It hasn't been a vintage Betfred.com World Championship yet but it's only day six of 17 and the second round line-up is brimming with quality.
So far, 12 members of the top 16 are through with Stephen Maguire and John Higgins well placed to join them.
There are some mouth-watering matches to come.
Ronnie O'Sullivan continues his title defence against Mark Allen, which should be a fast flowing, high scoring affair.
Stephen Hendry takes on Ding Junhui, just as he did last year, beating him 13-7.
Mark Selby faces Graeme Dott in a contest I think could be very close.
Ali Carter against Neil Robertson promises to be another entertaining affair.
Shaun Murphy plays Marco Fu in a repeat of this season's UK Championship final, which was a poor match that was nevertheless gripping right to the end.
I sometimes wonder if best of 25 frames in the last 16 is too long as there have, in the past, been a lot of runaway victories.
I don't think there'll be many this year.
23.4.09
22.4.09
HOLT STILL IN WITH A CHANCE
Michael Holt can still beat John Higgins tomorrow despite losing the last three frames of their opening session this afternoon at the Betfred.com World Championship.
Holt has enjoyed his most consistent ever season, winning his opening match in all but one of the eight world ranking events.
Being 5-4 down isn't a crisis by any means and he showed enough in the way of good form to suggest he can still cause an upset.
But...he must first believe he can win. This is his biggest problem, which is why I'm not sure being 6-3 up overnight would have really done him many favours, as stupid as that sounds.
He would most likely have spent a sleepless night worrying about ways in which he could lose.
At least now the match is evenly balanced and Higgins has made enough mistakes to not yet be secure, even though he finished the session well.
All in all an interesting match and nicely poised.
Holt has enjoyed his most consistent ever season, winning his opening match in all but one of the eight world ranking events.
Being 5-4 down isn't a crisis by any means and he showed enough in the way of good form to suggest he can still cause an upset.
But...he must first believe he can win. This is his biggest problem, which is why I'm not sure being 6-3 up overnight would have really done him many favours, as stupid as that sounds.
He would most likely have spent a sleepless night worrying about ways in which he could lose.
At least now the match is evenly balanced and Higgins has made enough mistakes to not yet be secure, even though he finished the session well.
All in all an interesting match and nicely poised.
PHONEY WAR
World Snooker are held in low esteem generally by the media and the governing body's reputation has fallen even lower by its failure to install any phones in the press room at the Crucible.
These phones have been ordered by journalists whose newspapers have to pay for them. They should have been installed last week before the event began. It is now day five and there's no sign of them.
Would this happen at Wimbledon? Would it happen at the Open Golf Championship?
Do World Snooker wonder why they get such a bad press?
These phones have been ordered by journalists whose newspapers have to pay for them. They should have been installed last week before the event began. It is now day five and there's no sign of them.
Would this happen at Wimbledon? Would it happen at the Open Golf Championship?
Do World Snooker wonder why they get such a bad press?
BOND BREAKS EBDON
I wasn't that surprised that Nigel Bond beat Peter Ebdon last night. Indeed, I tipped him to in the Snooker Scene podcast prior to the tournament.
For me, the match was always going to be scrappy with chances abounding on both sides. Ebdon would have been unable to dictate the style of the match because Bond is comfortable playing the same sort of game.
Nevertheless, after winning the China Open a first round exit at the Crucible will be a big disappointment to Ebdon.
He said recently that he considered the Betfred.com World Championship to be more important than all of the other events put together.
For me, the match was always going to be scrappy with chances abounding on both sides. Ebdon would have been unable to dictate the style of the match because Bond is comfortable playing the same sort of game.
Nevertheless, after winning the China Open a first round exit at the Crucible will be a big disappointment to Ebdon.
He said recently that he considered the Betfred.com World Championship to be more important than all of the other events put together.
21.4.09
DING PROVES HIS METTLE
Ding Junhui passed a major test of character in holding off Liang Wenbo at the Crucible today.
In a match that kept tens of millions of television viewers back in China transfixed, Ding stepped it up when it mattered most to win 10-8 in their Betfred.com World Championship first round clash.
Ding didn’t pot a ball for three frames as Liang powered from 7-4 down to lead 8-7. However, hitting the front for the first time in the match brought its own pressure and he started to falter.
On the other hand, Ding grew strong, winning two frames on the spin with breaks of 111 and 91 before making 63 to clinch victory.
And what an important victory it could be for him. In fact, it could turn his entire career around.
He arrived at the Crucible having won only four matches in ranking events all season and not guaranteed to stay in the top 16.
He may relax a little now as he has proved to everyone – and most importantly himself – that he can handle the pressure.
And that makes him very dangerous for the rest of the tournament.
In a match that kept tens of millions of television viewers back in China transfixed, Ding stepped it up when it mattered most to win 10-8 in their Betfred.com World Championship first round clash.
Ding didn’t pot a ball for three frames as Liang powered from 7-4 down to lead 8-7. However, hitting the front for the first time in the match brought its own pressure and he started to falter.
On the other hand, Ding grew strong, winning two frames on the spin with breaks of 111 and 91 before making 63 to clinch victory.
And what an important victory it could be for him. In fact, it could turn his entire career around.
He arrived at the Crucible having won only four matches in ranking events all season and not guaranteed to stay in the top 16.
He may relax a little now as he has proved to everyone – and most importantly himself – that he can handle the pressure.
And that makes him very dangerous for the rest of the tournament.
SEEDS FAIL TO SCATTER
Eight players through to the second round of the Betfred.com World Championship and all eight are members of the top 16.
Can all 16 seeds make it through for the first time ever?
And if not, where will the shocks come?
Can all 16 seeds make it through for the first time ever?
And if not, where will the shocks come?
20.4.09
SELBY SENDS OUT TITLE WARNING
I thought Mark Selby was very impressive in completing his 10-6 victory over Ricky Walden.
Sometimes, players who resume with a 6-3 overnight lead panic a little as they know they could not forgive themselves if they squander their advantage.
But Selby held strong. He started off the session with a century and made two more in running out the winner.
All facets of his game were on show. His safety was good and he fashioned openings from which he made big breaks to win frames.
Mark knew he had to be on his game after drawing the dangerous Walden, who beat him in the semi-finals of this season’s Shanghai Masters.
They’ve known each other since their junior days and it was always going be a tough match to call, but the fact Walden was making his Crucible debut proved to be a factor: he made a bad start and never recovered.
So Selby is through and looks a good bet to go a long way.
The draw doesn’t get any easier. He has Graeme Dott now to possibly play John Higgins with Ronnie O’Sullivan looming in the semi-finals.
However, I’m not sure anyone would want to draw Selby if he’s on top form.
Sometimes, players who resume with a 6-3 overnight lead panic a little as they know they could not forgive themselves if they squander their advantage.
But Selby held strong. He started off the session with a century and made two more in running out the winner.
All facets of his game were on show. His safety was good and he fashioned openings from which he made big breaks to win frames.
Mark knew he had to be on his game after drawing the dangerous Walden, who beat him in the semi-finals of this season’s Shanghai Masters.
They’ve known each other since their junior days and it was always going be a tough match to call, but the fact Walden was making his Crucible debut proved to be a factor: he made a bad start and never recovered.
So Selby is through and looks a good bet to go a long way.
The draw doesn’t get any easier. He has Graeme Dott now to possibly play John Higgins with Ronnie O’Sullivan looming in the semi-finals.
However, I’m not sure anyone would want to draw Selby if he’s on top form.
TIPPING POINT
Stephen Hendry is snooker's greatest ever player and greatest ever champion and demonstrated that the desire for further success burns deep within him at the Crucible last night.
But his match against Mark Williams at the Betfred.com World Championship also proved that, in sport, the unexpected can play a major part.
We all studied the form and made predictions based on it but nobody would have thought that Williams would have problems with his tip.
It played on his mind from the start of the final session and, at the end of the 12th frame, he asked the referee, Alan Chamberlain, if he could take a time-out to replace it.
The rule is that the tip has to have come off or at least be about to come off for this to happen.
Very sportingly, Hendry said he had no problem taking an early interval.
But as it transpired, the new tip - which will always take time to bed in - did for Williams. He fell apart as a succession of misses handed Hendry the chances he needed to win his 65fh match from the 81 he has played in 24 appearances at the Crucible.
This win clearly meant a lot to him.
This was no surprise. Great champions relish only one thing: winning.
And Hendry still believes he is a winner.
But his match against Mark Williams at the Betfred.com World Championship also proved that, in sport, the unexpected can play a major part.
We all studied the form and made predictions based on it but nobody would have thought that Williams would have problems with his tip.
It played on his mind from the start of the final session and, at the end of the 12th frame, he asked the referee, Alan Chamberlain, if he could take a time-out to replace it.
The rule is that the tip has to have come off or at least be about to come off for this to happen.
Very sportingly, Hendry said he had no problem taking an early interval.
But as it transpired, the new tip - which will always take time to bed in - did for Williams. He fell apart as a succession of misses handed Hendry the chances he needed to win his 65fh match from the 81 he has played in 24 appearances at the Crucible.
This win clearly meant a lot to him.
This was no surprise. Great champions relish only one thing: winning.
And Hendry still believes he is a winner.
19.4.09
CLASH OF THE TITANS
Rishi Persad, presenting the Betfred.com World Championship for the BBC, made a particularly pertinent comment on his blog for the corporation’s website.
“Despite what some marketing people may say, the very essence of what makes a sport attractive is the action it provides and the men and women who provide it.”
Rishi’s absolutely right. In snooker, as in all sports, PR types obsess about everything on the periphery without realising that what really matters to people is what happens on the field of play, especially when the big guns are in action.
Tonight, two legends of snooker will cross cues. Stephen Hendry and Mark Williams have appeared in 12 world finals between them. Theirs is a match to relish.
It started yesterday and Hendry looked sharp early on, building a 4-1 lead before letting things slip a little. Williams came back to lead 5-4 and set up what should be a fascinating finish.
Barring a very strange set of results both Hendry and Williams will be safe for the elite top 16 next season.
But they are both proud men and great champions and defeat will be a bitter disappointment for whoever fails to make it to ten frames.
The whole session is live tonight on British Eurosport2 and the BBC red button and I for one can’t wait.
This is an authentic clash of the titans and one not to be missed.
“Despite what some marketing people may say, the very essence of what makes a sport attractive is the action it provides and the men and women who provide it.”
Rishi’s absolutely right. In snooker, as in all sports, PR types obsess about everything on the periphery without realising that what really matters to people is what happens on the field of play, especially when the big guns are in action.
Tonight, two legends of snooker will cross cues. Stephen Hendry and Mark Williams have appeared in 12 world finals between them. Theirs is a match to relish.
It started yesterday and Hendry looked sharp early on, building a 4-1 lead before letting things slip a little. Williams came back to lead 5-4 and set up what should be a fascinating finish.
Barring a very strange set of results both Hendry and Williams will be safe for the elite top 16 next season.
But they are both proud men and great champions and defeat will be a bitter disappointment for whoever fails to make it to ten frames.
The whole session is live tonight on British Eurosport2 and the BBC red button and I for one can’t wait.
This is an authentic clash of the titans and one not to be missed.
GET THE COCOA ON
I'd say the last thing the Mark King v Rory McLeod match needed was a re-rack, but that's what has just happened in frame ten.
It seems certain they will come back tonight to finish the match off in an extra session, although this will most likely be on the first available table.
However, both matches this evening are resuming at 5-4, so a very late finish is on the cards.
Credit to King, though. He's just made a 114 break, only his second century of the season.
It seems certain they will come back tonight to finish the match off in an extra session, although this will most likely be on the first available table.
However, both matches this evening are resuming at 5-4, so a very late finish is on the cards.
Credit to King, though. He's just made a 114 break, only his second century of the season.
CENTURY RECORD UNDER THREAT
I think the centuries record may well go at this year's Betfred.com World Championship.
From the first day's play, it was clear the pockets were slightly more generous than usual. Balls were going in off jaws that would often stay out.
Also, World Snooker has taken on board the critical comments of players and will re-cloth the tables an extra time this year, which should aid scoring.
There were five tons on the first day compared with six throughout the whole of the 1977 championship, the first to be held at the Crucible.
But, of course, snooker has changed a great deal in the last 32 years.
The record is 68 centuries set at the 2002 championship and equalled two years ago.
Stephen Hendry made the most in a single World Championship - 16 in 2002.
O'Sullivan already has three to his name but will surely need to reach the final to supersede Hendry's record.
From the first day's play, it was clear the pockets were slightly more generous than usual. Balls were going in off jaws that would often stay out.
Also, World Snooker has taken on board the critical comments of players and will re-cloth the tables an extra time this year, which should aid scoring.
There were five tons on the first day compared with six throughout the whole of the 1977 championship, the first to be held at the Crucible.
But, of course, snooker has changed a great deal in the last 32 years.
The record is 68 centuries set at the 2002 championship and equalled two years ago.
Stephen Hendry made the most in a single World Championship - 16 in 2002.
O'Sullivan already has three to his name but will surely need to reach the final to supersede Hendry's record.
18.4.09
O'SULLIVAN STILL NO.1
Ronnie O'Sullivan is guaranteed to be world no.1 again next season after beating Stuart Bingham 10-5 in the first round of the Betfred.com World Championship.
This was not O'Sullivan at his imperious best but the defending champion still made three centuries and finished off with 365 points without reply.
It means his closest challenger in the rankings, Stephen Maguire, cannot catch him even if the Scot wins the title.
O'Sullivan will need to improve his long potting and safety but you can always improve as long as you are in the tournament.
Bingham will reflect on what was a rotten draw to get. He played well in patches and probably would have beaten some of the other players in the event, but was up against the heaviest scorer in the game.
This was not O'Sullivan at his imperious best but the defending champion still made three centuries and finished off with 365 points without reply.
It means his closest challenger in the rankings, Stephen Maguire, cannot catch him even if the Scot wins the title.
O'Sullivan will need to improve his long potting and safety but you can always improve as long as you are in the tournament.
Bingham will reflect on what was a rotten draw to get. He played well in patches and probably would have beaten some of the other players in the event, but was up against the heaviest scorer in the game.
SWEET CHARITY
Some news on a few charity donations.
Firstly, World Snooker are supporting the Teenage Cancer Trust and have invited Jack Lisowski, a talented young player who has recently recovered from Hodgkins Lymphona, a form of cancer, to present the Junior Pot Black trophy at the Crucible on Thursday.
Fred Done, boss of tournament sponsors Betfred.com, will donate £147,000 to the BBC’s Sport Relief if any player makes a 147 break.
Meanwhile, Ali Carter, who has suffered from Crohn’s disease, is backing MedicAlert, which raises awareness of men’s health issues.
All of which is to be commended and shows that snooker’s high profile, particularly during these 17 days, can be used to good effect.
Firstly, World Snooker are supporting the Teenage Cancer Trust and have invited Jack Lisowski, a talented young player who has recently recovered from Hodgkins Lymphona, a form of cancer, to present the Junior Pot Black trophy at the Crucible on Thursday.
Fred Done, boss of tournament sponsors Betfred.com, will donate £147,000 to the BBC’s Sport Relief if any player makes a 147 break.
Meanwhile, Ali Carter, who has suffered from Crohn’s disease, is backing MedicAlert, which raises awareness of men’s health issues.
All of which is to be commended and shows that snooker’s high profile, particularly during these 17 days, can be used to good effect.
ROCKET LAUNCH
Ronnie's struggling.
A 140 total clearance in the second frame.
It's like he's never been away.
A 140 total clearance in the second frame.
It's like he's never been away.
RORY MAKES HISTORY
Rory McLeod today makes history as the first black player ever to compete at the Crucible.
It's a strange anomaly. Snooker is not an elitist sport. Anyone can join a club and start playing.
Rory himself isn't one to make a big deal of it but it's a noteworthy achievement.
He's up against Mark King at 10am (UK time).
You can read my general preview of the Betfred.com World Championship in this morning's Independent here.
It's a strange anomaly. Snooker is not an elitist sport. Anyone can join a club and start playing.
Rory himself isn't one to make a big deal of it but it's a noteworthy achievement.
He's up against Mark King at 10am (UK time).
You can read my general preview of the Betfred.com World Championship in this morning's Independent here.
WAKE UP CALL
I woke up a short time ago to hear the words 'and the World Snooker Championship gets underway today at the Crucible' on the BBC's Breakfast programme.
Great, I thought! A preview of the big event is coming up.
Instead we were treated to a few minutes of free publicity for World Snooker's 'Hotshot's' scheme - a meaningless PR campaign that will very probably be discontinued at the end of the season.
'World Snooker are taking giant strides to get youngsters involved,' said the unquestioning BBC reporter.
How does the Hotshots do that exactly? It wasn't actually explained.
I really can't wait for the action to start so we can concentrate on what's important and what people are actually interested in.
It's called snooker.
Great, I thought! A preview of the big event is coming up.
Instead we were treated to a few minutes of free publicity for World Snooker's 'Hotshot's' scheme - a meaningless PR campaign that will very probably be discontinued at the end of the season.
'World Snooker are taking giant strides to get youngsters involved,' said the unquestioning BBC reporter.
How does the Hotshots do that exactly? It wasn't actually explained.
I really can't wait for the action to start so we can concentrate on what's important and what people are actually interested in.
It's called snooker.
17.4.09
THIS IS IT
When you walk into the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, you walk into history itself.
These are the corridors where legends have trod. This is the arena where reputations have been made and destroyed.
Nobody would choose the Crucible as a venue for the game’s biggest event today. It is far too small. It is prosaic and cramped and not the modern, forward looking location for a major sporting event.
Equally, nobody would take it away from Sheffield unless they had a very good reason. For all its faults, the Crucible remains a magical place, its status enhanced by the myths and legends of its past.
If you shut your eyes, you can see them, those iconic moments that, stitched together, form a rich tapestry of snooker history: Terry Griffiths an exhausted first time champion...Barry Hearn barrelling across the stage into Steve Davis after his first title...Alex Higgins in tears, beckoning his wife and child...Cliff Thorburn’s 147...Dennis Taylor’s black...Stephen Hendry at 17...Jimmy White’s maximum...Hendry and Hendry again...Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record breaking 147...John Higgins...Mark Williams...Shaun Murphy...
This is where it all happened and this is where it will all happen again over the next 17 days.
There will be drama. There will be shocks. There will be controversy and things said that can’t be unsaid and unexpected misses and fine potting and big breaks and one man left standing from the field of 32 who start out.
This is what the whole snooker year is based around. This is what people look forward to. This is what really matters.
Soon, the talking will be done. The predictions will be made and it will be time only for action.
And I for one can’t wait.
These are the corridors where legends have trod. This is the arena where reputations have been made and destroyed.
Nobody would choose the Crucible as a venue for the game’s biggest event today. It is far too small. It is prosaic and cramped and not the modern, forward looking location for a major sporting event.
Equally, nobody would take it away from Sheffield unless they had a very good reason. For all its faults, the Crucible remains a magical place, its status enhanced by the myths and legends of its past.
If you shut your eyes, you can see them, those iconic moments that, stitched together, form a rich tapestry of snooker history: Terry Griffiths an exhausted first time champion...Barry Hearn barrelling across the stage into Steve Davis after his first title...Alex Higgins in tears, beckoning his wife and child...Cliff Thorburn’s 147...Dennis Taylor’s black...Stephen Hendry at 17...Jimmy White’s maximum...Hendry and Hendry again...Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record breaking 147...John Higgins...Mark Williams...Shaun Murphy...
This is where it all happened and this is where it will all happen again over the next 17 days.
There will be drama. There will be shocks. There will be controversy and things said that can’t be unsaid and unexpected misses and fine potting and big breaks and one man left standing from the field of 32 who start out.
This is what the whole snooker year is based around. This is what people look forward to. This is what really matters.
Soon, the talking will be done. The predictions will be made and it will be time only for action.
And I for one can’t wait.
STEPHEN MAGUIRE STATEMENT
Stephen Maguire's management agency 110sport has issued the following statement:
Further to press statements concerning alleged unusual betting patterns between Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett at this season's UK Championship, we can confirm that Stephen Maguire is to meet with police officers in the near future.
It is regrettable this matter raises it's ugly head on the eve of snooker's biggest event, the World Championship in Sheffield.
It is ludicrous to suggest that Stephen Maguire, the world No 2, would in any way be involved in alleged unusual betting activity.
At this stage there will be no further comment on the matter and we would ask the press to allow Stephen Maguire to concentrate on preparing for the World Championship.
However, 110sport lawyers will be examining the reasons why this investigation has taken four months and why it has been made public on the eve of the World Championship.
My thoughts: how long do 110sport think the investigation should take and who are they to determine how long it should last?
The police have only just been brought in. It was made public presumably because journalists found out about it - as happens in many cases.
Further to press statements concerning alleged unusual betting patterns between Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett at this season's UK Championship, we can confirm that Stephen Maguire is to meet with police officers in the near future.
It is regrettable this matter raises it's ugly head on the eve of snooker's biggest event, the World Championship in Sheffield.
It is ludicrous to suggest that Stephen Maguire, the world No 2, would in any way be involved in alleged unusual betting activity.
At this stage there will be no further comment on the matter and we would ask the press to allow Stephen Maguire to concentrate on preparing for the World Championship.
However, 110sport lawyers will be examining the reasons why this investigation has taken four months and why it has been made public on the eve of the World Championship.
My thoughts: how long do 110sport think the investigation should take and who are they to determine how long it should last?
The police have only just been brought in. It was made public presumably because journalists found out about it - as happens in many cases.
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO CARTER
Ali Carter's had a lot to say for himself in the run up to the Betfred.com World Championship.
And good for him. A year ago few journalists weren't interested in him.
All that changed with his excellent run to the Crucible final last year. He goes to Sheffield this season as a live contender for the title.
However, Ali was badly advised - assuming he was advised at all - with his comments over the current match fixing inquiry involving the Stephen Maguire v Jamie Burnett match at last December's UK Championship.
"Match-fixing is 100 per cent wrong and I don't hear of anything like that going on. The bookmakers want it all their own way, they want to win all the time," he told the Yorkshire Post.
"If they were creaming off millions of pounds, the bookmakers wouldn't be saying a word. But the fact a few quid has gone on and they have lost – wipe your mouth and get on with it like the punter has to when he has a bet and loses."
Is Ali seriously suggesting that if bookmakers suspect a major conspiracy to commit fraud - which is what it amounts to - then they should ignore it?
Nobody knows how the Maguire v Burnett inquiry will pan out. It may well be that there is no case to answer but, as the police are now involved, the players face jail if found guilty of any impropriety.
Carter has also written off Ronnie O'Sullivan's chances of even making the final.
I suspect he'll be hoping his prediction comes true: they've played 11 times and O'Sullivan leads him 11-0.
And good for him. A year ago few journalists weren't interested in him.
All that changed with his excellent run to the Crucible final last year. He goes to Sheffield this season as a live contender for the title.
However, Ali was badly advised - assuming he was advised at all - with his comments over the current match fixing inquiry involving the Stephen Maguire v Jamie Burnett match at last December's UK Championship.
"Match-fixing is 100 per cent wrong and I don't hear of anything like that going on. The bookmakers want it all their own way, they want to win all the time," he told the Yorkshire Post.
"If they were creaming off millions of pounds, the bookmakers wouldn't be saying a word. But the fact a few quid has gone on and they have lost – wipe your mouth and get on with it like the punter has to when he has a bet and loses."
Is Ali seriously suggesting that if bookmakers suspect a major conspiracy to commit fraud - which is what it amounts to - then they should ignore it?
Nobody knows how the Maguire v Burnett inquiry will pan out. It may well be that there is no case to answer but, as the police are now involved, the players face jail if found guilty of any impropriety.
Carter has also written off Ronnie O'Sullivan's chances of even making the final.
I suspect he'll be hoping his prediction comes true: they've played 11 times and O'Sullivan leads him 11-0.
DEAN REYNOLDS SUFFERS STROKE
Dean Reynolds, twice a ranking tournament finalist and a former member of the top 16, has suffered a stroke.
He was a very good player in his day and we here at Snooker Scene wish him well for his recovery.
There's more in the Grimsby Evening Telegraph.
He was a very good player in his day and we here at Snooker Scene wish him well for his recovery.
There's more in the Grimsby Evening Telegraph.
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