The qualifying event for the Masters takes place later this month where one of the two wildcards for the game's most prestigious invitation tournaments will be sewn up.
The second will presumably be handed out after the UK Championship.
Wildcards should reward success on the table and popularity.
With this in mind, here are the three favourites for this season's Wembley event:
1) Liang Wenbo
2) Liang Wenbo
3) Liang Wenbo
The 22 year-old Chinese reached the Shanghai Masters final this season, is into the provisional top 16 and would enhance the tournament's international flavour.
If he doesn't get the wildcard it will be the biggest surprise since Louis Walsh picked those annoying Irish twins.
But who else could be in with a shout?
Well, Joe Swail reached the Welsh Open final.
Ken Doherty has enjoyed a resurgence this season.
Jamie Cope and Judd Trump would bring a younger feel to proceedings.
But surely Liang is going to get the call, unless there is a major shock at the UK Championship.
13.10.09
INTERESTING FACT OF THE DAY
Warning: this post ends with a really lame gag.
Stephen Maguire's opponent in the first round of the World Series in Prague this weekend is the lead singer for a rock band called Support Lesbians.
Michal Krystof is also one of Czech snooker's leading lights and has been playing for four years, although the band has been going since 1992.
The event also features John Higgins, Graeme Dott and Jimmy White.
Given the location, I expect we will see a high number of shots played with Czech side.
Stephen Maguire's opponent in the first round of the World Series in Prague this weekend is the lead singer for a rock band called Support Lesbians.
Michal Krystof is also one of Czech snooker's leading lights and has been playing for four years, although the band has been going since 1992.
The event also features John Higgins, Graeme Dott and Jimmy White.
Given the location, I expect we will see a high number of shots played with Czech side.
SIX ON FIRE
The first six reds World Championship, to be staged in Ireland in December, has attracted interest from many well known names.
The organisers say they have received entries or a commitment to play from players including Stephen Maguire, Shaun Murphy, Ryan Day, Mark Selby, Mark Allen, Joe Perry, Mark Williams, Mark King, Jamie Cope, Ricky Walden, Matthew Stevens and Judd Trump and are hopeful that a number of other big names will also sign up.
The tournament runs from December 15-18 at the INEC, Killarney.
The organisers say they have received entries or a commitment to play from players including Stephen Maguire, Shaun Murphy, Ryan Day, Mark Selby, Mark Allen, Joe Perry, Mark Williams, Mark King, Jamie Cope, Ricky Walden, Matthew Stevens and Judd Trump and are hopeful that a number of other big names will also sign up.
The tournament runs from December 15-18 at the INEC, Killarney.
12.10.09
ROBERTSON'S GRAND PRIZE
I was pleased for Neil Robertson that he should tonight become the most successful non UK or Irish player by winning a fourth ranking title.
The Australian battled hard against Ding Junhui and won a crucial 57-minute ninth frame to seize a stranglehold on the match.
I very much hope he receives the media coverage he deserves in his native land, where his exploits go largely unreported.
Neil’s a good guy and what you see with him is what you get: he’s honest, open and engaging as a person and this is also how he plays.
It was a very nice touch to mention afterwards the girl who had been writing to him while suffering from cancer and to dedicate the title to her memory.
Ding’s concentration seemed to wander and that must be a worry but at least he was back in a major final and that must be a cause for celebration after three lean years.
The Grand Prix took its time to get going but the random draw threw up a John Higgins v Ronnie O’Sullivan second round tie, after which the event came to life.
The Robertson-Higgins semi-final was a classic and there was enough good snooker in the week to keep audiences in Glasgow and beyond entertained.
As ever, though, problems remain.
Why do these finals have to start at 8pm? Snooker dodged a bullet tonight even though the match didn’t finish until gone 11pm. Had it gone the full distance it would have been nearer 1am.
The sport needs to appeal to kids but they won’t be watching at that time. Also, Central Europe is an hour ahead and many viewers will have switched off before the end.
Crowds built up towards the end of the tournament but, early on, were embarrassing.
I’ve seen the WPBSA marketing and promotion plan for the event and it was comprehensive so it would be missing the point to simply blame the governing body.
You can’t force people through the doors – and some of the matches looked unattractive before a ball had been struck – but something has to give.
The problem as I see it is that snooker in the UK is seen as a bit old hat, as a sport that hasn’t changed in years.
I would be completely against messing about with the rules but peripheral cosmetic change may at least persuade the outside world that it is a game worth turning up to watch.
As I’ve written on this blog before, snooker tournaments need to feel like a sporting experience.
This is what has happened in darts, although the comparison is not completely fair because drinking plays a large part in that sport and the noise and atmosphere would not translate to snooker.
So if it means getting rid of waistcoats or playing music at the start or whatever...so be it.
Let's kick around some ideas instead of burying our heads in the sand and pretending there isn't a problem.
I realise some of this would appal traditionalists but all sports – from football to cricket to tennis – have over the years changed the way they present their product without actually changing the product.
I hope this is looked at seriously.
In the meantime the night, no the week, belongs to Neil Robertson.
The man introduced as the ‘thunder from down under’ weathered a storm in Glasgow and must now be considered as one of modern snooker’s most formidable performers.
The Australian battled hard against Ding Junhui and won a crucial 57-minute ninth frame to seize a stranglehold on the match.
I very much hope he receives the media coverage he deserves in his native land, where his exploits go largely unreported.
Neil’s a good guy and what you see with him is what you get: he’s honest, open and engaging as a person and this is also how he plays.
It was a very nice touch to mention afterwards the girl who had been writing to him while suffering from cancer and to dedicate the title to her memory.
Ding’s concentration seemed to wander and that must be a worry but at least he was back in a major final and that must be a cause for celebration after three lean years.
The Grand Prix took its time to get going but the random draw threw up a John Higgins v Ronnie O’Sullivan second round tie, after which the event came to life.
The Robertson-Higgins semi-final was a classic and there was enough good snooker in the week to keep audiences in Glasgow and beyond entertained.
As ever, though, problems remain.
Why do these finals have to start at 8pm? Snooker dodged a bullet tonight even though the match didn’t finish until gone 11pm. Had it gone the full distance it would have been nearer 1am.
The sport needs to appeal to kids but they won’t be watching at that time. Also, Central Europe is an hour ahead and many viewers will have switched off before the end.
Crowds built up towards the end of the tournament but, early on, were embarrassing.
I’ve seen the WPBSA marketing and promotion plan for the event and it was comprehensive so it would be missing the point to simply blame the governing body.
You can’t force people through the doors – and some of the matches looked unattractive before a ball had been struck – but something has to give.
The problem as I see it is that snooker in the UK is seen as a bit old hat, as a sport that hasn’t changed in years.
I would be completely against messing about with the rules but peripheral cosmetic change may at least persuade the outside world that it is a game worth turning up to watch.
As I’ve written on this blog before, snooker tournaments need to feel like a sporting experience.
This is what has happened in darts, although the comparison is not completely fair because drinking plays a large part in that sport and the noise and atmosphere would not translate to snooker.
So if it means getting rid of waistcoats or playing music at the start or whatever...so be it.
Let's kick around some ideas instead of burying our heads in the sand and pretending there isn't a problem.
I realise some of this would appal traditionalists but all sports – from football to cricket to tennis – have over the years changed the way they present their product without actually changing the product.
I hope this is looked at seriously.
In the meantime the night, no the week, belongs to Neil Robertson.
The man introduced as the ‘thunder from down under’ weathered a storm in Glasgow and must now be considered as one of modern snooker’s most formidable performers.
11.10.09
FINAL PREVIEW
There will be an extraordinary amount of nonsense talked today about how the Neil Robertson v Ding Junhui Grand Prix final represents the globalisation of the sport.
No it doesn't. It's just pure luck.
There are only four non-British or Irish players ranked inside the top 32. Robertson and Ding are two, Marco Fu and Liang Wenbo are the others.
There are hardly any players from mainland Europe or the Middle East or North or South America on this list.
Further down the ranks there are fewer non British players than at any time in the last 30 years.
The fact that this is only the second ranking tournament final to feature two non-UK players in the 200+ that have been staged is an embarrassment to the sport, not a cause for celebration.
Snooker is a world game in terms of the interest from viewers but the circuit is avowedly British. This is why Robertson and Ding have been forced to move to the UK to live and practice here during the season.
There are no main tour tournaments staged in mainland Europe - despite the huge interest that exists there - and none in Australia either.
I for one hope that today's final will play its part in spreading the snooker gospel far beyond UK shores.
It should certainly be entertaining: Robertson and Ding are both quick, attacking and supremely talented.
I favour Robertson because he possesses supreme confidence and I feel that if it goes close he can stand up to the pressure.
But both players are 3 for 3 from ranking finals and could well serve up a classic encounter.
Just don't let anyone kid you that this means the game is taking a step forward. Robertson and Ding have become top stars by moving to Britain, which still dominates the snooker scene to an extent that proves there is still much work to do before the game becomes truly international.
No it doesn't. It's just pure luck.
There are only four non-British or Irish players ranked inside the top 32. Robertson and Ding are two, Marco Fu and Liang Wenbo are the others.
There are hardly any players from mainland Europe or the Middle East or North or South America on this list.
Further down the ranks there are fewer non British players than at any time in the last 30 years.
The fact that this is only the second ranking tournament final to feature two non-UK players in the 200+ that have been staged is an embarrassment to the sport, not a cause for celebration.
Snooker is a world game in terms of the interest from viewers but the circuit is avowedly British. This is why Robertson and Ding have been forced to move to the UK to live and practice here during the season.
There are no main tour tournaments staged in mainland Europe - despite the huge interest that exists there - and none in Australia either.
I for one hope that today's final will play its part in spreading the snooker gospel far beyond UK shores.
It should certainly be entertaining: Robertson and Ding are both quick, attacking and supremely talented.
I favour Robertson because he possesses supreme confidence and I feel that if it goes close he can stand up to the pressure.
But both players are 3 for 3 from ranking finals and could well serve up a classic encounter.
Just don't let anyone kid you that this means the game is taking a step forward. Robertson and Ding have become top stars by moving to Britain, which still dominates the snooker scene to an extent that proves there is still much work to do before the game becomes truly international.
10.10.09
AND ANOTHER THING...
There's only ever been one ranking tournament final featuring two players from outside the UK.
That was the 1985 British Open between Silvino Francisco (South Africa) and Kirk Stevens (Canada).
So a Ding victory tonight will be significant...
That was the 1985 British Open between Silvino Francisco (South Africa) and Kirk Stevens (Canada).
So a Ding victory tonight will be significant...
THE MORE CONSIDERED VIEW
I thought John Higgins v Mark Selby at the Crucible was the best match of 2009 so far but the finish of Higgins’s defeat to Neil Robertson today was so dramatic that it may just shade it.
Robertson was confident and attacking from the off. He played his own game throughout and took the match to Higgins.
And the world champion responded in trademark fashion, making a steely clearance from 5-3 down and then drawing level.
This was a contest of an exceptionally high standard. Higgins went to the interval with 100% pot success, having not missed a single ball.
Robertson went on to make three centuries, taking his career tally to 98.
The decider could have gone either way. Robertson played the double and left a horrid cut for Higgins with the cue ball tight on the top cushion.
I wasn’t surprised that Higgins conceded when he left it in the jaws. He'd fought hard but, ultimately, in vain and it would almost be an insult to make Robertson pot it.
Well done to both and congratulations to Robertson.
All things considered that must be the best win of his career.
Robertson was confident and attacking from the off. He played his own game throughout and took the match to Higgins.
And the world champion responded in trademark fashion, making a steely clearance from 5-3 down and then drawing level.
This was a contest of an exceptionally high standard. Higgins went to the interval with 100% pot success, having not missed a single ball.
Robertson went on to make three centuries, taking his career tally to 98.
The decider could have gone either way. Robertson played the double and left a horrid cut for Higgins with the cue ball tight on the top cushion.
I wasn’t surprised that Higgins conceded when he left it in the jaws. He'd fought hard but, ultimately, in vain and it would almost be an insult to make Robertson pot it.
Well done to both and congratulations to Robertson.
All things considered that must be the best win of his career.
JIM WILLIAMSON
Jim Williamson, who opened the renowned Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds 35 years ago, has died after a long illness.
He was one of the unsung heroes of snooker and billiards and his club is regarded as one of the best in the country.
Williamson attended last month's World Billiards Championship final at the Northern and was thanked in a speech by Mike Russell, the nine times champion, for the commitment he had shown to the sport - long before the television boom of the 1980s brought about an increase in snooker clubs around the UK.
He was one of the unsung heroes of snooker and billiards and his club is regarded as one of the best in the country.
Williamson attended last month's World Billiards Championship final at the Northern and was thanked in a speech by Mike Russell, the nine times champion, for the commitment he had shown to the sport - long before the television boom of the 1980s brought about an increase in snooker clubs around the UK.
DAVID GRAY STATEMENT
Management group 110sport have issued the following statement about David Gray after a Thai newspaper reported that the former Scottish Open champion had been found unconscious in a street in Pattaya wearing only his underpants:
The boss of snooker star David Gray says he wants the player to seek help after he was found unconscious lying beside a busy road in Thailand.
The 30-year-old from Chiswick, a former ranking title winner and a regular practice partner of Jimmy White, was rescued by paramedics after being found collapsed and wearing only his underpants in a grove in the Thai holiday resort of Pattaya.
Now Lee Doyle, head of Gray's management company 110sport Group, says he is willing to do whatever it takes to help Gray who has admitted he blacked out after drinking with friends and woke to find himself on a trolley in the Banglamung Hospital.
"Reports are still a bit sketchy as to what actually happened with David. But these are highly irregular circumstances for anyone to find themselves in - especially a professional sportsman visiting a foreign country," admitted Doyle to 110sport.tv.
"Naturally we concerned about David. I think it only right to hear David's version of events and try to piece together the full picture before taking the next step.
"David is a hugely talented player and has to give himself every chance of getting back to where he once was in the game. And the first move to achieving that might be confronting any problems he might have."
My view is that Gray is entitled to take holidays and enjoy himself but that World Snooker, having given him a discretionary wildcard to carry on playing on the main tour this season, could be forgiven for taking a dim view of this.
The boss of snooker star David Gray says he wants the player to seek help after he was found unconscious lying beside a busy road in Thailand.
The 30-year-old from Chiswick, a former ranking title winner and a regular practice partner of Jimmy White, was rescued by paramedics after being found collapsed and wearing only his underpants in a grove in the Thai holiday resort of Pattaya.
Now Lee Doyle, head of Gray's management company 110sport Group, says he is willing to do whatever it takes to help Gray who has admitted he blacked out after drinking with friends and woke to find himself on a trolley in the Banglamung Hospital.
"Reports are still a bit sketchy as to what actually happened with David. But these are highly irregular circumstances for anyone to find themselves in - especially a professional sportsman visiting a foreign country," admitted Doyle to 110sport.tv.
"Naturally we concerned about David. I think it only right to hear David's version of events and try to piece together the full picture before taking the next step.
"David is a hugely talented player and has to give himself every chance of getting back to where he once was in the game. And the first move to achieving that might be confronting any problems he might have."
My view is that Gray is entitled to take holidays and enjoy himself but that World Snooker, having given him a discretionary wildcard to carry on playing on the main tour this season, could be forgiven for taking a dim view of this.
DAY EIGHT PREVIEW
Well those who predicted the random draw format would leave the tournament with an unfamiliar line-up in its latter stages were certainly proved right...not.
John Higgins v Neil Robertson and Ding Junhui v Mark Williams are two mouth watering semi-finals.
Higgins is justifiably favourite. He showed yesterday against Mark Allen that his all round game is more than a match for the young breed of players whose approach is based almost entirely around attack.
Robertson, then, will have to be at the top of his game to challenge the defending champion. But the Aussie is full of confidence and played superbly yesterday to see off Joe Perry, making two centuries in the process.
Williams exploited Robert Milkins's errors to reach his first ranking event semi-final in three and a half years last night.
Ding has also waited three years for a last four berth and seems more relaxed than he has been for some time.
If Higgins continues to play how he has so far I'd be surprised if he doesn't win the whole thing.
As ever in sport, though, nothing is certain. It's more fun just to watch it all unfold.
John Higgins v Neil Robertson and Ding Junhui v Mark Williams are two mouth watering semi-finals.
Higgins is justifiably favourite. He showed yesterday against Mark Allen that his all round game is more than a match for the young breed of players whose approach is based almost entirely around attack.
Robertson, then, will have to be at the top of his game to challenge the defending champion. But the Aussie is full of confidence and played superbly yesterday to see off Joe Perry, making two centuries in the process.
Williams exploited Robert Milkins's errors to reach his first ranking event semi-final in three and a half years last night.
Ding has also waited three years for a last four berth and seems more relaxed than he has been for some time.
If Higgins continues to play how he has so far I'd be surprised if he doesn't win the whole thing.
As ever in sport, though, nothing is certain. It's more fun just to watch it all unfold.
9.10.09
DAY SEVEN PREVIEW
Three years ago today the snooker world was stopped in its tracks by the death of Paul Hunter, one of the game’s best and most popular players.
Paul was 27 when cancer claimed him. He hasn’t been forgotten and some very good work is being done in his memory by the Paul Hunter Foundation.
Sport, as it did in 2006 and as it always does, goes on and the quarter-final line-up at the Grand Prix leaves us with a tournament that is hard to call.
John Higgins was given the fright of his career by Mark Allen at the Betfred.com World Championship last season and will need to be on his guard to keep his title defence going today.
Allen is someone for whom major silverware is surely not far away. It’s his bad luck he’s drawn the world champion but it might be Higgins cursing the random draw by the end of the afternoon.
Joe Perry and Neil Robertson were sat together as the draw was made. They once played a final qualifier at Prestatyn for which Perry drove them down from Cambridge.
Robertson won the match and they then drove back. I imagine the radio was probably on most of the way.
Ding Junhui looked confident and relaxed in dispatching Stephen Maguire last night but Peter Ebdon will provide a stern test.
Ding needs to dig deep. Sport is often ultimately about what attitude you show in adversity and he can’t allow frustration to get to him if he is to come through.
Mark Williams hasn’t been in a ranking event semi-final for three and a half years, since he won the 2006 China Open.
The Welshman scrapped through yesterday against a below par Stephen Hendry and now meets Robert Milkins, the surprise quarter-finalist.
The only other time they’ve played – at the Crucible in 2005 – Williams beat him 10-1, finishing off with a maximum.
It should be a high quality final lap to the tournament, for which crowds have grown since its disappointing start.
All eyes will be on the action, but many thoughts today will also be with Paul Hunter’s family.
They, like the game itself, must miss him terribly.
Paul was 27 when cancer claimed him. He hasn’t been forgotten and some very good work is being done in his memory by the Paul Hunter Foundation.
Sport, as it did in 2006 and as it always does, goes on and the quarter-final line-up at the Grand Prix leaves us with a tournament that is hard to call.
John Higgins was given the fright of his career by Mark Allen at the Betfred.com World Championship last season and will need to be on his guard to keep his title defence going today.
Allen is someone for whom major silverware is surely not far away. It’s his bad luck he’s drawn the world champion but it might be Higgins cursing the random draw by the end of the afternoon.
Joe Perry and Neil Robertson were sat together as the draw was made. They once played a final qualifier at Prestatyn for which Perry drove them down from Cambridge.
Robertson won the match and they then drove back. I imagine the radio was probably on most of the way.
Ding Junhui looked confident and relaxed in dispatching Stephen Maguire last night but Peter Ebdon will provide a stern test.
Ding needs to dig deep. Sport is often ultimately about what attitude you show in adversity and he can’t allow frustration to get to him if he is to come through.
Mark Williams hasn’t been in a ranking event semi-final for three and a half years, since he won the 2006 China Open.
The Welshman scrapped through yesterday against a below par Stephen Hendry and now meets Robert Milkins, the surprise quarter-finalist.
The only other time they’ve played – at the Crucible in 2005 – Williams beat him 10-1, finishing off with a maximum.
It should be a high quality final lap to the tournament, for which crowds have grown since its disappointing start.
All eyes will be on the action, but many thoughts today will also be with Paul Hunter’s family.
They, like the game itself, must miss him terribly.
8.10.09
DAY SIX PREVIEW
Peter Ebdon could be the dark horse for the Grand Prix title.
Ebdon doesn't hit top form that often any more but, when he does, he is still a tough, dangerous opponent, as he proved at the China Open last season.
He beat Mark Davis 13-7 in the second round of the 1995 World Championship and should be backed to oust the Sussex cueman once again.
Stephen Hendry v Mark Williams is the glamour tie of the day. Williams impressed against Stuart Bingham while Hendry's concentration held up well during a scrappy contest with Matt Selt.
The pair are good mates but that goes out of the window once they get down to it in the arena.
I'd back Williams - just about - but it's another battle of the legends that should simply be enjoyed.
Mark King performed a Harry Houdini act to beat Ricky Walden but faces another fast, fluent player in the shape of Robert Milkins.
Stephen Maguire has a 6-0 career record over Ding Junhui. Some players have their bogey opponents and, on home ground, Maguire will be full of confidence to extend his hoodoo over the Chinese.
With the ranking points tariffs increased this season following the loss of two tournaments, a good run can see you fly up - Ken Doherty has risen from 55th to 33rd in two events.
The other side of that coin, though, is that a bad start is very costly: it looks like Mark Selby will go to the UK Championship outside the provisional top 16.
Ebdon doesn't hit top form that often any more but, when he does, he is still a tough, dangerous opponent, as he proved at the China Open last season.
He beat Mark Davis 13-7 in the second round of the 1995 World Championship and should be backed to oust the Sussex cueman once again.
Stephen Hendry v Mark Williams is the glamour tie of the day. Williams impressed against Stuart Bingham while Hendry's concentration held up well during a scrappy contest with Matt Selt.
The pair are good mates but that goes out of the window once they get down to it in the arena.
I'd back Williams - just about - but it's another battle of the legends that should simply be enjoyed.
Mark King performed a Harry Houdini act to beat Ricky Walden but faces another fast, fluent player in the shape of Robert Milkins.
Stephen Maguire has a 6-0 career record over Ding Junhui. Some players have their bogey opponents and, on home ground, Maguire will be full of confidence to extend his hoodoo over the Chinese.
With the ranking points tariffs increased this season following the loss of two tournaments, a good run can see you fly up - Ken Doherty has risen from 55th to 33rd in two events.
The other side of that coin, though, is that a bad start is very costly: it looks like Mark Selby will go to the UK Championship outside the provisional top 16.
7.10.09
HIGGINS EDGES GLASGOW THRILLER
It could only have been pressure that cost Ronnie O'Sullivan a place in the Grand Prix quarter-finals today.
There was the pressure of not being confident with parts of his game, particularly long potting.
And pressure because of who he was playing and the knowledge of what John Higgins is capable of doing.
Higgins must have thought he was out when O'Sullivan twice had good chances to win the eighth. It was to the Scot's credit that he won the decider in one visit because proceedings had become nervy by this point.
O'Sullivan held a 27-17 lead in previous career meetings prior to the match but a number of those wins had come in the Premier League and smaller events.
In ranking tournaments it is now 11-7 to Higgins.
They have now played ten deciders and won five apiece. They were unlucky to draw each other at such an early stage - the last time they played in the last 16 of a ranking event was at the 1996 Thailand Open.
Today's contest was just what the tournament needed.
But the downside is that we've lost one of the star attractions in the second round.
There was the pressure of not being confident with parts of his game, particularly long potting.
And pressure because of who he was playing and the knowledge of what John Higgins is capable of doing.
Higgins must have thought he was out when O'Sullivan twice had good chances to win the eighth. It was to the Scot's credit that he won the decider in one visit because proceedings had become nervy by this point.
O'Sullivan held a 27-17 lead in previous career meetings prior to the match but a number of those wins had come in the Premier League and smaller events.
In ranking tournaments it is now 11-7 to Higgins.
They have now played ten deciders and won five apiece. They were unlucky to draw each other at such an early stage - the last time they played in the last 16 of a ranking event was at the 1996 Thailand Open.
Today's contest was just what the tournament needed.
But the downside is that we've lost one of the star attractions in the second round.
DAY FIVE PREVIEW
First up, here’s Phil Yates in The Times on the importance of Ronnie O’Sullivan to a sport seemingly going nowhere.
Second, what about Mark King? He needed three snookers on the brown in the decider against Ricky Walden and ended up cutting in a very difficult black to beat him, proving that a never-say-die attitude can sometimes pay dividends.
So, today it’s O’Sullivan v John Higgins. The top two seeds usually wouldn’t meet until the final so this is tough for both to take.
Higgins played much better than O’Sullivan in their respective first round matches and will also enjoy plenty of support in his home city.
However, whenever two greats of the game like this meet it’s just on the day. My advice: sit back and enjoy.
Mark Allen and Jamie Cope, two rising stars, are unlikely to detain spectators on table two for very long regardless of the score in their match.
Tonight it’s Neil Robertson, who will need his wits about him when he plays the resurgent Ken Doherty.
And Joe Perry will attempt to succeed where Shaun Murphy failed and get past the battling Barry Pinches.
The second round draw has thrown up some interesting matches, none more so than Higgins v O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry v Mark Williams: the four best players of the last 15 years locking horns once again.
Second, what about Mark King? He needed three snookers on the brown in the decider against Ricky Walden and ended up cutting in a very difficult black to beat him, proving that a never-say-die attitude can sometimes pay dividends.
So, today it’s O’Sullivan v John Higgins. The top two seeds usually wouldn’t meet until the final so this is tough for both to take.
Higgins played much better than O’Sullivan in their respective first round matches and will also enjoy plenty of support in his home city.
However, whenever two greats of the game like this meet it’s just on the day. My advice: sit back and enjoy.
Mark Allen and Jamie Cope, two rising stars, are unlikely to detain spectators on table two for very long regardless of the score in their match.
Tonight it’s Neil Robertson, who will need his wits about him when he plays the resurgent Ken Doherty.
And Joe Perry will attempt to succeed where Shaun Murphy failed and get past the battling Barry Pinches.
The second round draw has thrown up some interesting matches, none more so than Higgins v O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry v Mark Williams: the four best players of the last 15 years locking horns once again.
6.10.09
DAY FOUR PREVIEW
We need Ronnie O’Sullivan to bring his uniquely entertaining brand of snooker to the fore in Glasgow today and breathe some life into the Grand Prix.
The tournament has not yet hit the heights but O’Sullivan can change all that if he turns it on against Jamie Burnett.
The omens are good for the world no.1: he has beaten Burnett 5-0 the two previous times they have met.
For some reason, the Grand Prix has not been the happiest of events for O’Sullivan. He has won it only once and in 2005 was completely outplayed 9-2 in the final by John Higgins.
Still, not for the first time the game looks to him to provide some inspiration.
This afternoon’s other match pits Mark Williams, still recovering from his wrist injury, against Stuart Bingham.
Tonight, another injury case, Stephen Maguire, who is nursing fractured bones in his shoulder, tackles the experienced Nigel Bond, who was runner-up 19 years ago.
And Ricky Walden will look to make it three wins out of three against Mark King.
The big shock yesterday was Shaun Murphy’s 5-4 defeat to Barry Pinches. Murphy needed yellow and green in the eighth frame to win 5-3. In the end, Pinches made an excellent clearance in the decider.
Stephen Hendry remained focused throughout his 5-2 victory over Matt Selt even if the four times Grand Prix champion was not at his imperious best.
Credit to Peter Ebdon for the way he turned things around against Liang Wenbo.
The crowds picked up after Sunday attracted less than 100 spectators.
It will surely be a big attendance for O’Sullivan today, who takes centre stage after the second round draw is made at 1.30pm.
TV times:
BBC2 1.30-4.30pm, 7-8pm, 0.50-3.40am
British Eurosport 2 1.30-5pm, British Eurosport 7-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
The tournament has not yet hit the heights but O’Sullivan can change all that if he turns it on against Jamie Burnett.
The omens are good for the world no.1: he has beaten Burnett 5-0 the two previous times they have met.
For some reason, the Grand Prix has not been the happiest of events for O’Sullivan. He has won it only once and in 2005 was completely outplayed 9-2 in the final by John Higgins.
Still, not for the first time the game looks to him to provide some inspiration.
This afternoon’s other match pits Mark Williams, still recovering from his wrist injury, against Stuart Bingham.
Tonight, another injury case, Stephen Maguire, who is nursing fractured bones in his shoulder, tackles the experienced Nigel Bond, who was runner-up 19 years ago.
And Ricky Walden will look to make it three wins out of three against Mark King.
The big shock yesterday was Shaun Murphy’s 5-4 defeat to Barry Pinches. Murphy needed yellow and green in the eighth frame to win 5-3. In the end, Pinches made an excellent clearance in the decider.
Stephen Hendry remained focused throughout his 5-2 victory over Matt Selt even if the four times Grand Prix champion was not at his imperious best.
Credit to Peter Ebdon for the way he turned things around against Liang Wenbo.
The crowds picked up after Sunday attracted less than 100 spectators.
It will surely be a big attendance for O’Sullivan today, who takes centre stage after the second round draw is made at 1.30pm.
TV times:
BBC2 1.30-4.30pm, 7-8pm, 0.50-3.40am
British Eurosport 2 1.30-5pm, British Eurosport 7-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
5.10.09
DAY THREE PREVIEW
The crowd attendance yesterday was the worst I can ever remember for a televised day of a ranking event in the UK.
Only 30 tickets were sold for the afternoon session. At the same time, Rangers were playing Celtic, which would have taken the attention of most of Glasgow.
However, the evening session did not attract that many more spectators - even though crowds at the SECC last year were generally good.
Let us hope yesterday was just an anomaly. The acid test comes today when Stephen Hendry plays.
If he can't pull in a crowd in Scotland then serious questions are going to be asked about how this tournament has been marketed.
Hendry could be vulnerable against Matt Selt, who is in the form of his life having qualified for Shanghai and now Glasgow from the first round.
But this is only his second match on TV and though Hendry's form is patchy, he has all the experience.
Liang Wenbo has played Peter Ebdon twice and beaten him 5-0 and 5-1. Full of confidence after his run to the Shanghai final he will be looking to complete the hat-trick.
Tonight, Shaun Murphy tackles Barry Pinches, who came from 4-1 down to beat Michael Holt in the final qualifying round.
Mark Allen faces Ian McCulloch, who was runner-up to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the Grand Prix five years ago.
TV times:
BBC2 1.30-4.30pm, 7-8pm, 0.50-3.40am
British Eurosport 2 1.30-5pm, British Eurosport 7.45-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
Only 30 tickets were sold for the afternoon session. At the same time, Rangers were playing Celtic, which would have taken the attention of most of Glasgow.
However, the evening session did not attract that many more spectators - even though crowds at the SECC last year were generally good.
Let us hope yesterday was just an anomaly. The acid test comes today when Stephen Hendry plays.
If he can't pull in a crowd in Scotland then serious questions are going to be asked about how this tournament has been marketed.
Hendry could be vulnerable against Matt Selt, who is in the form of his life having qualified for Shanghai and now Glasgow from the first round.
But this is only his second match on TV and though Hendry's form is patchy, he has all the experience.
Liang Wenbo has played Peter Ebdon twice and beaten him 5-0 and 5-1. Full of confidence after his run to the Shanghai final he will be looking to complete the hat-trick.
Tonight, Shaun Murphy tackles Barry Pinches, who came from 4-1 down to beat Michael Holt in the final qualifying round.
Mark Allen faces Ian McCulloch, who was runner-up to Ronnie O'Sullivan in the Grand Prix five years ago.
TV times:
BBC2 1.30-4.30pm, 7-8pm, 0.50-3.40am
British Eurosport 2 1.30-5pm, British Eurosport 7.45-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
4.10.09
DAY TWO PREVIEW
First, a word about yesterday. I’d warned that Mark Selby was a man under pressure and his performance against Ken Doherty was that of a player rusty through lack of match practice.
The bad news for Selby is that his next match will not be for another two months at the UK Championship, where another first round defeat could mean he heads into 2010 outside the provisional top 16.
Today, Neil Robertson, who won this title in 2006, takes to the table against Gerard Greene. Robertson should have too much firepower for the Kent-based Northern Irishman but, if the contest becomes fragmented, it’s up for grabs.
The other evening match should be a free flowing affair as Ryan Day, runner-up to John Higgins last year, tackles Jamie Cope, who lost in the final to Robertson three years ago.
This one is hard to call as they play a similar game. Cope sometimes lets his head drop so it will be interesting to see his approach if he goes behind.
First up it’s Ding Junhui against Matthew Stevens, who I feel could be a good outside bet for the title.
That said, if Ding hits top form the Welshman could easily be a first round casualty.
New father Ali Carter takes on Robert Milkins, who will be resplendent in pink as he is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month.
TV times:
BBC2 3.50-5.30pm, 0.40-3.30am and red button from 12.30pm
British Eurosport2 1-2.30pm, British Eurosport 3.45-5.15pm, 7-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
The bad news for Selby is that his next match will not be for another two months at the UK Championship, where another first round defeat could mean he heads into 2010 outside the provisional top 16.
Today, Neil Robertson, who won this title in 2006, takes to the table against Gerard Greene. Robertson should have too much firepower for the Kent-based Northern Irishman but, if the contest becomes fragmented, it’s up for grabs.
The other evening match should be a free flowing affair as Ryan Day, runner-up to John Higgins last year, tackles Jamie Cope, who lost in the final to Robertson three years ago.
This one is hard to call as they play a similar game. Cope sometimes lets his head drop so it will be interesting to see his approach if he goes behind.
First up it’s Ding Junhui against Matthew Stevens, who I feel could be a good outside bet for the title.
That said, if Ding hits top form the Welshman could easily be a first round casualty.
New father Ali Carter takes on Robert Milkins, who will be resplendent in pink as he is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month.
TV times:
BBC2 3.50-5.30pm, 0.40-3.30am and red button from 12.30pm
British Eurosport2 1-2.30pm, British Eurosport 3.45-5.15pm, 7-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
3.10.09
HIGGINS HAPPY WITH HIS LOT
John Higgins insists he is content with his career trophy haul – despite Ronnie O’Sullivan labelling him an underachiever.
O’Sullivan made his comments in praising Higgins ahead of the Grand Prix.
But the Scot, who coasted to a 5-1 victory over Mark Joyce in the first round of the Grand Prix today, pointed out the competitiveness of the era in which he has been playing for the last 17 years.
“If someone said to me at the start of my career I’d win three World Championship titles I’d have bitten their hand off,” he said.
“People were saying it was a little naughty of Ronnie to say that but I thought it was a great compliment as he’s saying I could still win more.
“I’ve been born in an era when Ronnie, Mark Williams and obviously Stephen Hendry have been playing great stuff.
“There are obviously only so many tournaments you can win and these players have been winning titles as well. It’s hard then and it’s still hard now.”
O’Sullivan made his comments in praising Higgins ahead of the Grand Prix.
But the Scot, who coasted to a 5-1 victory over Mark Joyce in the first round of the Grand Prix today, pointed out the competitiveness of the era in which he has been playing for the last 17 years.
“If someone said to me at the start of my career I’d win three World Championship titles I’d have bitten their hand off,” he said.
“People were saying it was a little naughty of Ronnie to say that but I thought it was a great compliment as he’s saying I could still win more.
“I’ve been born in an era when Ronnie, Mark Williams and obviously Stephen Hendry have been playing great stuff.
“There are obviously only so many tournaments you can win and these players have been winning titles as well. It’s hard then and it’s still hard now.”
GRAND PRIX: DAY ONE PREVIEW
So, the Grand Prix starts today with John Higgins beginning the defence of his title against Mark Joyce, the world no.57 from Walsall.
I’d be astonished if Higgins lost given the gulf in experience but stranger things have happened...although not often.
On the other table, Marco Fu faces Mark Davis, a journeyman professional who has enjoyed some high points during his long career, including victories over Ken Doherty at the Crucible and Ronnie O’Sullivan in the Scottish Open.
Davis plays most of his snooker in the qualifiers but has the experience to take advantage of Fu if the Hong Kong man fails to produce the goods. Fu is maddeningly inconsistent. Two years ago he won this title but while his record is good against the big guns, he sometimes loses to players down the rankings.
The match I’m most looking forward to is Mark Selby against Doherty in the evening. Here we have one of snooker’s current breed of top stars looking for an extended run against a resurgent former world champion.
The two are evenly matched and I would say the pressure will be on Selby.
The other night match sees Joe Perry looking to win his first match in 2009 in a major event. He hasn’t quite been the same since he missed a pink with a good chance to beat O’Sullivan at the Masters and has slipped to 22nd in the provisional rankings.
Marcus Campbell is just the sort of tough, wily match player capable of pouncing if Perry doesn’t do the business.
TV times:
BBC1 2.15-4.30pm, BBC2 00.50-3.40am and red button from 1pm
British Eurosport 1-5.30pm, 7-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
I’d be astonished if Higgins lost given the gulf in experience but stranger things have happened...although not often.
On the other table, Marco Fu faces Mark Davis, a journeyman professional who has enjoyed some high points during his long career, including victories over Ken Doherty at the Crucible and Ronnie O’Sullivan in the Scottish Open.
Davis plays most of his snooker in the qualifiers but has the experience to take advantage of Fu if the Hong Kong man fails to produce the goods. Fu is maddeningly inconsistent. Two years ago he won this title but while his record is good against the big guns, he sometimes loses to players down the rankings.
The match I’m most looking forward to is Mark Selby against Doherty in the evening. Here we have one of snooker’s current breed of top stars looking for an extended run against a resurgent former world champion.
The two are evenly matched and I would say the pressure will be on Selby.
The other night match sees Joe Perry looking to win his first match in 2009 in a major event. He hasn’t quite been the same since he missed a pink with a good chance to beat O’Sullivan at the Masters and has slipped to 22nd in the provisional rankings.
Marcus Campbell is just the sort of tough, wily match player capable of pouncing if Perry doesn’t do the business.
TV times:
BBC1 2.15-4.30pm, BBC2 00.50-3.40am and red button from 1pm
British Eurosport 1-5.30pm, 7-10pm
Eurosport times in other countries vary, check your local listings
The BBC website (in the UK) and the Eurosport Player has live coverage from both the tables.
2.10.09
MAGUIRE SHOULDERS GRAND PRIX BURDEN
Stephen Maguire will have to play through the pain barrier at the Grand Prix after discovering his shoulder injury is worse than was originally feared.
The world no.2 slipped in the shower at home last month and had to withdraw from the Shanghai Masters after doctors diagnosed internal bleeding in a muscle.
"On Wednesday I received a phone call from the hospital to tell me that I was actually suffering from multiple mini fractures in my shoulder," Maguire told 110sport.tv.
“I am now going to have to wait and see a consultant to see what happens next. But in the meantime I am just loading up on painkillers. I have been playing away in practice and it is a bit sore, but I am a big boy and will survive.”
“Having missed Shanghai I need a bit of a run in this tournament to make up for that. So there is no way I was missing this tournament. As I say I am in pain, but I just have to get on with it.”
Maguire is due to play Nigel Bond in the first round on Tuesday evening.
The world no.2 slipped in the shower at home last month and had to withdraw from the Shanghai Masters after doctors diagnosed internal bleeding in a muscle.
"On Wednesday I received a phone call from the hospital to tell me that I was actually suffering from multiple mini fractures in my shoulder," Maguire told 110sport.tv.
“I am now going to have to wait and see a consultant to see what happens next. But in the meantime I am just loading up on painkillers. I have been playing away in practice and it is a bit sore, but I am a big boy and will survive.”
“Having missed Shanghai I need a bit of a run in this tournament to make up for that. So there is no way I was missing this tournament. As I say I am in pain, but I just have to get on with it.”
Maguire is due to play Nigel Bond in the first round on Tuesday evening.
SNOOKER'S GLOBAL AUDIENCE
More people are watching snooker on television now than at any time in history.
There’s a self-indulgent British attitude that the only thing that matters is what happens in blighty but this ignores the fact that snooker is a global sport.
The Grand Prix will be broadcast on the BBC, Eurosport and various other channels around the world, either live or in the form of highlights.
TV channels in China are particularly ravenous for coverage and the total audience for the tournament will run into the many millions, dwarfing the numbers recorded in the UK in the 1980s.
These are deals the WPBSA deserve credit for signing, because they have brought the sport into living rooms in some unlikely locations and turned legions of people into lifelong fans of the green baize game.
Some of the BBC’s terrestrial transmission times from Glasgow have raised eyebrows – the Conservative Party Conference doesn’t help – but every ball of the event is live on the red button or on the BBC website, which most UK viewers now have access to.
The Eurosport player also has coverage of one of the tables and the TV channel will be broadcasting many hours live, although times may vary depending which country you are in.
Here in the UK, we like to think back to a golden age. Well I remember the ‘golden age’ and I remember having to wait for recorded highlights of major finals rather than watching them live.
Viewers will – as is their right – complain about commentators, camera angles, interviews, features and the rest but, the truth is, there has never been a better time to watch snooker on the TV.
And with the internet as well, it is even easier to keep up to date with the action.
Gone are the days when waiting until half past midnight for David Vine to appear was pretty much the only way of finding out what had happened.
Now, snooker much more regularly happens live before our eyes and the game's global footprint is growing every year.
One final thought: there are, apparently, some three thousand folk in Britain who still have black and white TV sets.
I assume they aren't snooker fans.
There’s a self-indulgent British attitude that the only thing that matters is what happens in blighty but this ignores the fact that snooker is a global sport.
The Grand Prix will be broadcast on the BBC, Eurosport and various other channels around the world, either live or in the form of highlights.
TV channels in China are particularly ravenous for coverage and the total audience for the tournament will run into the many millions, dwarfing the numbers recorded in the UK in the 1980s.
These are deals the WPBSA deserve credit for signing, because they have brought the sport into living rooms in some unlikely locations and turned legions of people into lifelong fans of the green baize game.
Some of the BBC’s terrestrial transmission times from Glasgow have raised eyebrows – the Conservative Party Conference doesn’t help – but every ball of the event is live on the red button or on the BBC website, which most UK viewers now have access to.
The Eurosport player also has coverage of one of the tables and the TV channel will be broadcasting many hours live, although times may vary depending which country you are in.
Here in the UK, we like to think back to a golden age. Well I remember the ‘golden age’ and I remember having to wait for recorded highlights of major finals rather than watching them live.
Viewers will – as is their right – complain about commentators, camera angles, interviews, features and the rest but, the truth is, there has never been a better time to watch snooker on the TV.
And with the internet as well, it is even easier to keep up to date with the action.
Gone are the days when waiting until half past midnight for David Vine to appear was pretty much the only way of finding out what had happened.
Now, snooker much more regularly happens live before our eyes and the game's global footprint is growing every year.
One final thought: there are, apparently, some three thousand folk in Britain who still have black and white TV sets.
I assume they aren't snooker fans.
1.10.09
ALI'S THE DADDY
Ali Carter has become a father for the first time on the eve of the Grand Prix.
His partner, Sarah, gave birth today. They have named their son Max.
He arrived a minute after midnight and weighed in at 8lbs, 2oz.
"I honestly thought I was going to be in Glasgow when I got the call and if that had happened I had every intention to withdraw from the event but now I can concentrate on the tournament," Carter told 110sport.tv.
"It really has given me such a buzz going to the Kelvin Hall. Obviously I'd love to make it a double by winning in Glasgow, but I aim to stay there as long as possible - it might be the last decent sleep I get for a while!"
His partner, Sarah, gave birth today. They have named their son Max.
He arrived a minute after midnight and weighed in at 8lbs, 2oz.
"I honestly thought I was going to be in Glasgow when I got the call and if that had happened I had every intention to withdraw from the event but now I can concentrate on the tournament," Carter told 110sport.tv.
"It really has given me such a buzz going to the Kelvin Hall. Obviously I'd love to make it a double by winning in Glasgow, but I aim to stay there as long as possible - it might be the last decent sleep I get for a while!"
SELBY'S NOT SO PERFECT TEN
There's pressure on everyone, of course, at the Grand Prix but especially so for Mark Selby.
I note that some bookies have him second favourite for the world title next year, even though he is drawn in the same quarter as the tournament favourite, Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Selby hasn't been in a ranking event semi-final for a year and is down to tenth in the provisional rankings.
This doesn't add up to a crisis but is certainly food for thought.
I'm a fan of his, both as a player and a professional. He couldn't have played any better against John Higgins at the Crucible this year but lost out in, to say the least, dramatic circumstances.
But for that he could well be world champion. However, sport is littered with what ifs...
Selby has become a very solid match player but in Glasgow he plays another one in the shape of a resurgent Ken Doherty, just the sort of draw he wouldn't have wanted.
The list is so tightly packed that a first round defeat could leave his top 16 place in doubt, although it's worth remembering he got zero points from last season's Bahrain Championship through no fault of his own.
Even so, for a player tipped by many as a likely mainstay of the top four Selby needs a good run to restore confidence and send himself back up the rankings.
I note that some bookies have him second favourite for the world title next year, even though he is drawn in the same quarter as the tournament favourite, Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Selby hasn't been in a ranking event semi-final for a year and is down to tenth in the provisional rankings.
This doesn't add up to a crisis but is certainly food for thought.
I'm a fan of his, both as a player and a professional. He couldn't have played any better against John Higgins at the Crucible this year but lost out in, to say the least, dramatic circumstances.
But for that he could well be world champion. However, sport is littered with what ifs...
Selby has become a very solid match player but in Glasgow he plays another one in the shape of a resurgent Ken Doherty, just the sort of draw he wouldn't have wanted.
The list is so tightly packed that a first round defeat could leave his top 16 place in doubt, although it's worth remembering he got zero points from last season's Bahrain Championship through no fault of his own.
Even so, for a player tipped by many as a likely mainstay of the top four Selby needs a good run to restore confidence and send himself back up the rankings.
30.9.09
THAT WINNING FEELING
Ronnie O’Sullivan is right when he says John Higgins could have won more in his career.
But of course the same is also true of O’Sullivan himself.
Both players are supremely talented and can hold their heads high in the pantheon of all time greats. They have won far more than most.
One of the simplest reasons they haven’t won even more is that they have played in the same era. They each turned pro in 1992 and have met in a number of finals, one stopping the other from winning.
But it is also true that neither Higgins nor O’Sullivan have had that relentless mindset shared by Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry to win all the time.
Both have admitted as much. Higgins openly confesses that he has at times preferred family life to practising while O’Sullivan told Gabby Logan on the BBC’s Inside Sport last year that, “I haven’t got the passion it takes to be a Michael Schumacher, a Hendry, a Phil Taylor.”
Most snooker players don’t. It takes an extraordinary act of will not to celebrate a major tournament victory but to simply forget about it, go back to the club, work hard and get ready to win the next one.
That’s what Davis and Hendry both did and that’s why they won so much.
None of this takes anything away from the achievements of Higgins and O’Sullivan.
They first won ranking titles as teenagers. Between them they have won the last three world titles, so are clearly still the men to beat.
But of course the same is also true of O’Sullivan himself.
Both players are supremely talented and can hold their heads high in the pantheon of all time greats. They have won far more than most.
One of the simplest reasons they haven’t won even more is that they have played in the same era. They each turned pro in 1992 and have met in a number of finals, one stopping the other from winning.
But it is also true that neither Higgins nor O’Sullivan have had that relentless mindset shared by Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry to win all the time.
Both have admitted as much. Higgins openly confesses that he has at times preferred family life to practising while O’Sullivan told Gabby Logan on the BBC’s Inside Sport last year that, “I haven’t got the passion it takes to be a Michael Schumacher, a Hendry, a Phil Taylor.”
Most snooker players don’t. It takes an extraordinary act of will not to celebrate a major tournament victory but to simply forget about it, go back to the club, work hard and get ready to win the next one.
That’s what Davis and Hendry both did and that’s why they won so much.
None of this takes anything away from the achievements of Higgins and O’Sullivan.
They first won ranking titles as teenagers. Between them they have won the last three world titles, so are clearly still the men to beat.
29.9.09
THE GRAND PRIX: 25 YEARS NOT OUT
The Grand Prix for many has always marked the true start of the season.
Even when ITV used to show a tournament in September, the first BBC event of the campaign was regarded as that extra bit more special.
It certainly used to be when Rothmans were the sponsors and it was held at the Hexagon in Reading.
When they pulled out, it did lose a bit of prestige and this was exacerbated by moving the event around the country. The Kelvin Hall in Glasgow is it's eighth venue since it left Reading (there will not be a prize for all those who can name the other seven).
For all this, the Grand Prix is the second longest running ranking event. (Before you call me every name under the sun, yes the UK Championship began in 1977 but it did not carry ranking points until 1984, a couple of months after Dennis Taylor won the first Grand Prix.)
The tournament has been responsible for a number of memorable moments - Stephen Hendry winning at 18, Rex Williams in the final at 53, Steve Davis whitewashing Dean Reynolds in the final, Chris Small capturing the title (when it was the LG Cup) against all odds and John Higgins making four successive centuries and amassing 494 points without reply against Ronnie O'Sullivan.
My personal highlight came at Preston Guild Hall six or seven years ago. As anyone who has been to the venue will know, you enter through a shopping centre and up some escalators where autograph hunters tend to hang out.
One day, I made my way towards the lift and realised that said autograph hunters were sizing me up, deciding if I was a player or not.
After a moment or two of deliberation one of them turned to his mate and said, 'nah, don't bother with him, he's a nobody.'
Written off in Preston. The poignancy of it all was almost too much to bear.
One year the Harold Shipman trial was taking place in the court over the road and we journalists, faced with some dirge dragging on into the early hours, speculated that the not so good doctor may be sentenced to spending a day at the snooker.
When the Grand Prix moved to Aberdeen, the crazy decision was taken to make it a round robin event. The format confused everyone, not least the players. Mark King booked a flight home believing he was out but discovered he was still in and went on to reach the semi-finals.
Thankfully, this was scrapped last year in favour of a random draw, which has added some spice to proceedings.
All the predictions of the big names crashing out early proved to be without substance: three of the four semi-finalists were ranked in the top eight.
Crowds were good at the SECC last year and will hopefully be strong again across the city for this season's staging.
Scotland has long been a snooker nation, even in the days when it didn't have any top players. Now, it has several and is hosting one of the green baize game's longest running events.
The Grand Prix has never been regarded in the same way as the big three - the world, UK and Masters - but has played its own part in the snooker story and, 25 years since it was first held, is still a much sought after prize.
Even when ITV used to show a tournament in September, the first BBC event of the campaign was regarded as that extra bit more special.
It certainly used to be when Rothmans were the sponsors and it was held at the Hexagon in Reading.
When they pulled out, it did lose a bit of prestige and this was exacerbated by moving the event around the country. The Kelvin Hall in Glasgow is it's eighth venue since it left Reading (there will not be a prize for all those who can name the other seven).
For all this, the Grand Prix is the second longest running ranking event. (Before you call me every name under the sun, yes the UK Championship began in 1977 but it did not carry ranking points until 1984, a couple of months after Dennis Taylor won the first Grand Prix.)
The tournament has been responsible for a number of memorable moments - Stephen Hendry winning at 18, Rex Williams in the final at 53, Steve Davis whitewashing Dean Reynolds in the final, Chris Small capturing the title (when it was the LG Cup) against all odds and John Higgins making four successive centuries and amassing 494 points without reply against Ronnie O'Sullivan.
My personal highlight came at Preston Guild Hall six or seven years ago. As anyone who has been to the venue will know, you enter through a shopping centre and up some escalators where autograph hunters tend to hang out.
One day, I made my way towards the lift and realised that said autograph hunters were sizing me up, deciding if I was a player or not.
After a moment or two of deliberation one of them turned to his mate and said, 'nah, don't bother with him, he's a nobody.'
Written off in Preston. The poignancy of it all was almost too much to bear.
One year the Harold Shipman trial was taking place in the court over the road and we journalists, faced with some dirge dragging on into the early hours, speculated that the not so good doctor may be sentenced to spending a day at the snooker.
When the Grand Prix moved to Aberdeen, the crazy decision was taken to make it a round robin event. The format confused everyone, not least the players. Mark King booked a flight home believing he was out but discovered he was still in and went on to reach the semi-finals.
Thankfully, this was scrapped last year in favour of a random draw, which has added some spice to proceedings.
All the predictions of the big names crashing out early proved to be without substance: three of the four semi-finalists were ranked in the top eight.
Crowds were good at the SECC last year and will hopefully be strong again across the city for this season's staging.
Scotland has long been a snooker nation, even in the days when it didn't have any top players. Now, it has several and is hosting one of the green baize game's longest running events.
The Grand Prix has never been regarded in the same way as the big three - the world, UK and Masters - but has played its own part in the snooker story and, 25 years since it was first held, is still a much sought after prize.
28.9.09
RE: JOYCE (AND SELT)
Mark Joyce and Matt Selt are the two unfamiliar faces to have qualified for the Grand Prix.
So, who are they?
Joyce, 26, is a former grammar school boy who first rose to prominence by winning the 2001 European under 19 title.
He also won the English amateur open in 2005 and snooker’s oldest title, the English Amateur Championship, in 2006.
Having finished fifth on the PIOS tour, that year he was promoted to the ranking event circuit.
Like every other player, he found it tough but kept his place after the first season, although he was helped by his scheduled opponent in one round of the World Championship qualifiers, Robin Hull, pulling out.
Joyce made his TV debut at the 2007 Grand Prix but this year’s event sees his first appearance in the last 32 of a ranking tournament.
He has got himself up to 57th in the rankings but his best performance on the circuit to date was reaching the Masters qualifying final last year, where he lost 6-1 to Judd Trump.
Joyce has been consulting a psychologist in an attempt to get off his chest all the feelings he was hitherto internalising. Maybe that was a factor in his qualification for Glasgow.
He has one of the hardest possible draws in the shape of world champion John Higgins, who is defending the crown he won last season.
Even so, Joyce’s mates at the Masters Club in Walsall will be cheering him on when he tackles the Wishaw Wizard on Saturday.
Selt is 24 and has suddenly come to life this season. To qualify for the final stages of a ranking tournament from the very first round is an impressive achievement. To do it in two successive events is excellent.
Yet Selt has done so in both the Shanghai Masters and the Grand Prix, where he was 4-0 down to Jordan Brown in his first match.
He plays at the Grove Snooker Club in Romford and is a sometime practice partner of Ronnie O’Sullivan, which has obviously helped his game.
Selt qualified from the PIOS tour in 2007. A year later he was the subject of a WPBSA disciplinary inquiry as to whether he offered an opponent a bribe to lose a match on the game’s secondary circuit.
Selt was cleared of the charges.
The incident doesn’t seem to have affected his playing career. Quite the opposite, in fact.
However, Selt now needs to gain experience of playing on TV. Against John Higgins in Shanghai he looked ill at ease, which was entirely understandable.
He fancies his chances against Stephen Hendry as he says the seven times champion is “coming in cold.”
Actually, he isn’t. He’s been playing in the Premier League and even if he’s not at the top of his game still has more than enough experience to cope with a nervous newbie.
Both Joyce and Selt have earned showpiece ties against two legends of snooker from their hard work in the qualifiers.
Whether they can go any further in the game will depend to a large degree on how they acquit themselves in matches such as these.
So, who are they?
Joyce, 26, is a former grammar school boy who first rose to prominence by winning the 2001 European under 19 title.
He also won the English amateur open in 2005 and snooker’s oldest title, the English Amateur Championship, in 2006.
Having finished fifth on the PIOS tour, that year he was promoted to the ranking event circuit.
Like every other player, he found it tough but kept his place after the first season, although he was helped by his scheduled opponent in one round of the World Championship qualifiers, Robin Hull, pulling out.
Joyce made his TV debut at the 2007 Grand Prix but this year’s event sees his first appearance in the last 32 of a ranking tournament.
He has got himself up to 57th in the rankings but his best performance on the circuit to date was reaching the Masters qualifying final last year, where he lost 6-1 to Judd Trump.
Joyce has been consulting a psychologist in an attempt to get off his chest all the feelings he was hitherto internalising. Maybe that was a factor in his qualification for Glasgow.
He has one of the hardest possible draws in the shape of world champion John Higgins, who is defending the crown he won last season.
Even so, Joyce’s mates at the Masters Club in Walsall will be cheering him on when he tackles the Wishaw Wizard on Saturday.
Selt is 24 and has suddenly come to life this season. To qualify for the final stages of a ranking tournament from the very first round is an impressive achievement. To do it in two successive events is excellent.
Yet Selt has done so in both the Shanghai Masters and the Grand Prix, where he was 4-0 down to Jordan Brown in his first match.
He plays at the Grove Snooker Club in Romford and is a sometime practice partner of Ronnie O’Sullivan, which has obviously helped his game.
Selt qualified from the PIOS tour in 2007. A year later he was the subject of a WPBSA disciplinary inquiry as to whether he offered an opponent a bribe to lose a match on the game’s secondary circuit.
Selt was cleared of the charges.
The incident doesn’t seem to have affected his playing career. Quite the opposite, in fact.
However, Selt now needs to gain experience of playing on TV. Against John Higgins in Shanghai he looked ill at ease, which was entirely understandable.
He fancies his chances against Stephen Hendry as he says the seven times champion is “coming in cold.”
Actually, he isn’t. He’s been playing in the Premier League and even if he’s not at the top of his game still has more than enough experience to cope with a nervous newbie.
Both Joyce and Selt have earned showpiece ties against two legends of snooker from their hard work in the qualifiers.
Whether they can go any further in the game will depend to a large degree on how they acquit themselves in matches such as these.
24.9.09
THE ART OF THE MATTER
This is a link to a painting done by Ronnie O'Sullivan.
And here is a link to one done by Stephen Hendry.
This one had input from a legion of world champions.
They were created using snooker cues as part of an exhibition by The Willow Foundation, which was set up by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV sports presenter Bob Wilson and his wife.
'The Art of Sport' includes works by Sir Alex Ferguson, Thierry Henry, Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton. Each sportsman has used apparatus to paint that they would ordinarily use in their sporting life.
The artworks can be viewed on the website I've linked to and close up at the Catto Gallery, Hamstead, London from September 25 to 27.
You can even buy originals or prints of the paintings. Proceeds go to the Willow Foundation, which provides special days for young adults suffering from serious illnesses. Wilson and his wife set it up after their daughter died of cancer at the age of 31.
I wonder if Ronnie received any tips from his friend Damien Hirst? Good for him and Stephen for taking part in a worthwhile enterprise.
I can't claim to have any insight into the art world, but I recall the words of Mr. Burns when presented with a picture of himself painted by Marge in The Simpsons:
"I'm not an art expert but I know what I hate and I don't hate this."
And here is a link to one done by Stephen Hendry.
This one had input from a legion of world champions.
They were created using snooker cues as part of an exhibition by The Willow Foundation, which was set up by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV sports presenter Bob Wilson and his wife.
'The Art of Sport' includes works by Sir Alex Ferguson, Thierry Henry, Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton. Each sportsman has used apparatus to paint that they would ordinarily use in their sporting life.
The artworks can be viewed on the website I've linked to and close up at the Catto Gallery, Hamstead, London from September 25 to 27.
You can even buy originals or prints of the paintings. Proceeds go to the Willow Foundation, which provides special days for young adults suffering from serious illnesses. Wilson and his wife set it up after their daughter died of cancer at the age of 31.
I wonder if Ronnie received any tips from his friend Damien Hirst? Good for him and Stephen for taking part in a worthwhile enterprise.
I can't claim to have any insight into the art world, but I recall the words of Mr. Burns when presented with a picture of himself painted by Marge in The Simpsons:
"I'm not an art expert but I know what I hate and I don't hate this."
WHITE PULLS HIS FINGERS OUT
Jimmy White is appearing in a new film called 'Jack Said,' which is described in The Times as "a dull, poorly acted affair that doesn’t deserve the brief release it’s getting" (actually one of its best reviews).
Apparently he plays a snooker player who gets his fingers chopped off by some villainous sort.
With the difficulties this will present for cueing, I'd say Jimmy's lingering chances of Crucible success have probably now gone.
Apparently he plays a snooker player who gets his fingers chopped off by some villainous sort.
With the difficulties this will present for cueing, I'd say Jimmy's lingering chances of Crucible success have probably now gone.
MORRIS DANCING
Davy Morris is a player who could be about to make a breakthrough.
He won the Republic of Ireland national title at all age levels - just as Mark Allen did in Northern Ireland - and has kept his place on the main tour these last three years, edging up to 58th in the world rankings.
Davy is just 20 and represents the next wave of Irish snooker. He has practised with Ken Doherty, who rates him very highly.
Of course, it's tough at the qualifiers, particularly for young players coming up against hardened match players.
That said, Davy today plays Jamie Cope who is, like him, a young, attacking pro. This will be a hard match but its style will suit the young Irishman.
If he wins he will be through to the televised stages of a ranking event for the first time in his career.
He won the Republic of Ireland national title at all age levels - just as Mark Allen did in Northern Ireland - and has kept his place on the main tour these last three years, edging up to 58th in the world rankings.
Davy is just 20 and represents the next wave of Irish snooker. He has practised with Ken Doherty, who rates him very highly.
Of course, it's tough at the qualifiers, particularly for young players coming up against hardened match players.
That said, Davy today plays Jamie Cope who is, like him, a young, attacking pro. This will be a hard match but its style will suit the young Irishman.
If he wins he will be through to the televised stages of a ranking event for the first time in his career.
23.9.09
ONE DAY IN PRESTATYN
So I spent the day in Prestatyn for the Grand Prix qualifiers.
To make it clear from the off, I was there for an interview and did not see a ball struck, in anger or for any other reason.
However, it was noticeable how upbeat the atmosphere was, which is not always the case at the dog-eat-dog environs of Pontin’s.
There’s no doubt that 110sport’s coverage of the qualifiers has created a buzz on site. Players are now getting recognition, either through match coverage or interviews, that they rarely receive elsewhere during the season.
And they deserve it. Most of these guys will not come close to becoming world champion but they are professionals and they play their part in keeping the circuit going.
They are all talented and it’s good to see them finally getting some exposure.
I was shown round 110’s operation and it is indeed impressive. There's a general feeling that a light has been shone on a part of the tour which hitherto existed in relative darkness.
It’s days like this that remind me why I like snooker so much after time spent with so many interesting folk – players, officials and others – that make up the travelling circus that is the professional circuit.
All those ignorant folk who say there are no characters in the game would do well to spend a day in North Wales.
There are characters here who you simply would not meet in any other walk of life.
Meanwhile, Ken Doherty’s resurgence continues apace. The 1997 world champion has now won five matches from six in ranking events this season – three more than he managed throughout the whole of the campaign just gone.
Any player rubbing their hands together at the thought that he is now an easy draw has been swiftly disabused of such a notion.
Some other well known faces struggled. There were defeats for Alan McManus (albeit after a five hour struggle with Rod Lawler), John Parrott (also 5-4, to Ian McCulloch) and Anthony Hamilton.
Prestatyn is a great leveller. Past reputations mean nothing. All that matters is grafting out a result.
Thursday is the big day when 16 players will earn their places in the main draw with the top 16.
I promise you, those who finally make it through will more than have deserved their place.
To make it clear from the off, I was there for an interview and did not see a ball struck, in anger or for any other reason.
However, it was noticeable how upbeat the atmosphere was, which is not always the case at the dog-eat-dog environs of Pontin’s.
There’s no doubt that 110sport’s coverage of the qualifiers has created a buzz on site. Players are now getting recognition, either through match coverage or interviews, that they rarely receive elsewhere during the season.
And they deserve it. Most of these guys will not come close to becoming world champion but they are professionals and they play their part in keeping the circuit going.
They are all talented and it’s good to see them finally getting some exposure.
I was shown round 110’s operation and it is indeed impressive. There's a general feeling that a light has been shone on a part of the tour which hitherto existed in relative darkness.
It’s days like this that remind me why I like snooker so much after time spent with so many interesting folk – players, officials and others – that make up the travelling circus that is the professional circuit.
All those ignorant folk who say there are no characters in the game would do well to spend a day in North Wales.
There are characters here who you simply would not meet in any other walk of life.
Meanwhile, Ken Doherty’s resurgence continues apace. The 1997 world champion has now won five matches from six in ranking events this season – three more than he managed throughout the whole of the campaign just gone.
Any player rubbing their hands together at the thought that he is now an easy draw has been swiftly disabused of such a notion.
Some other well known faces struggled. There were defeats for Alan McManus (albeit after a five hour struggle with Rod Lawler), John Parrott (also 5-4, to Ian McCulloch) and Anthony Hamilton.
Prestatyn is a great leveller. Past reputations mean nothing. All that matters is grafting out a result.
Thursday is the big day when 16 players will earn their places in the main draw with the top 16.
I promise you, those who finally make it through will more than have deserved their place.
22.9.09
MEANWHILE...
Both David Gray and David Roe lost 5-4 today from 4-0 up, just as Jordan Brown did against Matt Selt yesterday.
Gray must be absolutely sick, having won 5-0 yesterday. He was well ahead of Peter Lines in their sixth frame but eventually lost a 47 minute decider on the pink.
Roe was also edged on the pink in the deciding frame against Li Hang.
The long drive home just got even longer...
Gray must be absolutely sick, having won 5-0 yesterday. He was well ahead of Peter Lines in their sixth frame but eventually lost a 47 minute decider on the pink.
Roe was also edged on the pink in the deciding frame against Li Hang.
The long drive home just got even longer...
TORNADO TONY BLOWS AGAIN
Of all the snooker players I have watched, few have been more entertaining than Tony Drago.
A bundle of nervous energy, Tony has mixed flair, emotion and the fastest cueing arm on the planet to great effect during the last 24 years.
He turned 44 today and celebrated with a 5-3 victory over Andy Hicks to reach the third qualifying round of the Grand Prix.
Drago is still lightning fast. Remember, he once won a frame in just three minutes and the passing of the years haven't brought about any appreciable taming of the 'Tornado.'
This is because he plays on instinct. When it works it is awesome to watch; when it doesn't it can be painful.
Tony has always worn his heart on his sleeve and this only adds to the entertainment value. When he wins, he is delighted. When he loses, move out of the way.
They call him the Star of Malta and, every now and again, he can still shine brightly.
Today was such a day.
A bundle of nervous energy, Tony has mixed flair, emotion and the fastest cueing arm on the planet to great effect during the last 24 years.
He turned 44 today and celebrated with a 5-3 victory over Andy Hicks to reach the third qualifying round of the Grand Prix.
Drago is still lightning fast. Remember, he once won a frame in just three minutes and the passing of the years haven't brought about any appreciable taming of the 'Tornado.'
This is because he plays on instinct. When it works it is awesome to watch; when it doesn't it can be painful.
Tony has always worn his heart on his sleeve and this only adds to the entertainment value. When he wins, he is delighted. When he loses, move out of the way.
They call him the Star of Malta and, every now and again, he can still shine brightly.
Today was such a day.
21.9.09
ROCKET POWER
Ronnie O'Sullivan finished 13th in the first of two races at the VW Cup at Brands Hatch this weekend.
However, the newly crowned Shanghai Masters champion spun his Jetta into a gravel trap two laps from the end of the second race, where he was set to take tenth place.
O'Sullivan made his motor racing debut last month.
However, the newly crowned Shanghai Masters champion spun his Jetta into a gravel trap two laps from the end of the second race, where he was set to take tenth place.
O'Sullivan made his motor racing debut last month.
THAI OF THE ROUND
James Wattana takes centre stage – if such a thing exists at Pontin’s – for the opening round of qualifying for the Grand Prix in Prestatyn today.
We thought we’d seen the last of Wattana when he was relegated from the circuit in 2008 but he won the Asian Championship to book a return.
In the early 1990s, many believed he would be Asia’s first world champion. The Thai was a terrific talent but despite a few near misses he failed to land any of the sport’s ‘big three’ titles (world, UK and Masters).
Wattana - real name Ratchapol Pu-Ob-Orm - first rose to prominence as a teenager in the 1980s when he captured the Thailand Masters, an invitation event featuring a number of top players and organised by Barry Hearn’s Matchroom.
He won the Asian Championship and then the world amateur title before, remarkably, reaching the final of one of his first tournaments as a professional, the 1989 Asian Open in his native Bangkok, where he lost out to Stephen Hendry.
It caused a sensation in Thailand and resulted in a boom that mirrors that happening now in China.
Wattana moved to Yorkshire and learned English, partly through playing Scrabble.
His laid back personality made him very popular with his fellow players and with those backstage at tournaments, journalists included.
Wattana would win his home title twice, in 1994 and 1995. He also won the 1992 Strachan Professional, a ranking event, the 1992 World Matchplay and rose as high as third in the world rankings.
He was a Crucible semi-finalist in 1993 and 1997 and famously made a 147 break at the 1992 British Open shortly after learning his father had been shot in Bangkok.
It wasn’t his first maximum. He made one at the 1991 World Masters but Sky were unable to get their cameras over to record any of it.
They got round this by simply not mentioning that the break had happened.
Wattana would decline during the late 1990s. In the qualifiers for the 2005 World Championship he was beaten 10-0 by Ali Carter and fell down the rankings.
He plays Stephen Rowlings at 4pm today, live on 110sport.tv.
Wattana is unlikely to ever again challenge for titles but if he enjoys playing he should continue for as long as he wants.
He’s earned the right to do that.
We thought we’d seen the last of Wattana when he was relegated from the circuit in 2008 but he won the Asian Championship to book a return.
In the early 1990s, many believed he would be Asia’s first world champion. The Thai was a terrific talent but despite a few near misses he failed to land any of the sport’s ‘big three’ titles (world, UK and Masters).
Wattana - real name Ratchapol Pu-Ob-Orm - first rose to prominence as a teenager in the 1980s when he captured the Thailand Masters, an invitation event featuring a number of top players and organised by Barry Hearn’s Matchroom.
He won the Asian Championship and then the world amateur title before, remarkably, reaching the final of one of his first tournaments as a professional, the 1989 Asian Open in his native Bangkok, where he lost out to Stephen Hendry.
It caused a sensation in Thailand and resulted in a boom that mirrors that happening now in China.
Wattana moved to Yorkshire and learned English, partly through playing Scrabble.
His laid back personality made him very popular with his fellow players and with those backstage at tournaments, journalists included.
Wattana would win his home title twice, in 1994 and 1995. He also won the 1992 Strachan Professional, a ranking event, the 1992 World Matchplay and rose as high as third in the world rankings.
He was a Crucible semi-finalist in 1993 and 1997 and famously made a 147 break at the 1992 British Open shortly after learning his father had been shot in Bangkok.
It wasn’t his first maximum. He made one at the 1991 World Masters but Sky were unable to get their cameras over to record any of it.
They got round this by simply not mentioning that the break had happened.
Wattana would decline during the late 1990s. In the qualifiers for the 2005 World Championship he was beaten 10-0 by Ali Carter and fell down the rankings.
He plays Stephen Rowlings at 4pm today, live on 110sport.tv.
Wattana is unlikely to ever again challenge for titles but if he enjoys playing he should continue for as long as he wants.
He’s earned the right to do that.
18.9.09
THINKING IT OVER
Mark Joyce has told his local newspaper that he is consulting a psychologist in an attempt to improve his fortunes this season.
World no.57 Mark, a former English amateur champion, reached the final of the Masters qualifying event last year but the rest of the season tailed off for him.
He’s wise to try something new in his approach to the campaign rather than just hoping his tried and tested formula will work.
Many sportsmen have consulted psychologists in an effort to give them an edge. The setting of goals and clearing of the mind can, in theory, have a positive effect.
Of course, there will be those who say it’s all nonsense and unnecessary but there are always people who are sceptical about things they don’t understand.
Visiting a psychologist won’t turn Mark into a world champion but it may keep some of the mental turmoil associated with snooker at bay and let him do what he does best: playing the game.
World no.57 Mark, a former English amateur champion, reached the final of the Masters qualifying event last year but the rest of the season tailed off for him.
He’s wise to try something new in his approach to the campaign rather than just hoping his tried and tested formula will work.
Many sportsmen have consulted psychologists in an effort to give them an edge. The setting of goals and clearing of the mind can, in theory, have a positive effect.
Of course, there will be those who say it’s all nonsense and unnecessary but there are always people who are sceptical about things they don’t understand.
Visiting a psychologist won’t turn Mark into a world champion but it may keep some of the mental turmoil associated with snooker at bay and let him do what he does best: playing the game.
17.9.09
NOTES AND QUERIES
I am always pleased to receive emails from readers and will do my best to answer them but I get a number on the same subjects so will answer them here.
Q: When will the next Snooker Scene podcast be?
A: Not sure. They are rather time consuming to put together and I’m not sure how successful they were. However, hopefully they will return as the new season continues.
Q: What’s happening with the World Series?
A: The next event is in Prague on October 17/18 followed by one in Warsaw on November 14/15.
Q: How can I write to my favourite player?
A: The best thing is to send your letters to World Snooker and they will pass them on.
Q: I have a rules query. Can you help?
A: I’ll do my best but you can refer to the official rules on worldsnooker.com.
If you have any questions, you can contact me at snookersceneblog@aol.com
Q: When will the next Snooker Scene podcast be?
A: Not sure. They are rather time consuming to put together and I’m not sure how successful they were. However, hopefully they will return as the new season continues.
Q: What’s happening with the World Series?
A: The next event is in Prague on October 17/18 followed by one in Warsaw on November 14/15.
Q: How can I write to my favourite player?
A: The best thing is to send your letters to World Snooker and they will pass them on.
Q: I have a rules query. Can you help?
A: I’ll do my best but you can refer to the official rules on worldsnooker.com.
If you have any questions, you can contact me at snookersceneblog@aol.com
KEN DOHERTY AT 40
Ken Doherty turns 40 today.
He remains the only player to win the world title at junior, amateur and professional level and through two decades at the top has cemented his place in snooker’s pantheon of legends.
Like many of his age, Ken got into snooker through watching Pot Black on the BBC but his ambition to be a pro was formed when he sat, transfixed, as Alex Higgins won his second world title in 1982.
A successful junior career in Ireland was followed by a move to Ilford where he lived and practised for several years and played on the thriving pro-am circuit.
After winning the world under 21 and amateur crowns, Doherty turned professional in 1990.
In his first season he qualified for the Crucible where he ran Steve Davis very close before going down 10-8.
His first ranking final came at the 1992 Grand Prix and his first title at the 1993 Welsh Open.
He has won six ranking tournaments in total having reached 17 finals, 35 semi-finals and 61 quarter-finals.
Of course, his greatest success came at the 1997 World Championship when he ended Stephen Hendry’s run of five successive Crucible triumphs with an 18-12 defeat.
A year later he reached the final again but was beaten 18-12 by John Higgins.
In many ways, his best performance came at the 2003 World Championship where he proved to be the tournament’s star if not its winner.
Doherty survived a series of last gasp victories, none more dramatic than his 17-16 semi-final defeat of Paul Hunter from 15-9 down.
He trailed Mark Williams 11-4 in the final, levelled at 11-11 but eventually lost their gripping encounter 18-16.
Afterwards he was just as he has always been in victory or defeat: a model of graciousness.
In a career of considerable success, he has had his disappointments, not least missing the final black of what would have been a 147 in the 2000 Masters final.
Perhaps Ken could have won more, but he played during an era in which Hendry, Higgins, Williams and Ronnie O’Sullivan, to name but four, were all at their best.
He has slipped to 44th in the world rankings this season but his run to the quarter-finals in Shanghai suggests he is far from finished.
He’s often referred to as a great tactician – which he is – but he’s also one of snooker’s best break-builders, having made over 260 career centuries, placing him sixth on the all time list.
Ken is also one of the game’s finest ambassadors. I’ve seen him bitterly disappointed by defeat but he has always taken his media responsibilities seriously and done the best for the game.
The only slip was when he was asked to leave the Air Malta flight the morning after he beat John Higgins to win the Malta Cup.
However, this was a case of overzealous officialdom as Ken was not drunk but merely sticking up for John.
Not that anybody cared anyway. Ken is one of those players almost everyone warms to because they empathise with his genuine, friendly persona.
Away from the table, he is married to a psychiatrist and the couple have a young son. He supports Manchester United and has a wide range of interests, including the painter Caravaggio. Earlier this year, he joined the BBC commentary team.
Ken could stop playing tomorrow and would be regarded as an all time great but there are still goals to be accomplished.
He is one of the organisers of the new Six Reds World Championship and, at 40, is eligible for the World Seniors Championship, should one be organised.
If he won them both he will have been world champion in five separate events, a record that may never be bettered.
He remains the only player to win the world title at junior, amateur and professional level and through two decades at the top has cemented his place in snooker’s pantheon of legends.
Like many of his age, Ken got into snooker through watching Pot Black on the BBC but his ambition to be a pro was formed when he sat, transfixed, as Alex Higgins won his second world title in 1982.
A successful junior career in Ireland was followed by a move to Ilford where he lived and practised for several years and played on the thriving pro-am circuit.
After winning the world under 21 and amateur crowns, Doherty turned professional in 1990.
In his first season he qualified for the Crucible where he ran Steve Davis very close before going down 10-8.
His first ranking final came at the 1992 Grand Prix and his first title at the 1993 Welsh Open.
He has won six ranking tournaments in total having reached 17 finals, 35 semi-finals and 61 quarter-finals.
Of course, his greatest success came at the 1997 World Championship when he ended Stephen Hendry’s run of five successive Crucible triumphs with an 18-12 defeat.
A year later he reached the final again but was beaten 18-12 by John Higgins.
In many ways, his best performance came at the 2003 World Championship where he proved to be the tournament’s star if not its winner.
Doherty survived a series of last gasp victories, none more dramatic than his 17-16 semi-final defeat of Paul Hunter from 15-9 down.
He trailed Mark Williams 11-4 in the final, levelled at 11-11 but eventually lost their gripping encounter 18-16.
Afterwards he was just as he has always been in victory or defeat: a model of graciousness.
In a career of considerable success, he has had his disappointments, not least missing the final black of what would have been a 147 in the 2000 Masters final.
Perhaps Ken could have won more, but he played during an era in which Hendry, Higgins, Williams and Ronnie O’Sullivan, to name but four, were all at their best.
He has slipped to 44th in the world rankings this season but his run to the quarter-finals in Shanghai suggests he is far from finished.
He’s often referred to as a great tactician – which he is – but he’s also one of snooker’s best break-builders, having made over 260 career centuries, placing him sixth on the all time list.
Ken is also one of the game’s finest ambassadors. I’ve seen him bitterly disappointed by defeat but he has always taken his media responsibilities seriously and done the best for the game.
The only slip was when he was asked to leave the Air Malta flight the morning after he beat John Higgins to win the Malta Cup.
However, this was a case of overzealous officialdom as Ken was not drunk but merely sticking up for John.
Not that anybody cared anyway. Ken is one of those players almost everyone warms to because they empathise with his genuine, friendly persona.
Away from the table, he is married to a psychiatrist and the couple have a young son. He supports Manchester United and has a wide range of interests, including the painter Caravaggio. Earlier this year, he joined the BBC commentary team.
Ken could stop playing tomorrow and would be regarded as an all time great but there are still goals to be accomplished.
He is one of the organisers of the new Six Reds World Championship and, at 40, is eligible for the World Seniors Championship, should one be organised.
If he won them both he will have been world champion in five separate events, a record that may never be bettered.
15.9.09
FORMER PROFESSIONAL JOHN DUNNING DIES
John Dunning, a professional from 1971 to 1997, has died at the age of 82.
Dunning was 11 times Yorkshire amateur champion and won the 1964 CIU Championship.
He was in his 40s when the game went open but beat David Taylor and Eddie Charlton to reach the 1974 World Championship quarter-finals.
Dunning was also a quarter-finalist in the 1977 UK Championship and attained a highest ranking of 11th.
His finest hour came at the 1984 Yamaha Masters, which was played in three man groups all the way to the final.
Dunning beat Terry Griffiths on the way to reaching the final, where he finished third behind Steve Davis and Dave Martin.
At 56, he remains the oldest player to appear in a televised snooker final.
Dunning qualified for the Crucible in 1981 and 1982 and played his last match as a professional in 1997 at the age of 69.
Dunning was 11 times Yorkshire amateur champion and won the 1964 CIU Championship.
He was in his 40s when the game went open but beat David Taylor and Eddie Charlton to reach the 1974 World Championship quarter-finals.
Dunning was also a quarter-finalist in the 1977 UK Championship and attained a highest ranking of 11th.
His finest hour came at the 1984 Yamaha Masters, which was played in three man groups all the way to the final.
Dunning beat Terry Griffiths on the way to reaching the final, where he finished third behind Steve Davis and Dave Martin.
At 56, he remains the oldest player to appear in a televised snooker final.
Dunning qualified for the Crucible in 1981 and 1982 and played his last match as a professional in 1997 at the age of 69.
14.9.09
CHINA IN THEIR HANDS
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s capture of the Shanghai Masters title underlined the fact that he can win tournaments when not playing at his best.
It also provided further evidence that China is a snooker powerhouse. Crowds at the Grand Stage were strong and enthusiastic while the tournament attracted as many as 50 journalists a day, providing acres of coverage in the Chinese media.
Liang Wenbo has gone above Ding Junhui in the provisional rankings and the country now has two world class players. There are many more practising several hours a day who could break through in the next few years.
This is a market that has been well exploited so far but can still be used to drive the game forward.
But what is needed are different formats and ideas for events away from the mainstream to generate additional excitement.
Here are two:
Firstly, bring back the World Cup and play it in China. This event was a mainstay of the circuit for several years but was only once staged in a grand scale, in Bangkok in 1996.
Playing for one’s country would give the players a different focus and create extra interest in each of the nations represented.
Second, how about a Ryder Cup style competition pitting Asia versus Europe?
You could play singles and doubles matches and make it a regular annual event, alternating between China and European venues.
The WPBSA has enough on its plate with the world ranking circuit but this is an opportunity for independent promoters to cash in on the Chinese boom, which still needs to be nurtured if it is to last.
It also provided further evidence that China is a snooker powerhouse. Crowds at the Grand Stage were strong and enthusiastic while the tournament attracted as many as 50 journalists a day, providing acres of coverage in the Chinese media.
Liang Wenbo has gone above Ding Junhui in the provisional rankings and the country now has two world class players. There are many more practising several hours a day who could break through in the next few years.
This is a market that has been well exploited so far but can still be used to drive the game forward.
But what is needed are different formats and ideas for events away from the mainstream to generate additional excitement.
Here are two:
Firstly, bring back the World Cup and play it in China. This event was a mainstay of the circuit for several years but was only once staged in a grand scale, in Bangkok in 1996.
Playing for one’s country would give the players a different focus and create extra interest in each of the nations represented.
Second, how about a Ryder Cup style competition pitting Asia versus Europe?
You could play singles and doubles matches and make it a regular annual event, alternating between China and European venues.
The WPBSA has enough on its plate with the world ranking circuit but this is an opportunity for independent promoters to cash in on the Chinese boom, which still needs to be nurtured if it is to last.
13.9.09
FINAL PREVIEW
Ronnie O'Sullivan will start as a big favourite to beat Liang Wenbo and win the Shanghai Masters today.
He did, too, against Ricky Walden last season and was beaten 10-8.
However, Ronnie seems far more relaxed this year and willing to dig deep and be patient. He proved this in doing a job on John Higgins in the semi-finals.
This is a final featuring snooker's two leading mavericks so making predictions is futile.
What it does prove, though, as if anyone doubted it, is that China is fast becoming a powerhouse in the sport.
Liang has already overtaken Ding Junhui in the provisional rankings and his unique way of playing the game has been a breath of fresh air.
The great irony is that, had the strict rules of the sport been obeyed, he would have been scratched from the tournament having failed to obtain a visa to play his qualifying match at Prestatyn.
Liang has more than seized his second chance to make an impression on the tournament.
He needs to make a good start to the final. If he does, a shock result is not unthinkable.
He did, too, against Ricky Walden last season and was beaten 10-8.
However, Ronnie seems far more relaxed this year and willing to dig deep and be patient. He proved this in doing a job on John Higgins in the semi-finals.
This is a final featuring snooker's two leading mavericks so making predictions is futile.
What it does prove, though, as if anyone doubted it, is that China is fast becoming a powerhouse in the sport.
Liang has already overtaken Ding Junhui in the provisional rankings and his unique way of playing the game has been a breath of fresh air.
The great irony is that, had the strict rules of the sport been obeyed, he would have been scratched from the tournament having failed to obtain a visa to play his qualifying match at Prestatyn.
Liang has more than seized his second chance to make an impression on the tournament.
He needs to make a good start to the final. If he does, a shock result is not unthinkable.
12.9.09
DAY SIX PREVIEW
The semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters feature three of the world’s top four plus a home grown talent making his debut in this stage of a ranking event.
Liang Wenbo may be the outsider in terms of ranking and record but he has noticeably reined in some of his more attacking instincts and has developed into a very tough opponent.
One of his strengths is that he remains a maverick and this makes him difficult to play.
Can he beat Shaun Murphy? It’s a possibility, but Murphy has been very solid so far this week, losing only one frame in three matches.
Ronnie O’Sullivan hasn’t beaten John Higgins in a ranking tournament since the 2003 Irish Masters final.
I’ll repeat that: Ronnie O’Sullivan hasn’t beaten John Higgins in a ranking tournament since the 2003 Irish Masters final.
Of course, it’s not as if they have played each other in every one since but it is still an anomaly that will surprise many.
I tipped Higgins for the title pre-tournament so will keep faith with the world champion, but as long as O’Sullivan remains in the field, he remains favourite.
Whoever wins this weekend, the snooker should be first class.
Liang Wenbo may be the outsider in terms of ranking and record but he has noticeably reined in some of his more attacking instincts and has developed into a very tough opponent.
One of his strengths is that he remains a maverick and this makes him difficult to play.
Can he beat Shaun Murphy? It’s a possibility, but Murphy has been very solid so far this week, losing only one frame in three matches.
Ronnie O’Sullivan hasn’t beaten John Higgins in a ranking tournament since the 2003 Irish Masters final.
I’ll repeat that: Ronnie O’Sullivan hasn’t beaten John Higgins in a ranking tournament since the 2003 Irish Masters final.
Of course, it’s not as if they have played each other in every one since but it is still an anomaly that will surprise many.
I tipped Higgins for the title pre-tournament so will keep faith with the world champion, but as long as O’Sullivan remains in the field, he remains favourite.
Whoever wins this weekend, the snooker should be first class.
11.9.09
DAY FIVE PREVIEW
It’s a cracking line up for the quarter-finals of the Shanghai Masters and a terrific atmosphere is guaranteed for the encounter between Ronnie O’Sulivan and Ding Junhui.
In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s the biggest match ever staged in China: the world no.1 versus China’s top dog.
O’Sullivan is a controversial figure in the UK and Europe. Many love him and may loathe him.
In China, they almost universally love him for the excitement he generates and entertainment he provides.
I tend to side with the Chinese on this. Although Ronnie sometimes does things that are not to be defended I find it impossible to dislike him.
The roof may come off the Grand Stage later today whoever wins their contest. Let’s hope the snooker matches the hype.
For the first time, there are two Chinese born players in the quarter-finals of a ranking event. Liang Wenbo faces Ricky Walden, who is aiming to become the first player to successfully defend a world ranking title since O’Sullivan won the 2005 Welsh Open.
That’s a tough match to call but the same applies to all of the quarter-finals.
Shaun Murphy will start favourite against Ken Doherty but the Irishman has enjoyed a resurgence so far this season and, oozing class as he does, is well capable of going even further.
John Higgins has beaten Ryan Day six times out of eight but will need to be close to the top of his game to contain the talented Welshman again.
It all adds up to a fascinating day of snooker as the new season cranks into life.
Picking a winner is nigh on impossible.
In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s the biggest match ever staged in China: the world no.1 versus China’s top dog.
O’Sullivan is a controversial figure in the UK and Europe. Many love him and may loathe him.
In China, they almost universally love him for the excitement he generates and entertainment he provides.
I tend to side with the Chinese on this. Although Ronnie sometimes does things that are not to be defended I find it impossible to dislike him.
The roof may come off the Grand Stage later today whoever wins their contest. Let’s hope the snooker matches the hype.
For the first time, there are two Chinese born players in the quarter-finals of a ranking event. Liang Wenbo faces Ricky Walden, who is aiming to become the first player to successfully defend a world ranking title since O’Sullivan won the 2005 Welsh Open.
That’s a tough match to call but the same applies to all of the quarter-finals.
Shaun Murphy will start favourite against Ken Doherty but the Irishman has enjoyed a resurgence so far this season and, oozing class as he does, is well capable of going even further.
John Higgins has beaten Ryan Day six times out of eight but will need to be close to the top of his game to contain the talented Welshman again.
It all adds up to a fascinating day of snooker as the new season cranks into life.
Picking a winner is nigh on impossible.
10.9.09
NET RETURN
I still think snooker is poorly served by the internet in comparison to many other sports.
Yes, there’s the excellent global-snooker.com and the WPBSA’s site is better now than it’s been for a long time, there are snooker forums and blogs and various other sites as well but why don’t the top players have decent websites?
It seems to me to be a missed opportunity to project their personalities and, in doing so, further promote the sport.
Ten years ago, CueMasters – which were to become TSN and then 110sport – set up an all singing, all dancing website.
It was an excellent concept (although I’m biased because I worked on it) but they over-reached by trying to launch a rival tour and the original idea was overtaken and eventually scrapped.
Now, 110sport have re-hired the energetic Stewart Weir, the man behind the original site, in an attempt to launch a better, more interactive portal which will not only show live action but also give snooker fans the chance to interact with their favourite players.
“Having been asked back, I’d be a hypocrite to knock back the chance to do the sort of things online that I publicly said 110sport needed to be doing when I left two years ago. For me, it’s a great opportunity – not everyone is fortunate enough to get another crack at a project they believe in,” Weir told allscotlandmedia.com.
If he’s allowed to do the things that are needed, 110sport.tv will be a success and a significant step forward for the game on the internet, even if it’s come ten years after it should have.
Hopefully it will lead to a greater online presence for snooker, which in itself will give the sport a higher profile.
Yes, there’s the excellent global-snooker.com and the WPBSA’s site is better now than it’s been for a long time, there are snooker forums and blogs and various other sites as well but why don’t the top players have decent websites?
It seems to me to be a missed opportunity to project their personalities and, in doing so, further promote the sport.
Ten years ago, CueMasters – which were to become TSN and then 110sport – set up an all singing, all dancing website.
It was an excellent concept (although I’m biased because I worked on it) but they over-reached by trying to launch a rival tour and the original idea was overtaken and eventually scrapped.
Now, 110sport have re-hired the energetic Stewart Weir, the man behind the original site, in an attempt to launch a better, more interactive portal which will not only show live action but also give snooker fans the chance to interact with their favourite players.
“Having been asked back, I’d be a hypocrite to knock back the chance to do the sort of things online that I publicly said 110sport needed to be doing when I left two years ago. For me, it’s a great opportunity – not everyone is fortunate enough to get another crack at a project they believe in,” Weir told allscotlandmedia.com.
If he’s allowed to do the things that are needed, 110sport.tv will be a success and a significant step forward for the game on the internet, even if it’s come ten years after it should have.
Hopefully it will lead to a greater online presence for snooker, which in itself will give the sport a higher profile.
DAY FOUR PREVIEW
Derren Brown last night successfully predicted the UK national lottery results.
Therefore, me calling the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters is the smallest of beer...but here goes.
Ronnie O'Sullivan was not pressured by Graeme Dott yesterday but seems in good fettle and I think he will be too strong for Marco Fu.
Stephen Hendry will feel he should be out by now and will therefore be relaxed ahead of his match with Ricky Walden, which I feel the seven times world champion will come through.
Ken Doherty is producing some encouraging snooker this season, having fallen to 44th in the world rankings, and may have too much for Barry Hawkins.
Mark Williams, broken right wrist and all, did superbly well to get past Joe Swail but John Higgins may have too much for the former world no.1.
Shaun Murphy wasn't at his consistent best against Michael Holt but should be backed against Jamie Cope.
Ali Carter v Liang Wenbo is hard to call but I'd go for the Englishman.
Matthew Stevens impressed yesterday when he beat Mark Allen and now faces his fellow Welshman Ryan Day. This is hard to call but I'd just about go with Day.
Ding Junhui looked sharp against Stephen Lee and will be favourite to power past Stuart Bingham.
Therefore, me calling the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters is the smallest of beer...but here goes.
Ronnie O'Sullivan was not pressured by Graeme Dott yesterday but seems in good fettle and I think he will be too strong for Marco Fu.
Stephen Hendry will feel he should be out by now and will therefore be relaxed ahead of his match with Ricky Walden, which I feel the seven times world champion will come through.
Ken Doherty is producing some encouraging snooker this season, having fallen to 44th in the world rankings, and may have too much for Barry Hawkins.
Mark Williams, broken right wrist and all, did superbly well to get past Joe Swail but John Higgins may have too much for the former world no.1.
Shaun Murphy wasn't at his consistent best against Michael Holt but should be backed against Jamie Cope.
Ali Carter v Liang Wenbo is hard to call but I'd go for the Englishman.
Matthew Stevens impressed yesterday when he beat Mark Allen and now faces his fellow Welshman Ryan Day. This is hard to call but I'd just about go with Day.
Ding Junhui looked sharp against Stephen Lee and will be favourite to power past Stuart Bingham.
9.9.09
MAGUIRE PULLS OUT
World no.2 Stephen Maguire has withdrawn from the Shanghai Masters because of a shoulder injury.
It means Barry Hawkins gets a walkover into the second round.
It means Barry Hawkins gets a walkover into the second round.
DAY THREE PREVIEW
Graeme Dott to play Marco Fu is not the draw Ronnie O’Sullivan would have chosen for himself at the Shanghai Masters.
He hasn’t beaten Dott in over four years and is 8-8 on career meetings with Fu.
However, O’Sullivan is capable of sublime snooker anywhere against anyone and has already started the season in impressive fashion, making three straight centuries at the Premier League last week.
Ronnie injured his back on arriving in China but has been practising without any apparent problem.
It’s a myth to suggest O’Sullivan never does well in China. He’s won the China Open twice and was runner-up in Shanghai last season.
He starts the new campaign trailing John Higgins in the provisional rankings. Don’t be fooled into thinking he doesn’t have pride when it comes to the world no.1 spot: he’d love to keep it for another year.
First up it’s Shaun Murphy against Michael Holt.
Many people feel that Murphy is a good bet for a long run in most events. Then again, they say the same about Mark Selby and he was a first round loser yesterday.
Mark Allen against Matthew Stevens should be interesting although, alas, it is not on TV.
In fact, Selby, Allen and Ali Carter – who went to Shanghai early to promote the tournament – have all been put on non-TV tables.
If snooker really wants to foreground these players then they need to be in front of the cameras more.
He hasn’t beaten Dott in over four years and is 8-8 on career meetings with Fu.
However, O’Sullivan is capable of sublime snooker anywhere against anyone and has already started the season in impressive fashion, making three straight centuries at the Premier League last week.
Ronnie injured his back on arriving in China but has been practising without any apparent problem.
It’s a myth to suggest O’Sullivan never does well in China. He’s won the China Open twice and was runner-up in Shanghai last season.
He starts the new campaign trailing John Higgins in the provisional rankings. Don’t be fooled into thinking he doesn’t have pride when it comes to the world no.1 spot: he’d love to keep it for another year.
First up it’s Shaun Murphy against Michael Holt.
Many people feel that Murphy is a good bet for a long run in most events. Then again, they say the same about Mark Selby and he was a first round loser yesterday.
Mark Allen against Matthew Stevens should be interesting although, alas, it is not on TV.
In fact, Selby, Allen and Ali Carter – who went to Shanghai early to promote the tournament – have all been put on non-TV tables.
If snooker really wants to foreground these players then they need to be in front of the cameras more.
8.9.09
DAY TWO PREVIEW
It's the biggest day of Matt Selt's snooker career. The 24 year-old is appearing in the last 32 of a ranking event for the first time and faces world champion John Higgins at the Shanghai Masters.
Selt warmed up nicely yesterday, recording two centuries in beating wildcard Shi Hanqing 5-0.
He is the only player to have started in the very first qualifying round and made it to Shanghai.
Stephen Hendry is meeting Marcus Campbell for the first time since he was drubbed 9-0 by him in the first round of the 1998 UK Championship.
There have been few bigger shocks but it actually did Hendry a favour. He was in denial about the state of his game at the time and it provided a wake up call.
He went back to the drawing board and ended that season by winning a record seventh world title.
Ken Doherty will be looking to maintain his encouraging start to the season against Neil Robertson, who himself impressed in the Premier League last week.
And Ricky Walden starts the defence of his title. They'll be up early in Bagillt to watch his match against Mark King.
There's an excellent piece on Walden on worldsnooker.com here.
Selt warmed up nicely yesterday, recording two centuries in beating wildcard Shi Hanqing 5-0.
He is the only player to have started in the very first qualifying round and made it to Shanghai.
Stephen Hendry is meeting Marcus Campbell for the first time since he was drubbed 9-0 by him in the first round of the 1998 UK Championship.
There have been few bigger shocks but it actually did Hendry a favour. He was in denial about the state of his game at the time and it provided a wake up call.
He went back to the drawing board and ended that season by winning a record seventh world title.
Ken Doherty will be looking to maintain his encouraging start to the season against Neil Robertson, who himself impressed in the Premier League last week.
And Ricky Walden starts the defence of his title. They'll be up early in Bagillt to watch his match against Mark King.
There's an excellent piece on Walden on worldsnooker.com here.
7.9.09
INJURY COUNT
Ronnie O'Sullivan is expected to play in the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday despite injuring his back on arrival in China.
The world no.1 has received treatment but has also been practising at the venue ahead of his clash with Graeme Dott, who pulled out last year after breaking his wrist playing football.
Speaking of which, Mark Williams has had a new cast put on his broken right wrist and it is said to be causing him more pain than the previous one. However, he will still play Joe Swail in the first round.
Stephen Maguire has injured his shoulder and is resting up before he tackles Barry Hawkins.
My new shoes are rubbing my heels but I'm attempting to be stoic and tough it out.
The world no.1 has received treatment but has also been practising at the venue ahead of his clash with Graeme Dott, who pulled out last year after breaking his wrist playing football.
Speaking of which, Mark Williams has had a new cast put on his broken right wrist and it is said to be causing him more pain than the previous one. However, he will still play Joe Swail in the first round.
Stephen Maguire has injured his shoulder and is resting up before he tackles Barry Hawkins.
My new shoes are rubbing my heels but I'm attempting to be stoic and tough it out.
DOHERTY'S BRIGHT START
Ken Doherty’s excellent start to the season suggests he has now adapted to life at the qualifiers and has managed to rediscover a positive frame of mind.
Wisely, Doherty played in just about everything he could in the run up to the Shanghai Masters and, nicely match fit, he eased through the wildcard round today with a 5-0 defeat of Adiyta Mehta.
The Dubliner began the new campaign 44th in the world rankings and a precarious 56th on the provisional list.
He won only two matches last season and just two frames in his four matches at Prestatyn.
For a player so used to the big arenas, Pontin’s was a come down but it looks like he’s over that now and that could spell trouble for some of the game’s top players.
Neil Robertson would not have chosen the ever tenacious Doherty as his first round opponent in Shanghai.
In short, Doherty has fallen about as far as he is going to – for now at least – and could be worth backing to turn a few of his younger rivals over in the season to come.
Wisely, Doherty played in just about everything he could in the run up to the Shanghai Masters and, nicely match fit, he eased through the wildcard round today with a 5-0 defeat of Adiyta Mehta.
The Dubliner began the new campaign 44th in the world rankings and a precarious 56th on the provisional list.
He won only two matches last season and just two frames in his four matches at Prestatyn.
For a player so used to the big arenas, Pontin’s was a come down but it looks like he’s over that now and that could spell trouble for some of the game’s top players.
Neil Robertson would not have chosen the ever tenacious Doherty as his first round opponent in Shanghai.
In short, Doherty has fallen about as far as he is going to – for now at least – and could be worth backing to turn a few of his younger rivals over in the season to come.
6.9.09
PANKAJ ADVANI: WORLD BILLIARDS CHAMPION
Indian ace Pankaj Advani denied Mike Russell a tenth world professional billiards title tonight with a 2,030-1,253 victory at the Northern Snooker Centre, Leeds.
Advani, 24, dominated the opening session, winning it 1,070-418.
The concluding session was closer but Advani also shaded it, 960-835, to capture the professional title for the first time.
Advani, 24, dominated the opening session, winning it 1,070-418.
The concluding session was closer but Advani also shaded it, 960-835, to capture the professional title for the first time.
RICKY II?
Ricky Walden’s Shanghai Masters success was one of the highlights of last season.
Anyone who had seen him play knew how good he was but Walden seemed to be making slower progress than expected and, at 35th in the world rankings, looked as if he may not make the breakthrough many had predicted.
Up until Shanghai last year, his best showing was a solitary ranking event quarter-final.
However, Walden put all of this right. And how.
He edged Stephen Hendry 5-4, recovered from 4-1 down to scrape past Neil Robertson in a decider, survived a tactical mauling from Steve Davis to beat him 5-2, came from 4-1 down to beat Mark Selby 6-4 and then defeated Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-8 in the final.
Sometimes it is possible to say ‘the draw opened up’ for the winner of a ranking title. Not for Walden.
And he at no time faltered as the winning line approached - and indeed finished off with a century - which proves his mental attitude was right.
He can certainly win more titles, but that of course applies to many other players as well.
His Shanghai defence starts on Tuesday against Mark King. Back in happily familiar surroundings, Walden has every chance of going a long way again.
Anyone who had seen him play knew how good he was but Walden seemed to be making slower progress than expected and, at 35th in the world rankings, looked as if he may not make the breakthrough many had predicted.
Up until Shanghai last year, his best showing was a solitary ranking event quarter-final.
However, Walden put all of this right. And how.
He edged Stephen Hendry 5-4, recovered from 4-1 down to scrape past Neil Robertson in a decider, survived a tactical mauling from Steve Davis to beat him 5-2, came from 4-1 down to beat Mark Selby 6-4 and then defeated Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-8 in the final.
Sometimes it is possible to say ‘the draw opened up’ for the winner of a ranking title. Not for Walden.
And he at no time faltered as the winning line approached - and indeed finished off with a century - which proves his mental attitude was right.
He can certainly win more titles, but that of course applies to many other players as well.
His Shanghai defence starts on Tuesday against Mark King. Back in happily familiar surroundings, Walden has every chance of going a long way again.
5.9.09
SHANGHAI: EUROSPORT TIMES
Here are the Eurosport transmission times for the Shanghai Masters...
Please note that most of the afternoon matches are on Eurosport 2, which will also show highlights in the evening.
(UK time, for Europe add an hour)
Monday, September 7: 7.45am and 1pm (Eurosport2)
Tuesday, September 8: 7.45am and 1pm (E2)
Wednesday, September 9: 7.45am and 1pm (E2)
Thursday, September 10: 7.30am and 12.30pm (E2)
Friday, September 11: 7.30am and 12.30pm (E2)
Saturday, September 12: 7.30am and 12.30pm (E2)
Sunday, September 13: 6.30am (E2) and 12.30pm
EDIT: it transpires that these are only the UK times. Eurosport International will show all the snooker on their main channel.
Please note that most of the afternoon matches are on Eurosport 2, which will also show highlights in the evening.
(UK time, for Europe add an hour)
Monday, September 7: 7.45am and 1pm (Eurosport2)
Tuesday, September 8: 7.45am and 1pm (E2)
Wednesday, September 9: 7.45am and 1pm (E2)
Thursday, September 10: 7.30am and 12.30pm (E2)
Friday, September 11: 7.30am and 12.30pm (E2)
Saturday, September 12: 7.30am and 12.30pm (E2)
Sunday, September 13: 6.30am (E2) and 12.30pm
EDIT: it transpires that these are only the UK times. Eurosport International will show all the snooker on their main channel.
3.9.09
SNOOKER MC TO PRESENT BBC DARTS
Rob Walker, master of ceremonies at all BBC snooker events, will replace Ray Stubbs as the corporation's face of darts.
Walker makes his debut at the World Masters this weekend and will also present coverage of the Lakeside World Championship in January.
Stubbs jumped ship to join ESPN after it won live rights to Premier League football games.
Walker will also be part of the BBC team at next February's Winter Olympics and must surely be favourite to replace Stubbs on the BBC snooker output as well, although whether he could MC in such a scenario remains to be seen.
Walker makes his debut at the World Masters this weekend and will also present coverage of the Lakeside World Championship in January.
Stubbs jumped ship to join ESPN after it won live rights to Premier League football games.
Walker will also be part of the BBC team at next February's Winter Olympics and must surely be favourite to replace Stubbs on the BBC snooker output as well, although whether he could MC in such a scenario remains to be seen.
WALDEN TO RUN NEW YORK MARATHON
Ricky Walden, who defends his Shanghai Masters title next week, will switch sports to run the New York marathon on November 1.
"I’ve been doing a lot of running because it gives me discipline outside snooker, and it improves my fitness,” Walden said.
“It can only help my game, especially in the long matches, and that will give me more chances to win trophies. I’ve done a couple of half marathons before but never a full one. It could finish me off.”
Good luck to Ricky.
I did a marathon once, although it's known as snickers now.
"I’ve been doing a lot of running because it gives me discipline outside snooker, and it improves my fitness,” Walden said.
“It can only help my game, especially in the long matches, and that will give me more chances to win trophies. I’ve done a couple of half marathons before but never a full one. It could finish me off.”
Good luck to Ricky.
I did a marathon once, although it's known as snickers now.
SHANGHAI BUILD-UP
Ali Carter, Mark Allen and Mark Selby have been in China for the last week doing promotional work ahead of the Roewe Shanghai Masters.
This is an important part of being a professional in any sport and it also helps players to build their own profiles.
I wish more of it was done in the UK, although the Chinese media is rather more interested in snooker than their British counterparts.
At least Ali and the two Marks aren't going to have any problems with jetlag having got used to the time difference between the UK and China.
2.9.09
HENDRY'S SILVER ANNIVERSARY
I would draw your attention to a couple of interviews with Stephen Hendry in his snooker room on 110sport.tv.
They find Hendry relaxed ahead of his 25th season as a professional and reflecting on his strong performance at the World Championship earlier this year.
Nobody likes being written off - least of all great champions - but it occurs to me that the best thing that can happen to Stephen is if everyone says he is past it.
With the pressure of expectation removed he could quietly find a bit of form and do some damage this season. Anyway, who cares what anyone thinks? It is only his own mental state that should matter to him.
The good news for Hendry's fans is that he seems to relish practising hard again, which has not always been the case in the last few years, and is up for yet another year on the circuit.
You can watch the interviews here.
They find Hendry relaxed ahead of his 25th season as a professional and reflecting on his strong performance at the World Championship earlier this year.
Nobody likes being written off - least of all great champions - but it occurs to me that the best thing that can happen to Stephen is if everyone says he is past it.
With the pressure of expectation removed he could quietly find a bit of form and do some damage this season. Anyway, who cares what anyone thinks? It is only his own mental state that should matter to him.
The good news for Hendry's fans is that he seems to relish practising hard again, which has not always been the case in the last few years, and is up for yet another year on the circuit.
You can watch the interviews here.
1.9.09
THE GREEN, GREEN BAIZE OF HOME
I was interested in this story about Sir Anthony Hopkins, which states he got into theatre and acting when he saw a play at a working men's club that his father had sent him to in order to learn to play snooker.
If things had worked out differently, Hopkins could have been world champion.
By the same token, Ray Reardon could have been Hannibal Lecter (or more likely Dracula).
If things had worked out differently, Hopkins could have been world champion.
By the same token, Ray Reardon could have been Hannibal Lecter (or more likely Dracula).
WILLIAMS CONFIRMED FOR SHANGHAI
Mark Williams will play in the Shanghai Masters next week despite breaking his right wrist during a fall at home.
Williams, who is wearing a cast on the wrist, has been practising hard for the season's first ranking event and made a maximum yesterday.
He will wear the cast during the tournament as doctors have advised that premature removal could do long term damage.
Williams, who won the 2002 China Open in Shanghai, faces Northern Ireland's Joe Swail in the opening round.
Williams, who is wearing a cast on the wrist, has been practising hard for the season's first ranking event and made a maximum yesterday.
He will wear the cast during the tournament as doctors have advised that premature removal could do long term damage.
Williams, who won the 2002 China Open in Shanghai, faces Northern Ireland's Joe Swail in the opening round.
O'SULLIVAN IN A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN
The Partypoker.com Premier League, which begins again this week, is now one of snooker’s longest running events.
First held in 1987, it was the brainchild of Barry Hearn, the Matchroom supremo, who has taken snooker to parts of the UK not served by tournaments ever since.
The league’s current format is a series of live six frame matches featuring seven players under a 25 second per shot time limit.
Under this, Ronnie O’Sullivan has been unstoppable and starts favourite again this year.
It’s the perfect event for O’Sullivan, but the shot clock is only a small part of this. What he particularly likes about the league is that it is just a one night deal: he turns up, he plays, he goes home. It means the hanging around that you get at tournaments – and which he hates – doesn’t come into it.
There is also usually a great atmosphere because Premier League crowds are traditionally very strong and O’Sullivan, like most top players, revels in such an environment.
And don’t forget the not-so-small matter of £1,000 a frame and £1,000 for a century, making the league potentially more lucrative than a number of ranking tournaments, even though the top prize has been reduced by £20,000 this year.
Joining O’Sullivan in the 2009 line up are world champion John Higgins, world no.3 Shaun Murphy, Hong Kong’s Marco Fu, Aussie Neil Robertson, seven times Crucible king Stephen Hendry and Judd Trump, who won the qualifying tournament, the Championship League.
This isn’t the field everyone would have picked but Hearn is the promoter and he can choose whoever he wants. If it wasn’t for him, the league wouldn’t be taking place at all.
Which of these players can stop Ronnie this year?
Robertson, like quite a few players, did not adapt well to the shot clock on his debut a couple of years ago. If he can get used to it, he has every chance of success because this event favours attacking play.
The same therefore applies to Murphy, who I would expect to reach the play-offs.
Trump is still inexperienced on the big stage and this will be a big test for him. Will he sink or swim? Time will tell.
Hendry hasn’t impressed in the league in recent years and Higgins hasn’t won it since 1999, although both are obviously capable of doing the business.
For me, though, Fu is the dark horse. He won the league in 2003, albeit before the shot clock was introduced. He has a metronomic style but isn’t slow.
And, unlike most players, he has a superior head-to-head record against O’Sullivan.
But, the likeliest outcome is still victory for the world no.1.
No wonder Ronnie once described the league as his favourite event outside the World Championship.
First held in 1987, it was the brainchild of Barry Hearn, the Matchroom supremo, who has taken snooker to parts of the UK not served by tournaments ever since.
The league’s current format is a series of live six frame matches featuring seven players under a 25 second per shot time limit.
Under this, Ronnie O’Sullivan has been unstoppable and starts favourite again this year.
It’s the perfect event for O’Sullivan, but the shot clock is only a small part of this. What he particularly likes about the league is that it is just a one night deal: he turns up, he plays, he goes home. It means the hanging around that you get at tournaments – and which he hates – doesn’t come into it.
There is also usually a great atmosphere because Premier League crowds are traditionally very strong and O’Sullivan, like most top players, revels in such an environment.
And don’t forget the not-so-small matter of £1,000 a frame and £1,000 for a century, making the league potentially more lucrative than a number of ranking tournaments, even though the top prize has been reduced by £20,000 this year.
Joining O’Sullivan in the 2009 line up are world champion John Higgins, world no.3 Shaun Murphy, Hong Kong’s Marco Fu, Aussie Neil Robertson, seven times Crucible king Stephen Hendry and Judd Trump, who won the qualifying tournament, the Championship League.
This isn’t the field everyone would have picked but Hearn is the promoter and he can choose whoever he wants. If it wasn’t for him, the league wouldn’t be taking place at all.
Which of these players can stop Ronnie this year?
Robertson, like quite a few players, did not adapt well to the shot clock on his debut a couple of years ago. If he can get used to it, he has every chance of success because this event favours attacking play.
The same therefore applies to Murphy, who I would expect to reach the play-offs.
Trump is still inexperienced on the big stage and this will be a big test for him. Will he sink or swim? Time will tell.
Hendry hasn’t impressed in the league in recent years and Higgins hasn’t won it since 1999, although both are obviously capable of doing the business.
For me, though, Fu is the dark horse. He won the league in 2003, albeit before the shot clock was introduced. He has a metronomic style but isn’t slow.
And, unlike most players, he has a superior head-to-head record against O’Sullivan.
But, the likeliest outcome is still victory for the world no.1.
No wonder Ronnie once described the league as his favourite event outside the World Championship.
27.8.09
'NO ACTION' OVER LIANG V EBDON
This tumultuous day for snooker continues...
The Gambling Commission say they will not be taking further action over betting irregularities surrounding the Liang Wenbo v Peter Ebdon match at last season's Northern Ireland Trophy.
Liang won 5-0, a scoreline that had been heavily backed. The Gambling Commission began their investigation following discussions with bookmakers.
A WPBSA statement said: "The WPBSA is pleased that after a lengthy and thorough investigation by the Commission, both players have been absolved from any allegation of involvement in irregular betting matters and can concentrate on the new season ahead without further media speculation that has surrounded this issue.
"Based on the decision reached by the Gambling Commission, the WPBSA will be taking no action."
No suspicion was ever attached to Liang. Ebdon will obviously be relieved that his name has been cleared.
The timing of this announcement on the day snooker is facing questions over its integrity appears to be a coincidence, if you believe in coincidences.
The Gambling Commission say they will not be taking further action over betting irregularities surrounding the Liang Wenbo v Peter Ebdon match at last season's Northern Ireland Trophy.
Liang won 5-0, a scoreline that had been heavily backed. The Gambling Commission began their investigation following discussions with bookmakers.
A WPBSA statement said: "The WPBSA is pleased that after a lengthy and thorough investigation by the Commission, both players have been absolved from any allegation of involvement in irregular betting matters and can concentrate on the new season ahead without further media speculation that has surrounded this issue.
"Based on the decision reached by the Gambling Commission, the WPBSA will be taking no action."
No suspicion was ever attached to Liang. Ebdon will obviously be relieved that his name has been cleared.
The timing of this announcement on the day snooker is facing questions over its integrity appears to be a coincidence, if you believe in coincidences.
STEPHEN MAGUIRE STATEMENT
110sport, who manage Stephen Maguire, have issued the following statement:
Stephen Maguire was questioned by officers of Strathclyde Police today over alleged irregular betting patterns relating to a match between Maguire and Jamie Burnett at the Maplin UK Championship on 14 December 2008.
Maguire’s legal representative Peter Forbes said; “Police spoke to Stephen, their questioning and points put to him based upon information given to them during their initial interview with my client in the spring of this year. Having answered those questions, Stephen was released without charge.”
Maguire, 28, added; “I have nothing to say other than I can be doing without this. I wish this was over and done with and that I didn’t have these allegations hanging over me so I could concentrate entirely on playing snooker.
“All I want to do now is forget today and concentrate on preparing for playing in China next week.”
There will be no further comment from Stephen Maguire or 110sport Group on this matter.
Stephen Maguire was questioned by officers of Strathclyde Police today over alleged irregular betting patterns relating to a match between Maguire and Jamie Burnett at the Maplin UK Championship on 14 December 2008.
Maguire’s legal representative Peter Forbes said; “Police spoke to Stephen, their questioning and points put to him based upon information given to them during their initial interview with my client in the spring of this year. Having answered those questions, Stephen was released without charge.”
Maguire, 28, added; “I have nothing to say other than I can be doing without this. I wish this was over and done with and that I didn’t have these allegations hanging over me so I could concentrate entirely on playing snooker.
“All I want to do now is forget today and concentrate on preparing for playing in China next week.”
There will be no further comment from Stephen Maguire or 110sport Group on this matter.
MAGUIRE V BURNETT: WPBSA STATEMENT
The WPBSA has issued the following statement following the news that Strathclyde Police had detained Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett today:
"We are aware that Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett have been detained by Strathclyde Police. This is currently a Police matter and we are awaiting developments. There will be no further comment at this stage."
"We are aware that Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett have been detained by Strathclyde Police. This is currently a Police matter and we are awaiting developments. There will be no further comment at this stage."
MAGUIRE AND BURNETT RELEASED WITHOUT CHARGE
Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett have now been released by Strathclyde Police having been detained as part of their investigation into betting irregularities.
They had 'helped police with their enquiries' but no charges have been brought against either player.
Both Maguire and Burnett have insisted they played no part in any betting coup.
Strathclyde Police said their investigation was continuing.
They had 'helped police with their enquiries' but no charges have been brought against either player.
Both Maguire and Burnett have insisted they played no part in any betting coup.
Strathclyde Police said their investigation was continuing.
MAGUIRE AND BURNETT DETAINED
Strathclyde Police have detained and are currently questioning Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett as part of their investigation into the betting irregularities that surrounded their match in last season's UK Championship.
The police statement reads: "Strathclyde Police economic crime unit can confirm that two males aged 28 and 33 have been detained and are assisting Strathclyde police with their enquiries into the alleged irregular betting patterns associated with the snooker match involving Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett at the Maplin UK Championship on 14th december 2008.
"A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal's office when enquiries are complete."
The BBC has confirmed that the two men are Maguire and Burnett.
Maguire won the match 9-3, a scoreline heavily backed in the days prior to their Telford meeting.
Burnett missed the final black with a chance to make it 8-4.
More as it breaks...
EDIT: The BBC news channel will be giving more information in a report at 1.45pm.
The police statement reads: "Strathclyde Police economic crime unit can confirm that two males aged 28 and 33 have been detained and are assisting Strathclyde police with their enquiries into the alleged irregular betting patterns associated with the snooker match involving Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett at the Maplin UK Championship on 14th december 2008.
"A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal's office when enquiries are complete."
The BBC has confirmed that the two men are Maguire and Burnett.
Maguire won the match 9-3, a scoreline heavily backed in the days prior to their Telford meeting.
Burnett missed the final black with a chance to make it 8-4.
More as it breaks...
EDIT: The BBC news channel will be giving more information in a report at 1.45pm.
MAGUIRE V BURNETT: ARRESTS MADE
Strathclyde Police have detained two men over the Stephen Maguire v Jamie Burnett betting case.
More follows...
More follows...
WORLD BILLIARDS CHAMPIONSHIP
The World Professional Billiards Championship will take place next week at the Northern Snooker Centre, Leeds.
Billiards is the warning snooker should heed. It used to have its own circuit but is now down to only one tournament.
The three-ball game is one of considerable skill with a long, proud history. But for billiards, snooker may never have been invented.
The event runs from September 2-6. Here are the groups:
GROUP A
Mike Russell, Devendra Joshi, Ian Williamson, Rupesh Shah
GROUP B
Sourav Kothari, Gary Rogers, Martin Goodwill, Balachandra Bhaskar
GROUP C
David Causier, Peter Gilchrist, Mark Hirst, Bernard French
GROUP D
Geet Sethi, Pankaj Advani, Dhruv Sitwala, Michael Kreuziger, Robert Hall
Billiards is the warning snooker should heed. It used to have its own circuit but is now down to only one tournament.
The three-ball game is one of considerable skill with a long, proud history. But for billiards, snooker may never have been invented.
The event runs from September 2-6. Here are the groups:
GROUP A
Mike Russell, Devendra Joshi, Ian Williamson, Rupesh Shah
GROUP B
Sourav Kothari, Gary Rogers, Martin Goodwill, Balachandra Bhaskar
GROUP C
David Causier, Peter Gilchrist, Mark Hirst, Bernard French
GROUP D
Geet Sethi, Pankaj Advani, Dhruv Sitwala, Michael Kreuziger, Robert Hall
26.8.09
THE ROAD BACK FOR DOTT
I’ve always liked Graeme Dott. I admire anyone, in any sport, who always gives 100% and Dott’s burning desire to win has been to his great credit and the key factor in the success he has enjoyed.
Without it, he would not have been world champion. Indeed, I remember interviewing him at the Crucible in 2006 in between two of his matches. Our chat was interrupted by a fire alarm which caused the venue to be evacuated.
Out we trooped into the street outside, where he told me he believed he could win the title.
I’m not sure I believed it, even though he had been in the final just two years earlier.
It seemed to me an unlikely triumph but, of course, the entire history of sport is littered with unlikely triumphs.
Coupled with Dott’s determination was his considerable poise under pressure. It saw him through a tense deciding frame finish against Neil Robertson in the quarter-finals and his semi-final against Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Much was made of O’Sullivan’s state of mind in that match but little credit was given to Dott for applying the pressure that helped lead to the meltdown.
The tenacious Scot won all eight frames of the third session but it had been the previous afternoon’s session which proved key, in which he kept in touch at 8-8 despite all sorts of distractions, including O’Sullivan’s tip coming loose, resulting in an unexpected delay.
The final against Peter Ebdon was not a classic in terms of the quality of play but was absorbing and kept around 3m viewers gripped at gone midnight.
Even after winning the game’s ultimate prize, Dott had to endure the carping of ignorant people who decided that, no, it didn’t really count, it hadn’t really happened.
Well, check the trophy and you’ll find his name on it.
Dott also won the China Open the following season and indeed had improved considerably, quickening his pace and showing tremendous self confidence. He reached the Shanghai Masters semi-finals at the start of the 2007/08 campaign but then entered a slump.
This happens to most players at one time or another but Dott’s decline included a bout of depression that left him unwilling, almost unable, to play snooker.
He sought treatment and with trademark grit pulled himself out of the mire.
A broken wrist ruled him out of two tournaments last season and he is now out of the top 16 but Dott is just the sort worth backing to return.
He’s currently 22nd in the provisional rankings but is actually only 750 points behind Steve Davis in 13th place.
In the Shanghai Masters qualifiers, Dott trailed Jimmy Robertson 4-1 but fought back to win 5-4.
If he comes through the wildcard round he will face O’Sullivan, who he has now beaten in each of their last three ranking event meetings.
Many will doubtless say that, now he is out of the top 16, he will never return. These are the same people who said he would never be world champion.
Not for the first time, Graeme Dott may be about to prove them all wrong.
Without it, he would not have been world champion. Indeed, I remember interviewing him at the Crucible in 2006 in between two of his matches. Our chat was interrupted by a fire alarm which caused the venue to be evacuated.
Out we trooped into the street outside, where he told me he believed he could win the title.
I’m not sure I believed it, even though he had been in the final just two years earlier.
It seemed to me an unlikely triumph but, of course, the entire history of sport is littered with unlikely triumphs.
Coupled with Dott’s determination was his considerable poise under pressure. It saw him through a tense deciding frame finish against Neil Robertson in the quarter-finals and his semi-final against Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Much was made of O’Sullivan’s state of mind in that match but little credit was given to Dott for applying the pressure that helped lead to the meltdown.
The tenacious Scot won all eight frames of the third session but it had been the previous afternoon’s session which proved key, in which he kept in touch at 8-8 despite all sorts of distractions, including O’Sullivan’s tip coming loose, resulting in an unexpected delay.
The final against Peter Ebdon was not a classic in terms of the quality of play but was absorbing and kept around 3m viewers gripped at gone midnight.
Even after winning the game’s ultimate prize, Dott had to endure the carping of ignorant people who decided that, no, it didn’t really count, it hadn’t really happened.
Well, check the trophy and you’ll find his name on it.
Dott also won the China Open the following season and indeed had improved considerably, quickening his pace and showing tremendous self confidence. He reached the Shanghai Masters semi-finals at the start of the 2007/08 campaign but then entered a slump.
This happens to most players at one time or another but Dott’s decline included a bout of depression that left him unwilling, almost unable, to play snooker.
He sought treatment and with trademark grit pulled himself out of the mire.
A broken wrist ruled him out of two tournaments last season and he is now out of the top 16 but Dott is just the sort worth backing to return.
He’s currently 22nd in the provisional rankings but is actually only 750 points behind Steve Davis in 13th place.
In the Shanghai Masters qualifiers, Dott trailed Jimmy Robertson 4-1 but fought back to win 5-4.
If he comes through the wildcard round he will face O’Sullivan, who he has now beaten in each of their last three ranking event meetings.
Many will doubtless say that, now he is out of the top 16, he will never return. These are the same people who said he would never be world champion.
Not for the first time, Graeme Dott may be about to prove them all wrong.
25.8.09
CAINE AND TABLE
I was watching the film ‘Sleuth’ the other day in which Laurence Olivier plays a sociopath determined to terrorise Michael Caine’s character through a series of games.
It was inevitable, then, that they would find themselves playing snooker.
Sir Larry appeared at first glance to display great proficiency on the green baize although, on closer inspection, you can’t be certain it is him actually playing the shots. This begs the question of which player was brought in to act as his double (the film was made in 1972).
I can't quite picture Jim Meadowcroft as a celluloid star but stranger things have happened.
This character nominates each ball before potting them, including when he gets to the colours. Perhaps this is to help the American market understand the rules, or indeed the British market considering TV coverage of snooker was at this time confined pretty much to Pot Black.
Lord Olivier completes his break with an exhibition shot on the black that Jimmy White would have been proud of.
It is showboating of this sort that marks his character out as a wrong ‘un.
(He later calls Caine a 'jumped up pantry boy who never knew his place', so Morrissey probably owes him a few quid).
Martin Scorsese’s film Gangs of New York also features a snooker heavy scene in which David Hemmings pots a blue, screws back for the pink and is unable to finish his break due to his house being invaded by a marauding horde of rioters determined to drag him out by his very guts.
And people complain about Newport.
Actually, Gangs of New York is set in the 1860s but snooker is not commonly believed to have been invented until 1875, so this appears to be dramatic licence on the part of Hollywood.
Then again, this sort of trouble seems relatively minor when set against the various civil wars that have so damaged the sport over the last couple of decades.
Maybe someone should make a film about them.
The Bourne Altium, anyone?
It was inevitable, then, that they would find themselves playing snooker.
Sir Larry appeared at first glance to display great proficiency on the green baize although, on closer inspection, you can’t be certain it is him actually playing the shots. This begs the question of which player was brought in to act as his double (the film was made in 1972).
I can't quite picture Jim Meadowcroft as a celluloid star but stranger things have happened.
This character nominates each ball before potting them, including when he gets to the colours. Perhaps this is to help the American market understand the rules, or indeed the British market considering TV coverage of snooker was at this time confined pretty much to Pot Black.
Lord Olivier completes his break with an exhibition shot on the black that Jimmy White would have been proud of.
It is showboating of this sort that marks his character out as a wrong ‘un.
(He later calls Caine a 'jumped up pantry boy who never knew his place', so Morrissey probably owes him a few quid).
Martin Scorsese’s film Gangs of New York also features a snooker heavy scene in which David Hemmings pots a blue, screws back for the pink and is unable to finish his break due to his house being invaded by a marauding horde of rioters determined to drag him out by his very guts.
And people complain about Newport.
Actually, Gangs of New York is set in the 1860s but snooker is not commonly believed to have been invented until 1875, so this appears to be dramatic licence on the part of Hollywood.
Then again, this sort of trouble seems relatively minor when set against the various civil wars that have so damaged the sport over the last couple of decades.
Maybe someone should make a film about them.
The Bourne Altium, anyone?
19.8.09
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"I would like to learn some Chinese because it would be nice to be able to say more during press conferences and interviews. All I can say is 'hello', 'thank you' and 'watermelon.'" - Mark Selby answering fan questions on his website.
18.8.09
WHERE NOW FOR HENDRY?
Ten years ago, around this time, I went to Croydon for the inaugural Champions Cup.
Those were the days. There were nine ranking events plus six televised invitation tournaments. Snooker was ending the decade as it had begun it: as one of television sport's great success stories.
And it was ending it with Stephen Hendry as world champion.
It’s all too easy for people to forget now just what an extraordinary impact Hendry had on snooker from a very young age.
He remains the youngest player ever to compete at the Crucible. He is still the youngest world champion.
Like the Beatles, he did it all by the time he was 30. His record seventh world title triumph in 1999 came just a few months after this milestone.
When he was 19, Hendry said he would retire by 30. He could have done, as well, as he had nothing left to prove, but like all great champions he wanted more...and more...and more.
Hendry won that first Champions Cup and the British Open that followed. He remained a leading force for several more years and was world no.1 for the 2006/07 season.
Yet, in the last couple of years he has found results harder to come by and starts the new campaign outside the top eight for the first time in 21 years.
At 40, is this decline irreversible?
What does the future hold for the game’s greatest ever player?
Well, logic suggests that his slide down the rankings will continue. However, the evidence of other great players proves that it is possible to stem the tide.
Alex Higgins did it in the late 1980s/early 90s. He would have been back in the top 16 in 1990 had he not been banned for a year for a litany of indefensible incidents.
Jimmy White did it as well. In 2004 he reached two ranking finals, winning the Players Championship, and rose to eighth in the rankings, even if he then declined again.
And, of course, Steve Davis has proved an immovable object. His run to the final of the 2005 UK Championship was a reminder that the legends are made of different stuff to the rest.
Hendry doesn’t lack for motivation. Sure, he may not like practising as much as he once did but he still relishes competition.
It would be foolish to just write him off. At the last two World Championships he has shown that, on the big stage, he can still deliver strong performances.
Last season he referred to his problem being “the chaos in my head” whenever he came to the table.
I believe this chaos stems from Hendry’s inability to accept that he isn’t as good as he was. However, he doesn’t need to be that good to remain in the top 16. If he can accept that the glory days are over, he can relax and start to enjoy snooker more.
And if that happens, he may find that results start to come more regularly.
There are new challenges to look forward to. Hendry is heavily involved in 110sport’s new internet channel and will take centre stage in a showpiece match against Ding Junhui in China.
There is also the satisfaction, now that he is the oldest member of the top 16, of putting some of the young pretenders to the sword.
The 90s are becoming a distant memory. There is a whole generation of snooker fans who don’t remember Hendry at his best.
But every now and again, as in making his maximum at the Crucible this year, he reminds everyone of what he is capable of.
In Croydon ten years ago, as he looked ahead to the new season and reflected on his seventh world title, Hendry told me: “If I never win another match, it won’t bother me.”
I didn’t believe it then and I don’t believe it now.
Winning is what drives any great champion. The quest to prove everyone wrong and be a winner again still drives Stephen Hendry.
Those were the days. There were nine ranking events plus six televised invitation tournaments. Snooker was ending the decade as it had begun it: as one of television sport's great success stories.
And it was ending it with Stephen Hendry as world champion.
It’s all too easy for people to forget now just what an extraordinary impact Hendry had on snooker from a very young age.
He remains the youngest player ever to compete at the Crucible. He is still the youngest world champion.
Like the Beatles, he did it all by the time he was 30. His record seventh world title triumph in 1999 came just a few months after this milestone.
When he was 19, Hendry said he would retire by 30. He could have done, as well, as he had nothing left to prove, but like all great champions he wanted more...and more...and more.
Hendry won that first Champions Cup and the British Open that followed. He remained a leading force for several more years and was world no.1 for the 2006/07 season.
Yet, in the last couple of years he has found results harder to come by and starts the new campaign outside the top eight for the first time in 21 years.
At 40, is this decline irreversible?
What does the future hold for the game’s greatest ever player?
Well, logic suggests that his slide down the rankings will continue. However, the evidence of other great players proves that it is possible to stem the tide.
Alex Higgins did it in the late 1980s/early 90s. He would have been back in the top 16 in 1990 had he not been banned for a year for a litany of indefensible incidents.
Jimmy White did it as well. In 2004 he reached two ranking finals, winning the Players Championship, and rose to eighth in the rankings, even if he then declined again.
And, of course, Steve Davis has proved an immovable object. His run to the final of the 2005 UK Championship was a reminder that the legends are made of different stuff to the rest.
Hendry doesn’t lack for motivation. Sure, he may not like practising as much as he once did but he still relishes competition.
It would be foolish to just write him off. At the last two World Championships he has shown that, on the big stage, he can still deliver strong performances.
Last season he referred to his problem being “the chaos in my head” whenever he came to the table.
I believe this chaos stems from Hendry’s inability to accept that he isn’t as good as he was. However, he doesn’t need to be that good to remain in the top 16. If he can accept that the glory days are over, he can relax and start to enjoy snooker more.
And if that happens, he may find that results start to come more regularly.
There are new challenges to look forward to. Hendry is heavily involved in 110sport’s new internet channel and will take centre stage in a showpiece match against Ding Junhui in China.
There is also the satisfaction, now that he is the oldest member of the top 16, of putting some of the young pretenders to the sword.
The 90s are becoming a distant memory. There is a whole generation of snooker fans who don’t remember Hendry at his best.
But every now and again, as in making his maximum at the Crucible this year, he reminds everyone of what he is capable of.
In Croydon ten years ago, as he looked ahead to the new season and reflected on his seventh world title, Hendry told me: “If I never win another match, it won’t bother me.”
I didn’t believe it then and I don’t believe it now.
Winning is what drives any great champion. The quest to prove everyone wrong and be a winner again still drives Stephen Hendry.
17.8.09
MURPHY WINS PAUL HUNTER CLASSIC
Shaun Murphy's preparation for the Paul Hunter Classic could not have been worse. Sick with swine flu, he was holed up in his Sale apartment and had to rely on neighbours bringing round supplies.
But Murphy has never been the sort to let setbacks bother him and he duly bounced back to win the title in Furth, beating Jimmy White 4-0 in the final.
He's now won three titles since losing in the world final in May.
Of course, he'd swap them all for the most famous prize in snooker but the best way to get over disappointment is to get on with the next challenge, however big or small it is.
To quote that well known snooker expert Rocky Balboa: "It ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."
But Murphy has never been the sort to let setbacks bother him and he duly bounced back to win the title in Furth, beating Jimmy White 4-0 in the final.
He's now won three titles since losing in the world final in May.
Of course, he'd swap them all for the most famous prize in snooker but the best way to get over disappointment is to get on with the next challenge, however big or small it is.
To quote that well known snooker expert Rocky Balboa: "It ain't about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."
16.8.09
O'SULLIVAN PUTS THE WHEELS IN MOTION
Ronnie O'Sullivan endured mixed fortunes as he made his debut as a motor racing driver.
O'Sullivan was at Silverstone this weekend racing in the VW Cup. He qualified at the back of the grid for the first race but spun off into a gravel trap, which he described as "a novice mistake."
He fared better in the second race, finishing 14th, which was creditable considering this was his first taste of action.
"At least I got a whole race in. It was a good experience, I enjoyed it very much and now I'm looking forward to having another crack at Brands Hatch next month," O'Sullivan said.
O'Sullivan was at Silverstone this weekend racing in the VW Cup. He qualified at the back of the grid for the first race but spun off into a gravel trap, which he described as "a novice mistake."
He fared better in the second race, finishing 14th, which was creditable considering this was his first taste of action.
"At least I got a whole race in. It was a good experience, I enjoyed it very much and now I'm looking forward to having another crack at Brands Hatch next month," O'Sullivan said.
15.8.09
SIX REDS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Killarney in the Republic of Ireland will host snooker's first 6 Reds World Championship in December.
The tournament will feature 160 players and be contested at the INEC Arena, which staged a World Series event in May. Among the organisers is Ken Doherty, the 1997 world champion.
The event runs from December 15-18. Entry is free for the first three days while tickets will cost 10 euros on the last day, which will be televised.
Despite the criticism it has attracted, six reds snooker has been played in clubs for decades.
Last year, a six reds tournament was staged in Thailand and attracted a huge field of top players, so much so that the prize fund for this year's staging of the event was doubled.
Jimmy White won the £18,000 first prize in Bangkok last month.
World Snooker stages its first six reds event at the end of the month in the Pro Challenge Series.
The governing body giving legitimacy to the short form version of the game meant that a World Championship was almost inevitable.
It will be interesting to see how many of snooker's best known names take their places in the Killarney draw.
If the players embrace six reds then it is, like it or not, here to stay.
The tournament will feature 160 players and be contested at the INEC Arena, which staged a World Series event in May. Among the organisers is Ken Doherty, the 1997 world champion.
The event runs from December 15-18. Entry is free for the first three days while tickets will cost 10 euros on the last day, which will be televised.
Despite the criticism it has attracted, six reds snooker has been played in clubs for decades.
Last year, a six reds tournament was staged in Thailand and attracted a huge field of top players, so much so that the prize fund for this year's staging of the event was doubled.
Jimmy White won the £18,000 first prize in Bangkok last month.
World Snooker stages its first six reds event at the end of the month in the Pro Challenge Series.
The governing body giving legitimacy to the short form version of the game meant that a World Championship was almost inevitable.
It will be interesting to see how many of snooker's best known names take their places in the Killarney draw.
If the players embrace six reds then it is, like it or not, here to stay.
13.8.09
PAUL HUNTER CLASSIC KICKS OFF
The Paul Hunter Classic is a huge event that allows players the chance to compete in a snooker-mad country and honour one of their own.
From a huge field of 180, there will be 34 main tour professionals competing in Furth, Germany over the next four days.
They include world champion John Higgins, Shaun Murphy, Stephen Maguire, Mark Selby, Ryan Day, Joe Perry, Mark King, Jimmy White, Ken Doherty and Ricky Walden.
There are 45 four man groups so an extraordinary amount of snooker will be played before the knockout phase.
The audience attendance at this tournament puts some of the main tour events to shame. I hope all the German fans enjoy the four days.
There's coverage at global-snooker.com.
From a huge field of 180, there will be 34 main tour professionals competing in Furth, Germany over the next four days.
They include world champion John Higgins, Shaun Murphy, Stephen Maguire, Mark Selby, Ryan Day, Joe Perry, Mark King, Jimmy White, Ken Doherty and Ricky Walden.
There are 45 four man groups so an extraordinary amount of snooker will be played before the knockout phase.
The audience attendance at this tournament puts some of the main tour events to shame. I hope all the German fans enjoy the four days.
There's coverage at global-snooker.com.
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