Отправлено: 30.03.08 20:46. Заголовок: ПРЕСС-ЦЕНТР 5

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 Отправлено: 30.03.08 20:46. Заголовок: MAGUIRE WANTS FEAR F..

MAGUIRE WANTS FEAR FACTOR
30 Mar 2008 19:05:00

Honghe Industrial 2008 World Snooker China Open champion Stephen Maguire hopes his rivals will be afraid of him as he looks ahead to the Crucible.


The 27-year-old Glaswegian captured his second ranking title of the season with a thrilling 10-9 victory over Shaun Murphy in Beijing, keeping his nerve in the deciding frame to clear from last red to blue.

"I'm sure Shaun and I will play in a lot of finals so it's good to get one over on a player as strong as him," said Maguire after winning the fourth ranking title of his career. "I want to make the other boys a bit frightened of me, and make it harder for them to come back and beat me.

"Shaun kept coming back at me tonight, he wasn't going to let me win easily. I had to dig deep and hope for the best. By the end I felt drained, I was knackered. But I also felt fantastic when I potted the winning balls.

"At 5-2 up I felt as if I could have run away with it. But then when we came back for the evening session I didn't feel as motivated. At this level you have to be a little bit nervous to play well. Shaun came back at me strongly and it wasn't until he went ahead that I started to feel the nerves again. I'm glad I did, otherwise I would have lost 10-5.

"I'm pleased that when I had to fight, I still had something left in the tank."

Murphy, denied his third career ranking title, said: "I'm disappointed to lose after playing well all week, but I've really enjoyed my time here and I've no regrets. It's been great preparation for me for the world.

"Stephen's all round game was just a little bit better than mine today and in the end that was shown in the result."

MURPHY ON TOP DESPITE FINAL DEFEAT
30 Mar 2008 19:35:00

Shaun Murphy goes into the 888.com World Snooker Championship at the head of the provisional world rankings, despite losing to Stephen Maguire in the Honghe Industrial 2008 World Snooker China Open final.


Rotherham’s Murphy lost 10-9 to Maguire in a thriller in Beijing tonight and was denied his first ranking title of the season.

But the 25-year-old, who has reached at least the semi-finals of the last five ranking tournaments, still goes ahead of first round loser Ronnie O’Sullivan to the top of the latest list, albeit with a slender lead of just 100 points going into the Crucible.

“I’m very pleased to be on top at the moment but it doesn’t mean anything unless I can stay there until the end of the season,“ said Murphy.

Glasgow’s Maguire, who won the fourth ranking title of his career and second of the season, remains third but is now well within striking distance of the top two, in what appears to be a three-horse race for next season’s official world No 1 slot.

Mark Selby reached the semi-finals in Beijing and stays fourth, while Ryan Day also made the semis and jumps three places to seventh.

Quarter-finalist Mark Allen improved his chances of an official top 16 berth by moving up three spots to 16th. Nigel Bond and Mark Williams reached the same stage and they both also go up three to 24th and 26th respectively.

Barry Pinches enjoyed his best run in recent years by getting to the last 16, and he’s rewarded with a jump of seven spots to 57th.

World snooker 2008 (c)

 Отправлено: 31.03.08 21:13. Заголовок: But Ding, who will t..

But Ding, who will take part in the Olympic torch relay in Anhui province, said his top priority is to overcome his nerves.

"I have tons of pressure and if I cannot play at a satisfactory level, I simply can't tolerate myself," he said. "I can beat anybody as long as I feel good, so my number one task is to overcome myself, actually."
Вся статья - здесь
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90779/90867/6382724.html

 Отправлено: 04.04.08 13:28. Заголовок: Дейвид Х. в своем бл..

Дейвид Х. в своем блоге пишет
.4.08
MAGUIRE IN FORM FOR CRUCIBLE

Stephen Maguire's Beijing form certainly makes him one of the favourites for the world title but it's been ten years since the player who won the tournament immediately before the World Championship went on to triumph at the Crucible.

That was John Higgins, who won the 1998 British Open in Plymouth before landing the sport's greatest prize.

What does this mean? Probably nothing, as few players win back-to-back ranking titles in any case.

Maguire is in what appears to be the easiest quarter of the draw, which includes the struggling Graeme Dott and inconsistent Neil Robertson.

If he could get through this Shaun Murphy or Mark Selby could be waiting in the semis.

Whatever, it's good to see Stephen playing well again.

I'm going to crow here - because I get very little chance to do so - and republish something I wrote on this very blog last July:

Looking at the season as a whole I’m going to predict one player in particular to watch: Stephen Maguire.

You’ll recall the manner of his semi-final defeat to Higgins at the Crucible. Entering the final session leading 14-10 – having played superbly – he was beaten 17-15, missing the pink in losing a crucial 30th frame which would have put him 16-14 up.

I well remember Maguire turning pro in 1999. I interviewed him after his very first match. He seemed far too polite and reserved for this game but they breed them pretty tough in Glasgow and his personality soon came to the fore.

He’ll have been gutted by his Sheffield exit with the sure knowledge that he let a gilt-edged chance to become world champion slip.

And he’ll be back fighting harder than ever to prove himself as one of the game’s best, which he is, as proved by the manner in which he won the 2004 UK Championship.

I suspect he feels like a wounded animal at the moment and will want to get stuck into the new season to cast off the disappointments of the last campaign.

How things have turned round for him.

He heads to Sheffield in less than three week's time with the perfect chance to make amends for last year's disappointment.

posted by Dave H at 6:03 PM

 Отправлено: 04.04.08 13:36. Заголовок: Между прочим, у чела..

Между прочим, у чела тоже второй 147!
http://www.kentonline.co.uk/sport/default.asp?article_id=39601
"Snooker player David Manley is celebrating after scoring his second 147 break."

 Отправлено: 04.04.08 13:38. Заголовок: Death of snooker leg..

Death of snooker legend Phillips
Здесь

 Отправлено: 10.04.08 19:03. Заголовок: Massive TV audience ..

Massive TV audience forecast for Asian challenge
By Nick Johnson
SHEFFIELD, England, April 10 (Reuters) - Hong Kong's Marco Fu expects huge live TV audiences of over 100 million in China and the Far East as no fewer than four Asians do battle in the world snooker championship starting later this month.
Fu faces China's Ding Junhui in the 32-player opening round and the pair will be joined at The Crucible theatre in Sheffield by Chinese qualifiers Liu Chuang and Liang Wenbo.
Although both the qualifiers take on tough initial opposition in the shape respectively of ex-world champions Ronnie O'Sullivan and Ken Doherty, bookmakers quote only 7-1 against one of the Asian quartet lifting the title.
Live snooker has attracted massive viewing figures in China especially when Fu faced Ding in the quarter-finals of the Masters at Wembley Arena in January and Fu forecasts an even higher audience when the two men meet in Sheffield.
"I think it's very good for the game to have four Asian players competing in the tournament," Fu said in an interview.
"Snooker has always been a British sport, but it's growing in popularity in Asia. A lot of youngsters look up to myself, Ding and the other Chinese players.
"Seeing us on TV makes them want to pick up a cue and take up the game, so I think we'll see a lot more world-class players emerge from Asia over the next eight to 10 years."
Fu added: "The viewing figures for our match are going to be great. I think there will be even more watching us play at The Crucible than at the Masters because of the fact that it's the world championship."
Fu, who beat Ding 6-3 at the Masters before suffering a semi-final defeat at the hands of England's Stephen Lee, says he and his rival have been the subject of intense media scrutiny.
LOT OF INTEREST
"There's a lot of interest in the match in our country so there's been a lot of coverage since the draw was made," said the 30-year-old.
"We've done a lot of interviews, talking about the match. There's going to be a lot of pressure on us."
Fu suffered a heavy 10-3 first round defeat against Anthony Hamilton of England in last year's tournament after being struck down by a mystery illness.
"I felt awful," he explained. "I couldn't really feel my hands. I was sweating a lot and I was struggling to open my eyes at times."
That defeat was a major disappointment for Fu after reaching the semi-finals in 2006.
With a high-profile match to contend with in the first round, he refuses to be drawn on whether he fancies his chances of going all the way this year and lifting the trophy.
"I'm just really concentrating on the opening round at the moment. I'm not thinking beyond that," he said.
Fu won the first ranking title of his career when he beat O'Sullivan in the final of the Grand Prix in Aberdeen last October and he is pleased with his form going into the world championship.
He said: "It was great to win my first ranking event and I'm finding my game is a lot more consistent than it was two years ago. I really enjoy playing at The Crucible and I feel quite confident."
In London betting, Ding is rated a 12-1 chance to win the world crown with Fu at 28-1 and the qualifiers Liu and Liang at at 150-1 or above.
The tournament begins on April 19 with England's O'Sullivan the 3-1 favourite. Scotland's John Higgins is a 10-1 shot to retain the title he won in 2007.
(editing by Dave Thompson)
http://sport.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-7450516,00.html

 Отправлено: 10.04.08 19:12. Заголовок: GOLFER Sam Torrance ..

GOLFER Sam Torrance is one of thousands of people who have sent messages of support to British troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The 2002 Ryder Cup-winning captain sent his thanks to UK soldiers on the Army's new To The Best website.

Largs-born Torrance wrote: "They perform vital services, often for very little thanks or recognition. For this they have my utmost admiration and thanks."

Other famous Scots to express gratitude include world snooker champ John Higgins, of Wishaw.

He wrote: "I know our soldiers are the best in the world.

"Regardless of anyone's politics or beliefs as to whether our soldiers should be there, I believe we all wish them all the best and a safe return home, hopefully sooner rather than later."

 Отправлено: 12.04.08 15:26. Заголовок: Manhattan to stage H..

Manhattan to stage Hunter Foundation scheme





« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »
View GalleryBy Staff Copy
HARROGATE'S Manhattan Snooker Club has been chosen to stage a unique scheme designed to increase youth development in the sport.
The Kids into Snooker programme (KIS) will break-off this month in partnership with the Paul Hunter Foundation and Cuefactor.com.

As the world's best players are preparing to battle it out in Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, kids across the UK will be chalking their cues, some for the very first time.

The KIS programme will be staged initially as a 'pilot' scheme in Yorkshire (Paul's home county) and South Wales (the scene of his first major tournament win).

The objective of KIS is to provide a safe, fun and educational environment in which the future snookering population can receive professional coaching and get involved in the game of snooker.

Steve Prest, the man who coached Shaun Murphy to his world title in 2005, will be on hand to pass on his expertise through a series of fun-based activities.

“It is an honour to be working on something so worthwhile, and Paul would have been so proud to think that he is somehow giving young people the opportunity to play the game that gave him so much enjoyment,” he said.

The KIS programme will introduce a seven-stage proficiency award scheme as well as a number of snooker-based activities including coaching, competitions, games and quizzes.

Throughout the six-week course, there will be an emphasis on fun, with prizes and rewards to encourage participation and performance.

The untimely death Hunter at the age of 27, following an 18-month battle with cancer, robbed the snooker world of a potential world champion and a sportsman unanimously popular with his peers.

The Paul Hunter Foundation was set up in 2007, with the specific aim of giving young people the opportunity to get involved with the sport.

More information on the KIS programme is available on www.paulhunterfoundation.org and www.cuefactor.com

Any juniors wishing to get involved, please send an email to info@cuefactor.com.

CAINES Jewellers Snooker League results April 4: British Library B 5 Collingham B 0; East Keswick 4 Spofforth B 1; Wetherby A 4 British Library A 1; Collingham A 3 Crossgates A 2; Tadcaster Magnets 2 Tadcaster Social 3.

GATEPOST Snooker League results Division One: Wetherby Social 4 Spofforth A 4; Harlow HilL A 6 Starbeckk WMCA 2; Manhattan A 5 Oatlands A 3; Ripon Cons A 5 Londsboro A 3; Bilton Social A 4 Knaresboro WMC A 4; Season’s high break G Behbood 107 - Harlow Hill A are League Champions.

Div Two: Spofforth B 3 Bilton WMCA 5; Starbeck WMC B 3 Ripon City B 5; Ripon City A 5 Knaresboro Cons A 3; Bilton WMC B 6 Harrogate Cons B 2; Knaresboro WMC B 3 Ripon Bowling 5; Season’s high break B Bramley 60; Ripon City A are League Champions.

Div Three: Home Guard A 4 Bilton Social B 4; Oatlands B 3 Ripon Cons B 5; Knaresboro Cons B 3 Harlow Hill B 5; Londsboro B 2 Home Guard B 6; Season’s high break J Diss 56; Starbeck Cons A are League Champions.

The full article contains 530 words and appears in Harrogate Advertiser newspaper.Last Updated: 08 April 2008 12:12 PM
http://www.northallertontimes.co.uk

 Отправлено: 13.04.08 14:25. Заголовок: Keeping-tabbs-on-the..

 Отправлено: 13.04.08 14:29. Заголовок: Higgins hopes to joi..

Higgins hopes to join the elite with third title

 Отправлено: 13.04.08 14:32. Заголовок: Top stars fear snook..

Top stars fear snooker is going nowhere
WE'RE SO FED UP
A STRING of top snooker stars have revealed they are fed up with the game.

On the eve of the World Championship in Sheffield, one of the game's top players has revealed how a drop in prize money and a lack of ranking tournaments has left snooker in crisis.

He blames the WPBSA, the sport's ruling body.

He said: "I'm fed up with world snooker, sometimes I wonder whether they have the best interests of the game at the top of their agenda.

"Prize money is down and there are not as many tournaments as there used to be, which frustrates me and a lot of the other players.

"I remember when there were 15 tournaments in a season and there was a lot more money on offer.

Hearings
"At one point this season there was a two-month break between tournaments. That's not the way to run the game."

Many of the sport's leading professionals have been outspoken in their criticism of the WPBSA — which has led to a string of behind-closed-doors disciplinary hearings. The star added: "That has left senior potters questioning whether they can have any say on the future of the sport.

"We'd like to be playing in more events, but it's sometimes hard to motivate yourself when you have to go to the Welsh Open when there's no sponsor.

"We should have sponsors for all our events. Maybe the future lies in Europe. It's a big market over there and we need to tap into it."

Last December, defending world champion John Higgins revealed revolutionary new plans to launch an exciting World Series Tour.

Events have already been scheduled for Russia, the Netherlands and Jersey, with a possible final in Mongolia.

Masters champion Mark Selby and former world champions Ken Doherty, Graeme Dott and Shaun Murphy are rumoured to have already signed up.

Another source said: "Snooker's not in the best of health. The governing body need to try harder to make sure it survives."

http://blogs.notw.co.uk/sport/2008/04/stars-are-fed-u.html

 Отправлено: 15.04.08 18:01. Заголовок: Paul Hunter Fund hel..

Paul Hunter Fund helps children into snooker
By Bill Marshall
Comment
The Kids Into Snooker (KIS) programme, which is funded and supported by the Paul Hunter Foundation, is breaking off' today.

The 888.com World Championships start at The Crucible on Saturday, but before that youngsters in Yorkshire and Wales, where Hunter won his first ranking tournament, will be chalking their cues - some for the first time.

The KIS programme, the objective of which is to provide a safe fun and educational environment for children to receive professional coaching, will be staged initially as a six-week pilot scheme.

advertisement
Top coaches and former professionals - including Steve Prest, the man who coached Shaun Murphy to his world title in 2005 and who is currently helping Bradford's Simon Bedford, who is back on the main tour next season - will be on hand to pass on their expertise through a series of fun-based activities.

The Northern Snooker Centre at Leeds will stage KIS days on successive Thursdays, starting on April 24 and finishing on May 29.

Provisional world No 1 Murphy, who is backing the scheme, said: "The Paul Hunter Foundation was set up with the specific aim of giving young people the opportunity to get involved with the sport that brought Paul so much enjoyment.

"It is an honour to be working on something so worthwhile. I know Paul would have been so proud."

Batley-based Hunter, who won the Masters three times and the Welsh Open twice, died of cancer aged 27 in October, 2006.

10:11am today

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport

 Отправлено: 16.04.08 12:32. Заголовок: Ответ Ворлдснукера н..

Ответ Ворлдснукера на
http://blogs.notw.co.uk/sport/2008/04/stars-are-fed-u.html

It has come to our attention that an article has appeared in the media recently attributed to an unidentified top player concerning the way in which our sport is managed.

Since the appointment of Sir Rodney Walker in 2004 there has been an upturn in the finances of World Snooker. This resulted in a surplus in years 2005, 2006 and 2007 which enabled World Snooker to reinvest a figure of approx £482,000 into prize funds for the 2006/2007 season’s events. There was an increase of over £300,000 to prize money levels for the 2007/2008 season and a further increase of approximately a quarter of a million pounds is planned for prize money in the forthcoming season.

World Snooker also secured a new long term multi million pound BBC contract, broadened our broadcast platforms via Eurosport and has substantially increased its overall income from overseas television sales by over £1 million.

Whilst anyone involved in sponsorship is aware that this can be a difficult and challenging marketplace in which to operate, all four BBC events are now fully sponsored; the Royal London Watches Grand Prix, the Maplin UK Championship and the SAGA Insurance Masters all sponsored until 2009, and the 888.com World Snooker Championship until 2010.

World Snooker has also established a new ranking event in Northern Ireland and two five year term fully funded ranking tournaments in China backed by investment each year of £1 million from our partners in China.

It is World Snooker’s ambition to continue to increase the tournament calendar year on year, expanding in Asia and talks are underway to create new events in the Middle East and Europe.

With regard to players’ feedback on the running of the sport, World Snooker invites representative players to take part in a Players Forum where they can express their views as to how the sport is run.

World Snooker continuously strives to enhance the game and attract sponsorship and it is difficult to understand why some leading players feel that criticising their Association in the national press will assist World Snooker’s efforts in securing additional tournaments for its members.

Would it not be more beneficial to the membership if leading players were to help their Association by making more supportive statements in the media?

http://www.worldsnooker.com/news_editorial-19265.htm

 Отправлено: 16.04.08 20:49. Заголовок: Это тупо.... BLIND ..

Это тупо....

BLIND DATES

Next season’s Shanghai Masters will start on a Wednesday and finish on a Tuesday (October 1-7). This will be the first time a ranking event has ever ended on a Tuesday, unless you count the last two world finals, which both finished post-midnight on successive May Bank Holiday Mondays.

It is unusual but there’s a reason for it: the day in question is a public holiday in Shanghai, just as we have the May Day holiday in the UK.

When you think about it, there’s no real reason why events always have to end at the weekend, apart from that it is when people are less likely to be working and can therefore attend.

However, such is the competition with other sports for media coverage that a midweek final could end up being a huge plus.

What is less easy to comprehend is how the Shanghai tournament fits in with the rest of the schedule.

When it finishes, there will be just four days until the Grand Prix in Scotland. After that, the next ranking event – the UK Championship – will not be staged for another two months.

Remember, next season’s first ranking event – the Northern Ireland Trophy – is on from August 24-31 so there will be a whole month between this and Shanghai.

Of course, there may be – and we all hope there will be – more events to be slotted in, but this seems unlikely given that Matchroom have already published their Premier League dates.

Twenty years ago, indeed ten years ago, you knew where you were. Each tournament had a recognisable sponsor, venue and slot in the calendar.

If it was October, it’d be the Rothmans Grand Prix in Reading. February would mean the B&H Masters at Wembley, and so on.

Now, tournaments are moved about with such regularity that you need Sat Nav to find them.

And the huge gaps between them hardly convince a sceptical media that we have a thriving circuit.

This is not meant as explicit criticism of World Snooker. Staging ranking tournaments is hard work and securing venues not a piece of cake. World Snooker’s on site tournament team do a good job and rarely get any praise for this.

But to have a month between next season’s first and second tournament, four days between second and third and then two months between third and fourth is going to strike almost everybody – not least the players – as very odd indeed.

There has been criticism in the press – albeit anonymously – from players of late and this only seems likely to continue until new tournaments are announced.

 Отправлено: 05.05.08 14:24. Заголовок: Можете меня поздрави..

Можете меня поздравить, я засветился на WorldSnooker.com

Monday

Evgene from Russia has come up with a cracking statistic...the first frame of the evening session tonight, providing the match goes that far, will be the 1000th frame played in a Crucible final.

Clive Everton has edged one point ahead of John Dee in the 888.com points competition for media - but it's all to play for on the final day.

Ronnie O'Sullivan is aiming to become the fourth player to win the World and UK titles in the same season. The others are Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry and Mark Williams.

 Отправлено: 06.05.08 11:43. Заголовок: Супер! Я выиграл про..

Супер! Я выиграл программку Чемпионата подписанную самим Салливаном!


Just to tie up a few loose ends...the final century count was 63, Clive Everton won the points competition and Evgene from Russia won the programme signed by Ronnie O’Sullivan.

 Отправлено: 08.05.08 13:24. Заголовок: http://www.billiardp..

http://www.billiardpulse.com/2008/05/ronnie-osullivan-wins-third-world.html
Там есть ссыли полезные.

это кто не читал спортинглайф

Ronnie O'Sullivan insists he will still walk away from snooker if he stops enjoying the game and revealed running has become his "number-one thing'' ahead of his third 888.com World Championship final.

The `Rocket' revealed there were times when he felt ill and depressed and "fell out of love with the game'' when struggling to produce his best form.

It was all in contrast to the near-perfect display he produced in overwhelming seven-time Crucible champion Stephen Hendry 17-6 in the semi-finals with a session to spare.

Typically, O'Sullivan decided to don his running shoes on an unexpected day off, the love of another sport helping him to come to terms with life on the green baize.

He said: "How I am playing this game still, I don't know because there have been days where I have felt so ill, so depressed, just because of the game.

"I fell out of love with it because there was a time I wasn't able to produce the shots, even in practice.

"It just got so frustrating, I could not pot a ball, and it got so frustrating and I thought I might as well go and do something that I enjoy.

"I found running and it has become my number-one thing. I still love snooker but I just won't allow it to get to me like it got me.

"I have to have that option in my mind that I can walk away from it because, if I don't get the enjoyment, I still will walk away.''

Hendry believes O'Sullivan can surpass his seven world titles, while six-time champion Steve Davis likens him to Roger Federer and Tiger Woods in being a special sporting talent.

O'Sullivan said: "I have done more than I expected from myself. I give myself a pat on the back. I've managed to turn things around and stay positive and have a reason to come to tournaments.

"I am definitely not getting carried away with anything. If the records come, I will be the happiest man in the world because I know what I am capable of on the table.

"It is beautiful feeling and I had it for glimpses against Stephen Hendry and for glimpses against Mark Williams. But the glimpses are not enough. I want it there (all the time).''

O'Sullivan, who will face either Joe Perry or Ali Carter in the two-day best-of-35-frame final starting on Sunday, also made it clear he has little time for what he describes as snooker's "plodders''.

He said: "Stephen Hendry plays the right shots and there are only a few professionals in my mind who play the right shots.

"In my mind, everyone should play the right shot because, if you look at the people who have won many tournaments over the years and have been number one, they are the players who play the right shots.

"It is a short-term game to play the negative game and people think they are getting somewhere with it but they are never going to get anywhere.

"They might win the odd tournament but I've always been brought up to play the right shot, no matter what the circumstances.

"When you play a Stephen Hendry, a John Higgins or a Mark Williams, you kind of think, `this is it' and you go out there and play your game.

"Against the slow players and plodders, you never feel under pressure against them because they are not going to thrash you. They are not going to reel off five or six frames.

"If I'm playing half decent, I'd much rather play people like that because you just feel you are never going to get blown away. You kind of feel if you step up a gear, you can push on.

"But, if you are playing someone like Hendry, Higgins and Williams, you can miss a few balls, lose a couple of frames and, bang, bang, it's 7-0.

"But I am not against playing plodders. I've beaten a few in my time!''

 Отправлено: 08.05.08 13:27. Заголовок: Leeds Property Agent..

Leeds Property Agents Charity football raises £15k
John Virgo was on cue to present Alan Hunter with a whopping £7.8k cheque during the prestigious World Championship Snooker tournament being held last week at The Crucible in Sheffield.

The money raised by the Annual Leeds Property Agents Charity Football match and post-match auction was gratefully received by Alan Hunter founder of the Paul Alan Hunter Foundation, a charity set up in his son's memory. The event was supported by a numbers of property developers and chartered surveyors practices as well as our professionals throughout the city.

Alan said; "We are absolutely delighted and want to thank everyone involved with the charity football event; the money raised will go towards helping under privileged and disabled children enjoy the sport that was so close to our son's heart."

2007's match raised over £15,000 shared between The Paul Alan Hunter Foundation and national children's charity Barnados. This years game will take place in October, with the organisers hoping for greater success, with a target of £20,000.
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 Отправлено: 08.05.08 13:42. Заголовок: Green bows out after..

Green bows out after impressive run
By Sports Desk

Right on Cue

Gareth Green's progress in the English Under-19 Championships came to an end at the last-16 stage as he lost to Adam Duffy at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds.

Sheffield youngster Duffy, who has been tipped to go on and win the tournament, overcame Bradford starlet Green 4-0.

advertisementDespite this defeat, Green will be pleased with his efforts this season, having reached the semi-finals of the Yorkshire Championships where he lost to defending champion Wayne Cooper.

On this occasion he came up against an in-form Duffy, who has recently been awarded the Paul Hunter Scholarship for next season.

Green is certainly a name for the future and the Cuedos-based player could well be one of the favourites to win the Bradford Championship next season, with Cooper and Simon Bedford ineligible to compete having earned places on the main professional tour.


This year's E Rosse Hopkinson Plate final will be contested by Birkenshaw Liberals A and East Bowling Unity Club.

Defending champions Birkenshaw defeated Buttershaw Lane WMC in the semi-finals, while East Bowling Unity narrowly beat Eccleshill Victoria Cons.

The final is scheduled for next Thursday (7.30pm) at Lilycroft WMC and spectators are welcome from all clubs.


The Yorkshire Snooker Pairs Championship takes place on Sunday at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds.

The entry fee is £12 per pair and players can enter on the day at 10am.

The draw will be made at 10.30am, with best-of-five matches starting promptly following this. The final will be played later that day.

As with all Yorkshire tournaments, dress code will apply, with no jeans or trainers permitted.

Bradford duo Cooper and Bedford are the reigning champions but are doubtful for this weekend's tournament at the time of going to press.


The Bradford Pairs final, scheduled for tomorrow night at Great Horton Conservative Club, has been rearranged due to unforeseen circumstances.

The match, with Bedford and Chris Brannan taking on Cooper and Donald Procter, will now take place on Thursday, May 29 at the same venue.

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 Отправлено: 08.05.08 18:17. Заголовок: :sm246: http://www..

http://www.mk.ru/blogs/MK/2008/05/07/sport/352067/


http://www.mk.ru/blogs/MK/2008/05/07/sport/352065/

 Отправлено: 09.05.08 09:49. Заголовок: Ronnie O'Sulliva..

Ronnie O'Sullivan: born champion

 Отправлено: 09.05.08 10:07. Заголовок: For Ronnie O'Sul..

 Отправлено: 10.05.08 19:25. Заголовок: Предварительный кале..

Предварительный календарь сезона 2008\2009 годов

 Отправлено: 15.05.08 19:19. Заголовок: Bob honoured for lif..

Bob honoured for lifetime achievement
By Neil Bonnar
FORMER national amateur snooker supremo Bob Tonge has been honoured for his services to the sport.

The Bolton Snooker League secretary has been recognised for his key role in the development of the amateur game across England over the last 35 years.

The 75-year-old has been made a life member of the sport's national body which he served from being one of its founder members in 1972 until he retired three years ago.

advertisementHe held a wide range of posts within the English Association for Snooker and Billiards, working his way up to the role of chairman.

He was also England team manager for 10 years, during which England were hugely successful with future household names such as John Parrott, Ronnie O'Sullivan, Peter Ebdon and Paul Hunter playing under the Breightmet man.

One of his greatest legacies to the English amateur game was the pivotal role he played in keeping it alive when it was in serious danger of collapsing.

It was in danger of folding as an organised sport several years ago when Tonge stepped in to save it.

He called a meeting in Wolverhampton which was attended by all the significant figures in the amateur and professional games and he was largely responsible for the thrashing out of a deal which enabled the amateur sport to continue.

It then went from strength to strength with Tonge continuing as one of its driving forces along with Bob Mason from Surrey who has also received life membership of the EASB.

Tonge's duties as an official of the association took him all over the world as England's delegate at meetings of European and world associations.

Bob was also secretary of the Home International Federation for a spell, reaching the position of vice chairman before his retirement three years ago. He used to play, scoring a highest break of 81 and representing Bolton twice, he was an A grade referee and examiner and he became an official of the Bolton Snooker League in 1962 and remains as secretary.

He also still acts as secretary of the North West Billiard and Snooker Association and is on the Spirit of Sport statue at Middlebrook
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/boltonsport

 Отправлено: 16.05.08 15:05. Заголовок: PLAYERS' LOGOS 0..

PLAYERS' LOGOS
09 May 2008 14:46:00
Advertisement
As there has been much rumour and press speculation surrounding players’ logos recently we would wish to clarify the background and current position in relation to this widely discussed issue.

Prior to 1996, players were not permitted to wear any logos whilst playing in BBC televised tournaments. In 1996 the WPBSA Board successfully negotiated with the BBC for its members to wear a maximum of two logos in tournaments televised by the BBC, one of which belonged to the WPBSA ("WPBSA Logo") and the other to the individual player ("Players Logo").

With effect from the 1997/98 season, players were therefore allowed to sell the rights to the Players Logo to a sponsor for their own financial benefit. The WPBSA retained the rights to the WPBSA Logo for the collective benefit of all its members. This policy has been clearly stated in the Logo Code of Practice sent to players each year since its introduction and brand exclusion for a Tournament sponsor has also been an established policy from the outset.

In seasons where the WPBSA Logo was not required by a tournament sponsor as part of a commercial deal for a BBC event, players were notified that the WPBSA had waived its rights to the WPBSA Logo for that season and that members were free to sell this logo for their own benefit for that season. For tournaments where long term commercial partners wish to have their brand represented on the WPBSA Logo as an essential part of a title sponsorship, players have been notified of this requirement as soon as possible.

There have been numerous references to the number of logos that darts players have been permitted to sell for their own benefit. In order to dispel these misleading rumours, enclosed is a statement issued by the British Darts Organisation ("BDO") concerning the wearing of advertising patches/logos on players’ shirts in BBC televised darts tournaments.

You will note that all darts players are allowed a total of three advertising patches on their playing shirts and that each player is allowed only one for his personal benefit, the two remaining patches being allocated to the Tournament sponsor and the BDO. It has been confirmed to us that during one occasion a darts player wore four patches, but this was missed by the BBC and TWI. The BDO have made it clear that this contravened their rules.

We are also aware that the BDO guidelines state that a player’s advertising patch should be submitted to the BDO as far in advance of the televised tournament as possible.

We are aware that the issue of logos remains of concern to some of our members. We will continue to negotiate on their behalf with the BBC on this issue.

 Отправлено: 29.05.08 08:29. Заголовок: В продолжении темы к..

В продолжении темы комментаторства - http://www.billiardsport.ru/ru/news/2323

 Отправлено: 05.06.08 08:25. Заголовок: Screwdriver helps Ma..

 Отправлено: 05.06.08 08:47. Заголовок: Final rematch as PLS..

 Отправлено: 05.06.08 11:42. Заголовок: A BRIEF HISTORY OF P..

 Отправлено: 08.06.08 16:29. Заголовок: O'SULLIVAN FINED..

 Отправлено: 24.07.08 14:32. Заголовок: 1.7.08 WHEN SNOOKER ..

1.7.08
WHEN SNOOKER WENT ALL WIMBLEDON

While enjoying an emotional rollercoaster courtesy of Andy Murray last night, I found my mind drifting back to snooker’s only flirtation with a Wimbledon-style event.

The year was 1991. In America, a president named Bush was at war with Iraq. In Britain, a dour new prime minister was struggling to establish himself after taking over from a far more charismatic predecessor.

How times have changed.

In January of that year, Barry Hearn launched his ambitious World Masters at the NEC in Birmingham. Like Wimbledon, it included men’s and women’s singles and doubles, mixed doubles and a juniors event.

I attended the first day although was not yet writing about snooker. This was chiefly because I was still at school.

The tournament began in controversial circumstances when Hearn invited Alex Higgins to compete even though the WPBSA had banned him for a season.

World champion Stephen Hendry, aghast at Higgins’s inclusion, threatened to pull out. This story was the back page lead in the Daily Mail – simply unthinkable today.

Hearn, perhaps not unhappy with the publicity, backed down and Hendry took his place in Birmingham.

Much thought had gone into innovation, with players wearing colourful waistcoats and players invited from all corners of the globe.

The first match was something of a mismatch pitting as it did Steve Davis – still one of the very best players in the world – against Fred Davis, who at the time was 76 years of age.

Davis won 6-0. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you which one.

The tournament had begun with an Olympic-esque opening ceremony featuring pretty women parading round the arena with the names of the countries represented, which included such snooker outposts as Brazil (Rui Chapeu, who played wearing a white cap) and Panama (Juan Castenda, who had never played the game before but still managed to make a 50 break).

This was the first event to be broadcast with any real ambition outside of the standard TV coverage up to that point. Sky had cameras on two tables and a roving camera to get to anything exciting on the outside tables.

Unfortunately, they were late to James Wattana’s 147, did not record a ball and so simply didn’t mention it.

Wattana was somewhat disappointed there had been no jackpot prize. “I was thinking of a big money,” said the Thai.

The main distinguishing feature of the World Masters was its tennis-style tie break. Matches were first to six but players had to win by two clear frames. If they reached 6-6 then one red and the colours were placed on the table and the winner of this mini-frame declared the winner.

A nice idea but it didn’t work. The one dramatic point in any match is a deciding frame – a full frame.

Jimmy White beat Tony Drago 10-5 to win the men’s title and pocketed a cheque for £200,000.

To put this into context, Graeme Dott would receive the same amount for winning the World Championship 15 years later.

Hendry and Mike Hallett won the men’s doubles, Karen Corr the women’s singles, Allison Fisher and Stacey Hillyard the women’s doubles and Davis and Fisher the mixed doubles.

All the hype before the junior event had been centred on Ronnie O’Sullivan, but he was beaten by the eventual winner, John Higgins, who beat Mark Williams in the final.

Quinten Hann, at 13, became the youngest player to compile a televised century.

It was a great event but very costly, too, and was never staged again.

This was a shame. There need to be different types of tournament to keep interest up.

For instance doubles, though not my personal cup of tea because of its stop-start nature, is very popular with audiences.

Who would play with who today? I’d suggest Higgins and Maguire, Hendry and Williams, Murphy and Selby while right-handed Ronnie could partner left-handed Ronnie.

In all seriousness, in the digital TV age there is no reason – apart from finances – why a World Masters-style tournament could not be attempted again.

It could be frame, set and match to snooker.

posted by Dave H at 10:01 AM

 Отправлено: 24.07.08 14:54. Заголовок: адоптация этой стать..

 Отправлено: 26.07.08 19:17. Заголовок: Higgins welcomes big..

Higgins welcomes big break of Russian involvement
Published: 25/07/2008

THE grand final of the world series of snooker will be held in Moscow – and Scotland’s two-time world champion John Higgins believes the involvement of Russian backers can only benefit the sport.

The world series confirmed that a long-term agreement has been signed which will keep the grand final of the series in Moscow.

IMM Group, responsible for the development and explosion of tennis in Russia through the Kremlin Cup, believes there is the same potential in snooker due to its accelerating popularity within the region.

Stirling-based Pat Mooney, chief executive of the world series, revealed a business partnership has been formed between the two organisations forming a Russia-based company to manage and promote the showcase event. Higgins has been playing a major role in driving forward the series.

He said: “This type of relationship with Russia has not done Chelsea any harm and we are looking forward to the potential this offers the game for years to come.

“This is exactly the type of opportunity we believed existed when we first discussed the concept of the world series of snooker.

“While I knew snooker was popular in these regions, I really did not know just how big.

“The commercial potential this brings to both the players and the game itself is incredible.”

Higgins won the opening leg of the world series in Jersey, beating Mark Selby 6-3 while Graeme Dott thrashed another former world champion, Shaun Murphy, 6-1 in Berlin.
ссыль

 Отправлено: 04.08.08 13:25. Заголовок: Lothian snooker star..

Lothian snooker stars are Scotland's best

Michael Leslie won the Scottish Under-16 National Snooker Championship in Glasgow and in doing so clinched the No.1 spot in the country.

Ross Muir, a 12-year-old pupil at Musselburgh Grammar School, made it a double success for the East of Scotland when he beat schoolmate Greg Ritchie (13) in the final of the under-14 age group event, also in Glasgow.

Ross is also now the ScottishADVERTISEMENT No.1 at that age group.

Both these talented young snooker stars are members of the Scottish Youth Snooker Association, set up by Michael's father, Mike, who is the co-owner of the Bonnyrigg Snooker Club along with his wife, Tracey, Paul Marinello (Locarno Snooker Club), and other committed snooker enthusiasts only three years ago.

The aim of the new association was to promote the game among young people in Scotland and it has paid off handsomely with two Scottish champions now among the large group of young snooker players that take part in regular tournaments in different parts of the country each year.

As Scottish champions, both Michael and Ross will be in line for representative honours when the new season starts in September.

Lasswade High School pupil Leslie is among the favourites to pick up the prestigious Young Sportsperson of the Year Award at the upcoming Midlothian Council Sports Awards ceremony.

Both these great ambassadors for the sport turned up for the photocall immaculately dressed in their playing gear of white shirts, bow ties, black waistcoats, trousers and shoes.

Michael's father said: "Snooker is a very demanding sport, requiring lots of practice and commitment. We also think it vital to impress on young players the importance of behaviour and sportsmanship. It is very costly to transport players to tournament in six different regions in Scotland and I am grateful to my son's sponsor, Martin Fraser of Electro Check. He has been marvellous."

Ross's father, Robert, added: "My son is sponsored by Alder Building Contractor and the help given to us is also vital if Ross is continue taking part in tournaments in Scotland. The costs involved can be quite demanding."

Last Updated: 28 June 2008 12:56 PM
Source: Edinburgh Evening News

 Отправлено: 05.08.08 20:00. Заголовок: Вот такая вот новост..

Вот такая вот новость: 888 и Сага отказались от спонсорства ЧМ и Мастерс

Снукер: спонсоры уходят?

у Хендона: http://snookerscene.blogspot.com/

 Отправлено: 07.08.08 06:19. Заголовок: Интервью сэра Родни ..

 Отправлено: 09.08.08 15:02. Заголовок: DAVE HAROLD Q&A ..

DAVE HAROLD Q&A
08 Aug 2008 14:55:00

The Stoke Potter's been busy with a new addition to the Harold clan, but he's now looking forward to the coming season.
Advertisement
How would you sum up last season?
Steady, but it didn't really live up to my expectations. I got off to a good start by reaching the quarter-finals in Shanghai, and I won most of my first round games. But it finished on a low note for me when I lost in the first round at the Crucible to Shaun Murphy - I didn't put up enough fight in that match.

What was the highpoint?
Probably that quarter-final in Shanghai. I had good wins over Steve Davis and Peter Ebdon, then I lost to Dominic Dale but he went on to win the tournament so that's some consolation.

And the low point?
The match against Murphy at Sheffield, or losing 5-1 to Fergal O'Brien in the Northern Ireland Trophy, that was another very disappointing performance.

What's your target for next season?
I start 23rd in the provisional rankings so I want to get into the top 16, and I think I've got every chance. I've got a new cue which has given me some extra confidence.

There seem to be a lot of players using new cues.
Yes, Ricky Walden's got one, so has Tom Ford and a few others, maybe it's the 'in thing'. I'd had mine for 14 years and the joint had gone so I had to get a new one. It's made by Tony Wilshaw who is very good.

Will you do anything else differently next season?
I'll just try to be more consistent, and concentrate throughout every match. Maybe I need to be a bit more attacking as that's the way the game is going, getting in first and making 70 or 80 more often.

Do you feel that you are now back to where you were before you broke your wrist four years ago?
In terms of my ranking, more or less. I was No 21 provisionally then and I'm No 23 now so that's only a couple of places. I still don't feel that my standard is as good as it was before that happened, although last season, in patches, I played better than I have for a long time.

What have you been up to this summer?
My third child, a daughter called Nellie, was born in the middle of May, so that's been enough to keep me busy! I've not had any holidays abroad although I have been playing in a few tournaments here and there to keep my eye in.
www.worldsnooker.com

 Отправлено: 14.08.08 17:30. Заголовок: THE OPEN AND SHUT CA..

THE OPEN AND SHUT CASE

Like the black pudding industry, any sport – snooker included – relies on a steady supply of fresh blood.

If new faces and young stars cannot be found then the sport stagnates.

Snooker has always enjoyed a mix of old stagers and young pretenders but there seem to be fewer newcomers making an impact than in previous years.

Ding Junhui apart, there hasn’t been a ranking event winner under the age of 21 since Paul Hunter won the 1998 Welsh Open as a 19 year-old.

Perhaps the way to bring more through is to do what the WPBSA did in 1991 and throw the professional game wide open to anyone who wants to play.

At the moment there are only 96 players on the pro circuit. This resembles a closed shop and the labyrinthine qualifying structure means progress towards the final stages is akin to swimming through glue.

In 1991, it was much simpler: you paid your money and you took your chance.
весь текст

 Отправлено: 18.08.08 13:07. Заголовок: Турнир в Бахрейне П..

Турнир в Бахрейне

При поддержке Его Высочества Абдуллы ибн Абдуррахмана аль Халифа в выставочном центре Манама в Бахрейне 8-15 ноября 2008 года состоится новый рейтинговый турнир по снукеру - чемпионат Бахрейна.

К шестнадцати снукеристам из топ-16 мирового рейтинга присоединятся шестнадцать победителей квалификации, а также шесть местных снукеристов, которые получат уайлдкард.

«Это важное событие для снукера. Новый турнир на новой территории послужит большим импульсом для игроков», - говорит бывший чемпион мира Питер Эбдон.

«Я вижу, насколько снукер популярен на Ближнем Востоке, здесь очень любят эту игру. Это великолепная новость для всех болельщиков региона, ведь они получат возможность воочию увидеть своих любимых игроков. У меня нет сомнений в отличной поддержке турнира», - добавляет Эбдон.

«Это важный шаг нашей стратегии по глобализации профессионального снукера. Мы идем на хорошо знакомые территории, и это имеет большое значение для будущего снукера и для развития игры на Ближнем Востоке», - говорит председатель WPBSA и World Snooker сэр Родни Уокер.

«Уже существует два полноценных рейтинговых турнира в Китае, мы также добились значительных успехов в бизнесе на Ближнем Востоке. При помощи турнира в Бахрейне мы намерены и впредь использовать потенциал рынков, где снукер имеет особенную популярность. Мы должны обеспечить интерес к игре постоянно растущего количества болельщиков во всем мире».

Вадим Ингеров, по материалам www.worldsnooker.com

 Отправлено: 22.08.08 17:18. Заголовок: Топовые игроки пропу..

Топовые игроки пропустят турнир в Бахрейне из-за плохой организации

Несколько дней назад стало ясно, что в Бахрейне ожидается новый рейтинговый турнир. Ожидалось, что в него включится элита мирового снукера, но этого не случится.

"Пока турнир Premier League транслируется впрямую по телевиденью, боимся, что даты матчей невозможно променить и четверо из топигроков будут должны придержаться своих договоров", гласит официальное сообщение организаторов Premier League Snooker.

Чемпионат в Королевстве Бахрей, который организирован Мировой снукер ассоциацией, пройдет с 9 до 15 ноября. В это же самое время должны быть сыграны два матча в "Премиер лийг". Это автоматично означает, что если Джон Хиггинс, Стив Дейвис, Марк Селби и Дин Дзюнхуей предпочтут включиться в турнир в Манаме, они могат быть судимы за невыполнение контрактов.

"Я очень разочарован и, честно говоря, не могу понять, почему никто из Ассоциации не консультировался с нами об этих датах, заявил Бари Херн, мениджер Стива Дейвиса. - Даты матчей в "Премиер лийг" были определены еще в априле, а семь из лучших игроков за последние годы подписали свои договоры в мае. Жалко, в самом деле, что Мировая снукер ассоциация не сделала никаких усилий, чтобы избежать этой ситуации. Сейчас же она просто должна лишиться четырех из своих самых больших звезд."

Мениджер двукратного чемпиона мира Джона Хиггинса - Пат Мууни, тоже поделился своей позицией по вопросу с дублированием дат. "У Джона договор и он будет играть в Premier League. Получится неприятная ситуация с ранкинг очками в Бахрейне, так что мы в определенном смысле потерпевшая и губящая сторона."
перевод www.sportal.bg