a great story if he were to win and I'd love to see it.

Carter looking ominous tonight though, looks so focused compared to this afternoon.

Anonymous said...

Dave,

Although I could access BBC's coverage from interactive on BBC, I couldn't stand the commentary from Terry Griffiths and co - much more enjoyed your and Mike Hallett's commentary. Also, any criticism of Eurosport's coverage, which is often justified, you must remember is no criticism of your professionalism and work as a commentator, which is always first class in my opinion.

Anonymous said...

i liked daves comments mostly, but mh does my head in completely.

well done ac

stuartfanning said...

The position of the EuroSport DOG during the Welsh Open was crazy and very annoying. If it couldn't be moved so that it didn't obscure the top right pocket, it should have been removed during the Snooker.

jamie brannon said...

It is unpredictable but O Sullivan has won 3 events this season from seven so that shows that it has a predictable element but none the less welcome element as I would not mind seeing Ronnie win them all.

Anonymous said...

i cant stand him winning anything

i dont doubt that he is brilliant at the game

his attitude and behaviour stinks at times though and he gets treated leniently IMHO

jamie brannon said...

But without him snooker would be struggling to attract the column inches it does get. He is the best to watch not just in snooker but any sport and because of that its impossible not to like this genius.

Anonymous said...

thats your opinion

i disagree completely and would rather see snooker without him.

thats my opinion and im not overly bothered whether you agree with it

jamie brannon said...

Im sorry but you are not saying anything considered or thought through. You are just disagreeing with everything I say for the sake of it. I bet your the same person who kept arguing over whether Selby was as good as Ronnie. You have not got the bottle to even reveal your name. Ronnie is the best to watch ask anyone who knows. Tell me why the game would be better off? Also how does he not give the game extra attention it is factually correct what I am saying. It is sad that you cant appreciate a genius, I mean what is so bad about him hes not rascist or a killer.

Anonymous said...

Selby isnt as good as ronnie

If i put my name here will it make a difference? Say its Joe, or Allister, what difference does it make? See, now who hasnt thought things through?

Youre saying your opinion. My opinion differs. Youre showing your limited intelligence that when someone says they disagree with you that they dont have to agree with your opinion if they feel differently.

Have a nice day in the nuthouse!

jamie brannon said...

if you put your name I can distinguish you from the other anoymous people. I said this before but my comment was deleted I thought Dave was not putting moderation on?

Anonymous said...

i dont want to put my name on

if any person using "anonymous" posts something you wish to reply to you dont need a name, you can just reply (even copying and pasting what the anonymous said)

if you want to know what anonymous you are replying to then thats unfortunate, as the way things stand i, and many others, do not wish to, but as long as i am not abusive and breaking Daves rules then that is the way i will continue posting.

:)

jamie brannon said...

Basically you lack the bottle, not been abusive saying I should be in nuthouse! No doubt every comment I make now you will get at. Well just let me know its you in future you don't have to give your name.

Anonymous said...

i never once said you should be in nuthouse.

please dont put words in my mouth. thanks

jamie brannon said...

have a nice day in nuthouse, dont say it wasnt you as it links in with other comments.

Anonymous said...

yes, you are correct this time. that is what i said. second time lucky.