Отправлено: 12.10.06 13:15. Заголовок: ПРЕСС-ЦЕНТР - 3

 Отправлено: 25.11.06 10:32. Заголовок: Re:

Deal on the table Highland Spring pours £1m into snooker sponsorship


THERE was a time when Canadian Bill Werbeniuk was famed for sinking 18 pints of beer during a match to steady his jitters.

But the cleaner image of snooker was confirmed yesterday when Highland Spring announced a £1 million investment in the game, the Perthshire company's biggest ever sponsorship deal.

It will see the world's top three players - from left, above: Ronnie O'Sullivan, Ken Doherty and Stephen Hendry - joined by 12 other snooker personalities in Team Highland Spring.

Under the three-year deal, the company's logo will appear on the players' waistcoats, with the brand expected to be seen by more than 200 million viewers during 300 hours of televised coverage a year on BBC Sport, BBC Interactive, Sky Sports and Eurosport.

Seven times world champion Stephen Hendry MBE said: "Snooker is increasing in popularity with more and more youngsters entering the sport. It's important they understand the benefits of good hydration during sport and how it helps you stay focused and perform to the best of your ability."

 Отправлено: 25.11.06 14:51. Заголовок: Re:

В доллярах вышеозначенный 1 млн паундов превращается практически в 2 миллиона..

Highland Spring invests $1.91 million in snooker

24th November 2006
By Laura Ellis

Highland Spring has revealed its biggest ever sponsorship deal, investing GBP1 million ($1.91 million) in the game of snooker.
The three-year deal will involve top snooker players including Stephen Hendry, Ken Doherty and Ronnie O'Sullivan, who will wear the company's logo on their waistcoats during televised matches.

AdvertisementThe company expects more than 200 million viewers will see the logo during the course of the three years.

The Scotland-based company has also extended its deal with World Snooker as the official water supplier for three years.

(http://www.drinks-business-review.com/article_news.asp?guid=3E7EBB4C-E304-4EB1-9653-211A9AE834CD)

 Отправлено: 26.11.06 01:51. Заголовок: Re:

На ЮКее нас ожидают два новеньких реферя.. наверн, только в ТВ-раунд их не поставят.. (а хотелось бы)



NEW REFS ARE READY FOR YORK
23 Nov 2006 10:04:00

Two of World Snooker's new referees will officiate professional matches for the first time at the UK Championship.
There are plenty of new faces among the refereeing fraternity this season - 12 in total.

And two of them, Belgian Oliver Marteel and Jean-Pierre van Vlerken of Holland, will be on duty at the Barbican Centre in York.

The duo were among nine officials whoofficiated in matches during this month’s Masters qualifiers at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield.

"It’s imperative that we get more referees coming through the ranks," said tournament director Mike Ganley.

"These guys have been in the system and assessed for about two years now.

"They’ve officiated at PIOS events and the next stage was the Masters which obviously featured Main Tour players.

"The next level is to elevate them to the Main Tour and Oliver and Jean-Pierre will get their opportunity in York."

The nine new ’gloves men’ are: Jurgen Gruson, Rene Tinge, Andrew Yates, Ben Williams, Andrew Cherry, Greg Conginilio, William Bridge plus Marteel and van Vlerken.

Dutchman Jan Verhaas and Welshman Eirian Williams, two of the games most respected officials, have been keeping an eye on their colleague’s progress.

They have taken on the assessing role previously held by Lancastrian John Newton, who retired at the end of last season.

 Отправлено: 27.11.06 22:51. Заголовок: Re:

 Отправлено: 28.11.06 16:21. Заголовок: Re:

 Отправлено: 28.11.06 20:15. Заголовок: Re:

Dott takes pot at Games decision

TENNIS and archery are in but snooker has been rejected for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Scots world snooker champion Graeme Dott said: "It's a bit weird.
People could name at least three snooker players but no archers."
Officials cited the UK-centric nature of the game as the problem.
Seattle Seahawks beat Green Bay Packers 34-24 in the NFL last night.

Publication date 28/11/06

 Отправлено: 29.11.06 20:44. Заголовок: Re:

 Отправлено: 30.11.06 16:59. Заголовок: Re:

30 November 2006
YEAR DOTT PLANS TO MAKE HIMSELF SNOOKER LEGEND
By John Docherty

GRAEME DOTT last night revealed he is determined to be ranked a snooker legend.

Dott wants to emulate Stephen Hendry and John Higgins by becoming the third Scottish player to hold the World and UK titles in the same year.

Last May Dott took the world crown by beating England's Peter Ebdon 18-14 in Sheffield for his first ranking tournament success.

Now he wants to capture the UK Championship - currently held by Chinese star Ding Junhui - when the tournament starts in York next Monday.

Dott and stable-mate Higgins will be dressed to thrill after both were suited and booted by Slater Menswear of Stirling.

Dott said: "When I won the world title it was.an amazing experience and to add the UK, which is the second biggest tournament, would be the best thing ever for me.


"Only five players have achieved that feat in the same season - Scots Hendry and Higgins along with Steve Davis, John Parrott and Ronnie O Sullivan - so it would be phenomenal to join that group.


"If a player can win the World and the UK events in the same season it can elevate him to being a snooker great.


"People would talk about you in the same breath as Hendry and Higgins and the rest of these guys who have legendary status."


Dott, who takes on Scott MacKenzie or Michael Holt in his opening match, admitted the UK has yet to prove a happy hunting ground.


He said: "I have not done very well in that competition. My best performance was reaching the last eight a couple of years ago.


"I have no idea why my record has been so disappointing. Maybe it's because I never seem to do well in the first half of the season. Hopefully, I can put that right this year."


Dott has a big date before he hits the road to York. This weekend he faces Jimmy White in the semi-finals of the Betfred Premier League at Manchester.

 Отправлено: 30.11.06 17:02. Заголовок: Re:

MURPHY: THE GAME HAS CHANGED
Thursday 30th November 2006


England's highest ranked snooker player Shaun Murphy believes that the game has evolved and will keep evolving even if one player rises to dominate the sport.
Murphy, who became World Champion in 2005, has heralded the performance of his contemporaries insisting that healthy competition has taken the game of snooker forward.

Though Murphy has not ruled out the possibility of a return to one-man domination, seen with the likes of Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry, he insists the game has changed and would not diminish should one player take control again.

The world number five said: "I think the face of snooker has changed and may still be changing.

"I was looking at the provisional ranking list the other day and I'm the highest-ranked English player on it, which I find amazing knowing there's the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Peter Ebdon, Stephen Lee and Steve Davis, who is still punching strongly.

"It's very nice for me to look at that and think `Flipping heck, I'm the highest-ranked Englishman'. I'm very proud of that."

Murphy differs from others in his belief that snooker will not continue in its current state, where one player cannot perform consistently enough to break away from the pack.

"I'm not really a believer that nobody will dominate the sport again, even though that's what a lot of people say," added the 24 year from Rotherham.

"I think you always get one person who emerges that's better than the rest. Of course I'd love it to be myself and I'm working very hard to that end."

Зловеще улыбающийся пельмень

 Отправлено: 30.11.06 18:43. Заголовок: Re:

эх, запрещено комментировать

 Отправлено: 30.11.06 18:46. Заголовок: Re:

rusel пишет:

цитата:

эх, запрещено комментировать

Я тоже подумала.. но врагов надо знать в лицо..

 Отправлено: 30.11.06 20:20. Заголовок: Re:

Вот вам еще и перевод его: Мерфи: "Игра изменилась"

 Отправлено: 01.12.06 15:30. Заголовок: Re:

Что-то все о Мерфи
[url=http://www.worldsnooker.com/tournament_news%28id18310%29-56.htm]Мерфи посещает школу[/url]

 Отправлено: 01.12.06 20:31. Заголовок: Re:

 Отправлено: 01.12.06 20:36. Заголовок: Re:

WHIRLWIND TO WIN IT - GOLDSTEIN

Friday 1st December 2006

Semi-finals
GRAEME DOTT v JIMMY WHITE

From the very start I actually tipped Jimmy White to win. I had a flutter on him at 150-1 so now he is in the semi-final I am getting a little bit excited that he might just do it.

It is going to be interesting because Jimmy has not played well all season - I don't think he has qualified for any ranking events yet which suggests he is playing awfully.

In the Premier League, though, he has had some fantastic results - he beat Ding Junhui and Stephen Hendry 5-1 which is no mean feat.

It all depends if Jimmy can keep his cool. Graeme Dott is a difficult opponent but if Jimmy keeps his cool it could go his way - I don't know if that's my heart or my head talking? It will be a tough game for both players.


Dott: Hard to beat

The World Champion is the World Champion for one reason - because he is so difficult to beat. I predict 5-3 either way. It's too tough to call.

In the Premier League you always play top quality opponents whereas in qualifying for ranking events, no disrespect, but you are playing against lower players.

It is more difficult for someone like Jimmy - who has been there, seen it, done it - to subconsciously raise his game against someone who is ranked fifty places below him than it would be against the World Champion or Ronnie O'Sullivan or Hendry.

Playing in front of packed houses of 800 people upwards has made a difference and has some relevance in his impressive performances in Premier League snooker this season.

Dott has got down to the last four which would suggest he is playing well. He is a very difficult player to beat.

He has been branded as a slow player but he isn't. In the Premier League he has got one of the fastest times on the shot-clock.

His average time is around 16 seconds, which is only second or third behind Ronnie and Jimmy and possibly Steve Davis, who has sped up his game which is great to see.

Dott will be the first to admit that he isn't the sort of player who will get in and win a frame with one visit, that's not how he won the World Championship.

He certainly performs like a World Champion and is playing well in the Premier League. If he hadn't made it to the final four it would have been a disappointment for him.

RONNIE O'SULLIVAN v STEVE DAVIS

Form would suggest that Ronnie should win quite convincingly but December seems to be a lucky month for Davis.
Last year he needed Ronnie to beat Shaun Murphy 5-1 to make the final four and that's exactly what happened and also last December Steve got to the final of the UK Championship, which is the second biggest ranking event.

Anything can happen in this game. If both players are on top form then Ronnie will win. They both play a similar style - they are both open and fairly quick but I predict that Ronnie will win by two or three frames.

Ronnie loves the Premier League and he loves the Sky competitions because the crowds have been fantastic. Every single week it's been nothing but a full-house.

Only when the final ball has been potted have the crowd started to leave which is fantastic - you don't get that in any other snooker.

Ronnie is the defending champion and has won the Premier League crown for the past two seasons so he will be desperate to make it a hat-trick of wins.

The Final

If it is an O'Sullivan v White final, which I know the majority of snooker fans would love to see, it would be a fantastic final.

I know it's the worst thing a pundit could say but if those two made the final and turned it on, snooker will be the winner. I think snooker needs a final like that - the Whirlwind against the Rocket.

I have backed Jimmy from the beginning and I am not going to change my mind. I think the Premier League has been brilliant this season.

A main factor is whether it brings in the crowds or not and every week it has been a full-house which is testament to the quality of the snooker and to everybody for coming to watch the top players in the world compete.

We have seen some great matches - the only thing we are missing in the Premier League this season is a maximum break. I wouldn't be surprised if we got one this weekend.

 Отправлено: 01.12.06 21:05. Заголовок: Re:

 Отправлено: 01.12.06 21:14. Заголовок: Re:

Rocket Aims For Three In A Row


FOLLOWING two years of domination of the Betfred Premier League Snooker, Ronnie O’Sullivan goes for three in a row as the 2006 play-offs take place at The Forum Centre, Wythenshawe, Manchester this weekend.

The Essex-based ‘Rocket’ is on an unbeaten run of 21 games in the tournament and sponsors Betfred justifiably make him a heavy 2/9 favourite to carry off the trophy on Sunday night.

O’Sullivan (pictured right with the 2005 trophy) faces Steve Davis in the second semi-final on Saturday evening and for Davis there will be added incentive to do well as 50 per cent of any prize money he receives will go to the Hunter Foundation, a charity set up by Lindsey Hunter in memory of her late husband Paul.

Davis finished fifth in the League but was handed a second chance when Chinese sensation Ding Jun-hui was forced to withdraw from the Play-Offs in order to represent China in the date-clashing Asian Games.

Sponsors and promoters felt that with the fifth placed player effectively gaining a ‘free-roll’ into the Play-Offs, it was a golden opportunity to help the Hunter Foundation.

“This is a great, unexpected chance to compete in the Play-Offs and I really hope I can raise a decent amount in Paul’s memory,” said Davis. “It won’t be easy as Ronnie is playing exceptionally well at the moment but I will try to play my own game and I’ll be giving it my best shot."

In the other best-of-9 semi-final, 2006 World Champion Graeme Dott goes up against surprise qualifier Jimmy White.

For White, who has slumped to 51 in the provisional World Rankings, the Betfred Premier League represents a chance to get in among the big money and turn his season around.

White is a 9/4 outsider to beat Dott but if he can repeat the type of form that saw him beat both Stephen Hendry and Ding Junhui 5-1 then he is capable of springing a shock. The two winners will then face off over the best of 13 frames at 7.30 on Sunday evening.

All matches will be played under the 25 second shot clock rule and in addition to the prize fund, there will an additional £1,000 on offer for any century breaks.

The prize money breaks down as follows:
The Winner: £50,000
Runner-up: £25,000
Semi-Finalists: £12,500

The four players are carrying forward the following amounts, won under the Betfred Premier League’s unique ‘£1,000 per frame won, £1,000 per century break’ prize money structure.

O’Sullivan: £26,000
Dott: £19,000
White: £19,000
Davis: £19,000

Semi-Finals (Best of 9 frames)
Saturday, December 2 - 7.30pm
Graeme Dott v Jimmy White
Ronnie O’Sullivan v Steve Davis

The Final (Best of 13 frames)
Sunday, December 3 - 7.30pm

 Отправлено: 01.12.06 21:43. Заголовок: Re:

Перевод Гольдстайн: "Уайт победит на турнире"

 Отправлено: 01.12.06 22:06. Заголовок: Re:

Rocket нацелен на третью победу подряд в Премьер Лиге

 Отправлено: 02.12.06 12:42. Заголовок: Re:

 Отправлено: 02.12.06 16:09. Заголовок: Re:

Мамина кухня помогает Дингу выигрывать трофеи

 Отправлено: 02.12.06 16:30. Заголовок: Re:

Kava, как приятно не напрягать голову при чтении с английского!

 Отправлено: 03.12.06 00:06. Заголовок: Re:

Graeme Dott 4-5 Jimmy White

Reigning World Champion Graeme Dott faced Jimmy White in the first of this evening's play-offs of the Betfred Premier League Snooker at the Forum Centre, Wythenshawe.

White (pictured right) was looking for revenge after he had suffered a 4-2 defeat when the pair met in the second round of group matches back in September at the GL1 in Gloucester.

Both players made a nervous start in the opening frame as they struggled to compile a notible break as White lost position on 31 before Dott did likewise after he had a run of 24 and then again after a further score of 25.

A missed red into the right centre pocket from Dott gave The Whirlwind a chance and he cleared up to the pink to move into an early lead in this best of nine-frame encounter.

The second continued in the same vein as White was 7-0 ahead with three single reds and a foul from Dott the only score in the first ten minutes. But the Scotsman left a chance and a break of 64 from White saw the score move to 2-0.

If the first two frames had been a bit scrappy, the third saw White play some of his best snooker of this year's competition with a break of 94, although a missed blue cost him his opportunity of making his second century of the 2006 League.

At the start of the tournament, White was priced at 100/1 by Betfred to lift the trophy but he continued his surprise performance as he moved 4-0 ahead. It was another stop-start frame with the highest individual score only being 33 but White steadily built a decent lead before Dott conceded after a foul on the blue left him trailing by 42 points.

But Dott showed why he is World Champion as a break of 87, his highest of the match, moved the score to 4-1 and kept White needing one more frame for a place in the final.

The Londoner had a great chance to do that in the sixth as he went 26 points ahead but then missed a red into the right centre pocket and Dott capitalised with a break of 51 to make it 2-4 and keep his hopes alive.

White began to show his nerves as his 4-0 lead was gradually being wiped out and he only gained nine points in the seventh frame as Dott clawed back the deficit to 4-3, helped by a break of 31.

In a drama-filled match, Dott ensured the first play-off would go down to a sudden death frame as a score of 61 saw him win his fourth successive frame and be close to recording a magnificent fightback.

The tenth frame was an epic encounter and White made a positive start by moving 28-1 ahead. However, he was then only one shot from losing after he made two successive fouls where he failed to hit any ball. However, he did better with his third attempt and he eventually edged towards the finish line before Dott conceded the frame and match

Betfred Premier League Snooker
First play-off - Saturday, December 2, 2006
The Forum Centre, Wythenshawe
Graeme Dott 4-5 Jimmy White
Dott's scores first
50-67 (White 31), 0-71 (White 64), 0-94 (White 94), 20-62 (White 33), 87-1 (Dott 87), 63-28 (Dott 51), 57-9 (Dott 31), 90-16 (Dott 61), 11-60.

 Отправлено: 03.12.06 00:24. Заголовок: Re:

White Holds His Nerve To Claim Final Spot

JIMMY White held his nerve to stun World Champion Graeme Dott and secure a place in the final of the 2006 Betfred Premier League Snooker competition.



White, who has slumped to No.51 in the World Rankings, produced some of his best snooker of the year as breaks of 64 and 94 helped him race into a 4-0 lead. However, Dott showed his strength of character to claim the next four before White clinched the last frame to set up a final with either Ronnie O'Sullivan or Steve Davis.

"The more practise you get, the more lucky you get," said a delighted White. "In the first two or three frames I had quite a bit of luck but played quite well to be 4-0 up.

"Graeme didn't do much wrong in the next three frames and at 4-4 it was anybody's game but I'm pleased to win the match.

"We are both experienced enough but there was pressure from start to finish. In the last game I only had a 19-point lead but was in control of the safety and I just had to stay in there and look for the opportunity."

White (pictured right) was looking for revenge after he had suffered a 4-2 defeat when the pair met in the second round of group matches back in September at the GL1 in Gloucester.

Both players made a nervous start in the opening frame as they struggled to compile a notible break as White lost position on 31 before Dott did likewise after he had a run of 24 and then again after a further score of 25.

A missed red into the right centre pocket from Dott gave The Whirlwind a chance and he cleared up to the pink to move into an early lead in this best of nine-frame encounter.

The second continued in the same vein as White was 7-0 ahead with three single reds and a foul from Dott the only score in the first ten minutes. But the Scotsman left a chance and a break of 64 from White saw the score move to 2-0.

If the first two frames had been a bit scrappy, the third saw White play some of his best snooker of this year's competition with a break of 94, although a missed blue cost him his opportunity of making his second century of the 2006 League.

At the start of the tournament, White was priced at 100/1 by Betfred to lift the trophy but he continued his surprise performance as he moved 4-0 ahead. It was another stop-start frame with the highest individual score only being 33 but White steadily built a decent lead before Dott conceded after a foul on the blue left him trailing by 42 points.

But Dott showed why he is World Champion as a break of 87, his highest of the match, moved the score to 4-1 and kept White needing one more frame for a place in the final.

The Londoner had a great chance to do that in the sixth as he went 26 points ahead but then missed a red into the right centre pocket and Dott capitalised with a break of 51 to make it 2-4 and keep his hopes alive.

White began to show his nerves as his 4-0 lead was gradually being wiped out and he only gained nine points in the seventh frame as Dott clawed back the deficit to 4-3, helped by a break of 31.

In a drama-filled match, Dott ensured the first play-off would go down to a sudden death frame as a score of 61 saw him win his fourth successive frame and be close to recording a magnificent fightback.

The tenth frame was an epic encounter and White made a positive start by moving 28-1 ahead. However, he was then only one shot from losing after he made two successive fouls where he failed to hit any ball. However, he did better with his third attempt and he eventually edged towards the finish line before Dott conceded the frame and match.

Dott added: "I wanted to win but Jimmy played well. At the start it felt like a nightmare as nothing went for me. Sometimes you can be 4-0 down and be demoralised but it wasn't like that."

Betfred Premier League Snooker
First play-off - Saturday, December 2, 2006
The Forum Centre, Wythenshawe
Graeme Dott 4-5 Jimmy White
Dott's scores first
50-67 (White 31), 0-71 (White 64), 0-94 (White 94), 20-62 (White 33), 87-1 (Dott 87), 63-28 (Dott 51), 57-9 (Dott 31), 90-16 (Dott 61), 11-60.

 Отправлено: 03.12.06 02:02. Заголовок: Re:

Rocket Closes In On Another Title

RONNIE O'Sullivan stayed on course for his third successive Betfred Premier League Snooker title.

The Rocket defeated Davis 5-2 in the second semi-final and will now will be odds on to be Jimmy White in tomorrow's final at the Forum Centre in Wythenshawe after The Whirlwind secured a shock 5-4 victory against World Champion Graeme Dott.

O'Sullivan, the favourite to lift the Betfred Premier League Snooker trophy for the third successive time, made a fantastic start as he made a break of 111 to claim the opening frame against Davis. That score was the fifth highest of this season and already left veteran Davis with a mountain to climb.

It soon became 2-0 as O'Sullivan looked determined to finish off the match as quickly as possible with breaks of 42 and 54 to leave Davis contemplating a semi-final defeat.

Missed shots by O'Sullivan at a pink as the shot clock was running down and then a tough red into the centre pocket gave Davis two chances to take the third frame. But he could not take full advantage and with the reds well placed O'Sullivan compiled a break of 74 to move 3-0 ahead. After the first three frames, O'Sullivan had scored a total of 285, while Davis had struggled to only get 35 points.

It nearly became 4-0 when, after a lengthy safety battle, O'Sullivan went in off after potting a potential frame-winning brown ball and that handed the frame to Davis.

The Nugget had a chance to make it 3-2 but after making a break of 17, his highest in the first five frames, he missed a black off the spot. O'Sullivan soon had the opportunity and another substantial effort, this time of 86, took the score to 4-1 with the Rocket one frame away from victory.

Davis finally found a tiny bit of form in the sixth frame as scores of 28 and 32 helped him to a 64-28 success. But there was not to be another comeback in the play-offs as a break of 64 helped O'Sullivan claim the second spot in the final.

Betfred Premier League Snooker
Second Play-off - Saturday, December 2
Ronnie O'Sullivan 5-2 Steve Davis
O'Sullivan's scores first
111-18 (O'Sullivan 111), 100-16 (O'Sullivan 42, 54), 74-1 (O'Sullivan 64), 48-60 (O'Sullivan 37), 106-17 (O'Sullivan 86), 28-64 (Davis 32), 71-14 (O'Sullivan 64)

 Отправлено: 03.12.06 10:53. Заголовок: Re:

Honest John goes with the breaks

 Отправлено: 03.12.06 12:43. Заголовок: Re:

 Отправлено: 03.12.06 20:52. Заголовок: Re:

Для тех, кто ф танке: Rocket близок к очередному титулу

 Отправлено: 03.12.06 20:54. Заголовок: Re:

MALTA CUP LAUNCHED
30 Nov 2006 17:49:00

Snooker's annual trip to the Mediterranean was under the spotlight today as a press conference was staged to launch the 2007 Malta Cup.

Online ticket sales start tomorrow (Friday December 1), visit www.maltacup.org

"World Snooker is delighted to be heading back to Malta in January for another World Ranking tournament. It’s one of the highlights of the calendar for the players and officials because of the warm hospitality we receive," said by Mike Ganley, Tournament Director of World Snooker.

"This will be the eighth time we have staged a ranking event on the island and we are always guaranteed enthusiastic support from the knowledgeable Maltese fans.

"The top players in the world will once again be flying to Malta to compete for ranking points and prize money of over £200,000. The quality of snooker last year was outstanding and Ken Doherty’s 9-8 victory over John Higgins in the final was a classic match.

"Doherty and Higgins will again be in contention for the title, as well as the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis and World Champion Graeme Dott. And of course the local interest is provided by Maltese legend Tornado Tony Drago plus wild cards Simon Zammit and Joe Grech.

"Our thanks go to the Malta Tourism Authority for their support, which is a key element in the financing of the event.

"Thanks to the Hilton Conference Centre - it’s fantastic place to stay and a great venue for snooker. We also wish to thank Malta TV and Eurosport for their television coverage as well as the many Maltese journalists who cover the tournament.

"And of course our gratitude goes to Snooker Promotions Malta for the fine job they do in the staging of this tournament each year."

The Press Conference was introduced by Joe Zammit, director of Snooker Promotions (Malta). "Despite great competition from several countries around the world vying to stage a world ranking event, we are once again proud to be able to stage a top class snooker tournament," he said.

"The Malta Cup is only one of the two ranking events that are staged outside the UK this season, and we know that the event ranks very highly in the players’ personal lists of preferred events.

"This time, we have once again managed to secure the participation of 2 ‘wild card’ matches, where two of our top local players will pit their skills against some of the world’s best players in front of their own supporters. Besides this, Malta’s top professional, Tony Drago, has agreed to play his three qualifying matches in Malta at the start of the tournament.

"Once again, this tournament would not have been possible without the support of our local sponsors, primarily the Malta Tourism Authority, Air Malta and the Hilton Hotel. Our sincere thanks go to them all for their tremendous support over the years. This year, however, we have added another important and prestigious sponsor: Vodafone Malta."

Richard Balani, director of Snooker Promotions, then went on to give further details on the event itself: "The 2006 Malta Cup once again proved that snooker is very popular amongst the Maltese, and it also confirmed that the event is highly followed by snooker fans across the world. The Eurosport coverage has served to spread the popularity of the game in new areas, and also encourages snooker fans from other countries to come to Malta and watch the tournament live. In fact, we calculate that up to 50% of the audience who watched the snooker at the Hilton last season were from overseas.

"I am sure that the Malta Tourism Authority is as pleased as we are with this, and we have already received several enquiries from all over Europe about tickets for the event. This interest has encouraged us to set up our own online ticket booking facilities on our website www.maltacup.org, which will actually go ‘live’ as from the 1st December. Both Maltese and overseas snooker fans will be able to book the best seats immediately, on a block ticket basis or also on a day ticket basis. We are also providing full travel packages for our overseas fans – offering them a ‘one stop shop’ - to make it easier for them to come to Malta to watch the snooker. So far we have had enquiries from the UK, Germany, Holland, France, Belgium, Holland, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan. Many of these have already confirmed their trips to Malta and are waiting to buy their snooker tickets when our online shop goes live.

"The tournament will be played from the 28th January to the 4th February at the Hilton Conference Centre in Portomaso. It will be played on the usual 32-man knockout format, plus three qualifiers which have been held over to be played here. Besides these, however, 2 of Malta’s top players, Joe Grech and Simon Zammit will also be given the chance to play as ‘wild cards’ in this event. They will play against the lowest 2 ranked players who qualify for this event in Malta, namely, Andrew Higginson and David Roe.

"Both ‘wild card’ matches, as well as Tony Drago’s first qualifying match against Lee Spick will be played on the 28th January, the opening day of the tournament, where local crowds will be expected to give their usual vociferous support for our players. Three other last 32 matches (Round 1) will also be played on this day. On Monday 29th, the winner of the Drago – Spick match will play the last 64 qualifier against John Parrott, along with five other Round 1 matches. Tuesday 30th will see the last of the qualifiers with Michael Holt, as well as five other Round 1 Matches.

"The last three matches of the last 32 round will be played on Wednesday 31st, along with three of the Last 16 round, while on Thursday 1st February, we will see the other five Last 16 matches played out. Till this stage, all matches will be played on a 3 table setup and will be on a best of nine frame basis.

"The quarter finals will see the setup changed to a 2 table format and these will be played on 2nd February starting at 4 pm, all matches best of nine.

"Both semi finals will be played on a 1 table setup on the 3rd February, at 3pm and 8pm, best of 11 frames, while the final will be contested on Sunday 4th. This will be played over 2 sessions, one at 2pm and the second at 7pm, and will be best of 17 frames.

"All the matches of the Malta Cup will be controlled by 5 international snooker referees, 3 of whom are Maltese. These are Michael Attard Montalto, Terry Camilleri and Ray Debattista.

"Block and Day Tickets for the Malta Cup will go on sale as from the 1st December 2006, and these will be available at Lm35 and Lm5-Lm8 through our website, www.maltacup.org. The ticket office at the Hilton Conference Centre will open on the 22nd January.

"As in past years, we are also looking to make special parking arrangements purchase tickets, as a substantial discount on parking charges will be available to them on presentation of a validated ticket. Parking facilities will be available at the Portomaso Hilton car park.

"The event will be covered extensively by television, both local as well as international. The well known and prestigious television network, Eurosport, will also be broadcasting the event on a live and recorded basis, extending the tournament’s reach to over 95 countries and 255 million households. Such international exposure will also serve to once again put Malta on the sporting map. This event is arguably the only sport that is staged in Malta and that ensures the participation of all the world’s best players, in effect, sports tourism at its very best."

The Press Conference was also addressed by Mr Kevin Drake, Personal Assistant to the Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority. He said: "The Malta Tourism Authority has long been conscious of the promotional potential of the Malta Cup. The extensive coverage that this initiative generates in Malta’s core tourism markets undoubtedly promotes Malta in a highly effective manner; associating our country with a prestigious international sportive event. It is precisely for this reason that the Malta Tourism Authority has actively supported the Malta Cup and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future."

Jimmy Attard, Section Head, Marketing Services of Air Malta once again confirmed the airline’s continued support. "Air Malta is once again this year assisting Snooker Promotions through a commercial agreement. Air Malta was one of the few organizations that have assisted this event from its inception 11 years ago.

"This activity forms part of Air Malta’s, ‘Committed to Our Community’ initiative that aims to support and encourage local organisations and activities in various sectors be they cultural, social, philanthropic, environmental, heritage and sport, that help the Maltese Community in some way or another.

"It has already been mentioned that for this year the best foreign players in this sport will be once again participating together with various world Champions that draw a large number of enthusiasts together with their families to the Maltese islands.

"This event gives great exposure to Malta and Air Malta as it is expected that the tournament will be transmitted on the Eurosport network." concluded Mr Attard.

 Отправлено: 03.12.06 23:14. Заголовок: Re:

Ronnie O'Sullivan 7-0 Jimmy White

Ronnie O'Sullivan was aiming to win the Betfred Premier League Snooker competition for the sixth time, while White was hoping to lift the trophy for only the second time after winning the 1993 competition.

O'Sullivan had won the last two Leagues and White would have to be at his best to win as The Rocket had not lost in this competition for 22 matches, a run stretching back to January 2005.

White had suffered a 5-1 defeat when the pair met during the group phases and soon fell 1-0 behind as a break of 49 from O'Sullivan helped him to a 77-7 opening frame triumph.

In the second, White had a glorious chance to level the score as he made a break of 49 but then lost position and that forced him into a tougher red than expected, which he subsequently missed.

That opened the door for O'Sullivan to win the frame 62-49 and at 2-0 White already had a lot of work to do to stay in the match.

White would not be able to make any mistakes but a poorly-placed safety shot gave O'Sullivan a chance in the third that he took in ruthless fashion. The Rocket quickly reached three figures and had an opportunity to compile a score of 140, which would have been the best score of this year's League.

However, a missed blue saw the break come to an end at 122, but it was still enough for the score to become 3-0 with the match already looking a formality.

This was White's first appearance in a competition final in 32 months but he was being outclassed by a focused and determined O'Sullivan who was looking at his best. A break of 93 made it 4-0, although a missed pink denied The Rocket of a second successive century.

The Whirlwind claimed his first points in three frames in the fifth but O'Sullivan soon built a 33 point lead before he made a rare mistake and missed the black. It did not matter as White left a chance on the remaining red and then conceded the frame despite only being 29 behind with 35 points left on the table.

A clearly frustrated White was beginning to make unforced errors and let O'Sullivan in again in the sixth as The Rocket compiled another huge break, this time of 73, made it 6-0.

O'Sullivan gave White a rare chance and he made nine and well positioned to score heavily but a missed blue was to be his last shot of the competition. The Rocket sealed the victory with a break of 113 in a fitting conclusion to this season's tournament.

Betfred Premier League Snooker
The Final
Sunday, December 3, 2006 - The Forum Centre, Wythenshawe
Ronnie O'Sullivan 7-0 Jimmy White
O'Sullivan's scores first
77-7 (O'Sullivan 49), 62-49 (O'Sullivan 32, White 49), 122-0 (O'Sullivan 122), 93-0 (O'Sullivan 93), 42-13 (O'Sullivan 35), 98-1 (O'Sullivan 73), 113-9 (O'Sullivan 113)

 Отправлено: 03.12.06 23:55. Заголовок: Re:

ROCKET ROARS TO A WHITE-WASH
Sunday 3rd December 2006


Former world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan claimed his third straight Premier League title with a 7-0 demolition of Jimmy White in the final at the Forum Centre in Wythenshawe.

It was a virtuoso potting display from the 'Rocket' but he was helped by a woeful performance from an out-of-sorts White, whose game may have been suffering a reaction following his last-gasp victory over world champion Graeme Dott in Saturday's semi-finals.

The six-time World Championship runner-up set the tone for his evening with a miss on a straight black in the opener and O'Sullivan took advantage with a run of 49 to take the lead.

O'Sullivan began the next with a break of 32 but White hit back with a break of 49 - his best of the night - before O'Sullivan won the subsequent safety duel and took the frame with a break of 29 to the pink.

White did not score a point in the next two frames as O'Sullivan compiled a break of 122 in the third - his fourth century of the tournament. He should have had his fifth £1,000 century bonus in the next, but he missed a cut on the pink with the break on 93.

The fifth frame was a scrappy affair, won by the Essex potter after White missed a simple yellow to the middle early on and then a cut on the black into the corner by at least six inches.

In the sixth frame White missed a long red by a country mile and inevitably O'Sullivan made him pay, a break of 73 - which should have been another century - putting him within a frame of victory.

The mid-session interval changed nothing as O'Sullivan quickly wrapped up the victory in the seventh frame of the evening. White got amongst the balls first but after a run of just nine, missed a blue to the corner, and O'Sullivan stroked in a break of 113 to claim the title.

White's consolation was a cheque for £44,000, while O'Sullivan - unbeaten throughout the tournament - picked up £79,000.

O'Sullivan told Sky Sports: "You never know how matches are going to go. I managed to get off to a great start and put some pressure on Jimmy. It was just tough for Jimmy because he has been playing so well in this league and I expected it to go all the way, but snooker is a funny game."

White added: "I was a bit disappointed. I had a chance to win the second game but after that I didn't really settle and if you don't punish the Rocket it is just demoralising. He just gets better and better and it's magic to watch. I was willing him on to make hundred breaks. But I just didn't get going and I was disappointed I didn't give him a really good game."

 Отправлено: 04.12.06 00:04. Заголовок: Re:

O'Sullivan: I Want The World Title Again
RONNIE O'Sullivan targeted the World Championship again after sealing his third successive Betfred Premier League Snooker title.

O'Sullivan made two century breaks as he cruised to an emphatic 7-0 victory against Jimmy White in the final of the Premier League, which was held at the Forum Centre, Wythenshawe.

"I got off to a good start to put some pressure on Jimmy and it was always tough for him," said O'Sullivan. "He has played so well to get to the final and I expected it to go all the way but snooker is a funny game."

The Rocket was always in control and made breaks of 122, 113, 93 and 73 in a one-sided final.



After the victory, Leanne Hunter, sister of the late Paul Hunter, presented O'Sullivan with the trophy (pictured right) and a cheque for £79,000, while White also received a cheque of £44,000.

Leanne herself was handed a cheque for £10,000, which will go towards the Hunter Foundation, after promoters Matchroom Sport, sponsors Betfred and the players agreed to make a sizeable donation to the newly-formed charity.

"I'm proud and honoured to be here tonight representing the Paul Hunter Foundation," said Leanne Hunter.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to the Premier League sponsors Betfred and the players for their contribution to the Paul Hunter Foundation, which will help underprivileged and handicapped children play snooker.

"Paul was a wonderful person and brother to me. He will be so proud."

O'Sullivan, who is widely regarded as one of the best snooker players in the history of the game, has only lifted the World Championship title on two occasions - 2001 and 2004. But he believes he still has a lot more to achieve in the sport.

"I haven't conquered the snooker world," said O'Sullivan. "There's still a few more world titles I would like to win. But there are other things in life. You see Leanne here and Paul is sorely missed. At the end of the day it's just a game of snooker."

This was White's first tournament final in 32 months and admitted the better player won.

"I had a chance to win the second game and after that I didn't settle," said White. "Ronnie just gets better and better and only needs one chance to win a frame but I'm a bit disappointed I didn't give him a good game."

 Отправлено: 04.12.06 01:23. Заголовок: Re:

Магия О’Салливана приносит очередной титул

 Отправлено: 05.12.06 16:23. Заголовок: Re:

 Отправлено: 05.12.06 21:13. Заголовок: Re:

 Отправлено: 06.12.06 07:47. Заголовок: Re:

Ding on cue in doubles win
Tuesday, 05 December, 2006

Ding Junhui and partner Tian Pengfei steamroller Marco Fu Ka Chun and Chan Wai Ki of Hong Kong, China to win the goldChina’s pair Ding Junhui and Tian Pengfei demolished Marco Fu Ka Chun and Chan Wai Ki of Hong Kong, China by 3–1 (64–66, 102–2, 72–37, 126–7) to clinch the men's snooker doubles gold medal at the Al-Sadd Sports Club on Tuesday 5 December.

Despite a highest break of 47, the Chinese pair lost the first frame on the black ball, before taking charge of the proceedings by winning the next three frames in a row for a convincing victory.

Busan 2002 singles champion, Ding, produced a brilliantly constructed break of 126 in the fourth frame – providing the highlight of the match and a fitting end to the final. The 19 year-old, provisionally ranked No 4 in the world, broke open the bunch with his second shot and then proceeded to pick his way through the reds before finishing with a flourish.

Earlier, Tiang potted a quick 55 in the second frame and his partner followed it up with a 47 in the third, as the Chinese pair took control of the match. Hong Kong, China’s Fu and Chan were hardly in the contest once the Chinese got into their groove and amassed only 46 points in the final three frames.

After the defeat, Fu praised China’s performance and offered no excuses for the defeat: “The Chinese are all good and seriously watching their actions, they score heavily and that’s very important. I know I played well, but I didn’t really learn anything new, although I played very comfortably with my team mate.”

Earlier, Thailand’s Atthasit Mahitthi and Phaithoon Phonbun beat Lai Chee Wei and Moh Keen Hoo from Malaysia by 3–1 (63–17, 104–18, 52–77, 80–61) to win the bronze medal match. After convincingly winning the first two frames, Malaysia bounced back in the third before Thailand secured the match in the fourth.

Elsewhere, China’s Ding won the crucial second reverse singles to help his team reach the semifinals of the snooker team event as China turned back a 0–2 deficit to beat Thailand 3–2 and set up a meeting with India, who brushed past Pakistan 3–0.

In the other quarterfinal matches, top seeds Hong Kong, China eliminated Kuwait 3–0 and Malaysia knocked out Qatar 3–1.

 Отправлено: 06.12.06 08:38. Заголовок: Re:

 Отправлено: 06.12.06 11:35. Заголовок: Re:

Swail goes through to second round of UK Championship

Murphy up against McManus

 Отправлено: 06.12.06 11:38. Заголовок: Re:

 Отправлено: 06.12.06 16:30. Заголовок: Re:

UK CHEMPIONSHIP
GREAT SCOTT
06 Dec 2006 13:51:00

Glaswegian Scott MacKenzie is one frame from victory after a storming first session against Michael Holt in the Maplin UK Championship.


World No 21 Holt had no answers as his 26-year-old opponent was simply unstoppable. The Scot opened with a 65 to secure the first and then fired in a 109 to take the second. Frames four and five were closer affairs but still went the same way.

MacKenzie then had runs of 79, 88 and 59 to complete a dream session. He leads 8-0 with first to nine frames going through to the second round in York. At stake is a place in the last 32 and a match against 888.com World Champion Graeme Dott.

Matthew Stevens, the 2003 champion, leads David Gray 6-2 at the interval. Breaks of 114, 133, 65 and 81 have allowed the Welshman to forge ahead.

Joe Perry continued his fine run of form. After his convincing first round victory against Michael Judge, he opened with an 81 and leads Barry Hawkins 5-3.

The games between Ali Carter and Stuart Bingham and Peter Ebdon and Mark Selby are all square. Ebdon, who struck a maximum at this tournament in 1992, opened with a 125 and a 110 before Selby responded with a 99 and a 76. The high scoring didn’t end there, both players hitting further breaks in the nineties.

All these matches will play to a finish this evening
www.worldsnooker.com