Snooker
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Oh yes, Stephen Hendry. I followed him closely during his glory years, he was close to unbeatable for some time. And the weird glasses of Dennis Taylor are unforgettable as well, I believe cracking up the audience was one of his specialities, plus of course he won the very closest world title ever, on the very last black after an epic match against Steve Davis.
But to step away from reminiscing for a moment, my fave players now are Ali Carter and Barry Hawkins, both of whom I believe are real great guys on top of being pros of the game.
And the two finalists here at Berlin a short time ago, Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy, I briefly got to see in denim instead of their arena finery, after all was played and over. -
As the world championships have started at the Crucible in Sheffield, this shall get a little bump back to the top.
Anyone else following it? Day One already offered high drama as defending champion Mark Selby just merely escaped the famous curse, according to which first time champions never successfully can defend their title. Selby had his neck already in a tightening noose, but got his game back in the deciding frame to end the hopes of Norwegian Crucible novice Kurt Maflin. A thriller! -
So the first round at the Crucible is history. Any followers here, any favourites to win? I think it's very hard to estimate. My best liked players, Barry Hawkins and Ali Carter, will have no easy task in the next round with Mark Allen and Neil Robertson. Judd Trump left a strong impression in his first match. Will stay tuned!
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Tonight the curse of the Crucible struck again. Mark Selby lost in the second round, yet another first time champion who didn't even come close to defending his title.
What a brilliant performance by Anthony McGill. Awesome. -
My solo coverage of the World Championships for this forum continues…
Hard fought final so far, with Murphy first seemingly taking it away, only then for Bingham to doggedly fight back. 9:8 after the first day.
The semi-final Bingham ./. Trump was epic! -
Better late than never!
Ronnie's defeat in the quarter-finals naturally was a huge surprise. I think he was angry at himself and generally just not in the mood (know that feel so well…) and at the end even did not put up much resistance anymore.
Am really anxiously anticipating today's conclusion! -
Stuart Bingham just became a very deserving world champion 2015, with Shaun Murphy about the most gallant and gentleman-like runner-up in my recollection.
A great final ending an exciting tournament.Now the gents can put their jeans back on…
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T'was a cracking final and Bingham a worthy winner having put out Trump & O'Sullivan in the earlier rounds.
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To my delight, Ali Carter won the Paul Hunter Classics yesterday in Fürth, Bavaria. It was the first major success for the Captain after he rejoined proceedings having had a cancer problem that, as far as I know, has been successfully cured.
To achieve this at a star-studded tournament dedicated to a revered player whom we lost to cancer is fitting, in fact it couldn't have been scripted any better.
Carter is one of my best liked players, I believe one of the most decent guys on the tour. I'm really happy for him…and just a bit mad I couldn't see it, happening in my own country, not even on TV. -
Anybody followed the German Masters at the Tempodrom in Berlin? I found it awesome!!!
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The yearly High Mass of snooker has begun, I observe it with some British food on our German dinner table, and enjoy watching Bingham v. Carter.
Any other followers around here?
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I'll be following it as much as possible. Not seen too much so far other than highlights of some incredible escapes from snookers. Ronnie already seems to be 'acting up' by refusing to do any of the press obligations post-match….such a rebel.
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Sweet to know @Winchy that we both follow it.
Two astonishing big name exits so far in the first round. Murphy and Robertson….expected as far as the semis, and neither one would have been a sensation as the champion. Now first round defeats instead.
Today Ding Junhui enters the stage...exited to see how he'll fare against German Masters champion Martin Gould. -
Early shocks indeed, and both players that I enjoy watching too. Good for the tournament to have some different players in the mix though.
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I enjoyed watching Holt knock out Robertson. Well done sir. A bit of advice to Holt. Stay down on the shot more. He keeps getting up and having another think about it. Commit.
Oh yeah.
1. Step away from the pies John Higgins.
2. Ronnie, act like a professional yer dick! (Edit: Arguably the best player that has ever held a snooker cue. Genius). -
What I really like about Holt is his sense of humour. Did'nt come through so much at the Crucible (except perhaps for the "bless you" to an audience member with a shattering sneeze that stopped him right before a shot…) but at Berlin's Tempodrom his matches were practically stand-up comedy thrown in to the snooker.
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^^
I like Holt, I want to see him win tournaments. But he needs to apply himself more. He's been a pro for 20 years, but yet to win a title. If he can get a title under his belt I think he could do well in the game. He's currently ranked 28th in the world, so he's a bloody good player.I also hear that he is top value for money on the exhibition circuit.
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Little round one wrap-up.
Perry v. Wilson last night was about as dramatic as a snooker match can get. Judd Trump saving himself after grave arrears was also quite something. Two of the four I "saw" as the semifinalists are still in the running…only. Selby and Higgins. In suspense how it'll look after round two.
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Just recovering from a nerve-tearing drama at the Crucible, as Barry Hawkins kicked out the odds-on favourite Ronnie. Barry is one of my absolute favourite players, so I'm happy for him, and I also think it's a highly deserved win, after he's lost to Ronnie so many times, and often at most prestigious occasions. Now I wish for him to go a couple steps further…
