UK Championship 2018. BBC/Eurosport 27th Nov - 9th Dec

Frank O. Pinion · 04-12-2018 12:28am

Most of the players from the 80s probably would love all the tournaments available to play in nowadays...provided the Top 16 were still protected like back then. Steve Davis didn't have much to counter-argue that point, stupid faces don't count. He even had to admit when he was at the top of his game, he would not have been a fan of having to qualify for every ranking tournament. He, like others during the previous system, enjoyed the protection of the Top 16.

Joe_ Public · 04-12-2018 2:00am

Arthur Daley wrote: »

But Ronnie didn't mke total sense here either. I take it he would be happy to play in 15 tournaments out of 20. The main tournaments and he can then drop 5. But he says he can't do it because he might drop out of the top 16 or 32 by doing this and he is 'better than that'.

But surely Selby and maybe Trump or Ding have skipped a few tournaments every year (certainly Selby skipped the North before). If you perform in the biggest 15 tournaments you are not likely to drop out of the top 16, let alone 32.

I took it that the 15 figure would include the 3 non ranking events he plays, so it’s only likely he’ll play in the region of half the ranking tournaments available. I think his point was that this creates pressure on him to win or go deep in all those tournaments or his ranking will start to slide. If only your best 10 performances counted, on the other hand, he’d stand a better chance. As things stand, he doesn’t even qualify for lucrative players championship towards end of season. He’ll much more than likely put that right, but if he isn’t winning and making finals, there will be no future guarantees.

I don’t think anyone would argue that things have improved significantly since the dark days of the 00s, but nor does that mean everything is as wonderful and rosy in the garden as hearn and the lads on the bbc would have you believe. I’m not sure how much sympathy we should have for top 16 players who are struggling but I think ronnies point is that they are jaded, traveling back and forth, playing low key matches in sub standard venues and afraid to take proper breaks for fear of losing precious ranking points. The likes of selby might be able to afford s week off here and there, but it’s not so easy lower down the scale where a week off in July or August could subsequently probe the difference between making the field for the masters or just missing out.

AllForIt · 04-12-2018 11:40pm

RE the interview I think Davis was already sour on Ronnie before the interview even started given this breakaway suggestion so it's kinda understandable Davis wasn't his normal cool self, as what Ronnie is suggesting is a bit wild. Davis looked really agitated even at the beginning of the interview when they were talking about the match Ronnie just played no mind what came after that discussion. It was unique that Ronnie was so cool and Davis the opposite, a reversal of what usually transpires.

Ronnie made a very good point when he made an analogy to Federer i.e expecting the Fed to play in lower tournaments but then he backtracked on the idea of a breakaway tour understandably leaving Davis feeling a bit bemused.

What Ronnie seems to be doing is threatening something he really doesn't want in order enact change in the pro tour system. That is a rather odd tactic to be fair. However I agree with him or at least it's a good idea to make 10 tournaments count leaving the emerging players free to participate in any tournament they like gaining valuable experience along the way which could only help them in ranking events, if they are really that good.

I do think Ronnie was being completely disingenuous when he says he'd rather play in some breakaway tour and I think Davis saw right thorough that which explains all those grimaces and the outburst of suggesting he should consider retiring. If your not playing on the pro ranking tour then effectively you have retired.

It was rather nice to seen Ronnie not being so touchy when asked questions but at the same time what he was saying which he backtracked from was quite contentious, so I wouldn't be so quick to diss Davis in this interview. I do agree with Ronnie though that top players need a little bit more consideration which was taken away from them by Hearn.

Arthur Daley · 04-12-2018 11:44pm

But then the top players pick the same 10/11 tournaments to play in, and the remaining tournaments fall away due to lack of interest? Almost back to square one at the beginning of the decade, no?

Joe_ Public · 05-12-2018 12:38am

It’s notable that 10 of the top 16 have made last 16 of the tournament which I’m guessing is far higher than all the other events. You could nearly add Lisowski to that list who will be top 16 next week. Just shows the difference, I think, when you have a top tournament and get away from those awful best of 7s.

Re Ronnie interview, I can’t believe he actually expects to be taken seriously on that breakaway tour suggestion. It’s a non runner for so many reasons, whether it earns him any bargaining power in terms of concessions for top players is debatable, but it’s got to be long odds on it ever happening. Davis wasted too much time on it during the interview, it’s more or less a red herring really.

Frank O. Pinion · 05-12-2018 10:44am

Last 16:

Top half

Ronnie O'Sullivan v Jack Lisowski - Wed, 1pm
Martin O'Donnell v Ding Junhui - Thur, 1pm
Judd Trump v Joe Perry - Thur, 1pm
Lu Ning v Tom Ford - Wed, 7pm

Bottom half

Sunny Akani v Stuart Bingham - Thur, 7pm
Kyren Wilson v Barry Hawkins - Thur, 7pm
Mark Allen v Neil Robertson - Wed, 7pm
Stephen Maguire v Mark Williams - Wed, 1pm

Hoping for Ronnie/Trump and Williams/Akani semi-finals. At #109, 24 year old Lu Ning, is the lowest ranked player still left in the tournament. With a win over Tom Ford, he would reach the quarter-finals of a ranking event for the first time in his career.

Joe_ Public · 05-12-2018 2:19pm

Good start for Lisowski, sets up intriguing encounter very nicely. Has yet to really do it against one of the elite players so to beat Ronnie would be some feather in his cap.

xi5yvm0owc1s2b · 05-12-2018 3:43pm

Ronnie cruising along now at 4-1 and at the table in the sixth. This doesn't look like Lisowski's day.

Joe_ Public · 05-12-2018 4:33pm

Poor from Lisowski really, almost as bad as his defeat to higgins at the crucible last season. Exciting talent but just can’t seem to raise it against the elite players. No safety or patience and head dropped too quickly when it was going against him.

Maguire at least putting up a good fight. Could be a good finish this game.

Mint Sauce · 05-12-2018 9:24pm

What just happened there? Looked like Robertson conceeded during Allens visit to the table. Thought the etiquette/gentlemanly thing to do was, wait till the visit was finished. Either way, Robertson looked like he just wanted to get to the interval, leaving Allen quite unhappy.

ArmaniJeanss · 06-12-2018 12:21am

Mint Sauce wrote: »

What just happened there? Looked like Robertson conceeded during Allens visit to the table. Thought the etiquette/gentlemanly thing to do was, wait till the visit was finished. Either way, Robertson looked like he just wanted to get to the interval, leaving Allen quite unhappy.

Interviewed afterwards Allen didn't seem too bothered by the etiquette aspect.
The discussion between the pair was that Robertson had asked for the set of snooker balls to be changed because of slides off cushions, but Allen had refused. Presumably its a both players would have to agree thing.

Strange game, Allen lost so many frames from 50+ leads before coming through 6-5 with back to back tonnes.

Joe_ Public · 06-12-2018 12:27am

ArmaniJeanss wrote: »

Interviewed afterwards Allen didn't seem too bothered by the etiquette aspect.
The discussion between the pair was that Robertson had asked for the set of snooker balls to be changed because of slides off cushions, but Allen had refused. Presumably its a both players would have to agree thing.

Strange game, Allen lost so many frames from 50+ leads before coming through 6-5 with back to back tonnes.

Crazy really that he had to go to a decider. Potted twice as many balls, scored twice as many points and still only 6-5. Robertson had a pot success rate of 79% - you’d normally expect to be wiped off the table at this level with that figure!

Allen will be relieved to get through but doubt he’ll go a lot further if he doesn’t step it up.

tanko · 06-12-2018 1:06am

Will this finish before tomorrows matches start?

Joe_ Public · 06-12-2018 1:33am

Thought Fergals frame record might be in danger there for a while. Extra incentive for trump to beat perry tomorrow- he gets to play ford in qf. Couldn’t see him losing that.

Frank O. Pinion · 06-12-2018 11:29am

I gave him some time, but...I can't stand Shaun Murphy on commentary. When he's explaining something, he does so very well, but most of the rest of the time he's trying to sound dramatic, and his voice goes high. Really high. At one point last night I'm pretty sure only dogs could hear him.

xi5yvm0owc1s2b · 06-12-2018 5:43pm

Joe Perry has beaten Judd Trump 6-4, and now plays Tom Ford in the quarters.

Ding Junhui is currently 3-5 down against Martin O'Donnell, with the winner to face Ronnie O'Sullivan.

The Nal · 06-12-2018 6:05pm

Trump :rolleyes:

Hes never going to be the man is he?

Edit - same for Ding.

Thought both of these lads were supposed to dominate snooker for 20 years?

xi5yvm0owc1s2b · 06-12-2018 6:14pm

World number 56 Martin O'Donnell beats Ding 6-4.

Ronnie just has to beat O'Donnell and either Perry or Ford now to get to the final.

xi5yvm0owc1s2b · 06-12-2018 6:25pm

The Nal wrote: »

Trump :rolleyes:

Hes never going to be the man is he?

Edit - same for Ding.

Thought both of these lads were supposed to dominate snooker for 20 years?

it's not really happening for either of them, is it.

Ding is now the same age Davis was when he won his sixth and last world title. And we're still waiting for Ding to get his first.

The Nal · 06-12-2018 6:59pm

Delaney Aggressive Bum wrote: »

it's not really happening for either of them, is it.

Ding is now the same age Davis was when he won his sixth and last world title. And we're still waiting for Ding to get his first.

And a year older than Hendry when he won his 7th. Trump is about the same age.

I know snooker players peak later now but I think Ronnie was right when he basically said no one has the balls to take on the number 1 spot long term outside of the obvious few players.

Ronnie is 18 centuries off 1000 now. When are we thinking he makes it to 1000?

Joe_ Public · 06-12-2018 7:02pm

Didn’t see ding match but very disappointed with trump who managed to fritter away a commanding start. Just when you think he’s set to turn the corner and start delivering big, he goes and puts in a stinker like that. I still have a bit of faith in him yet, more than ding at least who just doesn’t seem to want it badly enough. Maybe a less talented guy like wilson with his superior desire will come through and supplant them both.

Joe_ Public · 06-12-2018 7:13pm

I think what a lot of snooker shows us now is how great that 1992 generation was and is - ronnie, higgins, williams and the rest of them. And of course Hendry who set the bar for them.

It’s fairly clear the generation after them isn’t measuring up very well and it’s hard to have all that much faith in the one coming either. There may be several reasons for that. Snooker isn’t as popular now as it was when the older guys were growing up, I’m not sure the young guys learn the game in the same way or practice as diligently. Seem to be less capable of playing under extreme duress too. Just general thoughts really, but no wonder ronnie thinks he can play on till his 50s cos there really isn’t anything frightening appearing in his wing mirror as of yet anyway.

The Nal · 06-12-2018 7:41pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

I think what a lot of snooker shows us now is how great that 1992 generation was and is - ronnie, higgins, williams and the rest of them. And of course Hendry who set the bar for them.

It’s fairly clear the generation after them isn’t measuring up very well and it’s hard to have all that much faith in the one coming either. There may be several reasons for that. Snooker isn’t as popular now as it was when the older guys were growing up, I’m not sure the young guys learn the game in the same way or practice as diligently. Seem to be less capable of playing under extreme duress too. Just general thoughts really, but no wonder ronnie thinks he can play on till his 50s cos there really isn’t anything frightening appearing in his wing mirror as of yet anyway.

I think the days of 16 and 17 year old breaking onto the scene and challenging are over maybe. Kids have go to school now. Jimmy White for example was illiterate when he turned pro.

Although there are one or two possibly coming through. Sean Maddocks being one. We keep hearing about Chinese players but I haven't seen any really outstanding players come out of China recently but its only a matter of time with the setup and population they have there.

As an aside, can Ronnie play Kyren Wilson in the final?

Inviere · 06-12-2018 7:51pm

The slow death of the local arcade/snooker hall has had a huge effect. Kids these days aren't exposed to Snooker unless they intentionally seek it out...years ago you'd likely be in an arcade and see a few tables, your interest would be peaked etc

Joe_ Public · 06-12-2018 8:08pm

The Nal wrote: »

I think the days of 16 and 17 year old breaking onto the scene and challenging are over maybe. Kids have go to school now. Jimmy White for example was illiterate when he turned pro.

Although there are one or two possibly coming through. Sean Maddocks being one. We keep hearing about Chinese players but I haven't seen any really outstanding players come out of China recently but its only a matter of time with the setup and population they have there.

As an aside, can Ronnie play Kyren Wilson in the final?

I’d say there’s some truth in that alright. Maybe take another generation or even two for the chinese effect to really take hold, some of the younger players look exciting but don’t seem to have fully developed matchplay games. That could come with experience and better coaching etc

Ronnie and Kyren are in different half so could be the final. Kyren has a fairly tough passage left though.

Joe_ Public · 06-12-2018 8:12pm

Inviere wrote: »

The slow death of the local arcade/snooker hall has had a huge effect. Kids these days aren't exposed to Snooker unless they intentionally seek it out...years ago you'd likely be in an arcade and see a few tables, your interest would be peaked etc

Spot on. The number of snooker clubs has probably declined by around 80% since the 90s. I recall at least 3 on or just off O’Connell st alone. Hard to know what to do for the sport to combat that and make the sport available and affordable for kids. Ken does a good job up in terenure but it needs a lot more than that.

xi5yvm0owc1s2b · 06-12-2018 10:47pm

The Nal wrote: »

As an aside, can Ronnie play Kyren Wilson in the final?

Yes. Looks like Wilson will play Bingham in the quarterfinals with the winner to play Allen or Maguire in the semis.

Ronnie has a much easier route to the final.

omb0wyn5ehpij9 · 06-12-2018 11:00pm

Great second season from Wilson tonight

mickdw · 06-12-2018 11:05pm

Trump needs a kick in the ass.
Bet he rewards himself with a few days in the sun after that defeat. At least that is what he used to be at.

Joe_ Public · 06-12-2018 11:12pm

Very solid from wilson, take a good performance to beat him here which didn’t come from hawkins anyway. How many chances did he butcher that match?

xi5yvm0owc1s2b · 07-12-2018 6:53am

Today's quarterfinals...

1 pm
Ronnie O'Sullivan vs Martin O'Donnell
Joe Perry vs Tom Ford

7 pm
Stuart Bingham vs Kyren Wilson
Mark Allen vs Stephen Maguire

Frank O. Pinion · 07-12-2018 11:35am

Delaney Aggressive Bum wrote: »

Ding is now the same age Davis was when he won his sixth and last world title. And we're still waiting for Ding to get his first.

And Ding hasn't won a ranking title in 15 months, World Open - Sep '17, and hasn't made a final since that in 10 months, World Grand Prix - Feb '18. He's #8 on the official two-year ranking list, but...he's down at #31 for this season alone.

The Nal wrote: »

As an aside, can Ronnie play Kyren Wilson in the final?

Yes, and things could mirror 2017.

Champion of Champions 2017: Shaun Murphy defeats Ronnie O'Sullivan.
UK Championship 2017: Ronnie O'Sullivan defeats Shaun Murphy.

Champion of Champions 2018: Ronnie O'Sullivan defeats Kyren Wilson.
UK Championship 2018: Kyren Wilson v (defeats?) Ronnie O'Sullivan.

xi5yvm0owc1s2b · 07-12-2018 12:51pm

Ronnie hasn't exactly been tested in this tournament.

He could get to the final by beating Luke Simmonds (amateur), Ken Doherty (ranked 65), Zhou Yuelong (32), Jack Lisowski (17), Martin O'Donnell (56), and Joe Perry (21)/Tom Ford (36).

In other words, he could reach the final without meeting a top-16 opponent.

Wilson will have faced tougher opposition if he gets to the final. He's already beaten Barry Hawkins (6). He now faces Bingham (14) and would then have to beat Allen (7) or Maguire (15).

I fancy a Ronnie/Wilson or Ronnie/Allen final.

Ronnie will have the bit between his teeth though because (a) it would be a record-setting 7th UK title for him, and (b) if he's serious about this alternative tour, he wants to remain the man to beat.

Joe_ Public · 07-12-2018 1:09pm

Dunno why but ronnie just seems to have a gift for getting nice draws. He reached the sf of English Open having played highest ranked player 49 before losing to 30-something ranked Mark Davis. In Belfast didn’t face a top player until selby in sf. Way it goes I suppose.

There’s still a big intimation factor for other players facing him, particularly young guys like Wilson and Lisowski who would have grown up in awe of him. Wilson had a chance in the champion of champions so would be interesting to see how he fares if he gets another chance here. Have a feeling bingham might be a fly in the ointment though, looks to be playing and cueing well at the moment.

xi5yvm0owc1s2b · 07-12-2018 1:20pm

He got lucky to a point. Higgins, McGill, Trump, Ding, and Murphy were all in his half of the draw, and all took themselves out of contention by losing to lower-ranked opposition.

Joe_ Public · 07-12-2018 1:31pm

Delaney Aggressive Bum wrote: »

He got lucky to a point. Higgins, McGill, Trump, Ding, and Murphy were all in his half of the draw, and all took themselves out of contention by losing to lower-ranked opposition.

That’s true, he can’t control what takes place on other tables. I wouldn’t have fancied any of those to beat him, bar possibly trump who generally seems to be able to raise his game against ronnie but is as likely to lose to a relative journeyman. Higgins doesn’t appear to be himself this past while and talking of retirement, McGill I’ve never really rated all that highly.

xi5yvm0owc1s2b · 07-12-2018 2:51pm

1-1 between Ronnie and Martin O'Donnell. Ronnie unhappy about people coming in and out of the arena during play.

Joe_ Public · 07-12-2018 3:14pm

Think Ronnie’s right to be pissed off sbout it, been like that all week. Not really good enough for a major tournament.

xi5yvm0owc1s2b · 07-12-2018 3:52pm

Ronnie does not look settled out there today at all. He's going to win this match because O'Donnell simply doesn't have the class to beat him.

BBC has Barry Hearn on now to give his response to O'Sullivan's comments.

Sandor Clegane · 07-12-2018 4:03pm

Who are the slow players Hearn is on about?

tanko · 07-12-2018 4:05pm

Anyone know who are the six or seven slow players they're talking about?

Joe_ Public · 07-12-2018 4:08pm

Have a look on world snooker website where they publish the list of times. Lee Walker is the worst, averaged nearly 40 secs a shot in Belfast last month. Taking the proverbial. Rod Lawler is the second worst.

tanko · 07-12-2018 9:44pm

Im not sure which is worse, Shaun Murphys commentary or Stephen Maguires play.

AllForIt · 08-12-2018 9:50pm

tanko wrote: »

Im not sure which is worse, Shaun Murphys commentary or Stephen Maguires play.

I think Murphy aspires to be Taylors replacement when the time comes.

But seriously I think Murphy takes too much of an interest in other players when he should be focused on his own game. It's as if he sees his time at the top coming to an end and is getting into the commentary side of things as early as he can.

xi5yvm0owc1s2b · 08-12-2018 10:55pm

Thoroughly enjoying this Allen/Bingham semifinal. Looked like it might be Bingham's night at 4-2, but Allen has now leveled at 4-4.

tanko · 08-12-2018 11:29pm

5 all, i fancy Bingham to do it now.

Joe_ Public · 08-12-2018 11:56pm

The man they call ballrun certainly got none of it in the decider! Allen was seconds away from going 2-5 down earlier, a huge turning point. Could be a good final, but think he needs to get his long potting going to be able to put O’Sullivan under enough pressure.

The Nal · 09-12-2018 4:54pm

Could be over early this one

taytobreath · 09-12-2018 10:04pm

this is a good final. mark allen isnt giving up

Say Your Number · 09-12-2018 10:10pm

What a steal by O'Sullivan.

Incredible.

UK Championship 2018. BBC/Eurosport 27th Nov - 9th Dec

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