I'm told Ian McCulloch is in hospital following emergency surgery for a burst appendix.
All the best to you for your recovery, Ian.
31.3.09
30.3.09
MAVERICK AIMS TO BE TOP GUN
Liang Wenbo takes centre stage in today’s second match at the Bank of Beijing China Open.
His two qualifying matches have been held over to Beijing in recognition of his growing popularity and status at home. This is something I fully agree with. Snooker needs to be doing all it can to promote itself at the moment.
I like watching Liang, although he can be a frustrating player at times.
You sometimes feel like taking him to one side and telling him to rein himself in a bit.
There’s no doubt he’s a terrific potter and very good break builder but I think most would agree he goes for too many low percentage pots.
That said, he got to the quarter-finals of last year’s World Championship playing this way so who is to say he is wrong?
He’s a real maverick, a one off. I like that and feel he could become established as one of the game’s top players in the years to come.
But he seems destined to be a player who blows hot and cold, a little like Tony Drago was during his career.
Talent is only one component – albeit a very important one – required to be successful at snooker.
The psychology of playing the game, of knowing when to attack and when to defend, also need to be learned and the younger players don’t yet have the experience to have taken all this in.
I think Liang will beat Robert Milkins – the match is live on Eurosport at 12.30pm UK time – but nothing is guaranteed and he’s so unpredictable that I won’t be putting money on it.
His two qualifying matches have been held over to Beijing in recognition of his growing popularity and status at home. This is something I fully agree with. Snooker needs to be doing all it can to promote itself at the moment.
I like watching Liang, although he can be a frustrating player at times.
You sometimes feel like taking him to one side and telling him to rein himself in a bit.
There’s no doubt he’s a terrific potter and very good break builder but I think most would agree he goes for too many low percentage pots.
That said, he got to the quarter-finals of last year’s World Championship playing this way so who is to say he is wrong?
He’s a real maverick, a one off. I like that and feel he could become established as one of the game’s top players in the years to come.
But he seems destined to be a player who blows hot and cold, a little like Tony Drago was during his career.
Talent is only one component – albeit a very important one – required to be successful at snooker.
The psychology of playing the game, of knowing when to attack and when to defend, also need to be learned and the younger players don’t yet have the experience to have taken all this in.
I think Liang will beat Robert Milkins – the match is live on Eurosport at 12.30pm UK time – but nothing is guaranteed and he’s so unpredictable that I won’t be putting money on it.
29.3.09
A COMMENT ABOUT COMMENTS
I very much appreciate the comments left on here and the debates they spark.
I have recently had a problem with a (very small) number of contributors and turned on comment moderation. This was because of spamming and in some cases libellous posts.
However, it is obvious this ruins the flow of responding and so I am turning it back off.
To be blunt about this: there are many, many corners of the internet in which it is possible to argue and insult one another, I hope this doesn't become one of them. I will have to delete comments that are deliberately offensive or generally out of order.
Please play nicely!
I have recently had a problem with a (very small) number of contributors and turned on comment moderation. This was because of spamming and in some cases libellous posts.
However, it is obvious this ruins the flow of responding and so I am turning it back off.
To be blunt about this: there are many, many corners of the internet in which it is possible to argue and insult one another, I hope this doesn't become one of them. I will have to delete comments that are deliberately offensive or generally out of order.
Please play nicely!
NEW SPONSORS FOR CHINA OPEN
The China Open, which starts tomorrow, has a new title sponsor, the Bank of Beijing.
It also seems to have a host of associate sponsors according to the official press release.
This can only be good news and a vote of confidence in snooker, although I find some of the details a little confusing.
All are these companies putting money into the tournament? If so how much? And will the prize fund therefore be increased?
It also seems to have a host of associate sponsors according to the official press release.
This can only be good news and a vote of confidence in snooker, although I find some of the details a little confusing.
All are these companies putting money into the tournament? If so how much? And will the prize fund therefore be increased?
RONNIE RETURNS TO BEIJING
Ronnie O'Sullivan returns to Beijing for the China Open a year after his controversial exit to Marco Fu at last season's staging of the tournament.
O'Sullivan hit the headlines for his lewd comments and behaviour at his post match press conference following a first round defeat to Marco Fu.
In an interview with the Daily Express, O'Sullivan admitted his conduct was likely to attract criticism but asked fans to accept him as he is.
“You could say what I did in China was bad for the game and people did at the time," he said.
“But I’m just not the sort of person who will always do and say all the right things .
“People just need to accept me for who I am and I think they do over there. I apologised, got a rap over the knuckles and I’m sure that I will get more raps.”
Perhaps the best way to avoid 'more raps' is to behave himself in China this year.
O'Sullivan hit the headlines for his lewd comments and behaviour at his post match press conference following a first round defeat to Marco Fu.
In an interview with the Daily Express, O'Sullivan admitted his conduct was likely to attract criticism but asked fans to accept him as he is.
“You could say what I did in China was bad for the game and people did at the time," he said.
“But I’m just not the sort of person who will always do and say all the right things .
“People just need to accept me for who I am and I think they do over there. I apologised, got a rap over the knuckles and I’m sure that I will get more raps.”
Perhaps the best way to avoid 'more raps' is to behave himself in China this year.
28.3.09
PODCAST#7...GRASS ROOTS SNOOKER
The latest Snooker Scene podcast is something a little different as I discuss grass roots snooker - something often overlooked - with Neil Tomkins of Cuefactor.
At the end, I also talk about the best snooker websites available on the net.
To listen, click here.
At the end, I also talk about the best snooker websites available on the net.
To listen, click here.
27.3.09
ONE FROM THE TOP...
Steve Davis, surely snooker's greatest ever ambassador, will soon be appearing as the celebrity guest in dictionary corner on the popular Channel 4 quiz show Countdown.
Steve's dry wit and self deprecating personality have made him a great favourite on many such programmes over the years, in particular the BBC's A Question of Sport.
He's filming his Countdown cameo next week and it will be broadcast later in the year.
Meanwhile, Ding Junhui's career is to form the basis of a new cartoon series on Chinese TV called Dragon Ball No.1.
Steve's dry wit and self deprecating personality have made him a great favourite on many such programmes over the years, in particular the BBC's A Question of Sport.
He's filming his Countdown cameo next week and it will be broadcast later in the year.
Meanwhile, Ding Junhui's career is to form the basis of a new cartoon series on Chinese TV called Dragon Ball No.1.
26.3.09
BOY WONDER II
Wow.What more can you say about the manner in which Judd Trump won the Championship League tonight?
He potted a yellow in the first frame that was one of the shots of the season and drilled in a long blue in the decider to leave Mark Selby needing a snooker, which he got before leaving the green on.
Judd is just 19 and, at 41st, the lowest ranked of the 25 players in the Championship League. This included former world champions and most of snooker's top stars.
He displayed great nerve, heart and skill to land the title and is now through to the Premier League where I think he'll get bags of support.
We'll be seeing him again in the China Open on Monday as his match in the wildcard round will be live on Eurosport.
It's a shame we won't be seeing him at the World Championship but he'll be around for many years I have no doubt.
"I hope I can get used to the shot clock," he said afterwards.
I reckon the shot clock will have to get used to him.
BOY WONDER
Luca Brecel, a 14 year-old from Belgium, has won the EBSA European Under 19 Championship in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Brecel edged England's Michael Wasley 6-5 on the black to become the youngest ever winner of the title.
The winner usually gets a place on the WPBSA circuit but Brecel is two years too young to take his place next season.
However, this victory proves he is one to watch in the future and his progress is worth following very closely.
Brecel edged England's Michael Wasley 6-5 on the black to become the youngest ever winner of the title.
The winner usually gets a place on the WPBSA circuit but Brecel is two years too young to take his place next season.
However, this victory proves he is one to watch in the future and his progress is worth following very closely.
SNOOKER WRITERS AWARD FOR HEARN
Barry Hearn has been presented with a Special Award by the Snooker Writers' Association.The is in recognition of the Matchroom supremo's contribution to snooker over the last 30 years and also for his friendly attitude towards the media.
Hearn long ago realised that getting the press on side was an aid to being successful and journalists have always found him to be refreshingly direct.
If you squint, you can just about make out Snooker Scene editor Clive Everton presenting the award.
SELBY'S BIG BREAK
Mark Selby today compiled his highest ever break - 145 - in the last frame of his 3-1 victory over John Higgins in the Championship League.
Selby is becoming the complete player. Indeed, he resembles Higgins in his ability to match attack with defence.
He will surely go to the World Championship as one of the favourites.
Selby is becoming the complete player. Indeed, he resembles Higgins in his ability to match attack with defence.
He will surely go to the World Championship as one of the favourites.
25.3.09
RILEYS GOES INTO ADMINISTRATION
The economic downturn, smoking ban and general decline in interest in snooker in the UK have led to Rileys going into administration, forcing the closure of 30 snooker clubs and the loss of around 200 jobs.
The administrators have said the future of the other 129 clubs and 1,200 staff had been secured after the sale of the firm's remaining assets, which have been bought by a new company called Valiant Sports, which includes some of Rileys' existing directors.
The clubs closing down are: Blackburn, Bracknell, Burnley, Clapham, Debden, Dundee, Glasgow (Victoria Road), Hartlepool, Hounslow, Lancaster, Long Eaton, Luton (Club Snooker), Luton (Leagrave Rd), Northampton (Derngate), Nuneaton, Oxford (Colours), Penicuik, Peterborough, Rainham, Rotherham (Kimberworth Rd), Rotherham (Doncaster Gate), Rugeley, St Albans, Scarborough, Stanford-Le-Hope, Stretford, Stoke (Fenton), Sutton Coldfield, Wakefield and Weston-super-Mare.
When people say snooker is 'dying' they have a point when it comes to the UK, where the great boom of the 1980s has long since ended.
However, overseas - particularly in mainland Europe - interest remains very high.
The administrators have said the future of the other 129 clubs and 1,200 staff had been secured after the sale of the firm's remaining assets, which have been bought by a new company called Valiant Sports, which includes some of Rileys' existing directors.
The clubs closing down are: Blackburn, Bracknell, Burnley, Clapham, Debden, Dundee, Glasgow (Victoria Road), Hartlepool, Hounslow, Lancaster, Long Eaton, Luton (Club Snooker), Luton (Leagrave Rd), Northampton (Derngate), Nuneaton, Oxford (Colours), Penicuik, Peterborough, Rainham, Rotherham (Kimberworth Rd), Rotherham (Doncaster Gate), Rugeley, St Albans, Scarborough, Stanford-Le-Hope, Stretford, Stoke (Fenton), Sutton Coldfield, Wakefield and Weston-super-Mare.
When people say snooker is 'dying' they have a point when it comes to the UK, where the great boom of the 1980s has long since ended.
However, overseas - particularly in mainland Europe - interest remains very high.
HIGGINS JOINS THE 400 CLUB
John Higgins today became only the third player in snooker history to have compiled 400 centuries in competition.
He made his 400th ton against Judd Trump at the Championship League.
Stephen Hendry was the first player to have reached this milestone, and now has more than 700.
Ronnie O'Sullivan was second and is currently past the 550 mark.
Higgins is well clear of Steve Davis in fourth place.
He made his 400th ton against Judd Trump at the Championship League.
Stephen Hendry was the first player to have reached this milestone, and now has more than 700.
Ronnie O'Sullivan was second and is currently past the 550 mark.
Higgins is well clear of Steve Davis in fourth place.
24.3.09
STRANGE BUT TRUE
All sorts of strange things can happen in a frame of snooker and this is what makes the game so fascinating.
Two examples from the Championship League today, each involving Graeme Dott:
He needed to win one frame in his last match against Steve Davis to reach the semi-finals. He missed frame ball red in the opener with six reds remaining and Davis set about clearing up.
Eventually, Steve finished dead straight on the pink and attempted to screw the cue ball off the side cushion for the black. In doing so, he horribly - and I mean horribly - miscued but the pink somehow ran around the table and found the yellow pocket. Worse still for Graeme, Steve finished perfect on the black.
That was 1-0, Davis won the next as well and things got very tense until Dott put away the third.
The other incident came in his semi-final against Judd Trump.
He potted a red and finished touching the green so played a roll up behind the brown.
However, he nominated brown for some reason - instead of the green - and failed to reach, thus leaving a free ball.
It showed that, out there in the arena, all sorts of things cloud a player's mind.
As I type this, Trump and Ricky Walden have made a quick start to the final. Ricky made it through after potting a terrific long black to make it 2-2 with Davis before winning the decider.
Don't forget, the winners' group starts tomorrow with a place in the Premier League beckoning for one player at the end of it all.
Two examples from the Championship League today, each involving Graeme Dott:
He needed to win one frame in his last match against Steve Davis to reach the semi-finals. He missed frame ball red in the opener with six reds remaining and Davis set about clearing up.
Eventually, Steve finished dead straight on the pink and attempted to screw the cue ball off the side cushion for the black. In doing so, he horribly - and I mean horribly - miscued but the pink somehow ran around the table and found the yellow pocket. Worse still for Graeme, Steve finished perfect on the black.
That was 1-0, Davis won the next as well and things got very tense until Dott put away the third.
The other incident came in his semi-final against Judd Trump.
He potted a red and finished touching the green so played a roll up behind the brown.
However, he nominated brown for some reason - instead of the green - and failed to reach, thus leaving a free ball.
It showed that, out there in the arena, all sorts of things cloud a player's mind.
As I type this, Trump and Ricky Walden have made a quick start to the final. Ricky made it through after potting a terrific long black to make it 2-2 with Davis before winning the decider.
Don't forget, the winners' group starts tomorrow with a place in the Premier League beckoning for one player at the end of it all.
IS THIS THE END OF PARROTT?
John Parrott has withdrawn from next week’s China Open, citing a back problem.
He will start next season outside the top 48 and therefore having to win three matches to qualify for the final stages of however many ranking events are staged (six looks the likely figure). He will also receive no prize money unless he wins at least one match in each event.
The question is, how much longer is Parrott going to continue?
Once a player starts sliding down the rankings, it doesn’t get much fun. The difference for John is that he doesn’t need to carry on.
He has his BBC work, after dinner speaking and other commitments and any back problem is likely to get worse as he gets older.
I get the feeling retirement won’t be far away. Maybe he’ll give it another season but I doubt he’ll continue much beyond that.
If he does put his cue away for good, he can do so as one of the all time greats.
To have won the world title at a time where Stephen Hendry, Jimmy White and Steve Davis were all playing top drawer snooker was a considerable achievement.
He will start next season outside the top 48 and therefore having to win three matches to qualify for the final stages of however many ranking events are staged (six looks the likely figure). He will also receive no prize money unless he wins at least one match in each event.
The question is, how much longer is Parrott going to continue?
Once a player starts sliding down the rankings, it doesn’t get much fun. The difference for John is that he doesn’t need to carry on.
He has his BBC work, after dinner speaking and other commitments and any back problem is likely to get worse as he gets older.
I get the feeling retirement won’t be far away. Maybe he’ll give it another season but I doubt he’ll continue much beyond that.
If he does put his cue away for good, he can do so as one of the all time greats.
To have won the world title at a time where Stephen Hendry, Jimmy White and Steve Davis were all playing top drawer snooker was a considerable achievement.
PUT YOUR SHIRT ON JUDD
A change of shirt seemed to do the trick for Judd Trump, who bounced back from a 4-0 defeat to Steve Davis to move close to a place in the semi-finals of group 7 of the Championship League last night.
Trump wore a white shirt for the Davis whitewash but changed into a grey one for the rest of his matches.
And he played very well, particularly in beating Ricky Walden 3-1, clearing up with 71 from 0-56 to win the last frame. He starts today top of the table.
Trump turned professional at 16 off the back of a very successful junior career. He did so with big expectations placed on his young shoulders.
It's amazing how quick people are to carp just because he isn't already a world beater.
Players mature at different rates. Anyone who believes that because he hasn't won a major tournament by 19 - like Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins did - he never will should think of Stephen Maguire and Shaun Murphy.
They were each 22 when they won their first titles. They are now respectively 2nd and 3rd in the world rankings.
I have faith that Judd will make the transition from being a great prospect to a title winner in the next few years.
Trump has been eliminated from the World Championship but will be in next week's China Open and loves playing so much that he probably would have been practising anyway.
Matthew Stevens, on the other hand, is already out of both China and the World Championship and so could be forgiven for rustiness yesterday.
Trump wore a white shirt for the Davis whitewash but changed into a grey one for the rest of his matches.
And he played very well, particularly in beating Ricky Walden 3-1, clearing up with 71 from 0-56 to win the last frame. He starts today top of the table.
Trump turned professional at 16 off the back of a very successful junior career. He did so with big expectations placed on his young shoulders.
It's amazing how quick people are to carp just because he isn't already a world beater.
Players mature at different rates. Anyone who believes that because he hasn't won a major tournament by 19 - like Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins did - he never will should think of Stephen Maguire and Shaun Murphy.
They were each 22 when they won their first titles. They are now respectively 2nd and 3rd in the world rankings.
I have faith that Judd will make the transition from being a great prospect to a title winner in the next few years.
Trump has been eliminated from the World Championship but will be in next week's China Open and loves playing so much that he probably would have been practising anyway.
Matthew Stevens, on the other hand, is already out of both China and the World Championship and so could be forgiven for rustiness yesterday.
23.3.09
31ST CENTURY BOY
Here are the top ten century makers based on all professional tournaments staged so far this season...
1) Ronnie O’Sullivan – 31
2) Mark Selby – 27
3) John Higgins – 25
4) Ding Junhui – 18
5) Ali Carter, Joe Perry - 17
7) Stephen Maguire, Judd Trump – 15
9) Marco Fu, Ricky Walden – 14
Last season, O'Sullivan made 50 in total. He will need a good run in both the China Open and World Championship to reach this figure again.
Selby is just four behind, which gives a lie to the suggestion that he is some sort of grinder, grafting out results by tieing his opponents in knots.
Perhaps more interesting, though, are the players not in the top ten who you may expect to see there.
Shaun Murphy made 24 centuries last season but has compiled only six during the current campaign.
Ryan Day constructed 20 during 2007/08 but has so far made nine this season.
Stephen Hendry, who leads O'Sullivan by 166 at the top of the list, has eight to his name in the current season.
1) Ronnie O’Sullivan – 31
2) Mark Selby – 27
3) John Higgins – 25
4) Ding Junhui – 18
5) Ali Carter, Joe Perry - 17
7) Stephen Maguire, Judd Trump – 15
9) Marco Fu, Ricky Walden – 14
Last season, O'Sullivan made 50 in total. He will need a good run in both the China Open and World Championship to reach this figure again.
Selby is just four behind, which gives a lie to the suggestion that he is some sort of grinder, grafting out results by tieing his opponents in knots.
Perhaps more interesting, though, are the players not in the top ten who you may expect to see there.
Shaun Murphy made 24 centuries last season but has compiled only six during the current campaign.
Ryan Day constructed 20 during 2007/08 but has so far made nine this season.
Stephen Hendry, who leads O'Sullivan by 166 at the top of the list, has eight to his name in the current season.
22.3.09
LAST CHANCE FOR PREMIER LEAGUE PROMOTION
So we're back in Essex for the final week of the Championship League in which one player is going to receive a huge boost by qualifying for the lucrative Premier League next season.
Already through to the winners' group are Mark Selby, Mark Allen, Joe Perry, Stuart Bingham, Mark King and John Higgins.
Alongside the returning Graeme Dott, Steve Davis, Joe Swail and Matthew Stevens for group 7 are young guns Liang Wenbo, Judd Trump and Ricky Walden.
For more information and how to watch the action live, go to the Matchroom website.
Already through to the winners' group are Mark Selby, Mark Allen, Joe Perry, Stuart Bingham, Mark King and John Higgins.
Alongside the returning Graeme Dott, Steve Davis, Joe Swail and Matthew Stevens for group 7 are young guns Liang Wenbo, Judd Trump and Ricky Walden.
For more information and how to watch the action live, go to the Matchroom website.
21.3.09
THE NEW LOOK CRUCIBLE
Today is a special open day for the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, which is re-opening after the first phase of its redevelopment.
The public can turn up and have a nose around to see the new front of house area, sit in the new arena seats and inspect the new carpet, which appears to be just as gaudy as the last one.
You can read more and watch videos of the inside of the Crucible here and here.
The World Championship starts four weeks today.
The public can turn up and have a nose around to see the new front of house area, sit in the new arena seats and inspect the new carpet, which appears to be just as gaudy as the last one.
You can read more and watch videos of the inside of the Crucible here and here.
The World Championship starts four weeks today.
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