World Championship Qualifiers 2021

Joe_ Public · 07-04-2021 11:15am

grape86 wrote: »

Where are you watching this match? Doesn’t seem to be on Eurosport

Live stream on betting site where they have all the matches.

Joe_ Public · 07-04-2021 11:32am

Aaron 3-2. Fergal 3-1, quinn missed absolute sitter of a black to win 3rd frame. Already heard 3 shouts of "quiet please" from the ref during this hill match, which is quite something in an event with no spectators.

Gaoth Laidir · 07-04-2021 12:11pm

Anyone using the Eurosport app? It's been having problems showing live matches of late. Works sometimes, mostly not.

AllForIt · 07-04-2021 12:19pm

MeepMeep2021 wrote: »

White v Hendry was really disappointing. I knew what to expect from White having watched several matches of his in recent years, but Hendry was way worse than I expected. Just sad to see (and I used to hate Hendry back in the day). Hope he was just warming up and will get better.. practice is no substitute for match play.

Yeah it was basically what you got at the last World Seniors so one shouldn't be surprised it was of more or less the same poor standard.

grape86 wrote: »

Where are you watching this match? Doesn’t seem to be on Eurosport

The qualifiers are online only, €6.99 for a month sub to eurosportplayer which is great if you don't already have Eurosport via TV, and will cover the whole of the WC's.

El_Duderino 09 · 07-04-2021 12:28pm

I'm following the Hill Hugill match on world snooker with the updates every 30 seconds. It seems like a dour affair. It could be a tactical and safety masterclass, but i suspect it's just very poor. Hill on a break now though...

AllForIt · 07-04-2021 12:30pm

Gaoth Laidir wrote: »

Anyone using the Eurosport app? It's been having problems showing live matches of late. Works sometimes, mostly not.

I'm not using the app, I have a pc connected to the TV and watching via a browser. Anyway it is cutting out on me from time to time this morning and I have to refresh the page to get it back. On the app you might have to go back and select it again.

One can never know if it's your ISP that is running slow or the Eurosport stream is. Generally I find it works fine more than not thankfully.

Joe_ Public · 07-04-2021 12:53pm

Good clearance from Aaron, though cue ball control almost let him down again. Turned into a grind past couple of frames, got very tense.

Joe_ Public · 07-04-2021 1:15pm

That's a solid contribution from hugill. Gonna come down to which of them holds their nerve from here, not really anticipating any fireworks.

Joe_ Public · 07-04-2021 1:42pm

Trouble now, had a decent chance there but a basically unforgivable miss on the brown. Up against it from here.

Joe_ Public · 07-04-2021 1:52pm

Fergal getting the job done anyway, so one competitor from around these parts into next round anyway.

And ton up! Does it in style.

Joe_ Public · 07-04-2021 2:38pm

Well, that's end of the line for Aaron anyway. And end of a season that proved very demanding after a sparkling opening. Needless to say, a lot to reflect on and a lot to learn about table craft and how to win these kinds of matches.

Genghis · 07-04-2021 2:40pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

Well, that's end of the line for Aaron anyway. And end of a season that proved very demanding after a sparkling opening. Needless to say, a lot to reflect on and a lot to learn about table craft and how to win these kinds of matches.

Shame, but seems like a good kid and hopefully take it as a lesson. Overall its a good first season proper, can definitely build on it.

FR01 · 07-04-2021 2:47pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

Well, that's end of the line for Aaron anyway. And end of a season that proved very demanding after a sparkling opening. Needless to say, a lot to reflect on and a lot to learn about table craft and how to win these kinds of matches.

The pro game is a completely different game to what young Aaron is used to, never really saw much of him as a junior but from what I see now there’s a lot of work ahead for him. He certainly has a talent but his cue ball control at times is very poor, shot selection etc can be poor and that’s down to the standard of player he’s grown up playing against, but to look at the positives going forward you can see he seems very relaxed around the table and seems popular amongst his fellow pros. Personally I think he should relocate to the UK and set himself up in one of the academies. Regular practice against tough opponents playing on tournament conditions can only help him for the season ahead. A season which could well define his snooker career.

Joe_ Public · 07-04-2021 3:01pm

I watch a fair bit of junior snooker. Its very much anoutabout potting and you get 2 or 3 chances to win every frame. If you listen to Ken talking about his career, you'll recall how he talks about all the pro ams he played when he went to london, a lot of them organised by ebdon, and how invaluable they were in learning about table craft and hardened match play. It's not just Aaron, i think all young players struggle to get that basic grounding players of that era got. It's basically just get thrown into lions den now and see who gets eaten or survives. Tough school but a proper hopefully regular season next so plenty to look forward to.

FR01 · 07-04-2021 3:16pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

I watch a fair bit of junior snooker. Its very much anoutabout potting and you get 2 or 3 chances to win every frame. If you listen to Ken talking about his career, you'll recall how he talks about all the pro ams he played when he went to london, a lot of them organised by ebdon, and how invaluable they were in learning about table craft and hardened match play. It's not just Aaron, i think all young players struggle to get that basic grounding players of that era got. It's basically just get thrown into lions den now and see who gets eaten or survives. Tough school but a proper hopefully regular season next so plenty to look forward to.

I spent several of those years in London, not too sure about Ebdon organising pro ams ? Granted Peter did play alongside Ken on the successful Kings Cross team in 1989/90 but it was more the work of Malcolm Thorne brother of Willie that was instrumental in running the pro ams. There’s not a player out there from that era who hasn’t played in one of their events.

Not only that, it was playing in the likes of Ilford and barking snooker clubs against tough players both young and old that hardened your game. Ken had the craft he really only finely tuned it when he based himself in Ilford. As you correctly mention the grounding just isn’t there any more, pro ams and flyers were weekly back then and that’s where you learned your craft. I recall ex Irish pro Stephen Murphy saying that the kids of today have no idea of what pressure is, he exclaimed “pressure ? Try being two nil down in a best of five playing for your rent money when you haven’t even got it , that’s pressure !!”

Joe_ Public · 07-04-2021 3:37pm

FR01 wrote: »

I spent several of those years in London, not too sure about Ebdon organising pro ams ? Granted Peter did play alongside Ken on the successful Kings Cross team in 1989/90 but it was more the work of Malcolm Thorne brother of Willie that was instrumental in running the pro ams. There’s not a player out there from that era who hasn’t played in one of their events.

Not only that, it was playing in the likes of Ilford and barking snooker clubs against tough players both young and old that hardened your game. Ken had the craft he really only finely tuned it when he based himself in Ilford. As you correctly mention the grounding just isn’t there any more, pro ams and flyers were weekly back then and that’s where you learned your craft. I recall ex Irish pro Stephen Murphy saying that the kids of today have no idea of what pressure is, he exclaimed “pressure ? Try being two nil down in a best of five playing for your rent money when you haven’t even got it , that’s pressure !!”

Yeah, malcolm thorne deserves huge credit, legend of the game. Organized may be wrong word, but i've heard a few old pros talk about the pro ams they had nearly every week in kings cross and i think ebdon definitely had something to do with them. The days when he was actually quick and a regular practice partner for Tony Drago!

I suppose they still do the pro ams but not so ingrained now. Jordan Brown actually played one in Antrim before he won the Welsh and wasn't Bingham playing one in celbridge a couple of years back?

But definitely i'd agree there's a generational thing here. I heard Tom Ford talking recently how he wasn't able to practice for more than 10 minutes until he got bored and would start messing with his phone. Just couldn't concentrate. Probably plenty like that back in the day too but I'd say maybe more now.

I'm also reminded of jimmys story about the time he and Alex took a young Stephen Hendry for several grand while out in Hong Kong and Hendry had to go off slinking to Ian Doyle to come up with the cash. Now that's a true lesson learned I'd say!!

Gaoth Laidir · 07-04-2021 4:27pm

Joe_ Public wrote: »

Fergal getting the job done anyway, so one competitor from around these parts into next round anyway.

And ton up! Does it in style.

I wouldn't exactly call the match overall doing it in style. He was awful at times, except for the last frame, but Quinn was playing like a +40 handicapper. Playing anyone else and O'Brien would be out.

fran38 · 07-04-2021 4:51pm

These qualifiers show us a few things. Firstly the dearth of quality outside the top 32. Obvious I suppose, not everyone can be great at their sport. Secondly the nervousness shown by some of the well known names ie: Ken and Fergal today. It just shows how desperate they are to get into the 1st round proper.
Looking forward to Hendry tonight, hope its being streamed.

Edit: According to snooker.org Hendrys match is streamed

Joe_ Public · 07-04-2021 5:09pm

Gaoth Laidir wrote: »

I wouldn't exactly call the match overall doing it in style. He was awful at times, except for the last frame, but Quinn was playing like a +40 handicapper. Playing anyone else and O'Brien would be out.

I meant finished it in style. What i saw of it wasn't very pretty but i won't be underestimating fergal anyway as i know he's capable of lifting his game in these situations. Was only wenbo nearly making a maximum in the decider that stopped him reaching the crucible last year. Let's face it, fergal not getting any younger and he'd have to beat Carrington, Mark Davis and probably Joe Perry to get there which is a very tall order. But i have a (virtual) docket with 20/1 written on it and i hope i can get a bit of a run from it at least!

bradolf pittler · 07-04-2021 5:32pm

Gaoth Laidir wrote: »

I wouldn't exactly call the match overall doing it in style. He was awful at times, except for the last frame, but Quinn was playing like a +40 handicapper. Playing anyone else and O'Brien would be out.

Quinn was actually part of the RIBSA junior scene up until a few years back.Wasnt getting a look in due to the dominance of Bullman and emergence of Hill so switched allegiance to the N.I association and is reaping the benefits.Clearly not up to the standard but he gave O'Brien a go.
On the other hand Robbie McGuigan is 5-2 up on Michell Mann and should progress.A real baby faced assassin:)

Joe_ Public · 07-04-2021 5:43pm

This is good stuff from young McGuigan, nice to watch too, gets on with it. Couple of chances missed that frame though, still has to get past the jamstick.

bradolf pittler · 07-04-2021 6:02pm

I hope i havnt given McGuigan the kiss of death here.......5-4 ahead now

Joe_ Public · 07-04-2021 6:29pm

Tough getting over the line here. Looking a bit rushed at times, maybe not best decision with free ball? Hopefully gets another chance and settles into it.

Joe_ Public · 07-04-2021 6:34pm

And mertens was 5-1 against Lei Peifan and is now behind in the decider. Experience counts for a lot in these situations.

Joe_ Public · 07-04-2021 6:42pm

Poor mertens, horrendous error on the yellow cost him. Tough one for the kid to take.

Gaoth Laidir · 07-04-2021 7:12pm

McGuigan a bit green around the ears there, especially whacking that red in around the black in the last frame, but the experience will do him good.

bradolf pittler · 07-04-2021 8:00pm

I think frustration got the better of him in the final frame.2 swipes at reds cost him.
Had his chances but just get over the line.
Hendry 1-0 up

AllForIt · 07-04-2021 8:26pm

Great double on the green there by Xu to go on to take the second frame.

dougm1970 · 07-04-2021 8:56pm

where are you watching the hendry match ?

fran38 · 07-04-2021 9:05pm

dougm1970 wrote: »

where are you watching the hendry match ?

https://m.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=1903424549833242&ref=search

fran38 · 07-04-2021 9:09pm

Could be the end of the line for Hendry. He's not playing some washed up ol' has been now.

Gaoth Laidir · 07-04-2021 9:17pm

Xu is doing all that is asked of him. The interval came at the right time for Hendry.

EDIT: Maybe not. 4-1 down now.

dougm1970 · 07-04-2021 9:56pm

its sad to watch this...he was such a great....he looks totally disheartened....missing some very easy shots.......thought he was going to throw the towel in when he snookered himself on the black that he had to double via length of table....he laughed like he was saying how much worse can things get.

Arthur Daley · 07-04-2021 10:00pm

He had rotten luck in that last frame mind

waynescales1 · 07-04-2021 10:09pm

These balls are nicely spread, Hendry should actually make the clearance here.

Edit: Nope, finished too straight on the black.

dougm1970 · 07-04-2021 10:09pm

xu is around same ranking as jimmy white...hes a good bit better on current showing

Glenman · 08-04-2021 3:08pm

Glenman wrote: »

First round ties involving Irish players;
Ken Doherty v Lee Walker
Fergal O'Brien Fergal Quinn
Aaron Hill v Ashley Hugill
Leo Fernandez v Fraser Patrick
Robbie McGuigan v Mitchell Mann

Gerard Greene comes into the qualifiers at the second round stage
Jordan Brown comes into the qualifiers at the third round stage

The Qualifiers couldn't really have gone much worse for the Irish. OK, Fergal O'Brien got through but an Irishman had to go through in that match!

waynescales1 · 08-04-2021 3:35pm

Glenman wrote: »

The Qualifiers couldn't really have gone much worse for the Irish. OK, Fergal O'Brien got through but an Irishman had to go through in that match!

It's brutal, almost as bad as the soccer.

Rothko · 08-04-2021 3:56pm

waynescales1 wrote: »

It's brutal, almost as bad as the soccer.

I wouldn't go that far.

Joe_ Public · 08-04-2021 7:33pm

Best of luck to Fergal just breaking off against Stuart Carrington. Very possibly in for a late evening if he's cueing well!

Joe_ Public · 08-04-2021 8:08pm

Hmm, Carrington has seemingly morphed into John Higgins for the evening, potting everything, 100% so far. Fergal gonna need some help to have a chance in this one!

Joe_ Public · 08-04-2021 8:32pm

Carrington finally misses one and Fergal nips in for a very nice 50 clearance. 0-3 was looking a cert there, game still maybe.

spectre · 08-04-2021 8:33pm

Fergal O'Brien cued very well to pull that one back

B2021M · 08-04-2021 8:49pm

Fergal's match is first to reach the interval....! Wouldnt have thought that was likely

Joe_ Public · 08-04-2021 8:49pm

Not done too much wrong, cut back black there was tricky, but in 4 frames, Carrington has missed 2 difficult long pots and a cut to the middle he should have got but was a little bit tricky. Otherwise, he's missed nothing. Just hard to deal with that sometimes. Anyway, see what happens after the interval.

Joe_ Public · 08-04-2021 9:31pm

Well feck that anyway. After an absolute belter of a red and all the hard work done, to go miss the blue like that. Such a pity.

Joe_ Public · 08-04-2021 9:51pm

Excellent frame from Fergal there. Be 3-3 now only for that missed blue in the last. Really enjoyable match.

Joe_ Public · 08-04-2021 10:24pm

First real ragged frame and Fergal lets it slip. Ambitious going for that yellow i thought. Pity cos Carringtons level has been noticeably dropping since the interval but at 5-2 you'd have to think he'll get it done. Still never discount Fergal though!

Arthur Daley · 08-04-2021 10:41pm

That's Fergal gone now 6-2

Joe_ Public · 08-04-2021 10:42pm

Well that's us done in the south for another year anyway. 6-2 fairly comprehensive but Fergal will look back on missed blue in F4 which could have turned the match. Didn't play all that badly, few missed key balls here and there.

World Championship Qualifiers 2021

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