Ronnie O'Sullivan finished 13th in the first of two races at the VW Cup at Brands Hatch this weekend.
However, the newly crowned Shanghai Masters champion spun his Jetta into a gravel trap two laps from the end of the second race, where he was set to take tenth place.
O'Sullivan made his motor racing debut last month.
21.9.09
THAI OF THE ROUND
James Wattana takes centre stage – if such a thing exists at Pontin’s – for the opening round of qualifying for the Grand Prix in Prestatyn today.
We thought we’d seen the last of Wattana when he was relegated from the circuit in 2008 but he won the Asian Championship to book a return.
In the early 1990s, many believed he would be Asia’s first world champion. The Thai was a terrific talent but despite a few near misses he failed to land any of the sport’s ‘big three’ titles (world, UK and Masters).
Wattana - real name Ratchapol Pu-Ob-Orm - first rose to prominence as a teenager in the 1980s when he captured the Thailand Masters, an invitation event featuring a number of top players and organised by Barry Hearn’s Matchroom.
He won the Asian Championship and then the world amateur title before, remarkably, reaching the final of one of his first tournaments as a professional, the 1989 Asian Open in his native Bangkok, where he lost out to Stephen Hendry.
It caused a sensation in Thailand and resulted in a boom that mirrors that happening now in China.
Wattana moved to Yorkshire and learned English, partly through playing Scrabble.
His laid back personality made him very popular with his fellow players and with those backstage at tournaments, journalists included.
Wattana would win his home title twice, in 1994 and 1995. He also won the 1992 Strachan Professional, a ranking event, the 1992 World Matchplay and rose as high as third in the world rankings.
He was a Crucible semi-finalist in 1993 and 1997 and famously made a 147 break at the 1992 British Open shortly after learning his father had been shot in Bangkok.
It wasn’t his first maximum. He made one at the 1991 World Masters but Sky were unable to get their cameras over to record any of it.
They got round this by simply not mentioning that the break had happened.
Wattana would decline during the late 1990s. In the qualifiers for the 2005 World Championship he was beaten 10-0 by Ali Carter and fell down the rankings.
He plays Stephen Rowlings at 4pm today, live on 110sport.tv.
Wattana is unlikely to ever again challenge for titles but if he enjoys playing he should continue for as long as he wants.
He’s earned the right to do that.
We thought we’d seen the last of Wattana when he was relegated from the circuit in 2008 but he won the Asian Championship to book a return.
In the early 1990s, many believed he would be Asia’s first world champion. The Thai was a terrific talent but despite a few near misses he failed to land any of the sport’s ‘big three’ titles (world, UK and Masters).
Wattana - real name Ratchapol Pu-Ob-Orm - first rose to prominence as a teenager in the 1980s when he captured the Thailand Masters, an invitation event featuring a number of top players and organised by Barry Hearn’s Matchroom.
He won the Asian Championship and then the world amateur title before, remarkably, reaching the final of one of his first tournaments as a professional, the 1989 Asian Open in his native Bangkok, where he lost out to Stephen Hendry.
It caused a sensation in Thailand and resulted in a boom that mirrors that happening now in China.
Wattana moved to Yorkshire and learned English, partly through playing Scrabble.
His laid back personality made him very popular with his fellow players and with those backstage at tournaments, journalists included.
Wattana would win his home title twice, in 1994 and 1995. He also won the 1992 Strachan Professional, a ranking event, the 1992 World Matchplay and rose as high as third in the world rankings.
He was a Crucible semi-finalist in 1993 and 1997 and famously made a 147 break at the 1992 British Open shortly after learning his father had been shot in Bangkok.
It wasn’t his first maximum. He made one at the 1991 World Masters but Sky were unable to get their cameras over to record any of it.
They got round this by simply not mentioning that the break had happened.
Wattana would decline during the late 1990s. In the qualifiers for the 2005 World Championship he was beaten 10-0 by Ali Carter and fell down the rankings.
He plays Stephen Rowlings at 4pm today, live on 110sport.tv.
Wattana is unlikely to ever again challenge for titles but if he enjoys playing he should continue for as long as he wants.
He’s earned the right to do that.
18.9.09
THINKING IT OVER
Mark Joyce has told his local newspaper that he is consulting a psychologist in an attempt to improve his fortunes this season.
World no.57 Mark, a former English amateur champion, reached the final of the Masters qualifying event last year but the rest of the season tailed off for him.
He’s wise to try something new in his approach to the campaign rather than just hoping his tried and tested formula will work.
Many sportsmen have consulted psychologists in an effort to give them an edge. The setting of goals and clearing of the mind can, in theory, have a positive effect.
Of course, there will be those who say it’s all nonsense and unnecessary but there are always people who are sceptical about things they don’t understand.
Visiting a psychologist won’t turn Mark into a world champion but it may keep some of the mental turmoil associated with snooker at bay and let him do what he does best: playing the game.
World no.57 Mark, a former English amateur champion, reached the final of the Masters qualifying event last year but the rest of the season tailed off for him.
He’s wise to try something new in his approach to the campaign rather than just hoping his tried and tested formula will work.
Many sportsmen have consulted psychologists in an effort to give them an edge. The setting of goals and clearing of the mind can, in theory, have a positive effect.
Of course, there will be those who say it’s all nonsense and unnecessary but there are always people who are sceptical about things they don’t understand.
Visiting a psychologist won’t turn Mark into a world champion but it may keep some of the mental turmoil associated with snooker at bay and let him do what he does best: playing the game.
17.9.09
NOTES AND QUERIES
I am always pleased to receive emails from readers and will do my best to answer them but I get a number on the same subjects so will answer them here.
Q: When will the next Snooker Scene podcast be?
A: Not sure. They are rather time consuming to put together and I’m not sure how successful they were. However, hopefully they will return as the new season continues.
Q: What’s happening with the World Series?
A: The next event is in Prague on October 17/18 followed by one in Warsaw on November 14/15.
Q: How can I write to my favourite player?
A: The best thing is to send your letters to World Snooker and they will pass them on.
Q: I have a rules query. Can you help?
A: I’ll do my best but you can refer to the official rules on worldsnooker.com.
If you have any questions, you can contact me at snookersceneblog@aol.com
Q: When will the next Snooker Scene podcast be?
A: Not sure. They are rather time consuming to put together and I’m not sure how successful they were. However, hopefully they will return as the new season continues.
Q: What’s happening with the World Series?
A: The next event is in Prague on October 17/18 followed by one in Warsaw on November 14/15.
Q: How can I write to my favourite player?
A: The best thing is to send your letters to World Snooker and they will pass them on.
Q: I have a rules query. Can you help?
A: I’ll do my best but you can refer to the official rules on worldsnooker.com.
If you have any questions, you can contact me at snookersceneblog@aol.com
KEN DOHERTY AT 40
Ken Doherty turns 40 today.
He remains the only player to win the world title at junior, amateur and professional level and through two decades at the top has cemented his place in snooker’s pantheon of legends.
Like many of his age, Ken got into snooker through watching Pot Black on the BBC but his ambition to be a pro was formed when he sat, transfixed, as Alex Higgins won his second world title in 1982.
A successful junior career in Ireland was followed by a move to Ilford where he lived and practised for several years and played on the thriving pro-am circuit.
After winning the world under 21 and amateur crowns, Doherty turned professional in 1990.
In his first season he qualified for the Crucible where he ran Steve Davis very close before going down 10-8.
His first ranking final came at the 1992 Grand Prix and his first title at the 1993 Welsh Open.
He has won six ranking tournaments in total having reached 17 finals, 35 semi-finals and 61 quarter-finals.
Of course, his greatest success came at the 1997 World Championship when he ended Stephen Hendry’s run of five successive Crucible triumphs with an 18-12 defeat.
A year later he reached the final again but was beaten 18-12 by John Higgins.
In many ways, his best performance came at the 2003 World Championship where he proved to be the tournament’s star if not its winner.
Doherty survived a series of last gasp victories, none more dramatic than his 17-16 semi-final defeat of Paul Hunter from 15-9 down.
He trailed Mark Williams 11-4 in the final, levelled at 11-11 but eventually lost their gripping encounter 18-16.
Afterwards he was just as he has always been in victory or defeat: a model of graciousness.
In a career of considerable success, he has had his disappointments, not least missing the final black of what would have been a 147 in the 2000 Masters final.
Perhaps Ken could have won more, but he played during an era in which Hendry, Higgins, Williams and Ronnie O’Sullivan, to name but four, were all at their best.
He has slipped to 44th in the world rankings this season but his run to the quarter-finals in Shanghai suggests he is far from finished.
He’s often referred to as a great tactician – which he is – but he’s also one of snooker’s best break-builders, having made over 260 career centuries, placing him sixth on the all time list.
Ken is also one of the game’s finest ambassadors. I’ve seen him bitterly disappointed by defeat but he has always taken his media responsibilities seriously and done the best for the game.
The only slip was when he was asked to leave the Air Malta flight the morning after he beat John Higgins to win the Malta Cup.
However, this was a case of overzealous officialdom as Ken was not drunk but merely sticking up for John.
Not that anybody cared anyway. Ken is one of those players almost everyone warms to because they empathise with his genuine, friendly persona.
Away from the table, he is married to a psychiatrist and the couple have a young son. He supports Manchester United and has a wide range of interests, including the painter Caravaggio. Earlier this year, he joined the BBC commentary team.
Ken could stop playing tomorrow and would be regarded as an all time great but there are still goals to be accomplished.
He is one of the organisers of the new Six Reds World Championship and, at 40, is eligible for the World Seniors Championship, should one be organised.
If he won them both he will have been world champion in five separate events, a record that may never be bettered.
He remains the only player to win the world title at junior, amateur and professional level and through two decades at the top has cemented his place in snooker’s pantheon of legends.
Like many of his age, Ken got into snooker through watching Pot Black on the BBC but his ambition to be a pro was formed when he sat, transfixed, as Alex Higgins won his second world title in 1982.
A successful junior career in Ireland was followed by a move to Ilford where he lived and practised for several years and played on the thriving pro-am circuit.
After winning the world under 21 and amateur crowns, Doherty turned professional in 1990.
In his first season he qualified for the Crucible where he ran Steve Davis very close before going down 10-8.
His first ranking final came at the 1992 Grand Prix and his first title at the 1993 Welsh Open.
He has won six ranking tournaments in total having reached 17 finals, 35 semi-finals and 61 quarter-finals.
Of course, his greatest success came at the 1997 World Championship when he ended Stephen Hendry’s run of five successive Crucible triumphs with an 18-12 defeat.
A year later he reached the final again but was beaten 18-12 by John Higgins.
In many ways, his best performance came at the 2003 World Championship where he proved to be the tournament’s star if not its winner.
Doherty survived a series of last gasp victories, none more dramatic than his 17-16 semi-final defeat of Paul Hunter from 15-9 down.
He trailed Mark Williams 11-4 in the final, levelled at 11-11 but eventually lost their gripping encounter 18-16.
Afterwards he was just as he has always been in victory or defeat: a model of graciousness.
In a career of considerable success, he has had his disappointments, not least missing the final black of what would have been a 147 in the 2000 Masters final.
Perhaps Ken could have won more, but he played during an era in which Hendry, Higgins, Williams and Ronnie O’Sullivan, to name but four, were all at their best.
He has slipped to 44th in the world rankings this season but his run to the quarter-finals in Shanghai suggests he is far from finished.
He’s often referred to as a great tactician – which he is – but he’s also one of snooker’s best break-builders, having made over 260 career centuries, placing him sixth on the all time list.
Ken is also one of the game’s finest ambassadors. I’ve seen him bitterly disappointed by defeat but he has always taken his media responsibilities seriously and done the best for the game.
The only slip was when he was asked to leave the Air Malta flight the morning after he beat John Higgins to win the Malta Cup.
However, this was a case of overzealous officialdom as Ken was not drunk but merely sticking up for John.
Not that anybody cared anyway. Ken is one of those players almost everyone warms to because they empathise with his genuine, friendly persona.
Away from the table, he is married to a psychiatrist and the couple have a young son. He supports Manchester United and has a wide range of interests, including the painter Caravaggio. Earlier this year, he joined the BBC commentary team.
Ken could stop playing tomorrow and would be regarded as an all time great but there are still goals to be accomplished.
He is one of the organisers of the new Six Reds World Championship and, at 40, is eligible for the World Seniors Championship, should one be organised.
If he won them both he will have been world champion in five separate events, a record that may never be bettered.
15.9.09
FORMER PROFESSIONAL JOHN DUNNING DIES
John Dunning, a professional from 1971 to 1997, has died at the age of 82.
Dunning was 11 times Yorkshire amateur champion and won the 1964 CIU Championship.
He was in his 40s when the game went open but beat David Taylor and Eddie Charlton to reach the 1974 World Championship quarter-finals.
Dunning was also a quarter-finalist in the 1977 UK Championship and attained a highest ranking of 11th.
His finest hour came at the 1984 Yamaha Masters, which was played in three man groups all the way to the final.
Dunning beat Terry Griffiths on the way to reaching the final, where he finished third behind Steve Davis and Dave Martin.
At 56, he remains the oldest player to appear in a televised snooker final.
Dunning qualified for the Crucible in 1981 and 1982 and played his last match as a professional in 1997 at the age of 69.
Dunning was 11 times Yorkshire amateur champion and won the 1964 CIU Championship.
He was in his 40s when the game went open but beat David Taylor and Eddie Charlton to reach the 1974 World Championship quarter-finals.
Dunning was also a quarter-finalist in the 1977 UK Championship and attained a highest ranking of 11th.
His finest hour came at the 1984 Yamaha Masters, which was played in three man groups all the way to the final.
Dunning beat Terry Griffiths on the way to reaching the final, where he finished third behind Steve Davis and Dave Martin.
At 56, he remains the oldest player to appear in a televised snooker final.
Dunning qualified for the Crucible in 1981 and 1982 and played his last match as a professional in 1997 at the age of 69.
14.9.09
CHINA IN THEIR HANDS
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s capture of the Shanghai Masters title underlined the fact that he can win tournaments when not playing at his best.
It also provided further evidence that China is a snooker powerhouse. Crowds at the Grand Stage were strong and enthusiastic while the tournament attracted as many as 50 journalists a day, providing acres of coverage in the Chinese media.
Liang Wenbo has gone above Ding Junhui in the provisional rankings and the country now has two world class players. There are many more practising several hours a day who could break through in the next few years.
This is a market that has been well exploited so far but can still be used to drive the game forward.
But what is needed are different formats and ideas for events away from the mainstream to generate additional excitement.
Here are two:
Firstly, bring back the World Cup and play it in China. This event was a mainstay of the circuit for several years but was only once staged in a grand scale, in Bangkok in 1996.
Playing for one’s country would give the players a different focus and create extra interest in each of the nations represented.
Second, how about a Ryder Cup style competition pitting Asia versus Europe?
You could play singles and doubles matches and make it a regular annual event, alternating between China and European venues.
The WPBSA has enough on its plate with the world ranking circuit but this is an opportunity for independent promoters to cash in on the Chinese boom, which still needs to be nurtured if it is to last.
It also provided further evidence that China is a snooker powerhouse. Crowds at the Grand Stage were strong and enthusiastic while the tournament attracted as many as 50 journalists a day, providing acres of coverage in the Chinese media.
Liang Wenbo has gone above Ding Junhui in the provisional rankings and the country now has two world class players. There are many more practising several hours a day who could break through in the next few years.
This is a market that has been well exploited so far but can still be used to drive the game forward.
But what is needed are different formats and ideas for events away from the mainstream to generate additional excitement.
Here are two:
Firstly, bring back the World Cup and play it in China. This event was a mainstay of the circuit for several years but was only once staged in a grand scale, in Bangkok in 1996.
Playing for one’s country would give the players a different focus and create extra interest in each of the nations represented.
Second, how about a Ryder Cup style competition pitting Asia versus Europe?
You could play singles and doubles matches and make it a regular annual event, alternating between China and European venues.
The WPBSA has enough on its plate with the world ranking circuit but this is an opportunity for independent promoters to cash in on the Chinese boom, which still needs to be nurtured if it is to last.
13.9.09
FINAL PREVIEW
Ronnie O'Sullivan will start as a big favourite to beat Liang Wenbo and win the Shanghai Masters today.
He did, too, against Ricky Walden last season and was beaten 10-8.
However, Ronnie seems far more relaxed this year and willing to dig deep and be patient. He proved this in doing a job on John Higgins in the semi-finals.
This is a final featuring snooker's two leading mavericks so making predictions is futile.
What it does prove, though, as if anyone doubted it, is that China is fast becoming a powerhouse in the sport.
Liang has already overtaken Ding Junhui in the provisional rankings and his unique way of playing the game has been a breath of fresh air.
The great irony is that, had the strict rules of the sport been obeyed, he would have been scratched from the tournament having failed to obtain a visa to play his qualifying match at Prestatyn.
Liang has more than seized his second chance to make an impression on the tournament.
He needs to make a good start to the final. If he does, a shock result is not unthinkable.
He did, too, against Ricky Walden last season and was beaten 10-8.
However, Ronnie seems far more relaxed this year and willing to dig deep and be patient. He proved this in doing a job on John Higgins in the semi-finals.
This is a final featuring snooker's two leading mavericks so making predictions is futile.
What it does prove, though, as if anyone doubted it, is that China is fast becoming a powerhouse in the sport.
Liang has already overtaken Ding Junhui in the provisional rankings and his unique way of playing the game has been a breath of fresh air.
The great irony is that, had the strict rules of the sport been obeyed, he would have been scratched from the tournament having failed to obtain a visa to play his qualifying match at Prestatyn.
Liang has more than seized his second chance to make an impression on the tournament.
He needs to make a good start to the final. If he does, a shock result is not unthinkable.
12.9.09
DAY SIX PREVIEW
The semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters feature three of the world’s top four plus a home grown talent making his debut in this stage of a ranking event.
Liang Wenbo may be the outsider in terms of ranking and record but he has noticeably reined in some of his more attacking instincts and has developed into a very tough opponent.
One of his strengths is that he remains a maverick and this makes him difficult to play.
Can he beat Shaun Murphy? It’s a possibility, but Murphy has been very solid so far this week, losing only one frame in three matches.
Ronnie O’Sullivan hasn’t beaten John Higgins in a ranking tournament since the 2003 Irish Masters final.
I’ll repeat that: Ronnie O’Sullivan hasn’t beaten John Higgins in a ranking tournament since the 2003 Irish Masters final.
Of course, it’s not as if they have played each other in every one since but it is still an anomaly that will surprise many.
I tipped Higgins for the title pre-tournament so will keep faith with the world champion, but as long as O’Sullivan remains in the field, he remains favourite.
Whoever wins this weekend, the snooker should be first class.
Liang Wenbo may be the outsider in terms of ranking and record but he has noticeably reined in some of his more attacking instincts and has developed into a very tough opponent.
One of his strengths is that he remains a maverick and this makes him difficult to play.
Can he beat Shaun Murphy? It’s a possibility, but Murphy has been very solid so far this week, losing only one frame in three matches.
Ronnie O’Sullivan hasn’t beaten John Higgins in a ranking tournament since the 2003 Irish Masters final.
I’ll repeat that: Ronnie O’Sullivan hasn’t beaten John Higgins in a ranking tournament since the 2003 Irish Masters final.
Of course, it’s not as if they have played each other in every one since but it is still an anomaly that will surprise many.
I tipped Higgins for the title pre-tournament so will keep faith with the world champion, but as long as O’Sullivan remains in the field, he remains favourite.
Whoever wins this weekend, the snooker should be first class.
11.9.09
DAY FIVE PREVIEW
It’s a cracking line up for the quarter-finals of the Shanghai Masters and a terrific atmosphere is guaranteed for the encounter between Ronnie O’Sulivan and Ding Junhui.
In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s the biggest match ever staged in China: the world no.1 versus China’s top dog.
O’Sullivan is a controversial figure in the UK and Europe. Many love him and may loathe him.
In China, they almost universally love him for the excitement he generates and entertainment he provides.
I tend to side with the Chinese on this. Although Ronnie sometimes does things that are not to be defended I find it impossible to dislike him.
The roof may come off the Grand Stage later today whoever wins their contest. Let’s hope the snooker matches the hype.
For the first time, there are two Chinese born players in the quarter-finals of a ranking event. Liang Wenbo faces Ricky Walden, who is aiming to become the first player to successfully defend a world ranking title since O’Sullivan won the 2005 Welsh Open.
That’s a tough match to call but the same applies to all of the quarter-finals.
Shaun Murphy will start favourite against Ken Doherty but the Irishman has enjoyed a resurgence so far this season and, oozing class as he does, is well capable of going even further.
John Higgins has beaten Ryan Day six times out of eight but will need to be close to the top of his game to contain the talented Welshman again.
It all adds up to a fascinating day of snooker as the new season cranks into life.
Picking a winner is nigh on impossible.
In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s the biggest match ever staged in China: the world no.1 versus China’s top dog.
O’Sullivan is a controversial figure in the UK and Europe. Many love him and may loathe him.
In China, they almost universally love him for the excitement he generates and entertainment he provides.
I tend to side with the Chinese on this. Although Ronnie sometimes does things that are not to be defended I find it impossible to dislike him.
The roof may come off the Grand Stage later today whoever wins their contest. Let’s hope the snooker matches the hype.
For the first time, there are two Chinese born players in the quarter-finals of a ranking event. Liang Wenbo faces Ricky Walden, who is aiming to become the first player to successfully defend a world ranking title since O’Sullivan won the 2005 Welsh Open.
That’s a tough match to call but the same applies to all of the quarter-finals.
Shaun Murphy will start favourite against Ken Doherty but the Irishman has enjoyed a resurgence so far this season and, oozing class as he does, is well capable of going even further.
John Higgins has beaten Ryan Day six times out of eight but will need to be close to the top of his game to contain the talented Welshman again.
It all adds up to a fascinating day of snooker as the new season cranks into life.
Picking a winner is nigh on impossible.
10.9.09
NET RETURN
I still think snooker is poorly served by the internet in comparison to many other sports.
Yes, there’s the excellent global-snooker.com and the WPBSA’s site is better now than it’s been for a long time, there are snooker forums and blogs and various other sites as well but why don’t the top players have decent websites?
It seems to me to be a missed opportunity to project their personalities and, in doing so, further promote the sport.
Ten years ago, CueMasters – which were to become TSN and then 110sport – set up an all singing, all dancing website.
It was an excellent concept (although I’m biased because I worked on it) but they over-reached by trying to launch a rival tour and the original idea was overtaken and eventually scrapped.
Now, 110sport have re-hired the energetic Stewart Weir, the man behind the original site, in an attempt to launch a better, more interactive portal which will not only show live action but also give snooker fans the chance to interact with their favourite players.
“Having been asked back, I’d be a hypocrite to knock back the chance to do the sort of things online that I publicly said 110sport needed to be doing when I left two years ago. For me, it’s a great opportunity – not everyone is fortunate enough to get another crack at a project they believe in,” Weir told allscotlandmedia.com.
If he’s allowed to do the things that are needed, 110sport.tv will be a success and a significant step forward for the game on the internet, even if it’s come ten years after it should have.
Hopefully it will lead to a greater online presence for snooker, which in itself will give the sport a higher profile.
Yes, there’s the excellent global-snooker.com and the WPBSA’s site is better now than it’s been for a long time, there are snooker forums and blogs and various other sites as well but why don’t the top players have decent websites?
It seems to me to be a missed opportunity to project their personalities and, in doing so, further promote the sport.
Ten years ago, CueMasters – which were to become TSN and then 110sport – set up an all singing, all dancing website.
It was an excellent concept (although I’m biased because I worked on it) but they over-reached by trying to launch a rival tour and the original idea was overtaken and eventually scrapped.
Now, 110sport have re-hired the energetic Stewart Weir, the man behind the original site, in an attempt to launch a better, more interactive portal which will not only show live action but also give snooker fans the chance to interact with their favourite players.
“Having been asked back, I’d be a hypocrite to knock back the chance to do the sort of things online that I publicly said 110sport needed to be doing when I left two years ago. For me, it’s a great opportunity – not everyone is fortunate enough to get another crack at a project they believe in,” Weir told allscotlandmedia.com.
If he’s allowed to do the things that are needed, 110sport.tv will be a success and a significant step forward for the game on the internet, even if it’s come ten years after it should have.
Hopefully it will lead to a greater online presence for snooker, which in itself will give the sport a higher profile.
DAY FOUR PREVIEW
Derren Brown last night successfully predicted the UK national lottery results.
Therefore, me calling the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters is the smallest of beer...but here goes.
Ronnie O'Sullivan was not pressured by Graeme Dott yesterday but seems in good fettle and I think he will be too strong for Marco Fu.
Stephen Hendry will feel he should be out by now and will therefore be relaxed ahead of his match with Ricky Walden, which I feel the seven times world champion will come through.
Ken Doherty is producing some encouraging snooker this season, having fallen to 44th in the world rankings, and may have too much for Barry Hawkins.
Mark Williams, broken right wrist and all, did superbly well to get past Joe Swail but John Higgins may have too much for the former world no.1.
Shaun Murphy wasn't at his consistent best against Michael Holt but should be backed against Jamie Cope.
Ali Carter v Liang Wenbo is hard to call but I'd go for the Englishman.
Matthew Stevens impressed yesterday when he beat Mark Allen and now faces his fellow Welshman Ryan Day. This is hard to call but I'd just about go with Day.
Ding Junhui looked sharp against Stephen Lee and will be favourite to power past Stuart Bingham.
Therefore, me calling the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters is the smallest of beer...but here goes.
Ronnie O'Sullivan was not pressured by Graeme Dott yesterday but seems in good fettle and I think he will be too strong for Marco Fu.
Stephen Hendry will feel he should be out by now and will therefore be relaxed ahead of his match with Ricky Walden, which I feel the seven times world champion will come through.
Ken Doherty is producing some encouraging snooker this season, having fallen to 44th in the world rankings, and may have too much for Barry Hawkins.
Mark Williams, broken right wrist and all, did superbly well to get past Joe Swail but John Higgins may have too much for the former world no.1.
Shaun Murphy wasn't at his consistent best against Michael Holt but should be backed against Jamie Cope.
Ali Carter v Liang Wenbo is hard to call but I'd go for the Englishman.
Matthew Stevens impressed yesterday when he beat Mark Allen and now faces his fellow Welshman Ryan Day. This is hard to call but I'd just about go with Day.
Ding Junhui looked sharp against Stephen Lee and will be favourite to power past Stuart Bingham.
9.9.09
MAGUIRE PULLS OUT
World no.2 Stephen Maguire has withdrawn from the Shanghai Masters because of a shoulder injury.
It means Barry Hawkins gets a walkover into the second round.
It means Barry Hawkins gets a walkover into the second round.
DAY THREE PREVIEW
Graeme Dott to play Marco Fu is not the draw Ronnie O’Sullivan would have chosen for himself at the Shanghai Masters.
He hasn’t beaten Dott in over four years and is 8-8 on career meetings with Fu.
However, O’Sullivan is capable of sublime snooker anywhere against anyone and has already started the season in impressive fashion, making three straight centuries at the Premier League last week.
Ronnie injured his back on arriving in China but has been practising without any apparent problem.
It’s a myth to suggest O’Sullivan never does well in China. He’s won the China Open twice and was runner-up in Shanghai last season.
He starts the new campaign trailing John Higgins in the provisional rankings. Don’t be fooled into thinking he doesn’t have pride when it comes to the world no.1 spot: he’d love to keep it for another year.
First up it’s Shaun Murphy against Michael Holt.
Many people feel that Murphy is a good bet for a long run in most events. Then again, they say the same about Mark Selby and he was a first round loser yesterday.
Mark Allen against Matthew Stevens should be interesting although, alas, it is not on TV.
In fact, Selby, Allen and Ali Carter – who went to Shanghai early to promote the tournament – have all been put on non-TV tables.
If snooker really wants to foreground these players then they need to be in front of the cameras more.
He hasn’t beaten Dott in over four years and is 8-8 on career meetings with Fu.
However, O’Sullivan is capable of sublime snooker anywhere against anyone and has already started the season in impressive fashion, making three straight centuries at the Premier League last week.
Ronnie injured his back on arriving in China but has been practising without any apparent problem.
It’s a myth to suggest O’Sullivan never does well in China. He’s won the China Open twice and was runner-up in Shanghai last season.
He starts the new campaign trailing John Higgins in the provisional rankings. Don’t be fooled into thinking he doesn’t have pride when it comes to the world no.1 spot: he’d love to keep it for another year.
First up it’s Shaun Murphy against Michael Holt.
Many people feel that Murphy is a good bet for a long run in most events. Then again, they say the same about Mark Selby and he was a first round loser yesterday.
Mark Allen against Matthew Stevens should be interesting although, alas, it is not on TV.
In fact, Selby, Allen and Ali Carter – who went to Shanghai early to promote the tournament – have all been put on non-TV tables.
If snooker really wants to foreground these players then they need to be in front of the cameras more.
8.9.09
DAY TWO PREVIEW
It's the biggest day of Matt Selt's snooker career. The 24 year-old is appearing in the last 32 of a ranking event for the first time and faces world champion John Higgins at the Shanghai Masters.
Selt warmed up nicely yesterday, recording two centuries in beating wildcard Shi Hanqing 5-0.
He is the only player to have started in the very first qualifying round and made it to Shanghai.
Stephen Hendry is meeting Marcus Campbell for the first time since he was drubbed 9-0 by him in the first round of the 1998 UK Championship.
There have been few bigger shocks but it actually did Hendry a favour. He was in denial about the state of his game at the time and it provided a wake up call.
He went back to the drawing board and ended that season by winning a record seventh world title.
Ken Doherty will be looking to maintain his encouraging start to the season against Neil Robertson, who himself impressed in the Premier League last week.
And Ricky Walden starts the defence of his title. They'll be up early in Bagillt to watch his match against Mark King.
There's an excellent piece on Walden on worldsnooker.com here.
Selt warmed up nicely yesterday, recording two centuries in beating wildcard Shi Hanqing 5-0.
He is the only player to have started in the very first qualifying round and made it to Shanghai.
Stephen Hendry is meeting Marcus Campbell for the first time since he was drubbed 9-0 by him in the first round of the 1998 UK Championship.
There have been few bigger shocks but it actually did Hendry a favour. He was in denial about the state of his game at the time and it provided a wake up call.
He went back to the drawing board and ended that season by winning a record seventh world title.
Ken Doherty will be looking to maintain his encouraging start to the season against Neil Robertson, who himself impressed in the Premier League last week.
And Ricky Walden starts the defence of his title. They'll be up early in Bagillt to watch his match against Mark King.
There's an excellent piece on Walden on worldsnooker.com here.
7.9.09
INJURY COUNT
Ronnie O'Sullivan is expected to play in the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday despite injuring his back on arrival in China.
The world no.1 has received treatment but has also been practising at the venue ahead of his clash with Graeme Dott, who pulled out last year after breaking his wrist playing football.
Speaking of which, Mark Williams has had a new cast put on his broken right wrist and it is said to be causing him more pain than the previous one. However, he will still play Joe Swail in the first round.
Stephen Maguire has injured his shoulder and is resting up before he tackles Barry Hawkins.
My new shoes are rubbing my heels but I'm attempting to be stoic and tough it out.
The world no.1 has received treatment but has also been practising at the venue ahead of his clash with Graeme Dott, who pulled out last year after breaking his wrist playing football.
Speaking of which, Mark Williams has had a new cast put on his broken right wrist and it is said to be causing him more pain than the previous one. However, he will still play Joe Swail in the first round.
Stephen Maguire has injured his shoulder and is resting up before he tackles Barry Hawkins.
My new shoes are rubbing my heels but I'm attempting to be stoic and tough it out.
DOHERTY'S BRIGHT START
Ken Doherty’s excellent start to the season suggests he has now adapted to life at the qualifiers and has managed to rediscover a positive frame of mind.
Wisely, Doherty played in just about everything he could in the run up to the Shanghai Masters and, nicely match fit, he eased through the wildcard round today with a 5-0 defeat of Adiyta Mehta.
The Dubliner began the new campaign 44th in the world rankings and a precarious 56th on the provisional list.
He won only two matches last season and just two frames in his four matches at Prestatyn.
For a player so used to the big arenas, Pontin’s was a come down but it looks like he’s over that now and that could spell trouble for some of the game’s top players.
Neil Robertson would not have chosen the ever tenacious Doherty as his first round opponent in Shanghai.
In short, Doherty has fallen about as far as he is going to – for now at least – and could be worth backing to turn a few of his younger rivals over in the season to come.
Wisely, Doherty played in just about everything he could in the run up to the Shanghai Masters and, nicely match fit, he eased through the wildcard round today with a 5-0 defeat of Adiyta Mehta.
The Dubliner began the new campaign 44th in the world rankings and a precarious 56th on the provisional list.
He won only two matches last season and just two frames in his four matches at Prestatyn.
For a player so used to the big arenas, Pontin’s was a come down but it looks like he’s over that now and that could spell trouble for some of the game’s top players.
Neil Robertson would not have chosen the ever tenacious Doherty as his first round opponent in Shanghai.
In short, Doherty has fallen about as far as he is going to – for now at least – and could be worth backing to turn a few of his younger rivals over in the season to come.
6.9.09
PANKAJ ADVANI: WORLD BILLIARDS CHAMPION
Indian ace Pankaj Advani denied Mike Russell a tenth world professional billiards title tonight with a 2,030-1,253 victory at the Northern Snooker Centre, Leeds.
Advani, 24, dominated the opening session, winning it 1,070-418.
The concluding session was closer but Advani also shaded it, 960-835, to capture the professional title for the first time.
Advani, 24, dominated the opening session, winning it 1,070-418.
The concluding session was closer but Advani also shaded it, 960-835, to capture the professional title for the first time.
RICKY II?
Ricky Walden’s Shanghai Masters success was one of the highlights of last season.
Anyone who had seen him play knew how good he was but Walden seemed to be making slower progress than expected and, at 35th in the world rankings, looked as if he may not make the breakthrough many had predicted.
Up until Shanghai last year, his best showing was a solitary ranking event quarter-final.
However, Walden put all of this right. And how.
He edged Stephen Hendry 5-4, recovered from 4-1 down to scrape past Neil Robertson in a decider, survived a tactical mauling from Steve Davis to beat him 5-2, came from 4-1 down to beat Mark Selby 6-4 and then defeated Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-8 in the final.
Sometimes it is possible to say ‘the draw opened up’ for the winner of a ranking title. Not for Walden.
And he at no time faltered as the winning line approached - and indeed finished off with a century - which proves his mental attitude was right.
He can certainly win more titles, but that of course applies to many other players as well.
His Shanghai defence starts on Tuesday against Mark King. Back in happily familiar surroundings, Walden has every chance of going a long way again.
Anyone who had seen him play knew how good he was but Walden seemed to be making slower progress than expected and, at 35th in the world rankings, looked as if he may not make the breakthrough many had predicted.
Up until Shanghai last year, his best showing was a solitary ranking event quarter-final.
However, Walden put all of this right. And how.
He edged Stephen Hendry 5-4, recovered from 4-1 down to scrape past Neil Robertson in a decider, survived a tactical mauling from Steve Davis to beat him 5-2, came from 4-1 down to beat Mark Selby 6-4 and then defeated Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-8 in the final.
Sometimes it is possible to say ‘the draw opened up’ for the winner of a ranking title. Not for Walden.
And he at no time faltered as the winning line approached - and indeed finished off with a century - which proves his mental attitude was right.
He can certainly win more titles, but that of course applies to many other players as well.
His Shanghai defence starts on Tuesday against Mark King. Back in happily familiar surroundings, Walden has every chance of going a long way again.
5.9.09
SHANGHAI: EUROSPORT TIMES
Here are the Eurosport transmission times for the Shanghai Masters...
Please note that most of the afternoon matches are on Eurosport 2, which will also show highlights in the evening.
(UK time, for Europe add an hour)
Monday, September 7: 7.45am and 1pm (Eurosport2)
Tuesday, September 8: 7.45am and 1pm (E2)
Wednesday, September 9: 7.45am and 1pm (E2)
Thursday, September 10: 7.30am and 12.30pm (E2)
Friday, September 11: 7.30am and 12.30pm (E2)
Saturday, September 12: 7.30am and 12.30pm (E2)
Sunday, September 13: 6.30am (E2) and 12.30pm
EDIT: it transpires that these are only the UK times. Eurosport International will show all the snooker on their main channel.
Please note that most of the afternoon matches are on Eurosport 2, which will also show highlights in the evening.
(UK time, for Europe add an hour)
Monday, September 7: 7.45am and 1pm (Eurosport2)
Tuesday, September 8: 7.45am and 1pm (E2)
Wednesday, September 9: 7.45am and 1pm (E2)
Thursday, September 10: 7.30am and 12.30pm (E2)
Friday, September 11: 7.30am and 12.30pm (E2)
Saturday, September 12: 7.30am and 12.30pm (E2)
Sunday, September 13: 6.30am (E2) and 12.30pm
EDIT: it transpires that these are only the UK times. Eurosport International will show all the snooker on their main channel.
3.9.09
SNOOKER MC TO PRESENT BBC DARTS
Rob Walker, master of ceremonies at all BBC snooker events, will replace Ray Stubbs as the corporation's face of darts.
Walker makes his debut at the World Masters this weekend and will also present coverage of the Lakeside World Championship in January.
Stubbs jumped ship to join ESPN after it won live rights to Premier League football games.
Walker will also be part of the BBC team at next February's Winter Olympics and must surely be favourite to replace Stubbs on the BBC snooker output as well, although whether he could MC in such a scenario remains to be seen.
Walker makes his debut at the World Masters this weekend and will also present coverage of the Lakeside World Championship in January.
Stubbs jumped ship to join ESPN after it won live rights to Premier League football games.
Walker will also be part of the BBC team at next February's Winter Olympics and must surely be favourite to replace Stubbs on the BBC snooker output as well, although whether he could MC in such a scenario remains to be seen.
WALDEN TO RUN NEW YORK MARATHON
Ricky Walden, who defends his Shanghai Masters title next week, will switch sports to run the New York marathon on November 1.
"I’ve been doing a lot of running because it gives me discipline outside snooker, and it improves my fitness,” Walden said.
“It can only help my game, especially in the long matches, and that will give me more chances to win trophies. I’ve done a couple of half marathons before but never a full one. It could finish me off.”
Good luck to Ricky.
I did a marathon once, although it's known as snickers now.
"I’ve been doing a lot of running because it gives me discipline outside snooker, and it improves my fitness,” Walden said.
“It can only help my game, especially in the long matches, and that will give me more chances to win trophies. I’ve done a couple of half marathons before but never a full one. It could finish me off.”
Good luck to Ricky.
I did a marathon once, although it's known as snickers now.
SHANGHAI BUILD-UP
Ali Carter, Mark Allen and Mark Selby have been in China for the last week doing promotional work ahead of the Roewe Shanghai Masters.
This is an important part of being a professional in any sport and it also helps players to build their own profiles.
I wish more of it was done in the UK, although the Chinese media is rather more interested in snooker than their British counterparts.
At least Ali and the two Marks aren't going to have any problems with jetlag having got used to the time difference between the UK and China.
2.9.09
HENDRY'S SILVER ANNIVERSARY
I would draw your attention to a couple of interviews with Stephen Hendry in his snooker room on 110sport.tv.
They find Hendry relaxed ahead of his 25th season as a professional and reflecting on his strong performance at the World Championship earlier this year.
Nobody likes being written off - least of all great champions - but it occurs to me that the best thing that can happen to Stephen is if everyone says he is past it.
With the pressure of expectation removed he could quietly find a bit of form and do some damage this season. Anyway, who cares what anyone thinks? It is only his own mental state that should matter to him.
The good news for Hendry's fans is that he seems to relish practising hard again, which has not always been the case in the last few years, and is up for yet another year on the circuit.
You can watch the interviews here.
They find Hendry relaxed ahead of his 25th season as a professional and reflecting on his strong performance at the World Championship earlier this year.
Nobody likes being written off - least of all great champions - but it occurs to me that the best thing that can happen to Stephen is if everyone says he is past it.
With the pressure of expectation removed he could quietly find a bit of form and do some damage this season. Anyway, who cares what anyone thinks? It is only his own mental state that should matter to him.
The good news for Hendry's fans is that he seems to relish practising hard again, which has not always been the case in the last few years, and is up for yet another year on the circuit.
You can watch the interviews here.
1.9.09
THE GREEN, GREEN BAIZE OF HOME
I was interested in this story about Sir Anthony Hopkins, which states he got into theatre and acting when he saw a play at a working men's club that his father had sent him to in order to learn to play snooker.
If things had worked out differently, Hopkins could have been world champion.
By the same token, Ray Reardon could have been Hannibal Lecter (or more likely Dracula).
If things had worked out differently, Hopkins could have been world champion.
By the same token, Ray Reardon could have been Hannibal Lecter (or more likely Dracula).
WILLIAMS CONFIRMED FOR SHANGHAI
Mark Williams will play in the Shanghai Masters next week despite breaking his right wrist during a fall at home.
Williams, who is wearing a cast on the wrist, has been practising hard for the season's first ranking event and made a maximum yesterday.
He will wear the cast during the tournament as doctors have advised that premature removal could do long term damage.
Williams, who won the 2002 China Open in Shanghai, faces Northern Ireland's Joe Swail in the opening round.
Williams, who is wearing a cast on the wrist, has been practising hard for the season's first ranking event and made a maximum yesterday.
He will wear the cast during the tournament as doctors have advised that premature removal could do long term damage.
Williams, who won the 2002 China Open in Shanghai, faces Northern Ireland's Joe Swail in the opening round.
O'SULLIVAN IN A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN
The Partypoker.com Premier League, which begins again this week, is now one of snooker’s longest running events.
First held in 1987, it was the brainchild of Barry Hearn, the Matchroom supremo, who has taken snooker to parts of the UK not served by tournaments ever since.
The league’s current format is a series of live six frame matches featuring seven players under a 25 second per shot time limit.
Under this, Ronnie O’Sullivan has been unstoppable and starts favourite again this year.
It’s the perfect event for O’Sullivan, but the shot clock is only a small part of this. What he particularly likes about the league is that it is just a one night deal: he turns up, he plays, he goes home. It means the hanging around that you get at tournaments – and which he hates – doesn’t come into it.
There is also usually a great atmosphere because Premier League crowds are traditionally very strong and O’Sullivan, like most top players, revels in such an environment.
And don’t forget the not-so-small matter of £1,000 a frame and £1,000 for a century, making the league potentially more lucrative than a number of ranking tournaments, even though the top prize has been reduced by £20,000 this year.
Joining O’Sullivan in the 2009 line up are world champion John Higgins, world no.3 Shaun Murphy, Hong Kong’s Marco Fu, Aussie Neil Robertson, seven times Crucible king Stephen Hendry and Judd Trump, who won the qualifying tournament, the Championship League.
This isn’t the field everyone would have picked but Hearn is the promoter and he can choose whoever he wants. If it wasn’t for him, the league wouldn’t be taking place at all.
Which of these players can stop Ronnie this year?
Robertson, like quite a few players, did not adapt well to the shot clock on his debut a couple of years ago. If he can get used to it, he has every chance of success because this event favours attacking play.
The same therefore applies to Murphy, who I would expect to reach the play-offs.
Trump is still inexperienced on the big stage and this will be a big test for him. Will he sink or swim? Time will tell.
Hendry hasn’t impressed in the league in recent years and Higgins hasn’t won it since 1999, although both are obviously capable of doing the business.
For me, though, Fu is the dark horse. He won the league in 2003, albeit before the shot clock was introduced. He has a metronomic style but isn’t slow.
And, unlike most players, he has a superior head-to-head record against O’Sullivan.
But, the likeliest outcome is still victory for the world no.1.
No wonder Ronnie once described the league as his favourite event outside the World Championship.
First held in 1987, it was the brainchild of Barry Hearn, the Matchroom supremo, who has taken snooker to parts of the UK not served by tournaments ever since.
The league’s current format is a series of live six frame matches featuring seven players under a 25 second per shot time limit.
Under this, Ronnie O’Sullivan has been unstoppable and starts favourite again this year.
It’s the perfect event for O’Sullivan, but the shot clock is only a small part of this. What he particularly likes about the league is that it is just a one night deal: he turns up, he plays, he goes home. It means the hanging around that you get at tournaments – and which he hates – doesn’t come into it.
There is also usually a great atmosphere because Premier League crowds are traditionally very strong and O’Sullivan, like most top players, revels in such an environment.
And don’t forget the not-so-small matter of £1,000 a frame and £1,000 for a century, making the league potentially more lucrative than a number of ranking tournaments, even though the top prize has been reduced by £20,000 this year.
Joining O’Sullivan in the 2009 line up are world champion John Higgins, world no.3 Shaun Murphy, Hong Kong’s Marco Fu, Aussie Neil Robertson, seven times Crucible king Stephen Hendry and Judd Trump, who won the qualifying tournament, the Championship League.
This isn’t the field everyone would have picked but Hearn is the promoter and he can choose whoever he wants. If it wasn’t for him, the league wouldn’t be taking place at all.
Which of these players can stop Ronnie this year?
Robertson, like quite a few players, did not adapt well to the shot clock on his debut a couple of years ago. If he can get used to it, he has every chance of success because this event favours attacking play.
The same therefore applies to Murphy, who I would expect to reach the play-offs.
Trump is still inexperienced on the big stage and this will be a big test for him. Will he sink or swim? Time will tell.
Hendry hasn’t impressed in the league in recent years and Higgins hasn’t won it since 1999, although both are obviously capable of doing the business.
For me, though, Fu is the dark horse. He won the league in 2003, albeit before the shot clock was introduced. He has a metronomic style but isn’t slow.
And, unlike most players, he has a superior head-to-head record against O’Sullivan.
But, the likeliest outcome is still victory for the world no.1.
No wonder Ronnie once described the league as his favourite event outside the World Championship.
27.8.09
'NO ACTION' OVER LIANG V EBDON
This tumultuous day for snooker continues...
The Gambling Commission say they will not be taking further action over betting irregularities surrounding the Liang Wenbo v Peter Ebdon match at last season's Northern Ireland Trophy.
Liang won 5-0, a scoreline that had been heavily backed. The Gambling Commission began their investigation following discussions with bookmakers.
A WPBSA statement said: "The WPBSA is pleased that after a lengthy and thorough investigation by the Commission, both players have been absolved from any allegation of involvement in irregular betting matters and can concentrate on the new season ahead without further media speculation that has surrounded this issue.
"Based on the decision reached by the Gambling Commission, the WPBSA will be taking no action."
No suspicion was ever attached to Liang. Ebdon will obviously be relieved that his name has been cleared.
The timing of this announcement on the day snooker is facing questions over its integrity appears to be a coincidence, if you believe in coincidences.
The Gambling Commission say they will not be taking further action over betting irregularities surrounding the Liang Wenbo v Peter Ebdon match at last season's Northern Ireland Trophy.
Liang won 5-0, a scoreline that had been heavily backed. The Gambling Commission began their investigation following discussions with bookmakers.
A WPBSA statement said: "The WPBSA is pleased that after a lengthy and thorough investigation by the Commission, both players have been absolved from any allegation of involvement in irregular betting matters and can concentrate on the new season ahead without further media speculation that has surrounded this issue.
"Based on the decision reached by the Gambling Commission, the WPBSA will be taking no action."
No suspicion was ever attached to Liang. Ebdon will obviously be relieved that his name has been cleared.
The timing of this announcement on the day snooker is facing questions over its integrity appears to be a coincidence, if you believe in coincidences.
STEPHEN MAGUIRE STATEMENT
110sport, who manage Stephen Maguire, have issued the following statement:
Stephen Maguire was questioned by officers of Strathclyde Police today over alleged irregular betting patterns relating to a match between Maguire and Jamie Burnett at the Maplin UK Championship on 14 December 2008.
Maguire’s legal representative Peter Forbes said; “Police spoke to Stephen, their questioning and points put to him based upon information given to them during their initial interview with my client in the spring of this year. Having answered those questions, Stephen was released without charge.”
Maguire, 28, added; “I have nothing to say other than I can be doing without this. I wish this was over and done with and that I didn’t have these allegations hanging over me so I could concentrate entirely on playing snooker.
“All I want to do now is forget today and concentrate on preparing for playing in China next week.”
There will be no further comment from Stephen Maguire or 110sport Group on this matter.
Stephen Maguire was questioned by officers of Strathclyde Police today over alleged irregular betting patterns relating to a match between Maguire and Jamie Burnett at the Maplin UK Championship on 14 December 2008.
Maguire’s legal representative Peter Forbes said; “Police spoke to Stephen, their questioning and points put to him based upon information given to them during their initial interview with my client in the spring of this year. Having answered those questions, Stephen was released without charge.”
Maguire, 28, added; “I have nothing to say other than I can be doing without this. I wish this was over and done with and that I didn’t have these allegations hanging over me so I could concentrate entirely on playing snooker.
“All I want to do now is forget today and concentrate on preparing for playing in China next week.”
There will be no further comment from Stephen Maguire or 110sport Group on this matter.
MAGUIRE V BURNETT: WPBSA STATEMENT
The WPBSA has issued the following statement following the news that Strathclyde Police had detained Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett today:
"We are aware that Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett have been detained by Strathclyde Police. This is currently a Police matter and we are awaiting developments. There will be no further comment at this stage."
"We are aware that Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett have been detained by Strathclyde Police. This is currently a Police matter and we are awaiting developments. There will be no further comment at this stage."
MAGUIRE AND BURNETT RELEASED WITHOUT CHARGE
Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett have now been released by Strathclyde Police having been detained as part of their investigation into betting irregularities.
They had 'helped police with their enquiries' but no charges have been brought against either player.
Both Maguire and Burnett have insisted they played no part in any betting coup.
Strathclyde Police said their investigation was continuing.
They had 'helped police with their enquiries' but no charges have been brought against either player.
Both Maguire and Burnett have insisted they played no part in any betting coup.
Strathclyde Police said their investigation was continuing.
MAGUIRE AND BURNETT DETAINED
Strathclyde Police have detained and are currently questioning Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett as part of their investigation into the betting irregularities that surrounded their match in last season's UK Championship.
The police statement reads: "Strathclyde Police economic crime unit can confirm that two males aged 28 and 33 have been detained and are assisting Strathclyde police with their enquiries into the alleged irregular betting patterns associated with the snooker match involving Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett at the Maplin UK Championship on 14th december 2008.
"A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal's office when enquiries are complete."
The BBC has confirmed that the two men are Maguire and Burnett.
Maguire won the match 9-3, a scoreline heavily backed in the days prior to their Telford meeting.
Burnett missed the final black with a chance to make it 8-4.
More as it breaks...
EDIT: The BBC news channel will be giving more information in a report at 1.45pm.
The police statement reads: "Strathclyde Police economic crime unit can confirm that two males aged 28 and 33 have been detained and are assisting Strathclyde police with their enquiries into the alleged irregular betting patterns associated with the snooker match involving Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett at the Maplin UK Championship on 14th december 2008.
"A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal's office when enquiries are complete."
The BBC has confirmed that the two men are Maguire and Burnett.
Maguire won the match 9-3, a scoreline heavily backed in the days prior to their Telford meeting.
Burnett missed the final black with a chance to make it 8-4.
More as it breaks...
EDIT: The BBC news channel will be giving more information in a report at 1.45pm.
MAGUIRE V BURNETT: ARRESTS MADE
Strathclyde Police have detained two men over the Stephen Maguire v Jamie Burnett betting case.
More follows...
More follows...
WORLD BILLIARDS CHAMPIONSHIP
The World Professional Billiards Championship will take place next week at the Northern Snooker Centre, Leeds.
Billiards is the warning snooker should heed. It used to have its own circuit but is now down to only one tournament.
The three-ball game is one of considerable skill with a long, proud history. But for billiards, snooker may never have been invented.
The event runs from September 2-6. Here are the groups:
GROUP A
Mike Russell, Devendra Joshi, Ian Williamson, Rupesh Shah
GROUP B
Sourav Kothari, Gary Rogers, Martin Goodwill, Balachandra Bhaskar
GROUP C
David Causier, Peter Gilchrist, Mark Hirst, Bernard French
GROUP D
Geet Sethi, Pankaj Advani, Dhruv Sitwala, Michael Kreuziger, Robert Hall
Billiards is the warning snooker should heed. It used to have its own circuit but is now down to only one tournament.
The three-ball game is one of considerable skill with a long, proud history. But for billiards, snooker may never have been invented.
The event runs from September 2-6. Here are the groups:
GROUP A
Mike Russell, Devendra Joshi, Ian Williamson, Rupesh Shah
GROUP B
Sourav Kothari, Gary Rogers, Martin Goodwill, Balachandra Bhaskar
GROUP C
David Causier, Peter Gilchrist, Mark Hirst, Bernard French
GROUP D
Geet Sethi, Pankaj Advani, Dhruv Sitwala, Michael Kreuziger, Robert Hall
26.8.09
THE ROAD BACK FOR DOTT
I’ve always liked Graeme Dott. I admire anyone, in any sport, who always gives 100% and Dott’s burning desire to win has been to his great credit and the key factor in the success he has enjoyed.
Without it, he would not have been world champion. Indeed, I remember interviewing him at the Crucible in 2006 in between two of his matches. Our chat was interrupted by a fire alarm which caused the venue to be evacuated.
Out we trooped into the street outside, where he told me he believed he could win the title.
I’m not sure I believed it, even though he had been in the final just two years earlier.
It seemed to me an unlikely triumph but, of course, the entire history of sport is littered with unlikely triumphs.
Coupled with Dott’s determination was his considerable poise under pressure. It saw him through a tense deciding frame finish against Neil Robertson in the quarter-finals and his semi-final against Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Much was made of O’Sullivan’s state of mind in that match but little credit was given to Dott for applying the pressure that helped lead to the meltdown.
The tenacious Scot won all eight frames of the third session but it had been the previous afternoon’s session which proved key, in which he kept in touch at 8-8 despite all sorts of distractions, including O’Sullivan’s tip coming loose, resulting in an unexpected delay.
The final against Peter Ebdon was not a classic in terms of the quality of play but was absorbing and kept around 3m viewers gripped at gone midnight.
Even after winning the game’s ultimate prize, Dott had to endure the carping of ignorant people who decided that, no, it didn’t really count, it hadn’t really happened.
Well, check the trophy and you’ll find his name on it.
Dott also won the China Open the following season and indeed had improved considerably, quickening his pace and showing tremendous self confidence. He reached the Shanghai Masters semi-finals at the start of the 2007/08 campaign but then entered a slump.
This happens to most players at one time or another but Dott’s decline included a bout of depression that left him unwilling, almost unable, to play snooker.
He sought treatment and with trademark grit pulled himself out of the mire.
A broken wrist ruled him out of two tournaments last season and he is now out of the top 16 but Dott is just the sort worth backing to return.
He’s currently 22nd in the provisional rankings but is actually only 750 points behind Steve Davis in 13th place.
In the Shanghai Masters qualifiers, Dott trailed Jimmy Robertson 4-1 but fought back to win 5-4.
If he comes through the wildcard round he will face O’Sullivan, who he has now beaten in each of their last three ranking event meetings.
Many will doubtless say that, now he is out of the top 16, he will never return. These are the same people who said he would never be world champion.
Not for the first time, Graeme Dott may be about to prove them all wrong.
Without it, he would not have been world champion. Indeed, I remember interviewing him at the Crucible in 2006 in between two of his matches. Our chat was interrupted by a fire alarm which caused the venue to be evacuated.
Out we trooped into the street outside, where he told me he believed he could win the title.
I’m not sure I believed it, even though he had been in the final just two years earlier.
It seemed to me an unlikely triumph but, of course, the entire history of sport is littered with unlikely triumphs.
Coupled with Dott’s determination was his considerable poise under pressure. It saw him through a tense deciding frame finish against Neil Robertson in the quarter-finals and his semi-final against Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Much was made of O’Sullivan’s state of mind in that match but little credit was given to Dott for applying the pressure that helped lead to the meltdown.
The tenacious Scot won all eight frames of the third session but it had been the previous afternoon’s session which proved key, in which he kept in touch at 8-8 despite all sorts of distractions, including O’Sullivan’s tip coming loose, resulting in an unexpected delay.
The final against Peter Ebdon was not a classic in terms of the quality of play but was absorbing and kept around 3m viewers gripped at gone midnight.
Even after winning the game’s ultimate prize, Dott had to endure the carping of ignorant people who decided that, no, it didn’t really count, it hadn’t really happened.
Well, check the trophy and you’ll find his name on it.
Dott also won the China Open the following season and indeed had improved considerably, quickening his pace and showing tremendous self confidence. He reached the Shanghai Masters semi-finals at the start of the 2007/08 campaign but then entered a slump.
This happens to most players at one time or another but Dott’s decline included a bout of depression that left him unwilling, almost unable, to play snooker.
He sought treatment and with trademark grit pulled himself out of the mire.
A broken wrist ruled him out of two tournaments last season and he is now out of the top 16 but Dott is just the sort worth backing to return.
He’s currently 22nd in the provisional rankings but is actually only 750 points behind Steve Davis in 13th place.
In the Shanghai Masters qualifiers, Dott trailed Jimmy Robertson 4-1 but fought back to win 5-4.
If he comes through the wildcard round he will face O’Sullivan, who he has now beaten in each of their last three ranking event meetings.
Many will doubtless say that, now he is out of the top 16, he will never return. These are the same people who said he would never be world champion.
Not for the first time, Graeme Dott may be about to prove them all wrong.
25.8.09
CAINE AND TABLE
I was watching the film ‘Sleuth’ the other day in which Laurence Olivier plays a sociopath determined to terrorise Michael Caine’s character through a series of games.
It was inevitable, then, that they would find themselves playing snooker.
Sir Larry appeared at first glance to display great proficiency on the green baize although, on closer inspection, you can’t be certain it is him actually playing the shots. This begs the question of which player was brought in to act as his double (the film was made in 1972).
I can't quite picture Jim Meadowcroft as a celluloid star but stranger things have happened.
This character nominates each ball before potting them, including when he gets to the colours. Perhaps this is to help the American market understand the rules, or indeed the British market considering TV coverage of snooker was at this time confined pretty much to Pot Black.
Lord Olivier completes his break with an exhibition shot on the black that Jimmy White would have been proud of.
It is showboating of this sort that marks his character out as a wrong ‘un.
(He later calls Caine a 'jumped up pantry boy who never knew his place', so Morrissey probably owes him a few quid).
Martin Scorsese’s film Gangs of New York also features a snooker heavy scene in which David Hemmings pots a blue, screws back for the pink and is unable to finish his break due to his house being invaded by a marauding horde of rioters determined to drag him out by his very guts.
And people complain about Newport.
Actually, Gangs of New York is set in the 1860s but snooker is not commonly believed to have been invented until 1875, so this appears to be dramatic licence on the part of Hollywood.
Then again, this sort of trouble seems relatively minor when set against the various civil wars that have so damaged the sport over the last couple of decades.
Maybe someone should make a film about them.
The Bourne Altium, anyone?
It was inevitable, then, that they would find themselves playing snooker.
Sir Larry appeared at first glance to display great proficiency on the green baize although, on closer inspection, you can’t be certain it is him actually playing the shots. This begs the question of which player was brought in to act as his double (the film was made in 1972).
I can't quite picture Jim Meadowcroft as a celluloid star but stranger things have happened.
This character nominates each ball before potting them, including when he gets to the colours. Perhaps this is to help the American market understand the rules, or indeed the British market considering TV coverage of snooker was at this time confined pretty much to Pot Black.
Lord Olivier completes his break with an exhibition shot on the black that Jimmy White would have been proud of.
It is showboating of this sort that marks his character out as a wrong ‘un.
(He later calls Caine a 'jumped up pantry boy who never knew his place', so Morrissey probably owes him a few quid).
Martin Scorsese’s film Gangs of New York also features a snooker heavy scene in which David Hemmings pots a blue, screws back for the pink and is unable to finish his break due to his house being invaded by a marauding horde of rioters determined to drag him out by his very guts.
And people complain about Newport.
Actually, Gangs of New York is set in the 1860s but snooker is not commonly believed to have been invented until 1875, so this appears to be dramatic licence on the part of Hollywood.
Then again, this sort of trouble seems relatively minor when set against the various civil wars that have so damaged the sport over the last couple of decades.
Maybe someone should make a film about them.
The Bourne Altium, anyone?
19.8.09
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"I would like to learn some Chinese because it would be nice to be able to say more during press conferences and interviews. All I can say is 'hello', 'thank you' and 'watermelon.'" - Mark Selby answering fan questions on his website.
18.8.09
WHERE NOW FOR HENDRY?
Ten years ago, around this time, I went to Croydon for the inaugural Champions Cup.
Those were the days. There were nine ranking events plus six televised invitation tournaments. Snooker was ending the decade as it had begun it: as one of television sport's great success stories.
And it was ending it with Stephen Hendry as world champion.
It’s all too easy for people to forget now just what an extraordinary impact Hendry had on snooker from a very young age.
He remains the youngest player ever to compete at the Crucible. He is still the youngest world champion.
Like the Beatles, he did it all by the time he was 30. His record seventh world title triumph in 1999 came just a few months after this milestone.
When he was 19, Hendry said he would retire by 30. He could have done, as well, as he had nothing left to prove, but like all great champions he wanted more...and more...and more.
Hendry won that first Champions Cup and the British Open that followed. He remained a leading force for several more years and was world no.1 for the 2006/07 season.
Yet, in the last couple of years he has found results harder to come by and starts the new campaign outside the top eight for the first time in 21 years.
At 40, is this decline irreversible?
What does the future hold for the game’s greatest ever player?
Well, logic suggests that his slide down the rankings will continue. However, the evidence of other great players proves that it is possible to stem the tide.
Alex Higgins did it in the late 1980s/early 90s. He would have been back in the top 16 in 1990 had he not been banned for a year for a litany of indefensible incidents.
Jimmy White did it as well. In 2004 he reached two ranking finals, winning the Players Championship, and rose to eighth in the rankings, even if he then declined again.
And, of course, Steve Davis has proved an immovable object. His run to the final of the 2005 UK Championship was a reminder that the legends are made of different stuff to the rest.
Hendry doesn’t lack for motivation. Sure, he may not like practising as much as he once did but he still relishes competition.
It would be foolish to just write him off. At the last two World Championships he has shown that, on the big stage, he can still deliver strong performances.
Last season he referred to his problem being “the chaos in my head” whenever he came to the table.
I believe this chaos stems from Hendry’s inability to accept that he isn’t as good as he was. However, he doesn’t need to be that good to remain in the top 16. If he can accept that the glory days are over, he can relax and start to enjoy snooker more.
And if that happens, he may find that results start to come more regularly.
There are new challenges to look forward to. Hendry is heavily involved in 110sport’s new internet channel and will take centre stage in a showpiece match against Ding Junhui in China.
There is also the satisfaction, now that he is the oldest member of the top 16, of putting some of the young pretenders to the sword.
The 90s are becoming a distant memory. There is a whole generation of snooker fans who don’t remember Hendry at his best.
But every now and again, as in making his maximum at the Crucible this year, he reminds everyone of what he is capable of.
In Croydon ten years ago, as he looked ahead to the new season and reflected on his seventh world title, Hendry told me: “If I never win another match, it won’t bother me.”
I didn’t believe it then and I don’t believe it now.
Winning is what drives any great champion. The quest to prove everyone wrong and be a winner again still drives Stephen Hendry.
Those were the days. There were nine ranking events plus six televised invitation tournaments. Snooker was ending the decade as it had begun it: as one of television sport's great success stories.
And it was ending it with Stephen Hendry as world champion.
It’s all too easy for people to forget now just what an extraordinary impact Hendry had on snooker from a very young age.
He remains the youngest player ever to compete at the Crucible. He is still the youngest world champion.
Like the Beatles, he did it all by the time he was 30. His record seventh world title triumph in 1999 came just a few months after this milestone.
When he was 19, Hendry said he would retire by 30. He could have done, as well, as he had nothing left to prove, but like all great champions he wanted more...and more...and more.
Hendry won that first Champions Cup and the British Open that followed. He remained a leading force for several more years and was world no.1 for the 2006/07 season.
Yet, in the last couple of years he has found results harder to come by and starts the new campaign outside the top eight for the first time in 21 years.
At 40, is this decline irreversible?
What does the future hold for the game’s greatest ever player?
Well, logic suggests that his slide down the rankings will continue. However, the evidence of other great players proves that it is possible to stem the tide.
Alex Higgins did it in the late 1980s/early 90s. He would have been back in the top 16 in 1990 had he not been banned for a year for a litany of indefensible incidents.
Jimmy White did it as well. In 2004 he reached two ranking finals, winning the Players Championship, and rose to eighth in the rankings, even if he then declined again.
And, of course, Steve Davis has proved an immovable object. His run to the final of the 2005 UK Championship was a reminder that the legends are made of different stuff to the rest.
Hendry doesn’t lack for motivation. Sure, he may not like practising as much as he once did but he still relishes competition.
It would be foolish to just write him off. At the last two World Championships he has shown that, on the big stage, he can still deliver strong performances.
Last season he referred to his problem being “the chaos in my head” whenever he came to the table.
I believe this chaos stems from Hendry’s inability to accept that he isn’t as good as he was. However, he doesn’t need to be that good to remain in the top 16. If he can accept that the glory days are over, he can relax and start to enjoy snooker more.
And if that happens, he may find that results start to come more regularly.
There are new challenges to look forward to. Hendry is heavily involved in 110sport’s new internet channel and will take centre stage in a showpiece match against Ding Junhui in China.
There is also the satisfaction, now that he is the oldest member of the top 16, of putting some of the young pretenders to the sword.
The 90s are becoming a distant memory. There is a whole generation of snooker fans who don’t remember Hendry at his best.
But every now and again, as in making his maximum at the Crucible this year, he reminds everyone of what he is capable of.
In Croydon ten years ago, as he looked ahead to the new season and reflected on his seventh world title, Hendry told me: “If I never win another match, it won’t bother me.”
I didn’t believe it then and I don’t believe it now.
Winning is what drives any great champion. The quest to prove everyone wrong and be a winner again still drives Stephen Hendry.
17.8.09
MURPHY WINS PAUL HUNTER CLASSIC
Shaun Murphy's preparation for the Paul Hunter Classic could not have been worse. Sick with swine flu, he was holed up in his Sale apartment and had to rely on neighbours bringing round supplies.
But Murphy has never been the sort to let setbacks bother him and he duly bounced back to win the title in Furth, beating Jimmy White 4-0 in the final.
He's now won three titles since losing in the world final in May.
Of course, he'd swap them all for the most famous prize in snooker but the best way to get over disappointment is to get on with the next challenge, however big or small it is.
To quote that well known snooker expert Rocky Balboa: "It ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."
But Murphy has never been the sort to let setbacks bother him and he duly bounced back to win the title in Furth, beating Jimmy White 4-0 in the final.
He's now won three titles since losing in the world final in May.
Of course, he'd swap them all for the most famous prize in snooker but the best way to get over disappointment is to get on with the next challenge, however big or small it is.
To quote that well known snooker expert Rocky Balboa: "It ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."
16.8.09
O'SULLIVAN PUTS THE WHEELS IN MOTION
Ronnie O'Sullivan endured mixed fortunes as he made his debut as a motor racing driver.
O'Sullivan was at Silverstone this weekend racing in the VW Cup. He qualified at the back of the grid for the first race but spun off into a gravel trap, which he described as "a novice mistake."
He fared better in the second race, finishing 14th, which was creditable considering this was his first taste of action.
"At least I got a whole race in. It was a good experience, I enjoyed it very much and now I'm looking forward to having another crack at Brands Hatch next month," O'Sullivan said.
O'Sullivan was at Silverstone this weekend racing in the VW Cup. He qualified at the back of the grid for the first race but spun off into a gravel trap, which he described as "a novice mistake."
He fared better in the second race, finishing 14th, which was creditable considering this was his first taste of action.
"At least I got a whole race in. It was a good experience, I enjoyed it very much and now I'm looking forward to having another crack at Brands Hatch next month," O'Sullivan said.
15.8.09
SIX REDS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Killarney in the Republic of Ireland will host snooker's first 6 Reds World Championship in December.
The tournament will feature 160 players and be contested at the INEC Arena, which staged a World Series event in May. Among the organisers is Ken Doherty, the 1997 world champion.
The event runs from December 15-18. Entry is free for the first three days while tickets will cost 10 euros on the last day, which will be televised.
Despite the criticism it has attracted, six reds snooker has been played in clubs for decades.
Last year, a six reds tournament was staged in Thailand and attracted a huge field of top players, so much so that the prize fund for this year's staging of the event was doubled.
Jimmy White won the £18,000 first prize in Bangkok last month.
World Snooker stages its first six reds event at the end of the month in the Pro Challenge Series.
The governing body giving legitimacy to the short form version of the game meant that a World Championship was almost inevitable.
It will be interesting to see how many of snooker's best known names take their places in the Killarney draw.
If the players embrace six reds then it is, like it or not, here to stay.
The tournament will feature 160 players and be contested at the INEC Arena, which staged a World Series event in May. Among the organisers is Ken Doherty, the 1997 world champion.
The event runs from December 15-18. Entry is free for the first three days while tickets will cost 10 euros on the last day, which will be televised.
Despite the criticism it has attracted, six reds snooker has been played in clubs for decades.
Last year, a six reds tournament was staged in Thailand and attracted a huge field of top players, so much so that the prize fund for this year's staging of the event was doubled.
Jimmy White won the £18,000 first prize in Bangkok last month.
World Snooker stages its first six reds event at the end of the month in the Pro Challenge Series.
The governing body giving legitimacy to the short form version of the game meant that a World Championship was almost inevitable.
It will be interesting to see how many of snooker's best known names take their places in the Killarney draw.
If the players embrace six reds then it is, like it or not, here to stay.
13.8.09
PAUL HUNTER CLASSIC KICKS OFF
The Paul Hunter Classic is a huge event that allows players the chance to compete in a snooker-mad country and honour one of their own.
From a huge field of 180, there will be 34 main tour professionals competing in Furth, Germany over the next four days.
They include world champion John Higgins, Shaun Murphy, Stephen Maguire, Mark Selby, Ryan Day, Joe Perry, Mark King, Jimmy White, Ken Doherty and Ricky Walden.
There are 45 four man groups so an extraordinary amount of snooker will be played before the knockout phase.
The audience attendance at this tournament puts some of the main tour events to shame. I hope all the German fans enjoy the four days.
There's coverage at global-snooker.com.
From a huge field of 180, there will be 34 main tour professionals competing in Furth, Germany over the next four days.
They include world champion John Higgins, Shaun Murphy, Stephen Maguire, Mark Selby, Ryan Day, Joe Perry, Mark King, Jimmy White, Ken Doherty and Ricky Walden.
There are 45 four man groups so an extraordinary amount of snooker will be played before the knockout phase.
The audience attendance at this tournament puts some of the main tour events to shame. I hope all the German fans enjoy the four days.
There's coverage at global-snooker.com.
11.8.09
WILLIAMS BREAKS WRIST
A night on the tiles has left Mark Williams with a broken wrist and doubtful for next month's Shanghai Masters.
The tiles in question were on the floor in a room of his house in Ebbw Vale. The twice former world champion slipped on them last night.
Williams was today confirmed to have broken his right wrist. "I'm gutted. I told the doctors that I need to play in Shanghai in less than four weeks time, but right now it looks dodgy," the Welshman told global-snooker.com.
More details here.
The tiles in question were on the floor in a room of his house in Ebbw Vale. The twice former world champion slipped on them last night.
Williams was today confirmed to have broken his right wrist. "I'm gutted. I told the doctors that I need to play in Shanghai in less than four weeks time, but right now it looks dodgy," the Welshman told global-snooker.com.
More details here.
10.8.09
IN THE NEWS
The Sun reports that Jimmy White will be a contestant on ITV's jungle-based reality show I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here later in the year.
They reported the same thing last year and it didn't happen.
Meanwhile, there's an interesting Q&A with Jack Lisowski, this year's Paul Hunter scholar, on the Eurosport website where he talks about his career so far and, somewhat unusually for a snooker player, gives an analysis of the global economic downturn.
They reported the same thing last year and it didn't happen.
Meanwhile, there's an interesting Q&A with Jack Lisowski, this year's Paul Hunter scholar, on the Eurosport website where he talks about his career so far and, somewhat unusually for a snooker player, gives an analysis of the global economic downturn.
NEW SEASON BUILD-UP: THE BIG BEASTS
The final part of my look ahead to the new season is an assessment of the world’s top eight, in reverse order...
MARCO FU
Fu seems to suffer from inconsistency but generally comes good against the top players. He is ahead against Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins, which is some boast, but only tends to play his best stuff in one or two tournaments a year.
He’s a better player than his one career ranking title suggests. Indeed, his metronomic style can often be deadly but there are times when he can look rather average – as when he lost 13-3 to Shaun Murphy at the Crucible last season.
MARK SELBY
He’s already second favourite for the world title next May and there are plenty of people who say he’s the second best player in the world. Well, actually, he’s the seventh best player in the world according to the world rankings and failed to follow up his excellent 2007/08 season in the campaign just gone.
Despite this, I rate Selby very highly. A number of the matches he lost last season were extremely close and he has the potential to be one of snooker’s top three or four players going into the next decade. I predict he will move back up the rankings this season.
RYAN DAY
Day is now the highest ranked player not to have won a ranking title. It becomes more of a psychological barrier with each final he loses but I think he can get there. He’s certainly got the ability and I think he can remain a top eight player for a number of years to come.
Also, one win could open the floodgates. In a sport where a number of established names are now on the back nines of their careers, Day is one of those who could take over their respective mantles.
ALI CARTER
Carter came of age in 2008 when he reached the world final and played superbly in the concluding session of the Welsh Open final to beat Joe Swail and land his first ranking title.
It was a fine performance and about time. Now that he’s won one, he could certainly win a number more titles, although his life will change when he becomes a father next month and he also has a new pressure to deal with this season: he starts it second in the provisional rankings.
JOHN HIGGINS
Higgins was simply superb in winning a third world title last season and has reached that point in his career where he no longer has anything to prove. This makes him extremely dangerous.
I think he finds it hard to get himself up for some tournaments but when he’s on his game he’s as good as he ever was, and as good as anyone has ever been.
SHAUN MURPHY
Murphy was Mr. Consistency in the 2007/08 season and then went right off the boil at the start of the last campaign before recovering to win the UK title and reach the final at the Crucible.
He had well documented off table problems and now those have receded I would expect him to return to become a regular again at the business end of tournaments.
STEPHEN MAGUIRE
Maguire’s best form tends to come in spurts lasting a couple of months. It didn’t really spurt forth last season but I’d expect it to resurface at some point.
He’s had his eyes lasered and has already been in two finals before hitting a ball in a ranking event. Maguire’s one desire is to win the world title. His problem may be putting too much pressure on himself to accomplish this feat.
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN
If you look back through O’Sullivan’s career, he has tended to land roughly three titles a season. This hit rate will start to slow up at some point but I’d be surprised if he didn’t find success somewhere on the circuit this coming snooker year.
He is still, at times, spellbindingly brilliant while at other times, as they always have, the dark clouds descend. Predicting what he will do where is tricky, but if he doesn’t win the Premier League it will count as a major shock.
MARCO FU
Fu seems to suffer from inconsistency but generally comes good against the top players. He is ahead against Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins, which is some boast, but only tends to play his best stuff in one or two tournaments a year.
He’s a better player than his one career ranking title suggests. Indeed, his metronomic style can often be deadly but there are times when he can look rather average – as when he lost 13-3 to Shaun Murphy at the Crucible last season.
MARK SELBY
He’s already second favourite for the world title next May and there are plenty of people who say he’s the second best player in the world. Well, actually, he’s the seventh best player in the world according to the world rankings and failed to follow up his excellent 2007/08 season in the campaign just gone.
Despite this, I rate Selby very highly. A number of the matches he lost last season were extremely close and he has the potential to be one of snooker’s top three or four players going into the next decade. I predict he will move back up the rankings this season.
RYAN DAY
Day is now the highest ranked player not to have won a ranking title. It becomes more of a psychological barrier with each final he loses but I think he can get there. He’s certainly got the ability and I think he can remain a top eight player for a number of years to come.
Also, one win could open the floodgates. In a sport where a number of established names are now on the back nines of their careers, Day is one of those who could take over their respective mantles.
ALI CARTER
Carter came of age in 2008 when he reached the world final and played superbly in the concluding session of the Welsh Open final to beat Joe Swail and land his first ranking title.
It was a fine performance and about time. Now that he’s won one, he could certainly win a number more titles, although his life will change when he becomes a father next month and he also has a new pressure to deal with this season: he starts it second in the provisional rankings.
JOHN HIGGINS
Higgins was simply superb in winning a third world title last season and has reached that point in his career where he no longer has anything to prove. This makes him extremely dangerous.
I think he finds it hard to get himself up for some tournaments but when he’s on his game he’s as good as he ever was, and as good as anyone has ever been.
SHAUN MURPHY
Murphy was Mr. Consistency in the 2007/08 season and then went right off the boil at the start of the last campaign before recovering to win the UK title and reach the final at the Crucible.
He had well documented off table problems and now those have receded I would expect him to return to become a regular again at the business end of tournaments.
STEPHEN MAGUIRE
Maguire’s best form tends to come in spurts lasting a couple of months. It didn’t really spurt forth last season but I’d expect it to resurface at some point.
He’s had his eyes lasered and has already been in two finals before hitting a ball in a ranking event. Maguire’s one desire is to win the world title. His problem may be putting too much pressure on himself to accomplish this feat.
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN
If you look back through O’Sullivan’s career, he has tended to land roughly three titles a season. This hit rate will start to slow up at some point but I’d be surprised if he didn’t find success somewhere on the circuit this coming snooker year.
He is still, at times, spellbindingly brilliant while at other times, as they always have, the dark clouds descend. Predicting what he will do where is tricky, but if he doesn’t win the Premier League it will count as a major shock.
7.8.09
JUNIOR SNOOKER PLAYER DIES
Jordan Ullah, a promising junior from Burnley, has died a few days before his 16th birthday.
Jordan, a regular in junior events, passed away last Monday two days after being admitted to the Royal Preston Hospital.
This is obviously devastating for his family and friends. We here at Snooker Scene send them our sympathies.
Jordan, a regular in junior events, passed away last Monday two days after being admitted to the Royal Preston Hospital.
This is obviously devastating for his family and friends. We here at Snooker Scene send them our sympathies.
O'SULLIVAN FINED
The WPBSA has fined Ronnie O'Sullivan £300 plus £1,000 costs for conceding a frame early against Joe Perry in their UK Championship match last December.
He trailed Perry 23-0 at the time.
He trailed Perry 23-0 at the time.
END OF THE CUE: UPDATE UPDATED
It turns out Graeme Dott's cue was not damaged in an airport after all, although it was damaged somehow and he is now using a new one.
"I don't know where people get these stories from," Graeme told global-snooker.com.
Well, in my case I got it out of a newspaper. I know it's hard to believe, but very occasionally even journalists get the wrong end of the stick, or in this case the cue.
I would like to apologise for impuning the integrity of baggage handlers everywhere.
"I don't know where people get these stories from," Graeme told global-snooker.com.
Well, in my case I got it out of a newspaper. I know it's hard to believe, but very occasionally even journalists get the wrong end of the stick, or in this case the cue.
I would like to apologise for impuning the integrity of baggage handlers everywhere.
6.8.09
THE LATE SHOW
Oh dear. There's been a problem at our printers so the August issue of Snooker Scene is going out later than intended.
We've had a number of calls to the office today asking where they are. The answer is that they should land either tomorrow or Saturday.
Apologies for this. It's out of our hands.
We've had a number of calls to the office today asking where they are. The answer is that they should land either tomorrow or Saturday.
Apologies for this. It's out of our hands.
HAVE YOU BEEN WATCHING?
Has anyone been watching 110sporttv's coverage of the qualifiers and, if so, what did you think?
I thought the quality of the production was excellent. I know a few people had trouble getting the streaming to work but I was among the lucky ones who didn't have any at all.
The camerawork and direction was good and it's about time snooker fans got a chance to see action from the qualifiers, so even if there were teething problems I believe this venture should be given a chance.
I think the main priority for 110sport should be getting on screen graphics because it's hard to follow matches without this.
Any thoughts?
I thought the quality of the production was excellent. I know a few people had trouble getting the streaming to work but I was among the lucky ones who didn't have any at all.
The camerawork and direction was good and it's about time snooker fans got a chance to see action from the qualifiers, so even if there were teething problems I believe this venture should be given a chance.
I think the main priority for 110sport should be getting on screen graphics because it's hard to follow matches without this.
Any thoughts?
EVERGREEN DAVIS ENTERS THE FRAY
Like old man river, Steve Davis just keeps rolling along.
This afternoon he begins his 32nd season as a professional. Players have come and players have gone in the last three decades but Davis, 52 this month, remains a steadfastly stubborn presence.
The root of his stickability is his pure love of snooker and of competition. He is fascinated by the psychology of sport, be it snooker, pool, chess or poker.
He will have his work cut out against Matt Selt, who seems to be finding his feet on the professional circuit.
I doubt Steve will have practised much over the summer, but his tactical game remains first class and he may be able to grind Selt down.
It's now 20 years since Davis last won the World Championship and 14 years since his last ranking tournament victory.
He isn't kidding himself that he will be a world beater again but there's something to be admired in his refusal to roll over.
Every now and again, he is capable of performances that reveal to younger audiences and snooker newcomers why he was the best thing the game had ever seen until Stephen Hendry came along.
The match is live on 110sporttv from 4pm UK time.
This afternoon he begins his 32nd season as a professional. Players have come and players have gone in the last three decades but Davis, 52 this month, remains a steadfastly stubborn presence.
The root of his stickability is his pure love of snooker and of competition. He is fascinated by the psychology of sport, be it snooker, pool, chess or poker.
He will have his work cut out against Matt Selt, who seems to be finding his feet on the professional circuit.
I doubt Steve will have practised much over the summer, but his tactical game remains first class and he may be able to grind Selt down.
It's now 20 years since Davis last won the World Championship and 14 years since his last ranking tournament victory.
He isn't kidding himself that he will be a world beater again but there's something to be admired in his refusal to roll over.
Every now and again, he is capable of performances that reveal to younger audiences and snooker newcomers why he was the best thing the game had ever seen until Stephen Hendry came along.
The match is live on 110sporttv from 4pm UK time.
5.8.09
THE NEARLY DEAD PARROTT SKETCH
I watched most of John Parrott's match against Michael White in the Shanghai Masters qualifiers yesterday and it's clear that the former world and UK champion is now merely going through the motions.
John doesn't need to be going to Prestatyn and I feel pretty certain that his professional career is now not far off being at an end.
I was impressed, though, by White. OK, so he was given plenty of chances but he has a very nice cue action and, at 18, represents the future of the sport.
Parrott was young once. In the early 1980s he wore a chocolate brown suit on Junior Pot Black and went on to become one of the game's leading players for the best part of a decade.
He won the World Championship at the time Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis and Jimmy White were all playing terrific stuff.
But he didn't look like he'd practised much for yesterday's match. Lack of motivation coupled with lack of preparation means that the end is surely in sight.
John doesn't need to be going to Prestatyn and I feel pretty certain that his professional career is now not far off being at an end.
I was impressed, though, by White. OK, so he was given plenty of chances but he has a very nice cue action and, at 18, represents the future of the sport.
Parrott was young once. In the early 1980s he wore a chocolate brown suit on Junior Pot Black and went on to become one of the game's leading players for the best part of a decade.
He won the World Championship at the time Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis and Jimmy White were all playing terrific stuff.
But he didn't look like he'd practised much for yesterday's match. Lack of motivation coupled with lack of preparation means that the end is surely in sight.
4.8.09
THE LIANG AND THE SHORT OF IT...
Hmmm...
Liang Wenbo's match in the final qualifying round of the Shanghai Masters, which was due to be played in Prestatyn on Thursday, will now be held at the venue in China.
Liang has been unable to get his work permit.
I have sympathy for the Chinese players - Mei Xiwen and Li Hang also failed to get visas. It seems ridiculous really that Chinese professionals have to travel to the UK to try and qualify for a tournament in China.
It's all very well saying, 'tough, that's the system' but how many British players would fancy flying to China to try and qualify for the UK Championship?
However, the other side of this is that whoever comes through to eventually face Liang could reasonably claim they should receive a walkover. They may even have a legal case (although it's unlikely to come to that).
If a British player had, say, broken down on the way to Prestatyn would they have been able to go to Shanghai and play the match? Unlikely.
Of course, having Liang playing in Shanghai can be defended on commercial grounds. Having him there is good for box office and TV.
But as this is the case, why was his match scheduled for Prestatyn in the first place?
So on the one hand this decision is common sense, on the other it's an unlevelling of the playing field.
As I said earlier, hmmm...
Liang Wenbo's match in the final qualifying round of the Shanghai Masters, which was due to be played in Prestatyn on Thursday, will now be held at the venue in China.
Liang has been unable to get his work permit.
I have sympathy for the Chinese players - Mei Xiwen and Li Hang also failed to get visas. It seems ridiculous really that Chinese professionals have to travel to the UK to try and qualify for a tournament in China.
It's all very well saying, 'tough, that's the system' but how many British players would fancy flying to China to try and qualify for the UK Championship?
However, the other side of this is that whoever comes through to eventually face Liang could reasonably claim they should receive a walkover. They may even have a legal case (although it's unlikely to come to that).
If a British player had, say, broken down on the way to Prestatyn would they have been able to go to Shanghai and play the match? Unlikely.
Of course, having Liang playing in Shanghai can be defended on commercial grounds. Having him there is good for box office and TV.
But as this is the case, why was his match scheduled for Prestatyn in the first place?
So on the one hand this decision is common sense, on the other it's an unlevelling of the playing field.
As I said earlier, hmmm...
3.8.09
NEW BABY FOR HUNTER WIDOW
Lindsey Hunter, widow of the late Paul Hunter, has given birth to a baby girl.
Freya will be a sister for Evie Rose, born in 2005.
Paul died in 2006. Lindsey is now in a relationship with Johnny McDonald.
Freya will be a sister for Evie Rose, born in 2005.
Paul died in 2006. Lindsey is now in a relationship with Johnny McDonald.
NEW SEASON, NEW HOPE
And so it begins.
80 players join battle for the 16 qualifying places in next month’s Shanghai Masters. Among them are new faces, old faces, legendary faces and faces even diehard snooker fans would struggle to recognise.
The qualifiers take place in virtual obscurity. Alas, there won’t be much in the papers about the events at Pontin’s in Prestatyn over the next four days but, for the first time, there will be some streaming of matches through the new 110sport.tv venture.
Old snooker players don’t die, they go to the qualifiers.
They all have done in their time: Ray Reardon, Fred Davis, John Spencer, Alex Higgins, Joe Johnson, Dennis Taylor and now Jimmy White, John Parrott, Ken Doherty and Steve Davis.
It’s hard to give up when snooker has been your life, even when you know your best days are behind you.
In the back of your mind is the thought that maybe, just maybe, you will rediscover some of that golden form.
It’s the mindset that sees James Wattana and Tony Drago return this season to give the professional circuit another go.
The only legend who called it a day when he dropped out of the top 16 was Terry Griffiths so there’s a certain irony that he will be 110sport’s lead commentator today.
But Terry, of course, carried on in the game through coaching when he finally hung his cue up and, in some ways, his playing career has been extended through following the fortunes of those he coaches.
All the players starting out this week will be flush full of hope that, whatever has happened in the past, this will be their season.
That hope will be eroded for many by close defeats, disappointing performances and the realities of life on tour in a sport not in the best of health, with two ranking events axed and sponsorship hard to come by.
Players in the first two rounds will not earn a single penny, despite being professional sportsmen.
There will be plenty of time during the season to become disenchanted, frustrated and plain fed up. But, today, hope is in the ascendancy.
Good luck to all those involved.
80 players join battle for the 16 qualifying places in next month’s Shanghai Masters. Among them are new faces, old faces, legendary faces and faces even diehard snooker fans would struggle to recognise.
The qualifiers take place in virtual obscurity. Alas, there won’t be much in the papers about the events at Pontin’s in Prestatyn over the next four days but, for the first time, there will be some streaming of matches through the new 110sport.tv venture.
Old snooker players don’t die, they go to the qualifiers.
They all have done in their time: Ray Reardon, Fred Davis, John Spencer, Alex Higgins, Joe Johnson, Dennis Taylor and now Jimmy White, John Parrott, Ken Doherty and Steve Davis.
It’s hard to give up when snooker has been your life, even when you know your best days are behind you.
In the back of your mind is the thought that maybe, just maybe, you will rediscover some of that golden form.
It’s the mindset that sees James Wattana and Tony Drago return this season to give the professional circuit another go.
The only legend who called it a day when he dropped out of the top 16 was Terry Griffiths so there’s a certain irony that he will be 110sport’s lead commentator today.
But Terry, of course, carried on in the game through coaching when he finally hung his cue up and, in some ways, his playing career has been extended through following the fortunes of those he coaches.
All the players starting out this week will be flush full of hope that, whatever has happened in the past, this will be their season.
That hope will be eroded for many by close defeats, disappointing performances and the realities of life on tour in a sport not in the best of health, with two ranking events axed and sponsorship hard to come by.
Players in the first two rounds will not earn a single penny, despite being professional sportsmen.
There will be plenty of time during the season to become disenchanted, frustrated and plain fed up. But, today, hope is in the ascendancy.
Good luck to all those involved.
2.8.09
110SPORT SITE GOES LIVE
To watch the qualifiers live on 110sporttv, you can go to their website here.
31.7.09
SHANGHAI MONEY UP
Prize money for the Roewe Shanghai Masters has been increased.
The total prize fund this season will be £300,000 with £55,000 going to the winner.
Last year, the total pot was worth £282,000, with Ricky Walden pocketing £52,000 as champion.
The tournament's prize fund and staging costs are paid by Chinese promoters under a five year deal with the WPBSA announced in 2007.
The total prize fund this season will be £300,000 with £55,000 going to the winner.
Last year, the total pot was worth £282,000, with Ricky Walden pocketing £52,000 as champion.
The tournament's prize fund and staging costs are paid by Chinese promoters under a five year deal with the WPBSA announced in 2007.
POLL TO POLL
So 45% voted the current decade as their favourite for snooker. 26% went with the 1990s, 25% the 1980s and 1% the 1970s.
The new poll asks whether you will watch the 110sport.tv coverage of the qualifiers.
The new poll asks whether you will watch the 110sport.tv coverage of the qualifiers.
30.7.09
MAGUIRE'S TITLE
It's interesting that the only top 16 player to enter the first Pro Challenge Series event ended up winning it.
Stephen Maguire is £5,000 better off for going to Leeds. Good luck to him. It's more profitable than knocking balls in at his home club.
Despite what people say, there is a clear difference in standard when you compare players at the top of the rankings with those lower down.
The top ranked players are where they are because they are better. They all started at the bottom and have risen through the ranks because of how well they have played.
I realise this sounds obvious but it is perhaps still worth saying.
Stephen Maguire is £5,000 better off for going to Leeds. Good luck to him. It's more profitable than knocking balls in at his home club.
Despite what people say, there is a clear difference in standard when you compare players at the top of the rankings with those lower down.
The top ranked players are where they are because they are better. They all started at the bottom and have risen through the ranks because of how well they have played.
I realise this sounds obvious but it is perhaps still worth saying.
29.7.09
QUALIFIERS TO BE STREAMED ONLINE
The WPBSA has signed a landmark deal with 110sport.tv to stream the qualifiers of all professional tournaments on the internet.
It means snooker fans will be able to watch every ball of every qualifying match live, starting with next week's Shanghai Masters qualifiers.
I understand 110sport will also inaugurate new events to be screened on their website.
This is, by anyone's definition, good news.
When I have more specific details I will of course report them here.
It means snooker fans will be able to watch every ball of every qualifying match live, starting with next week's Shanghai Masters qualifiers.
I understand 110sport will also inaugurate new events to be screened on their website.
This is, by anyone's definition, good news.
When I have more specific details I will of course report them here.
NOTES ON A STEEL CITY
I'm in Sheffield for a few days for reasons that need not detain us here.
Like any self-respecting snooker fan, I went to the Crucible yesterday. Except, it's like a mausoleum: wrapped in tarpaulin and covered in scaffolding.
This is all part of the ongoing renovation of the iconic venue but it was still odd to witness.
Far more seriously, Vijay's Indian restaurant up by the Grosvenor Hotel has shut down. For as long as I can remember, this was the traditional venue of choice for an eve of tournament nosh-up for journalists and officials relishing the 17 days of lunacy to come.
But no longer.
I can't help thinking that this is a metaphor for something.
Like any self-respecting snooker fan, I went to the Crucible yesterday. Except, it's like a mausoleum: wrapped in tarpaulin and covered in scaffolding.
This is all part of the ongoing renovation of the iconic venue but it was still odd to witness.
Far more seriously, Vijay's Indian restaurant up by the Grosvenor Hotel has shut down. For as long as I can remember, this was the traditional venue of choice for an eve of tournament nosh-up for journalists and officials relishing the 17 days of lunacy to come.
But no longer.
I can't help thinking that this is a metaphor for something.
27.7.09
END OF THE CUE...CONTINUED
Graeme Dott is the latest snooker player to suffer a mishap with his cue.
In fact, it was more than a mishap. The cue is broken beyond repair.
It was damaged - no surprise here - at an airport. Dott had used the cue to win the 2006 World Championship.
Then again, perhaps a new start is what the Glaswegian needs. He has endured a disappointing couple of seasons - in which he suffered from depression and broke his arm - and is now out of the top 16.
Dott has always been a fighter and I'm sure he'll be giving it everything with his new cue. Its first test comes in the new Pro Challenge Series, which starts tomorrow.
In fact, it was more than a mishap. The cue is broken beyond repair.
It was damaged - no surprise here - at an airport. Dott had used the cue to win the 2006 World Championship.
Then again, perhaps a new start is what the Glaswegian needs. He has endured a disappointing couple of seasons - in which he suffered from depression and broke his arm - and is now out of the top 16.
Dott has always been a fighter and I'm sure he'll be giving it everything with his new cue. Its first test comes in the new Pro Challenge Series, which starts tomorrow.
NEW SEASON BUILD-UP: THE YOUNG GUNS
Continuing my look ahead to the new season with a focus on the younger members of the professional circuit...
I’d back Mark Allen to kick on from his fine end to last season, when he beat Ronnie O’Sullivan en route to the Betfred.com World Championship semi-finals.
Allen has always been a great talent bestowed with considerable self belief. His confidence will be at an all time high right now – as he proved by winning the Jiangsu Classic in June – and he could well lift more silverware in the next year.
His downfall in the past has been keeping his frustration at bay, but there were few signs of self implosion at the Crucible and Allen must surely be one to follow this season.
Judd Trump has been thrown into the lion’s den of the Premier League, which will be a great experience for him playing live on television against some of the biggest names of the sport.
Trump’s chief problem thus far in his career has been reproducing the excellent form he’s shown at the qualifiers at the main venues.
Time is on a side – he’s still a teenager – but those who love to carp from the sidelines will soon be on his back if he doesn’t continue his upward progress this season.
The Bristol lad is in the top 32 for the first time. His target this year must surely be a top 16 place.
Jamie Cope seems to have stalled a little since he appeared in two ranking finals during the 2006/07 campaign.
He looked a certainty for the top 16 back then but hasn’t quite made the breakthrough. Like many players of his age, Cope is a frighteningly good long potter and break-builder but is yet to develop the sort of all round game a player can fall back on when they are not firing on all cylinders.
Liang Wenbo is another good example of this. When it all works for him, he looks deadly but, when it doesn’t, he can look average.
Liang won the £50,000 first prize in the recent Beijing Challenge and has the potential to be a top 16 player but this, of course, does not mean that he will be one.
His fellow Chinese Ding Junhui feels like a veteran but is still only 22. In beating Liang at the World Championship he suggested he had finally got himself out of a worrying slump in form but could not sustain this in the second round against Stephen Hendry.
You don’t win the UK Championship at the age of 18 without being an excellent player. Ding’s problems are not with his game but his mental state. If he can sort them out he will be a winner again.
Daniel Wells won three matches 10-9 before losing another to be denied a place at the Crucible in his debut season.
Wells does mix attack and defence and this was one of the reasons he managed to carve out enough results to keep his place on the tour.
David Morris is yet to set the world alight but has crept up to 58th in the rankings and has the ability to go further but needs a breakthrough – a good run in a big event.
Snooker needs its young players to be doing well. Sports need to renew themselves with fresh faces to avoid the accusation they have stagnated.
For this reason, I wish the circuit’s young guns all the best for the coming season.
I’d back Mark Allen to kick on from his fine end to last season, when he beat Ronnie O’Sullivan en route to the Betfred.com World Championship semi-finals.
Allen has always been a great talent bestowed with considerable self belief. His confidence will be at an all time high right now – as he proved by winning the Jiangsu Classic in June – and he could well lift more silverware in the next year.
His downfall in the past has been keeping his frustration at bay, but there were few signs of self implosion at the Crucible and Allen must surely be one to follow this season.
Judd Trump has been thrown into the lion’s den of the Premier League, which will be a great experience for him playing live on television against some of the biggest names of the sport.
Trump’s chief problem thus far in his career has been reproducing the excellent form he’s shown at the qualifiers at the main venues.
Time is on a side – he’s still a teenager – but those who love to carp from the sidelines will soon be on his back if he doesn’t continue his upward progress this season.
The Bristol lad is in the top 32 for the first time. His target this year must surely be a top 16 place.
Jamie Cope seems to have stalled a little since he appeared in two ranking finals during the 2006/07 campaign.
He looked a certainty for the top 16 back then but hasn’t quite made the breakthrough. Like many players of his age, Cope is a frighteningly good long potter and break-builder but is yet to develop the sort of all round game a player can fall back on when they are not firing on all cylinders.
Liang Wenbo is another good example of this. When it all works for him, he looks deadly but, when it doesn’t, he can look average.
Liang won the £50,000 first prize in the recent Beijing Challenge and has the potential to be a top 16 player but this, of course, does not mean that he will be one.
His fellow Chinese Ding Junhui feels like a veteran but is still only 22. In beating Liang at the World Championship he suggested he had finally got himself out of a worrying slump in form but could not sustain this in the second round against Stephen Hendry.
You don’t win the UK Championship at the age of 18 without being an excellent player. Ding’s problems are not with his game but his mental state. If he can sort them out he will be a winner again.
Daniel Wells won three matches 10-9 before losing another to be denied a place at the Crucible in his debut season.
Wells does mix attack and defence and this was one of the reasons he managed to carve out enough results to keep his place on the tour.
David Morris is yet to set the world alight but has crept up to 58th in the rankings and has the ability to go further but needs a breakthrough – a good run in a big event.
Snooker needs its young players to be doing well. Sports need to renew themselves with fresh faces to avoid the accusation they have stagnated.
For this reason, I wish the circuit’s young guns all the best for the coming season.
26.7.09
BOND'S GOLDFINGERS
Former British Open champion Nigel Bond beat David Grace 3-0 in Taiwan today to land the gold medal at the World Games.
Bond, the runner-up to Stephen Hendry at the Crucible in 1995, outpointed Grace 237-26 to wrap up a comfortable win.
Bond, the runner-up to Stephen Hendry at the Crucible in 1995, outpointed Grace 237-26 to wrap up a comfortable win.
POLL POSITION
John Higgins will finish the season as world no.1 according to 47% of those who voted in our poll.
28% thought it would be Ronnie O'Sullivan, 9% Ali Carter and 14% someone else.
The next poll asks which era was your favourite for snooker.
28% thought it would be Ronnie O'Sullivan, 9% Ali Carter and 14% someone else.
The next poll asks which era was your favourite for snooker.
24.7.09
TRACKING DOWN TONY MEO
If I had a pound for every time someone asked me where Tony Meo is these days and what he's doing now I'd have...well...several pounds.
Well, at last we have an answer!
Roger Lee has been to interview him for the August issue of Snooker Scene (out on August 5) and has taken a picture of how he looks now.
I must admit I did a double take before recognising him.
Roger has also been to interview Patsy Fagan, the 1977 UK champion.
Well, at last we have an answer!
Roger Lee has been to interview him for the August issue of Snooker Scene (out on August 5) and has taken a picture of how he looks now.
I must admit I did a double take before recognising him.
Roger has also been to interview Patsy Fagan, the 1977 UK champion.
NEW SEASON BUILD UP: THE LEGENDS
Continuing my preview of the new season with a look at the likely prospects of the game's veteran brigade...
There’s something genuinely heart-warming about a great player in any sport, apparently past their prime, coming up on the rails to produce a performance worthy of their heyday.
That’s why Tom Watson’s adventures at the Open last week caught the imagination. At 59, he had been rated a 1,500/1 shot before play began on the first day. As it transpired, he had a putt on the last to win it.
It didn’t go in, of course, and it is rare for a champion of the past to return and recapture former glories in this manner.
Doug Mountjoy did it in snooker in 1988 when he won the UK Championship for a second time, ten years after his first triumph. He went on to win the next ranking event, the Mercantile Classic, as well.
Steve Davis played superbly to reach the 2005 UK final, beating Mark Allen, Stephen Maguire, Ken Doherty and Stephen Hendry before coming up short against Ding Junhui.
So, what are the prospective fortunes of the game’s elder statesmen next season?
Stephen Hendry has fallen out of the top eight in the world rankings for the first time in 22 years.
Is this significant? Well, the amazing thing is that he was in there for 22 years when so many players have come and gone during the same time. There’s no disgrace being ranked 10th at the age of 40. The question is whether Hendry can climb back up.
He might well do because he is still so driven. He’s not the sort to be content with turning up and receiving grand applause, effectively making up the numbers.
No, when he thinks he can’t compete at the top level any longer he will retire.
Hendry last won one of snooker’s ‘big three’ titles – the world, UK or Masters – ten years ago. His last ranking title came four and a half years ago.
But if he can get some consistency back there’s no reason why he can’t be a winner again. This happened only rarely last season but there were a few signs – not least at the Crucible that he can turn it on for prolonged spells.
Steve Davis, that other great multi-champion of the modern age, starts his 32nd season as a professional at 13th in the provisional rankings. He will be 52 next month.
This old warhorse has stuck around so long because he changed his game and came to rely more on his safety than breakbuilding. There’s no reason why this won’t continue to work. Indeed, I’d argue it has been so effective because of the way snooker has become so open and attacking.
There's not many who can compete with the Nugget in the tactical stakes.
Steve loves snooker. I think you really will have to scrape him off the table and if he’s still on the tour when he’s 60 it wouldn’t be any great surprise. In January, he will have played professional snooker in five different decades.
What of Jimmy White? He starts in 56th place and so is excused one round of qualifying compared to last season.
There are times when he still produces excellent snooker but it’s hard to imagine White ever returning to the top 16. The top 48 is a possibility and so too, at a push, is the top 32. As ever, though, this may just be wishful thinking. I hope not.
John Parrott, I rather suspect, will be the next snooker ‘legend’ to hang up his cue. JP doesn’t need to be going to Prestatyn and has nothing else he wants to accomplish on the table. As he slides down the rankings it must become less and less fun.
Ken Doherty, who is 40 in September, has fallen at an alarming rate. Doherty is now 46th after a wretched season and desperately needs some confidence.
This will only come from winning matches. I wouldn’t be surprised if he started to turn it around now he’s used to the qualifying set up, but it’s a long way back to the top.
Peter Ebdon won seven matches in ranking events last season, five of which were in the China Open, a title which he of course captured.
It was only this that kept him in the top 16, but he had off table problems and he may be more settled going into the new campaign. If anyone is going to make an effort to keep his place in the elite, it’s Ebdon.
Looking at some of the older players, Tony Drago and James Wattana return. The best they can really hope for is to keep their places on the circuit. I wouldn’t be surprised if they did.
Nigel Bond had a poor season saved by him reaching the last 16 of the World Championship. How much longer can he hold off Old Father Time?
Nobody goes on forever, but the old guard will be determined to go on for as long as they possibly can.
There’s something genuinely heart-warming about a great player in any sport, apparently past their prime, coming up on the rails to produce a performance worthy of their heyday.
That’s why Tom Watson’s adventures at the Open last week caught the imagination. At 59, he had been rated a 1,500/1 shot before play began on the first day. As it transpired, he had a putt on the last to win it.
It didn’t go in, of course, and it is rare for a champion of the past to return and recapture former glories in this manner.
Doug Mountjoy did it in snooker in 1988 when he won the UK Championship for a second time, ten years after his first triumph. He went on to win the next ranking event, the Mercantile Classic, as well.
Steve Davis played superbly to reach the 2005 UK final, beating Mark Allen, Stephen Maguire, Ken Doherty and Stephen Hendry before coming up short against Ding Junhui.
So, what are the prospective fortunes of the game’s elder statesmen next season?
Stephen Hendry has fallen out of the top eight in the world rankings for the first time in 22 years.
Is this significant? Well, the amazing thing is that he was in there for 22 years when so many players have come and gone during the same time. There’s no disgrace being ranked 10th at the age of 40. The question is whether Hendry can climb back up.
He might well do because he is still so driven. He’s not the sort to be content with turning up and receiving grand applause, effectively making up the numbers.
No, when he thinks he can’t compete at the top level any longer he will retire.
Hendry last won one of snooker’s ‘big three’ titles – the world, UK or Masters – ten years ago. His last ranking title came four and a half years ago.
But if he can get some consistency back there’s no reason why he can’t be a winner again. This happened only rarely last season but there were a few signs – not least at the Crucible that he can turn it on for prolonged spells.
Steve Davis, that other great multi-champion of the modern age, starts his 32nd season as a professional at 13th in the provisional rankings. He will be 52 next month.
This old warhorse has stuck around so long because he changed his game and came to rely more on his safety than breakbuilding. There’s no reason why this won’t continue to work. Indeed, I’d argue it has been so effective because of the way snooker has become so open and attacking.
There's not many who can compete with the Nugget in the tactical stakes.
Steve loves snooker. I think you really will have to scrape him off the table and if he’s still on the tour when he’s 60 it wouldn’t be any great surprise. In January, he will have played professional snooker in five different decades.
What of Jimmy White? He starts in 56th place and so is excused one round of qualifying compared to last season.
There are times when he still produces excellent snooker but it’s hard to imagine White ever returning to the top 16. The top 48 is a possibility and so too, at a push, is the top 32. As ever, though, this may just be wishful thinking. I hope not.
John Parrott, I rather suspect, will be the next snooker ‘legend’ to hang up his cue. JP doesn’t need to be going to Prestatyn and has nothing else he wants to accomplish on the table. As he slides down the rankings it must become less and less fun.
Ken Doherty, who is 40 in September, has fallen at an alarming rate. Doherty is now 46th after a wretched season and desperately needs some confidence.
This will only come from winning matches. I wouldn’t be surprised if he started to turn it around now he’s used to the qualifying set up, but it’s a long way back to the top.
Peter Ebdon won seven matches in ranking events last season, five of which were in the China Open, a title which he of course captured.
It was only this that kept him in the top 16, but he had off table problems and he may be more settled going into the new campaign. If anyone is going to make an effort to keep his place in the elite, it’s Ebdon.
Looking at some of the older players, Tony Drago and James Wattana return. The best they can really hope for is to keep their places on the circuit. I wouldn’t be surprised if they did.
Nigel Bond had a poor season saved by him reaching the last 16 of the World Championship. How much longer can he hold off Old Father Time?
Nobody goes on forever, but the old guard will be determined to go on for as long as they possibly can.
23.7.09
GOING FOR GOLD
The big surprise of the World Games so far has been the defeat of Shanghai Masters champion Ricky Walden.
He lost 3-1 to Wu Yu Lin of Taiwan today.
Another professional, Mike Dunn, was beaten 3-2 by Egypt's Mohammed Awad yesterday.
It leaves us with a quarter-final line-up as follows:
Shu Hun Lin (Taiwan) v David Grace (England)
Soheil Vahedi (Iran) v Mohammed Awad (Egypt)
Nigel Bond (England) v Thepchaiya Un Nooh (Thailand)
Mohammed Shehab (UAE) v Wu Yu Lin (Taiwan)
Gerard Greene, who won the gold four years ago, withdrew for reasons unknown.
He lost 3-1 to Wu Yu Lin of Taiwan today.
Another professional, Mike Dunn, was beaten 3-2 by Egypt's Mohammed Awad yesterday.
It leaves us with a quarter-final line-up as follows:
Shu Hun Lin (Taiwan) v David Grace (England)
Soheil Vahedi (Iran) v Mohammed Awad (Egypt)
Nigel Bond (England) v Thepchaiya Un Nooh (Thailand)
Mohammed Shehab (UAE) v Wu Yu Lin (Taiwan)
Gerard Greene, who won the gold four years ago, withdrew for reasons unknown.
PAST MASTERS#10
This week, a TV commentator and former player who remains one of snooker's best known figures...
Willie Thorne is one of the best talents ever to have played the game but he failed to marshal his ability to become a regular tournament winner.
In an era where century breaks were far less commonplace than today, Thorne compiled a total of 126. He is still 20th on the all time list, with 29 players having made a century of centuries.
But he never quite delivered on his considerable potential and ended his career with only one ranking title to his name.
He was a talented teenager and won the English under 16 title at snooker and billiards in 1970.
Thorne turned professional in 1974 when the circuit offered few playing opportunities and was one of the original 16 to play at the Crucible when the World Championship moved there in 1977.
He became established as one of snooker’s biggest names during the boom years of the 1980s. With his bald pate and bushy moustache, he was instantly identifiable and a regular face on TV.
His best ranking was seventh, which he reached in the 1986/87 season and again in 1993/94, but his form could be erratic and he was relegated from the top 16 on four separate occasions.
Thorne appeared in seven ranking event semi-finals and converted three of these into appearances in finals, a low return given his obvious ability. Indeed, he only twice reached the World Championship quarter-finals.
But he had off table distractions, not least a gambling addiction he went on to describe in his entertaining autobiography, ‘Double or Quits.’
Thorne’s best moment came at the 1985 Mercantile Classic, in which he beat Kirk Stevens, John Virgo, Steve Davis and Cliff Thorburn to register his sole ranking success.
But he will always be remembered for missing the blue when leading Davis 13-8 in the UK Championship final later the same year.
Had it gone in, Thorne would surely have gone on to win his biggest ever title and who knows what may have followed?
But it didn’t go in and Davis fought back to beat him 16-14 and deliver a lethal blow to his future career prospects in a sport where mental scars take a long time to heal.
Despite this, Thorne did enjoy some success in non ranking events, winning the 1986 Kong Kong Masters, 1987 Kent Cup, 1986 Matchroom League and 1989 New Zealand Masters.
He was runner-up in the Irish Masters in 1986 and 1987. In 2000, he won the Seniors Masters title.
He hardly discouraged his nickname of ‘Mr Maximum’ having reputedly made hundreds in practice. His only 147 in tournament play came in the non-televised phase of the 1987 UK Championship.
Under any definition of the word ‘character,’ Thorne would qualify. He would play up to an image of himself as flash and big headed but was actually self deprecating, with the other players in on the joke.
For example, it wasn’t unheard of for Willie to enter a practice room at a tournament and say something like, “so, who was the best player in here until I walked in?”
In the 1993 UK Championship, he led Drew Henry 7-1 at the halfway stage and made great play of making sure everyone knew he had booked a restaurant for 8.30pm following the 7pm start.
Henry beat him 9-8 at gone 11pm.
At the Crucible in 1996, he was involved in an argument with referee John Williams, who wanted to re-rack a frame with Thorne around 50 points ahead against Andy Hicks.
Hicks won the match and afterwards said Thorne may have done better had he not spent his time “huffin’ and puffin’ around the table.”
He had his disappointments but Thorne, as he always was, remains a friendly, laidback character who played a significant role in the 1980s boom. He even appeared on Chas ‘n’ Dave’s ‘Snooker Loopy’ where he was called upon to sing the immortal line “perhaps I ought to chalk it” (referring to his head).
Thorne is now the BBC’s principal commentator with a forthright style that divides opinion.
He has always been conscious of his celebrity status and has maintained his profile in a number of ways, not least by taking part in the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing two years ago.
In the last few months he has appeared on ITV’s Mr and Mrs and on the BBC’s Cash in the Attic.
Now 55, Thorne is still one of snooker’s most recognisable figures, a regular at charity golf days, sportsman’s dinners and in the media, even though he has not played professionally for seven years.
Perhaps that is his greatest victory of all.
Willie Thorne is one of the best talents ever to have played the game but he failed to marshal his ability to become a regular tournament winner.
In an era where century breaks were far less commonplace than today, Thorne compiled a total of 126. He is still 20th on the all time list, with 29 players having made a century of centuries.
But he never quite delivered on his considerable potential and ended his career with only one ranking title to his name.
He was a talented teenager and won the English under 16 title at snooker and billiards in 1970.
Thorne turned professional in 1974 when the circuit offered few playing opportunities and was one of the original 16 to play at the Crucible when the World Championship moved there in 1977.
He became established as one of snooker’s biggest names during the boom years of the 1980s. With his bald pate and bushy moustache, he was instantly identifiable and a regular face on TV.
His best ranking was seventh, which he reached in the 1986/87 season and again in 1993/94, but his form could be erratic and he was relegated from the top 16 on four separate occasions.
Thorne appeared in seven ranking event semi-finals and converted three of these into appearances in finals, a low return given his obvious ability. Indeed, he only twice reached the World Championship quarter-finals.
But he had off table distractions, not least a gambling addiction he went on to describe in his entertaining autobiography, ‘Double or Quits.’
Thorne’s best moment came at the 1985 Mercantile Classic, in which he beat Kirk Stevens, John Virgo, Steve Davis and Cliff Thorburn to register his sole ranking success.
But he will always be remembered for missing the blue when leading Davis 13-8 in the UK Championship final later the same year.
Had it gone in, Thorne would surely have gone on to win his biggest ever title and who knows what may have followed?
But it didn’t go in and Davis fought back to beat him 16-14 and deliver a lethal blow to his future career prospects in a sport where mental scars take a long time to heal.
Despite this, Thorne did enjoy some success in non ranking events, winning the 1986 Kong Kong Masters, 1987 Kent Cup, 1986 Matchroom League and 1989 New Zealand Masters.
He was runner-up in the Irish Masters in 1986 and 1987. In 2000, he won the Seniors Masters title.
He hardly discouraged his nickname of ‘Mr Maximum’ having reputedly made hundreds in practice. His only 147 in tournament play came in the non-televised phase of the 1987 UK Championship.
Under any definition of the word ‘character,’ Thorne would qualify. He would play up to an image of himself as flash and big headed but was actually self deprecating, with the other players in on the joke.
For example, it wasn’t unheard of for Willie to enter a practice room at a tournament and say something like, “so, who was the best player in here until I walked in?”
In the 1993 UK Championship, he led Drew Henry 7-1 at the halfway stage and made great play of making sure everyone knew he had booked a restaurant for 8.30pm following the 7pm start.
Henry beat him 9-8 at gone 11pm.
At the Crucible in 1996, he was involved in an argument with referee John Williams, who wanted to re-rack a frame with Thorne around 50 points ahead against Andy Hicks.
Hicks won the match and afterwards said Thorne may have done better had he not spent his time “huffin’ and puffin’ around the table.”
He had his disappointments but Thorne, as he always was, remains a friendly, laidback character who played a significant role in the 1980s boom. He even appeared on Chas ‘n’ Dave’s ‘Snooker Loopy’ where he was called upon to sing the immortal line “perhaps I ought to chalk it” (referring to his head).
Thorne is now the BBC’s principal commentator with a forthright style that divides opinion.
He has always been conscious of his celebrity status and has maintained his profile in a number of ways, not least by taking part in the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing two years ago.
In the last few months he has appeared on ITV’s Mr and Mrs and on the BBC’s Cash in the Attic.
Now 55, Thorne is still one of snooker’s most recognisable figures, a regular at charity golf days, sportsman’s dinners and in the media, even though he has not played professionally for seven years.
Perhaps that is his greatest victory of all.
22.7.09
ALEX V ANNE
Alex Higgins, the combative, combustible former world champion, may finally have met his match.
The 'Hurricane' will face Anne Robinson on BBC1's Weakest Link at 5.50pm this coming Saturday.
It will be interesting to see how this angry, argumentative character fares.
I'm also looking forward to seeing how Higgins does.
The 'Hurricane' will face Anne Robinson on BBC1's Weakest Link at 5.50pm this coming Saturday.
It will be interesting to see how this angry, argumentative character fares.
I'm also looking forward to seeing how Higgins does.
21.7.09
PODCAST#11...CLIVE EVERTON ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
In the latest Snooker Scene podcast, our editor Clive Everton answers readers questions.
You can listen to it here.
We mention Gordon Burn during one of the answers. This was obviously recorded before his death.
You can listen to it here.
We mention Gordon Burn during one of the answers. This was obviously recorded before his death.
THE END OF THE CUE
Poor old Ken Doherty has had his cue impounded by customs officers at Heathrow following the six reds event in Thailand, presumably because of some meaningless red tape that has to be sorted out.
After the season he’s just had, this is the last thing Ken needs.
Of course, it was at Heathrow that the cue with which Stephen Hendry won seven world titles was destroyed beyond repair back in 2003.
He’s never been the same since. I didn’t think it would affect him that badly after watching him beat Ronnie O’Sullivan to win the British Open shortly afterwards in what was probably Hendry’s best performance of the decade.
But it was clear when he turned up at the 2007 World Championship with a cue he’d had for less than a month that he wasn’t happy.
Hendry wouldn’t blame losing the old cue, and it’s worth remembering that he reclaimed the world no.1 spot in 2006, but, put it this way, it didn’t help his career.
The irony, of course, is that his old cue wasn’t reckoned to be up to much. But players get used to a cue and, in a game that relies so much on mental resilience, it can be hard adjusting to a new one, especially when you have to.
This is why O’Sullivan’s capture of the Masters title last season was so remarkable. Ronnie had smashed up his previous cue a few days before Wembley but played brilliantly in the final.
That said, he struggled for the rest of the season. This was not necessarily down to the new cue. Indeed, I’d back him to make a century with any old bit of wood, but there are so many factors that can alter the way a player is feeling that you want to limit them to as few as possible.
Sometimes damage to a cue can end up being a positive, though.
John Spencer had his broken in a car accident in 1977. He went on to become the first Crucible world champion not long afterwards.
After the season he’s just had, this is the last thing Ken needs.
Of course, it was at Heathrow that the cue with which Stephen Hendry won seven world titles was destroyed beyond repair back in 2003.
He’s never been the same since. I didn’t think it would affect him that badly after watching him beat Ronnie O’Sullivan to win the British Open shortly afterwards in what was probably Hendry’s best performance of the decade.
But it was clear when he turned up at the 2007 World Championship with a cue he’d had for less than a month that he wasn’t happy.
Hendry wouldn’t blame losing the old cue, and it’s worth remembering that he reclaimed the world no.1 spot in 2006, but, put it this way, it didn’t help his career.
The irony, of course, is that his old cue wasn’t reckoned to be up to much. But players get used to a cue and, in a game that relies so much on mental resilience, it can be hard adjusting to a new one, especially when you have to.
This is why O’Sullivan’s capture of the Masters title last season was so remarkable. Ronnie had smashed up his previous cue a few days before Wembley but played brilliantly in the final.
That said, he struggled for the rest of the season. This was not necessarily down to the new cue. Indeed, I’d back him to make a century with any old bit of wood, but there are so many factors that can alter the way a player is feeling that you want to limit them to as few as possible.
Sometimes damage to a cue can end up being a positive, though.
John Spencer had his broken in a car accident in 1977. He went on to become the first Crucible world champion not long afterwards.
NEW(ISH) LOOK!
So the blog has had a radical redesign, by which I mean it's now red and includes a weekly poll.
If I were one of those people paid thousands to spout marketing speak I would come up with a highly annoying reason for the change to red.
But I'm not so I'll just tell the truth: I quite like the colour.
I well remember the controversy when the set for 1987 World Championship changed colour but it didn't do any long term damage to the tournament.
Then again, a year later it reverted back to its original colour and was never spoken of again.
If I were one of those people paid thousands to spout marketing speak I would come up with a highly annoying reason for the change to red.
But I'm not so I'll just tell the truth: I quite like the colour.
I well remember the controversy when the set for 1987 World Championship changed colour but it didn't do any long term damage to the tournament.
Then again, a year later it reverted back to its original colour and was never spoken of again.
20.7.09
'POCKET MONEY' AUTHOR DIES
Gordon Burn, author of Pocket Money, one of the best books ever written about snooker, has died of cancer at the age of 61.
Burn followed the 1985/86 season, a magical boom time for snooker which was vividly brought to life by his excellent writing.
He also wrote books on Peter Sutcliffe, Fred and Rose West and 24-hour rolling news.
If any snooker fan is yet to read Pocket Money, I recommend it as one of the few essential snooker books.
Burn followed the 1985/86 season, a magical boom time for snooker which was vividly brought to life by his excellent writing.
He also wrote books on Peter Sutcliffe, Fred and Rose West and 24-hour rolling news.
If any snooker fan is yet to read Pocket Money, I recommend it as one of the few essential snooker books.
THIS WEEK'S ACTION
There's more snooker underway this week.
At the Northern in Leeds it's the Paul Hunter English Open, which includes players such as Stephen Lee, Ryan Day, Michael Holt, Stuart Bingham, Dave Harold and Tony Drago.
And out in Taiwan Gerard Greene is defending his World Games title against the likes of Ricky Walden, Nigel Bond and Thepchaiya Un Nooh.
Global-Snooker.com has coverage of both events.
Next week the first Pro Challenge Series tournament is played and a fortnight today the qualifiers for the Shanghai Masters will be underway.
At the Northern in Leeds it's the Paul Hunter English Open, which includes players such as Stephen Lee, Ryan Day, Michael Holt, Stuart Bingham, Dave Harold and Tony Drago.
And out in Taiwan Gerard Greene is defending his World Games title against the likes of Ricky Walden, Nigel Bond and Thepchaiya Un Nooh.
Global-Snooker.com has coverage of both events.
Next week the first Pro Challenge Series tournament is played and a fortnight today the qualifiers for the Shanghai Masters will be underway.
19.7.09
NEW SEASON BUILD UP: THE DEBUTANTS
Over the next couple of weeks I will be building up to the start of the new professional season. First up, a look at the main tour newcomers...
With only six ranking events scheduled this season it will be difficult for most of the new intake to survive.
The problem with starter points is that they aren't a fixed figure but completely arbitrary – the new players receive the same amount of points as the lowest ranked survivor from last year.
This season that is David Roe, who has 4,320 points to carry into the new campaign. Last season new players got 5,088 points.
[Edit: this is nonsense! They actually get points equivalent to the lowest ranked of the eight players on the one year list who kept their places, so it's 5,850, the same number as Atthasit Mahitthi.]
Personally, I feel it would be fairer to double the number of points earned by newcomers to give them more of a chance.
Now, I know what many of you are thinking: if you’re good enough, you will stay on.
There’s a glimmer of truth in this. Mark Allen is the best recent example of a player who came fresh to the tour and made the most of it.
But the fact remains that life in the professional game takes some getting used to, even for those who have gone on to be greats of the sport.
You need time to get used to your new status and the step up in standard required.
The worst thing a debutant can allow themselves to think is that it will be easy. Many of them come to the pro ranks having experienced success as juniors with the feeling – often subconscious – that some of the old sweats of the tour will be easy to roll over.
They will soon learn the truth. We may never see a whole group of main tour players on TV but, at Prestatyn, they know what they are doing. Young players coming through are often lambs to the slaughter.
The modern game is all about attack, but it’s hard to do this when you are constantly on the back cushion or up behind a baulk colour. I think this is why Daniel Wells stayed on last season: he said before the start of the campaign that he was going to be more cautious than many of his contemporaries.
Anyway, step forward the players about to experience professional snooker for the first time...
Thepchaiya Un Nooh
David Hogan
Sam Baird
Jordan Brown
Mei Xiwen
Anda Zhang
Brendan O’Donoghue
Craig Steadman
Stephen Rowlings
Of these, Thepchaiya Un Nooh is the most obvious newcomer to follow as reigning IBSF world amateur champion.
One current player told me that the “world amateur title isn’t what it was” but, even if this is true, and many would disagree, it doesn’t alter the fact that the Thai won it.
For years, Thailand has been looking for a successor to James Wattana and has never quite found one (indeed Wattana himself returns to the main tour this season). I’ve never seen Thepchaiya play but those who have are excited about his emergence. He won one of the PIOS events last season and can rekindle interest in snooker back home if he does well this term.
But what does ‘doing well’ mean? Well, for all of the above it has to be merely staying on the circuit. To do this they must finish either in the top 64 in the official rankings or in the top eight on the provisional list of those not already qualified.
To put this into context, 24 players will be relegated at the end of the season. How many of these will come from the new intake?
In Snooker Scene, we will be following the fortunes of Jordan Brown in a new monthly column.
He is, as you would expect, very excited but also realistic about his chances. There is no big talk about getting on TV or to the Crucible. He just wants to keep his place.
In common with many young players, Brown relies on support from his parents and also his employer who gives him time off work to play.
Players who have jobs of course have less time to practice but this is an economic reality not helped by the fact that they need to win two matches in ranking events to earn any prize money.
Brown is the Northern Ireland no.1. Brendan O’Donoghue is the Republic of Ireland’s top amateur.
In his favour is the thriving scene in Ireland, with regular tournaments affording competitive opportunities. The same applies to his compatriot David Hogan, winner of the European amateur title.
Sam Baird, winner of the English play-off, lives in the South West, which has only ever produced a handful of top players, but practises with Judd Trump and, like all the newcomers, will be playing more than ever before the Shanghai Masters qualifiers on August 3.
The two Chinese debutants – Mei Xiwen and Anda Zhang – will presumably be practising at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield, a first rate venue that gives them the chance to play alongside several world class players, including Ding and Peter Ebdon.
But they will have to adjust to life in the UK and, with the exception of Liang Wenbo, none of Chinese players to emerge in recent years, have really threatened to emulate any of Ding’s feats.
Craig Steadman and Stephen Rowlings have more experience, having played on various circuits for a number of years. Perhaps this will be in their favour. Experience is key in any sport, although ultimately snooker comes down to who can pot the balls no matter how long they’ve been playing.
So how many will survive?
It’s impossible to say. I certainly hope some of them do but, inevitably, they won’t all make the cut.
But I wish them all well. They have practised for years for this chance.
Turning professional is a dream for many thousands of players. Even if it turns into a nightmare for some, to have made it this far is a fine achievement in itself.
With only six ranking events scheduled this season it will be difficult for most of the new intake to survive.
The problem with starter points is that they aren't a fixed figure but completely arbitrary – the new players receive the same amount of points as the lowest ranked survivor from last year.
This season that is David Roe, who has 4,320 points to carry into the new campaign. Last season new players got 5,088 points.
[Edit: this is nonsense! They actually get points equivalent to the lowest ranked of the eight players on the one year list who kept their places, so it's 5,850, the same number as Atthasit Mahitthi.]
Personally, I feel it would be fairer to double the number of points earned by newcomers to give them more of a chance.
Now, I know what many of you are thinking: if you’re good enough, you will stay on.
There’s a glimmer of truth in this. Mark Allen is the best recent example of a player who came fresh to the tour and made the most of it.
But the fact remains that life in the professional game takes some getting used to, even for those who have gone on to be greats of the sport.
You need time to get used to your new status and the step up in standard required.
The worst thing a debutant can allow themselves to think is that it will be easy. Many of them come to the pro ranks having experienced success as juniors with the feeling – often subconscious – that some of the old sweats of the tour will be easy to roll over.
They will soon learn the truth. We may never see a whole group of main tour players on TV but, at Prestatyn, they know what they are doing. Young players coming through are often lambs to the slaughter.
The modern game is all about attack, but it’s hard to do this when you are constantly on the back cushion or up behind a baulk colour. I think this is why Daniel Wells stayed on last season: he said before the start of the campaign that he was going to be more cautious than many of his contemporaries.
Anyway, step forward the players about to experience professional snooker for the first time...
Thepchaiya Un Nooh
David Hogan
Sam Baird
Jordan Brown
Mei Xiwen
Anda Zhang
Brendan O’Donoghue
Craig Steadman
Stephen Rowlings
Of these, Thepchaiya Un Nooh is the most obvious newcomer to follow as reigning IBSF world amateur champion.
One current player told me that the “world amateur title isn’t what it was” but, even if this is true, and many would disagree, it doesn’t alter the fact that the Thai won it.
For years, Thailand has been looking for a successor to James Wattana and has never quite found one (indeed Wattana himself returns to the main tour this season). I’ve never seen Thepchaiya play but those who have are excited about his emergence. He won one of the PIOS events last season and can rekindle interest in snooker back home if he does well this term.
But what does ‘doing well’ mean? Well, for all of the above it has to be merely staying on the circuit. To do this they must finish either in the top 64 in the official rankings or in the top eight on the provisional list of those not already qualified.
To put this into context, 24 players will be relegated at the end of the season. How many of these will come from the new intake?
In Snooker Scene, we will be following the fortunes of Jordan Brown in a new monthly column.
He is, as you would expect, very excited but also realistic about his chances. There is no big talk about getting on TV or to the Crucible. He just wants to keep his place.
In common with many young players, Brown relies on support from his parents and also his employer who gives him time off work to play.
Players who have jobs of course have less time to practice but this is an economic reality not helped by the fact that they need to win two matches in ranking events to earn any prize money.
Brown is the Northern Ireland no.1. Brendan O’Donoghue is the Republic of Ireland’s top amateur.
In his favour is the thriving scene in Ireland, with regular tournaments affording competitive opportunities. The same applies to his compatriot David Hogan, winner of the European amateur title.
Sam Baird, winner of the English play-off, lives in the South West, which has only ever produced a handful of top players, but practises with Judd Trump and, like all the newcomers, will be playing more than ever before the Shanghai Masters qualifiers on August 3.
The two Chinese debutants – Mei Xiwen and Anda Zhang – will presumably be practising at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield, a first rate venue that gives them the chance to play alongside several world class players, including Ding and Peter Ebdon.
But they will have to adjust to life in the UK and, with the exception of Liang Wenbo, none of Chinese players to emerge in recent years, have really threatened to emulate any of Ding’s feats.
Craig Steadman and Stephen Rowlings have more experience, having played on various circuits for a number of years. Perhaps this will be in their favour. Experience is key in any sport, although ultimately snooker comes down to who can pot the balls no matter how long they’ve been playing.
So how many will survive?
It’s impossible to say. I certainly hope some of them do but, inevitably, they won’t all make the cut.
But I wish them all well. They have practised for years for this chance.
Turning professional is a dream for many thousands of players. Even if it turns into a nightmare for some, to have made it this far is a fine achievement in itself.
18.7.09
PROVISIONAL RANKING
Apparently this is the 22nd most influential sports blog on the interwebby thing.
This time next year it is my intention to be at the very least 21st.
This time next year it is my intention to be at the very least 21st.
17.7.09
STUBBS LEAVES BBC
BBC snooker presenter Ray Stubbs is leaving to present Premier League football on ESPN.
Stubbs has worked for the BBC for 25 years. In the 1980s, he was a producer and put together the famous 'Way We Were' montage featuring the way players had changed over the years.
He began presenting snooker in 2002 and was the BBC's main presenter at the Crucible this year as Hazel Irvine was on maternity leave.
Stubbs has worked for the BBC for 25 years. In the 1980s, he was a producer and put together the famous 'Way We Were' montage featuring the way players had changed over the years.
He began presenting snooker in 2002 and was the BBC's main presenter at the Crucible this year as Hazel Irvine was on maternity leave.
16.7.09
ONE SMALL STEP...
As it’s 40 years since man first walked on the moon, so it must be 40 years since the launch of the programme that led to snooker becoming a television success.
Unlike the Apollo 11 mission, Pot Black really was staged in a TV studio, at Pebble Mill in Birmingham.
It came about because the then BBC2 controller, David Attenborough, wanted colour programmes for the new channel.
Snooker was an obvious choice with its different colours and it was also held indoors and involved a small playing area and so was cheap to produce.
All this was music to the ears of Ted Lowe, who had tried for years to interest the BBC in a snooker series.
With the BBC producer Philip Lewis, Lowe cobbled together eight players and a simple format: each match would be played over a single frame.
It was introduced with ‘Black and White Rag’, played by Winifred Attwell, and first aired on July 23, 1969. Lowe commentated, Alan Weekes presented and the referee was Sydney Lee.
All that was expected of the players is that they would ensure the frames lasted half an hour to fit the slot.
Ray Reardon beat John Spencer in the first final. Spencer and Eddie Charlton would each win it three times.
It gave the players of the day invaluable exposure as they made most of their money from exhibitions. An appearance on Pot Black would lead to bookings and a degree of fame unthinkable just a few years earlier.
These were simpler times before internet betting, indeed before the internet. I know more than one person who fleeced the bookies by betting on an event that had already been played.
In time, Junior Pot Black was launched, won twice by John Parrott and once by Dean Reynolds.
It all seems incredibly prosaic now but Pot Black’s significance cannot be underplayed.
The success of the programme led to the BBC covering the World Championship, in bits and pieces at first and then from first ball to last from 1978 onwards.
The huge audiences it attracted meant they were soon covering other tournaments and ITV piled in as well as the airwaves became saturated with snooker during the 1980s.
Viewers were captivated by proper tournament play and Pot Black came to be seen as a relic of the past. In 1986, it was discontinued.
However, in 1991 it was revived and shown on BBC1 in the afternoons.
And then in 1992 some bright spark – last seen wandering the streets wrapped in bacon rind pretending to be Florence Nightingale – introduced a calamitous new format.
‘Timeframe’ was designed to guarantee half an hour’s snooker, with each player having the same amount of time. So after a shot the player would have to stop their own clock, which would automatically start their opponent’s.
Farce doesn’t even cover it. Some players forgot completely, others were seen sprinting, Linford Christie like, to save a couple of seconds.
For those of you who think the shot clock or six reds is a nonsense, this had to be seen to be believed.
It was never used again but, after the 1993 staging, the programme was scrapped.
But in TV land, nothing is dead forever (ask Bobby Ewing) and Pot Black was once again revived in 1997 as a seniors event. It gave the old boys who had played in some of the original programmes the chance to do battle again.
And then in 2005 Pot Black returned with the top professionals as Saturday afternoon entertainment.
It was played in the plush surroundings of the snooker room at the RAC Club in London and allowed players the chance to relax and show a different side to the game.
It was all very convivial but, two years later and acting on the time honoured snooker principle of ‘if it ain’t broke, break it’ the event was moved to Sheffield City Hall, a venue with all the atmosphere of an abandoned mausoleum.
Worse still, it was scheduled opposite one of England’s matches in the rugby union World Cup. The audience was dire and Pot Black bit the dust once again.
But don’t bet against it returning at some point in the future. Maybe it could be a showcase for six reds, maybe it could be for veterans or juniors or international talent.
Pot Black was the programme that got generations of players interested in snooker.
It will forever be remembered as a giant leap for the sport.
Unlike the Apollo 11 mission, Pot Black really was staged in a TV studio, at Pebble Mill in Birmingham.
It came about because the then BBC2 controller, David Attenborough, wanted colour programmes for the new channel.
Snooker was an obvious choice with its different colours and it was also held indoors and involved a small playing area and so was cheap to produce.
All this was music to the ears of Ted Lowe, who had tried for years to interest the BBC in a snooker series.
With the BBC producer Philip Lewis, Lowe cobbled together eight players and a simple format: each match would be played over a single frame.
It was introduced with ‘Black and White Rag’, played by Winifred Attwell, and first aired on July 23, 1969. Lowe commentated, Alan Weekes presented and the referee was Sydney Lee.
All that was expected of the players is that they would ensure the frames lasted half an hour to fit the slot.
Ray Reardon beat John Spencer in the first final. Spencer and Eddie Charlton would each win it three times.
It gave the players of the day invaluable exposure as they made most of their money from exhibitions. An appearance on Pot Black would lead to bookings and a degree of fame unthinkable just a few years earlier.
These were simpler times before internet betting, indeed before the internet. I know more than one person who fleeced the bookies by betting on an event that had already been played.
In time, Junior Pot Black was launched, won twice by John Parrott and once by Dean Reynolds.
It all seems incredibly prosaic now but Pot Black’s significance cannot be underplayed.
The success of the programme led to the BBC covering the World Championship, in bits and pieces at first and then from first ball to last from 1978 onwards.
The huge audiences it attracted meant they were soon covering other tournaments and ITV piled in as well as the airwaves became saturated with snooker during the 1980s.
Viewers were captivated by proper tournament play and Pot Black came to be seen as a relic of the past. In 1986, it was discontinued.
However, in 1991 it was revived and shown on BBC1 in the afternoons.
And then in 1992 some bright spark – last seen wandering the streets wrapped in bacon rind pretending to be Florence Nightingale – introduced a calamitous new format.
‘Timeframe’ was designed to guarantee half an hour’s snooker, with each player having the same amount of time. So after a shot the player would have to stop their own clock, which would automatically start their opponent’s.
Farce doesn’t even cover it. Some players forgot completely, others were seen sprinting, Linford Christie like, to save a couple of seconds.
For those of you who think the shot clock or six reds is a nonsense, this had to be seen to be believed.
It was never used again but, after the 1993 staging, the programme was scrapped.
But in TV land, nothing is dead forever (ask Bobby Ewing) and Pot Black was once again revived in 1997 as a seniors event. It gave the old boys who had played in some of the original programmes the chance to do battle again.
And then in 2005 Pot Black returned with the top professionals as Saturday afternoon entertainment.
It was played in the plush surroundings of the snooker room at the RAC Club in London and allowed players the chance to relax and show a different side to the game.
It was all very convivial but, two years later and acting on the time honoured snooker principle of ‘if it ain’t broke, break it’ the event was moved to Sheffield City Hall, a venue with all the atmosphere of an abandoned mausoleum.
Worse still, it was scheduled opposite one of England’s matches in the rugby union World Cup. The audience was dire and Pot Black bit the dust once again.
But don’t bet against it returning at some point in the future. Maybe it could be a showcase for six reds, maybe it could be for veterans or juniors or international talent.
Pot Black was the programme that got generations of players interested in snooker.
It will forever be remembered as a giant leap for the sport.
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