There's a huge crowd in watching Judd Trump v Stephen Lee and they have so far been rewarded with the best snooker of the morning from Trump, whose 137 total clearance in the third frame is the highest break of the World Championship up to now.
He leads Lee 3-1 and will take some stopping, not least because he's the only player out there who doesn't seem nervous.
Anthony Hamilton and Ricky Walden are missing everything between them.
Ditto Fergal O'Brien and Jamie Burnett, although O'Brien is adept at scrapping it out when his form isn't quite there.
Mark Williams has just gone 3-2 up on Tom Ford, who left him in after twice being called for a miss when he could see reds directly.
Williams missed frame ball red with the rest but Ford could not take advantage.
By the way, Williams has never qualified for the Crucible. The first time he played there in 1997 he was already a member of the top 16.
Liang Wenbo has been tied up in knots by Dave Harold but has just edged ahead 3-2 early on in what could be a very long day.
9.3.09
8.3.09
OR NOT QUITE DONE...
The only sour note on day one of the final qualifying round were a few negative comments about playing conditions.
This is how Matthew Stevens saw them: “The table was atrocious. It was like playing on mud. I have changed the cloth on my practice table to replicate the conditions but this was just so slow.
“To be fair to Martin he played quite well but I didn’t feel that I could get back into it when I was three or four frames down because of the condition of the table.”
Michael Judge also complained, saying: "I ended up playing on the worst table that I have played on all year."
Of course, both Stevens and Judge lost and could therefore be accused of sour grapes.
I think this would be wrong, particularly in the case of Stevens who is always gracious in defeat.
I had heard that there had been a few moans and groans about conditions but some players adapt better than others.
Martin Gould, for instance, compiled three centuries and there was some good snooker on show in the other matches.
The difficulty if you haven't taken to a table is shutting that out of your mind when you go behind.
If you feel conditions have already beaten you then you are not going to get through.
This is how Matthew Stevens saw them: “The table was atrocious. It was like playing on mud. I have changed the cloth on my practice table to replicate the conditions but this was just so slow.
“To be fair to Martin he played quite well but I didn’t feel that I could get back into it when I was three or four frames down because of the condition of the table.”
Michael Judge also complained, saying: "I ended up playing on the worst table that I have played on all year."
Of course, both Stevens and Judge lost and could therefore be accused of sour grapes.
I think this would be wrong, particularly in the case of Stevens who is always gracious in defeat.
I had heard that there had been a few moans and groans about conditions but some players adapt better than others.
Martin Gould, for instance, compiled three centuries and there was some good snooker on show in the other matches.
The difficulty if you haven't taken to a table is shutting that out of your mind when you go behind.
If you feel conditions have already beaten you then you are not going to get through.
DAY ONE DONE
Michael Holt, who has let demons bedevil him in the past, fought back from 7-4 down to beat Dominic Dale 10-7 and get through to the Crucible for the fourth time in his career.
In fact, Holt's had a very consistent season and will return to the top 32 having dropped out last season.
"My attitude is so much better than it was," he said.
When I asked him why, he replied, "Ten years of failure. After a while it stinks. It was getting embarrassing."
Best quote of the day came from Nigel Bond after booking his 15th Crucible appearance and his eighth as a qualifier, who said of the final qualifying round experience: "It just makes you feel sick."
Looking at the players as they came off, nerves shredded, it was obvious what he meant.
And we'll do it all again tomorrow...
In fact, Holt's had a very consistent season and will return to the top 32 having dropped out last season.
"My attitude is so much better than it was," he said.
When I asked him why, he replied, "Ten years of failure. After a while it stinks. It was getting embarrassing."
Best quote of the day came from Nigel Bond after booking his 15th Crucible appearance and his eighth as a qualifier, who said of the final qualifying round experience: "It just makes you feel sick."
Looking at the players as they came off, nerves shredded, it was obvious what he meant.
And we'll do it all again tomorrow...
DOWN TO THE WIRE
Sometimes it can all come down to one ball, as looks to be the case in the Michael Holt v Dominic Dale match.
Dale was looking good for an 8-7 lead in frame 15 after clearing from the yellow but missed the black along a cushion.
After a protracted safety battle, Holt potted it and now looks a different player. He's just made a very well worked 92 for 9-7.
In the other match still on, it's hard to see Mike Dunn beating Nigel Bond.
Dunn missed the blue by such a distance in frame 15 that he burst out laughing.
Bond himself missed a slightly awkward black but Dunn failed to pot it and left it on for Bond to go 9-7 up.
Dale was looking good for an 8-7 lead in frame 15 after clearing from the yellow but missed the black along a cushion.
After a protracted safety battle, Holt potted it and now looks a different player. He's just made a very well worked 92 for 9-7.
In the other match still on, it's hard to see Mike Dunn beating Nigel Bond.
Dunn missed the blue by such a distance in frame 15 that he burst out laughing.
Bond himself missed a slightly awkward black but Dunn failed to pot it and left it on for Bond to go 9-7 up.
GOULD'S CRUCIBLE DEBUT
Martin Gould ensured there will be at least two Crucible debutants this year after superbly finishing off his 10-4 victory over Matthew Stevens with a break of 100, his third century of the match.
Martin's game has turned round in the second half of this season and he received a huge injection of confidence in beating Stephen Hendry in last month's Welsh Open.
"After beating Stephen I watched the highlights because it was a reality check. I thought it was a dream," he said.
Like Andrew Higginson, Gould's breakthrough has come after years of toil and many setbacks.
It's a shame a player of the class of Stevens won't be at the Crucible - for the first time in 12 years - but hats off to Gould for his effort and application.
Jamie Cope, who defeated Paul Davies 10-5, didn't look like a man who'd just qualified but he tends to keep his emotions inside - not a bad thing in sport.
Martin's game has turned round in the second half of this season and he received a huge injection of confidence in beating Stephen Hendry in last month's Welsh Open.
"After beating Stephen I watched the highlights because it was a reality check. I thought it was a dream," he said.
Like Andrew Higginson, Gould's breakthrough has come after years of toil and many setbacks.
It's a shame a player of the class of Stevens won't be at the Crucible - for the first time in 12 years - but hats off to Gould for his effort and application.
Jamie Cope, who defeated Paul Davies 10-5, didn't look like a man who'd just qualified but he tends to keep his emotions inside - not a bad thing in sport.
FIRST MAN THROUGH
From the look on Andrew Higginson's face you'd have thought he'd won the World Championship after becoming the first man through to the Crucible following his 10-4 victory over Michael Judge.
Andrew turned pro in 1996. This will be his Crucible debut.
For all the various problems in the game, you can't beat the joy that comes from a moment like this.
He said: “When I first started playing snooker, this is what it was all about. You can try to win tournaments but your goal is to play at the Crucible.
“It’s taken me something like 14 attempts and I’m just ecstatic. To be able to walk through that curtain where all the greats have walked through is amazing.
“I’m just going to enjoy it no matter who I draw and no matter what happens.
“You won’t see me with a sad face at the Crucible.”
One down, 15 to go...
Andrew turned pro in 1996. This will be his Crucible debut.
For all the various problems in the game, you can't beat the joy that comes from a moment like this.
He said: “When I first started playing snooker, this is what it was all about. You can try to win tournaments but your goal is to play at the Crucible.
“It’s taken me something like 14 attempts and I’m just ecstatic. To be able to walk through that curtain where all the greats have walked through is amazing.
“I’m just going to enjoy it no matter who I draw and no matter what happens.
“You won’t see me with a sad face at the Crucible.”
One down, 15 to go...
LATEST UPDATE
Dramatic moments in the Martin Gould v Matthew Stevens match. In frame ten, Stevens needed a snooker on the pink to tie and duly got it but Gould was twice fortunate in attempting the pink from distance.
The first time he fluked a snooker; the second he left the pink on the top cushion.
On the third time of asking, Gould knocked it in for 7-3. You feel it could be a big moment in the match. Everyone needs a bit of luck to get to the Crucible and he seemed to be having it there.
Andrew Higginson looks very sharp against Michael Judge. On 41 in frame ten he ran out of position on the pink but knocked in a long yellow and went on to make 77.
Paul Davies v Jamie Cope is akin to tortoise v hare but we all know who won that one. Davies pulled it back to 6-4 but Cope has just dished for 7-4.
Nigel Bond was involved in a lengthy safety battle at the start of frame ten against Mike Dunn but, after Dunn's safety error, made a very solid 85.
Mark Selby is among those watching, principally to support Michael Holt, who has started to struggle against Dominic Dale.
The first time he fluked a snooker; the second he left the pink on the top cushion.
On the third time of asking, Gould knocked it in for 7-3. You feel it could be a big moment in the match. Everyone needs a bit of luck to get to the Crucible and he seemed to be having it there.
Andrew Higginson looks very sharp against Michael Judge. On 41 in frame ten he ran out of position on the pink but knocked in a long yellow and went on to make 77.
Paul Davies v Jamie Cope is akin to tortoise v hare but we all know who won that one. Davies pulled it back to 6-4 but Cope has just dished for 7-4.
Nigel Bond was involved in a lengthy safety battle at the start of frame ten against Mike Dunn but, after Dunn's safety error, made a very solid 85.
Mark Selby is among those watching, principally to support Michael Holt, who has started to struggle against Dominic Dale.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE
So what's happening here at the final qualifying round of the World Championship?
I've just watched two frames of Martin Gould v Matthew Stevens and Gould is playing superbly. He made a 113 break in the last frame of the session that was, I promise you, as good as any century you will see.
It just shows what confidence does for you. He beat Stephen Hendry live on TV at the Welsh Open and is now feeling better about his game than at any time in his career. He leads 6-3.
Watching Michael Holt play snooker is a bit like watching the dentist scene with Laurence Olivier in Marathon Man. It's torture.
Holt lost the eighth frame to trail Dominic Dale 5-3. He left the arena shaking his head and returned a few minutes later, still shaking his head.
He then proceeded to knock in a nice 61 - not quite enough to make it 5-4 but he since got in again to do just that.
I hereby predict the last match to finish will be Stuart Bingham v Alan McManus if the eighth frame of their contest is anything to go by.
It appeared they were trying to put the reds back into the triangle - albeit with only eight of them on the table - but McManus is a master of tactical play and Bingham needs to make sure he doesn't get dragged into this if he is to win.
Nerves are everywhere at the English Institute of Sport. They are, of course, in the arena but also outside the arena where friends and family pace anxiously, unable to watch.
The nerves infect everyone. You feel it just watching from the back of the hall.
And they are only going to grow as the day goes on.
I've just watched two frames of Martin Gould v Matthew Stevens and Gould is playing superbly. He made a 113 break in the last frame of the session that was, I promise you, as good as any century you will see.
It just shows what confidence does for you. He beat Stephen Hendry live on TV at the Welsh Open and is now feeling better about his game than at any time in his career. He leads 6-3.
Watching Michael Holt play snooker is a bit like watching the dentist scene with Laurence Olivier in Marathon Man. It's torture.
Holt lost the eighth frame to trail Dominic Dale 5-3. He left the arena shaking his head and returned a few minutes later, still shaking his head.
He then proceeded to knock in a nice 61 - not quite enough to make it 5-4 but he since got in again to do just that.
I hereby predict the last match to finish will be Stuart Bingham v Alan McManus if the eighth frame of their contest is anything to go by.
It appeared they were trying to put the reds back into the triangle - albeit with only eight of them on the table - but McManus is a master of tactical play and Bingham needs to make sure he doesn't get dragged into this if he is to win.
Nerves are everywhere at the English Institute of Sport. They are, of course, in the arena but also outside the arena where friends and family pace anxiously, unable to watch.
The nerves infect everyone. You feel it just watching from the back of the hall.
And they are only going to grow as the day goes on.
7.3.09
ALL SET FOR SHEFFIELD
There could be as many as nine Crucible debutants this year.
Equally, of course, there could be none at all.
The nine players through to the final qualifying round who are yet to play in the televised phase are: Matthew Couch, Paul Davies, Andrew Higginson, Daniel Wells, Lee Spick, Martin Gould, Rory McLeod, Ricky Walden and Tom Ford.
I will be blogging from the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield and will provide little updates and interesting bits of news as the three days unfold, plus what the players really say, not what you read on worldsnooker.com.
Here’s the draw and times of play:
Sunday, 10am and 4pm
Michael Judge v Andrew Higginson
Jamie Cope v Paul Davies
Nigel Bond v Mike Dunn
Dominic Dale v Michael Holt
Stuart Bingham v Alan McManus
Matthew Stevens v Martin Gould
Monday, 10am and 4pm
Stephen Lee v Judd Trump
Mark Williams v Tom Ford
Anthony Hamilton v Ricky Walden
Dave Harold v Liang Wenbo
Fergal O’Brien v Jamie Burnett
Tuesday, 10am and 4pm
Joe Swail v Matthew Couch
Steve Davis v Lee Spick
Ian McCulloch v Rory McLeod
Barry Hawkins v Daniel Wells
Ken Doherty v Gerard Greene
Equally, of course, there could be none at all.
The nine players through to the final qualifying round who are yet to play in the televised phase are: Matthew Couch, Paul Davies, Andrew Higginson, Daniel Wells, Lee Spick, Martin Gould, Rory McLeod, Ricky Walden and Tom Ford.
I will be blogging from the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield and will provide little updates and interesting bits of news as the three days unfold, plus what the players really say, not what you read on worldsnooker.com.
Here’s the draw and times of play:
Sunday, 10am and 4pm
Michael Judge v Andrew Higginson
Jamie Cope v Paul Davies
Nigel Bond v Mike Dunn
Dominic Dale v Michael Holt
Stuart Bingham v Alan McManus
Matthew Stevens v Martin Gould
Monday, 10am and 4pm
Stephen Lee v Judd Trump
Mark Williams v Tom Ford
Anthony Hamilton v Ricky Walden
Dave Harold v Liang Wenbo
Fergal O’Brien v Jamie Burnett
Tuesday, 10am and 4pm
Joe Swail v Matthew Couch
Steve Davis v Lee Spick
Ian McCulloch v Rory McLeod
Barry Hawkins v Daniel Wells
Ken Doherty v Gerard Greene
6.3.09
WPBSA STAFF ORDERED TO TAKE PAY CUT
You'll recall it was only a few weeks ago that Sir Rodney Walker, chairman of the WPBSA, roundly rubbished Ronnie O'Sullivan's claims that snooker was in serious trouble.
Today, Walker has told the players that the salaries of the staff and directors of the WPBSA will be reduced by 10%.
So everything's going great, then.
The truth is that the WPBSA is seriously cash strapped and the circuit will not be far from collapse if extra revenue is not found in the next year.
I feel very sorry for the staff of the WPBSA, most of whom have done nothing wrong. These are the footsoldiers, not the people who make the decisions.
Walker's letter says there will also be redundancies.
Presumably he won't be one of them.
Today, Walker has told the players that the salaries of the staff and directors of the WPBSA will be reduced by 10%.
So everything's going great, then.
The truth is that the WPBSA is seriously cash strapped and the circuit will not be far from collapse if extra revenue is not found in the next year.
I feel very sorry for the staff of the WPBSA, most of whom have done nothing wrong. These are the footsoldiers, not the people who make the decisions.
Walker's letter says there will also be redundancies.
Presumably he won't be one of them.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW NEWS
The draw for the first round of the World Championship will be broadcast live by BBC Radio Sheffield next Wednesday at 9.45am.
The top 16 will be paired against the 16 qualifiers.
The draw has suffered from, well, let's say a few problems over the last few years.
In 2006, Michael Holt was drawn out twice live on BBC Radio 5 Live.
The following year the draw was recorded the day before it was broadcast. Ronnie O'Sullivan drew Ding Junhui and claimed it was 'fixed.'
However, last year's draw was a great success as it was streamed live on the internet from the Crucible.
The top 16 will be paired against the 16 qualifiers.
The draw has suffered from, well, let's say a few problems over the last few years.
In 2006, Michael Holt was drawn out twice live on BBC Radio 5 Live.
The following year the draw was recorded the day before it was broadcast. Ronnie O'Sullivan drew Ding Junhui and claimed it was 'fixed.'
However, last year's draw was a great success as it was streamed live on the internet from the Crucible.
ONE FOOT IN THE ALGARVE
The much delayed grand final of the World Series of Snooker, originally planned for the Kremlin in Moscow, will now be staged in the Algarve, Portugal the weekend after the World Championship.
The fact that it has changed venues after an initial high profile announcement is something of an embarrassment for organisers but I understand there was a very specific problem relating to the funding for the Moscow event, which would have had security implications.
The first year of World Series has proven two things:
1) It’s actually quite difficult planning and organising snooker tournaments, something the WPBSA and other promoters have also found over the years.
2) If you take snooker to places where it’s popular, people will come and watch it.
For despite the early problems, the World Series remains a good idea. Snooker on mainland Europe is hugely popular because of the widespread coverage of the professional circuit by Eurosport.
The World Series events in Berlin, Warsaw and Moscow were well attended and much enjoyed by the players.
If John Higgins and Pat Mooney hadn't taken snooker to these countries, who else would have done?
There are still areas I believe they need to work on.
One is the format. Getting local players involved is a good idea but a day of walkovers is not. I understand a qualifying system will be used this year and that should help make the action more competitive.
Also – and this applies to snooker in general – getting the media on board is vitally important to building up any sporting event.
However, anyone who mocks this new venture should go and speak to those people in Germany, Poland and Russia who had never seen live snooker before and came away with only positive thoughts about the sport.
Snooker needs as many fans, indeed as many tournaments, as it can find.
For this reason alone the World Series is worth supporting, whatever the difficulties it has experienced in its first year.
The fact that it has changed venues after an initial high profile announcement is something of an embarrassment for organisers but I understand there was a very specific problem relating to the funding for the Moscow event, which would have had security implications.
The first year of World Series has proven two things:
1) It’s actually quite difficult planning and organising snooker tournaments, something the WPBSA and other promoters have also found over the years.
2) If you take snooker to places where it’s popular, people will come and watch it.
For despite the early problems, the World Series remains a good idea. Snooker on mainland Europe is hugely popular because of the widespread coverage of the professional circuit by Eurosport.
The World Series events in Berlin, Warsaw and Moscow were well attended and much enjoyed by the players.
If John Higgins and Pat Mooney hadn't taken snooker to these countries, who else would have done?
There are still areas I believe they need to work on.
One is the format. Getting local players involved is a good idea but a day of walkovers is not. I understand a qualifying system will be used this year and that should help make the action more competitive.
Also – and this applies to snooker in general – getting the media on board is vitally important to building up any sporting event.
However, anyone who mocks this new venture should go and speak to those people in Germany, Poland and Russia who had never seen live snooker before and came away with only positive thoughts about the sport.
Snooker needs as many fans, indeed as many tournaments, as it can find.
For this reason alone the World Series is worth supporting, whatever the difficulties it has experienced in its first year.
LIFE DOWN THE RANKINGS...CONTINUED
You'll recall a thoroughly fed up Scott MacKenzie announced his intention to retire from professional snooker if he failed to reach the Crucible - which he did.
However, it's not all doom and gloom down in the lower ranks.
One player who seems to be feeling positive about his career is Leicester's Andy Lee, who is interviewed in the Hinckley Times newspaper.
That said, I think Andy's ambitions may be harder to realise than he thinks.
By my reckoning, his defeat in the world qualifiers has relegated him from the circuit.
However, it's not all doom and gloom down in the lower ranks.
One player who seems to be feeling positive about his career is Leicester's Andy Lee, who is interviewed in the Hinckley Times newspaper.
That said, I think Andy's ambitions may be harder to realise than he thinks.
By my reckoning, his defeat in the world qualifiers has relegated him from the circuit.
5.3.09
PODCAST#4...JOE JOHNSON
The fourth Snooker Scene podcast features Joe Johnson, the 1986 world champion, chatting about life before he turned pro, his extraordinary success at the Crucible, meeting Princess Diana and much more.
To listen, follow this link.
You will have to have registered first.
Next week: we answer the questions you sent in recently.
To listen, follow this link.
You will have to have registered first.
Next week: we answer the questions you sent in recently.
4.3.09
COUCH SITTING PRETTY
There’s an old saying that revenge is a dish best served cold.
Matthew Couch may appreciate the sentiment as he prepares to face Joe Swail in the final qualifying round of the World Championship next Tuesday.
Couch defeated 1991 champion John Parrott 10-3 in the qualifiers at Sheffield today.
He is through to the final round for only the second time in his career. The last time was 11 years ago and he played...Joe Swail.
On that occasion Swail won 10-3.
“I obviously hope it’s a different result this time. It would mean a lot to play at the Crucible. It’s the venue where everyone wants to have played, at least once,” Couch said.
It would indeed mean a lot to any player but especially one like Couch who turned pro 17 years ago and has kept on grafting despite several disappointments.
He was a quarter-finalist in the 1998 UK Championship and has a good record in pro-ams but reaching the Crucible would be the highlight of his career.
And he’s tantalisingly close.
Matthew Couch may appreciate the sentiment as he prepares to face Joe Swail in the final qualifying round of the World Championship next Tuesday.
Couch defeated 1991 champion John Parrott 10-3 in the qualifiers at Sheffield today.
He is through to the final round for only the second time in his career. The last time was 11 years ago and he played...Joe Swail.
On that occasion Swail won 10-3.
“I obviously hope it’s a different result this time. It would mean a lot to play at the Crucible. It’s the venue where everyone wants to have played, at least once,” Couch said.
It would indeed mean a lot to any player but especially one like Couch who turned pro 17 years ago and has kept on grafting despite several disappointments.
He was a quarter-finalist in the 1998 UK Championship and has a good record in pro-ams but reaching the Crucible would be the highlight of his career.
And he’s tantalisingly close.
ASK THE REFEREE!
In a forthcoming podcast I will be putting questions to one of snooker's leading referees.
Do you have a query about one of the rules?
Has something happened in a match that you didn't understand and would like clarifying?
If so, please email your questions to snookersceneblog@aol.com (please do not post them below).
It would be helpful if you included your name and where in the world you are.
We will need your questions by Sunday.
++ On a related theme, in today's Championship League match between Ken Doherty and Steve Davis, Ken went for a red, it jumped out of the pocket and came to rest on the cushion rail.
The ruling is that it is a foul and that the red is placed in a pocket.
If you have any questions on arcane rules such as this, email them to us.
Do you have a query about one of the rules?
Has something happened in a match that you didn't understand and would like clarifying?
If so, please email your questions to snookersceneblog@aol.com (please do not post them below).
It would be helpful if you included your name and where in the world you are.
We will need your questions by Sunday.
++ On a related theme, in today's Championship League match between Ken Doherty and Steve Davis, Ken went for a red, it jumped out of the pocket and came to rest on the cushion rail.
The ruling is that it is a foul and that the red is placed in a pocket.
If you have any questions on arcane rules such as this, email them to us.
YOUNG GUNS MOVE CLOSER TO CRUCIBLE
Judd Trump and Ricky Walden are among the six players who have already booked their places in the final qualifying round of the World Championship.
Neither hung about. Trump demolished Joe Delaney 10-1 while Walden thumped Rod Lawler by the same score.
Both these young talents would enhance the televised stage but to get to the Crucible they must each beat a far more experienced opponent.
Trump faces Stephen Lee while Walden, looking for his Crucible debut, tackles Anthony Hamilton.
Rory McLeod, who lost in the final qualifying round last year, will provide the opposition for 2005 semi-finalist Ian McCulloch.
For Mark Williams to appear at the Crucible for a 13th consecutive year he must first beat Tom Ford, who came through despite a determined performance by Patrick Wallace.
Williams’s fellow former champion, Ken Doherty, needs to beat Gerard Greene to get through. The omens are good for the Dubliner: he beat Greene at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield – where the qualifiers are being staged – in the corresponding round of this season’s UK Championship.
Finally, what a great performance by young Daniel Wells, who has now won three matches 10-9.
His latest victory was over Marcus Campbell last night and has secured his place on the circuit for another season.
Wells must beat Barry Hawkins to get to the Crucible.
Neither hung about. Trump demolished Joe Delaney 10-1 while Walden thumped Rod Lawler by the same score.
Both these young talents would enhance the televised stage but to get to the Crucible they must each beat a far more experienced opponent.
Trump faces Stephen Lee while Walden, looking for his Crucible debut, tackles Anthony Hamilton.
Rory McLeod, who lost in the final qualifying round last year, will provide the opposition for 2005 semi-finalist Ian McCulloch.
For Mark Williams to appear at the Crucible for a 13th consecutive year he must first beat Tom Ford, who came through despite a determined performance by Patrick Wallace.
Williams’s fellow former champion, Ken Doherty, needs to beat Gerard Greene to get through. The omens are good for the Dubliner: he beat Greene at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield – where the qualifiers are being staged – in the corresponding round of this season’s UK Championship.
Finally, what a great performance by young Daniel Wells, who has now won three matches 10-9.
His latest victory was over Marcus Campbell last night and has secured his place on the circuit for another season.
Wells must beat Barry Hawkins to get to the Crucible.
3.3.09
GINGER HAIL
Steve Davis is among a list of famous redheads included in a photographic exhibition celebrating people with ginger hair.
Not that Steve’s hair is that ginger these days, but it was in his 1980s heyday.
The exhibition, Root Ginger, features photos by Jenny Wicks and is raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
She says: “Red hair is the last bastion of political incorrectness and although you cannot compare it wholly with the treatment of other minority groups I think it does illustrate how some members of society act towards people who simply look different to them.”
Davis’s name appears in a list that includes Katherine Hepburn, Philip Seymour Hoffman, D. H. Lawrence, Ann Boleyn and Sir Winston Churchill.
But as far as snooker fans are concerned, there’s only ever been one Ginger Magician.
To find out more about Jenny Wicks’s work, go to her website.
Not that Steve’s hair is that ginger these days, but it was in his 1980s heyday.
The exhibition, Root Ginger, features photos by Jenny Wicks and is raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
She says: “Red hair is the last bastion of political incorrectness and although you cannot compare it wholly with the treatment of other minority groups I think it does illustrate how some members of society act towards people who simply look different to them.”
Davis’s name appears in a list that includes Katherine Hepburn, Philip Seymour Hoffman, D. H. Lawrence, Ann Boleyn and Sir Winston Churchill.
But as far as snooker fans are concerned, there’s only ever been one Ginger Magician.
To find out more about Jenny Wicks’s work, go to her website.
2.3.09
THE BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL
As if there wasn’t enough pressure trying to qualify for the Crucible, the World Championship qualifiers will also decide who stays on the tour and who gets relegated.
It’s very tough for newcomers to keep their places. Playing on the professional circuit takes some adjusting and there are only eight tournaments in which to do this.
Last night, Daniel Wells edged Ian Preece 10-9. This result gives Wells a chance of staying on the tour but will likely relegate Preece.
Similarly, Liu Song defeated Supoj Saenla 10-9 and will probably now keep his place while Saenla heads back to the PIOS.
Next season’s 96-man main tour is constituted as follows: the top 64 in the end of season rankings, plus the top eight points earners this season not already in the top 64, plus the top eight players from the PIOS, plus 16 players from around the world based on various qualification criteria, i.e. the IBSF world amateur champion.
I hope Wells does stay on. He’s the sort of young player snooker needs.
He was thoroughly professional throughout his year as the WPBSA’s inaugural Paul Hunter Scholar and seems to have the right attitude.
Daniel can’t quite relax yet – as if that’s possible anyway in the World Championship – but at least he’s given himself a chance.
As the qualifiers continue, more players will be thinking about their respective ranking positions.
Some will need to win to stay in the top 64, get in the top 32 or even the top 16.
Bear all this in mind when watching the scores come in.
These guys are under huge pressure. They are not only playing for a place at the Crucible but, in some cases, for their very survival in the professional ranks.
It’s very tough for newcomers to keep their places. Playing on the professional circuit takes some adjusting and there are only eight tournaments in which to do this.
Last night, Daniel Wells edged Ian Preece 10-9. This result gives Wells a chance of staying on the tour but will likely relegate Preece.
Similarly, Liu Song defeated Supoj Saenla 10-9 and will probably now keep his place while Saenla heads back to the PIOS.
Next season’s 96-man main tour is constituted as follows: the top 64 in the end of season rankings, plus the top eight points earners this season not already in the top 64, plus the top eight players from the PIOS, plus 16 players from around the world based on various qualification criteria, i.e. the IBSF world amateur champion.
I hope Wells does stay on. He’s the sort of young player snooker needs.
He was thoroughly professional throughout his year as the WPBSA’s inaugural Paul Hunter Scholar and seems to have the right attitude.
Daniel can’t quite relax yet – as if that’s possible anyway in the World Championship – but at least he’s given himself a chance.
As the qualifiers continue, more players will be thinking about their respective ranking positions.
Some will need to win to stay in the top 64, get in the top 32 or even the top 16.
Bear all this in mind when watching the scores come in.
These guys are under huge pressure. They are not only playing for a place at the Crucible but, in some cases, for their very survival in the professional ranks.
CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE RESUMES
We’re back at Crondon Park for the Championship League over the next four days. There are five world champions in action this week: John Higgins, Mark Williams, Ken Doherty, Steve Davis and Graeme Dott.
We’ll also be watching Matthew Stevens, Mark King, Jamie Cope, Barry Hawkins and Joe Swail.
Already through to the winners’ group are Mark Selby, Mark Allen, Joe Perry and Stuart Bingham.
Full details here.
We’ll also be watching Matthew Stevens, Mark King, Jamie Cope, Barry Hawkins and Joe Swail.
Already through to the winners’ group are Mark Selby, Mark Allen, Joe Perry and Stuart Bingham.
Full details here.
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