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Post by matt on May 5, 2021 16:17:09 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? That’s actually a good idea, and gets around the issue of those shots that need to take time (e.g. a right bastard of a snooker to get out of).
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Snooker
May 24, 2021 13:30:33 GMT -5
Post by matt on May 24, 2021 13:30:33 GMT -5
Got tickets to next year's world championships, can't wait to get to the Crucible, have a few beers and sit back and relax.
I was watching this re-enactment of that 1985 world final. One of the greatest sporting moments ever, I can't think of a more pressured situation in sport than what happened then.
And it's mad just how wayward our perceptions can be of people. Steve Davis, who was seen as so boring in his heyday, in reality has far more personality than 99% of sportsmen. These days, he's seen as a national treasure partly down to his persona.
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Post by The Escapist on Dec 5, 2021 16:12:30 GMT -5
Get in!
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Post by matt on Dec 5, 2021 18:00:28 GMT -5
Yep, a top talent in the making. Surprised the China boom didn't take off after Ding won this back in 2005, thought it would explode after that but waiting 16 years for another Chinese player to win is something I didn't think would happen. As you say, smooth, slick and composed. A breath of fresh air from the dreary inconsistent lot who make up a lot of the tour these days.
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Post by matt on Apr 20, 2022 6:16:19 GMT -5
Who I want to win this year - Ronnie, Ding, Trump Who I think will win - Robertson or Williams
Nothing against Robertson or Williams who are great players, but Trump on form is always good for the game, Ding would be great albeit unlikely, just for his longevity and getting what everyone thought would be inevitable 15 years ago. And goes without saying why seeing Ronnie win again would be great.
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Post by matt on Apr 20, 2022 16:41:46 GMT -5
As long as Selby or Murphy don't win, I'm alright. My favourites would be Ronnie, Williams, or Zhao. I'd also be happy to see Higgins pull a win out of the bag, considering the heart-breaking way he lost that last final. But as I type this, he's caught in a very tough match against Un-Nooh. Well at least Murphy's out and agree, he can be an absolute nightmare - not as a player but as an individual I find him unbearable. He's almost a comic figure in his lack of self awareness. Pretty sure he was a bible basher who went and cheated on his wife with a stripper or something like that, all very Alan Partridge like. Last year's final was a nightmare in that sense, the nightmare player or the nightmare individual to win. I zoned out from it personally. Forgot about Zhao, would be great to see him win. Him at his peak is brilliant to watch.
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Post by globe on Apr 23, 2022 2:52:40 GMT -5
Would love to see MaGuire win it after having to qualify this year.
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Snooker
Apr 23, 2022 16:00:44 GMT -5
Post by matt on Apr 23, 2022 16:00:44 GMT -5
This Selby/Yan match ain't for the faint hearted, 40 plus minutes ongoing in the 22nd frame. But some great safety play from both, Yan playing Selby at his own game I think. Likely go to the wire.
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Post by matt on Apr 23, 2022 16:59:11 GMT -5
Selby out! Out done by Yan at his own game, unbelievable nerve and steel from Yan in that match.
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Snooker
Apr 26, 2022 14:20:35 GMT -5
Post by matt on Apr 26, 2022 14:20:35 GMT -5
Goodness me, this evening session between O'Sullivan and Maguire is appalling from both by their own high standards. It's like neither want to win.
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Post by globe on Apr 28, 2022 15:07:35 GMT -5
Williams had a nightmare today! Can see Ronnie and Higgins going to the wire.
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Post by The Escapist on Apr 28, 2022 15:30:10 GMT -5
I think it'll be a Trump-Higgins final. Williams has gone AWOL and Ronnie always seems to show John too much respect.
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settingson
Oasis Roadie
I live my life in the city. There's no easy way out.
Posts: 441
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Snooker
Apr 28, 2022 19:16:23 GMT -5
Post by settingson on Apr 28, 2022 19:16:23 GMT -5
Yep - I think you're spot on. I know it's weird to say it, but Higgins can seem to get into Ronnie's head, just by sticking around. I'll be cheering for Ronnie, no doubt.
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Post by matt on Apr 29, 2022 11:49:27 GMT -5
I think it'll be a Trump-Higgins final. Williams has gone AWOL and Ronnie always seems to show John too much respect. Well Ronnie's on fire at the moment! He has just got to 10 frames in the afternoon session from an almost impossible position in the last frame. Take some time to watch it - he needs to make an incredibly difficult clearance to equal Higgins points total and respot the black. O'Sullivan being himself, he does of course and pots the black. Unbelievable snooker!
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Snooker
Apr 29, 2022 17:09:34 GMT -5
Post by The Escapist on Apr 29, 2022 17:09:34 GMT -5
I think it'll be a Trump-Higgins final. Williams has gone AWOL and Ronnie always seems to show John too much respect. Well Ronnie's on fire at the moment! He has just got to 10 frames in the afternoon session from an almost impossible position in the last frame. Take some time to watch it - he needs to make an incredibly difficult clearance to equal Higgins points total and respot the black. O'Sullivan being himself, he does of course and pots the black. Unbelievable snooker! Mate, you could have heard me cheering him on from about three counties away. I'd love him to win it, but I still always feel Higgins stops him playing his best, and there's always a long way to go with John involved. One frame at a time!
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Snooker
Apr 30, 2022 11:54:29 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Adam on Apr 30, 2022 11:54:29 GMT -5
I really hope Williams makes the final… absolutely brilliant play to come back from 7-1 down
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Post by matt on Apr 30, 2022 13:07:05 GMT -5
I really hope Williams makes the final… absolutely brilliant play to come back from 7-1 down One of the all time great matches. Shame about Williams, it would have been a great match but Trump also deserved his luck. Incredible players.
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settingson
Oasis Roadie
I live my life in the city. There's no easy way out.
Posts: 441
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Snooker
Apr 30, 2022 20:57:02 GMT -5
Post by settingson on Apr 30, 2022 20:57:02 GMT -5
Happy to be wrong about the Ronnie-Higgins s-f ... Higgins just didn't play well enough to keep it close enough and get into Ronnie's head. Going to be a great final I think. I'm cheering for Ronnie for sure, but could go to the wire.
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Post by matt on May 1, 2022 4:29:05 GMT -5
Happy to be wrong about the Ronnie-Higgins s-f ... Higgins just didn't play well enough to keep it close enough and get into Ronnie's head. Going to be a great final I think. I'm cheering for Ronnie for sure, but could go to the wire. Higgins did very well to get 11 frames on the board, given how average he played by his standards. In fact, he wasn't really on it throughout the tournament. His defensiveness and scrappiness led to him eking out results (no doubt the underlying talent was getting him there at points). Not really things you associate with his game. I think the surprising reaction when he angrily batted the cue against the floor was telling of a guy who was frustrated that he wasn't playing his natural game. By far the most inferior of the semi-finalists which is a shame because on his day he would have rivalled the other three semi finalists for performances given how great a player he is.
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Snooker
May 2, 2022 4:31:39 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by tomlivesforever on May 2, 2022 4:31:39 GMT -5
Trumps obviously not been at it but Christ Ronnie looks dialled in. You fuck up and he’ll punish you. Still wouldn’t count Judd out if he flicks a switch but it’s tough from there.
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Post by The Escapist on May 2, 2022 5:38:32 GMT -5
I think today will be tougher than people think. Judd will be looser and more rested. I want and expect Ronnie to do enough to keep pace with him, but it's not going to be a clear procession at the very least. Wouldn't be at all surprised if things get nervy.
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Snooker
May 2, 2022 15:22:47 GMT -5
Post by matt on May 2, 2022 15:22:47 GMT -5
Maybe the most naturally gifted sportsman I've ever seen. Some of his play defies physics almost. Every sport has the 'greatest of all time' debate, but I genuinely think snooker is the only one where there isn't even close to a debate.
I never thought he'd get to 7 world titles. I really thought 2013 was the last of it, and when he was beaten by Selby in 2014 final, you look at his age and think that's where the downward trend starts. But best part of a decade on and he's more peerless than ever.
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Post by The Escapist on May 2, 2022 17:41:39 GMT -5
FUCKING GET THE FUCK IN I'VE BEEN DRUNK FOR TWO HOURS THE GREATEST BRITISH SPORTSMAN OF ALL TIME
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settingson
Oasis Roadie
I live my life in the city. There's no easy way out.
Posts: 441
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Post by settingson on May 2, 2022 20:04:58 GMT -5
So pleased he won it. Incredible how he has 'matured' over the years. One more!
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Post by matt on May 3, 2022 14:54:24 GMT -5
So pleased he won it. Incredible how he has 'matured' over the years. One more! I honestly don't think there's anything in his game that has declined. The defensive and safety skills have definitely improved compared to the all out attacking approach he did earlier on in his career. Sometimes I think that's what wins it for him and it can cover up a decline in attacking match play, but then again he scored a record of centuries this year too showing that his usual attacking instincts are as good as ever. Desperate for him to break the record now. Given his performance this year, I think there' still a good few years to do it.
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