3.1.10

CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE ATTRACTS BEST EVER FIELD

One of the reasons Barry Hearn attracted support before the WPBSA AGM last month was because of the Championship League, an event he promotes that has proved to be very popular with players.

Now in its third year, this qualifying event for the Premier League is shown on various betting websites.

This year’s field at Crondon Park Golf Club in Essex is the best yet. For the first time, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Maguire will compete.

Maguire joins world champion John Higgins, Shaun Murphy, Mark Selby, Ryan Day, Ali Carter and last year’s winner Judd Trump in the first group tomorrow.

O’Sullivan, Neil Robertson and Marco Fu join the fray on Wednesday for group two.

There has been a slight tweak to the rules this year with matches now best of five frames as opposed to being of four frames duration. This means there can no longer be draws.

Players receive £100 per frame won. It is a little like being paid to practise, albeit against some of the best players in the world, and will toughen these guys up ahead of the Masters.

Full details can be found at Matchroom Sport.

Meanwhile for those of you who follow me on Twitter, I will be attempting to post photos from various points of the snooker circuit, starting this week.

I know. Exciting, isn't it?

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

would be good to have your "pic of the moth" from the circuit on here too for those of us who started here on your blog and dont/cant do twittying

Anonymous said...

or a pic of the moNth...

Anonymous said...

This is one of the events that should be made into a ranking event. The more ranking events the better, regardless of the format.

mathsisfun said...

Hi Dave,
Do you know if Jimmy White or Tony Drago are playing in the Championship League?

Anonymous said...

What happened to World Snooker's Pro Challenge No.4, scheduled to start tomorrow (Mon.Jan.4)?

Dave H said...

4.03: no they're not because the field is made up going strictly down the rankings

4.30: it's been scrapped

Anonymous said...

and 3.14 dont talk nonsense

you cant just make up a tournament and exclude some folk and call it a ranking event when others further down the ranking dont get in. use yer loaf son.

happy new year

Janie Watkins said...

Attempting to post photos David?
On no!
This brings back memories of the Latvia Power Boat Races!!

While you're busy commentating and snapping, Global Snooker will be bringing frame by frame scores and table updates...

We couldn't have a better few days snooker to kick off 2010 and warm up for the Masters.

I think it's going to be an exciting year.

Janie Watkins said...

WSA did tell me Pro challenge 4 will be "rescheduled" but as of now I don't have any confirmation of rescheduled dates for the remaining Pro Challenge events.

mathsisfun said...

What ranking do the players who get invites go down to? Is it just the top 48?

Trevor said...

Does anyone know a site showing this ?

Anonymous said...

please post a pic of you in a paper hat from a christmas cracker, Dave.

RIchP said...

From a betting perspective, which was one of the main reasons this event was created, it certainly helps doing away with the draw. Hopefully now it will gain popularity because previously it's not been high on the radar even if it's been supposedly popular with the players.

mathsisfun said...

Trever, if you are a member of www.bet365.co.uk you can watch it for free. I think it is shown on some other betting websites as well.

Anonymous said...

Great photo of your breakfast Dave, if this is the standard we can look forward to I personally won't be able to sleep. I'm a bit disappointed that we didn't get a photo of the finished plate to enjoy though.

darrus said...

Dave, do you know what's the problem with commentary and are they doing something to solve it? It's rather annoying having the same audio on both tables.
Other than that, good viewing so far.

Dave H said...

There are 'technical issues'

Dave H said...

That's with the coverage, not my breakfast

Trevor said...

Im in ireland and not a member of bet365 can anyone tell me what sites i can watch this on for free ? Cheers

Anonymous said...

Trevor, it's also on Betfair.

Trevor said...

You need an account to watch on betfair aswel. Is their any site i can view on for free ? Cheers

Anonymous said...

Not sure there are any, but I think a deposit of £5 at Bet 365 will get you the coverage, then just bet £1 a match!

Anonymous said...

Snooker © The Fine Art Method
A secret is wasted if not shared
Hello Dave
There wasn’t much response Dave over exchanging pictures! I wonder why? The game is full of male players showing big grins, and often big faults in “Stance” Balance and generally in basic technique.

Women would love to play snooker, but sadly, going down on the shot is full of “Suggestiveness” especially leaning and stretching over the table. Going down correctly, and feeling and looking comfortable are the most difficult branches of snooker technique as comfortably is often “Wrong”.

A point to note: The year that Jimmy White fluffed the black against Stephen Hendry for the Worlds title, Jimmy was nice and comfortable but stood with his knees touching and off balance. Jimmy like many players often goes down off balance and then twist into the shot. It works for some.

Women can look lovely and sexy when down correctly on the shot. Women learners to the game “really go down modestly ready to get up” and never stay down long enough to relax and show off. Snooker clubs walls are lined with male player; but never shows the beauty and elegance of lady players down on the shot. Mr hey you

Anonymous said...

It's free to join any of bet365.com or berfair.com.

Anonymous said...

'Back in Black' by AC DC for Jimmy Whites intro at the Masters