World Snooker Championship 2021

walshb

Nobody should take any real notice of Ronnie. Probably the most fake and insincere contrived sports people out there. Attention seeking prat. Just loves the sound of his own voice.

Great great player. He is the Federer of snooker. Greatest natural talent ever.

For folks slating Selby’s 2/3 minutes shots..

How many shots exactly did he spend 2/3 minutes on?

A handful at most. His average shot time is quite similar to many others.

Selby on form is a top 5 ever player..

Over 18 frames match play him and Higgins are the two I’d bet the house on

No weaknesses...so solid everywhere..

gormdubhgorm

zuutroy wrote: »

Colin Murray's last event for Eurosport. That's a pity, he was good. I dislike the way BBC have to hype the life out of everything they show....'extraordinary match, unbelievable standard, best championship ever' etc.

That is exactly what Murray does!!! A walking cliche/pun machine (he seems to think it is gas) and he just not stop and one he has to link about 10 of them just in case you do not get the message. :mad:

Alright in small doses that is about it.

Rothko

walshb wrote: »

For folks slating Selby’s 2/3 minutes shots..

How many shots exactly did he spend 2/3 minutes on?

A handful at most. His average shot time is quite similar to many others.

I've heard people criticise Robertson for the same reason. There's the odd time where he will spend over a minute on an important or tricky shot and he gets called a grinder for it. Ridiculous.

gormdubhgorm

volono wrote: »

Mr Ronnie who has the mindset through Steve peters of just enjoying the process of playing etc

I believe in one of the interviews Ronnie gave after he was knocked out he revealed the truth of how he sees snooker and himself now a as a 'business'.

Reading between the lines when he said he would be crazy to stop altogether. He means it would be silly to give up handy money. He seems to plan to keep cashing in for another five years at least.

@1:40 - snooker is a business

Likes the lifestyle great relationship, with his sponsors

Joe_ Public

Rothko wrote: »

I've heard people criticise Robertson for the same reason. There's the odd time where he will spend over a minute on an important or tricky shot and he gets called a grinder for it. Ridiculous.

In fairness i think robertson himself has often addressed that issue and spoken of his desire to change. It's not that it makes him a grinder, which would frankly be a ludicrous charge, it just tends to upset the rhythm and flow he wants to bring to the game and promotes frustration. I dont think it's fundamentally different to the questions Murphy asks of himself and probably other flair players as well. There's a balance to be found to be a consistent world title challenger and, as we've seen, it can be incredibly difficult to find.

walshb

I think a very important area of the game that sometimes gets forgotten is intelligence. Snooker is such a high level game. Similar to chess. It’s genius.

It’s not all about cue skill and potting and break building.

There is also so much delicacy, nuance, subtlety, and real thinking intelligence and anticipation..

The way some people dismiss this and try to use it as a crutch to criticise shows an ignorance to the complete game.

In terms of snooker tactics and intelligence, Selby could be the best ever!!

And it’s why he was spot on about Ronnie last year and his smashing the balls around hoping for some luck. It was disrespectful. Ronnie’s reaction to being in trouble was sore loser attitude.

Ronnie did it because it was his get out of jail card had he not won. He couldn’t face losing by trying hard to play with real thought. So he thought, if I’m going to lose, it’s because I didn’t really care; when in fact he really does care..but he wants viewers to think he doesn’t..

Me: give me a real high level tactical frame of intrigue over any big break!!!

It’s just fascinating..

zuutroy

I can think of a lot of words for handing someone £100,000 and a place in the World Final on a plate, but disrespectful isn't one of them!

Ronnie has openly said he can't win those frames against Selby, and the only chance he has is to try and take a huge risk to open the game and hope not to stick one. In his mind, if he's going to lose the frame anyway it's better for his rhythm if it happens in 5 minutes instead of 20, along with the small chance that he might run good and not leave anything. It went wrong in frame 30 last year, but worked out in frame 33.

B2021M

zuutroy wrote: »

Colin Murray's last event for Eurosport. That's a pity, he was good. I dislike the way BBC have to hype the life out of everything they show....'extraordinary match, unbelievable standard, best championship ever' etc.

What?! Does anyone do hype more than Colin Murray?!

gormdubhgorm

walshb wrote: »

I think a very important area of the game that sometimes gets forgotten is intelligence. Snooker is such a high level game. Similar to chess. It’s genius.

It’s not all about cue skill and potting and break building.

There is also so much delicacy, nuance, subtlety, and real thinking intelligence and anticipation..

The way some people dismiss this and try to use it as a crutch to criticise shows an ignorance to the complete game.

In terms of snooker tactics and intelligence, Selby could be the best ever!!

And it’s why he was spot on about Ronnie last year and his smashing the balls around hoping for some luck. It was disrespectful. Ronnie’s reaction to being in trouble was sore loser attitude.

Ronnie did it because it was his get out of jail card had he not won. He couldn’t face losing by trying hard to play with real thought. So he thought, if I’m going to lose, it’s because I didn’t really care; when in fact he really does care..but he wants viewers to think he doesn’t..

Me: give me a real high level tactical frame of intrigue over any big break!!!

It’s just fascinating..

When I am watching I try and see what shot I would play to put a fella in trouble or get out of trouble. Invariably with the great tacticians or even the average ones - I do not see a lot of the shots until after it is played.

I cannot remember the frame but it was towards the end of the match Selby looked like he was in trouble. Had no obvious safety. I think it was Ken and Alan on the commentary together.

Ken immediately spotted a way to escape. Hitting the white off the black cushion barely glancing the red (which was near the green side black cushion).

Selby had to look at the shot for a few minutes. I was still wondering how you would manage Ken's shot.


McManus:

'He has not spotted your shot yet Ken...'

(Selby then eventually plays the shot Ken was on about - perfectly bringing the white back to baulk with the thinnest of snicks on the red, off the black cushion)

Doherty:

'Believe it or not a lot of pros would not have spotted that shot...'

zuutroy

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

That is exactly what Murray does!!! A walking cliche/pun machine (he seems to think it is gas) and he just not stop and one he has to link about 10 of them just in case you do not get the message. :mad:

Alright in small doses that is about it.

B2021M wrote: »

What?! Does anyone do hype more than Colin Murray?!

He is excitable alright, but I find that if a match is crap or someone is playing bad, Eurosport are far more likely to call it as it is. The combination of Hazel and Rob Walker hyperbole about everything does my head in.

someyoke

zuutroy wrote: »

I can think of a lot of words for handing someone £100,000 and a place in the World Final on a plate, but disrespectful isn't one of them!

Ronnie has openly said he can't win those frames against Selby, and the only chance he has is to try and take a huge risk to open the game and hope not to stick one. In his mind, if he's going to lose the frame anyway it's better for his rhythm if it happens in 5 minutes instead of 20, along with the small chance that he might run good and not leave anything. It went wrong in frame 30 last year, but worked out in frame 33.

Exactly, Ronnie said on a live Instagram feed with hendry during first lockdown he was going to intentionally open up games if his rhythm was slowed should be face Selby at crucible again. He'd rather take a quick hit than a slow death to be in a better place mentally going in to the rest of match.

Incredible to do say that, then situation presents itself at 2 down with 3 to play in world semi final and he does it. And proved his own theory correct. Selby was sour because he didn't get bogged down in game that suited his strengths. Had the temerity to try something incredibly risky with high tariff. That's genius in itself

gormdubhgorm

zuutroy wrote: »

He is excitable alright, but I find that if a match is crap or someone is playing bad, Eurosport are far more likely to call it as it is. The combination of Hazel and Rob Walker hyperbole about everything does my head in.

Rob Walker would be a fantastic wedding compere!

Asdfgh2020

zuutroy wrote: »

He is excitable alright, but I find that if a match is crap or someone is playing bad, Eurosport are far more likely to call it as it is. The combination of Hazel and Rob Walker hyperbole about everything does my head in.

How many times this year was the ‘85 final mentioned during the BBC commentary and then you have John Virgo’s favourite line ‘and where is the cue ball going’ - with loads of intonation at the end...and of course the constant references to the ‘pressure’ of the crew-sha-bell’ and how unique it is as a venue.

volono

Well of course it's a business at some level for him but as always with Ronnie.....pinch of salt needed. If Williams was on the verge of packing it in before covid, I hardly think Ronnie is short of afew pounds.
You think Barry Hearn got involved with snooker to "save it", he did in his arse. When he first went to the circus tavern to watch darts he said " I can smell the money".
Tbf if youve played snooker it doesn't involve that much intelligence, more execution of chosen shot. 99 percent of the time I and others know exactly what they're going to play. Knowing and doing are 2 vastly different things though.
If you watched or do watch those Hendry podcasts from last year Ronnie explicitly says he'll refuse to get bogged down with Selby in his negative play
He says......right have that one Selby, rack them up please ref.
He knows what Selby's playing at and he said he'd refuse to play on his terms, for better or worse.
He said... I don't care because I know I can reel off 3/4 frames in 20/30 minutes if I'm in stroke etc etc
So no it wasn't disrespectful imo
I'm not sure what others where watching but if you don't think Selby was purposely taking excessively long at times during the match, fair enough.

zuutroy

Asdfgh2020 wrote: »

How many times this year was the ‘85 final mentioned during the BBC commentary and then you have John Virgo’s favourite line ‘and where is the cue ball going’ - with loads of intonation at the end...!!

I'd say I did about an hour total on BBC this year (enough to hear Ken say 'wonderful' about 20 times). It's a shame because McManus and Hendry are good, and Phil Studd and Joe Johnson become a bit tiresome but the fact that it was on Eurosport non-stop meant I would just sit down on the couch and press 410 on the remote without thinking.

gormdubhgorm

Asdfgh2020 wrote: »

How many times this year was the ‘85 final mentioned during the BBC commentary and then you have John Virgo’s favourite line ‘and where is the cue ball going’ - with loads of intonation at the end...and of course the constant references to the ‘pressure’ of the crew-sha-bell’ and how unique it is as a venue.

'Where's the cue ball going?' is almost like a snooker proverb at this stage.
Sort of like 'if tree falls in the wood and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?'

People would be disappointed if Virgo did not say it at this stage!
I would anyway.

I always want to know where the cue ball is going!

B2021M

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

When I am watching I try and see what shot I would play to put a fella in trouble or get out of trouble. Invariably with the great tacticians or even the average ones - I do not see a lot of the shots until after it is played.

I cannot remember the frame but it was towards the end of the match Selby looked like he was in trouble. Had no obvious safety. I think it was Ken and Alan on the commentary together.

Ken immediately spotted a way to escape. Hitting the white off the black cushion barely glancing the red (which was near the green side black cushion).

Selby had to look at the shot for a few minutes. I was still wondering how you would manage Ken's shot.


McManus:

'He has not spotted your shot yet Ken...'

(Selby then eventually plays the shot Ken was on about - perfectly bringing the white back to baulk with the thinnest of snicks on the red, off the black cushion)

Doherty:

'Believe it or not a lot of pros would not have spotted that shot...'

Im sorry i missed that! I find Ken quite annoying on commentary but he was a very talented player and is a great reader of the table.

Strumms

zuutroy wrote: »

Colin Murray's last event for Eurosport. That's a pity, he was good. I dislike the way BBC have to hype the life out of everything they show....'extraordinary match, unbelievable standard, best championship ever' etc.

Pity..He comes across as a good dude... very big likability factor and very very good at what he does.. the odd sports anchor can be a bit stuffy and formulaic theses days but he’s an excellent anchor.

gormdubhgorm

B2021M wrote: »

Im sorry i missed that! I find Ken quite annoying on commentary but he was a very talented player and is a great reader of the table.

Yeah someone should have a word with him and tell him to stop trying to be John Virgo. Grand the occasional joke or whatever. But sometimes less is more and tactics were always Ken's bread and butter. He always saw the tactical shots.

I still remember a game himself and Davis played in Goffs. Went on forever none of them giving an inch. The audience was literally red eyed. The players worse. They could barely sign autographs after it. Felt like non stop tactics.

volono

Yeah he's to full of clichés for me Ken which actually makes he sound alot worse then imo. I enjoy Hendry and McManus , simply for the fact they don't feel the need to talk incessantly.
Was surprised Trump and Lisowski got some airtime between commentating and "snooker corner". I wonder was it anything to do with Trump's comments about appealing to a younger audience?

B2021M

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

Yeah someone should have a word with him and tell him to stop trying to be John Virgo. Grand the occasional joke or whatever. But sometimes less is more and tactics were always Ken's bread and butter. He always saw the tactical shots.

I still remember a game himself and Davis played in Goffs. Went on forever none of them giving an inch. The audience was literally red eyed. The players worse. They could barely sign autographs after it. Felt like non stop tactics.

I can imagine! What year would that have been (roughly even!)?

Joe_ Public

B2021M wrote: »

I can imagine! What year would that have been (roughly even!)?

Was the 1996 irish masters. Incredible night of drama that, every frame was a war and dragged on to god knows what time it was in the end and we never even got to a decider. Ken had already beaten jimmy and hendry that week, was certain his name was on the trophy.

Asdfgh2020

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

'Where's the cue ball going?' is almost like a snooker proverb at this stage.
Sort of like 'if tree falls in the wood and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?'

People would be disappointed if Virgo did not say it at this stage!
I would anyway.

I always want to know where the cue ball is going!

Someone has gone to the trouble of putting together half hour compilations on YouTube of Virgo uttering ‘and where is the cue ball going’....as you say it’s become a snooker ‘proverb’.....he and others such as Dennis Taylor also love to emphasise the ‘pressure’ at the ‘cue-sha-ball’

Mysterypunter

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

Rob Walker would be a fantastic wedding compere!

Would be a better circus clown

fran38

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

When I am watching I try and see what shot I would play to put a fella in trouble or get out of trouble. Invariably with the great tacticians or even the average ones - I do not see a lot of the shots until after it is played.

I cannot remember the frame but it was towards the end of the match Selby looked like he was in trouble. Had no obvious safety. I think it was Ken and Alan on the commentary together.

Ken immediately spotted a way to escape. Hitting the white off the black cushion barely glancing the red (which was near the green side black cushion).

Selby had to look at the shot for a few minutes. I was still wondering how you would manage Ken's shot.


McManus:

'He has not spotted your shot yet Ken...'

(Selby then eventually plays the shot Ken was on about - perfectly bringing the white back to baulk with the thinnest of snicks on the red, off the black cushion)

Doherty:

'Believe it or not a lot of pros would not have spotted that shot...'

AFAIK Ken was talking about playing the cue ball up behind that red and leaving nothing on. I'm open to correction though.

fran38

fran38 wrote: »

AFAIK Ken was talking about playing the cue ball up behind that red and leaving nothing on. I'm open to correction though.

I don't know who came up with that idea. I thought it was Angles... Open to correction though.... You seem to remember the commentary better than me :pac: Am pretty sure McManus mentioned the idea, or likely 'reiterated' Ken's coming off the cush , and glancing the red before Selby played that shot..

That's what my memory is telling me anyway.. I do however, definitely remember Ken coming out with the "not many professionals etc.... " bit...

Maybe it was a team effort - Ken saying to lie behind the red off the cushion, and Angles coming up with the 'coup de gras' re the glancing return..

Was a disappointing result; but pretty much a foregone conclusion at 14-11. Fair play to Selby. He really put on a masterclass of Selbying That pink though

walshb

fran38 wrote: »

AFAIK Ken was talking about playing the cue ball up behind that red and leaving nothing on. I'm open to correction though.

I think he was on about exactly what Selby did.

Brian?

walshb wrote: »

Nobody should take any real notice of Ronnie. Probably the most fake and insincere contrived sports people out there. Attention seeking prat. Just loves the sound of his own voice.

Great great player. He is the Federer of snooker. Greatest natural talent ever.

For folks slating Selby’s 2/3 minutes shots..

How many shots exactly did he spend 2/3 minutes on?

A handful at most. His average shot time is quite similar to many others.

Selby on form is a top 5 ever player..

Over 18 frames match play him and Higgins are the two I’d bet the house on

No weaknesses...so solid everywhere..

Selby is the Djokovic of snooker. To labour your analogy a bit. An unbelievably winner, grafts for every game.

I don’t enjoy watching that graft though as much as I enjoy watching someone like Ronnie, Murphy or Trump. Why can’t I say that?

flasher0030

Brian? wrote: »

Selby is the Djokovic of snooker. To labour your analogy a bit. An unbelievably winner, grafts for every game.

I don’t enjoy watching that graft though as much as I enjoy watching someone like Ronnie, Murphy or Trump. Why can’t I say that?

Nothing wrong with saying that. Everybody is entitled to choose what they prefer in life.
The difference is though that nobody is slating Ronnie, Murphy or Trump for their style of play. But people feel they have the right to condemn Selbys style of play because it doesn't warm to their agenda of how they feel snooker should be played.
I prefer the cautious tactical play than just straightout potting. That's my choice. But I respect players who are not so much into that and wouldn't slate them for how they play. Like many others, Jimmy White was my favorite in my youth.

StupidLikeAFox

My favourite quote was when the camera panned to the crowd and Dennis Taylor remarked how great it was to see a full house again that "He'd never seen so many smiling faces" - they were all wearing masks??

walshb

Brian? wrote: »

Selby is the Djokovic of snooker. To labour your analogy a bit. An unbelievably winner, grafts for every game.

I don’t enjoy watching that graft though as much as I enjoy watching someone like Ronnie, Murphy or Trump. Why can’t I say that?

You can say it, and you did say it

I prefer watching Ronnie in full flow as well....

My point was nothing to do with what players or styles one prefers

It was more to do wit the whole and complete game of snooker...

A game that Selby has in abundance.......

And some folks try to pick parts of this greatness to slate him, and in doing so, they only show their ignorance of what the game is all about.

Even when pretending to praise him....you get the backhanded compliment vibe.

gormdubhgorm

B2021M wrote: »

I can imagine! What year would that have been (roughly even!)?

Joe_ Public wrote: »

Was the 1996 irish masters. Incredible night of drama that, every frame was a war and dragged on to god knows what time it was in the end and we never even got to a decider. Ken had already beaten jimmy and hendry that week, was certain his name was on the trophy.

I would say it would have been around then I would have been a young fella around that time. Driven there by the auld fella. Around Goffs snooker time he used to collect me from school in the middle of the day make up an 'appointment'. But the problem was if you were in your school uniform sitting near the front row you were asking for trouble!

When it looked like Murphy could bring the world title back to Dublin. It only made me realise how good a player Ken was for about a 5/6 year period. He was very consistent. Getting to those World Finals.

Turned pro 1990. I checked his World Championship Record before he won it was mostly 1st and 2nd round exits. Or not qualifying.

1991 - 1R
1992 - LQ
1993 - LQ
1994 - QF
1995 - 1R
1996 - 2R

Then he won the World title -

1997 - W
1998 - F
1999 - QF
2000 - 2R
2001 - QF
2002 - QF
2003 - F

Looks very impressive when written down like that.

Joe_ Public

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

I would say it would have been around then I would have been a young fella around that time. Driven there by the auld fella. Around Goffs snooker time he used to collect me from school in the middle of the day make up an 'appointment'. But the problem was if you were in your school uniform sitting near the front row you were asking for trouble!

When it looked like Murphy could bring the world title back to Dublin. It only made me realise how good a player Ken was for about a 5/6 year period. He was very consistent. Getting to those World Finals.

Turned pro 1990. I checked his World Championship Record before he won it was mostly 1st and 2nd round exits. Or not qualifying.

1991 - 1R
1992 - LQ
1993 - LQ
1994 - QF
1995 - 1R
1996 - 2R

Then he won the World title -

1997 - W
1998 - F
1999 - QF
2000 - 2R
2001 - QF
2002 - QF
2003 - F

Looks very impressive when written down like that.

Yes, 1996. I watched it in the vip/press room above the arena - a total gatecrasher! - a fridge full of free Heineken and dunphy sitting there giving it the "snooker is magnificent, the greatest sport of them all" and people going "ah shut up eamo" - just fantastic memories! That was a great tournament, never the same when it left goffs and went ranking.

Took ken a while to get there, but when he did he was a great player and stayed there for a decade. Might have won another major or two, but you have to remember he was right bang in the middle of the old forces of hendry and davis and the new generation of ronnie & co. For reasons still difficult to explain, his game went a bit after 2003/4. Never the same player again. But at his best, not a million miles off the very top.

BonnieSituation

His run to the 2003 final was magnificent.

His stamina for all those immense comebacks were something else.

Joe_ Public

BonnieSituation wrote: »

His run to the 2003 final was magnificent.

His stamina for all those immense comebacks were something else.

It was truly epic, from the opening round to the ultimate heroic failure in the final. I dont know if that simply took the stuffing out of him, or what effect it had on him mentally, but apart from an occasional brief purple patch, he never scaled those heights again. I alalways there was another world title in him, but wasn't to be, sadly.

BonnieSituation

Joe_ Public wrote: »

It was truly epic, from the opening round to the ultimate heroic failure in the final. I dont know if that simply took the stuffing out of him, or what effect it had on him mentally, but apart from an occasional brief purple patch, he never scaled those heights again. I alalways there was another world title in him, but wasn't to be, sadly.

I'd say it had some sort of effect. He was just drained at that point.

I must go back and watch some of those matches from 2003 again, not to mention 1997 as well.

Joe_ Public

BonnieSituation wrote: »

I'd say it had some sort of effect. He was just drained at that point.

I must go back and watch some of those matches from 2003 again, not to mention 1997 as well.

I've watched the 2003 final a few times, that second last frame is especially harrowing! The bbc showed the sf v Hunter last year when the world championships was initially postponed, just a wonderful match. I'm sure hunter would have a couple of titles to his name if tragedy hadnt intervened, he'd probably still be a force now the way things have gone.

walshb

Joe_ Public wrote: »

I've watched the 2003 final a few times, that second last frame is especially harrowing! The bbc showed the sf v Hunter last year when the world championships was initially postponed, just a wonderful match. I'm sure hunter would have a couple of titles to his name if tragedy hadnt intervened, he'd probably still be a force now the way things have gone.

This match will always be in my memory..

I never wanted someone to win so much as Ken that final.

I think he was 12-2 or 12-3 down, and got to 12-12....Ken never took the lead. I think it went 14-12/14-14/16-14/16-16 and then Williamns won the two from 16 to 18...

His win over Hunter from 15-9 or 15-8 down was magic

I always felt that this was Hunter's prime. I think had Hunter won that, he would have beaten Williams.....Ken did excellent to win the SF, but Hunter let that slip away....

B2021M

walshb wrote: »

This match will always be in my memory..

I never wanted someone to win so much as Ken that final.

I think he was 12-2 or 12-3 down, and got to 12-12....Ken never took the lead. I think it went 14-12/14-14/16-14/16-16 and then Williamns won the two from 16 to 18...

His win over Hunter from 15-9 or 15-8 down was magic

I always felt that this was Hunter's prime. I think had Hunter won that, he would have beaten Williams.....Ken did excellent to win the SF, but Hunter let that slip away....

Yes that final was incredible to watch....especially the two Monday sessions.

Brian?

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

I would say it would have been around then I would have been a young fella around that time. Driven there by the auld fella. Around Goffs snooker time he used to collect me from school in the middle of the day make up an 'appointment'. But the problem was if you were in your school uniform sitting near the front row you were asking for trouble!

When it looked like Murphy could bring the world title back to Dublin. It only made me realise how good a player Ken was for about a 5/6 year period. He was very consistent. Getting to those World Finals.

Turned pro 1990. I checked his World Championship Record before he won it was mostly 1st and 2nd round exits. Or not qualifying.

1991 - 1R
1992 - LQ
1993 - LQ
1994 - QF
1995 - 1R
1996 - 2R

Then he won the World title -

1997 - W
1998 - F
1999 - QF
2000 - 2R
2001 - QF
2002 - QF
2003 - F

Looks very impressive when written down like that.

He was world no 3 at one point too.

That record is even better when you factor in he was up against Hendry, Williams, Higgins and Ronnie all close to their peak. Matthew Stevens, Paul Hunter and Stephen Lee were there as well. Peak snooker talent.

Brian?

walshb wrote: »

You can say it, and you did say it

I prefer watching Ronnie in full flow as well....

My point was nothing to do with what players or styles one prefers

It was more to do wit the whole and complete game of snooker...

A game that Selby has in abundance.......

And some folks try to pick parts of this greatness to slate him, and in doing so, they only show their ignorance of what the game is all about.

Even when pretending to praise him....you get the backhanded compliment vibe.

You seem obsessed with this “back handed compliment “ line. I don’t know why.

No one is slating him that I can see. People just don’t like how he plays.

volono

To Flasher and Walshb , I think Selby is a fantastic player.
He has it all, one of the best at safety, tremendous potting and bottle when he does get a chance etc, etc.
My problem, and has been for years is the way he goes about it. You and others find nothing wrong with his obvious tactics when playing, albeit within the rules. I find it completely cynical ala Ebdon-esque. You talk about money etc, like it justifies his style of play, in my mind, nothing justifies it. You's see it as all above board and "his game", I see it as an obvious as hell form of gamesmanship, which I personally have never, would never resort to. I love snooker , always have and I could play at a decent enough standard at one stage. We're all entitled to our opinions I suppose

Sandor Clegane

volono wrote: »

To Flasher and Walshb , I think Selby is a fantastic player.
He has it all, one of the best at safety, tremendous potting and bottle when he does get a chance etc, etc.
My problem, and has been for years is the way he goes about it. You and others find nothing wrong with his obvious tactics when playing, albeit within the rules. I find it completely cynical ala Ebdon-esque. You talk about money etc, like it justifies his style of play, in my mind, nothing justifies it. You's see it as all above board and "his game", I see it as an obvious as hell form of gamesmanship, which I personally have never, would never resort to. I love snooker , always have and I could play at a decent enough standard at one stage. We're all entitled to our opinions I suppose

You would if there was 500k on the line...:pac:

Gaoth Laidir

What I find most frustrating about watching Selby is that you think he's finally going to get down to take the shot after all his walking around and making faces. He does this little bend forward to fool you and then he's up again for another walk and a look. Absolutely no need for that. I hate Ronnie, but he doesn't do any of this ****e, nor do most other players.

I don't find anything exciting about watching Selby. Yes, he's thorough and yes he gets results, but he doesn't give one toss about the people watching him.

volono

To Sandor, I mentioned before I played countless money matches in my time and believe me I know the feeling of being under pressure and keeping things right etc re: saftys....not for that type of money of course, it is the the prize money for the professional WORLD championship.
And in my mind , that's still not a justification for what he gets up to, at all!!!.
To Laidir, I enjoy watching snooker regardless, last thing on players minds are the viewers., Although I agree and have said numerous times, it's a very deliberate tactic by Selby , there's others posting here that won't agree and think it's great. I see it different, it's bang out of order tbf.

Girly Gal

Selby, O'Sullivan and all the top players aren't playing for money anymore, they're gone past that stage, they are financially secure for life, if they never earned a penny from snooker again they'd still be able to live a life of luxury. Murphy who has had a decent career, but, fairly average by top player standards, has earned around 4.5 million sterling, so it's not about money for these guys, it's about the prestige of winning the big titles and to prove that they can still do it at the highest level, chase records, get higher up the all time list etc.The money is a nice bonus, but, not the driving motivation for them. It's the same for most top sports people.

dougm1970

watching the seniors....ken played well....but am very surprised with igor figueiredo, hes a very good player, wouldnt have been out of place with this standard of play in main tournament.

pockets look generous though...

HeidiHeidi

dougm1970 wrote: »

watching the seniors....ken played well....but am very surprised with igor figueiredo, hes a very good player, wouldnt have been out of place with this standard of play in main tournament.

pockets look generous though...

Where are you watching the seniors?


Is it on cheapskate telly?

BonnieSituation

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Where are you watching the seniors?


Is it on cheapskate telly?

BBC red button and iPlayer.

It's also on matchroom.live

That's where I'm watching.

Senior thread here:
https://touch.boards.ie/thread/2058183306/4/#post117105815

dougm1970

yea...bbc red button.

hendry seems to be playing better than he did in main qualifiers, but these pockets look wide