So I’ve spent the day in London where I attended the announcement of the worst kept secret in snooker – that Betfred are to sponsor the World Championship.
I thought World Snooker staged the press conference in a very professional manner and that their chairman, Sir Rodney Walker, spoke well, although I think it’s fair to say he’s not a man who suffers from low self esteem.
“We live in difficult economic times. Many sports are finding it hard to find new sponsors or keep existing ones so the fact that a company such as Betfred has the confidence to invest in World Snooker is something about which we’re enormously pleased,” he said.
Walker also said that he could not reveal the amount being invested but that it was a “four year, multi million pound deal.”
Betfred’s boss is Fred Done, a personable sports enthusiast who joked that his company could only afford the sponsorship because of all the money it took on the Grand National, which was won by a 100/1 outsider.
“We’ve paid a lot of money for this sponsorship but I like to be associated with the best. We’re sponsors at Manchester United and Wembley and now we’ve made up the trio,” he said.
The press conference was attended by reigning world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, the man he beat in last year’s final, Ali Carter, losing semi-finalist Joe Perry, 2002 winner Peter Ebdon and world no.15 Mark King.
“Betfred’s events feel like events whereas some of the other tournaments lack that enthusiasm and dynamism and personality. It will be a pleasure to be there,” O’Sullivan said.
Certainly Betfred seem very enthusiastic and I think they will be good for the tournament. They have previously sponsored the Premier League and are keen to support the World Championship not just with money but also through activities around it.
Everyone in the sport must be pleased to see a company coming forward to invest in snooker.
“I’ve often wondered in the last few years why major companies have not had the vision and foresight to see that snooker is the best value for money sport and I’m very pleased that the people at Betfred have seen the huge opportunity to sponsor it,” Ebdon said.
The players then went off to pose for pictures and journalists were informed they would return for interviews.
They all came back except for O’Sullivan, who decided to leave.
Given the choice of spending the afternoon talking to snooker journalists or going home I can see his point but he’s the world champion and as such should fulfil his duties.
Of course, O’Sullivan claimed snooker was ‘dying’ during the Masters and Walker seems to have taken the point.
“There are many things that we can be doing and will be doing to make the sport more attractive to a younger audience. There will be a lot of exciting developments going on in the next 12 months and beyond,” he said.
Details are sketchy as to what this will involve but I understand there are plans for more tournaments (good news) but that existing prize money levels will be spread more thinly and the ranking points allocation will also be altered.
Will this be a version of what I suggested back in January? Time will tell.
I also learned that making the sport ‘more attractive to a younger audience’ will involve a tournament played with only seven reds.
I must admit my heart sank when I heard this, although I will await more details before commenting fully.
One point I would make: if you really want to get kids interested in snooker, don’t dumb it down but play the major finals at a time when they can watch them, as opposed to these ridiculous post-midnight finishes.
Six – or seven – red versions of the game possibly have their place in countries where snooker isn’t popular or has declined in popularity. Hence, in Thailand in July a big 6-reds event won last year by Ricky Walden will be staged for a second time.
Anyway, we will see what World Snooker’s proposals are in due course.
Walker also revealed that the BBC are keen to open negotiations for their new TV contract later this year and that he is having discussions in Sheffield next week that are likely to conclude with the Crucible keeping the World Championship.
A very interesting day all in all.
8.4.09
THE TEN GREATEST COMEBACKS IN CRUCIBLE HISTORY: 4
4) STEPHEN HENDRY 18, JIMMY WHITE 14 (Final, 1992)
It’s hard to explain to younger readers or those who have only just discovered snooker the huge wave of goodwill there was towards Jimmy White as he sought the game’s ultimate prize.
It wasn’t through dislike of any of his opponents or any other factor than the public’s genuine love for Jimmy, who had put them through so many trials and tribulations over the years.
By 1992 he was appearing in his fourth world final and third in succession. He’d had a good season but was up against the all conquering king in Stephen Hendry.
Their final began closely but White built a 10-6 overnight lead and at 12-6 looked like he would canter to victory. At 14-8 he still looked a certainty but Hendry won the next and, crucially, the last of the afternoon session, potting a brown that remains one of the best shots of his, or anyone else’s, career.
In the couple of hours before play resumed, White had to countenance thoughts that his likely victory may yet turn into another disappointing defeat.
He lost the first frame on the black and Hendry flew from that point, finishing the match with back to back centuries, two of three he made in the final session.
White was, as ever, gracious in defeat. He had lost to a Hendry who was, at the time, a force of nature.
White’s fans consoled themselves with the thought that there was always next year, but they and the Whirlwind himself were well aware that Hendry would be there as well. As he would the year after that and the year after that and...
It’s hard to explain to younger readers or those who have only just discovered snooker the huge wave of goodwill there was towards Jimmy White as he sought the game’s ultimate prize.
It wasn’t through dislike of any of his opponents or any other factor than the public’s genuine love for Jimmy, who had put them through so many trials and tribulations over the years.
By 1992 he was appearing in his fourth world final and third in succession. He’d had a good season but was up against the all conquering king in Stephen Hendry.
Their final began closely but White built a 10-6 overnight lead and at 12-6 looked like he would canter to victory. At 14-8 he still looked a certainty but Hendry won the next and, crucially, the last of the afternoon session, potting a brown that remains one of the best shots of his, or anyone else’s, career.
In the couple of hours before play resumed, White had to countenance thoughts that his likely victory may yet turn into another disappointing defeat.
He lost the first frame on the black and Hendry flew from that point, finishing the match with back to back centuries, two of three he made in the final session.
White was, as ever, gracious in defeat. He had lost to a Hendry who was, at the time, a force of nature.
White’s fans consoled themselves with the thought that there was always next year, but they and the Whirlwind himself were well aware that Hendry would be there as well. As he would the year after that and the year after that and...
THE TEN GREATEST COMEBACKS IN CRUCIBLE HISTORY: 5
5) SHAUN MURPHY 13, MATTHEW STEVENS 12 (Quarter-finals, 2007)
For all Jimmy White’s many achievements, people always tend to bring up his six world final defeats when they mention him. Matthew Stevens, a fine player and winner of two of the game’s top three titles, is unfortunately destined to be similarly remembered for his nearlyman status.
By 2007, he had lost two world finals from winning positions and three close semi-finals. In the quarter-finals, he needed to beat Murphy to remain in the top 16. Leading 12-7 surely nothing could go wrong?
What followed was a slow burning drama as thrilling as any the Crucible has had to offer.
As Murphy, surely himself believing his challenge had ended, started to swing his cue at the balls the mental scars of earlier close defeats re-opened in Stevens’s mind.
He missed his chance to win 13-7, sat out a couple of big breaks from Murphy, lost another close frame and, all of a sudden, it was 12-11.
A grimly scrappy frame followed and it became clear that Stevens could not win. He lost it and failed to pot a ball in the decider.
Stevens was thus relegated from the top 16. He hasn’t qualified this year.
For all Jimmy White’s many achievements, people always tend to bring up his six world final defeats when they mention him. Matthew Stevens, a fine player and winner of two of the game’s top three titles, is unfortunately destined to be similarly remembered for his nearlyman status.
By 2007, he had lost two world finals from winning positions and three close semi-finals. In the quarter-finals, he needed to beat Murphy to remain in the top 16. Leading 12-7 surely nothing could go wrong?
What followed was a slow burning drama as thrilling as any the Crucible has had to offer.
As Murphy, surely himself believing his challenge had ended, started to swing his cue at the balls the mental scars of earlier close defeats re-opened in Stevens’s mind.
He missed his chance to win 13-7, sat out a couple of big breaks from Murphy, lost another close frame and, all of a sudden, it was 12-11.
A grimly scrappy frame followed and it became clear that Stevens could not win. He lost it and failed to pot a ball in the decider.
Stevens was thus relegated from the top 16. He hasn’t qualified this year.
7.4.09
THE TEN GREATEST COMEBACKS IN CRUCIBLE HISTORY: 6
6) PETER EBDON 13, RONNIE O’SULLIVAN 11 (Quarter-finals, 2005)
This was perhaps the most controversial match ever played at the Crucible as Ebdon pulled off a great comeback and O’Sullivan mentally imploded.
O’Sullivan’s title defence looked to be on track when he led 8-2 and heading into the final session with a 10-6 lead he was widely regarded to be a dead cert for the semi-finals.
And then Ebdon got stuck in. And how. The pace slowed right down and the grinding began.
He had long been methodical but rarely this methodical. One break of 12 took five minutes to compile. Ebdon later claimed he had not slowed down deliberately but he must have been aware that he got under the notoriously fragile O’Sullivan’s skin.
The scenes inside the Crucible arena were bizarre: O’Sullivan dragging his nails into his forehead until he drew blood, standing on his chair, laughing and, above all, losing.
Ebdon’s victory was ultimately completed within the rules as he wasn’t warned for time wasting. Some thought it a victory for an old style match player using all he had to get the result. Others thought it a disgrace.
Either way, he was in the semi-finals and O’Sullivan wasn’t.
This was perhaps the most controversial match ever played at the Crucible as Ebdon pulled off a great comeback and O’Sullivan mentally imploded.
O’Sullivan’s title defence looked to be on track when he led 8-2 and heading into the final session with a 10-6 lead he was widely regarded to be a dead cert for the semi-finals.
And then Ebdon got stuck in. And how. The pace slowed right down and the grinding began.
He had long been methodical but rarely this methodical. One break of 12 took five minutes to compile. Ebdon later claimed he had not slowed down deliberately but he must have been aware that he got under the notoriously fragile O’Sullivan’s skin.
The scenes inside the Crucible arena were bizarre: O’Sullivan dragging his nails into his forehead until he drew blood, standing on his chair, laughing and, above all, losing.
Ebdon’s victory was ultimately completed within the rules as he wasn’t warned for time wasting. Some thought it a victory for an old style match player using all he had to get the result. Others thought it a disgrace.
Either way, he was in the semi-finals and O’Sullivan wasn’t.
THE TEN GREATEST COMEBACKS IN CRUCIBLE HISTORY: 8-7
We continue the countdown with choices 8 to 7...
8) JOE JOHNSON 13, TERRY GRIFFITHS 12 (Quarter-finals, 1986)
The 1986 final looked a done deal by the time the quarter-finals came around: Steve Davis, the game’s top dog despite his black ball defeat to Dennis Taylor the previous year, against Terry Griffiths, the former champion who had edged Alex Higgins in a decider in the previous round.
Joe Johnson had other ideas. The 150/1 title outsider had quietly arrived in the last eight and held a 9-7 lead over Griffiths entering their final session.
Griffiths, though, seized control, taking five frames on the spin to lead 12-9. “Terry was one of my big stumbling blocks. He’d always given me a big thumping,” Joe told me recently on the Snooker Scene podcast.
“I was always in front in the match but from 9-7 he got into some kind of a groove. I remember thinking to myself, what have I done? How have I got myself into this place? The old Griff’s going to do me again. So I just thought to myself, I’m going to have a go.”
And have a go he did. Breaks of 104 and 110 were the highlights as Johnson won four frames in just 52 minutes to complete the recovery and win 13-12.
You could forgive the losing player being speechless after such a defeat. In fact, Griffiths took Johnson aside and gave him some advice on how to handle winning the title if he went on to do so, which speaks volumes about the Welshman.
7) MARK WILLIAMS 17, JOHN HIGGINS 15 (Semi-finals, 2000)
It’s hard to believe a non-existent handshake could play a pivotal role in snooker history but that was the key factor in John Higgins losing seven of the final session’s eight frames to deny him a place in the 2000 world final and, in all probability, a second world title.
Higgins led 14-10 going into the evening's play. Williams had already packed his cases for home between sessions.
At the start of the last session, Williams, perhaps too relaxed, forgot to shake Higgins’s hand. For some reason, the Scotsman allowed this to affect him, worried that he had done something to offend the Welsh left-hander.
What transpired was a rare Higgins collapse from a winning position. He got 15-11 ahead but failed to win another frame as Williams battled through.
Higgins regards the defeat as the most disappointing of his career. “What I should have done is just gone over to Mark and shaken his hand, but I let it play on my mind all evening,” he told me during the Snooker Scene Podcast.
Williams would win the final against Matthew Stevens while Higgins would have to wait another seven years for his second world title.
8) JOE JOHNSON 13, TERRY GRIFFITHS 12 (Quarter-finals, 1986)
The 1986 final looked a done deal by the time the quarter-finals came around: Steve Davis, the game’s top dog despite his black ball defeat to Dennis Taylor the previous year, against Terry Griffiths, the former champion who had edged Alex Higgins in a decider in the previous round.
Joe Johnson had other ideas. The 150/1 title outsider had quietly arrived in the last eight and held a 9-7 lead over Griffiths entering their final session.
Griffiths, though, seized control, taking five frames on the spin to lead 12-9. “Terry was one of my big stumbling blocks. He’d always given me a big thumping,” Joe told me recently on the Snooker Scene podcast.
“I was always in front in the match but from 9-7 he got into some kind of a groove. I remember thinking to myself, what have I done? How have I got myself into this place? The old Griff’s going to do me again. So I just thought to myself, I’m going to have a go.”
And have a go he did. Breaks of 104 and 110 were the highlights as Johnson won four frames in just 52 minutes to complete the recovery and win 13-12.
You could forgive the losing player being speechless after such a defeat. In fact, Griffiths took Johnson aside and gave him some advice on how to handle winning the title if he went on to do so, which speaks volumes about the Welshman.
7) MARK WILLIAMS 17, JOHN HIGGINS 15 (Semi-finals, 2000)
It’s hard to believe a non-existent handshake could play a pivotal role in snooker history but that was the key factor in John Higgins losing seven of the final session’s eight frames to deny him a place in the 2000 world final and, in all probability, a second world title.
Higgins led 14-10 going into the evening's play. Williams had already packed his cases for home between sessions.
At the start of the last session, Williams, perhaps too relaxed, forgot to shake Higgins’s hand. For some reason, the Scotsman allowed this to affect him, worried that he had done something to offend the Welsh left-hander.
What transpired was a rare Higgins collapse from a winning position. He got 15-11 ahead but failed to win another frame as Williams battled through.
Higgins regards the defeat as the most disappointing of his career. “What I should have done is just gone over to Mark and shaken his hand, but I let it play on my mind all evening,” he told me during the Snooker Scene Podcast.
Williams would win the final against Matthew Stevens while Higgins would have to wait another seven years for his second world title.
6.4.09
HERE COME THE GIRLS
Women's snooker has rather fallen off the radar in recent years so it may surprise you to know that the World Championship is on right now at Cambridge Snooker Centre.
Gone are the days when this tournament was shown on television.
The greats of women's snooker - Allison Fisher, Karen Corr and Kelly Fisher - have all gone to the USA to play on the far more lucrative pool circuit, and they have all done very well out of it.
Reanne Evans is the current world champion and a very good player as well. Indeed, Reanne has just made it through the first qualifying section of the English Amateur Championship and will take her place in the last 32.
She is through to the semi-finals of the World Championship after a 4-0 victory over Tina Owen-Sevilton and will tomorrow face Emma Bonney.
The best chance women's snooker had for real success was when the WPBSA took the circuit under its wing in 1997. Major finals were staged at men's tournaments and at least gave the women some additional exposure.
However, the writing was on the wall when the finalists for the 2003 World Championship turned up at the Crucible only to find the balls were locked away in one of the cupboards, a key for which couldn't be found.
Not the best omen.
And indeed the women were cut adrift once again.
Credit goes to Mandy Fisher, the long time chair of the WLBSA, for persevering in the way she has. Without committed, enthusiastic people - WLBSA's press officer fits into this category - enterprises such as this could just wither and die.
The financial rewards on the women's circuit are derisory but sport isn't just played for money.
Sometimes it's enough that it's being played at all.
You can follow the results from the women's World Championship here.
Gone are the days when this tournament was shown on television.
The greats of women's snooker - Allison Fisher, Karen Corr and Kelly Fisher - have all gone to the USA to play on the far more lucrative pool circuit, and they have all done very well out of it.
Reanne Evans is the current world champion and a very good player as well. Indeed, Reanne has just made it through the first qualifying section of the English Amateur Championship and will take her place in the last 32.
She is through to the semi-finals of the World Championship after a 4-0 victory over Tina Owen-Sevilton and will tomorrow face Emma Bonney.
The best chance women's snooker had for real success was when the WPBSA took the circuit under its wing in 1997. Major finals were staged at men's tournaments and at least gave the women some additional exposure.
However, the writing was on the wall when the finalists for the 2003 World Championship turned up at the Crucible only to find the balls were locked away in one of the cupboards, a key for which couldn't be found.
Not the best omen.
And indeed the women were cut adrift once again.
Credit goes to Mandy Fisher, the long time chair of the WLBSA, for persevering in the way she has. Without committed, enthusiastic people - WLBSA's press officer fits into this category - enterprises such as this could just wither and die.
The financial rewards on the women's circuit are derisory but sport isn't just played for money.
Sometimes it's enough that it's being played at all.
You can follow the results from the women's World Championship here.
THE TEN GREATEST COMEBACKS IN CRUCIBLE HISTORY: 10-9
You may have noticed that the World Championship will soon be upon us.
And so, I have decided to do a countdown this week highlighting some of the best comeback victories ever seen at the Crucible.
My top ten will take into account the deficit erased, the significance of the match and the manner in which the recovery was completed.
As ever, these are my choices - you may well disagree with them - and it is only a bit of fun.
First up, numbers 10 to 9...
10) JOE SWAIL 13, JOHN PARROTT 12 (Second round, 2000)
Joe Swail’s career has been defined by him winning matches he probably should have lost. To qualify for the 2000 World Championship he came from 9-6 down to edge Stephen Maguire in a decider – Maguire missing the pink for a 10-6 victory.
The battling Belfast man won many friends with his emotional run to the semi-finals at the Crucible that year, the highlight of which was his recovery from 12-8 down against John Parrott.
The 1991 world champion scored only four points in the two frames following the interval as Swail came back at him. Swail comfortably won the next, captured the hard fought 24th frame on the colours and he took the match with Parrott potting only one ball in the decider.
It was the perfect encapsulation of Swail’s never-say-die attitude and poise under pressure.
On the other hand, the defeat heralded a decline for Parrott that was rapid and soon saw him relegated from the game’s elite. In fact, he’s never really been the same since.
9) TERRY GRIFFITHS 10, JAMIE BURNETT 9 (First round, 1996)
By 1996, Terry Griffiths’s great career had all but come to an end. He seemed certain to drop out of the elite top 16 and was about to put his cue away for good.
But this wiliest of old foxes still possessed plenty of tactical nous and somehow plotted a course to victory after making the worst possible start against Burnett – going 6-0 down.
At 9-5, it still looked bleak for the 1979 champion but he made a couple of half century breaks and used all his experience to win two close frames and force a decider.
Even so, he looked certain to lose 10-9 when Burnett needed only the brown to leave him requiring a snooker. Burnett potted it but inexplicably screwed back for position on the blue and the cue ball found a middle pocket.
Griffiths would eventually sink a long black for the most dramatic of victories and his clenched fist at the end proved that, even in the autumn of his career, a win at the Crucible meant a lot to him.
Meanwhile, Burnett has had to wait 13 years to get back to the Crucible. “I know they’ll be re-showing that shot over and over before my first round match,” he said after qualifying this year.
And so, I have decided to do a countdown this week highlighting some of the best comeback victories ever seen at the Crucible.
My top ten will take into account the deficit erased, the significance of the match and the manner in which the recovery was completed.
As ever, these are my choices - you may well disagree with them - and it is only a bit of fun.
First up, numbers 10 to 9...
10) JOE SWAIL 13, JOHN PARROTT 12 (Second round, 2000)
Joe Swail’s career has been defined by him winning matches he probably should have lost. To qualify for the 2000 World Championship he came from 9-6 down to edge Stephen Maguire in a decider – Maguire missing the pink for a 10-6 victory.
The battling Belfast man won many friends with his emotional run to the semi-finals at the Crucible that year, the highlight of which was his recovery from 12-8 down against John Parrott.
The 1991 world champion scored only four points in the two frames following the interval as Swail came back at him. Swail comfortably won the next, captured the hard fought 24th frame on the colours and he took the match with Parrott potting only one ball in the decider.
It was the perfect encapsulation of Swail’s never-say-die attitude and poise under pressure.
On the other hand, the defeat heralded a decline for Parrott that was rapid and soon saw him relegated from the game’s elite. In fact, he’s never really been the same since.
9) TERRY GRIFFITHS 10, JAMIE BURNETT 9 (First round, 1996)
By 1996, Terry Griffiths’s great career had all but come to an end. He seemed certain to drop out of the elite top 16 and was about to put his cue away for good.
But this wiliest of old foxes still possessed plenty of tactical nous and somehow plotted a course to victory after making the worst possible start against Burnett – going 6-0 down.
At 9-5, it still looked bleak for the 1979 champion but he made a couple of half century breaks and used all his experience to win two close frames and force a decider.
Even so, he looked certain to lose 10-9 when Burnett needed only the brown to leave him requiring a snooker. Burnett potted it but inexplicably screwed back for position on the blue and the cue ball found a middle pocket.
Griffiths would eventually sink a long black for the most dramatic of victories and his clenched fist at the end proved that, even in the autumn of his career, a win at the Crucible meant a lot to him.
Meanwhile, Burnett has had to wait 13 years to get back to the Crucible. “I know they’ll be re-showing that shot over and over before my first round match,” he said after qualifying this year.
5.4.09
NOT SO BLUE PETER
Peter Ebdon's eighth world ranking title came after a typically hard fought battle, which he finally edged 10-8 against John Higgins.
The new Bank of Beijing China Open champion is one of the most resolutely determined match players the game has ever seen.
Ebdon would have been at home against the likes of Cliff Thorburn, Terry Griffiths and Dennis Taylor - hard as nails cueists of days gone by.
To win another title 16 years after his first ranking triumph is a considerable achievement given his rotten form all season.
It shows what can be achieved with hard work and commitment.
And it further cements his place as one of snooker's greatest ever champions.
The new Bank of Beijing China Open champion is one of the most resolutely determined match players the game has ever seen.
Ebdon would have been at home against the likes of Cliff Thorburn, Terry Griffiths and Dennis Taylor - hard as nails cueists of days gone by.
To win another title 16 years after his first ranking triumph is a considerable achievement given his rotten form all season.
It shows what can be achieved with hard work and commitment.
And it further cements his place as one of snooker's greatest ever champions.
BETFRED REVEALED AS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SPONSOR
I decided not to reveal the identity of the new World Championship sponsor on here out of respect for them and the official process.
However, the WPBSA appear to have leaked the story to the News of the World - a 'source' from the governing body is quoted in their article.
Betfred are reported to be investing £2m over four years.
There will be an official announcement at a press conference on Wednesday.
Journalists have been invited but many will wonder what the point is in going when the cat is already out of the bag.
However, the WPBSA appear to have leaked the story to the News of the World - a 'source' from the governing body is quoted in their article.
Betfred are reported to be investing £2m over four years.
There will be an official announcement at a press conference on Wednesday.
Journalists have been invited but many will wonder what the point is in going when the cat is already out of the bag.
4.4.09
THE LAST FOUR
Peter Ebdon's run to the semi-finals of the Bank of Beijing China Open has gone against the formbook.
In fact, he's had such a bad season that it's come as a big surprise.
Ebdon played very well indeed to beat Stephen Hendry 5-1 in the quarter-finals and will start a heavy favourite against Stuart Pettman today as the Preston man is appearing in his first ever ranking event semi-final.
John Higgins's 5-4 defeat of Ronnie O'Sullivan yesterday was the match of the tournament, not in terms of quality but because of the high level of drama and entertainment it served up.
It was proof that even great players feel pressure. There was no other reason for Higgins and O'Sullivan to miss as many balls as they did towards the end but it added to the spectacle.
Higgins now plays Ryan Day, who I tipped to win the Welsh Open only for him to lose in the first round (thanks a lot, Ryan!).
He's obviously got himself together for Beijing and is capable of winning the title, but must avoid the sort of flat performance he put up in last October's Grand Prix final against Higgins.
If Higgins doesn't win the title we will have a seventh different winner from as many ranking tournaments this season.
In fact, he's had such a bad season that it's come as a big surprise.
Ebdon played very well indeed to beat Stephen Hendry 5-1 in the quarter-finals and will start a heavy favourite against Stuart Pettman today as the Preston man is appearing in his first ever ranking event semi-final.
John Higgins's 5-4 defeat of Ronnie O'Sullivan yesterday was the match of the tournament, not in terms of quality but because of the high level of drama and entertainment it served up.
It was proof that even great players feel pressure. There was no other reason for Higgins and O'Sullivan to miss as many balls as they did towards the end but it added to the spectacle.
Higgins now plays Ryan Day, who I tipped to win the Welsh Open only for him to lose in the first round (thanks a lot, Ryan!).
He's obviously got himself together for Beijing and is capable of winning the title, but must avoid the sort of flat performance he put up in last October's Grand Prix final against Higgins.
If Higgins doesn't win the title we will have a seventh different winner from as many ranking tournaments this season.
3.4.09
PETTMAN STEPS INTO THE SPOTLIGHT
And from nowhere, just as with Andrew Higginson at the Welsh Open two years ago, Stuart Pettman reaches a ranking event semi-final.
Well done to him. He seems to have played pretty solidly all season without quite making the breakthrough – until now.
Stuart has long been one of those very capable players who looks tough to beat in qualifiers but who struggles in front of the TV cameras.
He’s never minded travelling, though, and has played in and won tournaments in Thailand as an invited British professional. Indeed, two of his three last 16 appearances prior to this week came in ranking events outside the UK.
Stuart runs a snooker club in Preston with Shokat Ali. It was a sensible move because his on table earnings in 17 years as a professional are modest – £275,720, an average of £16,000 a year, not much for a member of the circuit in one of TV’s biggest sports.
His semi-final against Peter Ebdon may be a match too far. Ebdon was superb in putting away Stephen Hendry 5-1 and has all the experience at this level. He’s beaten Pettman three times in three previous meetings and is used to the TV conditions.
But even if Stuart’s great run does end tomorrow, it serves of a reminder as Higginson’s did that, on any given week in any given tournament, a member of the game’s supporting cast can emerge to play a leading role.
Well done to him. He seems to have played pretty solidly all season without quite making the breakthrough – until now.
Stuart has long been one of those very capable players who looks tough to beat in qualifiers but who struggles in front of the TV cameras.
He’s never minded travelling, though, and has played in and won tournaments in Thailand as an invited British professional. Indeed, two of his three last 16 appearances prior to this week came in ranking events outside the UK.
Stuart runs a snooker club in Preston with Shokat Ali. It was a sensible move because his on table earnings in 17 years as a professional are modest – £275,720, an average of £16,000 a year, not much for a member of the circuit in one of TV’s biggest sports.
His semi-final against Peter Ebdon may be a match too far. Ebdon was superb in putting away Stephen Hendry 5-1 and has all the experience at this level. He’s beaten Pettman three times in three previous meetings and is used to the TV conditions.
But even if Stuart’s great run does end tomorrow, it serves of a reminder as Higginson’s did that, on any given week in any given tournament, a member of the game’s supporting cast can emerge to play a leading role.
CHAMPIONS DOMINATE LAST EIGHT
There are six world champions in the last eight of the Bank of Beijing China Open.
So much for the players not taking this event seriously...
Deadly rivals Stephen Hendry and Peter Ebdon are never going to be Facebook friends but they have shown their class by shrugging off poor seasons to make the quarter-finals.
Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins may well serve up a snooker classic - they have many times before.
Shaun Murphy faces a tough tie against a resurgent Ryan Day while Graeme Dott meets Stuart Pettman, appearing in his first quarter-final in 17 years as a professional.
Dott, like Hendry and Ebdon, has shown the qualities world champions possess: the ability to dig in and fight for every victory despite the vagaries of form.
He's got as good a chance of any of the quarter-finalists of winning the title.
But with such a high quality line up, who'd want to call it right now?
So much for the players not taking this event seriously...
Deadly rivals Stephen Hendry and Peter Ebdon are never going to be Facebook friends but they have shown their class by shrugging off poor seasons to make the quarter-finals.
Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins may well serve up a snooker classic - they have many times before.
Shaun Murphy faces a tough tie against a resurgent Ryan Day while Graeme Dott meets Stuart Pettman, appearing in his first quarter-final in 17 years as a professional.
Dott, like Hendry and Ebdon, has shown the qualities world champions possess: the ability to dig in and fight for every victory despite the vagaries of form.
He's got as good a chance of any of the quarter-finalists of winning the title.
But with such a high quality line up, who'd want to call it right now?
2.4.09
RONNIE'S INTERVIEW
I don't think there's much doubt that Ronnie O'Sullivan has a low boredom threshold.
There's also little doubt that interviews by the Chinese media are long winded affairs, with the questions and answers translated back and forth.
Add in the fact that Ronnie hadn't slept at all last night and you get...this.
There's also little doubt that interviews by the Chinese media are long winded affairs, with the questions and answers translated back and forth.
Add in the fact that Ronnie hadn't slept at all last night and you get...this.
PETTMAN'S PROGRESS
Congratulations to Stuart Pettman who has ended 17 years of hurt as a professional by finally reaching his first ranking event quarter-final.
Stuart beat Ali Carter 5-2 in the Bank of Beijing China Open today.
He's been a journeyman for most of his career but his progress proves the strength in depth on the circuit.
It's strange that he never had much success at Preston Guild Hall - his local venue - but has found some half way around the world.
Stuart beat Ali Carter 5-2 in the Bank of Beijing China Open today.
He's been a journeyman for most of his career but his progress proves the strength in depth on the circuit.
It's strange that he never had much success at Preston Guild Hall - his local venue - but has found some half way around the world.
DAY FOUR THOUGHTS
Stephen Hendry is now unlikely to drop out of the elite top 16 after his 5-3 win yesterday over Robert Milkins at the Bank of Beijing China Open.
Hendry can stay in even if he loses today to Ricky Walden and to Mark Williams in the first round of the World Championship.
Journalistic impartiality and all, but I'm glad. I like legends to be doing well, or at least not mired in the qualifying scramble.
Speaking of legends, Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins will play each other in the quarter-finals in Beijing if they respectively beat wildcards Xiao Guodong and Tian Pengfei today.
I think O'Sullivan will win easily but Higgins could have his work cut out. Tian impressed me very much in beating Marco Fu. He didn't start to twitch in the way Xiao did against Ding Junhui.
Despite a few shocks, the likes of Ali Carter, Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy are still going strong and we're set for a fascinating finish to the tournament.
It has been well attended so far. This isn't always apparent from the TV pictures but huge numbers of people sit towards the back of the arena in - to put it bluntly - the cheaper seats.
The media attendance dwarfs anything seen in the UK and the event receives huge amounts of coverage in China.
All this can only be for the good of the game.
Speaking of which, I know who is going to be sponsoring the World Championship but it would be wrong for me to pre-empt the official announcement next week.
All I can say is that they have sponsored snooker before and are a 'proper' company that will be good for the tournament.
Hendry can stay in even if he loses today to Ricky Walden and to Mark Williams in the first round of the World Championship.
Journalistic impartiality and all, but I'm glad. I like legends to be doing well, or at least not mired in the qualifying scramble.
Speaking of legends, Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins will play each other in the quarter-finals in Beijing if they respectively beat wildcards Xiao Guodong and Tian Pengfei today.
I think O'Sullivan will win easily but Higgins could have his work cut out. Tian impressed me very much in beating Marco Fu. He didn't start to twitch in the way Xiao did against Ding Junhui.
Despite a few shocks, the likes of Ali Carter, Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy are still going strong and we're set for a fascinating finish to the tournament.
It has been well attended so far. This isn't always apparent from the TV pictures but huge numbers of people sit towards the back of the arena in - to put it bluntly - the cheaper seats.
The media attendance dwarfs anything seen in the UK and the event receives huge amounts of coverage in China.
All this can only be for the good of the game.
Speaking of which, I know who is going to be sponsoring the World Championship but it would be wrong for me to pre-empt the official announcement next week.
All I can say is that they have sponsored snooker before and are a 'proper' company that will be good for the tournament.
1.4.09
SHOULD THERE BE WILDCARDS?
Another day, another wildcard causes an upset at the Bank of Beijing China Open.
Tian Pengfei played superbly to beat Marco Fu 5-2 and join his compatriot Xiao Guodong – who defeated Ding Junhui 5-3 yesterday – in the last 16.
Gone are the days when the wildcards in ranking tournaments outside the UK were mere pushovers.
These guys can play and, in front of local support with nothing to lose, are a match for the game’s top stars.
But is it fair that they’re in the tournament to start with?
Why should the players who have already come through the tough Prestatyn qualifying school have to play them at all?
Some believe they shouldn’t. On balance, I’m not one of them.
This is because I was at the 2005 China Open. The event had not been held for three years and it was a real effort to get it on again.
It was a one-year deal with no guarantee it would take place again.
Ding was entered into the final stages as a wildcard and won the title. This sparked a snooker boom that persuaded the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association to underwite the staging costs for the China Open for five years.
So without the initial decision to have wildcards the tournament may not now be on.
It's a difficult balancing act but sometimes the bigger picture is more important than the notion of 'fairness' and this is one of those times.
Tian Pengfei played superbly to beat Marco Fu 5-2 and join his compatriot Xiao Guodong – who defeated Ding Junhui 5-3 yesterday – in the last 16.
Gone are the days when the wildcards in ranking tournaments outside the UK were mere pushovers.
These guys can play and, in front of local support with nothing to lose, are a match for the game’s top stars.
But is it fair that they’re in the tournament to start with?
Why should the players who have already come through the tough Prestatyn qualifying school have to play them at all?
Some believe they shouldn’t. On balance, I’m not one of them.
This is because I was at the 2005 China Open. The event had not been held for three years and it was a real effort to get it on again.
It was a one-year deal with no guarantee it would take place again.
Ding was entered into the final stages as a wildcard and won the title. This sparked a snooker boom that persuaded the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association to underwite the staging costs for the China Open for five years.
So without the initial decision to have wildcards the tournament may not now be on.
It's a difficult balancing act but sometimes the bigger picture is more important than the notion of 'fairness' and this is one of those times.
RONNIE CENTRE STAGE
Today is April 1 and I did think of doing an 'hilarious' April Fool's Day post but it occurred to me that the snooker world is so absurd that it would probably turn out to be true.
Instead, attention turns today to Ronnie O'Sullivan who can pretty much tie up the world no.1 spot in Beijing this week following the defeat of his closest challenger, Stephen Maguire, yesterday.
Ronnie arrived in China early to do some promotional work. He won't take Fergal O'Brien - who has beaten him two times out of three - lightly and I just get the feeling he may turn on the style.
And as we know, my predictions are rarely wrong.
Instead, attention turns today to Ronnie O'Sullivan who can pretty much tie up the world no.1 spot in Beijing this week following the defeat of his closest challenger, Stephen Maguire, yesterday.
Ronnie arrived in China early to do some promotional work. He won't take Fergal O'Brien - who has beaten him two times out of three - lightly and I just get the feeling he may turn on the style.
And as we know, my predictions are rarely wrong.
31.3.09
DING'S PROBLEMS
In the April issue of Snooker Scene, out tomorrow, we attempt to analyse the decline in fortunes of China's no.1 player by asking 'What's Gone Wrong With Ding?'
It's a pertinent question given his poor display today in losing to Xiao Guodong.
His top 16 place is not yet secure for next season.
Xiao played OK but was so nervous towards the end that he was clearly there for the taking.
Ding's dreadful shot from yellow to green in the last showed he was also feeling the pressure.
Something needs to happen to prevent one of snooker's brightest stars from burning out long before his time.
It's his 22nd birthday tomorrow but I doubt he'll feel like celebrating.
It's a pertinent question given his poor display today in losing to Xiao Guodong.
His top 16 place is not yet secure for next season.
Xiao played OK but was so nervous towards the end that he was clearly there for the taking.
Ding's dreadful shot from yellow to green in the last showed he was also feeling the pressure.
Something needs to happen to prevent one of snooker's brightest stars from burning out long before his time.
It's his 22nd birthday tomorrow but I doubt he'll feel like celebrating.
DOWN TO THE WIRE
John Higgins has completed a remarkable recovery from 4-0 down to beat Anthony Hamilton 5-4 in the first round of the Bank of Beijing China Open today.
Many players would have given up at the interval, so credit to John, although you have to feel for Anthony whose season is now at an end.
John is killing time watching season 2 of American series The Wire in his hotel room, so he's used to tense drama.
Too many of these sort of matches aren't good for the nerves, though.
Many players would have given up at the interval, so credit to John, although you have to feel for Anthony whose season is now at an end.
John is killing time watching season 2 of American series The Wire in his hotel room, so he's used to tense drama.
Too many of these sort of matches aren't good for the nerves, though.
DAVID FADES TO GRAY
David Gray's 5-1 defeat to Tian Pengfei in the China Open yesterday means that he has been relegated from the professional circuit.
This is almost unbelievable. Gray is a terrific talent. He won the 2003 Scottish Open, reached the 2004 World Championship quarter-finals and was runner-up in that year's UK Championship.
But from a highest ranking of 10th he has suffered a dramatic decline in form.
I imagine he will carry on playing on the PIOS - what else is he going to do?
I would advise him to apply for the WPBSA discretionary wildcard as he may be in with a shout based on his career achievements.
Some would argue that he shouldn't get it as his lifestyle and lack of dedication have contributed to his downfall.
But I hope Gray can return to form.
It would be a shame to think that a player of such talent is lost to the game.
This is almost unbelievable. Gray is a terrific talent. He won the 2003 Scottish Open, reached the 2004 World Championship quarter-finals and was runner-up in that year's UK Championship.
But from a highest ranking of 10th he has suffered a dramatic decline in form.
I imagine he will carry on playing on the PIOS - what else is he going to do?
I would advise him to apply for the WPBSA discretionary wildcard as he may be in with a shout based on his career achievements.
Some would argue that he shouldn't get it as his lifestyle and lack of dedication have contributed to his downfall.
But I hope Gray can return to form.
It would be a shame to think that a player of such talent is lost to the game.
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