11.10.09

FINAL PREVIEW

There will be an extraordinary amount of nonsense talked today about how the Neil Robertson v Ding Junhui Grand Prix final represents the globalisation of the sport.

No it doesn't. It's just pure luck.

There are only four non-British or Irish players ranked inside the top 32. Robertson and Ding are two, Marco Fu and Liang Wenbo are the others.

There are hardly any players from mainland Europe or the Middle East or North or South America on this list.

Further down the ranks there are fewer non British players than at any time in the last 30 years.

The fact that this is only the second ranking tournament final to feature two non-UK players in the 200+ that have been staged is an embarrassment to the sport, not a cause for celebration.

Snooker is a world game in terms of the interest from viewers but the circuit is avowedly British. This is why Robertson and Ding have been forced to move to the UK to live and practice here during the season.

There are no main tour tournaments staged in mainland Europe - despite the huge interest that exists there - and none in Australia either.

I for one hope that today's final will play its part in spreading the snooker gospel far beyond UK shores.

It should certainly be entertaining: Robertson and Ding are both quick, attacking and supremely talented.

I favour Robertson because he possesses supreme confidence and I feel that if it goes close he can stand up to the pressure.

But both players are 3 for 3 from ranking finals and could well serve up a classic encounter.

Just don't let anyone kid you that this means the game is taking a step forward. Robertson and Ding have become top stars by moving to Britain, which still dominates the snooker scene to an extent that proves there is still much work to do before the game becomes truly international.

9 comments:

Chris said...

Fair comments there Dave. Very true.

Anonymous said...

1
John Higgins MBE
31000
4480
35480

2
Ronnie O'Sullivan
23875
7000
30875

3
Shaun Murphy
23475
4480
27955

4
Allister Carter
24100
2660
26760

5
Ryan Day
21250
3500
24750

6
Neil Robertson
22825
980
23805

7
Stephen Maguire
22075
0
22075

8
Marco Fu
19275
2660
21935

9
Ricky Walden
15825
3500
19325

10
Mark Selby
17925
980
18905

11
Stephen Hendry MBE
16225
2660
18885

12
Mark Allen
17800
980
18780

13
Liang Wenbo
12325
5600
17925

14
Ding Junhui
13775
3500
17275

15
Mark J Williams MBE
14219
2660
16879

16
Barry Hawkins
14200
2660
16860

17
Mark King
14625
1960
16585

18
Jamie Cope
13763
2660
16423

19
Michael Holt
14275
1960
16235

20
Graeme Dott
14025
1960
15985

thats the updated list after shang
looks a lot different after today

Anonymous said...

@Dave Yesterday Eirian Williams was replaced by Jan Verhaas. And also today the referee will be Jan Verhaas. Do you know why? Was Eirian ill yesterday?

Dave H said...

He was yes

JAMIE O'REILLY said...

I am sure we are in for a treat. this evening David. I am in great antisipation. I simply can't wait.

kimball said...

Dear Dave,

I ceratinly think that this final
takes the game a step forward.
The impact of asia will not diminish by chinese players in finals twice on the trot.
Less non-british players than in
30 years??
Maybe so, but not with the 96 pro
system.
10 of the last 24 this season is non british-Irish.
16 out of 96 is more than ever.
Personally, I would think it more
likely with a rankingtournament in
India than in Australia.
See:
http://www.ibsf.info/worldchamps-india09.shtml
" looks like an outstanding occasion!"
I agree that the sport is dominated
by Britain and maybe it will be,
"from the cradle to the grave"!
The rankingsystem is deadening slow and for good mesure you have
Pontins as the real spiritkiller.
Looking at the names in the middle of the ranking could make you cry,
so many have been there for ever.
A few years back, 50 % were players that turned pro 1991.

So Dave, how to fix the wrongs?

Anonymous said...

Why do they start these finals so late would'nt 1pm and 6-30pm be more practical.

Anonymous said...

1-30pm and 7pm would be my ideal suggestion.

jamie brannon said...

I can see why the game would benefit globally, but I think in chasing the global brand, the game over here has stagnated a little.