The government are very keen that we recycle so I thought I'd post a story I wrote some seven years ago.
It was prompted by the realisation that Matthew Stevens is now 30 (it was his birthday last week).
At the 2000 World Championship, I interviewed his father, Morrell, who was proudly cheering him on as he reached the final.
Matthew was to lose 18-16 to Mark Williams from 13-7 up. Less than a year later, Morrell died.
The Crucible defeat had already knocked Matthew's confidence and his father's death contributed to a period in which he went off the rails a little.
That he hasn't won the World Championship, or more than one ranking title, given his great ability is a great surprise. Certainly when I wrote the following for the Sunday Herald in April 2000 I would have expected greater things from the Welshman...
Matthew Stevens defeated Joe Swail 17-12 in the £1.46 million Embassy World Championship yesterday to become the youngest finalist in the sport's premier event since Stephen Hendry won the title in 1990.
The 22 year-old appeared to be coasting to victory when he led 12- 6, saw this advantage reduced to 13-12 by the determined Northern Irishman, but played some tactically superior snooker in the final session to book his place in today's final.
"It felt more like a 17-16," a relieved Stevens said. "Joe made it very difficult for me when he came back from 12-6. He stuck in there but I managed to win under pressure. It might not have been too pretty to watch because quite a few of the frames were scrappy, but I feel on a high to have got through."
While Stevens held his nerve in the arena, he was watched backstage by anxious relatives and friends who had made the journey to Sheffield from Carmarthen, none more proud than his father Morrell.
Stevens senior, who has accompanied his son for the last decade to endless junior events, pro-ams, qualifying schools and anonymous league games, ignored the hype surrounding his charge who was installed as favourite to reach the final from the top half of the draw following the surprise exits of Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan in the first round.
At a time when even the late night television highlights were a distant memory, dad suddenly realised this week how far his son had come.
"It was 4.30am," he explained. "I suddenly shot up and found myself saying 'Bloody hell: Matthew's in the semi-finals of the world championship.'"
Many within snooker had already decided that Stevens was special long before the 17-day marathon began. With a reputation as one of the most deadly break-builders in the modern game, he has managed to shrug off the uncertainties that have seen so many players, including quarter-final victim Jimmy White, wilt under the pressure of the Crucible spotlight. Much of this inner confidence is due to his dad's guiding hand, although snooker was never a path the family pushed.
"It was a complete accident. I didn't play snooker at all and had little interest in it, but one Christmas my wife Sandra was in town and bought a three foot table as a stocking filler. Matthew hasn't put a cue down since," said Morrell.
"He virtually wore that first table out and began playing on the carpet because he wanted a bigger surface. It was obvious he had some sort of talent for the game so I took him down to one of the clubs in Carmarthen, but they said he was too young.
"When he started knocking in 30 breaks regularly at the age of nine at another club, the one he had been turned away from invited him back."
The improvement was rapid and, at the age of 11, Stevens made his first century break. Naturally, his father remembers the date. "It was Valentine's Day, 1988," he says, as if recounting his own date of birth. "Matthew was put into the local league side and was winning matches against 20 and 30 year-olds.
"They didn't always take it well. I remember he once played at a working men's club against a 6ft, 7in miner who was about 25 stone. Matthew beat him and the miner just sat in the corner for the rest of the evening, not talking to anybody."
The young Stevens also played football for his district side, which led to a difficult choice of sports until, at the age of 14, he made the decision to concentrate on snooker and, two years later, was playing on the professional circuit.
"Matthew used to play in a lot of junior tournaments which meant that he missed quite a bit of school," Morrell said.
"His headmaster called us both into his office one day and told us that, as long as he knew when Matthew would be absent, that it was fine.
"That really helped because it taught Matthew that if you give 100% to something then you can achieve your ambitions.
"We must have spent over seven months in total out of about three years at the pro qualifiers in Blackpool. There were hundreds of players there all looking for a break and it was tough, but there wasn't a single moment when I thought Matthew wouldn't get through it.
"His first ranking was 636. Five years later he's up to nine, but there are so many of the players we used to see in Blackpool who are still where they were."
Snooker observers were quick to spot Stevens' potential. He made a steady climb up the ranking list and was soon yapping at the heels of the game's star names. In 1995, he won the Benson and Hedges Championship, an event for lower ranked professionals, which earned him a wild card invitation to the prestigious Wembley Masters. There, he defeated Terry Griffiths, the 1979 world champion on whose club table he practises, in the first round to offer proof, if it were needed, that the new generation of Welsh player was finally overtaking the old.
The following season, Stevens reached the semi-finals of the Grand Prix. In 1998 he was runner-up in the Liverpool Victoria UK Championship, and he gradually played his way into the elite top 16 in the world rankings.
He was a winner again at Wembley in February when a 10-8 victory over Ken Doherty earned him £165,000 as Benson and Hedges Masters champion. If there had ever been any doubters, they were silenced once and for all.
"I said to Matthew after he won at Wembley that if he never potted another ball, it was all right with me," says Morrell. "And, the lovely thing is success hasn't changed him at all. He still goes out on a Saturday night with his mates, still treats everyone the same and can still be a pain in the backside when he wants to be."
There is a moment of laughter, but in the Crucible there is nowhere to hide, not even for the dads. He knows that this is the biggest weekend of the snooker year and, come Tuesday morning, Morrell Stevens may be waking up as father of the world champion.
That's if he gets any sleep at all.
17.9.07
16.9.07
ON THE RUN...
Good luck to Michael Holt who is today doing a half marathon in Nottingham for Diabetes UK.
To clarify: this is the race, not the chocolate bar.
To clarify: this is the race, not the chocolate bar.
13.9.07
IT'S WALTZING WILLIE!
Willie Thorne is to appear on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, which starts on BBC1 next month.
Willie, whose prowess on the dancefloor is unknown, follows in the footsteps of his fellow BBC commentator Dennis Taylor, who appeared two years ago.
"I've not even danced before so this is going to be quite fun," said Willie, the 1985 Mercantile Classic champion, though this triumph is unlikely to help him much when it comes to fox-trotting.
"We're being told they want to see our hips move but I haven't seen my hips for about 10 years let alone moved them. I'm an ugly duckling and I'm hoping they will turn me into a swan."
Willie is up against celebrities including Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones, former England and Liverpool footballer John Barnes, GMTV's Kate Garraway, BBC Sport's Gabby Logan and Brian Capron, who played a serial killer on Coronation Street.
Whether it'll be murder on the dancefloor for Willie remains to be seen.
Willie, whose prowess on the dancefloor is unknown, follows in the footsteps of his fellow BBC commentator Dennis Taylor, who appeared two years ago.
"I've not even danced before so this is going to be quite fun," said Willie, the 1985 Mercantile Classic champion, though this triumph is unlikely to help him much when it comes to fox-trotting.
"We're being told they want to see our hips move but I haven't seen my hips for about 10 years let alone moved them. I'm an ugly duckling and I'm hoping they will turn me into a swan."
Willie is up against celebrities including Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones, former England and Liverpool footballer John Barnes, GMTV's Kate Garraway, BBC Sport's Gabby Logan and Brian Capron, who played a serial killer on Coronation Street.
Whether it'll be murder on the dancefloor for Willie remains to be seen.
BETTING STORY UPDATE
Further to yesterday's story about 'unusual betting patterns' during the Masters qualifiers, Tony Brennan is quoted in today's Racing Post as saying he was one of the punters whom Stan James refused to pay out.
Brennan revealed he'd had £1,500 on three matches (Liang Wenbo to beat Joe Delaney, Ricky Walden to beat Alfie Burden and Jamie Burnett to beat Joe Swail).
He said: "I'm disappointed because I have bet with the firm for a long time now – and I'm not in front – and on one of the few occasions when my number comes up Stan James act like bad losers.
“I will carry on betting with them, but I may stop and think before betting big with them."
SJ's Steve Walsh told the newspaper: "It looks as if it was more a case of the punters having more information than us because it looks as though every match was played on its merits."
Walsh added that he was waiting for official confirmation from the WPBSA before paying out punters.
SJ became suspicious because there was more money staked than they would have expected for such a minor snooker event but that's the risk bookies run for having betting on it in the first place (only three firms did).
It seems a bit much to scream up just because a few snooker punters - who follow the game and current form very closely - have correctly predicted results.
Brennan revealed he'd had £1,500 on three matches (Liang Wenbo to beat Joe Delaney, Ricky Walden to beat Alfie Burden and Jamie Burnett to beat Joe Swail).
He said: "I'm disappointed because I have bet with the firm for a long time now – and I'm not in front – and on one of the few occasions when my number comes up Stan James act like bad losers.
“I will carry on betting with them, but I may stop and think before betting big with them."
SJ's Steve Walsh told the newspaper: "It looks as if it was more a case of the punters having more information than us because it looks as though every match was played on its merits."
Walsh added that he was waiting for official confirmation from the WPBSA before paying out punters.
SJ became suspicious because there was more money staked than they would have expected for such a minor snooker event but that's the risk bookies run for having betting on it in the first place (only three firms did).
It seems a bit much to scream up just because a few snooker punters - who follow the game and current form very closely - have correctly predicted results.
12.9.07
BOOKMAKER PROBES 'UNUSUAL BETTING PATTERNS' AT QUALIFIERS
The bookmaker Stan James has launched an investigation into what it describes as "unusual betting patterns" at the Saga Insurance Masters qualifying tournament.
Today's Racing Post reports that SJ returned winning stakes to some punters who had placed bets on four matches played last Sunday.
SJ say they have no problem with the performances of the players involved or the results of the matches but that they "are looking into about a dozen bets placed in a couple of regions in the UK."
The matches concerned were 1/2 shot Liang Wenbo's 5-2 victory over Joe Delaney, 1/3 Ricky Walden's 5-0 hammering of Alfie Burden, Jamie Burnett (6/5 from 11/8) upsetting Joe Swail 5-2 and 5/6 chance David Gilbert's 5-3 win over Joe Perry.
These kinds of stories come round periodically and tend to be nothing more than nervous bookies reacting to unexpectedly high wagers.
I can't say I found any of the results listed particularly surprising but snooker's problem is that there is no apparatus in place to properly investigate allegations made - I remember one time where betting was suspended on two matches and the WPBSA sent an 'observer' into the arena to watch them both at once!
Today's Racing Post reports that SJ returned winning stakes to some punters who had placed bets on four matches played last Sunday.
SJ say they have no problem with the performances of the players involved or the results of the matches but that they "are looking into about a dozen bets placed in a couple of regions in the UK."
The matches concerned were 1/2 shot Liang Wenbo's 5-2 victory over Joe Delaney, 1/3 Ricky Walden's 5-0 hammering of Alfie Burden, Jamie Burnett (6/5 from 11/8) upsetting Joe Swail 5-2 and 5/6 chance David Gilbert's 5-3 win over Joe Perry.
These kinds of stories come round periodically and tend to be nothing more than nervous bookies reacting to unexpectedly high wagers.
I can't say I found any of the results listed particularly surprising but snooker's problem is that there is no apparatus in place to properly investigate allegations made - I remember one time where betting was suspended on two matches and the WPBSA sent an 'observer' into the arena to watch them both at once!
11.9.07
SNOOKER WEBSITE OF THE WEEK#5
Firstly, apologies that this feature did not appear last week, but I was observing the religious festival of…er…OK I forgot.
Not every governing body has its own website. None has a better one than the Republic of Ireland Billiards and Snooker Association.
www.ribsa.net is precisely what a national association’s site should be like. What people logging on to such corners of the web want is information that is constantly updated. In this regard, RIBSA are ahead of everyone else because they update their tournaments, rankings and calendar constantly.
Their news pages are easily to read and the results are split into the various age sections, ensuring it is easy to find what you’re looking for.
There is a comprehensive links section giving details of snooker clubs in each county of Ireland – invaluable for anyone starting out or just looking for somewhere to play.
Also useful is a list of Irish coaches and downloadable technical guides from coach P.J. Nolan.
On the first page there is even a woman imparting (albeit in a disconcerting American accent) the latest Irish snooker news.
There is also ‘RIBSA TV’ which makes various frames from Irish events available to view.
It’s all very neat and is the sort of site governing bodies should aspire to replicate if they expect their various events to gain any publicity.
Not every governing body has its own website. None has a better one than the Republic of Ireland Billiards and Snooker Association.
www.ribsa.net is precisely what a national association’s site should be like. What people logging on to such corners of the web want is information that is constantly updated. In this regard, RIBSA are ahead of everyone else because they update their tournaments, rankings and calendar constantly.
Their news pages are easily to read and the results are split into the various age sections, ensuring it is easy to find what you’re looking for.
There is a comprehensive links section giving details of snooker clubs in each county of Ireland – invaluable for anyone starting out or just looking for somewhere to play.
Also useful is a list of Irish coaches and downloadable technical guides from coach P.J. Nolan.
On the first page there is even a woman imparting (albeit in a disconcerting American accent) the latest Irish snooker news.
There is also ‘RIBSA TV’ which makes various frames from Irish events available to view.
It’s all very neat and is the sort of site governing bodies should aspire to replicate if they expect their various events to gain any publicity.
10.9.07
WHITE MARCHES ON
Jimmy White moved a step closer to clinching a place in the final stages of the Saga Insurance Masters after beating Jamie Burnett 5-4 to reach the quarter-finals of the qualifying event in Sheffield today.
White, the Masters champion in 1984, finished off with a break of 113 in the deciding frame.
The 45 year-old Londoner has been an ever present in the final stages at Wembley since 1982 but, with only the world’s top 16 seeded through, is unlikely to receive a discretionary wildcard this year having slipped to 78th in the provisional rankings.
However, White will still be among the 18-man field in January if he wins the qualifying tournament.
He trailed 2-1 but compiled breaks of 68 and 114 to edge 3-2 ahead before Glaswegian Burnett, who knocked White out of last season’s World Championship qualifiers, drew level with a run of 61.
They shared the next two frames before White’s second century of the match put him three wins away from securing his Wembley place.
White, the Masters champion in 1984, finished off with a break of 113 in the deciding frame.
The 45 year-old Londoner has been an ever present in the final stages at Wembley since 1982 but, with only the world’s top 16 seeded through, is unlikely to receive a discretionary wildcard this year having slipped to 78th in the provisional rankings.
However, White will still be among the 18-man field in January if he wins the qualifying tournament.
He trailed 2-1 but compiled breaks of 68 and 114 to edge 3-2 ahead before Glaswegian Burnett, who knocked White out of last season’s World Championship qualifiers, drew level with a run of 61.
They shared the next two frames before White’s second century of the match put him three wins away from securing his Wembley place.
6.9.07
RONNIE'S GREATEST STRUGGLE - WITH HIMSELF
Ronnie O'Sullivan's ongoing emotional problems are explored in an interview with Matthnew Syed in today's Times newspaper.
I was particularly interested in the revelation that Ronnie used to keep a diary - that would make fascinating reading!
Interview here: www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/article2395208.ece
I was particularly interested in the revelation that Ronnie used to keep a diary - that would make fascinating reading!
Interview here: www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/article2395208.ece
5.9.07
LESS UK MEANS MORE RONNIE
The Maplin UK Championship has been shortened by four days and will now run from December 8-16 at the Telford International Centre.
The official WPBSA press release states that this “guarantees all of the top 16 players’ participation in the televised stages of one of snooker’s most important tournaments” but this is misleading as there will be four tables, only two of which will be televised.
It also means that, for the first time ever, some matches in the last 16 of the game's second biggest event won't be broadcast at all.
It seems likely the change has primarily been made because Ronnie O’Sullivan, as world no.5, as well as the likes of Stephen Hendry (8) and Ding Junhui (9) would otherwise have to play a match before the TV phase.
The BBC, quite understandably, would rather they competed in front of their cameras.
In previous years, the top four seeds (in this case Peter Ebdon, John Higgins, Graeme Dott and Shaun Murphy) have had their matches held over, but it is by no means certain that any or all of these four players will now play on a TV table.
Indeed, recalling that the WPBSA relegated the Higgins v Mark Selby world final rematch at last month’s Shanghai Masters to a non-TV table, I’d say nothing is guaranteed.
The official WPBSA press release states that this “guarantees all of the top 16 players’ participation in the televised stages of one of snooker’s most important tournaments” but this is misleading as there will be four tables, only two of which will be televised.
It also means that, for the first time ever, some matches in the last 16 of the game's second biggest event won't be broadcast at all.
It seems likely the change has primarily been made because Ronnie O’Sullivan, as world no.5, as well as the likes of Stephen Hendry (8) and Ding Junhui (9) would otherwise have to play a match before the TV phase.
The BBC, quite understandably, would rather they competed in front of their cameras.
In previous years, the top four seeds (in this case Peter Ebdon, John Higgins, Graeme Dott and Shaun Murphy) have had their matches held over, but it is by no means certain that any or all of these four players will now play on a TV table.
Indeed, recalling that the WPBSA relegated the Higgins v Mark Selby world final rematch at last month’s Shanghai Masters to a non-TV table, I’d say nothing is guaranteed.
4.9.07
ALEX HIGGINS BACK IN ACTION
Snooker legend Alex Higgins returns to competitive action later this month for the VC Poker Irish Professional Championship in Dublin.
Higgins, 58, faces former British Open champion Fergal O’Brien in the first round at the Spawell Club,Templelogue.
The twice world champion has not competed since last year’s Irish tournament but has accepted an invitation to play in his home event, which he won five times between 1972 and 1989.
Ken Doherty starts his title defence against Dungannon’s Patrick Wallace on the opening day of the tournament, September 25.
Doherty, the 1997 world champion and current world no.4, beat Michael Judge 9-4 in last year’s final.
Mark Allen, who beat Doherty in the first round of last season’s World Championship, plays Garry Hardiman.
Joe Swail, the 2005 champion, is seeded second and begins his campaign against Colm Gilcreest.
The tournament, which was revived two years ago having not been held since 1993, runs until September 30.
First round draw: Ken Doherty v Patrick Wallace (8pm, Sep 25); David Morris v Vincent Muldoon (5pm, Sep 26); Gerard Greene v Leo Fernandez (5pm, Sep 25); Michael Judge v Dessie Sheehan (2pm, Sep 26); Fergal O’Brien v Alex Higgins (8pm, Sep 26); Mark Allen v Garry Hardiman (2pm Sep25); Joe Delaney v Eamonn Kelly (11am, Sep 25); Joe Swail v Colm Gilcreest (11am, Sep 26)
Higgins, 58, faces former British Open champion Fergal O’Brien in the first round at the Spawell Club,Templelogue.
The twice world champion has not competed since last year’s Irish tournament but has accepted an invitation to play in his home event, which he won five times between 1972 and 1989.
Ken Doherty starts his title defence against Dungannon’s Patrick Wallace on the opening day of the tournament, September 25.
Doherty, the 1997 world champion and current world no.4, beat Michael Judge 9-4 in last year’s final.
Mark Allen, who beat Doherty in the first round of last season’s World Championship, plays Garry Hardiman.
Joe Swail, the 2005 champion, is seeded second and begins his campaign against Colm Gilcreest.
The tournament, which was revived two years ago having not been held since 1993, runs until September 30.
First round draw: Ken Doherty v Patrick Wallace (8pm, Sep 25); David Morris v Vincent Muldoon (5pm, Sep 26); Gerard Greene v Leo Fernandez (5pm, Sep 25); Michael Judge v Dessie Sheehan (2pm, Sep 26); Fergal O’Brien v Alex Higgins (8pm, Sep 26); Mark Allen v Garry Hardiman (2pm Sep25); Joe Delaney v Eamonn Kelly (11am, Sep 25); Joe Swail v Colm Gilcreest (11am, Sep 26)
2.9.07
MONDAY NIGHT CLIVE UPDATE
Unfortunately, Clive Everton's Q&A session at the Landor Theatre tomorrow has had to be cancelled.
All those who bought tickets should have been contacted by the theatre.
All those who bought tickets should have been contacted by the theatre.
31.8.07
MICHAEL'S INDIAN TAKEAWAY
Well done to Michael Georgiou who today defeated China’s Anda Zhang 11-6 to win the World Under 21 Championship in Goa, India.
Georgiou, a 19 year-old Londoner, follows in the footsteps of past winners Peter Ebdon, Ken Doherty and Ronnie O’Sullivan, who all went on to triumph at the Crucible after turning professional.
Having beaten defending champion Passakorn Suwannawat of Thailand 5-4 in the last 16, Georgiou cruised into the final with a 6-1 win over Yu Delu of China and 8-5 defeat of Irishman Vincent Muldoon.
He made breaks of 86 and 72 on the way to beating 15 year-old Zhang, who had been looking to emulate his compatriot Ding Junhui, the winner in 2002.
“Before the final began I had the belief that I could win and just went out there and did it,” said Georgiou, who works as a resident coach at the Royal Automobile Club in London.
Georgiou, a 19 year-old Londoner, follows in the footsteps of past winners Peter Ebdon, Ken Doherty and Ronnie O’Sullivan, who all went on to triumph at the Crucible after turning professional.
Having beaten defending champion Passakorn Suwannawat of Thailand 5-4 in the last 16, Georgiou cruised into the final with a 6-1 win over Yu Delu of China and 8-5 defeat of Irishman Vincent Muldoon.
He made breaks of 86 and 72 on the way to beating 15 year-old Zhang, who had been looking to emulate his compatriot Ding Junhui, the winner in 2002.
“Before the final began I had the belief that I could win and just went out there and did it,” said Georgiou, who works as a resident coach at the Royal Automobile Club in London.
MONDAY NIGHT CLIVE
Tickets are still available for next Monday's 'Audience With Clive Everton' at the Landor Theatre in London as Clive launches his new book 'Black Farce and Cue-Ball Wizards: The Inside Story of Snooker' with an evening of anecdote and reminiscence.
Tickets can be bought from the Landor Theatre box office on 02077377276.
http://www.landortheatre.co.uk/
Tickets can be bought from the Landor Theatre box office on 02077377276.
http://www.landortheatre.co.uk/
30.8.07
SHOULD JIMMY WHITE GET A MASTERS WILDCARD?
The qualifiers for this season’s Saga Insurance Masters get underway next week. Jimmy White, the champion in 1984, will face Matthew Stevens, winner seven years ago, in the tie of the first round less than a year after they played in the wildcard round at Wembley.
A note of caution to anyone wishing to watch this match: it is being played at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield where seating is severely restricted (some tables have no seats at all) so I’d check before rushing to the steel city hoping to watch these two Crucible nearly men doing battle.
That aside, it seems unlikely, given recent form, that Jimmy will win this qualifying event, which leads to the inevitable speculation about whether he will be awarded a wildcard for the Wembley tournament in January.
I think he should be and this is why…
Jimmy White has, through his many ups and downs, been one of the most significant figures in the game’s history. His natural, attacking style helped revolutionise snooker in the 1980s and his Crucible duels with Stephen Hendry in the 1990s were compulsive viewing.
At 45, he remains the most popular player in the game. His form has deserted him but his fans have not.
This could easily be Jimmy’s last season on the circuit. He’s 78th in the current provisional rankings and finds the qualifying set up at Pontin’s, Prestatyn hard to adapt to after years and years of playing in the top flight on television. If he doesn't finish in the top 64 at the end of the campaign he will be relegated.
What better way to reward him than with one final fling in his hometown?
I understand the arguments against. Jimmy has done little for three years so why does he deserve an invite? Why not give it to a star of the future rather than a figure from snooker’s past?
But – and here’s the point – wildcards are meant to reward either popularity or achievement.
Assuming there are three wildcards again, give one to Dominic Dale or Jamie Cope or maybe Judd Trump by all means, but give the other to Jimmy.
It’s true that he didn’t bring many punters in for his match against Stevens last season – I’d say around 600 – but the match was scheduled for a Monday afternoon (hardly prime time) and you can bet that he fetched in at least 300 more spectators than anyone else would have managed in the same slot.
Here’s what I’d do: stick Jimmy on the first night at Wembley against Steve Davis, who has to play in the wildcard round.
What better way to kick-off the tournament than these two legends going head-to-head?
I don’t usually have much time for the obsession with snooker’s past, but I’ll make an exception here because, with Davis on the verge of dropping out of the top 16, it could be the last Masters for both of these players.
They deserve respect for the considerable roles they have played in making snooker the successful television sport it is today.
Such a match would attract publicity, spectators and plenty of TV viewers. Plus, you’re guaranteed one elder statesman in the next round.
There isn't a player on the circuit who doesn't owe these two veterans a debt of thanks - so let's see it paid.
A note of caution to anyone wishing to watch this match: it is being played at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield where seating is severely restricted (some tables have no seats at all) so I’d check before rushing to the steel city hoping to watch these two Crucible nearly men doing battle.
That aside, it seems unlikely, given recent form, that Jimmy will win this qualifying event, which leads to the inevitable speculation about whether he will be awarded a wildcard for the Wembley tournament in January.
I think he should be and this is why…
Jimmy White has, through his many ups and downs, been one of the most significant figures in the game’s history. His natural, attacking style helped revolutionise snooker in the 1980s and his Crucible duels with Stephen Hendry in the 1990s were compulsive viewing.
At 45, he remains the most popular player in the game. His form has deserted him but his fans have not.
This could easily be Jimmy’s last season on the circuit. He’s 78th in the current provisional rankings and finds the qualifying set up at Pontin’s, Prestatyn hard to adapt to after years and years of playing in the top flight on television. If he doesn't finish in the top 64 at the end of the campaign he will be relegated.
What better way to reward him than with one final fling in his hometown?
I understand the arguments against. Jimmy has done little for three years so why does he deserve an invite? Why not give it to a star of the future rather than a figure from snooker’s past?
But – and here’s the point – wildcards are meant to reward either popularity or achievement.
Assuming there are three wildcards again, give one to Dominic Dale or Jamie Cope or maybe Judd Trump by all means, but give the other to Jimmy.
It’s true that he didn’t bring many punters in for his match against Stevens last season – I’d say around 600 – but the match was scheduled for a Monday afternoon (hardly prime time) and you can bet that he fetched in at least 300 more spectators than anyone else would have managed in the same slot.
Here’s what I’d do: stick Jimmy on the first night at Wembley against Steve Davis, who has to play in the wildcard round.
What better way to kick-off the tournament than these two legends going head-to-head?
I don’t usually have much time for the obsession with snooker’s past, but I’ll make an exception here because, with Davis on the verge of dropping out of the top 16, it could be the last Masters for both of these players.
They deserve respect for the considerable roles they have played in making snooker the successful television sport it is today.
Such a match would attract publicity, spectators and plenty of TV viewers. Plus, you’re guaranteed one elder statesman in the next round.
There isn't a player on the circuit who doesn't owe these two veterans a debt of thanks - so let's see it paid.
29.8.07
DANIEL, YOU'RE A STAR
Daniel Wells, the first young player to be awarded a scholarship in the late Paul Hunter's name, is seeded second for the knock-out phase of the IBSF World Under 21 Championship in Goa, India.
This is a huge international event won previously by Ken Doherty, Peter Ebdon and Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Daniel, 18, won all seven of his matches in the group stage and faces Ahmed Muanedi of Bahrain today in the last 32.
The Paul Hunter Scholarship was launched by the WPBSA following Paul's death at 27 from cancer last October.
Daniel has begun a year long programme during which he will receive coaching, media training and high quality practice at the superb World Snooker Academy in Sheffield.
You can read about the programme here: http://www.worldsnooker.com/news_editorial-18833.htm
And follow the World Under 21 action here: http://www.globalsnookercentre.co.uk/files/Results/2007-8/07-8-International/2007-IBSF-WorldUn21/2007-IBSF-WorldU21-ko.htm
This is a huge international event won previously by Ken Doherty, Peter Ebdon and Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Daniel, 18, won all seven of his matches in the group stage and faces Ahmed Muanedi of Bahrain today in the last 32.
The Paul Hunter Scholarship was launched by the WPBSA following Paul's death at 27 from cancer last October.
Daniel has begun a year long programme during which he will receive coaching, media training and high quality practice at the superb World Snooker Academy in Sheffield.
You can read about the programme here: http://www.worldsnooker.com/news_editorial-18833.htm
And follow the World Under 21 action here: http://www.globalsnookercentre.co.uk/files/Results/2007-8/07-8-International/2007-IBSF-WorldUn21/2007-IBSF-WorldU21-ko.htm
27.8.07
SNOOKER WEBSITE OF THE WEEK#4
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s official website - http://www.ronnieosullivan.biz/ - is not far off being the perfect template for what a player site should be.
It is well constructed, regularly updated and geared towards people too often ignored in snooker – the fans.
It’s hard not to like Ronnie. He’s had a lot of problems in his life and has also let himself and his sport down at times, but he’s a fascinating character and, of course, a brilliant snooker player.
He has brought many, many people to the sport that would ordinarily not have given it a second look.
His website rewards them with a plethora of Ronnie-based material.
There is a shop where merchandise can be purchased, including T-shirts, mugs, his book and DVD and exclusive photographs.
The picture section features Ronnie at the table, in exhibitions and in his personal life.
There is a biography with stats (although some of these are out of date) and a fixtures list of when and where the ‘Rocket’ will be lifting off this season.
A perusal of the forum reveals that there are a lot of women who like Ronnie and that many of them live around Europe.
This shows how Eurosport’s extensive snooker coverage of the last few years has helped create legions of new fans, with Ronnie in particular widening the game’s appeal to countries where the game has no real history.
The forum is vehemently pro-Ronnie, with even the slightest sceptical opinion dismissed out of hand, but this is hardly a surprise on a site dedicated to him and I don’t mention it as a criticism.
Ronnie has a lot of supporters. I don’t know how this makes him feel: he’s always struck me as a rather shy man who doesn’t seek the bright lights of fame.
Regardless, those supporters have been rewarded with a site that seems geared towards what they want, which is surely the way it should be.
It is well constructed, regularly updated and geared towards people too often ignored in snooker – the fans.
It’s hard not to like Ronnie. He’s had a lot of problems in his life and has also let himself and his sport down at times, but he’s a fascinating character and, of course, a brilliant snooker player.
He has brought many, many people to the sport that would ordinarily not have given it a second look.
His website rewards them with a plethora of Ronnie-based material.
There is a shop where merchandise can be purchased, including T-shirts, mugs, his book and DVD and exclusive photographs.
The picture section features Ronnie at the table, in exhibitions and in his personal life.
There is a biography with stats (although some of these are out of date) and a fixtures list of when and where the ‘Rocket’ will be lifting off this season.
A perusal of the forum reveals that there are a lot of women who like Ronnie and that many of them live around Europe.
This shows how Eurosport’s extensive snooker coverage of the last few years has helped create legions of new fans, with Ronnie in particular widening the game’s appeal to countries where the game has no real history.
The forum is vehemently pro-Ronnie, with even the slightest sceptical opinion dismissed out of hand, but this is hardly a surprise on a site dedicated to him and I don’t mention it as a criticism.
Ronnie has a lot of supporters. I don’t know how this makes him feel: he’s always struck me as a rather shy man who doesn’t seek the bright lights of fame.
Regardless, those supporters have been rewarded with a site that seems geared towards what they want, which is surely the way it should be.
24.8.07
SOMETHING A-MISS
We were talking about the miss rule in the office the other day – those long summer afternoons fly by.
It was chiefly in response to Fergal O’Brien’s outburst during the Shanghai Masters.
Fergal’s normally implacable temperament cracked when referee Johan Oomen failed to call a miss after Steve Davis failed to escape from an exceptionally difficult snooker on the last red during the first frame of their opening round encounter.
Oomen’s argument was that, as the shot was so difficult, a miss should not be called. Fergal, with some vehemence, said that as Davis had not left the red on he was gaining the advantage – which is precisely the situation in which a miss should be called. In the end, Oomen stood his ground and Davis went on to win the frame on the black.
I had sympathy for Oomen. The fact was that it was a tough escape and Davis spent a long time considering how to get out of it.
But the central point the matter raises is this: what’s the point in laying a really difficult snooker?
Referees tend to look sympathetically on the snookered player in such circumstances so the player laying the snooker would actually be better advised to lay a snooker that is missable but not nigh on impossible.
A miss is called 99% of the time when a player escapes. The only time it isn’t (apart from when snookers are required) is when the snooker is so fiendish – surely down to the expert skill of the player laying it – that an escape is very difficult. So the player snookered actually has a form of advantage.
There’s something not quite right about all this.
It was chiefly in response to Fergal O’Brien’s outburst during the Shanghai Masters.
Fergal’s normally implacable temperament cracked when referee Johan Oomen failed to call a miss after Steve Davis failed to escape from an exceptionally difficult snooker on the last red during the first frame of their opening round encounter.
Oomen’s argument was that, as the shot was so difficult, a miss should not be called. Fergal, with some vehemence, said that as Davis had not left the red on he was gaining the advantage – which is precisely the situation in which a miss should be called. In the end, Oomen stood his ground and Davis went on to win the frame on the black.
I had sympathy for Oomen. The fact was that it was a tough escape and Davis spent a long time considering how to get out of it.
But the central point the matter raises is this: what’s the point in laying a really difficult snooker?
Referees tend to look sympathetically on the snookered player in such circumstances so the player laying the snooker would actually be better advised to lay a snooker that is missable but not nigh on impossible.
A miss is called 99% of the time when a player escapes. The only time it isn’t (apart from when snookers are required) is when the snooker is so fiendish – surely down to the expert skill of the player laying it – that an escape is very difficult. So the player snookered actually has a form of advantage.
There’s something not quite right about all this.
22.8.07
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVE
Steve Davis is 50 today. He turned professional in 1978 and 29 years on is still ranked 15th in the world.
What a remarkable sportsman he is. Although most of his achievements have been surpassed by Stephen Hendry, Davis remains a legend.
Davis, as much as anyone and more than most, has played a vital role in popularising Snooker as a major television attraction.
He was the Tiger Woods, the Roger Federer, the Michael Schumacher of our sport in the 1980s and, two decades on, is still able to compete, albeit on a less regular basis, with the best the game has to offer today.
In the August issue of Snooker Scene, we listed his ten greatest moments.
They were:
1980 – WINNING HIS FIRST PROFESSIONAL TITLE
Davis beat Alex Higgins 16-6 to win the UK Championship and launch himself into the game's winners' circle, where he remained for well over a decade.
1981 – WINNING HIS FIRST WORLD TITLE
The first of six Crucible crowns in the 1980s.
1982 – MAKING THE FIRST TELEVISED MAXIMUM
147s are relatively common today, but Davis made the first.
1985 – THE BLACK BALL FINAL
Although he lost 18-17 to Dennis Taylor at the Crucible, Davis himself rates his involvement in the final as a highlight all these years later.
1987 – 18 IN A ROW
At the 1987 Mercantile Classic Davis reached his 18th consecutive ranking event quarter-final - which remains a record. It emphasised his consistency in the decade when he was king.
1988 – WINNING THE BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Winning this coveted prize proved his popularity with the British public as the snooker honeymoon continued.
1989 – WINNING A SIXTH WORLD TITLE
Davis equalled Ray Reardon's modern day record in awesome style by hammering John Parrott 18-3 in the final - still the biggest margin of defeat at the Crucible.
1993 – BACK-TO-BACK RANKING TITLES
Stephen Hendry was by now top dog but Davis's capture of the European and British Open titles proved he was still a contender.
1997 – WINNING THE MASTERS
Widely written off as a player in decline, Davis came from 8-4 down to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-8 at Wembley.
2005 – REACHING HIS 100TH FINAL
Davis reached the UK Championship final at York with superb displays to beat Stephen Maguire, Ken Doherty and Stephen Hendry before losing 10-6 to Ding Junhui.
What a remarkable sportsman he is. Although most of his achievements have been surpassed by Stephen Hendry, Davis remains a legend.
Davis, as much as anyone and more than most, has played a vital role in popularising Snooker as a major television attraction.
He was the Tiger Woods, the Roger Federer, the Michael Schumacher of our sport in the 1980s and, two decades on, is still able to compete, albeit on a less regular basis, with the best the game has to offer today.
In the August issue of Snooker Scene, we listed his ten greatest moments.
They were:
1980 – WINNING HIS FIRST PROFESSIONAL TITLE
Davis beat Alex Higgins 16-6 to win the UK Championship and launch himself into the game's winners' circle, where he remained for well over a decade.
1981 – WINNING HIS FIRST WORLD TITLE
The first of six Crucible crowns in the 1980s.
1982 – MAKING THE FIRST TELEVISED MAXIMUM
147s are relatively common today, but Davis made the first.
1985 – THE BLACK BALL FINAL
Although he lost 18-17 to Dennis Taylor at the Crucible, Davis himself rates his involvement in the final as a highlight all these years later.
1987 – 18 IN A ROW
At the 1987 Mercantile Classic Davis reached his 18th consecutive ranking event quarter-final - which remains a record. It emphasised his consistency in the decade when he was king.
1988 – WINNING THE BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Winning this coveted prize proved his popularity with the British public as the snooker honeymoon continued.
1989 – WINNING A SIXTH WORLD TITLE
Davis equalled Ray Reardon's modern day record in awesome style by hammering John Parrott 18-3 in the final - still the biggest margin of defeat at the Crucible.
1993 – BACK-TO-BACK RANKING TITLES
Stephen Hendry was by now top dog but Davis's capture of the European and British Open titles proved he was still a contender.
1997 – WINNING THE MASTERS
Widely written off as a player in decline, Davis came from 8-4 down to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-8 at Wembley.
2005 – REACHING HIS 100TH FINAL
Davis reached the UK Championship final at York with superb displays to beat Stephen Maguire, Ken Doherty and Stephen Hendry before losing 10-6 to Ding Junhui.
21.8.07
CLIVE ON THE RADIO
Sorry for the short notice but Clive Everton will be on Simon Mayo's show on BBC Radio 5 Live just after 2pm this afternoon.
You can listen here http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/ if you're supposed to be working.
You can listen here http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/ if you're supposed to be working.
20.8.07
SNOOKER WEBSITE OF THE WEEK#3
No I hadn't forgotten to update this every Monday as promised, I was in Edinburgh. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Anyway, this week it's www.snooker.org.
This is a site run by Hermund Ardalen, a snooker obsessive from Norway. Hermund set it up back in 1994, when Stephen Hendry still had a few world titles left to win, Jimmy White was still hoping to stop him winning them and most snooker folk thought the internet was an arcane term used in fishing.
Today, there's plenty of competition but WWW Snooker is still a first rate resource for anyone with an interest in snooker.
Not least, Hermund runs a prediction competition for those wishing to forecast the results of tournaments (nobody tipped Dominic Dale to win in Shanghai I notice).
There is a huge archive of results, ranking lists and player stats as well as links to all manner of snooker related sites.
There was a time where this site was pretty much the only place on the world wide web where anyone interested in snooker could go.
That isn't the case now, of course, but Hermund was there before everyone else and deserves respect for all his efforts.
You can also check out his blog www.billiardpulse.com for coverage of and links to all major cue sports competitions.
Anyway, this week it's www.snooker.org.
This is a site run by Hermund Ardalen, a snooker obsessive from Norway. Hermund set it up back in 1994, when Stephen Hendry still had a few world titles left to win, Jimmy White was still hoping to stop him winning them and most snooker folk thought the internet was an arcane term used in fishing.
Today, there's plenty of competition but WWW Snooker is still a first rate resource for anyone with an interest in snooker.
Not least, Hermund runs a prediction competition for those wishing to forecast the results of tournaments (nobody tipped Dominic Dale to win in Shanghai I notice).
There is a huge archive of results, ranking lists and player stats as well as links to all manner of snooker related sites.
There was a time where this site was pretty much the only place on the world wide web where anyone interested in snooker could go.
That isn't the case now, of course, but Hermund was there before everyone else and deserves respect for all his efforts.
You can also check out his blog www.billiardpulse.com for coverage of and links to all major cue sports competitions.
AN EVENING WITH CLIVE EVERTON
Clive Everton, the editor of Snooker Scene, snooker correspondent of The Guardian and a member of the BBC commentary team for 30 years, will be launching his autobiography 'Black Farce and Cue Ball Wizards: The Inside Story of Snooker' with an evening of anecdotes and reminiscence on September 3.
Clive will talk about his life in the sport and will take questions from the audience.
This event is taking place at the Landor Theatre in London from 8pm.
Tickets cost £10 and are available from the box office on 0207-737-7276.
Clive will talk about his life in the sport and will take questions from the audience.
This event is taking place at the Landor Theatre in London from 8pm.
Tickets cost £10 and are available from the box office on 0207-737-7276.
19.8.07
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO SNOOKER IN CANADA?
Remember the days of Cliff Thorburn, Kirk Stevens and Bill Werbeniuk? Remember Alain Robidoux and Bob Chaperon? Remember when Canada was a snooker stronghold?
So what went wrong?
The Ottawa Citizen decided to find out...
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?id=737921e7-2b44-46fb-aa57-568b098deb5e&k=1408
So what went wrong?
The Ottawa Citizen decided to find out...
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/sports/story.html?id=737921e7-2b44-46fb-aa57-568b098deb5e&k=1408
15.8.07
WHITE UNDER PRESSURE
Jimmy White is 78th in the provisional rankings.
I'll repeat that: Jimmy White is 78th in the provisional rankings.
Bearing in mind he won a ranking event three years ago and was still the world no.8 in 2006, this has to be the most rapid decline of a snooker great in the game's history.
Journalistic impartiality aside, I'm a great fan of Jimmy as a player and a person, which makes his fall particularly disappointing.
Remember, he has to finish inside the top 64 at the end of the season to be sure of keeping his main tour place.
The way things are going this is by no means certain. Jimmy doesn't enjoy playing at the Prestatyn qualifiers and at the age of 45 must know that his best years are behind him.
It doesn't get any easier, either. In the Northern Ireland Trophy qualifiers he's been drawn to play Leo Fernandez, who has been enjoying some good form of late, or Xiao Guodong, the 18 year-old Asian under 21 champion who beat Michael Judge in the recent Shanghai Masters. If he gets through that he plays Dave Gilbert, who qualified for the Crucible last season.
It is entirely possible that the only time we will see Jimmy White on our TV screens this season is in the Premier League, to which he has been invited once again, although he must still be a favourite for a Wembley Masters wildcard.
I'll repeat that: Jimmy White is 78th in the provisional rankings.
Bearing in mind he won a ranking event three years ago and was still the world no.8 in 2006, this has to be the most rapid decline of a snooker great in the game's history.
Journalistic impartiality aside, I'm a great fan of Jimmy as a player and a person, which makes his fall particularly disappointing.
Remember, he has to finish inside the top 64 at the end of the season to be sure of keeping his main tour place.
The way things are going this is by no means certain. Jimmy doesn't enjoy playing at the Prestatyn qualifiers and at the age of 45 must know that his best years are behind him.
It doesn't get any easier, either. In the Northern Ireland Trophy qualifiers he's been drawn to play Leo Fernandez, who has been enjoying some good form of late, or Xiao Guodong, the 18 year-old Asian under 21 champion who beat Michael Judge in the recent Shanghai Masters. If he gets through that he plays Dave Gilbert, who qualified for the Crucible last season.
It is entirely possible that the only time we will see Jimmy White on our TV screens this season is in the Premier League, to which he has been invited once again, although he must still be a favourite for a Wembley Masters wildcard.
13.8.07
SNOOKER WEBSITE OF THE WEEK#2
One of the best, and paradoxically worst, features of the internet is the opportunity it affords people to post opinions whether they know anything about a particular subject or not.
People often get confused about the concept of free speech and forget that it comes with taking responsibility for what you say.
On internet forums, you can remain largely anonymous, which can lead to outrageous slurs, lies and libels.
Fortunately, www.thesnookerforum.com does not appear to be such a place.
It is a lively site where snooker fans around the world can come together to debate various issues, whether about favourite players, tournament results, advice on technique or a myriad of other snooker-related themes.
I don’t contribute because I’m not sure it would be appropriate but I do read it because the opinions of snooker watchers are always I interesting. These are the people who ultimately keep professional sport alive, after all.
The particularly heartening thing about TSF is the international make up of its members. The first thread I clicked on today had contributors from Egypt, South Korea, Greece, Sweden, Holland, China, Belgium, Finland and India.
The enthusiasm for snooker is great to see and there seems to be a genuine feeling of a community of like minded people.
Obviously, not everyone will agree with all opinions and not all incorrect statements are put right, but from what I’ve read there is a pleasing lack of aggro that you tend to find on many forums.
Passions tend to run high when particular players are debated. Inevitably, Ronnie O’Sullivan divides opinion pretty sharply and TV commentators of a sensitive nature may wish to look away at times but all credit to TSF and its members.
They are snooker people and no sport should ever forget that the fans are central to its success.
People often get confused about the concept of free speech and forget that it comes with taking responsibility for what you say.
On internet forums, you can remain largely anonymous, which can lead to outrageous slurs, lies and libels.
Fortunately, www.thesnookerforum.com does not appear to be such a place.
It is a lively site where snooker fans around the world can come together to debate various issues, whether about favourite players, tournament results, advice on technique or a myriad of other snooker-related themes.
I don’t contribute because I’m not sure it would be appropriate but I do read it because the opinions of snooker watchers are always I interesting. These are the people who ultimately keep professional sport alive, after all.
The particularly heartening thing about TSF is the international make up of its members. The first thread I clicked on today had contributors from Egypt, South Korea, Greece, Sweden, Holland, China, Belgium, Finland and India.
The enthusiasm for snooker is great to see and there seems to be a genuine feeling of a community of like minded people.
Obviously, not everyone will agree with all opinions and not all incorrect statements are put right, but from what I’ve read there is a pleasing lack of aggro that you tend to find on many forums.
Passions tend to run high when particular players are debated. Inevitably, Ronnie O’Sullivan divides opinion pretty sharply and TV commentators of a sensitive nature may wish to look away at times but all credit to TSF and its members.
They are snooker people and no sport should ever forget that the fans are central to its success.
12.8.07
SPACEMAN SET FOR SHANGHAI FINALE
Dominic Dale is known as 'The Spaceman' because there are times when he appears to be on a different planet to everyone else.
He's an eccentric. People who don't think there are any characters in snooker obviously haven't met him.
Today, Dominic faces Ryan Day in the Shanghai Masters final ten years after winning the Grand Prix, his only major title.
In fact, this is his first final since he beat John Higgins 9-6 at Bournemouth - the longest ever wait between a first and second ranking final.
I wish Dominic well. I did quite a bit of commentary with him for Eurosport at the World Championship last season and what shines through is his sheer love of snooker.
Indeed, my colleague Neal Foulds tipped him to win the Shanghai title on the very first morning of the tournament on the basis that 'if anyone's been practising this summer, Dominic has.'
Day is a tough opponent and will start as favourite but 'The Spaceman' wasn't given much hope against Higgins and, ten years on, is playing as well as he ever has.
He's an eccentric. People who don't think there are any characters in snooker obviously haven't met him.
Today, Dominic faces Ryan Day in the Shanghai Masters final ten years after winning the Grand Prix, his only major title.
In fact, this is his first final since he beat John Higgins 9-6 at Bournemouth - the longest ever wait between a first and second ranking final.
I wish Dominic well. I did quite a bit of commentary with him for Eurosport at the World Championship last season and what shines through is his sheer love of snooker.
Indeed, my colleague Neal Foulds tipped him to win the Shanghai title on the very first morning of the tournament on the basis that 'if anyone's been practising this summer, Dominic has.'
Day is a tough opponent and will start as favourite but 'The Spaceman' wasn't given much hope against Higgins and, ten years on, is playing as well as he ever has.
10.8.07
QUESTIONS FOR DING
Ding Junhui once again exhibited a petulant streak in losing 5-1 to Graeme Dott at the Shanghai Masters yesterday.
His rash swipe at the cueball when he broke down on 73 with a maximum on in the fifth frame could have been interpreted as a concession.
You’ll recall Ding tried to concede the Saga Masters final at Wembley last January after falling 9-3 behind as Ronnie produced a sublime spell of play. Put simply, Ding hasn’t been the same player since.
He seems to lose heart when things go wrong and this can’t bode well for the future. Snooker, like any sport, is full of highs and lows. Dealing with each is key to success.
Can he turn things round?
Of course. It’s worth remembering he’s already won three ranking titles and he’s still only 20.
Will he turn things round?
Only time will tell.
His rash swipe at the cueball when he broke down on 73 with a maximum on in the fifth frame could have been interpreted as a concession.
You’ll recall Ding tried to concede the Saga Masters final at Wembley last January after falling 9-3 behind as Ronnie produced a sublime spell of play. Put simply, Ding hasn’t been the same player since.
He seems to lose heart when things go wrong and this can’t bode well for the future. Snooker, like any sport, is full of highs and lows. Dealing with each is key to success.
Can he turn things round?
Of course. It’s worth remembering he’s already won three ranking titles and he’s still only 20.
Will he turn things round?
Only time will tell.
9.8.07
CHINA IS THE FUTURE
There are now as many ranking events in China as there are in England and for a sport with global aspirations that can only be a good thing.
There is a business rivalry between Shanghai and Beijing and with snooker so popular in China each city is determined to stage a top event.
The Grand Stage in Shanghai is aptly named: a superb arena that seats 8,000 with 3,000 expected for the final, which would make it one of the best attended matches in snooker history.
The locals are fanatical about snooker. Eleven young women wore t-shirts spelling out Michael Holt’s name, though how they would have coped had Martin Dziewialtowski qualified I’ve no idea.
It seems to me that there’s no reason – other than the obvious financial restraints – why more events can’t be added in China to develop a small Asian Tour.
Certainly their players are improving all the time and Ding Junhui is a national sporting hero in China.
Some British players don’t enjoy flying to the Far East but if they want to continue on the circuit they’d better get used to it.
There is a business rivalry between Shanghai and Beijing and with snooker so popular in China each city is determined to stage a top event.
The Grand Stage in Shanghai is aptly named: a superb arena that seats 8,000 with 3,000 expected for the final, which would make it one of the best attended matches in snooker history.
The locals are fanatical about snooker. Eleven young women wore t-shirts spelling out Michael Holt’s name, though how they would have coped had Martin Dziewialtowski qualified I’ve no idea.
It seems to me that there’s no reason – other than the obvious financial restraints – why more events can’t be added in China to develop a small Asian Tour.
Certainly their players are improving all the time and Ding Junhui is a national sporting hero in China.
Some British players don’t enjoy flying to the Far East but if they want to continue on the circuit they’d better get used to it.
8.8.07
WORLD FINAL REMATCH NOT ON TV
Has there ever been a more crassly stupid decision taken than the one made in Shanghai today to put Thursday's world final rematch between John Higgins and Mark Selby on a non-TV table?
For those of you watching in Europe, this was not Eurosport's decision. Indeed, the broadcaster lobbied hard to have it reversed.
Instead, Steve Davis v Dave Harold and Stuart Bingham and Stuart Pettman are being put in front on the cameras while Higgins v Selby and Ian McCulloch and Ryan Day are round the back.
What benefit is this to the game? Higgins v Selby is the match of the round and eagerly awaited after their gripping Crucible showdown.
The official - deeply flawed explanation - is that tables had been pre-assigned and tickets sold in the expectation that Ronnie O'Sullivan would be featuring.
So what? When O'Sullivan walked out of last season's UK Championship the paying public were fobbed off with the old excuse that 'players only appear circumstances permitting.'
Who would those who paid to see Ronnie rather watch: the world champion against the world runner-up or Bingham v Pettman? No disrespect at all to the two Stuarts but it's a no-brainer.
It's just yet another example of those people charged with promoting professional snooker selling it short.
For those of you watching in Europe, this was not Eurosport's decision. Indeed, the broadcaster lobbied hard to have it reversed.
Instead, Steve Davis v Dave Harold and Stuart Bingham and Stuart Pettman are being put in front on the cameras while Higgins v Selby and Ian McCulloch and Ryan Day are round the back.
What benefit is this to the game? Higgins v Selby is the match of the round and eagerly awaited after their gripping Crucible showdown.
The official - deeply flawed explanation - is that tables had been pre-assigned and tickets sold in the expectation that Ronnie O'Sullivan would be featuring.
So what? When O'Sullivan walked out of last season's UK Championship the paying public were fobbed off with the old excuse that 'players only appear circumstances permitting.'
Who would those who paid to see Ronnie rather watch: the world champion against the world runner-up or Bingham v Pettman? No disrespect at all to the two Stuarts but it's a no-brainer.
It's just yet another example of those people charged with promoting professional snooker selling it short.
GRAND FINISH FROM GRAND MASTER DAVIS
How about this for a stat: Steve Davis’s victory over Fergal O’Brien yesterday means that he has now won matches under five British Prime Ministers.
He turned pro in 1978 under James Callaghan, won six world titles under Margaret Thatcher, entered a gradual decline under John Major, declined further before enjoying a revival under Tony Blair and has begun his 30th season on the circuit under Gordon Brown.
Davis looked rusty for much of the match against O’Brien. He had barely practised all summer and suggested his cue would have woodworm in it when he got it out of its case.
But the 49 year-old loves competing, got stuck in and fought back from 4-2 down before producing a fine finish as his run of 99 gave him a 5-4 victory.
This remarkable sportsman shows no signs of running out of steam just yet.
He turned pro in 1978 under James Callaghan, won six world titles under Margaret Thatcher, entered a gradual decline under John Major, declined further before enjoying a revival under Tony Blair and has begun his 30th season on the circuit under Gordon Brown.
Davis looked rusty for much of the match against O’Brien. He had barely practised all summer and suggested his cue would have woodworm in it when he got it out of its case.
But the 49 year-old loves competing, got stuck in and fought back from 4-2 down before producing a fine finish as his run of 99 gave him a 5-4 victory.
This remarkable sportsman shows no signs of running out of steam just yet.
6.8.07
SNOOKER WEBSITE OF THE WEEK#1
This is the first of a new weekly feature to be posted every Monday (assuming I remember) looking at different snooker websites.
We start with the best, www.globalcuesportscentre.com.
Put simply, it’s the leading resource for snooker and cue sports results and information on the web.
Janie Watkins, who set it up, works tirelessly to provide information on all tournaments – professional, amateur and junior – in snooker, billiards, pool, carom, pyramids and any other cue sport she can find information on.
Global Cue Sports carries live scoring from most snooker tournaments, including all the events of the world ranking event circuit from the qualifiers right through until the final.
Frame scores, centuries, results, schedules of play, photographs – it’s all there, including prize money, which the WPBSA absurdly refuse to publish on their own site because of the way it has fallen in recent years.
But it isn’t just the pro game that is covered in depth. GCSC also carry live scoring on all tournaments at Pontin’s, including the International Open Series, festivals, pro-ams and junior events.
There is a results archive, ranking lists, calendar, news pages and forum where fans can express their opinions.
Perhaps the best innovation of recent months is the addition of a video library of frames and matches from various events, including the PIOS, European Amateur Championships and pro-ams.
I know many players and members of the snooker press use GCSC to find information that they can‘t find anywhere else, or at least not as quickly.
The site seems to be improving all the time and I commend Janie for her efforts.
Global Cue Sports Centre is a significant contribution to our game and long may it continue.
We start with the best, www.globalcuesportscentre.com.
Put simply, it’s the leading resource for snooker and cue sports results and information on the web.
Janie Watkins, who set it up, works tirelessly to provide information on all tournaments – professional, amateur and junior – in snooker, billiards, pool, carom, pyramids and any other cue sport she can find information on.
Global Cue Sports carries live scoring from most snooker tournaments, including all the events of the world ranking event circuit from the qualifiers right through until the final.
Frame scores, centuries, results, schedules of play, photographs – it’s all there, including prize money, which the WPBSA absurdly refuse to publish on their own site because of the way it has fallen in recent years.
But it isn’t just the pro game that is covered in depth. GCSC also carry live scoring on all tournaments at Pontin’s, including the International Open Series, festivals, pro-ams and junior events.
There is a results archive, ranking lists, calendar, news pages and forum where fans can express their opinions.
Perhaps the best innovation of recent months is the addition of a video library of frames and matches from various events, including the PIOS, European Amateur Championships and pro-ams.
I know many players and members of the snooker press use GCSC to find information that they can‘t find anywhere else, or at least not as quickly.
The site seems to be improving all the time and I commend Janie for her efforts.
Global Cue Sports Centre is a significant contribution to our game and long may it continue.
2.8.07
O'SULLIVAN PULLS OUT OF SHANGHAI MASTERS
Ronnie O’Sullivan has withdrawn from next week’s Shanghai Masters, the first ranking tournament of the new season.
In a statement on his official website, http://www.ronnieosullivan.biz/, the world no.5 was said to have injured his back.
The statement added: “Ronnie has been advised by his doctor not to travel and that bending over a table will cause more damage.
“The injury is not serious, however he does need to rest and not risk making it worse.
“He apologises to his fans and to all those who were looking forward to seeing him perform.”
O’Sullivan, 31, previously withdrew from the 2005 China Open in Beijing with an undisclosed medical complaint.
In a statement on his official website, http://www.ronnieosullivan.biz/, the world no.5 was said to have injured his back.
The statement added: “Ronnie has been advised by his doctor not to travel and that bending over a table will cause more damage.
“The injury is not serious, however he does need to rest and not risk making it worse.
“He apologises to his fans and to all those who were looking forward to seeing him perform.”
O’Sullivan, 31, previously withdrew from the 2005 China Open in Beijing with an undisclosed medical complaint.
BEST OF ENEMIES
Nothing like a friendly start to the new season.
Graeme Dott, who yesterday launched the Royal London Watches Grand Prix, is quoted in today's Aberdeen Press and Journal as saying of Ian McCulloch, his first round conqueror at the Crucible last season: "To lose to McCulloch at any time is disappointing. I don't like the guy, I don't respect him and I don't think he is any good."
And then he told the Aberdeen Evening Express: "I couldn't have played any worse. Honestly, you could have taken a guy off the street and he would have beaten me. Yet McCulloch only managed to win 10-7.
"After that McCulloch said that Anthony Hamilton was in a different class to me, which is disrespectful. No disrespect to Anthony, who is a fantastic player - but has he won the world title? No.
"It is not good etiquette to say something bad about a fellow player, but since McCulloch has I feel no reason to hold back. McCulloch has done nothing, and will do nothing in the game - so I find his attitude astonishing."
Let's hope they don't end up sitting next to each other on the plane to Shanghai this weekend.
Graeme Dott, who yesterday launched the Royal London Watches Grand Prix, is quoted in today's Aberdeen Press and Journal as saying of Ian McCulloch, his first round conqueror at the Crucible last season: "To lose to McCulloch at any time is disappointing. I don't like the guy, I don't respect him and I don't think he is any good."
And then he told the Aberdeen Evening Express: "I couldn't have played any worse. Honestly, you could have taken a guy off the street and he would have beaten me. Yet McCulloch only managed to win 10-7.
"After that McCulloch said that Anthony Hamilton was in a different class to me, which is disrespectful. No disrespect to Anthony, who is a fantastic player - but has he won the world title? No.
"It is not good etiquette to say something bad about a fellow player, but since McCulloch has I feel no reason to hold back. McCulloch has done nothing, and will do nothing in the game - so I find his attitude astonishing."
Let's hope they don't end up sitting next to each other on the plane to Shanghai this weekend.
31.7.07
AND SO TO SHANGHAI...
These summer months afford time to ponder the great concerns of our time: will Gordon Brown cut it as prime minister? Is global warming going to cause much of Britain to disappear under water? Why is Vernon Kay on the TV every time you turn it on?
It also allows time for cultural enrichment: reading the latest book by William Boyd, listening to the Calvin Harris album, watching The Wire on DVD. All very pleasant indeed and the sun has even come out today.
I’m sure, though, there’s something else happening soon. I can’t put my finger on it just now. No hang on I remember – there’s a snooker tournament next week.
Sadly, our sport isn’t like golf or tennis where there’s action somewhere in the world pretty much every week of the year. Hence, snooker tournaments tend to creep up on you without warning.
The magnificent Grand Place is the venue for the Shanghai Masters, the first ranking event of the new season which, like the China Open in Beijing, is guaranteed for at least five years under a deal with the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association.
Nobody’s in much form as few have lifted a cue since the 888.com World Championship three months ago but John Higgins, the Crucible champion, has been kept busy, playing in a small event in Warsaw, winning the invitation Euro-Asia Challenge in Hong Kong and playing various exhibitions.
However, Higgins faces for my money the toughest of all the qualifiers in the first round, Jamie Cope, runner-up last season in Beijing and also in the Royal London Watches Grand Prix at Aberdeen.
It’s a vicious quarter of the draw that includes Mark Selby, who Higgins beat in their Sheffield final, and former world champions Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Williams, who have both won ranking titles in Shanghai.
Ding Junhui, who played in the last ranking tournament staged in Shanghai in 2002 as a 14 year-old wildcard, is in the other half of the draw, which includes Stephen Hendry, winner of the first ranking event staged in China in 1990, Shaun Murphy, the 2005 world champion, and Neil Robertson, winner of two ranking crowns last term.
Picking a winner is, as usual, impossible. Stick a pin in the draw – it’s quicker than trying to work out what will happen.
Looking at the season as a whole I’m going to predict one player in particular to watch: Stephen Maguire.
You’ll recall the manner of his semi-final defeat to Higgins at the Crucible. Entering the final session leading 14-10 – having played superbly – he was beaten 17-15, missing the pink in losing a crucial 30th frame which would have put him 16-14 up.
I well remember Maguire turning pro in 1999. I interviewed him after his very first match. He seemed far too polite and reserved for this game but they breed them pretty tough in Glasgow and his personality soon came to the fore.
He’ll have been gutted by his Sheffield exit with the sure knowledge that he let a gilt-edged chance to become world champion slip.
And he’ll be back fighting harder than ever to prove himself as one of the game’s best, which he is, as proved by the manner in which he won the 2004 UK Championship.
I suspect he feels like a wounded animal at the moment and will want to get stuck into the new season to cast off the disappointments of the last campaign.
Shanghai would be a good place to start.
- The Shanghai Masters is live on British Eurosport, Eurosport International and the Great Sports Channel in China from August 6-12
It also allows time for cultural enrichment: reading the latest book by William Boyd, listening to the Calvin Harris album, watching The Wire on DVD. All very pleasant indeed and the sun has even come out today.
I’m sure, though, there’s something else happening soon. I can’t put my finger on it just now. No hang on I remember – there’s a snooker tournament next week.
Sadly, our sport isn’t like golf or tennis where there’s action somewhere in the world pretty much every week of the year. Hence, snooker tournaments tend to creep up on you without warning.
The magnificent Grand Place is the venue for the Shanghai Masters, the first ranking event of the new season which, like the China Open in Beijing, is guaranteed for at least five years under a deal with the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association.
Nobody’s in much form as few have lifted a cue since the 888.com World Championship three months ago but John Higgins, the Crucible champion, has been kept busy, playing in a small event in Warsaw, winning the invitation Euro-Asia Challenge in Hong Kong and playing various exhibitions.
However, Higgins faces for my money the toughest of all the qualifiers in the first round, Jamie Cope, runner-up last season in Beijing and also in the Royal London Watches Grand Prix at Aberdeen.
It’s a vicious quarter of the draw that includes Mark Selby, who Higgins beat in their Sheffield final, and former world champions Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Williams, who have both won ranking titles in Shanghai.
Ding Junhui, who played in the last ranking tournament staged in Shanghai in 2002 as a 14 year-old wildcard, is in the other half of the draw, which includes Stephen Hendry, winner of the first ranking event staged in China in 1990, Shaun Murphy, the 2005 world champion, and Neil Robertson, winner of two ranking crowns last term.
Picking a winner is, as usual, impossible. Stick a pin in the draw – it’s quicker than trying to work out what will happen.
Looking at the season as a whole I’m going to predict one player in particular to watch: Stephen Maguire.
You’ll recall the manner of his semi-final defeat to Higgins at the Crucible. Entering the final session leading 14-10 – having played superbly – he was beaten 17-15, missing the pink in losing a crucial 30th frame which would have put him 16-14 up.
I well remember Maguire turning pro in 1999. I interviewed him after his very first match. He seemed far too polite and reserved for this game but they breed them pretty tough in Glasgow and his personality soon came to the fore.
He’ll have been gutted by his Sheffield exit with the sure knowledge that he let a gilt-edged chance to become world champion slip.
And he’ll be back fighting harder than ever to prove himself as one of the game’s best, which he is, as proved by the manner in which he won the 2004 UK Championship.
I suspect he feels like a wounded animal at the moment and will want to get stuck into the new season to cast off the disappointments of the last campaign.
Shanghai would be a good place to start.
- The Shanghai Masters is live on British Eurosport, Eurosport International and the Great Sports Channel in China from August 6-12
30.7.07
WPBSA DEFEATED IN COURT
Regular Snooker Scene readers will be aware of the way the WPBSA has used its members money to pursue Clive Everton, our editor, under the technicality that he was a billiards only member.
They admitted that the 'truth or falsity' of what he wrote was not at issue.
Earlier this month, a court hearing found in Clive's favour, as the Mail on Sunday reported yesterday.
Here is their story:
Clive Everton may still be hobbling around after breaking his hip on the eve of the World Snooker Championship final, but he can walk tall after winning an important victory for free speech.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association brought a disciplinary case against Everton because of his repeated criticism of the running of the sport in 'Snooker Scene', the magazine he edits.
Even after the case failed when Everton resigned his membership, the governing body sought to recover their legal costs.
But a bankruptcy court hearing in Stourbridge this month rejected the WPBSA claim, leaving them to explain to their members why they have spent more than £100,000 hounding the BBC commentator.
They admitted that the 'truth or falsity' of what he wrote was not at issue.
Earlier this month, a court hearing found in Clive's favour, as the Mail on Sunday reported yesterday.
Here is their story:
Clive Everton may still be hobbling around after breaking his hip on the eve of the World Snooker Championship final, but he can walk tall after winning an important victory for free speech.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association brought a disciplinary case against Everton because of his repeated criticism of the running of the sport in 'Snooker Scene', the magazine he edits.
Even after the case failed when Everton resigned his membership, the governing body sought to recover their legal costs.
But a bankruptcy court hearing in Stourbridge this month rejected the WPBSA claim, leaving them to explain to their members why they have spent more than £100,000 hounding the BBC commentator.
29.7.07
HITMAN THAIS UP TITLE
Michael Holt, the world no.24, defeated Rom Surin 5-1 to win the CAT-Telecom Chanthaburi Cup in Thailand.
The 'Hitman' from Nottingham knocked in breaks of 115 and 132 as he cruised to victory, having beaten Thai legend James Wattana 5-2 in the semi-finals.
It's the perfect warm up for Holt, with the Shanghai Masters just over a week away. He faces 2006 world champion Graeme Dott in the first round.
Well done to him not just for winning the title but also for going there in the first place. Players often complain - rightly - that there aren't enough tournaments so it's good to see one going halfway across the world to play.
The 'Hitman' from Nottingham knocked in breaks of 115 and 132 as he cruised to victory, having beaten Thai legend James Wattana 5-2 in the semi-finals.
It's the perfect warm up for Holt, with the Shanghai Masters just over a week away. He faces 2006 world champion Graeme Dott in the first round.
Well done to him not just for winning the title but also for going there in the first place. Players often complain - rightly - that there aren't enough tournaments so it's good to see one going halfway across the world to play.
Just one question: how is Holty going to get that massive trophy home?
26.7.07
RUSSELL'S ONE OVER THE EIGHT
Mike Russell won the world billiards title last week. Barely a word of this appeared in the press, of course, because billiards is even less visible as a sport than it was 20 years ago, when it was hardly visible at all.
Asked in the 1980s why the sport couldn't ever be as popular as snooker, Matchroom boss Barry Hearn said: 'there's not enough balls.'
Despite its lowly status (the professional game now has only one competition a year) it's good to know that the proud tradition of incompetence that cue sports can boast applies in the three-ball game.
Russell's name has been engraved on the trophy for a ninth time. Odd, this, as he's only won it eight times.
It transpires that although there was no World Championship in 2000, his name was put on the trophy in any case.
Why? Don't ask me. I sometimes wonder if our sport is just one elongated episode of 'Lost' in which nothing ever makes any sense.
Now that this precedent has been set, perhaps it's time to honour the late, great Joe Davis and add his name to the world snooker trophy for the five years from 1941-1945 that the championship was not held because of the war, thus making him a 20 times winner.
Asked in the 1980s why the sport couldn't ever be as popular as snooker, Matchroom boss Barry Hearn said: 'there's not enough balls.'
Despite its lowly status (the professional game now has only one competition a year) it's good to know that the proud tradition of incompetence that cue sports can boast applies in the three-ball game.
Russell's name has been engraved on the trophy for a ninth time. Odd, this, as he's only won it eight times.
It transpires that although there was no World Championship in 2000, his name was put on the trophy in any case.
Why? Don't ask me. I sometimes wonder if our sport is just one elongated episode of 'Lost' in which nothing ever makes any sense.
Now that this precedent has been set, perhaps it's time to honour the late, great Joe Davis and add his name to the world snooker trophy for the five years from 1941-1945 that the championship was not held because of the war, thus making him a 20 times winner.
19.7.07
TOP SPONSOR FOR SHANGHAI MASTERS
The Shanghai Masters, the first ranking event of the new season, will be sponsored by Roewe, the Chinese joint venture partner of Rover.
John Higgins, the reigning world champion, and China's own Ding Junhui attended a press conference in Shanghai yesterday as the deal was unveiled.
There's no doubt snooker in China is a boom industry and, with both ranking events there guaranteed for five years, this area represents the sport's immediate future.
John Higgins, the reigning world champion, and China's own Ding Junhui attended a press conference in Shanghai yesterday as the deal was unveiled.
There's no doubt snooker in China is a boom industry and, with both ranking events there guaranteed for five years, this area represents the sport's immediate future.
15.7.07
HIGGINS IS HONG KONG CHAMP
World champion John Higgins recovered from 4-2 down to beat James Wattana 5-4 and win the Euro-Asia Challenge in Hong Kong.
Higgins, 32, launched his comeback with an 80 break in the seventh frame, won the next on the colours and comfortably clinched the decider to pocket the £25,000 top prize.
The world no.1, who lost his passport on a promotional tour last week, had performed poorly in the Europe v Asia team event but found his stride when the individual competition got underway.
“I didn’t start the week too well and I think that was down to the jet lag and all the hassle after losing my passport but I came good when it mattered,” Higgins said.
“The standard here was very good and James played really well through the event and again tonight. He probably could have been 4-0 up at one start so he’ll be disappointed."
Higgins, 32, launched his comeback with an 80 break in the seventh frame, won the next on the colours and comfortably clinched the decider to pocket the £25,000 top prize.
The world no.1, who lost his passport on a promotional tour last week, had performed poorly in the Europe v Asia team event but found his stride when the individual competition got underway.
“I didn’t start the week too well and I think that was down to the jet lag and all the hassle after losing my passport but I came good when it mattered,” Higgins said.
“The standard here was very good and James played really well through the event and again tonight. He probably could have been 4-0 up at one start so he’ll be disappointed."
The final was played in front of more than 3,000 spectators at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Wattana, Thailand's leading player for the last two decades, compiled breaks of 74, 40 and 86 in building a 3-1 lead, although Higgins pinched the second frame after Wattana missed the pink.
Higgins fashioned a run of 127 to win the fifth and although Wattana took the sixth the former world no.3 could not close out victory.
Higgins is top seed for the first ranking event of the season, the Shanghai Masters, which starts on August 6.
Wattana, Thailand's leading player for the last two decades, compiled breaks of 74, 40 and 86 in building a 3-1 lead, although Higgins pinched the second frame after Wattana missed the pink.
Higgins fashioned a run of 127 to win the fifth and although Wattana took the sixth the former world no.3 could not close out victory.
Higgins is top seed for the first ranking event of the season, the Shanghai Masters, which starts on August 6.
14.7.07
HIGGINS V WATTANA IN HONG KONG FINAL
World champion John Higgins will face Thailand's James Wattana for the £25,000 first prize in the Euro-Asia Challenge in Hong Kong.
Higgins topped his group before completing a 2-0 victory over Dubliner Ken Doherty in the semi-finals of the first professional tournament of the new season.
Wattana finished second behind Higgins in the group phase and defeated Hong Kong's Marco Fu 2-0 to reach the final.
Fu had beaten Ronnie O'Sullivan 2-0 in the round robin section to deny the twice world champion a place in the semis.
Stephen Hendry, persevering with his new cue despite a poor showing at the Crucible, lost 2-1 to China's Ding Junhui to finish bottom of his group after three successive defeats.
The tournament is the first of three being staged in the Far East this season. The Shanghai Masters takes place next month and the China Open returns to Beijing next March.
Higgins topped his group before completing a 2-0 victory over Dubliner Ken Doherty in the semi-finals of the first professional tournament of the new season.
Wattana finished second behind Higgins in the group phase and defeated Hong Kong's Marco Fu 2-0 to reach the final.
Fu had beaten Ronnie O'Sullivan 2-0 in the round robin section to deny the twice world champion a place in the semis.
Stephen Hendry, persevering with his new cue despite a poor showing at the Crucible, lost 2-1 to China's Ding Junhui to finish bottom of his group after three successive defeats.
The tournament is the first of three being staged in the Far East this season. The Shanghai Masters takes place next month and the China Open returns to Beijing next March.
HIGGINS AND WATTANA INTO SEMIS
John Higgins and James Wattana qualified for the semi-finals of the Euro-Asia Challenge after each winning two matches in the group phase at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Hong Kong today.
Higgins, the reigning world champion, beat his fellow Scot Stephen Hendry 2-0 and followed this with a 2-0 victory over China’s Ding Junhui.
Wattana, Thailand’s leading player for the last two decades, also beat Ding 2-0 and then edged Hendry 2-1.
The results mean neither Hendry or Ding can qualify for the semis of the tournament, which carries a first prize of £25,000.
In the other group, 1997 world champion Ken Doherty recovered from the loss of the opening frame to beat Ronnie O’Sullivan 2-1.
However, Irishman Doherty was then beaten 2-1 by Hong Kong’s Marco Fu before O’Sullivan beat Supoj Saenla of Thailand 2-0 to leave the group finely balanced.
The event is one of three major tournaments to be staged in the Far East this season. The Shanghai Masters, the campaign’s first ranking event, takes place next month and the China Open returns to Bejing next March.
Higgins, the reigning world champion, beat his fellow Scot Stephen Hendry 2-0 and followed this with a 2-0 victory over China’s Ding Junhui.
Wattana, Thailand’s leading player for the last two decades, also beat Ding 2-0 and then edged Hendry 2-1.
The results mean neither Hendry or Ding can qualify for the semis of the tournament, which carries a first prize of £25,000.
In the other group, 1997 world champion Ken Doherty recovered from the loss of the opening frame to beat Ronnie O’Sullivan 2-1.
However, Irishman Doherty was then beaten 2-1 by Hong Kong’s Marco Fu before O’Sullivan beat Supoj Saenla of Thailand 2-0 to leave the group finely balanced.
The event is one of three major tournaments to be staged in the Far East this season. The Shanghai Masters, the campaign’s first ranking event, takes place next month and the China Open returns to Bejing next March.
13.7.07
EBDON: THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOULD MOVE TO DUBAI
Peter Ebdon, the 2002 world champion and a WPBSA board member, wants the World Championship to be staged in Dubai, where he now lives with his wife and four children.
Ebdon told the Gulf News: "Long-term, I would love to see a top company … sponsor the World Snooker Championship and have it based in Dubai."
As pleasant as Dubai most certainly is, the last time the championship was held overseas was in the 1970s. The main reason that it remains in the UK - apart from the fact the Crucible is such a popular venue - is that the BBC costs would soar if they had to undertake their extensive 17-day outside broadcast from another country, where time differences would also complicate things.
Also, 888.com are putting millions into their five-year deal to sponsor the championship and would, presumably, class themselves as a 'top company.'
Ebdon told the Gulf News: "Long-term, I would love to see a top company … sponsor the World Snooker Championship and have it based in Dubai."
As pleasant as Dubai most certainly is, the last time the championship was held overseas was in the 1970s. The main reason that it remains in the UK - apart from the fact the Crucible is such a popular venue - is that the BBC costs would soar if they had to undertake their extensive 17-day outside broadcast from another country, where time differences would also complicate things.
Also, 888.com are putting millions into their five-year deal to sponsor the championship and would, presumably, class themselves as a 'top company.'
12.7.07
EURO STARS
Europe beat Asia 5-3 in the team competition at the Euro-Asia Challenge in Hong Kong. The individual event, which carries a top prize of £25,000, starts on Friday.
Scores (Asia first):
Marco Fu beat John Higgins 71(70)–7
James Wattana lost to Ken Doherty 42–86(61)
Ding Junhui lost to Stephen Hendry 19-66(43)
Supoj Saenla lost to Ronnie O’Sullivan 9-99(68)
Ding beat Higgins 56-39
Wattana beat Hendry 75(49)-38
Supoj lost to Doherty 31-65(41)
Fu lost to O’Sullivan 8-80(50)
Scores (Asia first):
Marco Fu beat John Higgins 71(70)–7
James Wattana lost to Ken Doherty 42–86(61)
Ding Junhui lost to Stephen Hendry 19-66(43)
Supoj Saenla lost to Ronnie O’Sullivan 9-99(68)
Ding beat Higgins 56-39
Wattana beat Hendry 75(49)-38
Supoj lost to Doherty 31-65(41)
Fu lost to O’Sullivan 8-80(50)
HIGGINS LOSES PASSPORT
John Higgins, the reigning 888.com world champion, has lost his passport during a night out before the Euro-Asia Challenge in Hong Kong.
Higgins was on a promotional tour of the city on a tram with fellow European players Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry and Ken Doherty and Asians Marco Fu, Ding Junhui. James Wattana and Supoj Saenla.
"I think I lost it somewhere between the hotel and the tram," said Higgins. "All I know is that I'll have to sort something out quick.
"If no one finds it, I'll have to go to the British consulate to have a new one issued."
The tournament, which carries a £25,000 top prize, ends on Sunday.
Higgins was on a promotional tour of the city on a tram with fellow European players Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry and Ken Doherty and Asians Marco Fu, Ding Junhui. James Wattana and Supoj Saenla.
"I think I lost it somewhere between the hotel and the tram," said Higgins. "All I know is that I'll have to sort something out quick.
"If no one finds it, I'll have to go to the British consulate to have a new one issued."
The tournament, which carries a £25,000 top prize, ends on Sunday.
11.7.07
MORE PICS FROM HONG KONG
The build up to the Euro-Asia Challenge continues, with the players all smiles at the pre-tournament press conference...
Ronnie O'Sullivan looked relaxed...
It looks like John Higgins caught the red eye flight...
HONG KONG CALLS
Four world champions - John Higgins, Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry and Ken Doherty - and four Asian players - Ding Junhui, Marco Fu, James Wattana and Supoj Saenla - will contest the Euro-Asia Challenge at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in Hong Kong from Thursday to Sunday.
Seven of the players (minus Ding) are pictured above on a promotional tour with Frankie Yick, director of Wharf Limited. The top prize is £25,000.
6.7.07
GIVE US A BREAK...
It's 100 years to the day since Tom Reece completed the highest break in the history of billiards - 499,135.
His break began on June 3, 1907. Spare a thought for his opponent, Joe Chapman, who merely turned up every day for five weeks to sit in the non-striker's chair and watch.
It led to the rules being changed so that 'cradle' cannons were outlawed.
You can learn more about all this here: http://eaba.co.uk/articles/tomReeceRecord/cradleCannonRecord.html
His break began on June 3, 1907. Spare a thought for his opponent, Joe Chapman, who merely turned up every day for five weeks to sit in the non-striker's chair and watch.
It led to the rules being changed so that 'cradle' cannons were outlawed.
You can learn more about all this here: http://eaba.co.uk/articles/tomReeceRecord/cradleCannonRecord.html
5.7.07
DAVIS HAS HIS CHIPS
Steve Davis, the six times Crucible champion, will be among the hopefuls at the World Series fo Poker, which gets underway in Las Vegas.
With a top prize of $5,000,000 it is the richest sporting event anywhere in the world.
Davis, 49, is captaining the Ladbrokespoker.com team. You can follow his progress here: http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com/
With a top prize of $5,000,000 it is the richest sporting event anywhere in the world.
Davis, 49, is captaining the Ladbrokespoker.com team. You can follow his progress here: http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com/
4.7.07
NEW ISSUE OUT NOW!
Yes, it's time for a little shameless advertising.
The July issue of Snooker Scene is out now and includes:
- Clive Everton's review of Alex Higgins's autobiography
- Ted Lowe looks back
- Terry Griffiths appreciation
- Ronnie O'Sullivan disciplinary verdict
- Michael White denied place on circuit
- EBSA European Championships
- Pontin's Spring Festival
- New provisional rankings
- All the latest snooker, billiards and pool news
You can subscribe through our website: www.snookersceneonline.com
The July issue of Snooker Scene is out now and includes:
- Clive Everton's review of Alex Higgins's autobiography
- Ted Lowe looks back
- Terry Griffiths appreciation
- Ronnie O'Sullivan disciplinary verdict
- Michael White denied place on circuit
- EBSA European Championships
- Pontin's Spring Festival
- New provisional rankings
- All the latest snooker, billiards and pool news
You can subscribe through our website: www.snookersceneonline.com
3.7.07
SMALL KICKED IN THE TEETH
The latest news on Chris Small, forced to retire two years ago because of a degenerative spinal disease, is not good.
He has received nothing from the WPBSA benevolent fund, despite being probably the most obvious case for help in the game's history, and, according to today's Edinburgh Evening News, is not happy at learning that Alex Higgins received £20,000 from the fund to fix his teeth, even though a number of disciplinary offences against him are still outstanding.
Story here: http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1034912007
He has received nothing from the WPBSA benevolent fund, despite being probably the most obvious case for help in the game's history, and, according to today's Edinburgh Evening News, is not happy at learning that Alex Higgins received £20,000 from the fund to fix his teeth, even though a number of disciplinary offences against him are still outstanding.
Story here: http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1034912007
IT'S GOOD TO TALK
I was asked on another post about the relationship the snooker press has with the players.
I’d say it’s excellent. You don’t tend to find any of the game’s leading professionals being standoffish or unwilling to co-operate as a rule, although everyone has their off days.
When I started a decade ago, the press room seemed to be an extension of the players room: players, their managers, friends and assorted hangers on would congregate en masse.
This was handy for building relationships but the rooms tended to become crowded, noisy and not always ideal environments to work in.
The policy changed and, somewhat sadly, I think players felt discouraged from coming into the media centre at all. Certainly they seem to be less of a presence these days.
Steve Davis can usually be relied upon to pitch up at some point and play online poker at tournaments where he’s working for BBC TV. His colleague John Parrott invariably drops by for a chat and a laugh as well.
For years, Stephen Hendry was a semi-permanent fixture as well, but less so these days.
Ditto Mark Williams, although this may be a reflection of how his form has fallen away of late.
When Ronnie O’Sullivan’s in a good mood he is likely to come in; if he’s in a bad mood you won’t see him.
Ken Doherty and John Higgins – two of the real nice guys of the circuit – are likely to drop by at some point.
The lower ranked players tend to keep their distance. That said, you’ll normally get a visit from renowned diarist Michael Holt and Tony Drago seems to be a permanent presence whether he’s in the tournament or not.
It makes a snooker journalist’s job easier to have players around because it breaks down barriers between you and they hopefully realise you’re not trying to stitch them up.
Some would argue it’s all a bit cosy: they may have a point, but I’d rather it was this way than having to jump through hoops just to speak to a player, as happens in some other sports.
I’d say it’s excellent. You don’t tend to find any of the game’s leading professionals being standoffish or unwilling to co-operate as a rule, although everyone has their off days.
When I started a decade ago, the press room seemed to be an extension of the players room: players, their managers, friends and assorted hangers on would congregate en masse.
This was handy for building relationships but the rooms tended to become crowded, noisy and not always ideal environments to work in.
The policy changed and, somewhat sadly, I think players felt discouraged from coming into the media centre at all. Certainly they seem to be less of a presence these days.
Steve Davis can usually be relied upon to pitch up at some point and play online poker at tournaments where he’s working for BBC TV. His colleague John Parrott invariably drops by for a chat and a laugh as well.
For years, Stephen Hendry was a semi-permanent fixture as well, but less so these days.
Ditto Mark Williams, although this may be a reflection of how his form has fallen away of late.
When Ronnie O’Sullivan’s in a good mood he is likely to come in; if he’s in a bad mood you won’t see him.
Ken Doherty and John Higgins – two of the real nice guys of the circuit – are likely to drop by at some point.
The lower ranked players tend to keep their distance. That said, you’ll normally get a visit from renowned diarist Michael Holt and Tony Drago seems to be a permanent presence whether he’s in the tournament or not.
It makes a snooker journalist’s job easier to have players around because it breaks down barriers between you and they hopefully realise you’re not trying to stitch them up.
Some would argue it’s all a bit cosy: they may have a point, but I’d rather it was this way than having to jump through hoops just to speak to a player, as happens in some other sports.
2.7.07
ARE SNOOKER PLAYERS TOO FRIENDLY?
I saw an interview the other day during the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage with Maria Sharapova in which she was asked who her best friends were on the tour.
She explained that she didn’t really have any because, as it was so competitive, the players don’t get that close.
In snooker, it appears to be the exact opposite: the top players are unbelievably friendly towards each other. They practice together, they travel together, they play poker together.
It’s not always been this way. Stephen Hendry once said that in the 1980s, Steve Davis would often pass him in the corridor without exchanging so much as a word.
Hendry himself often remained aloof during his years on top and even now keeps his distance from close friend Mark Williams if they ever have to play each other.
The late John Spencer wrote in his autobiography that he was perplexed as to why modern day players would practice with each other. His point was that it gave your opponents an advantage in the match arena if they already knew all about your game.
Of course, in Spencer’s day there were far fewer professionals and snooker was very rarely on TV.
Today, if you want to analyse how, for example, Stephen Maguire plays the game you can simply refer to a few tapes of his various matches.
But are modern day players too friendly for their own good?
I think that once they get to the match table any friendship is genuinely set aside. All these guys want to win and, anyway, they are there to play the balls, not their opponent.
And when it’s all over, players can return to being friends. I recall a couple of years ago that Neil Robertson beat his friend and practice partner Joe Perry 5-4 in the final qualifying round of a tournament at Prestatyn and Perry then gave him a lift back to Cambridge!
She explained that she didn’t really have any because, as it was so competitive, the players don’t get that close.
In snooker, it appears to be the exact opposite: the top players are unbelievably friendly towards each other. They practice together, they travel together, they play poker together.
It’s not always been this way. Stephen Hendry once said that in the 1980s, Steve Davis would often pass him in the corridor without exchanging so much as a word.
Hendry himself often remained aloof during his years on top and even now keeps his distance from close friend Mark Williams if they ever have to play each other.
The late John Spencer wrote in his autobiography that he was perplexed as to why modern day players would practice with each other. His point was that it gave your opponents an advantage in the match arena if they already knew all about your game.
Of course, in Spencer’s day there were far fewer professionals and snooker was very rarely on TV.
Today, if you want to analyse how, for example, Stephen Maguire plays the game you can simply refer to a few tapes of his various matches.
But are modern day players too friendly for their own good?
I think that once they get to the match table any friendship is genuinely set aside. All these guys want to win and, anyway, they are there to play the balls, not their opponent.
And when it’s all over, players can return to being friends. I recall a couple of years ago that Neil Robertson beat his friend and practice partner Joe Perry 5-4 in the final qualifying round of a tournament at Prestatyn and Perry then gave him a lift back to Cambridge!
30.6.07
MICHAEL WHITE LATEST
Back to the Michael White story - you'll recall he was not allowed to play in the Shanghai Masterrs because he was still 15 when the qualifiers began (his 16th birthday is next week).
I was privately told yesterday by a WPBSA official that the constitution was changed in 2001 specifically precluding anyone under the age of 16 from competing as a professional. Shaun Murphy, you'll recall, did so at 15 in 1998.
I have no memory of this but have no reason not to believe the person who told me.
An EGM would have been required to change the constitution. I can't find a press release announcing the change and, trawling through the archive on worldsnooker.com, there appears to be no mention there either.
However, if indeed it is enshrined in the WPBSA constitution then another EGM would have been needed for White to play.
I was not told all this when I made an official enquiry last week, which is why there was no mention of it on my post here or in the story we've run in the new issue of Snooker Scene.
I was privately told yesterday by a WPBSA official that the constitution was changed in 2001 specifically precluding anyone under the age of 16 from competing as a professional. Shaun Murphy, you'll recall, did so at 15 in 1998.
I have no memory of this but have no reason not to believe the person who told me.
An EGM would have been required to change the constitution. I can't find a press release announcing the change and, trawling through the archive on worldsnooker.com, there appears to be no mention there either.
However, if indeed it is enshrined in the WPBSA constitution then another EGM would have been needed for White to play.
I was not told all this when I made an official enquiry last week, which is why there was no mention of it on my post here or in the story we've run in the new issue of Snooker Scene.
26.6.07
POTS IT ALL ABOUT, ALFIE
Alfie Burden became the first player to win a match in the 2007/08 professional season when he beat Alex Davies 5-1 in the first qualifying round of the Shanghai Masters at Pontin's, Prestatyn today.
To be honest, I'm only mentioning this so I can use the headline.
To be honest, I'm only mentioning this so I can use the headline.
25.6.07
FIVE GO MISSING IN SHANGHAI
Has there ever been a more farcical start to a snooker season than this one?
After last week's news that Michael White was being barred from playing in the Shanghai Masters because he is 15 - even though Shaun Murphy had previously been given an exemption at the same age - and that Vincent Muldoon's European place had been given to a Thai, Issara Kachaiwong, comes the revelation that five Asian players have been unable to obtain visas and work permits to play.
Thus, Kachaiwong and Chinese players Liu Song, Tian Pengfei, Xiao Guodong and Liu Chuang will not be able to take their places in the draw.
It means only 11 of the scheduled 16 first round matches will be played at Pontin's in Prestatyn.
I think the Chinese players should now be given wild cards - though not be eligible for prize money or ranking points - to play in the final stages. It seems bizarre that they should have to come from their own country to North Wales to try and qualify for an event in China.
As for Kachaiwong, it was only decided last Thursday that he would be on the tour at all so how on earth could he be expected to organise a permit in time?
And how must Muldoon be feeling now that the person who was given his place isn't even playing?
For many years, Snooker Scene has advocated a reserve system so that players not on the tour can compete if there are withdrawals.
This shambles proves more than ever why this system must be adopted.
After last week's news that Michael White was being barred from playing in the Shanghai Masters because he is 15 - even though Shaun Murphy had previously been given an exemption at the same age - and that Vincent Muldoon's European place had been given to a Thai, Issara Kachaiwong, comes the revelation that five Asian players have been unable to obtain visas and work permits to play.
Thus, Kachaiwong and Chinese players Liu Song, Tian Pengfei, Xiao Guodong and Liu Chuang will not be able to take their places in the draw.
It means only 11 of the scheduled 16 first round matches will be played at Pontin's in Prestatyn.
I think the Chinese players should now be given wild cards - though not be eligible for prize money or ranking points - to play in the final stages. It seems bizarre that they should have to come from their own country to North Wales to try and qualify for an event in China.
As for Kachaiwong, it was only decided last Thursday that he would be on the tour at all so how on earth could he be expected to organise a permit in time?
And how must Muldoon be feeling now that the person who was given his place isn't even playing?
For many years, Snooker Scene has advocated a reserve system so that players not on the tour can compete if there are withdrawals.
This shambles proves more than ever why this system must be adopted.
IN THE MONEY
The first prize in the new Shanghai Masters will be £48,000, which is £13,000 more than Graeme Dott received for winning last season’s China Open.
The total prize fund is £250,000 - £24,500 more than for the Beijing event.
World Snooker has taken a decision to plough the increase into the business end of the tournament. The runner-up will receive £22,500 (£5,000 more than in Beijing) and the losing semi-finalists £12,000 (£3,250 more than at the China Open). The prize money in the other rounds remains the same as for the previous Chinese event.
I think this is the right thing to do. In sport, excellence should be rewarded. Of course, to most of us £35,000 would be a lot of money for a week’s work but winning a tournament is a great achievement and this should be reflected in how the pot is divvied up.
Also, by increasing the first prize the prestige of the tournament grows as well. To the casual observer, it makes the event appear more worthy of their time and suggests snooker’s fortunes are improving.
The total prize fund is £250,000 - £24,500 more than for the Beijing event.
World Snooker has taken a decision to plough the increase into the business end of the tournament. The runner-up will receive £22,500 (£5,000 more than in Beijing) and the losing semi-finalists £12,000 (£3,250 more than at the China Open). The prize money in the other rounds remains the same as for the previous Chinese event.
I think this is the right thing to do. In sport, excellence should be rewarded. Of course, to most of us £35,000 would be a lot of money for a week’s work but winning a tournament is a great achievement and this should be reflected in how the pot is divvied up.
Also, by increasing the first prize the prestige of the tournament grows as well. To the casual observer, it makes the event appear more worthy of their time and suggests snooker’s fortunes are improving.
PATRICK'S DAY
As players gear up for the start of the Shanghai Masters qualifiers tomorrow, I’m particularly pleased to see Patrick Wallace back as part of the professional circuit.
He’s a player with a pure love of snooker: he loves playing; he loves watching; he loves being part of the scene.
Patrick defeated Joe Meara 10-5 to win the Northern Ireland Amateur Championship for a third time earlier this month and was thus eligible to return to the pro ranks having been relegated in 2006.
He had a great run to the Crucible quarter-finals six years ago, beating Alan McManus and Mark King before losing 13-11 to his close friend Joe Swail.
It was an emotional occasion for both players, so used to supporting each other and finding it difficult having to meet at such an important juncture in the game’s top event.
Patrick began the following season 21st in the provisional rankings but failed to finish inside the top 32 and began a decline that would eventually cost him his main tour place.
The last time I saw him was in Belfast last August when he came for an evening to watch the Northern Ireland Trophy. Then, he was unsure about whether to put his cue away for good or give the amateur circuit a go.
I could see that he retained a great love for the game and that simply stopping would be very difficult for him. That he would win his national title a few months on shows just how good a player he still is when the pressure of pro competition is off.
I wish Patrick all the best when he cues up tomorrow against Matt Selt.
He’s a player with a pure love of snooker: he loves playing; he loves watching; he loves being part of the scene.
Patrick defeated Joe Meara 10-5 to win the Northern Ireland Amateur Championship for a third time earlier this month and was thus eligible to return to the pro ranks having been relegated in 2006.
He had a great run to the Crucible quarter-finals six years ago, beating Alan McManus and Mark King before losing 13-11 to his close friend Joe Swail.
It was an emotional occasion for both players, so used to supporting each other and finding it difficult having to meet at such an important juncture in the game’s top event.
Patrick began the following season 21st in the provisional rankings but failed to finish inside the top 32 and began a decline that would eventually cost him his main tour place.
The last time I saw him was in Belfast last August when he came for an evening to watch the Northern Ireland Trophy. Then, he was unsure about whether to put his cue away for good or give the amateur circuit a go.
I could see that he retained a great love for the game and that simply stopping would be very difficult for him. That he would win his national title a few months on shows just how good a player he still is when the pressure of pro competition is off.
I wish Patrick all the best when he cues up tomorrow against Matt Selt.
24.6.07
GOULD CLINCHES FINAL MAIN TOUR PLACE
Martin Gould, the reigning English amateur champion, today defeated David Grace, who won that title in 2005, 6-3 to win the EASB play-off for the final main tour place.
Gould's victory at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds means he can compete on the world ranking event circuit this season.
He doesn't have long to prepare - his first match is against Lee Spick on Tuesday in the first qualifying round of the Shanghai Masters.
Gould's victory at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds means he can compete on the world ranking event circuit this season.
He doesn't have long to prepare - his first match is against Lee Spick on Tuesday in the first qualifying round of the Shanghai Masters.
22.6.07
THIS AND THAT
A few things that have been happening:
Firstly, Clive Everton, Snooker Scene's editor, is making a remarkable recovery from his hip operation. He's back walking pretty much unaided, back in the office and back in charge of the magazine.
There is to be a tournament in Hong Kong next month to mark ten years since Britain handed the colony back to China. It will feature four world champions and four Asians: John Higgins, Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Ken Doherty, Ding Junhui, Marco Fu, James Wattana and the new Asian champion Supoj Saenla.
The Euro-Asia Challenge, which features two groups of four, with the top two in each progressing to the quarter-finals, runs from July 12-15.
Two Iranian women officiated at the recent Asian Championship in Pakistan. Further details here: http://www.worldsnooker.com/news_editorial-18761.htm
Pot Black will be staged at Sheffield City Hall next season. The eight man, one frame tournament, takes place on October 6.
The World Billiards Championship will be staged at the Northern Snooker Centre, Leeds from July 18-22.
Firstly, Clive Everton, Snooker Scene's editor, is making a remarkable recovery from his hip operation. He's back walking pretty much unaided, back in the office and back in charge of the magazine.
There is to be a tournament in Hong Kong next month to mark ten years since Britain handed the colony back to China. It will feature four world champions and four Asians: John Higgins, Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Ken Doherty, Ding Junhui, Marco Fu, James Wattana and the new Asian champion Supoj Saenla.
The Euro-Asia Challenge, which features two groups of four, with the top two in each progressing to the quarter-finals, runs from July 12-15.
Two Iranian women officiated at the recent Asian Championship in Pakistan. Further details here: http://www.worldsnooker.com/news_editorial-18761.htm
Pot Black will be staged at Sheffield City Hall next season. The eight man, one frame tournament, takes place on October 6.
The World Billiards Championship will be staged at the Northern Snooker Centre, Leeds from July 18-22.
ON THE MARK
Mark Selby tells me he will defend his World 8-ball Pool title in Blackpool next month.
He can expect plenty of attention. Indeed, his profile has grown almosty overnight following his run to the final of the 888.com World Championship last month.
Mark said that in Poland last week he was inundated for autograph requests. He has also been undertaking exhibitions and making personal appearances here in the UK.
One bit of bad news though - he's been given footage of his Crucible matches on VHS but does not possess a video recorder so will need to find a way of transferring them to DVD.
He can expect plenty of attention. Indeed, his profile has grown almosty overnight following his run to the final of the 888.com World Championship last month.
Mark said that in Poland last week he was inundated for autograph requests. He has also been undertaking exhibitions and making personal appearances here in the UK.
One bit of bad news though - he's been given footage of his Crucible matches on VHS but does not possess a video recorder so will need to find a way of transferring them to DVD.
21.6.07
WHITE FIASCO
The sheer incompetence of the WPBSA never ceases to amaze me.
Today, they released the draw for the Shanghai Masters. It did not include the name of Michael White, who won the world amateur title in March 2006.
White is 15. The age at which players can turn professional is set at 16 but there have been exemptions in the past, most notably Shaun Murphy in 1998.
When I asked the governing body why White had been overlooked, I was told categorically: 'We've checked the records. Nobody has ever played professionally under the age of 16.'
Really? I have a WPBSA press release in my possession dated July 30, 1998. It begins:
"Shaun Murphy, snooker's youngest professional, lost his opening match in the summer qualifiers at Plymouth Pavilions last night.
"The 15 year-old from Irthlingborough, Northants, was beaten 5-2 by Northern Ireland's Dermot McGlinchey in the first round of the Grand Prix.
"Murphy was allowed to play as a professional after qualifying for the world ranking tournament circuit through the Riley UK Tour last season. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) decided that, as his 16th birthday comes just a few days into the qualifiers, he should be permitted to compete."
So there it is, in black and white on the WPBSA's own headed paper. So much for 'checking the records.'
There are mistakes and there are mistakes. Some are mere errors that can be corrected, others are more serious.
This is an appalling one because we are talking about a young man's career here. If White is not allowed to play in the first qualifying event then he will spend the rest of the season playing catch up.
In my view, he should be reinstated into the draw immediately.
Today, they released the draw for the Shanghai Masters. It did not include the name of Michael White, who won the world amateur title in March 2006.
White is 15. The age at which players can turn professional is set at 16 but there have been exemptions in the past, most notably Shaun Murphy in 1998.
When I asked the governing body why White had been overlooked, I was told categorically: 'We've checked the records. Nobody has ever played professionally under the age of 16.'
Really? I have a WPBSA press release in my possession dated July 30, 1998. It begins:
"Shaun Murphy, snooker's youngest professional, lost his opening match in the summer qualifiers at Plymouth Pavilions last night.
"The 15 year-old from Irthlingborough, Northants, was beaten 5-2 by Northern Ireland's Dermot McGlinchey in the first round of the Grand Prix.
"Murphy was allowed to play as a professional after qualifying for the world ranking tournament circuit through the Riley UK Tour last season. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) decided that, as his 16th birthday comes just a few days into the qualifiers, he should be permitted to compete."
So there it is, in black and white on the WPBSA's own headed paper. So much for 'checking the records.'
There are mistakes and there are mistakes. Some are mere errors that can be corrected, others are more serious.
This is an appalling one because we are talking about a young man's career here. If White is not allowed to play in the first qualifying event then he will spend the rest of the season playing catch up.
In my view, he should be reinstated into the draw immediately.
20.6.07
IT WAS 15 YEARS AGO TODAY...
On June 20, 1992, a 16 year-old by the name of Ronnie O’Sullivan began his professional career at a sweltering hot Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool.
O’Sullivan beat Jason Scott 5-3 in the second qualifying round of the UK Championship, having had a walkover in the first. It was the first of 38 successive victories, which remains a record.
He spent the summer dismissing opponent after opponent, ended it by qualifying for the Crucible and has, of course, gone on to enjoy a brilliant career.
Back in 1992, snooker was open to whoever wanted to play. All you had to do was pay your money and show up.
It ushered in a new era, with players such as John Higgins, Mark Williams, Stephen Lee, Matthew Stevens and Paul Hunter emerging as major forces among some 700 professionals.
Today, it’s much more of a closed shop with only 96 places available on the main tour.
It’s also much more stop-start: rather than a summer of qualifying, it’s a few days here, a few days there.
Would O’Sullivan have come through the current system? Absolutely, he’s too good not to have done.
Even so, the open system had much going for it, not least the revenue raised which, in these post-tobacco days, would surely come in handy again.
O’Sullivan beat Jason Scott 5-3 in the second qualifying round of the UK Championship, having had a walkover in the first. It was the first of 38 successive victories, which remains a record.
He spent the summer dismissing opponent after opponent, ended it by qualifying for the Crucible and has, of course, gone on to enjoy a brilliant career.
Back in 1992, snooker was open to whoever wanted to play. All you had to do was pay your money and show up.
It ushered in a new era, with players such as John Higgins, Mark Williams, Stephen Lee, Matthew Stevens and Paul Hunter emerging as major forces among some 700 professionals.
Today, it’s much more of a closed shop with only 96 places available on the main tour.
It’s also much more stop-start: rather than a summer of qualifying, it’s a few days here, a few days there.
Would O’Sullivan have come through the current system? Absolutely, he’s too good not to have done.
Even so, the open system had much going for it, not least the revenue raised which, in these post-tobacco days, would surely come in handy again.
JOHNSON HAS IT TAPED AGAIN
Further to my post of yesterday, good news for Joe Johnson who is now in possession on video footage of the 1986 World Championship.
BBC Look North contacted the BBC's sport library in London, who have put together a DVD for Joe.
And Bernard Thorpe, who played alongside Joe as captain of Dudley Hill Social Club in the 1970s, also came forward.
He said: "I taped the match and had it on Betamax. I worked as a caretaker at City Hall and the boilerman put it on VHS for me. It is a really good picture, but there's the sound of the boiler in the background."
Despite this extraneous addition to the footage, Joe is naturally delighted. He said: "I can't believe it. I haven't seen the match for 21 years - not since I won it - and now I can watch it again."
BBC Look North contacted the BBC's sport library in London, who have put together a DVD for Joe.
And Bernard Thorpe, who played alongside Joe as captain of Dudley Hill Social Club in the 1970s, also came forward.
He said: "I taped the match and had it on Betamax. I worked as a caretaker at City Hall and the boilerman put it on VHS for me. It is a really good picture, but there's the sound of the boiler in the background."
Despite this extraneous addition to the footage, Joe is naturally delighted. He said: "I can't believe it. I haven't seen the match for 21 years - not since I won it - and now I can watch it again."
19.6.07
CAN YOU HELP JOE?
Joe Johnson, the 1986 world champion, as appealing for anyone with footage of his greatest moment to come forward - after his kids wiped the tape of his 18-12 victory over Steve Davis.
Johnson, his wife, Terryl, and some friends decided to watch the video recently. He said: “I put the tape in and we found ourselves watching He Man - Master of the Universe.
“I would really like to have it again. I wouldn't know how to get hold of one, though.
“Two of my sons, Jonathan and Daniel, were only seven and five when it happened, so they wouldn’t have known. It’s just one of those things, but it was terrible to lose it.
“I really would love to have a copy. The tape contained highlights of the whole tournament.”
Johnson was a 150-1 outsider when he beat Davis to win the title. He finished runner-up to Davis a year later.
Anyone who can help should leave a comment here and I'll get in touch.
Johnson, his wife, Terryl, and some friends decided to watch the video recently. He said: “I put the tape in and we found ourselves watching He Man - Master of the Universe.
“I would really like to have it again. I wouldn't know how to get hold of one, though.
“Two of my sons, Jonathan and Daniel, were only seven and five when it happened, so they wouldn’t have known. It’s just one of those things, but it was terrible to lose it.
“I really would love to have a copy. The tape contained highlights of the whole tournament.”
Johnson was a 150-1 outsider when he beat Davis to win the title. He finished runner-up to Davis a year later.
Anyone who can help should leave a comment here and I'll get in touch.
17.6.07
SELBY POLISHES OFF HIGGINS
Mark Selby gained a small measure of revenge over John Higgins by beating the world champion 5-3 to win an invitation event in Warsaw, Poland today.
Selby, newly installed in the elite top 16 for the new season, was beaten 18-13 by Higgins in their Crucible final last month.
The ‘Jester from Leicester’ defeated the 2006 world champion, Graeme Dott, 5-1 in the semi-finals in Warsaw while Higgins beat veteran Steve Davis 5-3.
The tournament, which was broadcast live on Polish television, also featured four local players.
The sport is hugely popular in Poland after extensive coverage of the major events on Eurosport.
Results
QUARTER-FINALS: John Higgins beat Rafal Jewtuch 4-2; Steve Davis beat Marcin Nitschke 4-2; Graeme Dott beat Jaroslaw Kowalski 4-2; Mark Selby beat Krzysztof Wrobel 4-0
SEMI-FINALS: Higgins beat Davis 5-3; Selby beat Dott 5-1
FINAL: Selby beat Higgins 5-3
Selby, newly installed in the elite top 16 for the new season, was beaten 18-13 by Higgins in their Crucible final last month.
The ‘Jester from Leicester’ defeated the 2006 world champion, Graeme Dott, 5-1 in the semi-finals in Warsaw while Higgins beat veteran Steve Davis 5-3.
The tournament, which was broadcast live on Polish television, also featured four local players.
The sport is hugely popular in Poland after extensive coverage of the major events on Eurosport.
Results
QUARTER-FINALS: John Higgins beat Rafal Jewtuch 4-2; Steve Davis beat Marcin Nitschke 4-2; Graeme Dott beat Jaroslaw Kowalski 4-2; Mark Selby beat Krzysztof Wrobel 4-0
SEMI-FINALS: Higgins beat Davis 5-3; Selby beat Dott 5-1
FINAL: Selby beat Higgins 5-3
16.6.07
TERRY GRIFFITHS HONOURED
Terry Griffiths, the 1979 world champion, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
"I'm very proud to get an OBE and my family is proud too," he said. "It was very much a surprise when, about a month ago, I got a letter telling me.
"I stopped playing in 1997 so I feel this has come for my coaching work rather than my playing career.
"Coaching is so rewarding for me. It gives me the adrenalin rush I miss from playing. When the player I'm coaching loses I feel the same as they do. When they win I feel a part of that."
Griffiths, a former postman and bus conductor, turned professional in 1978 after twice winning the English amateur title and became the only player to win the Crucible event at his first attempt.
On beating Eddie Charlton in the semi-finals, he famously told BBC viewers: 'I'm in the final now, you know.'
Throughout the 1980s, the Welshman was one of snooker's top stars but, like everyone else, was in the shadow of Steve Davis, who beat him all seven times they played at the Crucible, including in the 1988 final.
Despite Davis's dominance, Griffiths won several titles, the most dramatic of which was his 16-15 defeat of Alex Higgins in the 1982 UK Championship final.
Griffiths also won the 1980 Wembley Masters and captured three successive Irish Masters titles from 1980 to 1982.
He spent 17 successive seasons in the top 16 and continued to play until 1997, retiring at the age of 49.
Griffiths, by now suffering from a back complaint, had dropped out of the top 16 and only entered the World Championship in his final season. He qualified and led his compatriot Mark Williams 9-7 at Sheffield before losing 10-9.
Since retiring, he has taken a leading role in developing grass roots snooker through coaching programmes for young players and has also coached Stephen Hendry, Williams and Stephen Maguire among several others.
Griffiths, one of the great stars of the 1980s snooker boom, is widely respected within the game. This award recognises his continuing contribution to the sport.
"I'm very proud to get an OBE and my family is proud too," he said. "It was very much a surprise when, about a month ago, I got a letter telling me.
"I stopped playing in 1997 so I feel this has come for my coaching work rather than my playing career.
"Coaching is so rewarding for me. It gives me the adrenalin rush I miss from playing. When the player I'm coaching loses I feel the same as they do. When they win I feel a part of that."
Griffiths, a former postman and bus conductor, turned professional in 1978 after twice winning the English amateur title and became the only player to win the Crucible event at his first attempt.
On beating Eddie Charlton in the semi-finals, he famously told BBC viewers: 'I'm in the final now, you know.'
Throughout the 1980s, the Welshman was one of snooker's top stars but, like everyone else, was in the shadow of Steve Davis, who beat him all seven times they played at the Crucible, including in the 1988 final.
Despite Davis's dominance, Griffiths won several titles, the most dramatic of which was his 16-15 defeat of Alex Higgins in the 1982 UK Championship final.
Griffiths also won the 1980 Wembley Masters and captured three successive Irish Masters titles from 1980 to 1982.
He spent 17 successive seasons in the top 16 and continued to play until 1997, retiring at the age of 49.
Griffiths, by now suffering from a back complaint, had dropped out of the top 16 and only entered the World Championship in his final season. He qualified and led his compatriot Mark Williams 9-7 at Sheffield before losing 10-9.
Since retiring, he has taken a leading role in developing grass roots snooker through coaching programmes for young players and has also coached Stephen Hendry, Williams and Stephen Maguire among several others.
Griffiths, one of the great stars of the 1980s snooker boom, is widely respected within the game. This award recognises his continuing contribution to the sport.
12.6.07
LIVE SNOOKER ON THE NET
The EBSA European Championship in Carlow, Ireland is down to the knockout phase and matches are being streamed live on the web.
To watch the action, go to http://www.globalsnookercentre.co.uk and click on Live Streaming.
To watch the action, go to http://www.globalsnookercentre.co.uk and click on Live Streaming.
ALEX HIGGINS 'PUNCHES' REFEREE
Those who complain that there is no tradition left in snooker these days will doubtless be buoyed by the news that the game's no.1 hellraiser is again mired in controversy.
Alex Higgins is reported to have punched a referee during an exhibition in the North East of England last night.
The twice world champion, who has just released his autobiography, hasn't played on the pro circuit for ten years but remains a huge figure. His career was dogged by various bouts of bad behaviour of which this appears to be the latest.
Still, can't see this incident harming book sales somehow.
Story here: http://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=snooker/07/06/12/manual_121905.html
Alex Higgins is reported to have punched a referee during an exhibition in the North East of England last night.
The twice world champion, who has just released his autobiography, hasn't played on the pro circuit for ten years but remains a huge figure. His career was dogged by various bouts of bad behaviour of which this appears to be the latest.
Still, can't see this incident harming book sales somehow.
Story here: http://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=snooker/07/06/12/manual_121905.html
6.6.07
RONNIE'S PUNISHMENT
I was on holiday last week when the Ronnie O’Sullivan disciplinary hearing was held so I apologise for not posting my thoughts at the time.
I think the WPBSA have got it about right with their punishment. £20,800 is a great deal of money to most people. It isn’t to Ronnie but he still won’t enjoy paying it.
The 900 ranking points he loses doesn’t effect his position in the list but the important thing is that he has actually been punished for what was an aberration on his part that I’m sure he regrets. The sport has been seen to take such an incident seriously.
There are two interesting aspects of this to me:
Firstly, the disciplinary committee completely disregarded the opinion of the WPBSA chairman, Sir Rodney Walker, who submitted a plea on Ronnie’s behalf not to punish him. This at least proves they are independent of the main WPBSA board – which also includes Ronnie’s manager, Lee Doyle.
Secondly, why on earth did this take nearly six months to sort out? Last Saturday, the Denmark v Sweden Euro 2008 qualifier was abandoned late on after a Danish fan ran onto the pitch with the intention to assault the match referee.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee are meeting on Friday to decide what to do about it.
How could it take so long for snooker’s authorities to reach a decision on what happened in York? As far as I know, Ronnie’s management submitted medical evidence as to his specific condition pretty soon after the incident.
I don’t see what good it did snooker by dragging out the process like this. The lawyers involved might disagree, though – Ronnie had to pay legal costs of £5,000 towards the hearing, which strikes me as far too high.
I think the WPBSA have got it about right with their punishment. £20,800 is a great deal of money to most people. It isn’t to Ronnie but he still won’t enjoy paying it.
The 900 ranking points he loses doesn’t effect his position in the list but the important thing is that he has actually been punished for what was an aberration on his part that I’m sure he regrets. The sport has been seen to take such an incident seriously.
There are two interesting aspects of this to me:
Firstly, the disciplinary committee completely disregarded the opinion of the WPBSA chairman, Sir Rodney Walker, who submitted a plea on Ronnie’s behalf not to punish him. This at least proves they are independent of the main WPBSA board – which also includes Ronnie’s manager, Lee Doyle.
Secondly, why on earth did this take nearly six months to sort out? Last Saturday, the Denmark v Sweden Euro 2008 qualifier was abandoned late on after a Danish fan ran onto the pitch with the intention to assault the match referee.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee are meeting on Friday to decide what to do about it.
How could it take so long for snooker’s authorities to reach a decision on what happened in York? As far as I know, Ronnie’s management submitted medical evidence as to his specific condition pretty soon after the incident.
I don’t see what good it did snooker by dragging out the process like this. The lawyers involved might disagree, though – Ronnie had to pay legal costs of £5,000 towards the hearing, which strikes me as far too high.
29.5.07
NATIONAL STARS
The professional game has packed up for its summer break but snooker continues in various forms around the world.
Various National Championships have been completed. Here are some of the winners...
England - Martin Gould
Scotland - James McBain
Republic of Ireland - Vincent Muldoon
Finland - Jyri Virtanen
South Africa - Peter Francisco
Belgium - Bjorn Haneveer
USA - Jack Lung
Oceania - Dene O'Kane
Bermuda - Adam Bendall
Various National Championships have been completed. Here are some of the winners...
England - Martin Gould
Scotland - James McBain
Republic of Ireland - Vincent Muldoon
Finland - Jyri Virtanen
South Africa - Peter Francisco
Belgium - Bjorn Haneveer
USA - Jack Lung
Oceania - Dene O'Kane
Bermuda - Adam Bendall
23.5.07
CLIVE UPDATE
Clive Everton, Snooker Scene's editor and BBC's senior snooker commentator, is now back at home after breaking his hip on the final day of the recent 888.com World Championship.
He will take a few weeks to recuperate fully but wishes to pass on his sincere thanks to everyone who has sent cards or enquired after him.
He will take a few weeks to recuperate fully but wishes to pass on his sincere thanks to everyone who has sent cards or enquired after him.
HIGGINS MAKES WARSAW PACT
John Higgins will play his first match as 888.com world champion in Poland as he takes part in a new eight-man tournament in Warsaw next month.
Higgins, Graeme Dott, six-times world champion Steve Davis and Crucible runner-up Mark Selby will take part against four Polish players - Marcin Nitschke, Rafal Jewtuch, Jaroslaw Kowalski and Krzysztof Wrobel - in the event, which will be held on June 16 and 17.
Snooker has become hugely popular in Poland following extensive coverage of the game's major events on Eurosport.
It is to be hoped further invitation events in other parts of Europe will lead to even greater interest.
Higgins, Graeme Dott, six-times world champion Steve Davis and Crucible runner-up Mark Selby will take part against four Polish players - Marcin Nitschke, Rafal Jewtuch, Jaroslaw Kowalski and Krzysztof Wrobel - in the event, which will be held on June 16 and 17.
Snooker has become hugely popular in Poland following extensive coverage of the game's major events on Eurosport.
It is to be hoped further invitation events in other parts of Europe will lead to even greater interest.
22.5.07
NEW SEASON DATES
Here are the dates for the new snooker season. They are all provisional and subject to change.
Date Event Venue
2007
August 6-12: Shanghai Masters, TBC
October 6: Pot Black Cup, TBC
October 13-21: Royal London Watches Grand Prix, Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre
November 4-11: Northern Ireland Trophy, Waterfront Hall, Belfast
December 3-16: Maplin UK Championship, TBC
2008
January 13-20: Saga Insurance Masters, Wembley Arena
February 11-17: Welsh Open, TBC
March 23-30: Beijing Open, TBC
April 19-May 5: 888.com World Championship Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
Qualifiers
2007
June 26-29: Shanghai Masters, Pontin’s, Prestatyn
September 7-11: Saga Insurance Masters, World Snooker Academy, Sheffield
September 17-23: Royal London Watches Grand Prix, Pontin’s, Prestatyn
October 23-25: Northern Ireland Trophy, Pontin’s, Prestatyn
November 25-30: Maplin UK Chgampionship, Pontin’s, Prestatyn
2008
January 4-11: 888.com World Championship, Pontin’s, Prestatyn
January 22-25: Beijing Open, Pontin’s, Prestatyn
February 5-7: Welsh Open, Pontin’s, Prestatyn
March 7-10: 888.com World Championship, World Snooker Academy, Sheffield
Date Event Venue
2007
August 6-12: Shanghai Masters, TBC
October 6: Pot Black Cup, TBC
October 13-21: Royal London Watches Grand Prix, Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre
November 4-11: Northern Ireland Trophy, Waterfront Hall, Belfast
December 3-16: Maplin UK Championship, TBC
2008
January 13-20: Saga Insurance Masters, Wembley Arena
February 11-17: Welsh Open, TBC
March 23-30: Beijing Open, TBC
April 19-May 5: 888.com World Championship Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
Qualifiers
2007
June 26-29: Shanghai Masters, Pontin’s, Prestatyn
September 7-11: Saga Insurance Masters, World Snooker Academy, Sheffield
September 17-23: Royal London Watches Grand Prix, Pontin’s, Prestatyn
October 23-25: Northern Ireland Trophy, Pontin’s, Prestatyn
November 25-30: Maplin UK Chgampionship, Pontin’s, Prestatyn
2008
January 4-11: 888.com World Championship, Pontin’s, Prestatyn
January 22-25: Beijing Open, Pontin’s, Prestatyn
February 5-7: Welsh Open, Pontin’s, Prestatyn
March 7-10: 888.com World Championship, World Snooker Academy, Sheffield
20.5.07
SEASON REVIEW
Now the season is over, it's high time we tipped our hats to those players and performances that stood out.
Here, then, are my awards for the campaign just gone. I should point out that I'm too mean to actually present any actual awards, but see if you agree with my choices.
PLAYER OF THE SEASON - Neil Robertson
No one player domnated the snooker year but the Aussie left-hander was the only person to win two ranking events and is now firmly established as one of the game's very best.
He captured the Grand Prix title last October and the Welsh Open in February. He's now a member of the top eight and despite his defeat to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the second round of the World Championship, enjoyed by far his most successful season since turning pro.
MATCH OF THE SEASON - Peter Ebdon v John Higgins, UK Championship semi-finals
We saw some excellent snooker at the Crucible and elsewhere during the campaign but, for me, Ebdon's 9-7 victory over Higgins at York was the perfect example of how good this sport is when played to the highest standard.
Both players were on top form, with Ebdon just finishing the stronger to win 9-7 before going on to land the title.
BREAKTHROUGH OF THE SEASON - Jamie Cope
Mark Allen impressed at the Crucible, as did Judd Trump in qualifying, but Cope's two ranking event final appearances provided more than a mere glimpse of his great potential.
Runner-up to Neil Robertson in the Grand Prix and Graeme Dott in the China Open, it won't be long before Cope wins something, such is his obvious talent and self belief.
PERFORMANCE OF THE SEASON - Ronnie O'Sullivan in the Masters final
O'Sullivan's extraordinary demolition of Ding Jun Hui was a bravura display of potting and break building from the most talented player in the game's history.
It was relentless or, as Steve Davis put it, 'unplayable.' Sadly for Ronnie, it wasn't a performance he was subsequently able to repeat in teh rest of the season.
ACHIEVEMENT OF THE SEASON - Andrew Higginson reaching the Welsh Open final
In season previous to the one just gone, Higginson was on the game's secondary tour and nothing he had done in 11 years as a professional suggested he would ever be anything more than a journeyman.
That all changed at Newport where he beat Marco Fu, John Higgins, Ali Carter and Stephen Maguire to reach the final. He came back from 6-2 down to lead Neil Robertson 8-6 before losing 9-8 and also made a televised 147 in the quarter-finals.
Higginson did all of this with great humility and served up one of the most heart warming stories professional snooker has ever seen.
SCANDAL OF THE SEASON - The Masters 'cover up'
Trailing Ronnie O'Sullivan 9-3 in their Masters final, Ding Jun Hui shook hands to concede. I saw it, you saw it, everyone at Wembley saw it. The match should have been stopped there and then.
Ronnie - whose own York walkout was so controversial - having talked Ding round into carrying on, World Snooker officials stated that the Chinese potting star had believed the final was a best of 17. They would say - and many would agree - that they are charged with looking after the players and the image of the game in general, but I don't believe the sport's governing body should be saying things that are palpably untrue.
HIGH POINT OF THE SEASON - Semi-final Saturday at the Crucible
Both World Championship semi-finals provided excitement, drama and snooker of an extremely high standard as John Higgins recovered from 14-10 down to beat Stephen Maguire and Mark Selby rallied from 16-14 adrift to edge Shaun Murphy 17-16.
This was top drawer snooker at its best in the arena that has become the spiritual home of the sport. It proved what a thrilling game snooker can be when it really matters.
LOW POINT OF THE SEASON - The death of Paul Hunter
Paul was only 27 when he died of cancer last October, leaving behind his wife, Lindsey, and baby daughter, Evie Rose.
There wasn't anyone in the sport who wasn't deeply saddened by his passing.
QUOTE OF THE SEASON - 'I want to be the Billy the Kid of snooker' - Ronnie O'Sullivan
He said this at last October's Grand Prix and, no, I've still got no idea what he meant.
BREAK OF THE SEASON - Stephen Hendry's 127 at the Malta Cup
It wasn't especially memorable as a break but, for what it represented, Hendry's 127 in the first round against Robert Milkins must take this prize.
This is because it was his 700th career century, a quite remarkable statisitic bearing in mind nobody else has even got to 500.
SPECIAL MERIT
The following deserve mentions:
- John Higgins for winning the world title
- Mark Selby for his run to, and fightback in, the final
- Steve Davis for ensuring a top 16 place at the age of 50
- Ding Jun Hui for becoming only the secoind teenager to win three ranking titles
- Graeme Dott for shutting his doubters up for good by winning the China Open
- Kurt Maflin for winning the world amateur title and finishing top of the PIOS rankings
Here, then, are my awards for the campaign just gone. I should point out that I'm too mean to actually present any actual awards, but see if you agree with my choices.
PLAYER OF THE SEASON - Neil Robertson
No one player domnated the snooker year but the Aussie left-hander was the only person to win two ranking events and is now firmly established as one of the game's very best.
He captured the Grand Prix title last October and the Welsh Open in February. He's now a member of the top eight and despite his defeat to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the second round of the World Championship, enjoyed by far his most successful season since turning pro.
MATCH OF THE SEASON - Peter Ebdon v John Higgins, UK Championship semi-finals
We saw some excellent snooker at the Crucible and elsewhere during the campaign but, for me, Ebdon's 9-7 victory over Higgins at York was the perfect example of how good this sport is when played to the highest standard.
Both players were on top form, with Ebdon just finishing the stronger to win 9-7 before going on to land the title.
BREAKTHROUGH OF THE SEASON - Jamie Cope
Mark Allen impressed at the Crucible, as did Judd Trump in qualifying, but Cope's two ranking event final appearances provided more than a mere glimpse of his great potential.
Runner-up to Neil Robertson in the Grand Prix and Graeme Dott in the China Open, it won't be long before Cope wins something, such is his obvious talent and self belief.
PERFORMANCE OF THE SEASON - Ronnie O'Sullivan in the Masters final
O'Sullivan's extraordinary demolition of Ding Jun Hui was a bravura display of potting and break building from the most talented player in the game's history.
It was relentless or, as Steve Davis put it, 'unplayable.' Sadly for Ronnie, it wasn't a performance he was subsequently able to repeat in teh rest of the season.
ACHIEVEMENT OF THE SEASON - Andrew Higginson reaching the Welsh Open final
In season previous to the one just gone, Higginson was on the game's secondary tour and nothing he had done in 11 years as a professional suggested he would ever be anything more than a journeyman.
That all changed at Newport where he beat Marco Fu, John Higgins, Ali Carter and Stephen Maguire to reach the final. He came back from 6-2 down to lead Neil Robertson 8-6 before losing 9-8 and also made a televised 147 in the quarter-finals.
Higginson did all of this with great humility and served up one of the most heart warming stories professional snooker has ever seen.
SCANDAL OF THE SEASON - The Masters 'cover up'
Trailing Ronnie O'Sullivan 9-3 in their Masters final, Ding Jun Hui shook hands to concede. I saw it, you saw it, everyone at Wembley saw it. The match should have been stopped there and then.
Ronnie - whose own York walkout was so controversial - having talked Ding round into carrying on, World Snooker officials stated that the Chinese potting star had believed the final was a best of 17. They would say - and many would agree - that they are charged with looking after the players and the image of the game in general, but I don't believe the sport's governing body should be saying things that are palpably untrue.
HIGH POINT OF THE SEASON - Semi-final Saturday at the Crucible
Both World Championship semi-finals provided excitement, drama and snooker of an extremely high standard as John Higgins recovered from 14-10 down to beat Stephen Maguire and Mark Selby rallied from 16-14 adrift to edge Shaun Murphy 17-16.
This was top drawer snooker at its best in the arena that has become the spiritual home of the sport. It proved what a thrilling game snooker can be when it really matters.
LOW POINT OF THE SEASON - The death of Paul Hunter
Paul was only 27 when he died of cancer last October, leaving behind his wife, Lindsey, and baby daughter, Evie Rose.
There wasn't anyone in the sport who wasn't deeply saddened by his passing.
QUOTE OF THE SEASON - 'I want to be the Billy the Kid of snooker' - Ronnie O'Sullivan
He said this at last October's Grand Prix and, no, I've still got no idea what he meant.
BREAK OF THE SEASON - Stephen Hendry's 127 at the Malta Cup
It wasn't especially memorable as a break but, for what it represented, Hendry's 127 in the first round against Robert Milkins must take this prize.
This is because it was his 700th career century, a quite remarkable statisitic bearing in mind nobody else has even got to 500.
SPECIAL MERIT
The following deserve mentions:
- John Higgins for winning the world title
- Mark Selby for his run to, and fightback in, the final
- Steve Davis for ensuring a top 16 place at the age of 50
- Ding Jun Hui for becoming only the secoind teenager to win three ranking titles
- Graeme Dott for shutting his doubters up for good by winning the China Open
- Kurt Maflin for winning the world amateur title and finishing top of the PIOS rankings
9.5.07
CLIVE'S UNLUCKY BREAK
Thank you to everyone who has phoned or emailed our office to ask after Clive Everton, who broke his hip on Monday, thus ending a run of 509 days of attendance at the Crucible since the World Championship first moved there in 1977.
Clive had an operation yesterday and is recuperating. He'll hopefully be up and about in due course.
In the meantime, the magazine will come out as usual.
Clive had an operation yesterday and is recuperating. He'll hopefully be up and about in due course.
In the meantime, the magazine will come out as usual.
8.5.07
HIGGINS PREVAILS IN LATE, LATE SHOW
John Higgins, on top form, is as good as anyone who has ever played professional snooker at the highest level and so the only surprise about the capture of his second world title was that it came nine years after he won his first.
I salute his performance. He's always conducted himself with class and good humour and will be a good world champion for the sport in the next 12 months.
However, his 18-13 victory over Mark Selby won't have been seen by many youngsters wishing to follow in his footsteps in future years.
The BBC2 peak viewing audience of 5.2m came at 11.15pm - an hour and a half before the final ended. People were tired, needed to sleep for work and simply couldn't stay with it to the end.
The main problem is not so much the 8pm start as the 3pm afternoon start. A couple of long frames and all of a sudden they were only playing six, with a possible 13 to play at night.
Had the final gone the distance it may have threatened the latest ever Crucible finish of 3.51am set by those arch grinders Cliff Thorburn and Terry Griffiths in 1983.
It's asking a lot for the public to stay with any match, even the world final, until such a late hour.
I salute his performance. He's always conducted himself with class and good humour and will be a good world champion for the sport in the next 12 months.
However, his 18-13 victory over Mark Selby won't have been seen by many youngsters wishing to follow in his footsteps in future years.
The BBC2 peak viewing audience of 5.2m came at 11.15pm - an hour and a half before the final ended. People were tired, needed to sleep for work and simply couldn't stay with it to the end.
The main problem is not so much the 8pm start as the 3pm afternoon start. A couple of long frames and all of a sudden they were only playing six, with a possible 13 to play at night.
Had the final gone the distance it may have threatened the latest ever Crucible finish of 3.51am set by those arch grinders Cliff Thorburn and Terry Griffiths in 1983.
It's asking a lot for the public to stay with any match, even the world final, until such a late hour.
6.5.07
CAN THE JESTER BE CAUGHT?
Can Mark Selby complete the third unexpected triumph at the Crucible in as many years and upset the odds against John Higgins in the 888.com World Championship final?
I think he can. Selby’s played the best snooker of the tournament and if he was feeling nervous at the end of his semi-final against Shaun Murphy last night, he didn’t show it.
MC Richard Beare has dubbed him the ‘Jester from Leicester’ and his looks to camera and various antics have enlivened this Championship.
But John Higgins is a real class act and, when he’s playing well, he’s as good as anyone who’s ever played at the home of snooker.
The 1998 champion had his own great escape against Stephen Maguire and will be very, very difficult to beat.
It would seem wrong if Higgins were to end his career only having won snooker’s greatest prize on one occasion. He has the chance to rectify that over the next two days but I have a funny feeling the Jester may have the last laugh.
I think he can. Selby’s played the best snooker of the tournament and if he was feeling nervous at the end of his semi-final against Shaun Murphy last night, he didn’t show it.
MC Richard Beare has dubbed him the ‘Jester from Leicester’ and his looks to camera and various antics have enlivened this Championship.
But John Higgins is a real class act and, when he’s playing well, he’s as good as anyone who’s ever played at the home of snooker.
The 1998 champion had his own great escape against Stephen Maguire and will be very, very difficult to beat.
It would seem wrong if Higgins were to end his career only having won snooker’s greatest prize on one occasion. He has the chance to rectify that over the next two days but I have a funny feeling the Jester may have the last laugh.
5.5.07
SELBY HAS SILVER - NOW FOR THE GOLD
Mark Selby has won the inaugural 888.com 'Silver Chip' award for his outstanding achievement in reaching the Crucible semi-finals.
The award was voted for by the Snooker Writers Association and will be an annual occurence at the World Championship.
Selby is much improved in recent years, despite his curious cueing style in which he rocks from side to side, like a marksman taking aim, before striking the cue ball.
But it works for him and I wish him all the best this weekend.
The award was voted for by the Snooker Writers Association and will be an annual occurence at the World Championship.
Selby is much improved in recent years, despite his curious cueing style in which he rocks from side to side, like a marksman taking aim, before striking the cue ball.
But it works for him and I wish him all the best this weekend.
4.5.07
RONNIE HEARING THIS MONTH
A disciplinary hearing into Ronnie O'Sullivan's mid-match walkout at last December's Maplin UK Championship will finally be held this month. World Snooker have declined to reveal the date but I understand it is May 31.
Sir Rodney Walker, the World Snooker chairman, has pledged to make the result of the hearing public.
O'Sullivan could be in line for a heavy fine or the docking of ranking points, but Walker has written to Jim McMahon, the chairman of the disciplinary committee, pleading leniency on O'Sullivan's behalf.
O'Sullivan was trailing Stephen Hendry 4-1 in their quarter-final when he conceded the match.
Sir Rodney Walker, the World Snooker chairman, has pledged to make the result of the hearing public.
O'Sullivan could be in line for a heavy fine or the docking of ranking points, but Walker has written to Jim McMahon, the chairman of the disciplinary committee, pleading leniency on O'Sullivan's behalf.
O'Sullivan was trailing Stephen Hendry 4-1 in their quarter-final when he conceded the match.
3.5.07
ONE OUT OF FOUR AIN'T GOOD
You may recall I made the following prediction for the semi-finals:
Mark Williams v Neil Robertson
Shaun Murphy v Stephen Hendry
That went well, then.
One plus point, I did also say the following: "Who could be this year’s Murphy or Dott? Possibly Mark Selby who has a reasonably favourable draw."
Mark Williams v Neil Robertson
Shaun Murphy v Stephen Hendry
That went well, then.
One plus point, I did also say the following: "Who could be this year’s Murphy or Dott? Possibly Mark Selby who has a reasonably favourable draw."
2.5.07
ALL HAIL SELBY
I'm delighted to see Mark Selby doing so well in the 888.com World Championship.
He's a fantastic player to watch when he hits top form, as he proved when he demolished the usually indestructible Peter Ebdon in the second round, making five centuries, including three in a row.
Oddly, Mark moves on the shot and resembles a marksman taking aim. This isn't in the coaching manuals but is effective enough for him to have reached the Crucible quarter-finals.
I well remember being in a hotel lobby at 1am in Shanghai in 2002 when one of the referees spotted Mark trying to book a cab to the China Open venue.
Despite it being pitch black, the Leicester pro thought it was the afternoon and that he should be playing.
Thankfully, his timing on the table is better than it is off it.
He's a fantastic player to watch when he hits top form, as he proved when he demolished the usually indestructible Peter Ebdon in the second round, making five centuries, including three in a row.
Oddly, Mark moves on the shot and resembles a marksman taking aim. This isn't in the coaching manuals but is effective enough for him to have reached the Crucible quarter-finals.
I well remember being in a hotel lobby at 1am in Shanghai in 2002 when one of the referees spotted Mark trying to book a cab to the China Open venue.
Despite it being pitch black, the Leicester pro thought it was the afternoon and that he should be playing.
Thankfully, his timing on the table is better than it is off it.
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