TONY DRAGO (Malta)
Years as professional: 1985-2008, 2009-
Ranking titles: 0
Ranking finals: 1
Other titles: 2
Highest ranking: 10
Years in top 16: 5
Crucible appearances: 13
Drago was, and indeed still is, the fastest player ever to pick up a cue.
He holds the record for the quickest ever frame – just three minutes – and is capable of sublime, instinctive snooker.
However, Drago plays on his nerves and sometimes the butterflies completely undo him.
His fiery Mediterranean temperament has not always endeared him to the authorities but what he has proved time and time again is that snooker is in his blood.
He made a sensational Crucible debut in 1988 by beating two former champions, Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor, to reach the quarter-finals.
Drago was runner-up to Jimmy White in the 1991 World Masters and to Stephen Hendry in the 1997 International Open, his only ranking final.
In the 1998/99 season he beat Hendry three times and spent five successive seasons in the top 16.
As Drago’s snooker career declined, he became proficient at pool and has won a handful of titles at a game that obviously suits his fast style.
20.10.09
THE INTERNATIONAL ELEVEN #9
PERRIE MANS (South Africa)
Years as professional: 1970-1987
Ranking titles: 0
Ranking finals: 1
Other titles: 2
Highest ranking: 2
Years in top 16: 7
Crucible appearances: 8
Mans was a terrific single ball potter possessing considerable cue power but not a great breakbuilder, as was evidenced in one of his finest hours.
He won the Masters in 1979, the first to be held at Wembley Conference Centre, but did not make a half century break during the whole tournament.
It is pretty much unthinkable now that anyone would win a match in the Masters without registering a 50, never mind the whole thing.
Mans defeated Cliff Thorburn, Ray Reardon and Alex Higgins – three great scalps – to win the title.
The previous year he had reached the World Championship final at the Crucible, memorably edging the 64 year-old Fred Davis 18-16 in the semi-finals having already knocked out defending champion John Spencer.
Reardon was to deny him 25-18 in the final.
Mans’s father, Peter, was a professional in the post war years, reaching the 1950 World Championship quarter-finals.
Mans was a 19 times South African champion and headed back home after he retired from the professional circuit in 1987.
He played in Seniors Pot Black in 1997 and appeared at Wembley for the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Masters in 1999.
Years as professional: 1970-1987
Ranking titles: 0
Ranking finals: 1
Other titles: 2
Highest ranking: 2
Years in top 16: 7
Crucible appearances: 8
Mans was a terrific single ball potter possessing considerable cue power but not a great breakbuilder, as was evidenced in one of his finest hours.
He won the Masters in 1979, the first to be held at Wembley Conference Centre, but did not make a half century break during the whole tournament.
It is pretty much unthinkable now that anyone would win a match in the Masters without registering a 50, never mind the whole thing.
Mans defeated Cliff Thorburn, Ray Reardon and Alex Higgins – three great scalps – to win the title.
The previous year he had reached the World Championship final at the Crucible, memorably edging the 64 year-old Fred Davis 18-16 in the semi-finals having already knocked out defending champion John Spencer.
Reardon was to deny him 25-18 in the final.
Mans’s father, Peter, was a professional in the post war years, reaching the 1950 World Championship quarter-finals.
Mans was a 19 times South African champion and headed back home after he retired from the professional circuit in 1987.
He played in Seniors Pot Black in 1997 and appeared at Wembley for the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Masters in 1999.
19.10.09
THE INTERNATIONAL ELEVEN #10
BILL WERBENIUK (Canada)
Years as professional: 1973-1991
Ranking titles: 0
Ranking finals: 0
Other titles: 1
Highest ranking: 8
Years in top 16: 8
Crucible appearances: 10
Werbeniuk was a gargantuan Canadian whose beer guzzling made him a cult hero in snooker’s boom years.
Big Bill sank up to 15 pints of lager before and during matches to offset a tremor in his arm.
The beer was tax deductable. This is probably as close to genius as you can get.
He was a product of the pool and snooker sub culture of North America and formed a holy 1980s triumvirate with Cliff Thorburn and Kirk Stevens. Together, they won the World Cup in 1982.
Werbeniuk reached four World Championship quarter-finals and was the first player to make a break in excess of 140 at the Crucible, his 142 coming in 1979.
In 1985, his 143 took the highest break prize.
In his later career, he took beta-blockers to help his heart deal with his enormous alcohol intake but when these were banned, he packed it in.
Werbeniuk died in 2004. Many tributes were paid to this most unlikely of sporting heroes.
Years as professional: 1973-1991
Ranking titles: 0
Ranking finals: 0
Other titles: 1
Highest ranking: 8
Years in top 16: 8
Crucible appearances: 10
Werbeniuk was a gargantuan Canadian whose beer guzzling made him a cult hero in snooker’s boom years.
Big Bill sank up to 15 pints of lager before and during matches to offset a tremor in his arm.
The beer was tax deductable. This is probably as close to genius as you can get.
He was a product of the pool and snooker sub culture of North America and formed a holy 1980s triumvirate with Cliff Thorburn and Kirk Stevens. Together, they won the World Cup in 1982.
Werbeniuk reached four World Championship quarter-finals and was the first player to make a break in excess of 140 at the Crucible, his 142 coming in 1979.
In 1985, his 143 took the highest break prize.
In his later career, he took beta-blockers to help his heart deal with his enormous alcohol intake but when these were banned, he packed it in.
Werbeniuk died in 2004. Many tributes were paid to this most unlikely of sporting heroes.
THE INTERNATIONAL ELEVEN #11
SILVINO FRANCISCO (South Africa)
Years as professional: 1978-1996
Ranking titles: 1
Ranking finals: 1
Other titles: 0
Highest ranking: 10
Years in top 16: 4
Crucible appearances: 8
Francisco was a tough, bushy-eyebrowed South African who found himself embroiled in several controversies during his 18 year professional career.
His greatest moment came at the 1985 British Open when he beat Kirk Stevens 12-9 to win the title. He had suspected Stevens was on drugs during the match and confronted him at the interval.
He was fined £6,000 by the WPBSA after his off the record comments were secretly recorded and reported by a newspaper but this punishment was reversed following Stevens’s admission of addiction to cocaine.
Hey, it was the 80s.
Francisco’s career was also dogged by controversy over allegations involving match fixing, none of which were ever proven.
In 1997, he was jailed for three years after he admitted attempting to smuggle cannabis with a street value of £155,000.
He later worked in a fish and chip shop.
None of this should cloud the fact that he was a very effective, if hard-nosed, player in an era before everyone went for everything.
Francisco reached the World Championship quarter-finals at his first attempt in 1982 and is one of only six non-British or Irish players to win a ranking title.
Years as professional: 1978-1996
Ranking titles: 1
Ranking finals: 1
Other titles: 0
Highest ranking: 10
Years in top 16: 4
Crucible appearances: 8
Francisco was a tough, bushy-eyebrowed South African who found himself embroiled in several controversies during his 18 year professional career.
His greatest moment came at the 1985 British Open when he beat Kirk Stevens 12-9 to win the title. He had suspected Stevens was on drugs during the match and confronted him at the interval.
He was fined £6,000 by the WPBSA after his off the record comments were secretly recorded and reported by a newspaper but this punishment was reversed following Stevens’s admission of addiction to cocaine.
Hey, it was the 80s.
Francisco’s career was also dogged by controversy over allegations involving match fixing, none of which were ever proven.
In 1997, he was jailed for three years after he admitted attempting to smuggle cannabis with a street value of £155,000.
He later worked in a fish and chip shop.
None of this should cloud the fact that he was a very effective, if hard-nosed, player in an era before everyone went for everything.
Francisco reached the World Championship quarter-finals at his first attempt in 1982 and is one of only six non-British or Irish players to win a ranking title.
THE INTERNATIONAL ELEVEN
Much was made of the fact that Neil Robertson’s victory in the Grand Prix makes him ‘the most successful non-British or Irish player of all time.’
Using the strict criteria of ranking titles this is true, but it doesn’t come close to telling the whole story.
Yes, you’re right, all this is building up towards a list.
So who would make snooker’s all time international 11?
The players will be selected from the many non British or Irish players to have competed professionally and all will be revealed during this week...
Using the strict criteria of ranking titles this is true, but it doesn’t come close to telling the whole story.
Yes, you’re right, all this is building up towards a list.
So who would make snooker’s all time international 11?
The players will be selected from the many non British or Irish players to have competed professionally and all will be revealed during this week...
ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT
Jimmy White has had an incident packed career, indeed an incident packed life, but he has never lost his love for snooker and snooker has never lost its love for him.
His victory in the World Series event in Prague tonight was therefore a very popular one.
OK, so he only won three matches but one of those was against the reigning world champion, John Higgins, and another was against the 2006 Crucible winner Graeme Dott.
White's form comes and goes these days but, at times, he still looks impressive.
The problem is that he is mired at the qualifiers in Prestatyn where reputations count for nothing.
At 47, a full scale resurgence is very unlikely but I still believe Jimmy is better than his world ranking of 56th and it would be nice to think he could push on from tonight's victory and start to climb a few places.
He still has the charm and he still has the support. What he needs now is the results.
His victory in the World Series event in Prague tonight was therefore a very popular one.
OK, so he only won three matches but one of those was against the reigning world champion, John Higgins, and another was against the 2006 Crucible winner Graeme Dott.
White's form comes and goes these days but, at times, he still looks impressive.
The problem is that he is mired at the qualifiers in Prestatyn where reputations count for nothing.
At 47, a full scale resurgence is very unlikely but I still believe Jimmy is better than his world ranking of 56th and it would be nice to think he could push on from tonight's victory and start to climb a few places.
He still has the charm and he still has the support. What he needs now is the results.
18.10.09
SCOTS MIFFED: UPDATE
The long running battle in Scottish amateur snooker may be about to be resolved after the two sides agreed to meet with WPBSA board member Jim McMahon to try and agree a way forward.
A statement from Scottish Snooker read:
Jim McMahon of the WPBSA met this week separately with Paul Marinello (Wednesday) and Alec Cameron (Thursday).
Both parties have agreed that a change to the current situation is needed and that it is possible to resolve the issues from within Scottish Snooker for the benefit of all concerned.
As a consequence of this mutual understanding, both parties have agreed to move forward and to further aid this progression, Jim McMahon will be meeting with both Alec Cameron and Paul Marinello together on Monday 19 October to continue discussions.
It was agreed that comments of a personal nature were unhelpful and in the meantime, in order to assist a resolution for the benefit of all concerned, all individuals involved in snooker in Scotland are requested to refrain from posting personal attacks and derogatory statements on any websites.
My own post on this subject - 'Scots Miffed' - received a record number of comments, most of them rancorous, and in the end I had to close the thread.
Given the bitter history north of the border, if Jim does negotiate a successful truce he will become the leading candidate for next year's Nobel Peace Prize.
A statement from Scottish Snooker read:
Jim McMahon of the WPBSA met this week separately with Paul Marinello (Wednesday) and Alec Cameron (Thursday).
Both parties have agreed that a change to the current situation is needed and that it is possible to resolve the issues from within Scottish Snooker for the benefit of all concerned.
As a consequence of this mutual understanding, both parties have agreed to move forward and to further aid this progression, Jim McMahon will be meeting with both Alec Cameron and Paul Marinello together on Monday 19 October to continue discussions.
It was agreed that comments of a personal nature were unhelpful and in the meantime, in order to assist a resolution for the benefit of all concerned, all individuals involved in snooker in Scotland are requested to refrain from posting personal attacks and derogatory statements on any websites.
My own post on this subject - 'Scots Miffed' - received a record number of comments, most of them rancorous, and in the end I had to close the thread.
Given the bitter history north of the border, if Jim does negotiate a successful truce he will become the leading candidate for next year's Nobel Peace Prize.
16.10.09
O'SULLIVAN V ROBERTSON AT THE MASTERS
Ronnie O'Sullivan will start the defence of his Masters title against Neil Robertson, who last week won the Grand Prix in Glasgow.
O'Sullivan, a four times Masters champion, has been handed one of the toughest possible first round draws for the event, which kicks off at Wembley Arena on January 10.
World champion John Higgins faces Mark Allen while six times Masters winner Stephen Hendry tackles world no.3 Shaun Murphy. Mark Selby meets Ding Junhui.
Full details available here.
O'Sullivan, a four times Masters champion, has been handed one of the toughest possible first round draws for the event, which kicks off at Wembley Arena on January 10.
World champion John Higgins faces Mark Allen while six times Masters winner Stephen Hendry tackles world no.3 Shaun Murphy. Mark Selby meets Ding Junhui.
Full details available here.
CZECH MATES
The latest event in the World Series takes place in Prague in the Czech Republic this weekend.
Clive Everton will be joining the Eurosport commentary team for the two days.
The four professionals involved are world champion John Higgins, world no.2 Stephen Maguire, 2006 world champion Graeme Dott and perennial fans’ favourite Jimmy White.
They are pitted against four local wildcards on the opening day.
This is the strength as well as the weakness of the whole concept. It’s is, of course, admirable to involve local players but none of them will be anywhere near the standard of the professionals and so a day of walkovers beckons.
What an opportunity, though, for Lukas Krenek, Michael Krystof, Sishuo Wang and Osip Zusmanovic who will each play one of snooker’s biggest names live on television.
Snooker is growing in popularity in the Czech Republic as a result of Eurosport’s coverage of the main tour.
To have the reigning world champion playing in a televised tournament in the capital city means a red letter day – or two days – for those Czech fans who have been glued to the action on their TV sets these last few years.
Eurosport coverage (all times UK):
Saturday, October 17
12-2pm, 6-10pm
Sunday, October 18
2-6pm, 7-10pm
Clive Everton will be joining the Eurosport commentary team for the two days.
The four professionals involved are world champion John Higgins, world no.2 Stephen Maguire, 2006 world champion Graeme Dott and perennial fans’ favourite Jimmy White.
They are pitted against four local wildcards on the opening day.
This is the strength as well as the weakness of the whole concept. It’s is, of course, admirable to involve local players but none of them will be anywhere near the standard of the professionals and so a day of walkovers beckons.
What an opportunity, though, for Lukas Krenek, Michael Krystof, Sishuo Wang and Osip Zusmanovic who will each play one of snooker’s biggest names live on television.
Snooker is growing in popularity in the Czech Republic as a result of Eurosport’s coverage of the main tour.
To have the reigning world champion playing in a televised tournament in the capital city means a red letter day – or two days – for those Czech fans who have been glued to the action on their TV sets these last few years.
Eurosport coverage (all times UK):
Saturday, October 17
12-2pm, 6-10pm
Sunday, October 18
2-6pm, 7-10pm
15.10.09
WEBBED FEAT
110sport.tv, who stream the qualifiers, will this weekend branch out by showing a live boxing bout.
Perform, who show the Championship League, won the exclusive rights to broadcast the Ukraine v England World Cup qualifier last weekend.
They had half a million subscribers paying £12 a pop. In the words of an annoying teenage American girl in an annoying teenage American film: you do the math!
The internet could well revolutionise the way we view sport.
For those who doubt this and suggest that nobody wants to switch from watching their TV sets to huddling round a computer, it’s worth remembering that 60 years ago few believed television could ever usurp the radio.
110sport, or TSN as they were then known, attempted to pioneer webcasting of snooker a decade ago, showing the Scottish Masters and other events.
This was an age before broadband and so the comfort of watching depended on the strength of your connection.
For many snooker fans it was like those magic eye pictures newspapers used to publish at around the same time. You remember them: you’d stare at a distorted image for ten minutes until, finally, you got a headache.
These early 110 webcasts, in which I played a small part myself, were fun and relaxed. Sometimes too relaxed: viewers were once treated to a few seconds of a studio-bound Phil Yates eating his dinner, which is now probably the mainstay of one of the satellite channels towards the end of the Sky platform.
The technology has now changed to the extent that it is now possible to kick back and enjoy sport on the internet just as one would on the TV.
110’s coverage of the qualifiers is of TV broadcast standard. The Eurosport Player and BBC website offer fans a chance to watch every ball potted – and missed – from major tournaments if they so desire.
Watching online has its clear advantages. You can do so at work providing your boss doesn’t see you and can also watch on a train or beach or...well, wherever you can get a connection.
And you aren’t in the lap of the TV schedulers deciding when to broadcast their programmes.
Plus – and here’s the biggie – it’s global.
110 plan further events next year. Their chief executive, David MacKinnon, told me in an interview for the Sunday Herald last month that: “I honestly think snooker’s best years are still to come.
“It is hugely popular around the world and we will be running a number of events in 2010 in those areas where there is a market for the game. Despite what people say, snooker is alive and kicking.”
Indeed it is, and I hope the proliferation of small, independent tournaments that include 110’s events, the World Series, the Championship League, the Six Reds in Ireland, ONE FOR SEVEN, seniors events and any other showcase for our game can help to improve snooker’s fortunes by providing fans with action to watch in between all the majors.
The internet will play a large role in making this a reality, just as colour television did 40 years ago.
It may even be the sport's saviour.
Perform, who show the Championship League, won the exclusive rights to broadcast the Ukraine v England World Cup qualifier last weekend.
They had half a million subscribers paying £12 a pop. In the words of an annoying teenage American girl in an annoying teenage American film: you do the math!
The internet could well revolutionise the way we view sport.
For those who doubt this and suggest that nobody wants to switch from watching their TV sets to huddling round a computer, it’s worth remembering that 60 years ago few believed television could ever usurp the radio.
110sport, or TSN as they were then known, attempted to pioneer webcasting of snooker a decade ago, showing the Scottish Masters and other events.
This was an age before broadband and so the comfort of watching depended on the strength of your connection.
For many snooker fans it was like those magic eye pictures newspapers used to publish at around the same time. You remember them: you’d stare at a distorted image for ten minutes until, finally, you got a headache.
These early 110 webcasts, in which I played a small part myself, were fun and relaxed. Sometimes too relaxed: viewers were once treated to a few seconds of a studio-bound Phil Yates eating his dinner, which is now probably the mainstay of one of the satellite channels towards the end of the Sky platform.
The technology has now changed to the extent that it is now possible to kick back and enjoy sport on the internet just as one would on the TV.
110’s coverage of the qualifiers is of TV broadcast standard. The Eurosport Player and BBC website offer fans a chance to watch every ball potted – and missed – from major tournaments if they so desire.
Watching online has its clear advantages. You can do so at work providing your boss doesn’t see you and can also watch on a train or beach or...well, wherever you can get a connection.
And you aren’t in the lap of the TV schedulers deciding when to broadcast their programmes.
Plus – and here’s the biggie – it’s global.
110 plan further events next year. Their chief executive, David MacKinnon, told me in an interview for the Sunday Herald last month that: “I honestly think snooker’s best years are still to come.
“It is hugely popular around the world and we will be running a number of events in 2010 in those areas where there is a market for the game. Despite what people say, snooker is alive and kicking.”
Indeed it is, and I hope the proliferation of small, independent tournaments that include 110’s events, the World Series, the Championship League, the Six Reds in Ireland, ONE FOR SEVEN, seniors events and any other showcase for our game can help to improve snooker’s fortunes by providing fans with action to watch in between all the majors.
The internet will play a large role in making this a reality, just as colour television did 40 years ago.
It may even be the sport's saviour.
ONEFORSEVEN LAUNCHED
The folks at global-snooker.com have trialled a new short form version of the game called ONEFORSEVEN.
It lasts 147 minutes and features players playing frames against one another within this time, with the overall winner the player who has scored the most points.
Unusually, the audience will be encouraged to make noise rather than sit in stony silence, as is traditional at all other events.
A tournament, worth £25,000, will be staged in Cardiff on December 21 and feature Ryan Day, Mark Williams, Matthew Stevens and Ricky Walden.
There will also be satellite events with the winners progressing to the final to take on the star names.
For more details, check the global snooker website here.
This is an attempt to find a snooker version of Twenty20, which has proved popular in cricket.
One of the biggest problems snooker has with the media is that it is impossible to know what time a match will finish, so broadcasters have problems with their schedules and newspaper editors with their deadlines.
The shortest ever best of nine contest was 34 minutes duration while the longest lasted seven hours.
“Somewhere between the two” is a rather vague, if accurate, answer to the perennial question of how long a match will last.
I haven’t seen ONEFORSEVEN yet but I wish them all the best.
Anything a bit different that encourages interest in snooker should be welcomed.
It lasts 147 minutes and features players playing frames against one another within this time, with the overall winner the player who has scored the most points.
Unusually, the audience will be encouraged to make noise rather than sit in stony silence, as is traditional at all other events.
A tournament, worth £25,000, will be staged in Cardiff on December 21 and feature Ryan Day, Mark Williams, Matthew Stevens and Ricky Walden.
There will also be satellite events with the winners progressing to the final to take on the star names.
For more details, check the global snooker website here.
This is an attempt to find a snooker version of Twenty20, which has proved popular in cricket.
One of the biggest problems snooker has with the media is that it is impossible to know what time a match will finish, so broadcasters have problems with their schedules and newspaper editors with their deadlines.
The shortest ever best of nine contest was 34 minutes duration while the longest lasted seven hours.
“Somewhere between the two” is a rather vague, if accurate, answer to the perennial question of how long a match will last.
I haven’t seen ONEFORSEVEN yet but I wish them all the best.
Anything a bit different that encourages interest in snooker should be welcomed.
14.10.09
THERE MAY BE TROUBLE AHEAD
The newly formed Snooker Players Association has written to its members to suggest calling an Extraordinary General Meeting of the WPBSA asking whether the players have confidence in the current board.
This move comes after the SPA’s request for a meeting with the governing body was denied by the WPBSA.
The SPA then asked the four members of the WPBSA Players Forum to press their case but this proved unproductive.
The WPBSA appear to see the SPA as a threat but if they’d thought this through properly they would have agreed to the meeting and then said that “we’ve met but can’t agree on any common ground.”
This would at least have made it look as if they were trying to find a way of working together.
As it is, as so often before, a fight is looming between the various sides. Such battles have seriously damaged the sport’s health and reputation in the past.
The usual smear is that anyone challenging the way snooker is run is “trying to take over the game,” as if the game belongs to one set of individuals to start with.
However, players have had sundry chances to reject the current board. At the AGM last year only 23 of the 70 or so voting members actually cast a vote.
This does not suggest a huge level of dissatisfaction – or even interest – in how snooker is being governed.
Maybe they need a body like the SPA to mobilise action but an EGM such as this would only make sense if there was a specific plan in place were the board to be defeated.
Who would replace them? What would happen after that?
The SPA is designed to be a players’ union. This was the original purpose of the WPBSA itself but it outgrew this function when it also became the game’s principal promoter and its disciplinary body.
In a disciplinary case, an employee looks to their union for support. This is difficult to achieve when it is also the union prosecuting them.
The SPA say their membership includes Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins plus around half of the current 96-man main tour.
The WPBSA say they represent the players already and so there is no need for an independent body.
But surely if players felt there was no need for the SPA, dozens of them wouldn’t have joined it?
My advice to both sides is to get round a table and agree a way forward as soon as possible.
Sadly, all my experience of the snooker world tells me this is very unlikely to happen and that an all out fight will soon be upon us.
This move comes after the SPA’s request for a meeting with the governing body was denied by the WPBSA.
The SPA then asked the four members of the WPBSA Players Forum to press their case but this proved unproductive.
The WPBSA appear to see the SPA as a threat but if they’d thought this through properly they would have agreed to the meeting and then said that “we’ve met but can’t agree on any common ground.”
This would at least have made it look as if they were trying to find a way of working together.
As it is, as so often before, a fight is looming between the various sides. Such battles have seriously damaged the sport’s health and reputation in the past.
The usual smear is that anyone challenging the way snooker is run is “trying to take over the game,” as if the game belongs to one set of individuals to start with.
However, players have had sundry chances to reject the current board. At the AGM last year only 23 of the 70 or so voting members actually cast a vote.
This does not suggest a huge level of dissatisfaction – or even interest – in how snooker is being governed.
Maybe they need a body like the SPA to mobilise action but an EGM such as this would only make sense if there was a specific plan in place were the board to be defeated.
Who would replace them? What would happen after that?
The SPA is designed to be a players’ union. This was the original purpose of the WPBSA itself but it outgrew this function when it also became the game’s principal promoter and its disciplinary body.
In a disciplinary case, an employee looks to their union for support. This is difficult to achieve when it is also the union prosecuting them.
The SPA say their membership includes Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins plus around half of the current 96-man main tour.
The WPBSA say they represent the players already and so there is no need for an independent body.
But surely if players felt there was no need for the SPA, dozens of them wouldn’t have joined it?
My advice to both sides is to get round a table and agree a way forward as soon as possible.
Sadly, all my experience of the snooker world tells me this is very unlikely to happen and that an all out fight will soon be upon us.
WEMBLEY WILDCARD...THE CONTENDERS
The qualifying event for the Masters takes place later this month where one of the two wildcards for the game's most prestigious invitation tournaments will be sewn up.
The second will presumably be handed out after the UK Championship.
Wildcards should reward success on the table and popularity.
With this in mind, here are the three favourites for this season's Wembley event:
1) Liang Wenbo
2) Liang Wenbo
3) Liang Wenbo
The 22 year-old Chinese reached the Shanghai Masters final this season, is into the provisional top 16 and would enhance the tournament's international flavour.
If he doesn't get the wildcard it will be the biggest surprise since Louis Walsh picked those annoying Irish twins.
But who else could be in with a shout?
Well, Joe Swail reached the Welsh Open final.
Ken Doherty has enjoyed a resurgence this season.
Jamie Cope and Judd Trump would bring a younger feel to proceedings.
But surely Liang is going to get the call, unless there is a major shock at the UK Championship.
The second will presumably be handed out after the UK Championship.
Wildcards should reward success on the table and popularity.
With this in mind, here are the three favourites for this season's Wembley event:
1) Liang Wenbo
2) Liang Wenbo
3) Liang Wenbo
The 22 year-old Chinese reached the Shanghai Masters final this season, is into the provisional top 16 and would enhance the tournament's international flavour.
If he doesn't get the wildcard it will be the biggest surprise since Louis Walsh picked those annoying Irish twins.
But who else could be in with a shout?
Well, Joe Swail reached the Welsh Open final.
Ken Doherty has enjoyed a resurgence this season.
Jamie Cope and Judd Trump would bring a younger feel to proceedings.
But surely Liang is going to get the call, unless there is a major shock at the UK Championship.
13.10.09
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAY
Warning: this post ends with a really lame gag.
Stephen Maguire's opponent in the first round of the World Series in Prague this weekend is the lead singer for a rock band called Support Lesbians.
Michal Krystof is also one of Czech snooker's leading lights and has been playing for four years, although the band has been going since 1992.
The event also features John Higgins, Graeme Dott and Jimmy White.
Given the location, I expect we will see a high number of shots played with Czech side.
Stephen Maguire's opponent in the first round of the World Series in Prague this weekend is the lead singer for a rock band called Support Lesbians.
Michal Krystof is also one of Czech snooker's leading lights and has been playing for four years, although the band has been going since 1992.
The event also features John Higgins, Graeme Dott and Jimmy White.
Given the location, I expect we will see a high number of shots played with Czech side.
SIX ON FIRE
The first six reds World Championship, to be staged in Ireland in December, has attracted interest from many well known names.
The organisers say they have received entries or a commitment to play from players including Stephen Maguire, Shaun Murphy, Ryan Day, Mark Selby, Mark Allen, Joe Perry, Mark Williams, Mark King, Jamie Cope, Ricky Walden, Matthew Stevens and Judd Trump and are hopeful that a number of other big names will also sign up.
The tournament runs from December 15-18 at the INEC, Killarney.
The organisers say they have received entries or a commitment to play from players including Stephen Maguire, Shaun Murphy, Ryan Day, Mark Selby, Mark Allen, Joe Perry, Mark Williams, Mark King, Jamie Cope, Ricky Walden, Matthew Stevens and Judd Trump and are hopeful that a number of other big names will also sign up.
The tournament runs from December 15-18 at the INEC, Killarney.
12.10.09
ROBERTSON'S GRAND PRIZE
I was pleased for Neil Robertson that he should tonight become the most successful non UK or Irish player by winning a fourth ranking title.
The Australian battled hard against Ding Junhui and won a crucial 57-minute ninth frame to seize a stranglehold on the match.
I very much hope he receives the media coverage he deserves in his native land, where his exploits go largely unreported.
Neil’s a good guy and what you see with him is what you get: he’s honest, open and engaging as a person and this is also how he plays.
It was a very nice touch to mention afterwards the girl who had been writing to him while suffering from cancer and to dedicate the title to her memory.
Ding’s concentration seemed to wander and that must be a worry but at least he was back in a major final and that must be a cause for celebration after three lean years.
The Grand Prix took its time to get going but the random draw threw up a John Higgins v Ronnie O’Sullivan second round tie, after which the event came to life.
The Robertson-Higgins semi-final was a classic and there was enough good snooker in the week to keep audiences in Glasgow and beyond entertained.
As ever, though, problems remain.
Why do these finals have to start at 8pm? Snooker dodged a bullet tonight even though the match didn’t finish until gone 11pm. Had it gone the full distance it would have been nearer 1am.
The sport needs to appeal to kids but they won’t be watching at that time. Also, Central Europe is an hour ahead and many viewers will have switched off before the end.
Crowds built up towards the end of the tournament but, early on, were embarrassing.
I’ve seen the WPBSA marketing and promotion plan for the event and it was comprehensive so it would be missing the point to simply blame the governing body.
You can’t force people through the doors – and some of the matches looked unattractive before a ball had been struck – but something has to give.
The problem as I see it is that snooker in the UK is seen as a bit old hat, as a sport that hasn’t changed in years.
I would be completely against messing about with the rules but peripheral cosmetic change may at least persuade the outside world that it is a game worth turning up to watch.
As I’ve written on this blog before, snooker tournaments need to feel like a sporting experience.
This is what has happened in darts, although the comparison is not completely fair because drinking plays a large part in that sport and the noise and atmosphere would not translate to snooker.
So if it means getting rid of waistcoats or playing music at the start or whatever...so be it.
Let's kick around some ideas instead of burying our heads in the sand and pretending there isn't a problem.
I realise some of this would appal traditionalists but all sports – from football to cricket to tennis – have over the years changed the way they present their product without actually changing the product.
I hope this is looked at seriously.
In the meantime the night, no the week, belongs to Neil Robertson.
The man introduced as the ‘thunder from down under’ weathered a storm in Glasgow and must now be considered as one of modern snooker’s most formidable performers.
The Australian battled hard against Ding Junhui and won a crucial 57-minute ninth frame to seize a stranglehold on the match.
I very much hope he receives the media coverage he deserves in his native land, where his exploits go largely unreported.
Neil’s a good guy and what you see with him is what you get: he’s honest, open and engaging as a person and this is also how he plays.
It was a very nice touch to mention afterwards the girl who had been writing to him while suffering from cancer and to dedicate the title to her memory.
Ding’s concentration seemed to wander and that must be a worry but at least he was back in a major final and that must be a cause for celebration after three lean years.
The Grand Prix took its time to get going but the random draw threw up a John Higgins v Ronnie O’Sullivan second round tie, after which the event came to life.
The Robertson-Higgins semi-final was a classic and there was enough good snooker in the week to keep audiences in Glasgow and beyond entertained.
As ever, though, problems remain.
Why do these finals have to start at 8pm? Snooker dodged a bullet tonight even though the match didn’t finish until gone 11pm. Had it gone the full distance it would have been nearer 1am.
The sport needs to appeal to kids but they won’t be watching at that time. Also, Central Europe is an hour ahead and many viewers will have switched off before the end.
Crowds built up towards the end of the tournament but, early on, were embarrassing.
I’ve seen the WPBSA marketing and promotion plan for the event and it was comprehensive so it would be missing the point to simply blame the governing body.
You can’t force people through the doors – and some of the matches looked unattractive before a ball had been struck – but something has to give.
The problem as I see it is that snooker in the UK is seen as a bit old hat, as a sport that hasn’t changed in years.
I would be completely against messing about with the rules but peripheral cosmetic change may at least persuade the outside world that it is a game worth turning up to watch.
As I’ve written on this blog before, snooker tournaments need to feel like a sporting experience.
This is what has happened in darts, although the comparison is not completely fair because drinking plays a large part in that sport and the noise and atmosphere would not translate to snooker.
So if it means getting rid of waistcoats or playing music at the start or whatever...so be it.
Let's kick around some ideas instead of burying our heads in the sand and pretending there isn't a problem.
I realise some of this would appal traditionalists but all sports – from football to cricket to tennis – have over the years changed the way they present their product without actually changing the product.
I hope this is looked at seriously.
In the meantime the night, no the week, belongs to Neil Robertson.
The man introduced as the ‘thunder from down under’ weathered a storm in Glasgow and must now be considered as one of modern snooker’s most formidable performers.
11.10.09
FINAL PREVIEW
There will be an extraordinary amount of nonsense talked today about how the Neil Robertson v Ding Junhui Grand Prix final represents the globalisation of the sport.
No it doesn't. It's just pure luck.
There are only four non-British or Irish players ranked inside the top 32. Robertson and Ding are two, Marco Fu and Liang Wenbo are the others.
There are hardly any players from mainland Europe or the Middle East or North or South America on this list.
Further down the ranks there are fewer non British players than at any time in the last 30 years.
The fact that this is only the second ranking tournament final to feature two non-UK players in the 200+ that have been staged is an embarrassment to the sport, not a cause for celebration.
Snooker is a world game in terms of the interest from viewers but the circuit is avowedly British. This is why Robertson and Ding have been forced to move to the UK to live and practice here during the season.
There are no main tour tournaments staged in mainland Europe - despite the huge interest that exists there - and none in Australia either.
I for one hope that today's final will play its part in spreading the snooker gospel far beyond UK shores.
It should certainly be entertaining: Robertson and Ding are both quick, attacking and supremely talented.
I favour Robertson because he possesses supreme confidence and I feel that if it goes close he can stand up to the pressure.
But both players are 3 for 3 from ranking finals and could well serve up a classic encounter.
Just don't let anyone kid you that this means the game is taking a step forward. Robertson and Ding have become top stars by moving to Britain, which still dominates the snooker scene to an extent that proves there is still much work to do before the game becomes truly international.
No it doesn't. It's just pure luck.
There are only four non-British or Irish players ranked inside the top 32. Robertson and Ding are two, Marco Fu and Liang Wenbo are the others.
There are hardly any players from mainland Europe or the Middle East or North or South America on this list.
Further down the ranks there are fewer non British players than at any time in the last 30 years.
The fact that this is only the second ranking tournament final to feature two non-UK players in the 200+ that have been staged is an embarrassment to the sport, not a cause for celebration.
Snooker is a world game in terms of the interest from viewers but the circuit is avowedly British. This is why Robertson and Ding have been forced to move to the UK to live and practice here during the season.
There are no main tour tournaments staged in mainland Europe - despite the huge interest that exists there - and none in Australia either.
I for one hope that today's final will play its part in spreading the snooker gospel far beyond UK shores.
It should certainly be entertaining: Robertson and Ding are both quick, attacking and supremely talented.
I favour Robertson because he possesses supreme confidence and I feel that if it goes close he can stand up to the pressure.
But both players are 3 for 3 from ranking finals and could well serve up a classic encounter.
Just don't let anyone kid you that this means the game is taking a step forward. Robertson and Ding have become top stars by moving to Britain, which still dominates the snooker scene to an extent that proves there is still much work to do before the game becomes truly international.
10.10.09
AND ANOTHER THING...
There's only ever been one ranking tournament final featuring two players from outside the UK.
That was the 1985 British Open between Silvino Francisco (South Africa) and Kirk Stevens (Canada).
So a Ding victory tonight will be significant...
That was the 1985 British Open between Silvino Francisco (South Africa) and Kirk Stevens (Canada).
So a Ding victory tonight will be significant...
THE MORE CONSIDERED VIEW
I thought John Higgins v Mark Selby at the Crucible was the best match of 2009 so far but the finish of Higgins’s defeat to Neil Robertson today was so dramatic that it may just shade it.
Robertson was confident and attacking from the off. He played his own game throughout and took the match to Higgins.
And the world champion responded in trademark fashion, making a steely clearance from 5-3 down and then drawing level.
This was a contest of an exceptionally high standard. Higgins went to the interval with 100% pot success, having not missed a single ball.
Robertson went on to make three centuries, taking his career tally to 98.
The decider could have gone either way. Robertson played the double and left a horrid cut for Higgins with the cue ball tight on the top cushion.
I wasn’t surprised that Higgins conceded when he left it in the jaws. He'd fought hard but, ultimately, in vain and it would almost be an insult to make Robertson pot it.
Well done to both and congratulations to Robertson.
All things considered that must be the best win of his career.
Robertson was confident and attacking from the off. He played his own game throughout and took the match to Higgins.
And the world champion responded in trademark fashion, making a steely clearance from 5-3 down and then drawing level.
This was a contest of an exceptionally high standard. Higgins went to the interval with 100% pot success, having not missed a single ball.
Robertson went on to make three centuries, taking his career tally to 98.
The decider could have gone either way. Robertson played the double and left a horrid cut for Higgins with the cue ball tight on the top cushion.
I wasn’t surprised that Higgins conceded when he left it in the jaws. He'd fought hard but, ultimately, in vain and it would almost be an insult to make Robertson pot it.
Well done to both and congratulations to Robertson.
All things considered that must be the best win of his career.
JIM WILLIAMSON
Jim Williamson, who opened the renowned Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds 35 years ago, has died after a long illness.
He was one of the unsung heroes of snooker and billiards and his club is regarded as one of the best in the country.
Williamson attended last month's World Billiards Championship final at the Northern and was thanked in a speech by Mike Russell, the nine times champion, for the commitment he had shown to the sport - long before the television boom of the 1980s brought about an increase in snooker clubs around the UK.
He was one of the unsung heroes of snooker and billiards and his club is regarded as one of the best in the country.
Williamson attended last month's World Billiards Championship final at the Northern and was thanked in a speech by Mike Russell, the nine times champion, for the commitment he had shown to the sport - long before the television boom of the 1980s brought about an increase in snooker clubs around the UK.
DAVID GRAY STATEMENT
Management group 110sport have issued the following statement about David Gray after a Thai newspaper reported that the former Scottish Open champion had been found unconscious in a street in Pattaya wearing only his underpants:
The boss of snooker star David Gray says he wants the player to seek help after he was found unconscious lying beside a busy road in Thailand.
The 30-year-old from Chiswick, a former ranking title winner and a regular practice partner of Jimmy White, was rescued by paramedics after being found collapsed and wearing only his underpants in a grove in the Thai holiday resort of Pattaya.
Now Lee Doyle, head of Gray's management company 110sport Group, says he is willing to do whatever it takes to help Gray who has admitted he blacked out after drinking with friends and woke to find himself on a trolley in the Banglamung Hospital.
"Reports are still a bit sketchy as to what actually happened with David. But these are highly irregular circumstances for anyone to find themselves in - especially a professional sportsman visiting a foreign country," admitted Doyle to 110sport.tv.
"Naturally we concerned about David. I think it only right to hear David's version of events and try to piece together the full picture before taking the next step.
"David is a hugely talented player and has to give himself every chance of getting back to where he once was in the game. And the first move to achieving that might be confronting any problems he might have."
My view is that Gray is entitled to take holidays and enjoy himself but that World Snooker, having given him a discretionary wildcard to carry on playing on the main tour this season, could be forgiven for taking a dim view of this.
The boss of snooker star David Gray says he wants the player to seek help after he was found unconscious lying beside a busy road in Thailand.
The 30-year-old from Chiswick, a former ranking title winner and a regular practice partner of Jimmy White, was rescued by paramedics after being found collapsed and wearing only his underpants in a grove in the Thai holiday resort of Pattaya.
Now Lee Doyle, head of Gray's management company 110sport Group, says he is willing to do whatever it takes to help Gray who has admitted he blacked out after drinking with friends and woke to find himself on a trolley in the Banglamung Hospital.
"Reports are still a bit sketchy as to what actually happened with David. But these are highly irregular circumstances for anyone to find themselves in - especially a professional sportsman visiting a foreign country," admitted Doyle to 110sport.tv.
"Naturally we concerned about David. I think it only right to hear David's version of events and try to piece together the full picture before taking the next step.
"David is a hugely talented player and has to give himself every chance of getting back to where he once was in the game. And the first move to achieving that might be confronting any problems he might have."
My view is that Gray is entitled to take holidays and enjoy himself but that World Snooker, having given him a discretionary wildcard to carry on playing on the main tour this season, could be forgiven for taking a dim view of this.
DAY EIGHT PREVIEW
Well those who predicted the random draw format would leave the tournament with an unfamiliar line-up in its latter stages were certainly proved right...not.
John Higgins v Neil Robertson and Ding Junhui v Mark Williams are two mouth watering semi-finals.
Higgins is justifiably favourite. He showed yesterday against Mark Allen that his all round game is more than a match for the young breed of players whose approach is based almost entirely around attack.
Robertson, then, will have to be at the top of his game to challenge the defending champion. But the Aussie is full of confidence and played superbly yesterday to see off Joe Perry, making two centuries in the process.
Williams exploited Robert Milkins's errors to reach his first ranking event semi-final in three and a half years last night.
Ding has also waited three years for a last four berth and seems more relaxed than he has been for some time.
If Higgins continues to play how he has so far I'd be surprised if he doesn't win the whole thing.
As ever in sport, though, nothing is certain. It's more fun just to watch it all unfold.
John Higgins v Neil Robertson and Ding Junhui v Mark Williams are two mouth watering semi-finals.
Higgins is justifiably favourite. He showed yesterday against Mark Allen that his all round game is more than a match for the young breed of players whose approach is based almost entirely around attack.
Robertson, then, will have to be at the top of his game to challenge the defending champion. But the Aussie is full of confidence and played superbly yesterday to see off Joe Perry, making two centuries in the process.
Williams exploited Robert Milkins's errors to reach his first ranking event semi-final in three and a half years last night.
Ding has also waited three years for a last four berth and seems more relaxed than he has been for some time.
If Higgins continues to play how he has so far I'd be surprised if he doesn't win the whole thing.
As ever in sport, though, nothing is certain. It's more fun just to watch it all unfold.
9.10.09
DAY SEVEN PREVIEW
Three years ago today the snooker world was stopped in its tracks by the death of Paul Hunter, one of the game’s best and most popular players.
Paul was 27 when cancer claimed him. He hasn’t been forgotten and some very good work is being done in his memory by the Paul Hunter Foundation.
Sport, as it did in 2006 and as it always does, goes on and the quarter-final line-up at the Grand Prix leaves us with a tournament that is hard to call.
John Higgins was given the fright of his career by Mark Allen at the Betfred.com World Championship last season and will need to be on his guard to keep his title defence going today.
Allen is someone for whom major silverware is surely not far away. It’s his bad luck he’s drawn the world champion but it might be Higgins cursing the random draw by the end of the afternoon.
Joe Perry and Neil Robertson were sat together as the draw was made. They once played a final qualifier at Prestatyn for which Perry drove them down from Cambridge.
Robertson won the match and they then drove back. I imagine the radio was probably on most of the way.
Ding Junhui looked confident and relaxed in dispatching Stephen Maguire last night but Peter Ebdon will provide a stern test.
Ding needs to dig deep. Sport is often ultimately about what attitude you show in adversity and he can’t allow frustration to get to him if he is to come through.
Mark Williams hasn’t been in a ranking event semi-final for three and a half years, since he won the 2006 China Open.
The Welshman scrapped through yesterday against a below par Stephen Hendry and now meets Robert Milkins, the surprise quarter-finalist.
The only other time they’ve played – at the Crucible in 2005 – Williams beat him 10-1, finishing off with a maximum.
It should be a high quality final lap to the tournament, for which crowds have grown since its disappointing start.
All eyes will be on the action, but many thoughts today will also be with Paul Hunter’s family.
They, like the game itself, must miss him terribly.
Paul was 27 when cancer claimed him. He hasn’t been forgotten and some very good work is being done in his memory by the Paul Hunter Foundation.
Sport, as it did in 2006 and as it always does, goes on and the quarter-final line-up at the Grand Prix leaves us with a tournament that is hard to call.
John Higgins was given the fright of his career by Mark Allen at the Betfred.com World Championship last season and will need to be on his guard to keep his title defence going today.
Allen is someone for whom major silverware is surely not far away. It’s his bad luck he’s drawn the world champion but it might be Higgins cursing the random draw by the end of the afternoon.
Joe Perry and Neil Robertson were sat together as the draw was made. They once played a final qualifier at Prestatyn for which Perry drove them down from Cambridge.
Robertson won the match and they then drove back. I imagine the radio was probably on most of the way.
Ding Junhui looked confident and relaxed in dispatching Stephen Maguire last night but Peter Ebdon will provide a stern test.
Ding needs to dig deep. Sport is often ultimately about what attitude you show in adversity and he can’t allow frustration to get to him if he is to come through.
Mark Williams hasn’t been in a ranking event semi-final for three and a half years, since he won the 2006 China Open.
The Welshman scrapped through yesterday against a below par Stephen Hendry and now meets Robert Milkins, the surprise quarter-finalist.
The only other time they’ve played – at the Crucible in 2005 – Williams beat him 10-1, finishing off with a maximum.
It should be a high quality final lap to the tournament, for which crowds have grown since its disappointing start.
All eyes will be on the action, but many thoughts today will also be with Paul Hunter’s family.
They, like the game itself, must miss him terribly.
8.10.09
DAY SIX PREVIEW
Peter Ebdon could be the dark horse for the Grand Prix title.
Ebdon doesn't hit top form that often any more but, when he does, he is still a tough, dangerous opponent, as he proved at the China Open last season.
He beat Mark Davis 13-7 in the second round of the 1995 World Championship and should be backed to oust the Sussex cueman once again.
Stephen Hendry v Mark Williams is the glamour tie of the day. Williams impressed against Stuart Bingham while Hendry's concentration held up well during a scrappy contest with Matt Selt.
The pair are good mates but that goes out of the window once they get down to it in the arena.
I'd back Williams - just about - but it's another battle of the legends that should simply be enjoyed.
Mark King performed a Harry Houdini act to beat Ricky Walden but faces another fast, fluent player in the shape of Robert Milkins.
Stephen Maguire has a 6-0 career record over Ding Junhui. Some players have their bogey opponents and, on home ground, Maguire will be full of confidence to extend his hoodoo over the Chinese.
With the ranking points tariffs increased this season following the loss of two tournaments, a good run can see you fly up - Ken Doherty has risen from 55th to 33rd in two events.
The other side of that coin, though, is that a bad start is very costly: it looks like Mark Selby will go to the UK Championship outside the provisional top 16.
Ebdon doesn't hit top form that often any more but, when he does, he is still a tough, dangerous opponent, as he proved at the China Open last season.
He beat Mark Davis 13-7 in the second round of the 1995 World Championship and should be backed to oust the Sussex cueman once again.
Stephen Hendry v Mark Williams is the glamour tie of the day. Williams impressed against Stuart Bingham while Hendry's concentration held up well during a scrappy contest with Matt Selt.
The pair are good mates but that goes out of the window once they get down to it in the arena.
I'd back Williams - just about - but it's another battle of the legends that should simply be enjoyed.
Mark King performed a Harry Houdini act to beat Ricky Walden but faces another fast, fluent player in the shape of Robert Milkins.
Stephen Maguire has a 6-0 career record over Ding Junhui. Some players have their bogey opponents and, on home ground, Maguire will be full of confidence to extend his hoodoo over the Chinese.
With the ranking points tariffs increased this season following the loss of two tournaments, a good run can see you fly up - Ken Doherty has risen from 55th to 33rd in two events.
The other side of that coin, though, is that a bad start is very costly: it looks like Mark Selby will go to the UK Championship outside the provisional top 16.
7.10.09
HIGGINS EDGES GLASGOW THRILLER
It could only have been pressure that cost Ronnie O'Sullivan a place in the Grand Prix quarter-finals today.
There was the pressure of not being confident with parts of his game, particularly long potting.
And pressure because of who he was playing and the knowledge of what John Higgins is capable of doing.
Higgins must have thought he was out when O'Sullivan twice had good chances to win the eighth. It was to the Scot's credit that he won the decider in one visit because proceedings had become nervy by this point.
O'Sullivan held a 27-17 lead in previous career meetings prior to the match but a number of those wins had come in the Premier League and smaller events.
In ranking tournaments it is now 11-7 to Higgins.
They have now played ten deciders and won five apiece. They were unlucky to draw each other at such an early stage - the last time they played in the last 16 of a ranking event was at the 1996 Thailand Open.
Today's contest was just what the tournament needed.
But the downside is that we've lost one of the star attractions in the second round.
There was the pressure of not being confident with parts of his game, particularly long potting.
And pressure because of who he was playing and the knowledge of what John Higgins is capable of doing.
Higgins must have thought he was out when O'Sullivan twice had good chances to win the eighth. It was to the Scot's credit that he won the decider in one visit because proceedings had become nervy by this point.
O'Sullivan held a 27-17 lead in previous career meetings prior to the match but a number of those wins had come in the Premier League and smaller events.
In ranking tournaments it is now 11-7 to Higgins.
They have now played ten deciders and won five apiece. They were unlucky to draw each other at such an early stage - the last time they played in the last 16 of a ranking event was at the 1996 Thailand Open.
Today's contest was just what the tournament needed.
But the downside is that we've lost one of the star attractions in the second round.
DAY FIVE PREVIEW
First up, here’s Phil Yates in The Times on the importance of Ronnie O’Sullivan to a sport seemingly going nowhere.
Second, what about Mark King? He needed three snookers on the brown in the decider against Ricky Walden and ended up cutting in a very difficult black to beat him, proving that a never-say-die attitude can sometimes pay dividends.
So, today it’s O’Sullivan v John Higgins. The top two seeds usually wouldn’t meet until the final so this is tough for both to take.
Higgins played much better than O’Sullivan in their respective first round matches and will also enjoy plenty of support in his home city.
However, whenever two greats of the game like this meet it’s just on the day. My advice: sit back and enjoy.
Mark Allen and Jamie Cope, two rising stars, are unlikely to detain spectators on table two for very long regardless of the score in their match.
Tonight it’s Neil Robertson, who will need his wits about him when he plays the resurgent Ken Doherty.
And Joe Perry will attempt to succeed where Shaun Murphy failed and get past the battling Barry Pinches.
The second round draw has thrown up some interesting matches, none more so than Higgins v O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry v Mark Williams: the four best players of the last 15 years locking horns once again.
Second, what about Mark King? He needed three snookers on the brown in the decider against Ricky Walden and ended up cutting in a very difficult black to beat him, proving that a never-say-die attitude can sometimes pay dividends.
So, today it’s O’Sullivan v John Higgins. The top two seeds usually wouldn’t meet until the final so this is tough for both to take.
Higgins played much better than O’Sullivan in their respective first round matches and will also enjoy plenty of support in his home city.
However, whenever two greats of the game like this meet it’s just on the day. My advice: sit back and enjoy.
Mark Allen and Jamie Cope, two rising stars, are unlikely to detain spectators on table two for very long regardless of the score in their match.
Tonight it’s Neil Robertson, who will need his wits about him when he plays the resurgent Ken Doherty.
And Joe Perry will attempt to succeed where Shaun Murphy failed and get past the battling Barry Pinches.
The second round draw has thrown up some interesting matches, none more so than Higgins v O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry v Mark Williams: the four best players of the last 15 years locking horns once again.
6.10.09
DAY FOUR PREVIEW
We need Ronnie O’Sullivan to bring his uniquely entertaining brand of snooker to the fore in Glasgow today and breathe some life into the Grand Prix.
The tournament has not yet hit the heights but O’Sullivan can change all that if he turns it on against Jamie Burnett.
The omens are good for the world no.1: he has beaten Burnett 5-0 the two previous times they have met.
For some reason, the Grand Prix has not been the happiest of events for O’Sullivan. He has won it only once and in 2005 was completely outplayed 9-2 in the final by John Higgins.
Still, not for the first time the game looks to him to provide some inspiration.
This afternoon’s other match pits Mark Williams, still recovering from his wrist injury, against Stuart Bingham.
Tonight, another injury case, Stephen Maguire, who is nursing fractured bones in his shoulder, tackles the experienced Nigel Bond, who was runner-up 19 years ago.
And Ricky Walden will look to make it three wins out of three against Mark King.
The big shock yesterday was Shaun Murphy’s 5-4 defeat to Barry Pinches. Murphy needed yellow and green in the eighth frame to win 5-3. In the end, Pinches made an excellent clearance in the decider.
Stephen Hendry remained focused throughout his 5-2 victory over Matt Selt even if the four times Grand Prix champion was not at his imperious best.
Credit to Peter Ebdon for the way he turned things around against Liang Wenbo.
The crowds picked up after Sunday attracted less than 100 spectators.
It will surely be a big attendance for O’Sullivan today, who takes centre stage after the second round draw is made at 1.30pm.
TV times:
BBC2 1.30-4.30pm, 7-8pm, 0.50-3.40am
British Eurosport 2 1.30-5pm, British Eurosport 7-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
The tournament has not yet hit the heights but O’Sullivan can change all that if he turns it on against Jamie Burnett.
The omens are good for the world no.1: he has beaten Burnett 5-0 the two previous times they have met.
For some reason, the Grand Prix has not been the happiest of events for O’Sullivan. He has won it only once and in 2005 was completely outplayed 9-2 in the final by John Higgins.
Still, not for the first time the game looks to him to provide some inspiration.
This afternoon’s other match pits Mark Williams, still recovering from his wrist injury, against Stuart Bingham.
Tonight, another injury case, Stephen Maguire, who is nursing fractured bones in his shoulder, tackles the experienced Nigel Bond, who was runner-up 19 years ago.
And Ricky Walden will look to make it three wins out of three against Mark King.
The big shock yesterday was Shaun Murphy’s 5-4 defeat to Barry Pinches. Murphy needed yellow and green in the eighth frame to win 5-3. In the end, Pinches made an excellent clearance in the decider.
Stephen Hendry remained focused throughout his 5-2 victory over Matt Selt even if the four times Grand Prix champion was not at his imperious best.
Credit to Peter Ebdon for the way he turned things around against Liang Wenbo.
The crowds picked up after Sunday attracted less than 100 spectators.
It will surely be a big attendance for O’Sullivan today, who takes centre stage after the second round draw is made at 1.30pm.
TV times:
BBC2 1.30-4.30pm, 7-8pm, 0.50-3.40am
British Eurosport 2 1.30-5pm, British Eurosport 7-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
5.10.09
DAY THREE PREVIEW
The crowd attendance yesterday was the worst I can ever remember for a televised day of a ranking event in the UK.
Only 30 tickets were sold for the afternoon session. At the same time, Rangers were playing Celtic, which would have taken the attention of most of Glasgow.
However, the evening session did not attract that many more spectators - even though crowds at the SECC last year were generally good.
Let us hope yesterday was just an anomaly. The acid test comes today when Stephen Hendry plays.
If he can't pull in a crowd in Scotland then serious questions are going to be asked about how this tournament has been marketed.
Hendry could be vulnerable against Matt Selt, who is in the form of his life having qualified for Shanghai and now Glasgow from the first round.
But this is only his second match on TV and though Hendry's form is patchy, he has all the experience.
Liang Wenbo has played Peter Ebdon twice and beaten him 5-0 and 5-1. Full of confidence after his run to the Shanghai final he will be looking to complete the hat-trick.
Tonight, Shaun Murphy tackles Barry Pinches, who came from 4-1 down to beat Michael Holt in the final qualifying round.
Mark Allen faces Ian McCulloch, who was runner-up to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the Grand Prix five years ago.
TV times:
BBC2 1.30-4.30pm, 7-8pm, 0.50-3.40am
British Eurosport 2 1.30-5pm, British Eurosport 7.45-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
Only 30 tickets were sold for the afternoon session. At the same time, Rangers were playing Celtic, which would have taken the attention of most of Glasgow.
However, the evening session did not attract that many more spectators - even though crowds at the SECC last year were generally good.
Let us hope yesterday was just an anomaly. The acid test comes today when Stephen Hendry plays.
If he can't pull in a crowd in Scotland then serious questions are going to be asked about how this tournament has been marketed.
Hendry could be vulnerable against Matt Selt, who is in the form of his life having qualified for Shanghai and now Glasgow from the first round.
But this is only his second match on TV and though Hendry's form is patchy, he has all the experience.
Liang Wenbo has played Peter Ebdon twice and beaten him 5-0 and 5-1. Full of confidence after his run to the Shanghai final he will be looking to complete the hat-trick.
Tonight, Shaun Murphy tackles Barry Pinches, who came from 4-1 down to beat Michael Holt in the final qualifying round.
Mark Allen faces Ian McCulloch, who was runner-up to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the Grand Prix five years ago.
TV times:
BBC2 1.30-4.30pm, 7-8pm, 0.50-3.40am
British Eurosport 2 1.30-5pm, British Eurosport 7.45-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
4.10.09
DAY TWO PREVIEW
First, a word about yesterday. I’d warned that Mark Selby was a man under pressure and his performance against Ken Doherty was that of a player rusty through lack of match practice.
The bad news for Selby is that his next match will not be for another two months at the UK Championship, where another first round defeat could mean he heads into 2010 outside the provisional top 16.
Today, Neil Robertson, who won this title in 2006, takes to the table against Gerard Greene. Robertson should have too much firepower for the Kent-based Northern Irishman but, if the contest becomes fragmented, it’s up for grabs.
The other evening match should be a free flowing affair as Ryan Day, runner-up to John Higgins last year, tackles Jamie Cope, who lost in the final to Robertson three years ago.
This one is hard to call as they play a similar game. Cope sometimes lets his head drop so it will be interesting to see his approach if he goes behind.
First up it’s Ding Junhui against Matthew Stevens, who I feel could be a good outside bet for the title.
That said, if Ding hits top form the Welshman could easily be a first round casualty.
New father Ali Carter takes on Robert Milkins, who will be resplendent in pink as he is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month.
TV times:
BBC2 3.50-5.30pm, 0.40-3.30am and red button from 12.30pm
British Eurosport2 1-2.30pm, British Eurosport 3.45-5.15pm, 7-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
The bad news for Selby is that his next match will not be for another two months at the UK Championship, where another first round defeat could mean he heads into 2010 outside the provisional top 16.
Today, Neil Robertson, who won this title in 2006, takes to the table against Gerard Greene. Robertson should have too much firepower for the Kent-based Northern Irishman but, if the contest becomes fragmented, it’s up for grabs.
The other evening match should be a free flowing affair as Ryan Day, runner-up to John Higgins last year, tackles Jamie Cope, who lost in the final to Robertson three years ago.
This one is hard to call as they play a similar game. Cope sometimes lets his head drop so it will be interesting to see his approach if he goes behind.
First up it’s Ding Junhui against Matthew Stevens, who I feel could be a good outside bet for the title.
That said, if Ding hits top form the Welshman could easily be a first round casualty.
New father Ali Carter takes on Robert Milkins, who will be resplendent in pink as he is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month.
TV times:
BBC2 3.50-5.30pm, 0.40-3.30am and red button from 12.30pm
British Eurosport2 1-2.30pm, British Eurosport 3.45-5.15pm, 7-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
3.10.09
HIGGINS HAPPY WITH HIS LOT
John Higgins insists he is content with his career trophy haul – despite Ronnie O’Sullivan labelling him an underachiever.
O’Sullivan made his comments in praising Higgins ahead of the Grand Prix.
But the Scot, who coasted to a 5-1 victory over Mark Joyce in the first round of the Grand Prix today, pointed out the competitiveness of the era in which he has been playing for the last 17 years.
“If someone said to me at the start of my career I’d win three World Championship titles I’d have bitten their hand off,” he said.
“People were saying it was a little naughty of Ronnie to say that but I thought it was a great compliment as he’s saying I could still win more.
“I’ve been born in an era when Ronnie, Mark Williams and obviously Stephen Hendry have been playing great stuff.
“There are obviously only so many tournaments you can win and these players have been winning titles as well. It’s hard then and it’s still hard now.”
O’Sullivan made his comments in praising Higgins ahead of the Grand Prix.
But the Scot, who coasted to a 5-1 victory over Mark Joyce in the first round of the Grand Prix today, pointed out the competitiveness of the era in which he has been playing for the last 17 years.
“If someone said to me at the start of my career I’d win three World Championship titles I’d have bitten their hand off,” he said.
“People were saying it was a little naughty of Ronnie to say that but I thought it was a great compliment as he’s saying I could still win more.
“I’ve been born in an era when Ronnie, Mark Williams and obviously Stephen Hendry have been playing great stuff.
“There are obviously only so many tournaments you can win and these players have been winning titles as well. It’s hard then and it’s still hard now.”
GRAND PRIX: DAY ONE PREVIEW
So, the Grand Prix starts today with John Higgins beginning the defence of his title against Mark Joyce, the world no.57 from Walsall.
I’d be astonished if Higgins lost given the gulf in experience but stranger things have happened...although not often.
On the other table, Marco Fu faces Mark Davis, a journeyman professional who has enjoyed some high points during his long career, including victories over Ken Doherty at the Crucible and Ronnie O’Sullivan in the Scottish Open.
Davis plays most of his snooker in the qualifiers but has the experience to take advantage of Fu if the Hong Kong man fails to produce the goods. Fu is maddeningly inconsistent. Two years ago he won this title but while his record is good against the big guns, he sometimes loses to players down the rankings.
The match I’m most looking forward to is Mark Selby against Doherty in the evening. Here we have one of snooker’s current breed of top stars looking for an extended run against a resurgent former world champion.
The two are evenly matched and I would say the pressure will be on Selby.
The other night match sees Joe Perry looking to win his first match in 2009 in a major event. He hasn’t quite been the same since he missed a pink with a good chance to beat O’Sullivan at the Masters and has slipped to 22nd in the provisional rankings.
Marcus Campbell is just the sort of tough, wily match player capable of pouncing if Perry doesn’t do the business.
TV times:
BBC1 2.15-4.30pm, BBC2 00.50-3.40am and red button from 1pm
British Eurosport 1-5.30pm, 7-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
I’d be astonished if Higgins lost given the gulf in experience but stranger things have happened...although not often.
On the other table, Marco Fu faces Mark Davis, a journeyman professional who has enjoyed some high points during his long career, including victories over Ken Doherty at the Crucible and Ronnie O’Sullivan in the Scottish Open.
Davis plays most of his snooker in the qualifiers but has the experience to take advantage of Fu if the Hong Kong man fails to produce the goods. Fu is maddeningly inconsistent. Two years ago he won this title but while his record is good against the big guns, he sometimes loses to players down the rankings.
The match I’m most looking forward to is Mark Selby against Doherty in the evening. Here we have one of snooker’s current breed of top stars looking for an extended run against a resurgent former world champion.
The two are evenly matched and I would say the pressure will be on Selby.
The other night match sees Joe Perry looking to win his first match in 2009 in a major event. He hasn’t quite been the same since he missed a pink with a good chance to beat O’Sullivan at the Masters and has slipped to 22nd in the provisional rankings.
Marcus Campbell is just the sort of tough, wily match player capable of pouncing if Perry doesn’t do the business.
TV times:
BBC1 2.15-4.30pm, BBC2 00.50-3.40am and red button from 1pm
British Eurosport 1-5.30pm, 7-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
2.10.09
MAGUIRE SHOULDERS GRAND PRIX BURDEN
Stephen Maguire will have to play through the pain barrier at the Grand Prix after discovering his shoulder injury is worse than was originally feared.
The world no.2 slipped in the shower at home last month and had to withdraw from the Shanghai Masters after doctors diagnosed internal bleeding in a muscle.
"On Wednesday I received a phone call from the hospital to tell me that I was actually suffering from multiple mini fractures in my shoulder," Maguire told 110sport.tv.
“I am now going to have to wait and see a consultant to see what happens next. But in the meantime I am just loading up on painkillers. I have been playing away in practice and it is a bit sore, but I am a big boy and will survive.”
“Having missed Shanghai I need a bit of a run in this tournament to make up for that. So there is no way I was missing this tournament. As I say I am in pain, but I just have to get on with it.”
Maguire is due to play Nigel Bond in the first round on Tuesday evening.
The world no.2 slipped in the shower at home last month and had to withdraw from the Shanghai Masters after doctors diagnosed internal bleeding in a muscle.
"On Wednesday I received a phone call from the hospital to tell me that I was actually suffering from multiple mini fractures in my shoulder," Maguire told 110sport.tv.
“I am now going to have to wait and see a consultant to see what happens next. But in the meantime I am just loading up on painkillers. I have been playing away in practice and it is a bit sore, but I am a big boy and will survive.”
“Having missed Shanghai I need a bit of a run in this tournament to make up for that. So there is no way I was missing this tournament. As I say I am in pain, but I just have to get on with it.”
Maguire is due to play Nigel Bond in the first round on Tuesday evening.
SNOOKER'S GLOBAL AUDIENCE
More people are watching snooker on television now than at any time in history.
There’s a self-indulgent British attitude that the only thing that matters is what happens in blighty but this ignores the fact that snooker is a global sport.
The Grand Prix will be broadcast on the BBC, Eurosport and various other channels around the world, either live or in the form of highlights.
TV channels in China are particularly ravenous for coverage and the total audience for the tournament will run into the many millions, dwarfing the numbers recorded in the UK in the 1980s.
These are deals the WPBSA deserve credit for signing, because they have brought the sport into living rooms in some unlikely locations and turned legions of people into lifelong fans of the green baize game.
Some of the BBC’s terrestrial transmission times from Glasgow have raised eyebrows – the Conservative Party Conference doesn’t help – but every ball of the event is live on the red button or on the BBC website, which most UK viewers now have access to.
The Eurosport player also has coverage of one of the tables and the TV channel will be broadcasting many hours live, although times may vary depending which country you are in.
Here in the UK, we like to think back to a golden age. Well I remember the ‘golden age’ and I remember having to wait for recorded highlights of major finals rather than watching them live.
Viewers will – as is their right – complain about commentators, camera angles, interviews, features and the rest but, the truth is, there has never been a better time to watch snooker on the TV.
And with the internet as well, it is even easier to keep up to date with the action.
Gone are the days when waiting until half past midnight for David Vine to appear was pretty much the only way of finding out what had happened.
Now, snooker much more regularly happens live before our eyes and the game's global footprint is growing every year.
One final thought: there are, apparently, some three thousand folk in Britain who still have black and white TV sets.
I assume they aren't snooker fans.
There’s a self-indulgent British attitude that the only thing that matters is what happens in blighty but this ignores the fact that snooker is a global sport.
The Grand Prix will be broadcast on the BBC, Eurosport and various other channels around the world, either live or in the form of highlights.
TV channels in China are particularly ravenous for coverage and the total audience for the tournament will run into the many millions, dwarfing the numbers recorded in the UK in the 1980s.
These are deals the WPBSA deserve credit for signing, because they have brought the sport into living rooms in some unlikely locations and turned legions of people into lifelong fans of the green baize game.
Some of the BBC’s terrestrial transmission times from Glasgow have raised eyebrows – the Conservative Party Conference doesn’t help – but every ball of the event is live on the red button or on the BBC website, which most UK viewers now have access to.
The Eurosport player also has coverage of one of the tables and the TV channel will be broadcasting many hours live, although times may vary depending which country you are in.
Here in the UK, we like to think back to a golden age. Well I remember the ‘golden age’ and I remember having to wait for recorded highlights of major finals rather than watching them live.
Viewers will – as is their right – complain about commentators, camera angles, interviews, features and the rest but, the truth is, there has never been a better time to watch snooker on the TV.
And with the internet as well, it is even easier to keep up to date with the action.
Gone are the days when waiting until half past midnight for David Vine to appear was pretty much the only way of finding out what had happened.
Now, snooker much more regularly happens live before our eyes and the game's global footprint is growing every year.
One final thought: there are, apparently, some three thousand folk in Britain who still have black and white TV sets.
I assume they aren't snooker fans.
1.10.09
ALI'S THE DADDY
Ali Carter has become a father for the first time on the eve of the Grand Prix.
His partner, Sarah, gave birth today. They have named their son Max.
He arrived a minute after midnight and weighed in at 8lbs, 2oz.
"I honestly thought I was going to be in Glasgow when I got the call and if that had happened I had every intention to withdraw from the event but now I can concentrate on the tournament," Carter told 110sport.tv.
"It really has given me such a buzz going to the Kelvin Hall. Obviously I'd love to make it a double by winning in Glasgow, but I aim to stay there as long as possible - it might be the last decent sleep I get for a while!"
His partner, Sarah, gave birth today. They have named their son Max.
He arrived a minute after midnight and weighed in at 8lbs, 2oz.
"I honestly thought I was going to be in Glasgow when I got the call and if that had happened I had every intention to withdraw from the event but now I can concentrate on the tournament," Carter told 110sport.tv.
"It really has given me such a buzz going to the Kelvin Hall. Obviously I'd love to make it a double by winning in Glasgow, but I aim to stay there as long as possible - it might be the last decent sleep I get for a while!"
SELBY'S NOT SO PERFECT TEN
There's pressure on everyone, of course, at the Grand Prix but especially so for Mark Selby.
I note that some bookies have him second favourite for the world title next year, even though he is drawn in the same quarter as the tournament favourite, Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Selby hasn't been in a ranking event semi-final for a year and is down to tenth in the provisional rankings.
This doesn't add up to a crisis but is certainly food for thought.
I'm a fan of his, both as a player and a professional. He couldn't have played any better against John Higgins at the Crucible this year but lost out in, to say the least, dramatic circumstances.
But for that he could well be world champion. However, sport is littered with what ifs...
Selby has become a very solid match player but in Glasgow he plays another one in the shape of a resurgent Ken Doherty, just the sort of draw he wouldn't have wanted.
The list is so tightly packed that a first round defeat could leave his top 16 place in doubt, although it's worth remembering he got zero points from last season's Bahrain Championship through no fault of his own.
Even so, for a player tipped by many as a likely mainstay of the top four Selby needs a good run to restore confidence and send himself back up the rankings.
I note that some bookies have him second favourite for the world title next year, even though he is drawn in the same quarter as the tournament favourite, Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Selby hasn't been in a ranking event semi-final for a year and is down to tenth in the provisional rankings.
This doesn't add up to a crisis but is certainly food for thought.
I'm a fan of his, both as a player and a professional. He couldn't have played any better against John Higgins at the Crucible this year but lost out in, to say the least, dramatic circumstances.
But for that he could well be world champion. However, sport is littered with what ifs...
Selby has become a very solid match player but in Glasgow he plays another one in the shape of a resurgent Ken Doherty, just the sort of draw he wouldn't have wanted.
The list is so tightly packed that a first round defeat could leave his top 16 place in doubt, although it's worth remembering he got zero points from last season's Bahrain Championship through no fault of his own.
Even so, for a player tipped by many as a likely mainstay of the top four Selby needs a good run to restore confidence and send himself back up the rankings.
30.9.09
THAT WINNING FEELING
Ronnie O’Sullivan is right when he says John Higgins could have won more in his career.
But of course the same is also true of O’Sullivan himself.
Both players are supremely talented and can hold their heads high in the pantheon of all time greats. They have won far more than most.
One of the simplest reasons they haven’t won even more is that they have played in the same era. They each turned pro in 1992 and have met in a number of finals, one stopping the other from winning.
But it is also true that neither Higgins nor O’Sullivan have had that relentless mindset shared by Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry to win all the time.
Both have admitted as much. Higgins openly confesses that he has at times preferred family life to practising while O’Sullivan told Gabby Logan on the BBC’s Inside Sport last year that, “I haven’t got the passion it takes to be a Michael Schumacher, a Hendry, a Phil Taylor.”
Most snooker players don’t. It takes an extraordinary act of will not to celebrate a major tournament victory but to simply forget about it, go back to the club, work hard and get ready to win the next one.
That’s what Davis and Hendry both did and that’s why they won so much.
None of this takes anything away from the achievements of Higgins and O’Sullivan.
They first won ranking titles as teenagers. Between them they have won the last three world titles, so are clearly still the men to beat.
But of course the same is also true of O’Sullivan himself.
Both players are supremely talented and can hold their heads high in the pantheon of all time greats. They have won far more than most.
One of the simplest reasons they haven’t won even more is that they have played in the same era. They each turned pro in 1992 and have met in a number of finals, one stopping the other from winning.
But it is also true that neither Higgins nor O’Sullivan have had that relentless mindset shared by Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry to win all the time.
Both have admitted as much. Higgins openly confesses that he has at times preferred family life to practising while O’Sullivan told Gabby Logan on the BBC’s Inside Sport last year that, “I haven’t got the passion it takes to be a Michael Schumacher, a Hendry, a Phil Taylor.”
Most snooker players don’t. It takes an extraordinary act of will not to celebrate a major tournament victory but to simply forget about it, go back to the club, work hard and get ready to win the next one.
That’s what Davis and Hendry both did and that’s why they won so much.
None of this takes anything away from the achievements of Higgins and O’Sullivan.
They first won ranking titles as teenagers. Between them they have won the last three world titles, so are clearly still the men to beat.
29.9.09
THE GRAND PRIX: 25 YEARS NOT OUT
The Grand Prix for many has always marked the true start of the season.
Even when ITV used to show a tournament in September, the first BBC event of the campaign was regarded as that extra bit more special.
It certainly used to be when Rothmans were the sponsors and it was held at the Hexagon in Reading.
When they pulled out, it did lose a bit of prestige and this was exacerbated by moving the event around the country. The Kelvin Hall in Glasgow is it's eighth venue since it left Reading (there will not be a prize for all those who can name the other seven).
For all this, the Grand Prix is the second longest running ranking event. (Before you call me every name under the sun, yes the UK Championship began in 1977 but it did not carry ranking points until 1984, a couple of months after Dennis Taylor won the first Grand Prix.)
The tournament has been responsible for a number of memorable moments - Stephen Hendry winning at 18, Rex Williams in the final at 53, Steve Davis whitewashing Dean Reynolds in the final, Chris Small capturing the title (when it was the LG Cup) against all odds and John Higgins making four successive centuries and amassing 494 points without reply against Ronnie O'Sullivan.
My personal highlight came at Preston Guild Hall six or seven years ago. As anyone who has been to the venue will know, you enter through a shopping centre and up some escalators where autograph hunters tend to hang out.
One day, I made my way towards the lift and realised that said autograph hunters were sizing me up, deciding if I was a player or not.
After a moment or two of deliberation one of them turned to his mate and said, 'nah, don't bother with him, he's a nobody.'
Written off in Preston. The poignancy of it all was almost too much to bear.
One year the Harold Shipman trial was taking place in the court over the road and we journalists, faced with some dirge dragging on into the early hours, speculated that the not so good doctor may be sentenced to spending a day at the snooker.
When the Grand Prix moved to Aberdeen, the crazy decision was taken to make it a round robin event. The format confused everyone, not least the players. Mark King booked a flight home believing he was out but discovered he was still in and went on to reach the semi-finals.
Thankfully, this was scrapped last year in favour of a random draw, which has added some spice to proceedings.
All the predictions of the big names crashing out early proved to be without substance: three of the four semi-finalists were ranked in the top eight.
Crowds were good at the SECC last year and will hopefully be strong again across the city for this season's staging.
Scotland has long been a snooker nation, even in the days when it didn't have any top players. Now, it has several and is hosting one of the green baize game's longest running events.
The Grand Prix has never been regarded in the same way as the big three - the world, UK and Masters - but has played its own part in the snooker story and, 25 years since it was first held, is still a much sought after prize.
Even when ITV used to show a tournament in September, the first BBC event of the campaign was regarded as that extra bit more special.
It certainly used to be when Rothmans were the sponsors and it was held at the Hexagon in Reading.
When they pulled out, it did lose a bit of prestige and this was exacerbated by moving the event around the country. The Kelvin Hall in Glasgow is it's eighth venue since it left Reading (there will not be a prize for all those who can name the other seven).
For all this, the Grand Prix is the second longest running ranking event. (Before you call me every name under the sun, yes the UK Championship began in 1977 but it did not carry ranking points until 1984, a couple of months after Dennis Taylor won the first Grand Prix.)
The tournament has been responsible for a number of memorable moments - Stephen Hendry winning at 18, Rex Williams in the final at 53, Steve Davis whitewashing Dean Reynolds in the final, Chris Small capturing the title (when it was the LG Cup) against all odds and John Higgins making four successive centuries and amassing 494 points without reply against Ronnie O'Sullivan.
My personal highlight came at Preston Guild Hall six or seven years ago. As anyone who has been to the venue will know, you enter through a shopping centre and up some escalators where autograph hunters tend to hang out.
One day, I made my way towards the lift and realised that said autograph hunters were sizing me up, deciding if I was a player or not.
After a moment or two of deliberation one of them turned to his mate and said, 'nah, don't bother with him, he's a nobody.'
Written off in Preston. The poignancy of it all was almost too much to bear.
One year the Harold Shipman trial was taking place in the court over the road and we journalists, faced with some dirge dragging on into the early hours, speculated that the not so good doctor may be sentenced to spending a day at the snooker.
When the Grand Prix moved to Aberdeen, the crazy decision was taken to make it a round robin event. The format confused everyone, not least the players. Mark King booked a flight home believing he was out but discovered he was still in and went on to reach the semi-finals.
Thankfully, this was scrapped last year in favour of a random draw, which has added some spice to proceedings.
All the predictions of the big names crashing out early proved to be without substance: three of the four semi-finalists were ranked in the top eight.
Crowds were good at the SECC last year and will hopefully be strong again across the city for this season's staging.
Scotland has long been a snooker nation, even in the days when it didn't have any top players. Now, it has several and is hosting one of the green baize game's longest running events.
The Grand Prix has never been regarded in the same way as the big three - the world, UK and Masters - but has played its own part in the snooker story and, 25 years since it was first held, is still a much sought after prize.
28.9.09
RE: JOYCE (AND SELT)
Mark Joyce and Matt Selt are the two unfamiliar faces to have qualified for the Grand Prix.
So, who are they?
Joyce, 26, is a former grammar school boy who first rose to prominence by winning the 2001 European under 19 title.
He also won the English amateur open in 2005 and snooker’s oldest title, the English Amateur Championship, in 2006.
Having finished fifth on the PIOS tour, that year he was promoted to the ranking event circuit.
Like every other player, he found it tough but kept his place after the first season, although he was helped by his scheduled opponent in one round of the World Championship qualifiers, Robin Hull, pulling out.
Joyce made his TV debut at the 2007 Grand Prix but this year’s event sees his first appearance in the last 32 of a ranking tournament.
He has got himself up to 57th in the rankings but his best performance on the circuit to date was reaching the Masters qualifying final last year, where he lost 6-1 to Judd Trump.
Joyce has been consulting a psychologist in an attempt to get off his chest all the feelings he was hitherto internalising. Maybe that was a factor in his qualification for Glasgow.
He has one of the hardest possible draws in the shape of world champion John Higgins, who is defending the crown he won last season.
Even so, Joyce’s mates at the Masters Club in Walsall will be cheering him on when he tackles the Wishaw Wizard on Saturday.
Selt is 24 and has suddenly come to life this season. To qualify for the final stages of a ranking tournament from the very first round is an impressive achievement. To do it in two successive events is excellent.
Yet Selt has done so in both the Shanghai Masters and the Grand Prix, where he was 4-0 down to Jordan Brown in his first match.
He plays at the Grove Snooker Club in Romford and is a sometime practice partner of Ronnie O’Sullivan, which has obviously helped his game.
Selt qualified from the PIOS tour in 2007. A year later he was the subject of a WPBSA disciplinary inquiry as to whether he offered an opponent a bribe to lose a match on the game’s secondary circuit.
Selt was cleared of the charges.
The incident doesn’t seem to have affected his playing career. Quite the opposite, in fact.
However, Selt now needs to gain experience of playing on TV. Against John Higgins in Shanghai he looked ill at ease, which was entirely understandable.
He fancies his chances against Stephen Hendry as he says the seven times champion is “coming in cold.”
Actually, he isn’t. He’s been playing in the Premier League and even if he’s not at the top of his game still has more than enough experience to cope with a nervous newbie.
Both Joyce and Selt have earned showpiece ties against two legends of snooker from their hard work in the qualifiers.
Whether they can go any further in the game will depend to a large degree on how they acquit themselves in matches such as these.
So, who are they?
Joyce, 26, is a former grammar school boy who first rose to prominence by winning the 2001 European under 19 title.
He also won the English amateur open in 2005 and snooker’s oldest title, the English Amateur Championship, in 2006.
Having finished fifth on the PIOS tour, that year he was promoted to the ranking event circuit.
Like every other player, he found it tough but kept his place after the first season, although he was helped by his scheduled opponent in one round of the World Championship qualifiers, Robin Hull, pulling out.
Joyce made his TV debut at the 2007 Grand Prix but this year’s event sees his first appearance in the last 32 of a ranking tournament.
He has got himself up to 57th in the rankings but his best performance on the circuit to date was reaching the Masters qualifying final last year, where he lost 6-1 to Judd Trump.
Joyce has been consulting a psychologist in an attempt to get off his chest all the feelings he was hitherto internalising. Maybe that was a factor in his qualification for Glasgow.
He has one of the hardest possible draws in the shape of world champion John Higgins, who is defending the crown he won last season.
Even so, Joyce’s mates at the Masters Club in Walsall will be cheering him on when he tackles the Wishaw Wizard on Saturday.
Selt is 24 and has suddenly come to life this season. To qualify for the final stages of a ranking tournament from the very first round is an impressive achievement. To do it in two successive events is excellent.
Yet Selt has done so in both the Shanghai Masters and the Grand Prix, where he was 4-0 down to Jordan Brown in his first match.
He plays at the Grove Snooker Club in Romford and is a sometime practice partner of Ronnie O’Sullivan, which has obviously helped his game.
Selt qualified from the PIOS tour in 2007. A year later he was the subject of a WPBSA disciplinary inquiry as to whether he offered an opponent a bribe to lose a match on the game’s secondary circuit.
Selt was cleared of the charges.
The incident doesn’t seem to have affected his playing career. Quite the opposite, in fact.
However, Selt now needs to gain experience of playing on TV. Against John Higgins in Shanghai he looked ill at ease, which was entirely understandable.
He fancies his chances against Stephen Hendry as he says the seven times champion is “coming in cold.”
Actually, he isn’t. He’s been playing in the Premier League and even if he’s not at the top of his game still has more than enough experience to cope with a nervous newbie.
Both Joyce and Selt have earned showpiece ties against two legends of snooker from their hard work in the qualifiers.
Whether they can go any further in the game will depend to a large degree on how they acquit themselves in matches such as these.
24.9.09
THE ART OF THE MATTER
This is a link to a painting done by Ronnie O'Sullivan.
And here is a link to one done by Stephen Hendry.
This one had input from a legion of world champions.
They were created using snooker cues as part of an exhibition by The Willow Foundation, which was set up by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV sports presenter Bob Wilson and his wife.
'The Art of Sport' includes works by Sir Alex Ferguson, Thierry Henry, Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton. Each sportsman has used apparatus to paint that they would ordinarily use in their sporting life.
The artworks can be viewed on the website I've linked to and close up at the Catto Gallery, Hamstead, London from September 25 to 27.
You can even buy originals or prints of the paintings. Proceeds go to the Willow Foundation, which provides special days for young adults suffering from serious illnesses. Wilson and his wife set it up after their daughter died of cancer at the age of 31.
I wonder if Ronnie received any tips from his friend Damien Hirst? Good for him and Stephen for taking part in a worthwhile enterprise.
I can't claim to have any insight into the art world, but I recall the words of Mr. Burns when presented with a picture of himself painted by Marge in The Simpsons:
"I'm not an art expert but I know what I hate and I don't hate this."
And here is a link to one done by Stephen Hendry.
This one had input from a legion of world champions.
They were created using snooker cues as part of an exhibition by The Willow Foundation, which was set up by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV sports presenter Bob Wilson and his wife.
'The Art of Sport' includes works by Sir Alex Ferguson, Thierry Henry, Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton. Each sportsman has used apparatus to paint that they would ordinarily use in their sporting life.
The artworks can be viewed on the website I've linked to and close up at the Catto Gallery, Hamstead, London from September 25 to 27.
You can even buy originals or prints of the paintings. Proceeds go to the Willow Foundation, which provides special days for young adults suffering from serious illnesses. Wilson and his wife set it up after their daughter died of cancer at the age of 31.
I wonder if Ronnie received any tips from his friend Damien Hirst? Good for him and Stephen for taking part in a worthwhile enterprise.
I can't claim to have any insight into the art world, but I recall the words of Mr. Burns when presented with a picture of himself painted by Marge in The Simpsons:
"I'm not an art expert but I know what I hate and I don't hate this."
WHITE PULLS HIS FINGERS OUT
Jimmy White is appearing in a new film called 'Jack Said,' which is described in The Times as "a dull, poorly acted affair that doesn’t deserve the brief release it’s getting" (actually one of its best reviews).
Apparently he plays a snooker player who gets his fingers chopped off by some villainous sort.
With the difficulties this will present for cueing, I'd say Jimmy's lingering chances of Crucible success have probably now gone.
Apparently he plays a snooker player who gets his fingers chopped off by some villainous sort.
With the difficulties this will present for cueing, I'd say Jimmy's lingering chances of Crucible success have probably now gone.
MORRIS DANCING
Davy Morris is a player who could be about to make a breakthrough.
He won the Republic of Ireland national title at all age levels - just as Mark Allen did in Northern Ireland - and has kept his place on the main tour these last three years, edging up to 58th in the world rankings.
Davy is just 20 and represents the next wave of Irish snooker. He has practised with Ken Doherty, who rates him very highly.
Of course, it's tough at the qualifiers, particularly for young players coming up against hardened match players.
That said, Davy today plays Jamie Cope who is, like him, a young, attacking pro. This will be a hard match but its style will suit the young Irishman.
If he wins he will be through to the televised stages of a ranking event for the first time in his career.
He won the Republic of Ireland national title at all age levels - just as Mark Allen did in Northern Ireland - and has kept his place on the main tour these last three years, edging up to 58th in the world rankings.
Davy is just 20 and represents the next wave of Irish snooker. He has practised with Ken Doherty, who rates him very highly.
Of course, it's tough at the qualifiers, particularly for young players coming up against hardened match players.
That said, Davy today plays Jamie Cope who is, like him, a young, attacking pro. This will be a hard match but its style will suit the young Irishman.
If he wins he will be through to the televised stages of a ranking event for the first time in his career.
23.9.09
ONE DAY IN PRESTATYN
So I spent the day in Prestatyn for the Grand Prix qualifiers.
To make it clear from the off, I was there for an interview and did not see a ball struck, in anger or for any other reason.
However, it was noticeable how upbeat the atmosphere was, which is not always the case at the dog-eat-dog environs of Pontin’s.
There’s no doubt that 110sport’s coverage of the qualifiers has created a buzz on site. Players are now getting recognition, either through match coverage or interviews, that they rarely receive elsewhere during the season.
And they deserve it. Most of these guys will not come close to becoming world champion but they are professionals and they play their part in keeping the circuit going.
They are all talented and it’s good to see them finally getting some exposure.
I was shown round 110’s operation and it is indeed impressive. There's a general feeling that a light has been shone on a part of the tour which hitherto existed in relative darkness.
It’s days like this that remind me why I like snooker so much after time spent with so many interesting folk – players, officials and others – that make up the travelling circus that is the professional circuit.
All those ignorant folk who say there are no characters in the game would do well to spend a day in North Wales.
There are characters here who you simply would not meet in any other walk of life.
Meanwhile, Ken Doherty’s resurgence continues apace. The 1997 world champion has now won five matches from six in ranking events this season – three more than he managed throughout the whole of the campaign just gone.
Any player rubbing their hands together at the thought that he is now an easy draw has been swiftly disabused of such a notion.
Some other well known faces struggled. There were defeats for Alan McManus (albeit after a five hour struggle with Rod Lawler), John Parrott (also 5-4, to Ian McCulloch) and Anthony Hamilton.
Prestatyn is a great leveller. Past reputations mean nothing. All that matters is grafting out a result.
Thursday is the big day when 16 players will earn their places in the main draw with the top 16.
I promise you, those who finally make it through will more than have deserved their place.
To make it clear from the off, I was there for an interview and did not see a ball struck, in anger or for any other reason.
However, it was noticeable how upbeat the atmosphere was, which is not always the case at the dog-eat-dog environs of Pontin’s.
There’s no doubt that 110sport’s coverage of the qualifiers has created a buzz on site. Players are now getting recognition, either through match coverage or interviews, that they rarely receive elsewhere during the season.
And they deserve it. Most of these guys will not come close to becoming world champion but they are professionals and they play their part in keeping the circuit going.
They are all talented and it’s good to see them finally getting some exposure.
I was shown round 110’s operation and it is indeed impressive. There's a general feeling that a light has been shone on a part of the tour which hitherto existed in relative darkness.
It’s days like this that remind me why I like snooker so much after time spent with so many interesting folk – players, officials and others – that make up the travelling circus that is the professional circuit.
All those ignorant folk who say there are no characters in the game would do well to spend a day in North Wales.
There are characters here who you simply would not meet in any other walk of life.
Meanwhile, Ken Doherty’s resurgence continues apace. The 1997 world champion has now won five matches from six in ranking events this season – three more than he managed throughout the whole of the campaign just gone.
Any player rubbing their hands together at the thought that he is now an easy draw has been swiftly disabused of such a notion.
Some other well known faces struggled. There were defeats for Alan McManus (albeit after a five hour struggle with Rod Lawler), John Parrott (also 5-4, to Ian McCulloch) and Anthony Hamilton.
Prestatyn is a great leveller. Past reputations mean nothing. All that matters is grafting out a result.
Thursday is the big day when 16 players will earn their places in the main draw with the top 16.
I promise you, those who finally make it through will more than have deserved their place.
22.9.09
MEANWHILE...
Both David Gray and David Roe lost 5-4 today from 4-0 up, just as Jordan Brown did against Matt Selt yesterday.
Gray must be absolutely sick, having won 5-0 yesterday. He was well ahead of Peter Lines in their sixth frame but eventually lost a 47 minute decider on the pink.
Roe was also edged on the pink in the deciding frame against Li Hang.
The long drive home just got even longer...
Gray must be absolutely sick, having won 5-0 yesterday. He was well ahead of Peter Lines in their sixth frame but eventually lost a 47 minute decider on the pink.
Roe was also edged on the pink in the deciding frame against Li Hang.
The long drive home just got even longer...
TORNADO TONY BLOWS AGAIN
Of all the snooker players I have watched, few have been more entertaining than Tony Drago.
A bundle of nervous energy, Tony has mixed flair, emotion and the fastest cueing arm on the planet to great effect during the last 24 years.
He turned 44 today and celebrated with a 5-3 victory over Andy Hicks to reach the third qualifying round of the Grand Prix.
Drago is still lightning fast. Remember, he once won a frame in just three minutes and the passing of the years haven't brought about any appreciable taming of the 'Tornado.'
This is because he plays on instinct. When it works it is awesome to watch; when it doesn't it can be painful.
Tony has always worn his heart on his sleeve and this only adds to the entertainment value. When he wins, he is delighted. When he loses, move out of the way.
They call him the Star of Malta and, every now and again, he can still shine brightly.
Today was such a day.
A bundle of nervous energy, Tony has mixed flair, emotion and the fastest cueing arm on the planet to great effect during the last 24 years.
He turned 44 today and celebrated with a 5-3 victory over Andy Hicks to reach the third qualifying round of the Grand Prix.
Drago is still lightning fast. Remember, he once won a frame in just three minutes and the passing of the years haven't brought about any appreciable taming of the 'Tornado.'
This is because he plays on instinct. When it works it is awesome to watch; when it doesn't it can be painful.
Tony has always worn his heart on his sleeve and this only adds to the entertainment value. When he wins, he is delighted. When he loses, move out of the way.
They call him the Star of Malta and, every now and again, he can still shine brightly.
Today was such a day.
21.9.09
ROCKET POWER
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.
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.
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.
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