The best 2 weeks of the year
This is a huge last frame.
Didn't miss the pink this time!
Big kick in the nuts for Williams there .
Big steal
Xintong may not be motoring ahead like earlier but he still has distance -10-5 right now and all to play for still in this frame - it might go 11-6- unless Mark comes back a different player tomorrow it’s very much Zhao to win
Mark's still not really winning many frames in one visit.
😂 Ya, I noticed that. They presumed like everyone else, he couldn't miss.
Funniest part was person doing the graphic hit “Century”
I've noticed several times Zhao yawning or staring into space when marks on the table.
It honestly looked like he missed that on purpose. He probably didn't, but that's the kind of thing that will always hang over him.
Xintong misses his century on the simple pink right at the end. What are the bets? 😉
Look at it. It's a complete sitter.
Yeah surely Williams has to win these two .
If that red by Williams had any more pace, it wouldn't have dropped.
I take it back. Williams is flying now. We could see 9-8
Xintong is struggling tonight, but if he wins 1 of the next 2 he’s still doing ok.
Williams has barely had the cue ball under control in this frame, but he looks like winning it after needing several chances.
They didn’t mention Dominic Dale!
Mark Really has to win this five frame session and by four one .
Mark doesn't look getting a serious run of frames that he needs if he wants to win .
Give it a rest about "the class of '92". 🙄
Right. Time to get something to eat.
Shaun and not a Parrot(t).
Williams queuing well
Very tough black!
Couple of poor decisions there gives a chance to Mark to put some frames on the board could get a bit nervy .
Couple of wild swings there from Zhao
F###### hell! Who let John Virgo out of the basement?
I'm not a fan of the opening credits on BBC this year's Championship. Some of the credits over the years have been great. But not this year. Meh. 😕
My memory is it used to happen a lot more before…maybe I have been wrong with the sessions I was watching as well. There is a definite bias towards the home players as well though…and then within that you have the likes of O'Sullivan being more favoured than other local players if they play each other as well. In any case, I do not see how the 50 year old will do with the pressure. There is a reason why in the past 50 year olds have not dominated sports and I think it may tell in the final.
Ken mentioned in studio beside Ferguson, something about how other players were uneasy about it when it came to points/money. But did not elaborate on it.
Jason Ferguson said it was a situation they never envisaged happening, Xintong winning tour card on Q Tour (getting tour card) and qualifying for WC. First time it has ever happened.
Edit - found article Xintong keeps prize money. Carter and some other players not happy
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/2050594/Zhao-Xintong-World-Snooker-Championship-ban/amp
Does Xintong keep his money as an “amateur”?
Good question. Is he really an amateur?
I was also thinking of the furore Murphy caused after losing to amateur Si Jiahui in the 2021 UK Championship. Saying amateurs should not compete with pros. No one has thrown in that dig at Murphy!
