2020 World Snooker Championship

Joe_ Public · 31-07-2020 9:38pm

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

Ford is a really odd sort of a player. I don't know what to make of him. One minute looks like a world beater. Next minute he just loses the head.

He's 15 years a pro i think and only third time reaching the finals. Thats a poor return. Not a question of ability i dont think, more lacks belief in himself. That's impression i get with him anyway. Good enough to have been a solid top 16 guy for a few years.

waynescales1 · 31-07-2020 9:40pm

Hendry’s tally of 775 career centuries in an era when there were only 6-7 tournaments a year is absolutely monstrous.

Chalk McHugh · 31-07-2020 9:47pm

I'm not a big fan of the 100 centuries in a season stat these days. So many tpurnaments that a top player, with the modern perfect table and ball conditions, should be getting close to that anyway. At least Trump didn't jump around like Robbo did few years back which was a little cringy and over the top.

Joe_ Public · 31-07-2020 9:57pm

Thought Ford could have taken the pot on there instead of safety which was fraught with danger. Think thats it surely now anyway.

Joe_ Public · 31-07-2020 10:00pm

waynescales1 wrote: »

Hendry’s tally of 775 career centuries in an era when there were only 6-7 tournaments a year is absolutely monstrous.

And i would add tighter and slower tables too.

Chalk McHugh · 31-07-2020 10:00pm

I think Betty Ford would have as good a chance now of winning this.

Chalk McHugh · 31-07-2020 10:18pm

Just as the pressure is off and Fordy probably feels it's over he comes up with a nice frame winning break.

waynescales1 · 31-07-2020 10:19pm

Hold on, 9-8.

Like earlier in the match, Ford playing his best snooker when the pressure is off. Being behind with nothing to lose might suit him.

Chalk McHugh · 31-07-2020 10:27pm

Great opening red from the reigning champion. Wont' be giving the silverware up without a mmassive fight. Hold it together now and it's on to round two.

Arthur Daley · 31-07-2020 10:32pm

Great red in the open from JT. deserved to win the frame

Chalk McHugh · 31-07-2020 10:42pm

Fair play to Ford as he contributed to a good match but a few of us on here felt it at the time that he blew it when he had a great chance to lead 6-2.

But it's great for the tournament to have the reigning champion progress because Judd is box office and puts bums on seats (at home on.our sofa's).

Overall a very enjoyable opening days snooker.

Joe_ Public · 31-07-2020 10:44pm

Potting some good ones in the finish there, so clean dont even touch the sides. Seems the trump pattern now, get the bad snooker out of the way R1 and then start going up through the gears.

zuutroy · 31-07-2020 11:09pm

waynescales1 wrote: »

Hendry’s tally of 775 career centuries in an era when there were only 6-7 tournaments a year is absolutely monstrous.

Hendry has played more qualifying tournaments than Ronnie and has 1 century per 15.2 frames to Ronnie's 1 in 10.9. Judd is better still at 10.6

Inviere · 01-08-2020 7:29am

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

At least Trump didn't jump around like Robbo did few years back which was a little cringy and over the top.

When Neil did it, he was the first player in the history of the game to do it...quite a feat really, despite the increase in tournaments etc. Watching it at the time, there was a lot of talk about it, and undoubtedly as he got nearer to it, the pressure ramped up. Once done, I'd say it was the relief of just getting there, and he could kinda forget about it then. No such fanfare for Judd doing it, as it had already been done.

zuutroy wrote: »

Hendry has played more qualifying tournaments than Ronnie and has 1 century per 15.2 frames to Ronnie's 1 in 10.9. Judd is better still at 10.6

That's really the best way to measure it, given how many extra tournaments there are nowadays.

Joe_ Public · 01-08-2020 9:00am

Actually Dave Hendon indirectly brushed on this last night after Trump got the century and correctly referenced the modern conditions. It was a lot more difficult to compile centuries when hendry started out than it is now. I often wonder what he'd be like if he had these tables to play on, the speed of the cloth and ping off the cushions. He wasnt blessed with huge cue power so i believe would have been of particular benefit to him.

Chalk McHugh · 01-08-2020 9:24am

Inviere wrote: »

When Neil did it, he was the first player in the history of the game to do it...quite a feat really, despite the increase in tournaments etc. Watching it at the time, there was a lot of talk about it, and undoubtedly as he got nearer to it, the pressure ramped up. Once done, I'd say it was the relief of just getting there, and he could kinda forget about it then. No such fanfare for Judd doing it, as it had already been done.

That's really the best way to measure it, given how many extra tournaments there are nowadays.

I remember Robbo was actually playing Judd at the time and Judd thought the over the top celebrations were uncalled for and said as much at the time.

To be fair to him he was consistent when asked about getting 100 centuries in a season last night.' Nothing he ever aspired to as a snooker player' and he didn't make any deal of it. Nice to do it. No more. No less.

Same with Ronnie getting the 1,000th century last year. First player to ever do it. No wild celebrations or fist pumps.

Robbo celebrated like he just got a 147 which was a bit cringy.

Personally, even though they are more frequent, i'd rate one 147 higher than 100 centuries in a season and i agree with Judd that 100 centuries is not something to celebrate.

Inviere · 01-08-2020 9:27am

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

Personally, even though they are more frequent, i'd rate one 147 higher than 100 centuries in a season and i agree with Judd that 100 centuries is not something to celebrate.

I'd agree here, a 147 is a serious milestone. The 100 centuries in a season isn't something anyone would really aspire to achieve, & I doubt Neil ever did either...the celebration came from being the first to ever do it. Beyond that, it's a mere statistic herein.

mistermiyagi · 01-08-2020 10:02am

Cracking win for Judd.
Just like in the first round last year against Un Nooh, he got out of jail big time. Haunted to get through.
Ideal start really, improving as the match went on. Minimum of best of 25 now, can't see Yan B or Slessor troubling him in round 2.
Its a marathon not a sprint, best to save the best snooker for week 2. Robertson started off too well last year week 1, ran out of puff week 2.

Can't see anyone beating Trump now, the curse is cursed.

gormdubhgorm · 01-08-2020 10:03am

zuutroy wrote: »

Hendry has played more qualifying tournaments than Ronnie and has 1 century per 15.2 frames to Ronnie's 1 in 10.9. Judd is better still at 10.6

Inviere wrote: »

When Neil did it, he was the first player in the history of the game to do it...quite a feat really, despite the increase in tournaments etc. Watching it at the time, there was a lot of talk about it, and undoubtedly as he got nearer to it, the pressure ramped up. Once done, I'd say it was the relief of just getting there, and he could kinda forget about it then. No such fanfare for Judd doing it, as it had already been done.

That's really the best way to measure it, given how many extra tournaments there are nowadays.

I agree 100% don't know why they do not use centuries per frame in snooker. They use goals per game in soccer. But that does not take into account the opposition. Beauty about snooker is for a century it does not matter who the opponent is. A player is playing the table.

Edit: I tweeted BBC Eurosport about it and the top 100's makers on twitter to see what they say.

Joe_ Public · 01-08-2020 10:23am

Good start by Maflin. Type of guy who could get on a roll and just blitz some guy. Flaky as heck though.

zuutroy · 01-08-2020 10:26am

Grim to see no one there. Even 25 or 50 a side is enough for it to seem at least slightly normal.

gormdubhgorm · 01-08-2020 10:43am

zuutroy wrote: »

Grim to see no one there. Even 25 or 50 a side is enough for it to seem at least slightly normal.

Yeah sport is not the same without any crowd even snooker! Amazing the difference it makes.

Mysterypunter · 01-08-2020 11:35am

The sheriff of pottingham should be reinstated, considering there are no spectators in the crucible

Mysterypunter · 01-08-2020 12:10pm

Deleted User wrote: »

No, he shouldn't. If he had the courage of his convictions then he wouldn't have entered qualifying and denied a spot to a struggling pro.

A good point, but there were no spectators at the qualifiers, and shouldn't have been at the main event, its the same competition. Who do u like to win it out?

Joe_ Public · 01-08-2020 12:34pm

Credit to Carty here. Making a game of this anyway.

bradolf pittler · 01-08-2020 12:43pm

Squeeky bum time for Bingham.
He's wilting badly and Carty is getting back into it.
Imagine the ohhhs and ahhhs from the crowd with Binghams missed green and the black that rolled out.
Great drama.

Joe_ Public · 01-08-2020 1:00pm

Bingham finishing in style. Fergal will be happy enough looking on, tour card almost guaranteed now.

gormdubhgorm · 01-08-2020 1:02pm

Anyone who did not see Carty Bingham I recommend watching it. Was great stuff.

gormdubhgorm · 01-08-2020 1:08pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

Bingham finishing in style. Fergal will be happy enough looking on, tour card almost guaranteed now.

Oh jayus. I forgot about that and there I was shouting for Carty - shame on me!

Joe_ Public · 01-08-2020 1:14pm

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

Oh jayus. I forgot about that and there I was shouting for Carty - shame on me!

I didnt wish him any ill at all, but he's had a great run, got his 2 year card so he'll be grand.

I'm even wondering whether he could knock Fergal off as he's already got his tour place guaranteed, but it does seem to be the case. Jamie Clarke could also pass Fergal but would need to reach last 8 to do it. Unlikely, you'd think.

Joe_ Public · 01-08-2020 1:34pm

Actually to clear up my confusion, i think Fergal was guaranteed his card anyway. Hard to see how he could be knocked off here and then not be in a position to attend q school which is ongoing at present.

https://wpbsa.com/wst-statement-tour-qualification-2020-21/

Joe_ Public · 01-08-2020 1:42pm

This paragraph in above press release is interesting:

"We can also confirm that any player who is able to retain their tour position through the one-year list and has qualified for the final stages of the World Championship, will earn their new card based upon their ranking position, not their Crucible qualification."

So in effect, Ashley Carty earned a 2 year card by qualifying for the crucible. But, if he'd won today and then subsequently qualified via the one-year rankings, he'd merely earn his card for next season. On balance, if i was Carty, I'd be happy enough with how things worked out. Same goes for Jamie Clarke. Winning is great but would you prefer the security of the 2 year card? I know i would anyway.

Chalk McHugh · 01-08-2020 1:46pm

Can't find any odds for a maximum in Paddys or Boyles. Used to be always a bet on that market.

Joe_ Public · 01-08-2020 1:50pm

You could open an a/c on the exchange and bet it there if you fancy taking not much over even money.

Chalk McHugh · 01-08-2020 1:57pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

You could open an a/c on the exchange and bet it there if you fancy taking not much over even money.

I've never set up a betting account. Far too easy to bet and i'd be wary of abusing it. I guess i'm old school and like to head into a bookies, have a chat with some of the punters. Surprised their not offering it on their wwebsites though. I was hoping you would get 2/1 anyway seen as it hasn't been done at Sheffield in a long time but they dont give much away so probably a little over evens which is very poor odds.

Chalk McHugh · 01-08-2020 2:00pm

Statistically for 147s at the Crucible really you should be getting 4/1 or more.

There have been 10 maximums in 42 years. So 1/4. But none in 7 or 8 years.

Im thinking law of averages and the best playing conditions you can get with all the top players and long frame matches.

Happy4all · 01-08-2020 2:03pm

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

Can't find any odds for a maximum in Paddys or Boyles. Used to be always a bet on that market.

Bet365 have it at 6/4.

I'm sure if you went into a local shop they would quote you a price, probably the same 6/4.

It would be too short to tempt me personally.

Joe_ Public · 01-08-2020 2:06pm

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

I've never set up a betting account. Far too easy to bet and i'd be wary of abusing it. I guess i'm old school and like to head into a bookies, have a chat with some of the punters. Surprised their not offering it on their wwebsites though. I was hoping you would get 2/1 anyway seen as it hasn't been done at Sheffield in a long time but they dont give much away so probably a little over evens which is very poor odds.

Wise man. Its about 11/10 on the exchange site and thats usually a bigger price than the conventional odds compilers. I guess in the circumstances people think its more likely this year but it doesnt look any value to my inexpert eyes anyway.

I see a few people holding 20/1 dockets for a ton to be scored in every match. Thats more my kinda bet. Although i have done it a couple of times and one match always scuppers it and i remember getting much bigger odds than that.

Chalk McHugh · 01-08-2020 2:06pm

Happy4all wrote: »

Bet365 have it at 6/4.

I'm sure if you went into a local shop they would quote you a price, probably the same 6/4.

It would be too short to tempt me personally.

Yea it's too short be fair.

Chalk McHugh · 01-08-2020 2:11pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

Wise man. Its about 11/10 on the exchange site and thats usually a bigger price than the conventional odds compilers. I guess in the circumstances people think its more likely this year but it doesnt look any value to my inexpert eyes anyway.

I see a few people holding 20/1 dockets for a ton to be scored in every match. Thats more my kinda bet. Although i have done it a couple of times and one match always scuppers it and i remember getting much bigger odds than that.

Yea that sounds a nice wager. Like the look of that. Will keep an eye out for it.

Joe_ Public · 01-08-2020 2:16pm

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

Yea that sounds a nice wager. Like the look of that. Will keep an eye out for it.

Nice fun bet. Think it was 33/1 when i did it last year and fell 2 short. Just forgot about it this time, i think it might well cop.

Arthur Daley · 01-08-2020 2:53pm

Forgot Matthew Stevens made a Crucible semi final as recently as 2012. For a player who has competed at the business end at the Crucible so many times he has drifted in the 20s and 30s of rankings for a long while now. He musn't have barely picked up ranking points away from Sheffield. Unfulfilled potential for sure.

velo.2010 · 01-08-2020 3:42pm

For anyone wondering who was on commentary this morning with Dennis Taylor, it was Dave Farrar, formerly of Eurosport football coverage back in the day. I thought I recognised his voice, though he is toning it down for the snooker. First non snooker player commenator since Clive Everton.

Arthur Daley · 01-08-2020 3:47pm

I see the BBC are moving the live evening coverage to BBC 4 from BBC 2. Means little nowadays I suppose with a session on red button all the time and online. Will probably boost BBC 4 viewing figures at a time when it needs it. Daytime sessions would remain BBC2 apart from Saturdays.

Arthur Daley · 01-08-2020 3:48pm

Yes no John Virgo on commentary this year. Think he is in Spain and keeping out of it.

Joe_ Public · 01-08-2020 3:49pm

velo.2010 wrote: »

For anyone wondering who was on commentary this morning with Dennis Taylor, it was Dave Farrar, formerly of Eurosport football coverage back in the day. I thought I recognised his voice, though he is toning it down for the snooker. First non snooker player commenator since Clive Everton.

Must say never heard of the guy before. No harm to look outside the bubble every now and again i suppose. Though Clive was always a lifelong snooker man to be fair, journeyman pro, better at billiards.

gormdubhgorm · 01-08-2020 4:20pm

Arthur Daley wrote: »

Yes no John Virgo on commentary this year. Think he is in Spain and keeping out of it.

Don't worry Ken has all his phrases learned off 'there you see it' 'as he would like' 'does (insert full name of player)'.

Only one he does not use is 'wheres the cue ball going?' Too obvious!

But Ken studiously follows the Dennis Taylor / John Virgo patter otherwise.

Might break into the occasional 'in anyway' other than that - it is as if he feels he has to copy them. Maybe I am the only one who notices it but it annoys me. Use your own phrases and get your own style! :mad:

Chalk McHugh · 01-08-2020 4:22pm

Another top duel on here. Ding could be in trouble. King wont give up.

Joe_ Public · 01-08-2020 4:25pm

Ding mixing the sublime with the ridiculous today. Nothing shocking about that, it's his career in microcosm pretty much. Dont know if he's winning this.

gormdubhgorm · 01-08-2020 4:31pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

Ding mixing the sublime with the ridiculous today. Nothing shocking about that, it's his career in microcosm pretty much. Dont know if he's winning this.

Can't see it either would love to see him win it. Or failing that would like a new winner from the old guard McManus/Stevens that would be some story.

2020 World Snooker Championship

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