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Post by matt on Aug 14, 2020 16:25:33 GMT -5
What a match! What. A. Match!
I can’t remember a more dramatic semi final, and that’s following Wilson/McGill! Arguably the best session of snooker I’ve ever watched. Get in there Ronnie you legend and best of luck to Wilson too. Whoever wins, it’s great for snooker.
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Post by The Escapist on Aug 14, 2020 16:32:07 GMT -5
What a match! What. A. Match! I can’t remember a more dramatic semi final, and that’s following Wilson/McGill! Arguably the best session of snooker I’ve ever watched. Get in there Ronnie you legend and best of luck to Wilson too. Whoever wins, it’s great for snooker. Got any diplomatic thoughts on Selby's post-match comments, Matt?  Great to see Ronnie beat Selby like that. Those last three frames, that's why he IS snooker. Love to see him on the wind-up in his interviews, as well. Maybe it's Selby who needs a cue action if he can't deal with a bit of hit-and-hope! |
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Snooker
Aug 14, 2020 16:47:31 GMT -5
Post by freddy838 on Aug 14, 2020 16:47:31 GMT -5
What a match! What. A. Match! I can’t remember a more dramatic semi final, and that’s following Wilson/McGill! Arguably the best session of snooker I’ve ever watched. Get in there Ronnie you legend and best of luck to Wilson too. Whoever wins, it’s great for snooker. Got any diplomatic thoughts on Selby's post-match comments, Matt? Great to see Ronnie beat Selby like that. Those last three frames, that's why he IS snooker. Love to see him on the wind-up in his interviews, as well. Maybe it's Selby who needs a cue action if he can't deal with a bit of hit-and-hope! He was a proper little bitch about it wasnt he? I didn't really give Ronnie a sniff when he first went behind, to hang onto his coattails right until the death and pull it off was great. Loved the end of the first semi too. |
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Post by matt on Aug 14, 2020 16:50:33 GMT -5
What a match! What. A. Match! I can’t remember a more dramatic semi final, and that’s following Wilson/McGill! Arguably the best session of snooker I’ve ever watched. Get in there Ronnie you legend and best of luck to Wilson too. Whoever wins, it’s great for snooker. Got any diplomatic thoughts on Selby's post-match comments, Matt? Great to see Ronnie beat Selby like that. Those last three frames, that's why he IS snooker. Love to see him on the wind-up in his interviews, as well. Maybe it's Selby who needs a cue action if he can't deal with a bit of hit-and-hope! Those last three frames, just wow! Thought it was impossible. Pure genius but add the nerve into the mix, and it’s the best I’ve ever seen him. Still can’t believe he won those last three frames in that fashion particularly as he couldn’t afford to make one mistake. As for Selby, jeez what got into him? I was honestly ready to applaud him in fairness when I thought he was going to win the deciding frame (or indeed when he just needed one to win before Ronnie’s rampage). He played some of the best safety shots I’ve ever seen - but he ruined it at the end with his interview. Hasn’t done himself any favours with the general public perception. |
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Snooker
Aug 14, 2020 16:57:59 GMT -5
Post by matt on Aug 14, 2020 16:57:59 GMT -5
Got any diplomatic thoughts on Selby's post-match comments, Matt? Great to see Ronnie beat Selby like that. Those last three frames, that's why he IS snooker. Love to see him on the wind-up in his interviews, as well. Maybe it's Selby who needs a cue action if he can't deal with a bit of hit-and-hope! He was a proper little bitch about it wasnt he? I didn't really give Ronnie a sniff when he first went behind, to hang onto his coattails right until the death and pull it off was great. Loved the end of the first semi too. Seen it a million times - Selby never running riot but always keeping his opponent at arms length once they get too close. Even when it got level or the opponent gets ahead by a frame or two, you’re still thinking Selby as he’s a proper grinder. For Ronnie to overcome that is an immense victory. He gets in opponents heads, gets them rattled and lets them lose their rhythm but that interview was the first time I’ve seen him rattled - Ronnie really got into his head there. |
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Snooker
Aug 14, 2020 18:06:56 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Aman on Aug 14, 2020 18:06:56 GMT -5
WHAT. A. DAY.
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Snooker
Aug 14, 2020 21:16:50 GMT -5
Post by matt on Aug 14, 2020 21:16:50 GMT -5
Ronnie switched to ‘fuck it’ mode four frames from the end, majority including myself thought he was acting the fool and throwing in the towel completely. In hindsight though, there was method to the madness.
You just never know what’s going on in that head of his though. If anything proves there is a fine line between genius and insanity, then Ronnie proves it.
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Snooker
Aug 15, 2020 3:37:08 GMT -5
Post by Gin & Tonic on Aug 15, 2020 3:37:08 GMT -5
The 138 was beautiful, absolutely vintage Rocket. Nothing better in Snooker than when he gets in full flow like that during a break.
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Post by The Escapist on Aug 16, 2020 14:01:44 GMT -5
Ronnie O'Sullivan is the greatest British sportsman of all time.
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Snooker
Aug 16, 2020 14:29:32 GMT -5
Post by matt on Aug 16, 2020 14:29:32 GMT -5
Seen them all, but that was his best championship victory. Easily. At that age, against world class opponents in almost every round, and after a number of years since his last win where I genuinely believed he wouldn’t win it again. I agree that he really is one of the greatest sportsman ever. In any sport, in any country. His genius and performances transcend the sport meaning he’s in that elite category of legendary sportspeople, of which there are very very few. If anyone’s got the time, do read this fantastic piece in The New Yorker about him. One of the most fascinating personalities ever. www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/03/30/follow-the-white-ball |
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Snooker
Aug 17, 2020 5:56:30 GMT -5
Post by Ross on Aug 17, 2020 5:56:30 GMT -5
Ronnie O'Sullivan is the greatest British sportsman of all time. It is impossible to make good comparisons across different sports. What criteria would you use to say that he is better than Steve Redgrave, Ben Anslie, Chris Froome, Adam Peaty, Phil Taylor or Johnathan Edwards? (This is no an exhaustive list)
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Post by The Escapist on Aug 17, 2020 9:10:07 GMT -5
Ronnie O'Sullivan is the greatest British sportsman of all time. It is impossible to make good comparisons across different sports. What criteria would you use to say that he is better than Steve Redgrave, Ben Anslie, Chris Froome, Adam Peaty, Phil Taylor or Johnathan Edwards? (This is no an exhaustive list)
Pure talent, achievements, watchability, personality, entertainment factor, longevity, nigh-on unbreakable records, and the fact that he walks out to Oasis. GOAT. |
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Post by matt on Aug 18, 2020 13:39:41 GMT -5
Ronnie O'Sullivan is the greatest British sportsman of all time. It is impossible to make good comparisons across different sports. What criteria would you use to say that he is better than Steve Redgrave, Ben Anslie, Chris Froome, Adam Peaty, Phil Taylor or Johnathan Edwards? (This is no an exhaustive list)
In my opinion, anyone who transcends the sport they are operating is in with a shout of of ‘greatest sportsman’. It’s when the character and the achievements gain an interest from those outside of the sports followers, and they become cultured superstars. Usain Bolt did it, Mohammed Ali did it, Tiger Woods did it, Lance Armstrong did it (until he was exposed for cheating). For a British sportsman, I don’t think anyone comes close to Ronnie O’Sullivan. |
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Snooker
Aug 19, 2020 9:40:27 GMT -5
Post by Ross on Aug 19, 2020 9:40:27 GMT -5
It is impossible to make good comparisons across different sports. What criteria would you use to say that he is better than Steve Redgrave, Ben Anslie, Chris Froome, Adam Peaty, Phil Taylor or Johnathan Edwards? (This is no an exhaustive list)
In my opinion, anyone who transcends the sport they are operating is in with a shout of of ‘greatest sportsman’. It’s when the character and the achievements gain an interest from those outside of the sports followers, and they become cultured superstars. Usain Bolt did it, Mohammed Ali did it, Tiger Woods did it, Lance Armstrong did it (until he was exposed for cheating). For a British sportsman, I don’t think anyone comes close to Ronnie O’Sullivan. I'm not sure Ronnie transcends sports fans. I would say that Bradley Wiggins fits your bill mostly down to the timing of his tour win being just before a home olympics. |
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Snooker
Aug 19, 2020 9:42:29 GMT -5
Post by Ross on Aug 19, 2020 9:42:29 GMT -5
It is impossible to make good comparisons across different sports. What criteria would you use to say that he is better than Steve Redgrave, Ben Anslie, Chris Froome, Adam Peaty, Phil Taylor or Johnathan Edwards? (This is no an exhaustive list)
Pure talent, achievements, watchability, personality, entertainment factor, longevity, nigh-on unbreakable records, and the fact that he walks out to Oasis. GOAT.
Whilst i prefer Ronnie the same could be said of Phil Taylor. But i'm not sure why personality should count that much Adam Peaty has smashed world records the fact his profile is relativley small should not count against him as a spotsman.
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Snooker
Aug 19, 2020 13:26:28 GMT -5
Post by The Escapist on Aug 19, 2020 13:26:28 GMT -5
Pure talent, achievements, watchability, personality, entertainment factor, longevity, nigh-on unbreakable records, and the fact that he walks out to Oasis. GOAT.
Whilst i prefer Ronnie the same could be said of Phil Taylor. But i'm not sure why personality should count that much Adam Peaty has smashed world records the fact his profile is relativley small should not count against him as a spotsman.
Phil Taylor? Not for me. Leaving aside the fact that snooker is an infinitely more skilful game than darts, Taylor doesn't have anything close to the personality that Ronnie does. Ronnie is a rock star, an icon, people pick up a cue because of him and cry when he loses. He's a genius at what he does, he speaks his mind, he plays an incredibly complex game with open flair, and he's smashed almost every record in doing it. That's what being a great sportsman is about, for me. The likes of Bradley Wiggins will never have moments like the ones above. Him and Andy Murray rely on British fervour to get people loving them, Ronnie has done it just with his own brilliance, personality, and skill. Playing a non-contact game that's usually silent! |
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Snooker
Aug 22, 2020 5:39:30 GMT -5
Post by Ross on Aug 22, 2020 5:39:30 GMT -5
Whilst i prefer Ronnie the same could be said of Phil Taylor. But i'm not sure why personality should count that much Adam Peaty has smashed world records the fact his profile is relativley small should not count against him as a spotsman.
Phil Taylor? You must be having a giraffe. Leaving aside the fact that snooker is an infinitely more skilful game than darts, Taylor doesn't have anything close to the personality that Ronnie does. Ronnie is a rock star, an icon, people pick up a cue because of him and cry when he loses. He's a genius at what he does, he speaks his mind, he plays an incredibly complex game with open flair, and he's smashed almost every record in doing it. That's what being a great sportsman is about, for me. The likes of Bradley Wiggins will never have moments like the ones above. Him and Andy Murray rely on British fervour to get people loving them, Ronnie has done it just with his own brilliance, personality, and skill. Playing a non-contact game that's usually silent! Bradley Wiggins had moments like that in 2012 when he won the Tour and Olympic gold (just one of his 8 Olympic medals). And he has a big personality. My point is not that Wiggins is better than Ronnie but that it is impossible to fairly compare across the sports. |
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Snooker
Aug 22, 2020 8:10:15 GMT -5
Post by matt on Aug 22, 2020 8:10:15 GMT -5
Phil Taylor? You must be having a giraffe. Leaving aside the fact that snooker is an infinitely more skilful game than darts, Taylor doesn't have anything close to the personality that Ronnie does. Ronnie is a rock star, an icon, people pick up a cue because of him and cry when he loses. He's a genius at what he does, he speaks his mind, he plays an incredibly complex game with open flair, and he's smashed almost every record in doing it. That's what being a great sportsman is about, for me. The likes of Bradley Wiggins will never have moments like the ones above. Him and Andy Murray rely on British fervour to get people loving them, Ronnie has done it just with his own brilliance, personality, and skill. Playing a non-contact game that's usually silent! Bradley Wiggins had moments like that in 2012 when he won the Tour and Olympic gold (just one of his 8 Olympic medals). And he has a big personality. My point is not that Wiggins is better than Ronnie but that it is impossible to fairly compare across the sports. I agree to an extent with Wiggins, especially his Tour De France win was a great achievement in the most hellish and torturous of sports but I wouldn’t say he’s been that transformational figurehead. But with some serious questions about potential use of performance enhancing drugs, do you not think his reputation has somewhat been damaged? Ronnie seems to gain the interest from those outside the sport to be fair (see that New Yorker profile of him above). It’s a small sport but in relative terms, what he’s done for it is transformational and I think if someone can do that they can lay claim to being the greatest (he’s huge in East Asia - outside of Ding - where the game’s popularity has sky rocketed thanks a lot to his contributions). |
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Post by globe on May 3, 2021 16:58:48 GMT -5
Great last session there, thought Murphy was gonna do it. He shoulda played safe on that last red that he made a baws of.
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Post by The Escapist on May 4, 2021 13:54:43 GMT -5
Came out that World Championship with a hell of a lot more respect for Murphy than I had before. Thought he was coasting his way into a cushy post-retirement chair in the punditry studio, but nah, that man's a fighter. The long pots he pulled off near enough every frame in the biggest match of his last five years is unreal bottle. But for that black to the middle, he could now be World Champion.
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Snooker
May 4, 2021 15:47:19 GMT -5
via mobile
matt likes this
Post by tomlivesforever on May 4, 2021 15:47:19 GMT -5
Gutted Selby won. He’s a brilliant player and his game is incredibly effective but dear lord it’s horrible to watch.
I thought Murphy was brave and played in a way that I love to watch.
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Post by matt on May 5, 2021 6:21:27 GMT -5
Gutted Selby won. He’s a brilliant player and his game is incredibly effective but dear lord it’s horrible to watch. I thought Murphy was brave and played in a way that I love to watch. I agree, Selby is a great player but he is excruciating to watch. That’s not the sport I want to watch and many feel the same, you could almost hear Stephen Hendry’s exasperation in the commentary box at times. I don’t care who it is playing him, it’s always Anyone But Selby. You can only beat what’s in front of you though and it’s up to the opposition to find a way around Selby. But I do think there’s an element of gamesmanship there where he pushes boundaries. What’s your thoughts on time limits in taking shots? I’m not sure how it would pan out but with the length Selby takes to play, I’d like to see how he does with such restrictions. |
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Post by freddy838 on May 5, 2021 9:34:26 GMT -5
Having Selby in the final partly ruined my bank holiday.
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Snooker
May 5, 2021 16:05:10 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by globe on May 5, 2021 16:05:10 GMT -5
I dinna mind Selby’s speed of playing, I actually quite like watching a player take his time working out a shot. Then again I grew up in an an era of Eddie Charlton, Doug Mountjoy and Cliff Thornburn who all took about half an hour to tak a shot.
Think the latest finish to a game at the Crucible was a game involving Charlton- finished at about 4 in the morning or something.
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Post by The Escapist on May 5, 2021 16:07:47 GMT -5
I'd like to see a 1:30 limit on shots, with each player allowed to call one shot per session as their longer shot, that one being allowed to take 3:00. That accounts for tricky situations, speeds play up, doesn't let Selby purposely drag matches down, and adds an extra layer of strategy - will he use his "long shot" now, or does he anticipate being put it into an even tougher situation in a couple of shots time?
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Nov 4, 2024 5:04:30 GMT -5
Nov 4, 2024 5:04:30 GMT -5