2018 World Championship

Hotblack Desiato · 07-05-2018 10:47pm

Sports Stadium with Liam Nolan and his famous sports jacket, who could possibly forget!

Flicking the buttons on the TV (no remote) between rallycross with Murray Walker on BBC Grandstand and wrestling on ITV with Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks. Them were the days!

mdwexford · 07-05-2018 10:52pm

Delighted for Williams. A real character on and off the table which there aren't many of anymore. To win it fifteen years after your last victory, in this day and age is some feat.

All three of his titles he won 18-16 which is a funny coincidence.

Very sad it's all over until next year. Since I've started going over to it this has rapidly caught up and maybe surpassed Cheltenham and the Darts World Championships as my favourite sporting event of the year. (Special nod to Wimbledon as well).

Stonedpilot · 07-05-2018 11:20pm

Haha he just did press conference naked

beertons · 07-05-2018 11:22pm

Just class.

HisJills · 08-05-2018 12:21am

Joe_ Public wrote: »

Never bothered much about it but presume you would have to buy one of their cues alright. Bingham did use it alright and has, let’s just say, a lot of interesting things to say about it...

Any link to any info/controversy about the likes of Murphy and Bingham and their thoughts on sight right?

HisJills · 08-05-2018 12:26am

Well done to MJW, best player of the tournament and probably the season! Will never ever forget the red he potted in the middle using another red to go up and down to clip in the red that was over the middle pocket. That shot was just incredible, wouldn’t be on most other players radar at all as it’s not really a shot they would even consider, yet he goes for it and makes it, outrageous really! A true legend of the game with an amazing snooker brain. Fantastic to watch

Try_harder · 08-05-2018 12:27am

Christ he has a lot of tattoos!

walshb · 08-05-2018 6:57am

Try_harder wrote: »

Christ he has a lot of tattoos!

They're manky looking......

Can't understand people getting them when they are mature grown adults.

mdwexford · 08-05-2018 7:28am

walshb wrote: »

They're manky looking......

Can't understand people getting them when they are mature grown adults.

What a stupid thing to say.

Joe_ Public · 08-05-2018 7:32am

HisJills wrote: »

Any link to any info/controversy about the likes of Murphy and Bingham and their thoughts on sight right?

Don’t really get involved with it too much to be honest. If you google around a bit there’s plenty of stuff around it. Bingham has a fair bit to say on Twitter for a start, can’t really post any links from my phone.

sligeach · 08-05-2018 8:39am

HisJills wrote: »

Well done to MJW, best player of the tournament and probably the season! Will never ever forget the red he potted in the middle using another red to go up and down to clip in the red that was over the middle pocket. That shot was just incredible, wouldn’t be on most other players radar at all as it’s not really a shot they would even consider, yet he goes for it and makes it, outrageous really! A true legend of the game with an amazing snooker brain. Fantastic to watch

To be fair, Barry "Bottler" Hawkins should have beaten him and he was playing great stuff, demolished Ding and was beating Williams well but then went and did his usual bottling. Sure, if he had scraped through, he would have done the same thing against Higgins. It's a massive weakness of Hawkins, don't know he can cure it, especially after all the scars over the years.

Spudman_20000 · 08-05-2018 9:02am

Enjoyed the tournament. Didn't really have a dog in the fight in the final, but delighted for Williams. Would have been sick for him if he lost after having such a big lead. Some comeback from Higgins, incredible to get back to 15-15. 99% pot success is just crazy.

The younger players need to learn that snooker just isn't about potting and break building. The old timers show time and time again that the strategic side of the game is just as important, especially when you're potting is off the boil and the pressure is on.

Arthur Daley · 08-05-2018 9:05am

Well that turned into a great final session at the Crucible. Neither player missing much once they were in amoung the balls. Both old stagers well able to handle any pressure from final night at the Crucible.

Happy to see Mark get over the line and John made a fair fist of it in the final session considering where he was. Can't be too dissapointed to lose like that, he was never ahead in the final.

It is amazing how people age, even compared to a generation ago. MJW is 8 years older than Dennis was when he won in '85. Yet Mark is a bit of a rejuvenated teenager with his towel prank. In Dennis's generation you were expected to be an old serious man before your time once you got married and settled. Well apart from his jokey routine. Players of that era seemed older in their 30s and finished in their 40s.

Crucible withdrawal symptoms today onwards. At least we will have the World Cup along soon.

The Nal · 08-05-2018 9:11am

Arthur Daley wrote: »

It is amazing how people age, even compared to a generation ago. MJW is 8 years older than Dennis was when he won in '85. Yet Mark is a bit of a rejuvenated teenager with his towel prank. In Dennis's generation you were expected to be an old serious man before your time once you got married and settled. Well apart from his jokey routine. Players of that era seemed older in their 30s and finished in their 40s.

Joe_ Public · 08-05-2018 9:33am

I think that’s a very pertinent point about the younger players. Increasingly they are not being conditioned for the gruelling test that is the world championships. Hawkins isn’t young in that sense but found it revealing how shattered he was after that sf. I’d say his personal circumstances had a lot to do with that, he had invested a lot of emotional energy over the two weeks, indeed over the whole season, and I felt it just finally caught up with him. He seemed relieved that the torture was at an end.

The problem for players is that there’s really no other way to get that conditioning other than at the Crucible itself. Playing best of 7s all year isn’t going to help develop much of a matchplay mindset and that’s how they are learning the game these days. The UK was at least one format that could give them a taste of what’s required but the authorities, in their wisdom, ruined that. Would love to see an injection of new blood at the top but, as things stand, can’t see any reason why the veterans won’t be competitive for a few years yet.

marklazarcovic · 08-05-2018 10:17am

That was like trip back in time for me that final , sensational performance from Williams,you don't need 10 centuries in a match to call it so

HisJills · 08-05-2018 10:50am

sligeach wrote: »

To be fair, Barry "Bottler" Hawkins should have beaten him and he was playing great stuff, demolished Ding and was beating Williams well but then went and did his usual bottling. Sure, if he had scraped through, he would have done the same thing against Higgins. It's a massive weakness of Hawkins, don't know he can cure it, especially after all the scars over the years.

Ya, Barry bottled it alright, had fancied him to win it from 2nd round onwards! Surely his bottle job though means he wasn’t the best player over the whole tournament!?
The shots that Mark made throughout the tournament and even in the final are some of the greatest (and most outrageous pots, some with safety in mind) I’ve ever seen in the WC! Amazing viewing for the entire tournament.
The way Higgins kept coming back in that final session though was truly remarkable.

dfx- · 08-05-2018 10:52am

mdwexford wrote: »

Delighted for Williams. A real character on and off the table which there aren't many of anymore. To win it fifteen years after your last victory, in this day and age is some feat.

I'm pleased for him, becoming a fan over the past few seasons, especially this season.

It's refreshing hearing him being of the older generation during interviews this season not complaining about the 'hectic' schedule and just getting on with it, embracing it and doing well in China in particular.

DJIMI TRARORE · 08-05-2018 12:12pm

It must be some sort of record in any sport to win world championship 15 years apart

eric hoone · 08-05-2018 12:38pm

DJIMI TRARORE wrote: »

It must be some sort of record in any sport to win world championship 15 years apart

Can't think of any but 15 year span would be near impossible in physical exertion sports

Joe_ Public · 08-05-2018 12:46pm

Probably something comparable in some minority sport or other, but cant think of it. I know it didnt happen, but one of greatest ever feats of age for me was Tom Watson at the 2009 British Open, just falling narrowly short nearly a quarter of century after his previous major victory and at the age of 59. The epitome of heroic failure, if that's even the right word!

jive · 08-05-2018 12:52pm

I'd imagine Phil Taylor has won W'championship 20 odd years apart but not with the barren spell in between. It'd have to be a sport like golf mentioned above where the physical side of things is not as important relative to other sports.

Permabear · 08-05-2018 1:05pm

This post has been deleted.

Joe_ Public · 08-05-2018 1:07pm

I know we've talked a bit about age here but historically it has to be said, age hasn't been a huge barrier to playing good snooker and doing well in tournaments. I'm far too young to remember Alex Higgins losing to a 61 year old Fred Davis in the 1974 World q/f, but I do vividly recall feeling angry and nonplussed when he lost to 53 year old Rex Williams at the Mercantile Credit classic in 1986. How the f... did Alex do it?
There was also the legend Cliff Wilson beating a 15 year old prodigy by the name of Ronnie O'Sullivan at the 1990 Uk Champs at the age of 56. And, more recently, Steve Davis reaching the world q/fs in 2010 at the ripe old age of 53.

martyos121 · 08-05-2018 1:16pm

There were 15 years between Roger Federer’s first major win and his most recent. In a sport as physically taxing as tennis, that is absolutely remarkable.

Permabear · 08-05-2018 1:16pm

This post has been deleted.

eric hoone · 08-05-2018 1:30pm

Permabear wrote: »

This post had been deleted.

Maybe, 12 years is impressive but he'll need a few more injections to get to 15!

Addle · 08-05-2018 2:24pm

Great to see someone enjoying a win with good humour.
https://mobile.twitter.com/markwil147?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Working class heroes · 08-05-2018 4:13pm

George Foreman lost his title in 74 and regained “a” title in 94.

walshb · 08-05-2018 8:18pm

If we’re talking spans between wins then I am surprised nobody has mentioned Lester Piggott. He was first to come to mind..

Road-Hog · 08-05-2018 8:27pm

mdwexford wrote: »

What a stupid thing to say.

Why is it a stupid thing to say........tats and in particular those full arm/leg ones as Williams has are Absolutely hedious.....total ‘Chav’ symbols why sports people and celebs are obsessed with them is beyond me....it’s his own business and he can decorate his skin how he pleases But tats are beyond classless

Joe_ Public · 08-05-2018 8:33pm

martyos121 wrote: »

There were 15 years between Roger Federer’s first major win and his most recent. In a sport as physically taxing as tennis, that is absolutely remarkable.

Brilliant achievement unquestionably. It will never get the same accolades, of course, but it is 18 years for Serena Williams which is noteworthy too.

loyatemu · 08-05-2018 8:56pm

in terms of coming back from a slump; Darren Clark won the Open in 2011, 10 years after his previous top 10 finish in a major.

loyatemu · 08-05-2018 9:07pm

Working class heroes wrote: »

George Foreman lost his title in 74 and regained “a” title in 94.

he won 2 of the belts, but was also the lineal champion; so he was legit champion the second time around.

mdwexford · 08-05-2018 10:19pm

Road-Hog wrote: »

Why is it a stupid thing to say........tats and in particular those full arm/leg ones as Williams has are Absolutely hedious.....total ‘Chav’ symbols why sports people and celebs are obsessed with them is beyond me....it’s his own business and he can decorate his skin how he pleases But tats are beyond classless

You've already won the prize for most nonsense poster in this thread so I'm not surprised you come out with another doozey.

Road-Hog · 08-05-2018 10:33pm

mdwexford wrote: »

You've already won the prize for most nonsense poster in this thread so I'm not surprised you come out with another doozey.

Thanks for the compliments..........Still thinj tats are sh1t, Williams was probably in his 20's touring the world with loads of cash and got his arm done one night after a bender on a tour in Bangkok ? He probably has the money now to get it removed following his big win.

Snooker I think though has lots the mass appeal that it had during the 80's and 90's in this part of the world at least.......

Jimmy Dags · 08-05-2018 10:58pm

Did a big bag of cash influence the final I wonder? Wouldn’t be the first time.

Mysterypunter · 08-05-2018 11:00pm

Jimmy Dags wrote: »

Did a big bag of cash influence the final I wonder? Wouldn’t be the first time.

I think it did, I would be trying hard to win 425k

Jimmy Dags · 08-05-2018 11:02pm

Mysterypunter wrote: »

I think it did, I would be trying hard to win 425k

What did he get as runner up? Add that to match fix money. Think about it.

danganabu · 08-05-2018 11:08pm

mdwexford wrote: »

You've already won the prize for most nonsense poster in this thread so I'm not surprised you come out with another doozey.

Jimmy Dags wrote: »

Did a big bag of cash influence the final I wonder? Wouldn’t be the first time.

Jimmy Dags wrote: »

What did he get as runner up? Add that to match fix money. Think about it.

And we have a new winner :rolleyes:

Jimmy Dags · 08-05-2018 11:13pm

danganabu wrote: »

And we have a new winner :rolleyes:

We sure do Jennifer :rolleyes:

El_Duderino 09 · 09-05-2018 8:50am

When’s the next snooker event on tv? Between Eurosport/quest and bbc there’s a good bit of snooker on tv. But sometimes I miss the start of events and only bits of them record

Anyone know where i could find the televised fixtures do I can know when they’re coming up?

ArmaniJeanss · 09-05-2018 9:07am

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

When’s the next snooker event on tv? Between Eurosport/quest and bbc there’s a good bit of snooker on tv. But sometimes I miss the start of events and only bits of them record

Anyone know where i could find the televised fixtures do I can know when they’re coming up?

Well we are pretty much at end of season now (by the way I think it might be a flaw that the Worlds is the last event as it loses an audience just as you've maxxed it, might be better mid-season).

Heres a pdf link to the calendar for the rest of the year.

http://www.worldsnooker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/calendar.pdf

Latvian open at end of July will probably be televised.
The World Open, Shangai Masters and China Championship will definitely be televised.
Ditto English Open and Northern Irish Open.
These will be a mix of Eurosport and ITV4.

Then the BBC will be back for the UK Championship at the end of November.

Inviere · 09-05-2018 9:09am

ArmaniJeanss wrote: »

(by the way I think it might be a flaw that the Worlds is the last event as it loses an audience just as you've maxxed it, might be better mid-season).

That's a very good point. Should be used to kick the season off!

The Nal · 09-05-2018 9:31am

Inviere wrote: »

That's a very good point. Should be used to kick the season off!

They have the UK and the Masters for that. Shorter format, easier to bring in casual fans.

dball · 09-05-2018 10:38am

lots of Ronnie coming to Ireland next month - touring the country on exhibition with Jimmy White. ( 9 counties on the tour)

The Nal · 09-05-2018 10:59am

No Dublin date?!

Brian? · 09-05-2018 11:46am

Inviere wrote: »

That's a very good point. Should be used to kick the season off!

Completely disagree. It’s the peak of the season. A lot of players are playing for qualification to the worlds through top 16 positions. Adds to the drama in the run up.

Inviere · 09-05-2018 11:52am

Brian? wrote: »

Completely disagree. It’s the peak of the season. A lot of players are playing for qualification to the worlds through top 16 positions. Adds to the drama in the run up.

There is that, but as mentioned above, having it where it is in the season fails to capitalise on the national spotlight it gets. Once it's over, Snooker just disappears, & I'd say huge numbers don't watch it again until next year, or even November/January. It's a much bigger game than the Triple Crown.

Arthur Daley · 09-05-2018 11:54am

Traditionally snooker has always followed the football season. Sept-May. So FA cup or European cup final was the culmination. Some birdbrains are moving the World Cup in Qatar to December. But you wouldn't suggest the FA cup or European Cup final should move to start or middle of the season.

If you like the sport the new season will be around before you know it, but only really gets going in this part of the world in November. Time for a break for all and enjoy the summer.

2018 World Championship

Comments