What a wonderful World Championship it’s been and what a wonderful match we were treated to last night between John Higgins and Mark Selby.
I felt sorry for Mark. He couldn’t have played any better - indeed was playing well enough to capture the title - and he was still eliminated.
But that’s because Higgins is such a great pressure player. He needed just one chance in the decider (or the third incarnation of it after two re-racks) to clinch victory.
What a win for John. It must rank in his all time top five.
Credit to both players for the quality of the snooker they produced and the spirit in which the match was played.
There were bizarre moments, too. Alan Chamberlain, the referee, refused Selby’s request to clean the last red in frame 24. I assume this was because Alan didn’t want to replace it in a slightly different position on such a key shot but it was a surprising decision.
The crowd certainly got involved but were respectful and only added to the atmosphere.
Higgins needs to forget about that win – brilliant though it was – and concentrate on his semi-final against Mark Allen, who has already proved through his defeat of Ronnie O’Sullivan that he is no respecter of reputations.
Indeed, in only his second match as a professional at the 2005 Northern Ireland Trophy he beat Higgins 4-1.
But this is a best of 33 frame match and John has the experience to end Allen’s giant-killing run.
Neil Robertson became the first Australian in 27 years to reach a Crucible semi-final in overcoming Stephen Maguire.
Eddie Charlton last featured in the last four in 1982. A Robertson victory in the final would be great for snooker. The game has stagnated in Australia but he can provide it with an injection of interest.
But Shaun Murphy is quietly going about his business with ruthless intent.
I’d personally make him favourite right now but the fun will be in finding out.
It’s been an enthralling tournament and we’re set fair for a grandstand finish.
30.4.09
THE FINAL FOUR
If you listened to the latest Snooker Scene podcast you'd have heard my predictions for the semi-final line-up at this year's Betfred.com World Championship, which were:
Ronnie O'Sullivan v Mark Selby
Mark Williams v Stephen Maguire
Thank you very much and see you next year.
Ronnie O'Sullivan v Mark Selby
Mark Williams v Stephen Maguire
Thank you very much and see you next year.
29.4.09
WHEN SEVEN BECOME FIVE
Sir David Richards and Peter Ebdon will resign from the board of the WPBSA as a result of an EGM held today to reduce the number of directors from seven to five.
This will apply for two years and is basically a measure to save money.
The WPBSA is seriously hard up. They recently told staff they would have to take a 10% pay cut and made four employees redundant.
The EGM attracted only 18 votes from an eligible constituency of more than 70, although attention may have been diverted by some tournament that's going on in Sheffield.
This will apply for two years and is basically a measure to save money.
The WPBSA is seriously hard up. They recently told staff they would have to take a 10% pay cut and made four employees redundant.
The EGM attracted only 18 votes from an eligible constituency of more than 70, although attention may have been diverted by some tournament that's going on in Sheffield.
THE FORGOTTEN WORLD CHAMPION
The tournament sponsors, Betfred, have had t-shirts produced bearing the image of every world champion since the tournament started in 1927.
Or rather, every world champion but one.
Missing is Horace Lindrum, the 1952 champion.
If Neil Robertson does win the title this year he will not be the first Australian to have his name engraved on the famous old silver trophy.
But Lindrum’s victory is to this day controversial. It came about because of a disagreement between the players and the then governing body that led to all the leading cuemen of the time boycotting the official World Championship to instead play in a World Matchplay Championship won by Fred Davis.
Lindrum thus played Clark McConachy, a player well past his best, for the ‘official’ title.
This would be like Robertson playing, for example, Tony Knowles for this year’s title when all the other top players had their own event.
For this reason, many refuse to acknowledge Lindrum’s victory.
However, his name is on the trophy. When I raised the issue with Joe Johnson, the 1986 world champion, in commentary this week, he said: “If his name’s on the trophy, that means he won it.”
Or rather, every world champion but one.
Missing is Horace Lindrum, the 1952 champion.
If Neil Robertson does win the title this year he will not be the first Australian to have his name engraved on the famous old silver trophy.
But Lindrum’s victory is to this day controversial. It came about because of a disagreement between the players and the then governing body that led to all the leading cuemen of the time boycotting the official World Championship to instead play in a World Matchplay Championship won by Fred Davis.
Lindrum thus played Clark McConachy, a player well past his best, for the ‘official’ title.
This would be like Robertson playing, for example, Tony Knowles for this year’s title when all the other top players had their own event.
For this reason, many refuse to acknowledge Lindrum’s victory.
However, his name is on the trophy. When I raised the issue with Joe Johnson, the 1986 world champion, in commentary this week, he said: “If his name’s on the trophy, that means he won it.”
28.4.09
A GOLDEN DAY
Well it's been my duty to report various things on this blog that have highlighted how professional snooker has failed to make the most of its great potential.
But today is arguably one of the best in the sport's history.
Stephen Hendry made his ninth 147 break. The iconic Crucible Theatre has had its World Championship contract extended. And Mark Selby and John Higgins served up a session of snooker of such quality that it had to be seen to be believed.
Credit to the players and the organisers for keeping so many entranced by what is shaping up to be one of the best World Championships there ever was.
But today is arguably one of the best in the sport's history.
Stephen Hendry made his ninth 147 break. The iconic Crucible Theatre has had its World Championship contract extended. And Mark Selby and John Higgins served up a session of snooker of such quality that it had to be seen to be believed.
Credit to the players and the organisers for keeping so many entranced by what is shaping up to be one of the best World Championships there ever was.
STEPHEN HENDRY'S 147
This afternoon it will be announced that the Crucible is to keep the contract to stage the Betfred.com World Championship and it therefore seems apt that the player who has achieved most success at the iconic venue produced another moment of magic.
Stephen Hendry's ninth career 147 break and his second at the Crucible - 14 years after his first - was sensational.
It was a pleasure to watch, never mind commentate on.
He's snooker's greatest ever player and he's proved it again.
Stephen Hendry's ninth career 147 break and his second at the Crucible - 14 years after his first - was sensational.
It was a pleasure to watch, never mind commentate on.
He's snooker's greatest ever player and he's proved it again.
I DO LIKE MONDAYS
Well you can’t fault the players for the drama they served up yesterday. It was another thrilling day’s snooker that has set up one of the best quarter-final line-ups we’ve ever had at the Crucible.
The John Higgins-Jamie Cope match was pulsating all the way through and climaxed with the twice former champion showing his class to win from 12-10 down in the first decider of the championship.
I felt sorry for Cope, though, who had his bid for victory derailed through no fault of his own.
In frame 24, he attempted to trickle the cue ball up to the yellow but it quite clearly rolled off. It may have caught the join between the slates but, whatever, it was most unfortunate and obviously got to Jamie as his next shot was slapdash and he barely got a chance in the decider.
It’s very warm in the Crucible arena and the heat may have played a part in two spectators – now thankfully OK – being taken ill and thus holding up play.
Both times Higgins returned from these unscheduled breaks with tough pots; both times he knocked them in.
He now plays Mark Selby, who has had the upper hand over him ever since their Crucible final two years ago.
Selby won another dramatic battle last night, 13-10 against the ever determined Graeme Dott.
This match included a bizarre incident during the morning session where both players were fouled for the same shot.
Dott played a shot and saw the cue ball running towards the green pocket. Quite often in such a situation the player will catch the white but he put his fist in the pocket. This was interpreted by referee Alan Chamberlain as interfering with a ball in play.
So Selby should have played from where it came to rest. However, he was – understandably – unaware and picked it up to place it in the ‘D’ whereupon he was also fouled.
Ultimately, it had no bearing on that frame or the match. Also, under the letter of the law Chamberlain was correct.
But here’s a question: what’s to stop players doing what Dott did so as to gain an advantage by not allowing their opponents to have the white in hand?
Stephen Maguire battled through a generally unattractive match against Mark King and will now take on Aussie Neil Robertson, who he has beaten seven times out of eight.
Robertson was one of a number of players seen fist-pumping and roaring into cameras.
This from a sport we are constantly told has ‘no characters.’
Personally, I’m all for it. There’s nothing wrong with some emotion as long as it doesn’t spill over into gamesmanship.
So, a great day and a great finish to the tournament to come. And then you open The Guardian and are confronted with a stream of drivel from Simon Hattenstone, who I have long suspected has an obsession with Ronnie O’Sullivan that borders on the unhealthy.
His column is a predictable mishmash of clichés and in any case contradictory – he says the championship is no good without O’Sullivan having already stated he regards snooker as the most boring sport.
Fine, Simon. Don’t watch.
But those who do tune in are likely to witness one of the best conclusions to any World Championship you could wish for.
The John Higgins-Jamie Cope match was pulsating all the way through and climaxed with the twice former champion showing his class to win from 12-10 down in the first decider of the championship.
I felt sorry for Cope, though, who had his bid for victory derailed through no fault of his own.
In frame 24, he attempted to trickle the cue ball up to the yellow but it quite clearly rolled off. It may have caught the join between the slates but, whatever, it was most unfortunate and obviously got to Jamie as his next shot was slapdash and he barely got a chance in the decider.
It’s very warm in the Crucible arena and the heat may have played a part in two spectators – now thankfully OK – being taken ill and thus holding up play.
Both times Higgins returned from these unscheduled breaks with tough pots; both times he knocked them in.
He now plays Mark Selby, who has had the upper hand over him ever since their Crucible final two years ago.
Selby won another dramatic battle last night, 13-10 against the ever determined Graeme Dott.
This match included a bizarre incident during the morning session where both players were fouled for the same shot.
Dott played a shot and saw the cue ball running towards the green pocket. Quite often in such a situation the player will catch the white but he put his fist in the pocket. This was interpreted by referee Alan Chamberlain as interfering with a ball in play.
So Selby should have played from where it came to rest. However, he was – understandably – unaware and picked it up to place it in the ‘D’ whereupon he was also fouled.
Ultimately, it had no bearing on that frame or the match. Also, under the letter of the law Chamberlain was correct.
But here’s a question: what’s to stop players doing what Dott did so as to gain an advantage by not allowing their opponents to have the white in hand?
Stephen Maguire battled through a generally unattractive match against Mark King and will now take on Aussie Neil Robertson, who he has beaten seven times out of eight.
Robertson was one of a number of players seen fist-pumping and roaring into cameras.
This from a sport we are constantly told has ‘no characters.’
Personally, I’m all for it. There’s nothing wrong with some emotion as long as it doesn’t spill over into gamesmanship.
So, a great day and a great finish to the tournament to come. And then you open The Guardian and are confronted with a stream of drivel from Simon Hattenstone, who I have long suspected has an obsession with Ronnie O’Sullivan that borders on the unhealthy.
His column is a predictable mishmash of clichés and in any case contradictory – he says the championship is no good without O’Sullivan having already stated he regards snooker as the most boring sport.
Fine, Simon. Don’t watch.
But those who do tune in are likely to witness one of the best conclusions to any World Championship you could wish for.
27.4.09
FIVE YEARS ON...
My good friends from IMG Media, who produce the BBC’s snooker coverage, have once again invited me to lay myself open to public ridicule by revisiting a feature first run five years ago in which a bunch of experts were asked to predict which players would comprise the top eight in 2009.
Well, 2009 has come and with it the reckoning.
Actually, I did pretty well but the sting in the tail is that we have now been asked to look forward another five years and predict the top eight in 2014.
This will be shown during the coverage of the final so I won’t spoil things by giving away our various choices but was wondering what everyone else’s selections would be?
Well, 2009 has come and with it the reckoning.
Actually, I did pretty well but the sting in the tail is that we have now been asked to look forward another five years and predict the top eight in 2014.
This will be shown during the coverage of the final so I won’t spoil things by giving away our various choices but was wondering what everyone else’s selections would be?
PLAYER LOSES MATCH...TOURNAMENT CONTINUES
Inevitably, Ronnie O’Sullivan’s exit from the Betfred.com World Championship has led to much handwringing as to whether the tournament is now over as a spectacle.
Well, I had a look in the Crucible arena yesterday and the tables are still up, which is a promising sign.
And for all the stick Stephen Maguire and Mark King got for their record breaking 75-minute frame yesterday, the snooker served up by John Higgins and Jamie Cope last night was sensational, and the drama by Neil Robertson and Ali Carter gripping.
The blunt truth is this: Ronnie, for all his pulling power, does not represent the future of snooker. At 33 he is, to use a golfing term, on the back nine of his career.
The likes of Allen, just 23, have the potential to still be top stars in a decade’s time.
“The established stars such as Hendry, O'Sullivan and Higgins have been great for the game but the new breed are announcing themselves and proving that the game is in a very healthy state,” a World Snooker spokesman told the Daily Mirror.
This is certainly true with the talent on the table. (Off the table is a different story – Allen could win the World Championship in the same year his home event, the Northern Ireland Trophy, is axed from the calendar).
The Mirror story predicts viewing figures will fall after O’Sullivan’s exit but, actually, the three world finals he has won attracted lower figures than the two Mark Williams won or Peter Ebdon’s deciding frame victory over Stephen Hendry in 2002.
Allen, like O’Sullivan himself, doesn’t demur from speaking his mind, something I think he should be congratulated on even if you don’t necessarily agree with what he says.
Here’s what he told the Sun and Express newspapers about O’Sullivan’s claim at the Masters that snooker is ‘dying':
“Sometimes he says things he doesn’t think about and they do more damage to the game than he thinks.
“I think Ronnie made a comment that he’s carrying the game on his shoulders and I don’t see it that way.
“And if Ronnie believes that, he should walk away. Maybe they do need to try new things to get the popularity back but you don’t want loads of people drinking and shouting like the darts. It’s a gentleman’s sport.
“There are more than enough players to take the mantle over from Ronnie. The game has never been in better health player-wise. In any sport there should never be one player who runs it and over the last few years it does seem Ronnie has.
“He seems to get away with things other players wouldn’t.”
Does Allen have a point?
Possibly. I certainly think it’s unhealthy to pin an entire sport’s hopes on the shoulders of one man, particularly when that man is a maverick who doesn’t enjoy playing ball with the authorities, who have never really known whether to apply the carrot or stick approach to punishing his transgressions.
But, he is easily the most popular player when it comes to attracting spectators and, by extension, sponsors and broadcasters.
Ronnie has brought many new fans to the game who otherwise may never have been interested in watching it.
Snooker fans won’t turn off because O’Sullivan has been beaten at the Crucible but the likes of Allen still have a long way to go before assuming his mantle and emulating his status.
But, of course, the Northern Irishman can begin that process if he lands the title a week today.
Well, I had a look in the Crucible arena yesterday and the tables are still up, which is a promising sign.
And for all the stick Stephen Maguire and Mark King got for their record breaking 75-minute frame yesterday, the snooker served up by John Higgins and Jamie Cope last night was sensational, and the drama by Neil Robertson and Ali Carter gripping.
The blunt truth is this: Ronnie, for all his pulling power, does not represent the future of snooker. At 33 he is, to use a golfing term, on the back nine of his career.
The likes of Allen, just 23, have the potential to still be top stars in a decade’s time.
“The established stars such as Hendry, O'Sullivan and Higgins have been great for the game but the new breed are announcing themselves and proving that the game is in a very healthy state,” a World Snooker spokesman told the Daily Mirror.
This is certainly true with the talent on the table. (Off the table is a different story – Allen could win the World Championship in the same year his home event, the Northern Ireland Trophy, is axed from the calendar).
The Mirror story predicts viewing figures will fall after O’Sullivan’s exit but, actually, the three world finals he has won attracted lower figures than the two Mark Williams won or Peter Ebdon’s deciding frame victory over Stephen Hendry in 2002.
Allen, like O’Sullivan himself, doesn’t demur from speaking his mind, something I think he should be congratulated on even if you don’t necessarily agree with what he says.
Here’s what he told the Sun and Express newspapers about O’Sullivan’s claim at the Masters that snooker is ‘dying':
“Sometimes he says things he doesn’t think about and they do more damage to the game than he thinks.
“I think Ronnie made a comment that he’s carrying the game on his shoulders and I don’t see it that way.
“And if Ronnie believes that, he should walk away. Maybe they do need to try new things to get the popularity back but you don’t want loads of people drinking and shouting like the darts. It’s a gentleman’s sport.
“There are more than enough players to take the mantle over from Ronnie. The game has never been in better health player-wise. In any sport there should never be one player who runs it and over the last few years it does seem Ronnie has.
“He seems to get away with things other players wouldn’t.”
Does Allen have a point?
Possibly. I certainly think it’s unhealthy to pin an entire sport’s hopes on the shoulders of one man, particularly when that man is a maverick who doesn’t enjoy playing ball with the authorities, who have never really known whether to apply the carrot or stick approach to punishing his transgressions.
But, he is easily the most popular player when it comes to attracting spectators and, by extension, sponsors and broadcasters.
Ronnie has brought many new fans to the game who otherwise may never have been interested in watching it.
Snooker fans won’t turn off because O’Sullivan has been beaten at the Crucible but the likes of Allen still have a long way to go before assuming his mantle and emulating his status.
But, of course, the Northern Irishman can begin that process if he lands the title a week today.
26.4.09
THE LONGEST FRAME
Stephen Maguire has just won a frame against Mark King of exactly 75 minutes duration - the longest ever at the Crucible.
It beat the 74 minute, 8 second grind that Graeme Dott and Peter Ebdon served up during the 2006 final.
Could be a long old match.
It beat the 74 minute, 8 second grind that Graeme Dott and Peter Ebdon served up during the 2006 final.
Could be a long old match.
JACK'S THE LAD
Jack Lisowski, 17, has been awarded the Paul Hunter Scholarship by the WPBSA for next season.
Jack is an outstanding prospect and has recently recovered from Hodgkins Lymphona, a form of cancer.
He will receive funding to practice at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield for the next year.
Earlier this year, he reached the final of one of the events on the Pontin’s International Open Series.
“I started playing when I was seven. I used to play on the lounge carpet with ping pong balls,” Jack said.
“I’m looking forward to the next year and working on my game. I can’t wait to turn professional.”
The scholarship was set up in memory of Hunter, who died of cancer in 2006.
Daniel Wells, who came within a frame of qualifying for the Crucible this year, was the first recipient in 2007 and Adam Duffy was this season’s scholar.
Jack has a very good attitude so good luck to him.
Jack is an outstanding prospect and has recently recovered from Hodgkins Lymphona, a form of cancer.
He will receive funding to practice at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield for the next year.
Earlier this year, he reached the final of one of the events on the Pontin’s International Open Series.
“I started playing when I was seven. I used to play on the lounge carpet with ping pong balls,” Jack said.
“I’m looking forward to the next year and working on my game. I can’t wait to turn professional.”
The scholarship was set up in memory of Hunter, who died of cancer in 2006.
Daniel Wells, who came within a frame of qualifying for the Crucible this year, was the first recipient in 2007 and Adam Duffy was this season’s scholar.
Jack has a very good attitude so good luck to him.
25.4.09
FULL MARKS TO ALLEN
Ronnie O'Sullivan has many loyal fans and they will be very disappointed by his early Crucible exit but the Betfred.com World Championship goes on and the rest of the field will now be fancying their chances.
I thought Mark Allen was sensational. He took the game to Ronnie and was fearless in attacking at every opportunity.
O'Sullivan seemed to feel the pressure, proving that anyone can crack in the heat of the Crucible.
Can Allen go all the way?
I'd say he can. He was used to winning before he even turned professional. Indeed, he won every conceivable title as an amateur - the Northern Ireland crown at all age levels and the world, European and European under 19 titles.
On his television debut at the 2005 Northern Ireland Trophy he beat Steve Davis 4-0 and then John Higgins 4-1.
He's fiercely determined and will be full of confidence after his defeat of O'Sullivan.
And he clearly has the game to put the fear of God into anyone left in the tournament.
I thought Mark Allen was sensational. He took the game to Ronnie and was fearless in attacking at every opportunity.
O'Sullivan seemed to feel the pressure, proving that anyone can crack in the heat of the Crucible.
Can Allen go all the way?
I'd say he can. He was used to winning before he even turned professional. Indeed, he won every conceivable title as an amateur - the Northern Ireland crown at all age levels and the world, European and European under 19 titles.
On his television debut at the 2005 Northern Ireland Trophy he beat Steve Davis 4-0 and then John Higgins 4-1.
He's fiercely determined and will be full of confidence after his defeat of O'Sullivan.
And he clearly has the game to put the fear of God into anyone left in the tournament.
BEWARE DARK HORSE DAY
Nobody really talked about Ryan Day as a possible winner of the Betfred.com World Championship but they will have to now he is through to the quarter-finals – a remarkable Nigel Bond recovery notwithstanding.
Ryan has had a somewhat Jekyll and Hyde season. He began it well, reaching the Grand Prix final, but then entered a mini-slump before getting to the China Open semi-finals earlier this month.
Confidence is so important in any sport, particularly one like snooker that rests largely on mental fortitude.
There’s no doubt that Day is very talented but, like any player, he needs to truly believe he can be a winner.
I was surprised he didn’t win the Grand Prix having played the best snooker of the tournament.
Perhaps the mental barrier presented by not having won a ranking title before was a factor.
The same was possibly true for Graeme Dott, though, and after losing in four finals he won his first ranking event trophy at the Crucible in 2006.
There’s been great attention on a number of players leading up to and throughout the World Championship.
There’s been hardly any on dark horse Ryan Day and this is probably going to help him go even further.
Ryan has had a somewhat Jekyll and Hyde season. He began it well, reaching the Grand Prix final, but then entered a mini-slump before getting to the China Open semi-finals earlier this month.
Confidence is so important in any sport, particularly one like snooker that rests largely on mental fortitude.
There’s no doubt that Day is very talented but, like any player, he needs to truly believe he can be a winner.
I was surprised he didn’t win the Grand Prix having played the best snooker of the tournament.
Perhaps the mental barrier presented by not having won a ranking title before was a factor.
The same was possibly true for Graeme Dott, though, and after losing in four finals he won his first ranking event trophy at the Crucible in 2006.
There’s been great attention on a number of players leading up to and throughout the World Championship.
There’s been hardly any on dark horse Ryan Day and this is probably going to help him go even further.
24.4.09
GRAND FORM FROM HENDRY
Class, pure class.
Stephen Hendry has just won his 1,000th frame at the Crucible with a 140 total clearance, equalling the highest break so far set on day one by Ronnie O'Sullivan.
To put this into context: only five players have even played 1,000 frames at the Crucible.
Stephen Hendry has just won his 1,000th frame at the Crucible with a 140 total clearance, equalling the highest break so far set on day one by Ronnie O'Sullivan.
To put this into context: only five players have even played 1,000 frames at the Crucible.
MURPHY BOOED AT CRUCIBLE
Shaun Murphy was booed by some members of the crowd as he was introduced into the Crucible arena today. It didn't seem to bother him as he carved out a 7-1 lead over Marco Fu.
I don't know what this was all about or whether it was related to his marriage break up and the well publicised spat with his wife but I have no time for this sort of behaviour.
Relationships break up all the time but most do so in private. Murphy is to an extent a public figure but this does not mean his personal life should become an issue on the table.
I realise Shaun is not to everyone's taste, but who is?
I'd be prepared to bet that many of those who have taken against him have never met him in person.
The rights and wrongs of relationship breakdowns are rarely clearcut. Whatever has happened in private, I don't believe Murphy deserves this kind of treatment at the World Championship.
I don't know what this was all about or whether it was related to his marriage break up and the well publicised spat with his wife but I have no time for this sort of behaviour.
Relationships break up all the time but most do so in private. Murphy is to an extent a public figure but this does not mean his personal life should become an issue on the table.
I realise Shaun is not to everyone's taste, but who is?
I'd be prepared to bet that many of those who have taken against him have never met him in person.
The rights and wrongs of relationship breakdowns are rarely clearcut. Whatever has happened in private, I don't believe Murphy deserves this kind of treatment at the World Championship.
RONNIE STILL IN WITH A SHOUT
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s performance at the Crucible last night was his worst in a single session since he lost all eight frames to Graeme Dott in the third session of their 2006 semi-final.
He missed easy balls and seemed generally ill at ease but – and here comes the positive for Ronnie fans – he still came out of it level with Mark Allen at 4-4.
‘Pants’ was his verdict on one shot, although neither player was helped by a high number of kicks.
Allen has a couple of supporters in who could do with calming down a touch.
One of them shouted out so loud that he put Stephen Maguire off on the other table.
There’s nothing wrong with atmosphere but the Crucible arena is so small that noise is amplified.
He missed easy balls and seemed generally ill at ease but – and here comes the positive for Ronnie fans – he still came out of it level with Mark Allen at 4-4.
‘Pants’ was his verdict on one shot, although neither player was helped by a high number of kicks.
Allen has a couple of supporters in who could do with calming down a touch.
One of them shouted out so loud that he put Stephen Maguire off on the other table.
There’s nothing wrong with atmosphere but the Crucible arena is so small that noise is amplified.
23.4.09
TK TAKES IT TO THE MAX
Tony Knowles reached three Crucible semi-finals without winning the world title but has today captured the first six reds event to be played at the famous Sheffield venue.
Knowles beat teenager Ross Muir 52-18 in their one frame match.
There's been a lot of rubbish written about the six reds format in the build up to the championship. I'm basically of the view that there's nothing wrong with snooker as it is.
There are many problems with the sport but the game itself isn't one of them.
However, it occurs to me that six reds might be the answer for seniors snooker.
Let's be honest, the old boys would struggle to produce much in the way of form on current tournament tables over the traditional format.
But the shorter game might be an idea for an over 40s tournament featuring stars of the 1980s and those who have recently turned 40.
This is ironic in a way because Sir Rodney Walker appears to believe six reds will bring a new generation to the game.
I think if it does anything it might actually rekindle interest from some of those harking back to the boom years.
Knowles beat teenager Ross Muir 52-18 in their one frame match.
There's been a lot of rubbish written about the six reds format in the build up to the championship. I'm basically of the view that there's nothing wrong with snooker as it is.
There are many problems with the sport but the game itself isn't one of them.
However, it occurs to me that six reds might be the answer for seniors snooker.
Let's be honest, the old boys would struggle to produce much in the way of form on current tournament tables over the traditional format.
But the shorter game might be an idea for an over 40s tournament featuring stars of the 1980s and those who have recently turned 40.
This is ironic in a way because Sir Rodney Walker appears to believe six reds will bring a new generation to the game.
I think if it does anything it might actually rekindle interest from some of those harking back to the boom years.
WHY SHOULD STEVE DAVIS RETIRE?
For what it's worth, I don't see why Steve Davis should be pressured into retirement.
He is still good enough to be ranked among the top 32. He is still good enough to have appeared in two ranking tournament quarter-finals this season. He is still good enough to have qualified for the Crucible.
OK, so he was poor in losing 10-2 to Neil Robertson in the first round of the Betfred.com World Championship but this doesn't mean he should put his cue away for good.
Steve has more than earned the right to carry on. In fact, having him in tournaments enhances them because of his legendary status.
He seemed to get a louder cheer than any of the other 31 players when he was introduced into the arena.
If he wants to carry on, why shouldn't he?
It doesn't diminish his past achievements and the fact that he can still turn the odd trick some 31 years into his professional career is surely worth celebrating, not carping about.
He is still good enough to be ranked among the top 32. He is still good enough to have appeared in two ranking tournament quarter-finals this season. He is still good enough to have qualified for the Crucible.
OK, so he was poor in losing 10-2 to Neil Robertson in the first round of the Betfred.com World Championship but this doesn't mean he should put his cue away for good.
Steve has more than earned the right to carry on. In fact, having him in tournaments enhances them because of his legendary status.
He seemed to get a louder cheer than any of the other 31 players when he was introduced into the arena.
If he wants to carry on, why shouldn't he?
It doesn't diminish his past achievements and the fact that he can still turn the odd trick some 31 years into his professional career is surely worth celebrating, not carping about.
TALKING A GOOD GAME
Rob Walker may have to be cloned judging by the various duties he is performing at the Betfred.com World Championship, which include master of ceremonies and interviews for BBC television.
And I credit him for his contributions to worldsnooker.com's coverage of the event, which come in the form of audio reports and packages featuring interviews with the players.
I think snooker fans would prefer to listen to the players speak in their own words rather than read what they have to say filtered through journalists (although the excerpts are obviously edited down versions of what has been said).
What you don't get when written down is the intonation of what has been said. For instance, Stephen Hendry joked last year about the number of ice buckets in the arena and it became a big deal.
The sponsors, Betfred, could not be more enthusiastic about their involvement with snooker's biggest event and they are running video interviews with players on their special website.
By the way, I'm not doing any podcasts during the tournament because I figured that with 13 hours plus of live snooker every day nobody would have time to listen!
And I credit him for his contributions to worldsnooker.com's coverage of the event, which come in the form of audio reports and packages featuring interviews with the players.
I think snooker fans would prefer to listen to the players speak in their own words rather than read what they have to say filtered through journalists (although the excerpts are obviously edited down versions of what has been said).
What you don't get when written down is the intonation of what has been said. For instance, Stephen Hendry joked last year about the number of ice buckets in the arena and it became a big deal.
The sponsors, Betfred, could not be more enthusiastic about their involvement with snooker's biggest event and they are running video interviews with players on their special website.
By the way, I'm not doing any podcasts during the tournament because I figured that with 13 hours plus of live snooker every day nobody would have time to listen!
ON TO THE SECOND ROUND
It hasn't been a vintage Betfred.com World Championship yet but it's only day six of 17 and the second round line-up is brimming with quality.
So far, 12 members of the top 16 are through with Stephen Maguire and John Higgins well placed to join them.
There are some mouth-watering matches to come.
Ronnie O'Sullivan continues his title defence against Mark Allen, which should be a fast flowing, high scoring affair.
Stephen Hendry takes on Ding Junhui, just as he did last year, beating him 13-7.
Mark Selby faces Graeme Dott in a contest I think could be very close.
Ali Carter against Neil Robertson promises to be another entertaining affair.
Shaun Murphy plays Marco Fu in a repeat of this season's UK Championship final, which was a poor match that was nevertheless gripping right to the end.
I sometimes wonder if best of 25 frames in the last 16 is too long as there have, in the past, been a lot of runaway victories.
I don't think there'll be many this year.
So far, 12 members of the top 16 are through with Stephen Maguire and John Higgins well placed to join them.
There are some mouth-watering matches to come.
Ronnie O'Sullivan continues his title defence against Mark Allen, which should be a fast flowing, high scoring affair.
Stephen Hendry takes on Ding Junhui, just as he did last year, beating him 13-7.
Mark Selby faces Graeme Dott in a contest I think could be very close.
Ali Carter against Neil Robertson promises to be another entertaining affair.
Shaun Murphy plays Marco Fu in a repeat of this season's UK Championship final, which was a poor match that was nevertheless gripping right to the end.
I sometimes wonder if best of 25 frames in the last 16 is too long as there have, in the past, been a lot of runaway victories.
I don't think there'll be many this year.
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