Davis and Hendry both nose dived really. Ronnie had a bit of a dip but still won here and there like the masters. He's back on top of his game again now though.
It also puts into real focus just what a remarkable effort it was for Selby to beat O'Sullivan from 3-8 and 5-10 down in the 2014 final.
Is that why John Parrot was also underrated? On Selby, he is a player who lives on O'Sullivan's head rent free, you can see that when he talks about him.
As much as he claims not to enjoy the event, I think the only thing that really interests O'Sullivan now is winning an eighth world title. He's got pretty much every other record in the book already. That said, Mark Allen certainly looks like he'll be a big threat come Sheffield in the spring.
Selby v O'Sullivan is always a decent match but their head to heads aren't as close as some might think. In proper comps they've faced each other 27 times. O'Sullivan has won 17 of those meetings to Selby's 10. The only person living in O'Sullivan' head rent free is O'Sullivan. If he's on it mentally then nobody can beat him.
Congrats to Mark Selby on his first title in 18 months. Has been suffering with his mental health in recent years. Nobody really sees that stuff, and he has had a far more troubled upbringing than most realise. Very emotional at the end, and you could see what it means to him and his family. Fame and riches doesn't guarantee a happy life, and I wish him well in battling the demons as he is a fantastic talent on the table. Lovely words from Luca Brecel at the end.
Anyone following this match fixing thing? Immensely disappointing, especially Yan and Zhao. Surely pressure/force has played a part here?
I don't really follow snooker but a news notification appeared on my phone the other day about it. It appears there's so many involved that it would be a nightmare when they play each other because they've become so used to trying to lose There's got to be an organisation somewhere forcing this upon them. Its a shame for the sport though as it seemed to have grown in recent years but this is going to turn so many away considering you'll be watching every match with full scrutiny of every missed pot
Being from China wouldn't be surprised really.. As you say shame as the sport has grown worldwide particularly in Asia and gets more coverage than ever.] The Masters start tomorrow but no doubt all the talk will be about those not there.
All the banned are Chinese so I'm not actually too surprised. They don't mind a bit of cheating and a lot of their sports are state sponsored so they don't like losing.
seeing as Selby lost to the player who was a last minute replacement for one of the banned Chinese players, i would say yes! Murphy beating defending champion Robertson in particular. but Robertson is so hit and miss in his form
Robertson was ill, and it showed. Really hope vafaei does well, seems like a lovely bloke and had a bit of a nightmare getting visa's etc.....
Williams has that ability to take every frame in isolation. Thoroughly deserved to win the match. Ronnie did his usual thing when he loses, despite not giving Williams a shot in the first 3 frames and playing great stuff. "I just didn't score"blah blah blah "I didn't play well but well done to Mark". Most players would have crumbled. Turning point was a silly hollywood shot Ronnie went for and he ended up losing a frame he was about 50 points up in when there was an easy safety there. Took a liberty with Williams and got punished. Rocket is the most talented player I've ever seen, but I'm tired of him making it about "not playing well" or "not bothered" when he loses. Contrast that to Williams, a total class act, and I hope he wins the lot.
Williams made a great start with a 138 first frame of the final. I firmly believe he will beat Trump here.
It's certainly proving close. If Williams sees this frame out it could be 6-6 at the break and all to play for after Trump was 4-1 up at one stage. Could be a late one for a change!
