2017 and 2018 World Snooker Championship Thread

by CaledonianCraig Tue 18 Apr 2017, 5:04 pm

First topic message reminder :

I am surprised no topic up here yet for the World Championship so here goes a few days too late.

Mark Selby looks like a good bet for a third world title. Where will the main challenge come from? Perhaps Judd Trump, John Higgins, Ding Junhui and Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Selby looked very good in his opening match as did Higgins. O'Sullivan's mental demons have resurfaced again in time for The Crucible and will need to improve to win again.

Thoughts?

by Beer Thu 04 May 2017, 1:22 pm

I don't think Trump will ever win it. Rumour has it he apparently stood up in front of some of the other players before the World's and said it was his turn to win it.

by CaledonianCraig Thu 04 May 2017, 3:47 pm

VTR wrote:I've enjoyed the debate - this section is a graveyard most of the time so nice to see some activity on here!

I'll take that as a thanks. thumbsup

Thanks also for temp and Beer mostly for leaving their opinion during the tournament.

by Beer Thu 04 May 2017, 3:57 pm

Pleasure!

by Josiah Maiestas Fri 05 May 2017, 2:25 pm

Beer wrote:I don't think Trump will ever win it. Rumour has it he apparently stood up in front of some of the other players before the World's and said it was his turn to win it.

I imagine he said it in a jokey way rather than making a bold statement.

by Josiah Maiestas Fri 05 May 2017, 2:29 pm

Beer wrote:The 'Ronnie fanboy' comments aside, it's actually been an interesting debate.

It is quite big coming from a man who is an Andy Murray fanboy. Hopefully a shot clock is in play next year so we don't have to worry about a fraudulent winner.

by Beer Mon 08 May 2017, 10:51 am

Josiah Maiestas wrote:
Beer wrote:The 'Ronnie fanboy' comments aside, it's actually been an interesting debate.
It is quite big coming from a man who is an Andy Murray fanboy. Hopefully a shot clock is in play next year so we don't have to worry about a fraudulent winner.

I'm not a Tennis fan so no idea what you're on about.

by EdWoodjr Thu 12 Apr 2018, 7:02 pm

It seems master-grinder Selby has, once again, impeccably timed his form to peak nicely in time for another Worlds assault. I’m not suggesting Mr O’Sullivan is intimidated by him in any way and won’t fancy his chances against him any less than 100% but if a ‘dream ticket’ final materialises I know whose name I’ll have scribbled on my betting slip.

by Duty281 Thu 12 Apr 2018, 7:32 pm

Jimmy White in a tussle in the first qualifying round - currently 5-4 up.

by Guest Thu 19 Apr 2018, 6:42 pm

2018 World Championship First Round Draw

Mark Selby v Joe Perry

Mark Allen v Liam Highfield

Kyren Wilson v Matthew Stevens

Shaun Murphy v Jamie Jones

John Higgins v Thepchaiya Un-Nooh

Stuart Bingham v Jack Lisowski

Luca Brecel v Ricky Walden

Judd Trump v Chris Wakelin

Ding Junhui v Xiao Guodong

Anthony McGill v Ryan Day

Marco Fu v Lyu Haotian

Barry Hawkins v Stuart Carrington

Mark Williams v Jimmy Robertson

Neil Robertson v Robert Milkins

Ali Carter v Graeme Dott

Ronnie O'Sullivan v Stephen Maguire

by CaledonianCraig Thu 19 Apr 2018, 7:21 pm

Pick of those matches I would say are Murphy V Jones, McGill V Day and Maguire V O'Sullivan.

by Guest Thu 19 Apr 2018, 7:28 pm

I thought O'Sullivan wasn't bothering with this?

Oh yeah, more bullsh!t.

by Duty281 Sat 21 Apr 2018, 10:21 am

I'll predict a Ronnie win, with Murphy being runner-up.

by Guest Sat 21 Apr 2018, 12:21 pm

Ronnie usually very vulnerable early doors. Maguire is no mug, so can see a shock there. Perry already 4-1 up on Selby.

by Guest Sat 21 Apr 2018, 2:16 pm

Selby losing 7-2 to Perry

by Duty281 Sat 21 Apr 2018, 2:53 pm

Ronnie in careless, cavalier mood.

by Duty281 Sat 21 Apr 2018, 3:45 pm

Ronnie 0-4 down in an hour.

Shocking stuff early on, with both tournament favourites getting hammered.

by CaledonianCraig Sat 21 Apr 2018, 5:29 pm

Maguire leads O Sullivan 6-3 after their first session. I am awaiting the Maguire implosion.

by CaledonianCraig Sat 21 Apr 2018, 9:08 pm

Defending champion Mark Selby loses 10-4 to Gentleman Joe Perry. On the other table Graeme Dott leads Ali Carter 4-2.

by CaledonianCraig Sat 21 Apr 2018, 9:47 pm

Dott extends his lead to 6-2 over The Captain.

by CaledonianCraig Sat 21 Apr 2018, 10:05 pm

Dott takes a 6-3 lead into the second session against Ali Carter tomorrow.

by CaledonianCraig Sun 22 Apr 2018, 10:52 am

CaledonianCraig wrote:Maguire leads O Sullivan 6-3 after their first session. I am awaiting the Maguire implosion.

I think its here - the Maguire implosion. O' Sullivan looks set to tie it up at 6-6.

by CaledonianCraig Sun 22 Apr 2018, 11:04 am

And 6-6 it is. Maguire takes the following frame to stop the rot and edge 7-6 ahead at their mid-session break.

by No name Bertie Sun 22 Apr 2018, 11:18 am

It is interesting how China has taken to the game of Snooker. I think it is also popular in Malaysia. Maybe it has something to do with the genteel nature of the game, the suits, the sedate nature of the pace, the blend of physical and cerebral, reliance on discipline, good posture, high precision ...

by CaledonianCraig Sun 22 Apr 2018, 11:29 am

On the other table Mark Allen leads qualifier Liam Highfield 3-1.

by CaledonianCraig Sun 22 Apr 2018, 11:54 am

Maguire and O Sullivan level at 7-7.

by **88Chris05** Sun 22 Apr 2018, 11:57 am

Maguire is such an infuriating player, always has been. Some of his shot selections this morning have been baffling, as have some of his misses when he's got in. So much ability but, right throughout his career, he's found a way to lose matches which would have opened the door to big tournament victories when he's had his opponent on the ropes. Came in at 6-3 and should be at least 8-6 ahead even now with how the frames have unfolded this morning, yet he's handed the momentum back to a sub-par O'Sullivan.

I'll be amazed if he wins from here.

by CaledonianCraig Sun 22 Apr 2018, 12:09 pm

88Chris05 wrote:Maguire is such an infuriating player, always has been. Some of his shot selections this morning have been baffling, as have some of his misses when he's got in. So much ability but, right throughout his career, he's found a way to lose matches which would have opened the door to big tournament victories when he's had his opponent on the ropes. Came in at 6-3 and should be at least 8-6 ahead even now with how the frames have unfolded this morning, yet he's handed the momentum back to a sub-par O'Sullivan.

I'll be amazed if he wins from here.

Spot on summary.

Maguire can be great and can be equally infuriating blowing great chances. Which is it to be today? In with a good chance to edge back ahead 8-7 in the 15th frame but fails to take it. This frame still in the balance.

by CaledonianCraig Sun 22 Apr 2018, 12:15 pm

And that examplifies what we say about Maguire. Missed a great chance, got in again and played a daft shot choice and loses the frame. O Sullivan leads for the first time 8-7.

by **88Chris05** Sun 22 Apr 2018, 12:23 pm

And now he's missed a dolly of a blue off the spot. It's looking official - he's done. Just can't keep himself together in these situations.

by CaledonianCraig Sun 22 Apr 2018, 12:24 pm

88Chris05 wrote:And now he's missed a dolly of a blue off the spot. It's looking official - he's done. Just can't keep himself together in these situations.

Like I forecast yesterday - the Maguire implosion. O Sullivan on the verge of going 9-7 up.

by CaledonianCraig Sun 22 Apr 2018, 12:43 pm

And the implosion is complete. Maguire loses 10-7 to O Sullivan.

by No name Bertie Sun 22 Apr 2018, 12:43 pm

In the past players were allowed to consume large quantities of beer and tobacco to control their nerves, then later came the use of beta-blockers - but I think they have all now been banned.

by Guest Sun 22 Apr 2018, 1:30 pm

No name Bertie wrote:In the past players were allowed to consume large quantities of beer and tobacco to control their nerves, then later came the use of beta-blockers - but I think they have all now been banned.

Apparently Darts players load up on alcohol pre match and during intervals. Not sure it would work with 100 hour snooker sessions.

by CaledonianCraig Sun 22 Apr 2018, 3:13 pm

The Captain is on the comeback trail he now trails Graeme Dott 6-5.

by CaledonianCraig Sun 22 Apr 2018, 4:19 pm

Dott edges back into a 7-6 lead at their mid-session interval. On the other table Shaun Murphy leads Jamie Jones 3-1.

by CaledonianCraig Sun 22 Apr 2018, 6:15 pm

The Captain gets revenge for last year's First Round defeat against Dott. He seals a 10-8 win.

by Guest Mon 23 Apr 2018, 10:02 pm

Shaun Murphy beaten by Jamie Jones

by **88Chris05** Tue 24 Apr 2018, 12:34 pm

A very solid opening performance from Ding, who runs out a 10-3 winner. Could it finally be his year? I'm certainly hoping so.

by CaledonianCraig Tue 24 Apr 2018, 5:04 pm

88Chris05 wrote:A very solid opening performance from Ding, who runs out a 10-3 winner. Could it finally be his year? I'm certainly hoping so.

I think he has a very good chance. Mentally tougher than he once was and just looks ready to lift the title as his talent has never been in question.

Mark Williams looking in great nick leading Jimmy Robertson 5-1. Belgian seed Luca Brecel is battling stay in the tournament as Ricky Walden leads him 8-6.

by CaledonianCraig Tue 24 Apr 2018, 5:31 pm

Walden now a frame away from the Second Round. He leads Brecel 9-6. On the other table Mark Williams now 6-1 up on Jimmy Robertson helped by an outrageous fluke when snookered to take the seventh frame.

by CaledonianCraig Thu 26 Apr 2018, 5:51 pm

Good (personally) to see a couple of Scots get through to the Second Round which has started today.

by CaledonianCraig Thu 26 Apr 2018, 8:51 pm

Chris Wakelin battling away against the fancied Judd Trump. Crucible debutant Wakelin has hauled it back to 8-6 now.

by CaledonianCraig Thu 26 Apr 2018, 9:15 pm

And Wakelin takes another frame and trails Trump 8-7.

by CaledonianCraig Thu 26 Apr 2018, 9:32 pm

Wakelin really warming to the challenge now and as he gets stronger Trump gets more ragged. Wakelin reels off his fourth frame on the bounce to level the match up at 8-8.

by CaledonianCraig Thu 26 Apr 2018, 9:49 pm

A much-needed break of 51 for Judd Trump of sees him take control of the 17th frame and he looks set to edge back ahead at 9-8.

by CaledonianCraig Thu 26 Apr 2018, 10:36 pm

What drama! Trump misses the black ball which would have won him the match and Wakelin pots it to level it up at 9-9. We have a final frame decider. Incredible.

by CaledonianCraig Thu 26 Apr 2018, 11:04 pm

A nerve-wracked final frame at The Crucible and Judd Trump stumbles across the line somewhat to win 10-9. Great match and tough on Chris Wakelin who fought so hard.

by **88Chris05** Fri 27 Apr 2018, 11:16 am

Interesting that Neil Robertson has had yet another poor Crucible campaign. Looks set to go down (for now, as surely at least one of Trump or Ding will life the title eventually) as the best one-time world champion ever, albeit once you've got any world title under your belt you can't be too disappointed with whatever career you've got left.

I can't really put my finger on why he's been so underwhelming since winning it in 2010, particularly considering that he's won two UKs and a Masters since then; it's not as if he doesn't have the game and pedigree to win at the highest level, and from 2013-15 in particular he looked like he was really going to elevate himself in to the pantheon of all-time greats. Selby has pulled well clear now, but back then there was a feeling that it was Robertson who was just about the man to beat on tour (given O'Sullivan's sparse schedule) and who would be adding to his world title collection before too long.

But he's lost in the first round four times in the eight years since he won it, and made only one semi-final in that time frame. Also plummeted down the rankings to the point where he was even out of the top sixteen a little while ago. All the fanfare of his 100+ centuries season in 2013-14 and his brilliant play right throughout the 2015 UK Championship seems like a lifetime ago now.

by CaledonianCraig Fri 27 Apr 2018, 11:24 am

It looks to me like he is low on confidence and self-belief. Hendry was spot on as it looked like he was playing not to lose whereas at his best he was an all out attacking player.

Meanwhile, the Second Round matches are well under way with Mark Allen level at 6-6 against Joe Perry. Ronnie O Sullivan and Ali Carter are level at 2-2.

by Beer Fri 27 Apr 2018, 11:28 am

88Chris05 wrote:Interesting that Neil Robertson has had yet another poor Crucible campaign. Looks set to go down (for now, as surely at least one of Trump or Ding will life the title eventually) as the best one-time world champion ever, albeit once you've got any world title under your belt you can't be too disappointed with whatever career you've got left.

I can't really put my finger on why he's been so underwhelming since winning it in 2010, particularly considering that he's won two UKs and a Masters since then; it's not as if he doesn't have the game and pedigree to win at the highest level, and from 2013-15 in particular he looked like he was really going to elevate himself in to the pantheon of all-time greats. Selby has pulled well clear now, but back then there was a feeling that it was Robertson who was just about the man to beat on tour (given O'Sullivan's sparse schedule) and who would be adding to his world title collection before too long.

But he's lost in the first round four times in the eight years since he won it, and made only one semi-final in that time frame. Also plummeted down the rankings to the point where he was even out of the top sixteen a little while ago. All the fanfare of his 100+ centuries season in 2013-14 and his brilliant play right throughout the 2015 UK Championship seems like a lifetime ago now.

Robertson has well document addiction issues with Computer Games of all things. Think he spoke about it in 2015/16? Don't think he's ever recovered from it.

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