The good people at global-snooker.com have been kind enough to describe me as an 'expert' for their Betfred.com World Championship preview.
Most interesting is that Luca Brecel, the 14 year-old Belgian who recently won the EBSA European Under 19 Championship, thinks Stephen Hendry will win the title.
More info here.
17.4.09
16.4.09
PODCAST#8...WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
Our latest podcast features me and my fellow snooker anorak Phil Yates discussing the first round matches in the upcoming Betfred.com World Championship.
This was actually recorded just after the draw was made and therefore before the China Open.
So when you hear us saying what rotten form Peter Ebdon has been in, please bear that in mind!
Also, it descends into a bit of a shambles when I forget to mention one of the matches.
I'm selling this really well aren't I?
Anyway, you can listen here.
This was actually recorded just after the draw was made and therefore before the China Open.
So when you hear us saying what rotten form Peter Ebdon has been in, please bear that in mind!
Also, it descends into a bit of a shambles when I forget to mention one of the matches.
I'm selling this really well aren't I?
Anyway, you can listen here.
MAGUIRE V BURNETT: POLICE CALLED IN
Strathclyde Police are now involved in the investigation into the Stephen Maguire v Jamie Burnett match at last December's UK Championship.
This match is the subject of an investigation by the Gambling Commission following a heavy volume of bets for Maguire to win 9-3, which was the final result.
And the Glasgow Evening Times reports that the investigation has moved a step further.
A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police told the newspaper: "After consultation with the Procurator Fiscal's Office, our Economic Crime Unit is carrying out inquiries."
The police are likely to interview both players as well as tournament staff and other parties.
Maguire plays Burnett again in the Betfred.com World Championship at the Crucible next week.
The Evening Times story is here.
This match is the subject of an investigation by the Gambling Commission following a heavy volume of bets for Maguire to win 9-3, which was the final result.
And the Glasgow Evening Times reports that the investigation has moved a step further.
A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police told the newspaper: "After consultation with the Procurator Fiscal's Office, our Economic Crime Unit is carrying out inquiries."
The police are likely to interview both players as well as tournament staff and other parties.
Maguire plays Burnett again in the Betfred.com World Championship at the Crucible next week.
The Evening Times story is here.
HARD SHOULDER...CONTINUED
Further to my post about Neil Robertson yesterday, Hector Nunns of the Daily Express has got to the bottom of the Aussie's shoulder injury.
You can read his story here.
You can read his story here.
BEWARE BALLRUN
Stuart Bingham is not a player to be underestimated.
Nine years ago, he made his Crucible debut against Stephen Hendry, then the defending champion and still one of the leading contenders for the world title.
Bingham won 10-7.
This year he faces Ronnie O’Sullivan, who goes to Sheffield looking to win a fourth world title.
Bingham knows all about Ronnie’s game because they practice together. He won’t be overawed playing the game’s no.1 because he is so used to it.
O’Sullivan starts favourite, as he does for every match he plays in but Bingham is not a pushover.
Here are some facts about Stuart:
- Is nicknamed ‘Ballrun’
- Won the 1996 world amateur championship
- Made a 147 during an event in the 1999 UK Tour and another during the 2005 Masters qualifiers
- Is the only player to make a 146 break in the World Championship
- Missed the pink on 134 with a maximum on against Ken Doherty at the Crucible in 2002
- Is the only player to win the Masters qualifying event twice
- Is one of only 29 players to have made a century of competitive centuries
- Is a member of Crondon Park Golf Club, home of the Championship League
Nine years ago, he made his Crucible debut against Stephen Hendry, then the defending champion and still one of the leading contenders for the world title.
Bingham won 10-7.
This year he faces Ronnie O’Sullivan, who goes to Sheffield looking to win a fourth world title.
Bingham knows all about Ronnie’s game because they practice together. He won’t be overawed playing the game’s no.1 because he is so used to it.
O’Sullivan starts favourite, as he does for every match he plays in but Bingham is not a pushover.
Here are some facts about Stuart:
- Is nicknamed ‘Ballrun’
- Won the 1996 world amateur championship
- Made a 147 during an event in the 1999 UK Tour and another during the 2005 Masters qualifiers
- Is the only player to make a 146 break in the World Championship
- Missed the pink on 134 with a maximum on against Ken Doherty at the Crucible in 2002
- Is the only player to win the Masters qualifying event twice
- Is one of only 29 players to have made a century of competitive centuries
- Is a member of Crondon Park Golf Club, home of the Championship League
15.4.09
SHEFFIELD, 1989
The Hillsborough disaster happened on the opening day of the 1989 World Championship across the city from the Crucible at the home of Sheffield Wednesday.
The tragedy unfolded live on the BBC's Grandstand, which should have been showing the snooker.
John Parrott, an Everton fan, would wear a black arm band during his emotional first round victory over Steve James.
The BBC's snooker correspondent at the time was Alan Green, now radio's best known commentator. He was at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest that afternoon, April 15, in which 96 fans lost their lives.
He writes in his book, The Green Line, of coming back to the Crucible that night:
"In a daze, I walked along the familiar corridor, past the dressing rooms, the press canteen, towards the press room itself. Within a couple of yards of the entrance, I bumped into Steve Acteson [formerly snooker correspondent of The Times]. He didn't say anything. He looked into my eyes. Everyone there knew what had happened and they were anxiously awaiting my arrival, not knowing what to expect.
"Steve was, and remains, a very good friend. I broke down, collapsing into his arms. He dragged me into the gents' toilets where I sobbed incontrollably. In came Tony Knowles.
"He was yet to play his first round match and though he'd heard of the tragedy at Hillsborough, he didn't know that I'd been there. Steve told him, and Tony forgot about his match. He was only concerned for my welfare.
"That evening, I was comforted by the support of colleagues who were also good friends, people like Steve, Clive Everton and Janice Hale [formerly of Snooker Scene].
"The snooker went on around me but I was obvlivious to it. Writers and broadcasters, most of whom were dear friends, approached me frequently but warily. Was I all right? Could they do anything to help? Could they get me another drink?
"I drank a lot that evening and deep into the night, enough alcohol to have seen me pass out. Somehow, I didn't. No amount could make me forget, erase the hurt.
"Knowles finished his match [two days later]. He lost and, unless there's a specific request otherwise, only winning players are expected to face the media afterwards.
"Tony was well beaten and must have wished for the comfort of Bolton. Yet he came to the press room to seek me out. How was I? We talked for a few minutes and it was a gesture that I will never forget.
"It was typical of the snooker scene that I loved and still miss."
The tragedy unfolded live on the BBC's Grandstand, which should have been showing the snooker.
John Parrott, an Everton fan, would wear a black arm band during his emotional first round victory over Steve James.
The BBC's snooker correspondent at the time was Alan Green, now radio's best known commentator. He was at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest that afternoon, April 15, in which 96 fans lost their lives.
He writes in his book, The Green Line, of coming back to the Crucible that night:
"In a daze, I walked along the familiar corridor, past the dressing rooms, the press canteen, towards the press room itself. Within a couple of yards of the entrance, I bumped into Steve Acteson [formerly snooker correspondent of The Times]. He didn't say anything. He looked into my eyes. Everyone there knew what had happened and they were anxiously awaiting my arrival, not knowing what to expect.
"Steve was, and remains, a very good friend. I broke down, collapsing into his arms. He dragged me into the gents' toilets where I sobbed incontrollably. In came Tony Knowles.
"He was yet to play his first round match and though he'd heard of the tragedy at Hillsborough, he didn't know that I'd been there. Steve told him, and Tony forgot about his match. He was only concerned for my welfare.
"That evening, I was comforted by the support of colleagues who were also good friends, people like Steve, Clive Everton and Janice Hale [formerly of Snooker Scene].
"The snooker went on around me but I was obvlivious to it. Writers and broadcasters, most of whom were dear friends, approached me frequently but warily. Was I all right? Could they do anything to help? Could they get me another drink?
"I drank a lot that evening and deep into the night, enough alcohol to have seen me pass out. Somehow, I didn't. No amount could make me forget, erase the hurt.
"Knowles finished his match [two days later]. He lost and, unless there's a specific request otherwise, only winning players are expected to face the media afterwards.
"Tony was well beaten and must have wished for the comfort of Bolton. Yet he came to the press room to seek me out. How was I? We talked for a few minutes and it was a gesture that I will never forget.
"It was typical of the snooker scene that I loved and still miss."
WHERE THE MONEY WENT
Matthew Syed, who was recently named Sportswriter of the Year at the British Press Awards, has investigated the finances of the WPBSA for The Times.
You can read his findings here.
It makes for pretty astonishing reading for those who are not already aware of the facts.
You can read his findings here.
It makes for pretty astonishing reading for those who are not already aware of the facts.
HARD SHOULDER
What I always enjoy about the build up to the Crucible are the little bits of rumour and tittle tattle that fly around before the big event actually gets underway.
I've been told at least four players are ill without any actual evidence. However, Neil Robertson is reported to have injured his shoulder and I give more credence to this claim as he withdrew from a planned appearance in the mixed doubles event that formed part of the women's world championship last week.
I hope for Neil's sake that this is just a minor thing. The last player you want to be up against when you've got an injury is the granite-like Steve Davis, who is unlikely to show any mercy.
I've been told at least four players are ill without any actual evidence. However, Neil Robertson is reported to have injured his shoulder and I give more credence to this claim as he withdrew from a planned appearance in the mixed doubles event that formed part of the women's world championship last week.
I hope for Neil's sake that this is just a minor thing. The last player you want to be up against when you've got an injury is the granite-like Steve Davis, who is unlikely to show any mercy.
14.4.09
SAME OLD, SAME OLD
They - and by 'they' I mean newspaper columnists who write about snooker once a year - say there are no 'characters' in the game.
I disagree, mainly because I know the players and I know who the characters are.
However, I would agree that many of them have not emerged fully and do not come across to the public at large.
But this is a vicious circle. Last night, BBC1's Inside Sport interviewed Jimmy White as a Betfred.com World Championship preview.
Why?
I think Jimmy's a great guy but he's not at the Crucible.
Why not interview someone who actually is?
Ronnie O'Sullivan is profiled in today's Guardian. The interview is interesting enough but follows exactly the same pattern as all his other interviews: the tortured genius, the father in prison, the bad behaviour, the charm, the contradiction etc etc...
Ronnie and Jimmy are modern day versions of Macbeth which, back in the day, used to be by far Shakespeare's most popular play. If a theatre was staging it all the other theatres would know it was in trouble and having to rely on something established to get the punters in.
This is how even saying the name Macbeth became to be regarded as unlucky.
I know Ronnie is popular and fascinating, but there are 32 players at the Crucible this year and many TV viewers will know next to nothing about many of them.
This does not mean they are not 'characters'.
But if nobody ever bothers to interview them then they will remain largely anonymous.
This is snooker's biggest problem. It can only be solved by encouraging players to speak their minds and reveal their personalities.
Jimmy White isn't in the World Championship. Ronnie O'Sullivan could lose on the opening day.
If he does, there are 31 other players taking part.
It would be nice if some of them could get some recognition.
I disagree, mainly because I know the players and I know who the characters are.
However, I would agree that many of them have not emerged fully and do not come across to the public at large.
But this is a vicious circle. Last night, BBC1's Inside Sport interviewed Jimmy White as a Betfred.com World Championship preview.
Why?
I think Jimmy's a great guy but he's not at the Crucible.
Why not interview someone who actually is?
Ronnie O'Sullivan is profiled in today's Guardian. The interview is interesting enough but follows exactly the same pattern as all his other interviews: the tortured genius, the father in prison, the bad behaviour, the charm, the contradiction etc etc...
Ronnie and Jimmy are modern day versions of Macbeth which, back in the day, used to be by far Shakespeare's most popular play. If a theatre was staging it all the other theatres would know it was in trouble and having to rely on something established to get the punters in.
This is how even saying the name Macbeth became to be regarded as unlucky.
I know Ronnie is popular and fascinating, but there are 32 players at the Crucible this year and many TV viewers will know next to nothing about many of them.
This does not mean they are not 'characters'.
But if nobody ever bothers to interview them then they will remain largely anonymous.
This is snooker's biggest problem. It can only be solved by encouraging players to speak their minds and reveal their personalities.
Jimmy White isn't in the World Championship. Ronnie O'Sullivan could lose on the opening day.
If he does, there are 31 other players taking part.
It would be nice if some of them could get some recognition.
13.4.09
WATCH OUT FOR MAGUIRE
Stephen Maguire is my tip for the Betfred.com World Championship.
You can read why in my Betfair column here.
You can read why in my Betfair column here.
ANDREW'S DAY
The first qualifier for the Crucible this year was Andrew Higginson, who finally made it through to snooker’s theatre of dreams after 14 attempts.
Higginson famously went from the first qualifying round to within a frame of winning the Welsh Open two years ago.
He won many friends along the way. It warms the cockles of even the most cynical of hearts to see a hard working journeyman finally realise his potential.
Andrew’s problem was that as a result of this great run to the final in Newport he put himself under pressure to continue on the up and up, which is far easier said than done in snooker’s hard fought qualifying jungle.
“Getting to the final was unexpected for most people but because I got there I put pressure on myself,” he said.
“I don’t want to be a flash in the pan, getting to the final and then not being seen again.”
Well, he’ll be seen against Shaun Murphy, the 2005 winner, in the first round of the Betfred.com World Championship and is capable of causing a shock.
Murphy, after all, has had a strangely inconsistent season. He won the UK Championship but has done little else.
Higginson, though, is making his Crucible debut and that has to count against him.
He has been to the Sheffield venue before. In fact, he attended two of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s final victories.
It may be going some to imagine this likeable 31 year-old from Widnes in the final himself but he is determined to enjoy his Crucible experience.
“You won’t see me with a sad face at the Crucible,” he told me after qualifying.
After all the years of practising and many disappointments in the qualifiers, his dream is about to come true.
Good luck to him.
Higginson famously went from the first qualifying round to within a frame of winning the Welsh Open two years ago.
He won many friends along the way. It warms the cockles of even the most cynical of hearts to see a hard working journeyman finally realise his potential.
Andrew’s problem was that as a result of this great run to the final in Newport he put himself under pressure to continue on the up and up, which is far easier said than done in snooker’s hard fought qualifying jungle.
“Getting to the final was unexpected for most people but because I got there I put pressure on myself,” he said.
“I don’t want to be a flash in the pan, getting to the final and then not being seen again.”
Well, he’ll be seen against Shaun Murphy, the 2005 winner, in the first round of the Betfred.com World Championship and is capable of causing a shock.
Murphy, after all, has had a strangely inconsistent season. He won the UK Championship but has done little else.
Higginson, though, is making his Crucible debut and that has to count against him.
He has been to the Sheffield venue before. In fact, he attended two of Ronnie O’Sullivan’s final victories.
It may be going some to imagine this likeable 31 year-old from Widnes in the final himself but he is determined to enjoy his Crucible experience.
“You won’t see me with a sad face at the Crucible,” he told me after qualifying.
After all the years of practising and many disappointments in the qualifiers, his dream is about to come true.
Good luck to him.
12.4.09
KEEPING TABBS ON THE CRUCIBLE FINAL
Michaela Tabb will this year become the first woman ever to referee the world final.
You can read my interview with her in the Sunday Herald here.
You can read my interview with her in the Sunday Herald here.
THE WHITE STUFF
Snooker legend Jimmy White has called on TV bosses to put the sport on at an earlier hour.
This week, WPBSA chairman Sir Rodney Walker announced plans for a ‘6 reds’ experiment in a bid to raise popularity with younger viewers.
However, many of these viewers are currently disenfranchised because major finals finish at close to or after midnight.
For viewers watching in mainland Europe it is an hour later.
The last session of this year’s Betfred.com World Championship final will start at 8pm, with 11 frames to be played.
If it goes close, the peak viewing audience is likely to be long before the final ball goes down.
“The game’s never been so popular worldwide but we need to get our act together and get it on at a proper time,” White told BBC radio’s Sportsweek.
“We seem to be on really late at night, like it’s the last thing on all the time."
White said he didn’t mind 6 reds snooker but called for the return of the World Doubles Championship and a team event, such as the World Cup.
He wants the World Championship to remain at the Crucible. “It’s the absolute place. It’s just an amazing venue,” he said.
White will also be interviewed on BBC1’s Inside Sport at 11.10pm on Monday.
This week, WPBSA chairman Sir Rodney Walker announced plans for a ‘6 reds’ experiment in a bid to raise popularity with younger viewers.
However, many of these viewers are currently disenfranchised because major finals finish at close to or after midnight.
For viewers watching in mainland Europe it is an hour later.
The last session of this year’s Betfred.com World Championship final will start at 8pm, with 11 frames to be played.
If it goes close, the peak viewing audience is likely to be long before the final ball goes down.
“The game’s never been so popular worldwide but we need to get our act together and get it on at a proper time,” White told BBC radio’s Sportsweek.
“We seem to be on really late at night, like it’s the last thing on all the time."
White said he didn’t mind 6 reds snooker but called for the return of the World Doubles Championship and a team event, such as the World Cup.
He wants the World Championship to remain at the Crucible. “It’s the absolute place. It’s just an amazing venue,” he said.
White will also be interviewed on BBC1’s Inside Sport at 11.10pm on Monday.
BARRY HEARN INTERVIEW
There's an interesting interview with Matchroom boss Barry Hearn in today's Independent on Sunday.
Barry's been hugely successful in a number of different sports, including snooker.
You can read the interview here.
Barry's been hugely successful in a number of different sports, including snooker.
You can read the interview here.
10.4.09
THE TEN GREATEST COMEBACKS IN CRUCIBLE HISTORY: 1
I hope you've enjoyed this look back at the greatest Crucible comebacks.
For a whole host of reasons, notably being there that afternoon and watching the drama unfold and its aftermath, there was only one choice for the winner for me...
1) KEN DOHERTY 17, PAUL HUNTER 16 (Semi-finals, 2003)
Ken Doherty could have been forgiven for being exhausted before his semi-final with Paul Hunter even began. He had come through 10-9 on the black against Shaun Murphy, in a decider over Graeme Dott and 13-8 from 10-0 up to John Higgins.
Perhaps tiredness played a part as he fell 15-9 behind. The inspiration that sets great champions apart certainly played a part in him fighting back to record one of the most dramatic victories ever seen on a snooker table.
The final session was held on a Saturday afternoon. Organisers, worried the public would see just two frames, were making plans for an exhibition.
In a way the audience did see one, courtesy of the 1997 champion. Crucially, he won two close frames to shake Hunter’s resolve and himself grew in confidence as he hit back with everything he had.
Hunter did get to 16-14 but his game fell apart as Doherty got stronger, coming through in a one-sided decider.
It was fine snooker but what also set this match apart was the spirit in which it was played. Backstage, Hunter wished Doherty all the best for the final. He embraced the Irishman’s friend, Mick. He was gracious in the press conference.
Doherty too paid tribute to Hunter for his performance. It would have been hard to discern for anyone wandering into the Crucible who had won and who had lost.
Disappointment for Hunter was tempered by the widely held belief that, one day, the world title would be his. Cruelly, fate would intervene in a manner that remains both tragic and shocking.
For a whole host of reasons, notably being there that afternoon and watching the drama unfold and its aftermath, there was only one choice for the winner for me...
1) KEN DOHERTY 17, PAUL HUNTER 16 (Semi-finals, 2003)
Ken Doherty could have been forgiven for being exhausted before his semi-final with Paul Hunter even began. He had come through 10-9 on the black against Shaun Murphy, in a decider over Graeme Dott and 13-8 from 10-0 up to John Higgins.
Perhaps tiredness played a part as he fell 15-9 behind. The inspiration that sets great champions apart certainly played a part in him fighting back to record one of the most dramatic victories ever seen on a snooker table.
The final session was held on a Saturday afternoon. Organisers, worried the public would see just two frames, were making plans for an exhibition.
In a way the audience did see one, courtesy of the 1997 champion. Crucially, he won two close frames to shake Hunter’s resolve and himself grew in confidence as he hit back with everything he had.
Hunter did get to 16-14 but his game fell apart as Doherty got stronger, coming through in a one-sided decider.
It was fine snooker but what also set this match apart was the spirit in which it was played. Backstage, Hunter wished Doherty all the best for the final. He embraced the Irishman’s friend, Mick. He was gracious in the press conference.
Doherty too paid tribute to Hunter for his performance. It would have been hard to discern for anyone wandering into the Crucible who had won and who had lost.
Disappointment for Hunter was tempered by the widely held belief that, one day, the world title would be his. Cruelly, fate would intervene in a manner that remains both tragic and shocking.
THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY
Jin Long has been fined £150 by the WPBSA disciplinary committee for conceding frames early during the Masters qualifiers last November.
I don’t know how early these concessions were but the rule has since been changed to allow the referee to use discretion.
It was wrong for Ronnie O’Sullivan to concede a frame against Joe Perry at 23-0 during the UK Championship but for a player to leave the blue over the pocket when it’s all his opponent needs and then be warned seems absurd.
Thankfully, common sense has prevailed.
Speaking of which, snooker journalists made an approach to the WPBSA to ask them to start making the results of disciplinary hearings known in the spirit of open government.
They have agreed to do so from now on, for which we are grateful.
I don’t know how early these concessions were but the rule has since been changed to allow the referee to use discretion.
It was wrong for Ronnie O’Sullivan to concede a frame against Joe Perry at 23-0 during the UK Championship but for a player to leave the blue over the pocket when it’s all his opponent needs and then be warned seems absurd.
Thankfully, common sense has prevailed.
Speaking of which, snooker journalists made an approach to the WPBSA to ask them to start making the results of disciplinary hearings known in the spirit of open government.
They have agreed to do so from now on, for which we are grateful.
9.4.09
THE TEN GREATEST COMEBACKS IN CRUCIBLE HISTORY: 2
2) NIGEL BOND 10, CLIFF THORBURN 9 (First round, 1994)
You think of Cliff Thorburn, you think of a granite-like match-player, a grinder, a formidable battler of the old school.
You don’t think of collapses. You don’t think of surrendering big leads. At least you didn’t until 1994 when he suffered an astonishing defeat from 9-2 up to Bond.
Thorburn was back at the Crucible for the first time since 1990 and highlighted his procession towards the second round with a 139 total clearance.
But he couldn’t quite finish the job and Bond recovered to 9-7, whereupon the match was taken off to avoid it running into the next session.
In the time before they resumed, Thorburn's mind must have been in a jam jar as he contemplated the possibility of a humiliating reversal.
He had his chances to put it away but lost two black ball frames before Bond took the decider in the early hours of the morning.
Bond went on to reach the final the following year. Thorburn never again played at the Crucible. Indeed, his career came to an end just a couple of years later.
You think of Cliff Thorburn, you think of a granite-like match-player, a grinder, a formidable battler of the old school.
You don’t think of collapses. You don’t think of surrendering big leads. At least you didn’t until 1994 when he suffered an astonishing defeat from 9-2 up to Bond.
Thorburn was back at the Crucible for the first time since 1990 and highlighted his procession towards the second round with a 139 total clearance.
But he couldn’t quite finish the job and Bond recovered to 9-7, whereupon the match was taken off to avoid it running into the next session.
In the time before they resumed, Thorburn's mind must have been in a jam jar as he contemplated the possibility of a humiliating reversal.
He had his chances to put it away but lost two black ball frames before Bond took the decider in the early hours of the morning.
Bond went on to reach the final the following year. Thorburn never again played at the Crucible. Indeed, his career came to an end just a couple of years later.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE BBC
The BBC has announced details of its coverage of the Betfred.com World Championship.
Hazel Irvine is missing from the team this year as she has just given birth (a baby girl, mother and daughter doing fine).
Presenting duties will thus fall to Ray Stubbs and Rishi Persad, joined as usual by Steve Davis (when he isn't playing) and John Parrott.
The commentators are Clive Everton, Willie Thorne, Dennis Taylor, John Virgo, Neal Foulds, Terry Griffiths and Ken Doherty.
Live action from both tables will be shown on the BBC website and red button for digital viewers.
One new addition this year is 'Snooker on the Red,' a nightly highlights programme on the red button at 6pm presented by MC Rob Walker.
Hopefully this will include interviews as this is the one thing missing from red button coverage.
The World Championship will also be shown extensively on Eurosport, who will show coverage of the second table on the online Eurosport Player.
Hazel Irvine is missing from the team this year as she has just given birth (a baby girl, mother and daughter doing fine).
Presenting duties will thus fall to Ray Stubbs and Rishi Persad, joined as usual by Steve Davis (when he isn't playing) and John Parrott.
The commentators are Clive Everton, Willie Thorne, Dennis Taylor, John Virgo, Neal Foulds, Terry Griffiths and Ken Doherty.
Live action from both tables will be shown on the BBC website and red button for digital viewers.
One new addition this year is 'Snooker on the Red,' a nightly highlights programme on the red button at 6pm presented by MC Rob Walker.
Hopefully this will include interviews as this is the one thing missing from red button coverage.
The World Championship will also be shown extensively on Eurosport, who will show coverage of the second table on the online Eurosport Player.
THE TEN GREATEST COMEBACKS IN CRUCIBLE HISTORY: 3
3) DENNIS TAYLOR 18, STEVE DAVIS 17 (Final, 1985)
That Steve Davis could lose any match, never mind a world final, having held a seemingly unimpeachable position was proof that, in snooker and in sport, anything is possible.
He led Dennis Taylor 8-0. At that point it was no certainty Taylor would even win a frame.
In the ninth frame, Davis missed a green to effectively make it 9-0 and the match turned. Taylor pulled back to trail only 9-7 overnight and then drew level at 15-15.
Davis got ahead again at 17-15 but could not shake the bespectacled Northern Irishman off. Taylor levelled at 17-17 and potted brown, blue and pink (all great pots, by the way) to take the final down to the final ball.
By now, 18.5m BBC2 viewers were transfixed. At had gone midnight but nobody could turn away.
The climax is forever written into snooker folklore: Davis has the black to win...he overcuts it...Taylor pots it...he raises his cue...he wags his finger...he holds the trophy aloft.
That Steve Davis could lose any match, never mind a world final, having held a seemingly unimpeachable position was proof that, in snooker and in sport, anything is possible.
He led Dennis Taylor 8-0. At that point it was no certainty Taylor would even win a frame.
In the ninth frame, Davis missed a green to effectively make it 9-0 and the match turned. Taylor pulled back to trail only 9-7 overnight and then drew level at 15-15.
Davis got ahead again at 17-15 but could not shake the bespectacled Northern Irishman off. Taylor levelled at 17-17 and potted brown, blue and pink (all great pots, by the way) to take the final down to the final ball.
By now, 18.5m BBC2 viewers were transfixed. At had gone midnight but nobody could turn away.
The climax is forever written into snooker folklore: Davis has the black to win...he overcuts it...Taylor pots it...he raises his cue...he wags his finger...he holds the trophy aloft.
ON MESSAGE
World Snooker's disastrous tie-up with the Press Association (see posts passim) - which has seen press coverage during tournaments dwindle to its lowest level since the 1970s - has hit a new low.This screenshot is taken from the sportinglife website, the copy for which is supplied by the PA (thanks to a regular reader for sending it on).
You will notice that despite running the story that Betfred are sponsoring the World Championship, it still refers to 888.com as the sponsor in several stories.
I'm sure Fred Done will be delighted.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)