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

 Отправлено: 10.09.08 09:06. Заголовок: Матчевая встреча Рос..

Матчевая встреча Россия – Англия переносится
/ 27.08.2008


Запланированная ранее в первые выходные сентября матчевая встреча между российскими и английскими мастерами бильярда переносится на более позднее время, заявил нашему корреспонденту продюсер бильярдных трансляций ТК «Спорт» Михаил Назаров. Точные сроки он назвать пока не готов, но предположительно, матч все же состоится в ноябре-декабре 2008 года.

Напомним, что в ранее анонсированной матчевой встрече должны были принять участие по три спортсмена с каждой стороны. В первый день предполагалось играть в снукер, во второй – в невскую пирамиду. Этот событие прежде всего кажется привлекательным с точки зрения необычности формата его проведения, и жаль, что реализация проекта откладывается как минимум на позднюю осень.

По материалам журнала "Бильярд Спорт"

 Отправлено: 10.09.08 13:14. Заголовок: Страна должна знать ..

Страна должна знать своих героев!!! - «Рашн гелз», или «Color and Life of Snooker»

 Отправлено: 14.09.08 13:50. Заголовок: Снукерная сенсация в..

 Отправлено: 14.09.08 13:57. Заголовок: Ronnie O'Sulliva..

Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins had to settle for a point apiece on the opening night of the new Premier League season in Grimsby.

The big guns drew 3-3 in a repeat of last year's final in the second match after Mark Selby had opened the 2008 campaign with a 4-2 win over Ding Junhui.

Higgins produced a break of 74 to save himself from defeat after O'Sullivan had fought back from 2-0 down to seize control.

The Rocket managed scores of 72 and 85 before knocking in a crucial clearance of 43 in the fifth to make sure he could not be beaten.

Honours even
However, Higgins refused to lose, comfortably taking the final frame to make sure honours ended even - an outcome both players seemed happy with.

"I'm delighted with a draw," the Scotsman, who had needed a snooker to take the opening frame before dominating the second, said.

"It's a point gained. I was 3-2 behind so all I could do was draw the game."

A relaxed O'Sullivan was in agreement with his rival, who he beat 7-4 in the final last time out, telling Sky Sports; "It's just a point.

"We've got six matches to play so it is early days. I'm not disappointed because I could have lost the game. At 2-0 down John could have ran away with it."

The 3-3 result means it is Selby who tops the table after week one, the debutant reeling off 343 points without reply to win four frames on the spin.

He had found himself 2-0 down as opponent Ding pinched the opener before knocking in a break of 100 that doubled his lead and also clinched a Ј3,000 reward for reaching a century.


Superb comeback
But from then on the man from China was rooted to his chair as current Masters champion Selby produced a superb comeback.

The Jester from Leicester managed to knock in 86, 80 and 73 in the next three before finally getting a century in the final frame, a run of 104 making sure of victory.

"I had a few chances in the frames I won (to make centuries) but i'm not complaining," he said afterwards. "It's a debut win and I'm chuffed to bits.

"To be fair I've gone 2-0 down and only really played one bad safety shot in the first. In the second Ding has potted a great red and made a century.

"After that I seemed to perform - I'm really happy."
[url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12243_4132492,00.html]отсюда[/url]

 Отправлено: 14.09.08 13:59. Заголовок: Betfair Big intervie..

Betfair Big interview: Joe Perry
здесь

 Отправлено: 14.09.08 14:40. Заголовок: WE WON'T ROCK YO..

WE WON'T ROCK YOU
There will be no evening play on the opening day of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix – because of a Queen concert at the same venue.

It is feared the noise from the concert, in which Paul Rodgers takes the place of the late Freddie Mercury, will bleed through to the snooker arena at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow.

Therefore, there will be only two matches played. They start at 12pm and feature John Higgins on one table and Joe Perry on the other.

The SECC say the soundcheck for the concert will start between 4-5pm so if the matches drag on the players may be forced to demand ‘Don’t Stop Me Now.'

(I’m sure there are many, many more puns available)


posted by Dave H at 11:55 AM здесь

 Отправлено: 16.09.08 17:48. Заголовок: Thorburn makes surpr..

Thorburn makes surprise visit to Accrington
здесь

 Отправлено: 16.09.08 17:50. Заголовок: A sporting week in r..

A sporting week in review..
By Shaun Murphy(Shaun Murphy)
здесь

 Отправлено: 17.10.08 12:37. Заголовок: Темки Мастерс еще не..

Темки Мастерс еще нет, поэтому сюда.

Masters Snooker Returns To Wembley

http://www.worldsnooker.com/news-7306.htm

 Отправлено: 18.10.08 18:32. Заголовок: Вдова Пола Хантера н..

 Отправлено: 20.10.08 21:31. Заголовок: Snooker legends to m..

Snooker legends to make Island visit

06 October 2008
SNOOKER legends Jimmy White and Alex Higgins will be on the Island later this month to take part in an exhibition match at the Hilton on Friday, October 24.
Two of the game's most flamboyant characters, White and Higgins will be joined on the evening by former professional and now BBC snooker pundit John Virgo.

The co-presenter of Big Break will perform his 45-minute comedy snooker routine, which features send-ups of many snooker players past and present as well as various trick shots.

Tickets for the evening, which includes a three-course dinner, are priced at £60 each or £100 for VIP seating and an early champagne reception with White, Higgins and Virgo.

Tickets can be bought from Treads in Castle Street or by calling Neal Clague on 201717 — buy soon to avoid disappointment.

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So Jimmy it's another trip to the Island for you, how have you found the place in the past?
To be honest it's always been a bit of a blast. You lot like a tipple or two, don't you? Not that I'm not a little partial myself of course.

What brings you over?
Myself, Alex Higgins and John Virgo have added it to our UK tour that we have been on for three or four years now.

I know evening promoter Neal Clague well through snooker circles as he manages Stephen Lee and Dominic Dale and put it to him that it was about time we paid the Island a visit.

You were booked for a similar event a few years ago but never made it. What happened?
I was suffering form a really bad back and had to ease up on the exhibition stuff. I've still got the doctor's note somewhere (laughs)! Luckily enough my dear old pal Paul Hunter stepped in for me at the last moment.

Being honest, it was one of the last occasions Paul was unaware of his impending sickness and I believe it was a superb night. He really was a diamond that kid. Sadly, sorely missed now.

How's your form this season?
It's been great. Up to a level that I know I can still play at. I've qualified for two events and won nine matches in Pontins to do that. There's life in me yet to play this game...trust me.

How is Alex Higgins's health? Все понимаю, но что так с Алексом все носяццо, все равно,что пострадал не на поле брани с алкоголем, а защищая национальный флаг.
He's ok. He had a chest infection a few months ago which hit him hard but he's ok now. He drew 3-3 with me a few weeks back in Telford and played some great stuff. Genius doesn't leave you and that man is exactly that.

So what can we expect on the evening?
Hopefully some great Snooker and a top laugh. Virgo's stand up is hilarious! I just hope eases up a bit on me more than he did last time (smirks).

Thanks, Jimmy.
It's a pleasure. See you there...

отсюда

 Отправлено: 22.10.08 18:20. Заголовок: Higgins eyes expansi..

Higgins eyes expansion
Eurosport - Wed, 22 Oct 12:28:00 2008

EXCLUSIVE! John Higgins has said he is confident of expanding the World Series next season as he prepares to host this weekend's event in Warsaw.

The inaugural 2008 series opened in Jersey before moving to Berlin and will finish in Moscow later in the year. Co-promoter Higgins said that interest has grown now that the project is up and running.

"Since the event started, other countries have seen the event on Eurosport and expressed an interest in hosting an event," he said.

"Even places like Spain and Italy who I never would have thought would be interested in hosting a snooker event have been in touch.

"I see examples of the sport's growing popularity all the time. I was in Portugal recently and people were recognising me and that never would have happened 10 years ago."

This weekend the tournament returns to Warsaw, which hosted the tour's pilot event last year, and a top quality line-up awaits the Polish fans.

Six-times world champion Steve Davis, reigning Warsaw champion Mark Selby, Chinese sensation Ding Junhui and former Crucible victor Ken Doherty will line up against four local players at the event.

One tour pro and one Polish player, as selected by Higgins, will then move on to the Grand Final in Moscow at the end of the year.

"It gives us a chance to bring in local talent," said Higgins.

"It is a dream for some of these guys to play against their heroes in the type of match conditions we are used to on the tour.

"I look at someone like Ding Junhui who came out of China and became a world star and I wonder why we can't have someone from Poland or Germany or the Czech Republic do something similar in five or 10 years time?

"But we have to give them a chance. With the way that snooker is organised at the moment it would take someone four or five years to break through the log-jam. With the World Series we are trying to offer them little short-cuts and a little taste."

Higgins admitted that there have been some teething problems with the tour so far this year, but he is expecting decent crowds in Poland.

"Obviously it is a new series and there will be a few blips but that is to be expected," he conceded.

"There were some problems in Jersey - they didn't come through with some of the things they promised us - and we probably won't be going back, but on the flip side the tournament in Berlin was an enormous success.

"We had packed houses of 1200 at every event and people there were saying they were the biggest crowds they had seen at any snooker event in Germany for 10-15 years.

"We hope to have something in between in Poland... with a marketing push we hope to have around 90 per cent of the tickets sold by the time the tournament starts."

The Grand Final takes place in Moscow from November 21-23, and Higgins has said that it is a calculated gamble to have the finale in Russia. However, he is of the belief that not enough of these types of risks have been taken by the sport in the past.

"Russia is a massive potential market; I'll admit the interest level in snooker is quite low there at the moment, but you have to start somewhere and if we keep coming back interest will grow," he said.

"Even back home in the UK we have been struggling to get column inches for big events, and for too long we have been happy to have events only in the UK.

"World Snooker is doing some good work in Asia, but nothing is being done in mainland Europe and that is why the World Series is trying to tap into this market.

"A lot of people would love to go to the UK for the big events but they can't afford to. However, someone in Europe with a car might be able to get to somewhere like Poland or Germany.

"The interest level is growing, and with Eurosport's backing, we are giving snooker fans a chance to see their heroes."

The World Series of Snooker starts on Saturday at 13:00 (British time). You can watch all the action on your PC via the Eurosport Player - click on the link under the picture to subscribe. Поэтому даю ссыль

Or watch the action on British Eurosport - available in the UK on Sky channel 410 and Virgin Media channel 521 or British Eurosport 2 - available on Sky 411 and Virgin Media 525.
Seán Fay / Eurosport http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/22102008/58/higgins-eyes-expansion.html

 Отправлено: 09.11.08 09:41. Заголовок: Что пишут в Бристоль..

Что пишут в Бристольских газетах про свою молодую снукерную звезду Джадда Трампа.

click here

 Отправлено: 25.11.08 20:45. Заголовок: Davis: Hunter legacy..

Davis: Hunter legacy is on a strong Foundation

10:52am Tuesday 25th November 2008 www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk


By Steve Tinniswood »

SNOOKER legend Steve Davis is the game’s most successful player.

The six times world champion has won more honours than anyone else in the game he dominated during the heady heights of the 1980s.

However, it was smiles on faces rather than silverware that was up for grabs on a recent trip to East Lancashire — and the ‘Nugget’ was simply blown away.

Davis has lent his support to the Paul Hunter Foundation which is being run in Lancashire by the North Lancs Training Group.

The Foundation programme in the county was launched in September and has gathered momentum to such an extent that it is working with hundreds of children on a weekly basis.

“There is nothing like this anywhere else in the country,” said Davis after taking part in a four day Functional Skills Snooker Festival at Padiham Snooker Centre. “What is going on here is quite simply unique and it is fantastic to see so many youngsters enjoying and learning from the game of snooker.”

North Lancs Training Group’s World Snooker coach, Chris Lovell, is the brainchild behind the scheme — a Davis was full of praise for the main man.

“This programme could work around the country, the only problem is you would have to clone Chris Lovell,” added Davis. “He works tremendously hard for the Foundation. For me, it is in honour to be working on such a worthwhile scheme and I find it very rewarding.”

Davis said the work that Lovell and his hard-working team — which includes Paul Rinaldi at Padiham Snooker Club — is testimony to what Paul Hunter, who died in 2006 aged just 27, would have wanted to have achieve.

“Paul would have been delighted with what is being achieved” said Davis. “The tragic thing is that all of this has only happened because of his death.”

The mission statement for the Foundation is to give disad-vantaged, able bodied and disabled youngsters an opportunity to play snooker.

And since September, Lovell and his team have done just that. Roadshows are held on a weekly basis at venues across the area to get children off street corners while the mobile Paul Hunter Foundation Academy, which travels from club to club within Lancashire, runs sessions based on fun but also coaching is given to develop technique and improve youngsters’ standard of play.

The Foundation is working with a number of agencies in the area including the police and the Hyndburn Youth Partnership.

And for Lovell, working alongside Davis fulfils a lifetime ambition.

“I watched Steve playing when I was growing up so to be working with him now is a dream come true,” said Lovell. “He is a real down to earth guy and he loves working with the children.”

The pair teamed up to work on the first Functional Skills Snooker Festival which used snooker to help with numeracy and literacy skills.

Schools from across Hyndburn, Ribble Valley and Rossendale took part in a series of fun event with prizes up for grabs.

One such winner was Bilal Yousaf (below) of Mount Carmel High Schoo, “The whole emphasis was on fun and it a great way to learn” added Lovell. “We played a number of games with prizes such as watches, ipods and televisions up for grabs.”

Lovell, who met Paul Hunter when he took part in the NLTG Charity Snooker event, said that the Foundation is already beginning to pay dividends.

“What we are doing is just the tip of the iceberg,” he added. “We’ve found that anti-social behaviour is dropping in the areas we are working in on the nights we hold the roadshows and that is exactly what we are trying to do.”

 Отправлено: 25.11.08 20:56. Заголовок: А теперь и на англи..

А теперь и на английском языке отчет.


Today saw the second and final day of the fourth World Series event this season as John Higgins, Shachar Ruberg, Ding Junhui and Mark Selby went for the trophy…


Winning his second event of the inaugural World Series that he helped to establish, John Higgins showed his class today with a faultless display of snooker during his two matches.

In his semi-final he met the 14-year-old Shachar Ruberg from Israel who impressively defeated Sergey Vasiliev in yesterday’s quarter-final match, but had no answer for the quality and experience of Higgins. Winning 4-0, John booked an appearance in the final against the winner of the Warsaw leg, Ding Junhui, who saw off world number four Mark Selby in the first semi-final of the day.

The final started off as a close encounter as your would expect between two players like Ding and John, with both of the opening two frames going to the final few balls. Crucially though, Higgins was to take both of them and from there just got better and better, limiting Ding to 20 points in the next three frames and running out a 5-0 winner. After his disappointing form in the Premier League since he won the Grand Prix, it is good to see Higgins back in decent form in advance of the upcoming UK Championship, an event he will be trying to win for the third time.

It is a shame that we could not watch the action on Eurosport but hopefully it will be worth it in the end as the Grand Finals which will be staged in the Kremlin next year are bound to be an amazing spectacle.
prosnookerblog.com

 Отправлено: 25.11.08 21:03. Заголовок: Robertson on cue for..

Robertson on cue for Telfordwww.shropshirestar.com
Neil Robertson hopes to build on his victory in the Bahrain Snooker Championship by winning the Maplin UK Championship in Telford next month.

The Australian left-hander won the third ranking title of his career last Saturday by beating Matthew Stevens 9-7 in the final of the first world ranking tournament ever staged in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

And Robertson is now looking ahead to the Maplin UK Championship, which runs from December 13 to 21 at the Telford International Centre.

“I’ve lost in the first round at the UK for the last two years so I really want to have a good run in it this time,” said the 26-year-old, considered the best long potter in the world.

“It’s one of the biggest tournaments and I’m determined to win one of those before long. I really liked the venue at Telford last year so I was disappointed to lose to Joe Perry early on.


“I could play Stephen Maguire in the second round this time, if we both get through the first round. I beat him in the quarter-finals in Bahrain which was a very important win for me. He’d won the last six times we played so he had a hold on me, but I’ve shown him now that I can beat him and that will give me confidence for the next time we play.”

Robertson will be in Telford this Saturday for a promotional visit, and will be taking on competition winners and fans on a snooker table in the main concourse at Telford Shopping Centre from 12pm to 4pm.

These include Shropshire Star competition winners Jordan Bentley of Market Drayton, Martin Lewis of Shrewsbury and Phil Ryan of Shrewsbury

“It should be a great day and I’m looking forward to meeting some fans and finding out if any of them are good enough to beat me!” he added.

The Maplin UK Championship is set to feature all of snooker’s top players including defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Maguire, Mark Selby, Ding Junhui, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins and Shaun Murphy.

Билеты дешевые - Tickets start at just £10.50 (concessions £5)

 Отправлено: 27.11.08 20:31. Заголовок: Higgins eyes Kremlin..

Higgins eyes Kremlin victory
by Johnny Ward , 25 November 2008


John Higgins will take his chance in a tournament to be staged in the Kremlin next March and has already spoken of his desire to do well in Moscow.

The Scot is in excellent form of late and emphasised this by trouncing Ding Junhui 5-0 in the final of the latest leg of the FSTC Sports Management World Series at Moscow's Krilya Sovetov Sports Arena.

Higgins won the opening World Series event in Jersey during the summer and he would be re-writing history should he prove victorious in the Grand Final at the Kremlin in March.

"I would love to make it a hat trick at the Kremlin - that would be amazing," the 33-year-old told the Scottish Herald.

"Having experienced the passion of the fans in this tournament I know that playing snooker in the Kremlin is going to be an extraordinary experience.

"The last three World Series events have been played in front of packed audiences in Berlin, Warsaw and Moscow and the players have enjoyed every moment of it."

Pat Mooney, chief executive of World Series of Snooker FSTC Sports Management, added: "Moscow has been a major success, again underlining what can be achieved by taking the game to different countries in Europe.

"There is no question that the World Series has opened everyone's eyes. Without a doubt it's the passport to the future for snooker."

Higgins' most immediate goal is to win the UK title for the third time next month and the world number five could not be happier with his consistency recently.

"I will go into the tournament with a lot of confidence. I am striking the ball well and playing well." Ню-ню...
www.setanta.com

 Отправлено: 29.11.08 13:49. Заголовок: Battle Of The Kings ..

Battle Of The Kings

Ronnie took part in this exhibition match in Prague with Neil Robertson on Friday 28 November 2008. It was the first time Ronnie had played in the Czech Republic.

The event itself was an enormous success, with a sell out crowd of nearly 2000 people to watch the current World Champion play against the current Bahrain Champion.

Ronnie soon warmed the crowd up with a century break and Neil responded with a 147, the first maximum he has ever made in front of such a big crowd.

The 10 frames were very closely fought but Neil is the form player at the moment and edged it 6-4.

Both Neil and Ronnie enjoyed the tournament immensely.

Neil said: "The people are excellent and I have enjoyed my time here.

"I'm pleased that one of us made a 147 and hopefully we can play more snooker in Prague in the future."

Ronnie added: "The arena is great and it's been a long time since I played in front of such a large crowd.

"It's the first time I've seen people clapping every shot from start to finish.

"The European audiences are very appreciative of snooker and I hear all the time that it is continuing to grow in popularity here."

After the end the players spent time with VIPs and fans signing autographs and chatting.

 Отправлено: 29.12.08 06:36. Заголовок: 2008 awards: The Gol..

2008 awards: The Golden Cues
Местами прикольно.

 Отправлено: 01.01.09 17:19. Заголовок: Snooker: Wee Tony is..

Snooker: Wee Tony is a big example to all youngsters as he makes his name with some of snooker’s greats
Dec 31 2008 by Paul Thomson, East Kilbride News

WEE Tony Nardone – as John Higgins and Graeme Dott know him – has been a great example of what young people can achieve when they put their mind to it.

As the News exclusively revealed a fortnight ago, the 12-year-old became the world’s youngest snooker referee.

Tony is a snooker fanatic and is even a hot-shot at the table as well, having recorded the highest ever break in the under-14s snooker league with an impressive tally of 111.

But credit has to be given to Tony and his family who have managed to support him through his journey and have managed to get the cash together to send him to some of the biggest events on the junior calendar.

For Tony is not a delinquent and he’s not out roaming the streets at night, vandalising property like some youngsters his age.

He is out putting in the practice for his snooker matches and has also been at home studying for his refereeing exams.

He has, obviously, made a bit of a name for himself among some of the top names in snooker with John Higgins and Graeme Dott both going to the same snooker club in Dennistoun. And Tony was interviewed on television by Steve Davis at the last World Snooker Championships.

His achievements so far are outstanding and should be an inspiration to any youngster looking to get involved in sport and shows just what you can achieve when you put your mind to it.

Congratulations to Tony on his latest achievement and, hopefully, we will all be hearing from him in the future, whether he pursues his career as a snooker player or he settles for making a living as a snooker referee

 Отправлено: 01.01.09 17:55. Заголовок: THE BIG THREE Snoo..

THE BIG THREE

Snooker does not have grand slams like tennis or majors like golf but it does have three tournaments prized more highly than all the others.

They are the World Championship, UK Championship and Wembley Masters.

The qualifiers for the UK Championship are underway at Sheffield. The Masters is next month and, of course, the season will end with the annual 17-day Crucible event.

Only seven players have won the ‘big three.’

They are: Steve Davis, Terry Griffiths, Alex Higgins, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins, Mark Williams and Ronnie O’Sullivan.

Let’s have a look at the cumulative number of titles players have won from these three events:

Stephen Hendry: 18
Steve Davis: 15
Ronnie O’Sullivan: 10
Ray Reardon: 7
John Higgins, Mark Williams: 6
Alex Higgins: 5
John Spencer, Cliff Thorburn: 4

And here are the number of finals players have been in from these three tournaments:

Stephen Hendry: 27
Steve Davis: 21
Ronnie O’Sullivan: 14
Alex Higgins: 13
Ray Reardon, Jimmy White: 11
John Higgins: 10
Mark Williams: 9
Terry Griffiths: 8

Behind the stats, here are my observations...

It’s no surprise that Hendry is top and the fact that he is reconfirms his reputation as the game’s greatest ever player.

However, he has not won one of the big three since 1999 when he captured his seventh world title. His last UK Championship success was 12 years ago and it will be 13 years since his last Masters victory when he goes to Wembley next month.

Davis appeared in his first big three final at the 1980 UK Championship and his 21st at the same tournament a remarkable 25 years later.

O’Sullivan is likely to win more and could possibly beat Hendry’s tally.

Alex Higgins enjoyed a good record in the big three and but for his showboating manner could have won more of them.

John Higgins and Williams, like O’Sullivan, could win more although the Welshman will this season have to qualify for the UK Championship and, wildcard aside, won’t be at the Masters.

Only three players have won the big three in the same season.

Davis did so in the 1987/88 campaign, Hendry in 1989/90 and again in 1994/95 and Williams in 2002/03.

There is no prize for winning all three in a single season (perhaps there should be) but doing so is, for me, the ultimate sign of how dominant a player is because they are easily the three most important tournaments in the game.
Девид Хендон читает наш форум. Таким образом он ответил на вопрос о Большом Шлеме.

 Отправлено: 01.01.09 18:15. Заголовок: НОВОСТИ ИЗ ФОНДАЦИИ ..

НОВОСТИ ИЗ ФОНДАЦИИ ИМЕНИ ПОЛА ХАНТЕРА
здесь

 Отправлено: 05.01.09 20:24. Заголовок: More Like this My Se..

More Like this My Searches Social : The Ideal Cue - A Friend For Life !
by SNOOKER TABLES TED ROBERTS on 17-Dec-08 9:12am
There have been many stories relating the problems losing a favourite cue can have on an individuals game. If you are not the same player when having to use a cue other than your own , don't despair you are not on your own !

Alex Higgins spent the majority of his career looking for the ideal cue. However whatever cue he managed to acquire was usually subject to an amount of tinkering to try and perfect it.

Steven Hendry once had a cue stolen whilst playing at a tournament , he was so dependent on this cue that he offered a huge reward for its return. The cue was duly returned and he went on to win many more titles and produced a number of 147 breaks. What would have happened if it had been lost for good ?

John Spencer played snooker at his local club and became used to using a specific cue. John like many others had to complete his national service and went away for a couple of years. During this period his local club went out of business and was closed. He was determined to find his favourite cue and organised a keyholder to get him into the closed premises. The cue was eventually found in the cellar floating in stale smelling water. The cue was taken home by John and he used it to win two of his three World Championships. Its interesting to note that the cue was damaged badly in a car accident and he never produced his previous form again.

If you are looking for a special cue look at our Peradon range of cues and find a friend for life !

http://www.ecademy.com/node.php?id=118860

 Отправлено: 12.01.09 20:43. Заголовок: http://i025.radikal...

картинка не самая удачная

 Отправлено: 14.01.09 20:46. Заголовок: Smashin' John ne..

Smashin' John nearly did a Ron

JOHN HIGGINS admitted he nearly did a ‘Ronnie’ as he battled to keep alive his Masters snooker title hopes.

The two-time champ was on the verge of a first-round upset, trailing Marco Fu 4-2 at Wembley Arena.


And the Scot came close to copying Ronnie O’Sullivan, who smashed his cue to smithereens ahead of this year’s event.


Higgins — who eventually won 6-4 to set up a quarter-final with Ding Junhui — said: “If I’d had a spare cue I’d have probably smashed it up like Ronnie. That’s how bad I was feeling.”

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/article2127600.ece

 Отправлено: 14.01.09 20:50. Заголовок: http://s56.radikal.r..

Ronnie O'Sullivan calls for snooker to be given X Factor treatment
You cannot but smile at the perennially mischievous Ronnie O’Sullivan.

By Jim White
Last Updated: 6:44PM GMT 12 Jan 2009

Livening things up: Ronnie O'Sullivan things Simon Cowell could help snooker Photo: PA
Interviewed by Gaby Logan for the BBC’s Inside Sport on Monday night, 'the Rocket’ spoke with increasing dejection about the precipitous drop in interest in snooker.

Nobody was watching the game he loved anymore. What, he often asked himself, was the point of attending tournaments in the middle of nowhere where the prize money was feeble and the crowd consisted of a bored man and his snoozing dog? What was needed was the intervention of an entrepreneurial spirit, he suggested, someone to bring the game into the modern era.

He nominated Simon Cowell as just the man to apply a revivifying touch. It is a magnificent idea. Many of us have long wondered what – beyond occasionally polishing the balls with their white cocktail gloves and once getting in the way of a haymaker from Alex Higgins – is the point of a snooker referee.

What could be better than replacing them with an X Factor style judging panel to pass comment on the performance of the players.

We could have an emotional Sheryl Cole blubbing when Graeme Dott sinks a difficult pink. Or Louis Walsh extolling John Higgins’ incredible journey from the first to the second round of the UK Masters. Or Cowell himself, at the end of a particularly lengthy encounter between Peter Ebdon and Shaun Murphy looking all stony faced as he delivers the opinion: “Really, you weren’t good.” Before adding: “You were brilliant. Guys: that’s three yeses."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/snooker/4224286/Ronnie-OSullivan-calls-for-snooker-to-be-given-X-Factor-treatment.html

 Отправлено: 14.01.09 20:54. Заголовок: Stephen Hendry is ab..

Stephen Hendry is ablaze on the baize
http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/sport/Stephen-Hendry-is-ablaze-on.4863906.jp
11 January 2009
IT SOMETIMES seems like a different world, but snooker was box office once.
Real box office, the sport that was most likely to knock football off the back pages of the tabloids, the sport which gave us Dennis Taylor's epic 18-17 victory over Steve Davis to win the 1985 World Championship, the sport which dominated terrestriADVERTISEMENTal television. There was a time when Jimmy White, Steve Davis and Alex Higgins were household names jostling for column inches with Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness and Arc Archie
Gemmell. Our mums could instantly identify players like Terry Griffiths, Ray Reardon, Bill Werbeniuk, Cliff Thorburn and that flareswearing, preening warrior of the baize, Kirk Stephens. Even referee Len Ganley couldn't walk unmolested down Sauchiehall Street.

But for those of us of a certain age, no one has encapsulated our fascination with the game like Stephen Hendry. The whey-faced 16-year-old tyro brought up in Fife burst on to the professional scene in 1985 when the sport was at its absolute zenith, and over almost a quarter of a century dominated the sport in a way that neither Steve Davis before him nor Ronnie O'Sullivan since have been able to rival. He's undeniably the greatest player the game has ever seen: a seven-times world champion with career earnings of over £8m and over 750 century breaks, he has laid down benchmarks unlikely to ever be overhauled.

Hendry turns 40 on Tuesday. It's "just a day like any other, just a number" he says, but even the famously unsentimental Scot senses it's time to take stock, to look back on a career of unparalleled success. And when he looks in his rear-view mirror, he likes what he sees.

"I came into snooker at absolutely the perfect time," he says. "The boom on TV had already started, the money was bigger then that it is now and the profile of the sport was huge. There were big characters like Dennis Taylor doing his trick shots, John Parrott's banter, John Virgo doing his impressions, and Alex Higgins on the rampage.

"People remember those days like they were yesterday. I'm always being asked what happened to Werbeniuk and Stevens and those guys, but those same people could run into players in the street ranked in the top four in the world and they probably wouldn't recognise them."

If the game has changed, Hendry hasn't. He may be chattier and more forthright than ever, and it may be a while since he last won a tournament of note, but the Scot remains the relentlessly driven competitor famous for his daily eight-hour practice sessions. Given the timing of his birthday, it's no surprise that he has nothing planned ("I'm not one for parties anyway, but the wife and I might take a couple of days in London later in the month" he says).

This week is Masters week, the Wembley invitational tournament that has defined Hendry almost as much as the record seven world championships he won after becoming the youngest world champion at 21 in 1989. Hendry beat John Parrot 9-6 at the Masters at Wembley in 1989 to collect his first major title and went on to win it five years in a row, only relaxing his grip when he was beaten 9-8 in the final by fellow Scot Alan McManus in 1994. Even then he was back winning it in 1996 before losing two finals to close friend Mark Williams in 1998 and 2003. But those raw statistics hide some incredible battles, not least the unforgettable 1991 final when Hendry beat Mike Hallett 9-8 after trailing 7-0 and 8-2, and 1998, one of his darkest moments, when he lost 10-9 to Williams on a respotted black in the final frame after leading 9-6.

Even Hendry admits that "it's hard to be bullish when I haven't won a tournament for four or five years", but there are signs that he's capable of an Indian summer. He's still ranked sixth in the world and reached the semi-finals of two of the last three tournaments of last season.

While he remains realistic about his chances, Wembley still pushes his buttons. "I still think I'm good enough to win tournaments and still look forward to the buzz," he said. "Wembley's the second-biggest event after the world championship so if you can't get a buzz from that then maybe it's time to stop. I still know that on my day I'm good enough and I wouldn't bother turning up if I didn't believe that. There have been times when I've thought 'that's it, I'm giving up' but then you wake up the next day and say 'right, that's just being silly' and get back to the practice table."

If that sounds like the mantra of every ageing sports star unable to come to terms with terminal decline then bear in mind that we're talking to Stephen Hendry. This is a man who doesn't regret missing out on "silly things" like parties and drinking when he was young; whose reaction to winning a tournament wasn't to celebrate but "to get back to the practice room so that I'd win the next tournament and then the next one and then the one after that". Hendry defines himself by winning; he's not much interested in the concept of taking part, a trait that has been at the core of his success. Characteristically, when he looks back at his career, he sees it not in terms of experiences gained but of losses sustained.

"It was always about the winning," he says. "When I look back I hardly ever remember the matches I won, but I remember every one that I lost because of a bad shot. Sometimes I'll look back and cringe at shots I've played or shots I've missed. I look back at certain matches – like the loss in the final frame to Peter Ebdon at the world championship (in 2002] – and it still really hurts.

"Being such a bad loser has been a massive ingredient in the success that I've had. I see people taking losses a lot better than me and sometimes I think I should try to be like that, but it's not me: I hate it. Even now I expect to win every time I go out. Unfortunately I haven't mellowed at all. If anything I'm getting worse. You can't sulk around the place when you've got a family, but inside it hurts as much as it ever did."

Hendry hasn't got used to losing, but it plays a larger role in his life now. That, he believes, is because there's more talent in snooker than ever before: he used to turn up at tournaments knowing that he would meet one of four or five players in the semis; now there are so many good players that even the best can find themselves beaten in the first round. It's a development for which he blames himself.

"I've seen lots of change, especially in the way the game is played and a lot of that change is down to the way I played when I came into the game," he says. "I went for everything, safety was a bad word to me, I couldn't even spell it, and that's the way the game's played now. Guys just go for it and the number of century breaks you see now is so much higher than it was back in 1985 when you saw very few century breaks on television and certainly nowhere near as many as you do now."

Some changes haven't been for the better though. Once awash with cash, snooker has been pauperised by poor management and the tobacco ban which robbed the sport of its two biggest sponsors. Five years ago Hendry tried to galvanise his fellow players and rally support for TSN and Altium, two companies who offered to inject big money to revitalise snooker, but was stymied by players like Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins.

"It's come full circle and the guys who resisted change have now realised the implications. John Higgins is trying to set up something and those guys have come around to the ideas we put forward years ago. It's still annoying they turned it down and there was a lot of bullshit bandied around, a lot of lies told, but there was bad feeling in the game at that stage and it was all about the personalities rather than what was right for the game."

On the subject of what is right for the game, Hendry was bemused by the recent match-fixing rumours surrounding fellow Scots Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett. He hasn't seen the game in question "although like pretty much everyone else I rushed off and watched one or two of the more interesting shots on YouTube". He is unequivocal on what should happen: "If that is proved to be correct then obviously everyone involved should be banned from the game for life."

Not that Hendry himself is thinking of quitting the game he loves any time soon. His competitive instincts insist he continues to give it a lash. He could retire to the golf course (he's a low handicapper and lives next to Gleneagles) but says he can't summon the same obsession about golf that he has for snooker. Nor is the man who twice played in the World Series of Poker about to risk it all on the turn of a card ("I'm not good enough and my bank-roll's not big enough to play poker professionally").

Nor is tending his garden and watching fitba that appealing ("If any Scottish team was playing in my back garden I wouldn't go and watch them. Scottish football is so bad these days I can't bear to watch it").

Perhaps he'll call it a day when his son Blaine, who at 12 is already a promising player, is ready to take over his mantle.

How scary a thought is that: 50 years of Hendrys dominating the game. Don't bet against it.

 Отправлено: 15.01.09 11:36. Заголовок: http://amagaz2008.bl..

http://amagaz2008.blogspot.com/2009/01/baizing-trail-how-snooker-went-loopy.html

Baizing a trail - how snooker went loopy

 Отправлено: 13.02.09 13:27. Заголовок: Welsh Open Betting: ..

Welsh Open Betting: Time for Day to rise and shine

Eurosport commentator David Hendon thinks the young Welshman can land his home tournament which starts on Monday February 16.

It's about time Ryan Day won a major title. He's certainly good enough in terms of pure ability and has matured as a player in the last few years to become one of the circuit's real dangermen.

Day has already appeared in three ranking tournament finals. He lost the first 9-4 to Shaun Murphy at the 2007 Malta Cup and let slip a 6-2 lead over Dominic Dale who beat him 10-6 in the Shanghai Masters final later the same year. Earlier this season, the Bridgend potter played the best snooker of the Grand Prix in Glasgow but failed to produce that form in the final and lost 9-7 to John Higgins, who freely admitted he hadn't been at the top of his game.

The more finals a player loses, the more anxious they become to finally land a big trophy. Graeme Dott appeared in four finals before winning his first ranking title, the 2006 World Championship. In doing so, he cast aside any doubts, from himself and the wider world, that he wasn't a winner.

Day can do the same at the Welsh Open this week, where he's rated a tempting 19.5 to come out on top. He's already improved to his highest ever ranking, eighth, and is regarded by his fellow players as a likely title winner at some point in the near future. He's also the Welsh no.1 and guaranteed crowd support at an event that has not traditionally favoured home stars. In fact, the only Welsh winner since the tournament began in 1992 is Mark Williams, who captured the title in 1999 and 2002.

If Day is to break this hoodoo he must first beat Michael Judge, who he saw off in the first round of last season's World Championship. Peter Ebdon or Anthony Hamilton await in the last 16 and neither of them have shown any sort of form this season. Day may well meet Mark Selby, the defending champion, in the quarters but he beat him 5-4 on the black with a magnificent clearance at the Grand Prix and won't mind playing him again.

It will be interesting to see what sort of mood Ronnie O'Sullivan is in having just spent three days with his father, Ronnie senior, who was on day release from his life sentence for murder. The world champion will most likely brush aside Steve Davis in the first round but is in a tough little section which includes Marco Fu, who he doesn't enjoy playing, Aussie Neil Robertson, who beat him at Newport on the way to winning the title two years ago, and the always dangerous Higgins. The Rocket's odds would have to be bigger than 3.5 to tempt me.

I'd be more interested in supporting Shaun Murphy at 15.0. Murphy has endured a bit of upheaval off the table this season after separating with his wife but has now moved to Manchester and feeling more settled. He returned to the game's winners' circle at the UK Championship just before Christmas and appears to have a relatively good draw.

As for outsiders, the chances of a surprise winner seem, to me, to be low. Young guns such as Ricky Walden, Judd Trump and Jamie Cope all failed to qualify and a fair number of those who did are experienced campaigners unlikely to trouble the elite.

Where might the first round upsets come? Sadly for his many fans, I don't think Jimmy White will upset Ali Carter, even though the Whirlwind has done superbly to come through four qualifying rounds.

But I could certainly see the tough Dubliner Fergal O'Brien causing problems for Fu and Hamilton taking advantage of Ebdon, who appears to have gone into decline. It may seem odd to tip a player under investigation for match fixing but Jamie Burnett - whose 9-3 defeat to Stephen Maguire at the UK Championship is the subject of a Gambling Commission inquiry - played some great stuff to qualify, firing in three successive centuries during his 5-0 defeat of Mark Joyce before getting the better of Stephen Lee. On this form, and perhaps feeling he has a point to prove, the Scot must be a threat to former champ Robertson.

There are three qualifying matches featuring Welsh players held over to Newport. I'd expect Mark Williams to see off Dave Gilbert and Matthew Stevens to beat Andy Hicks but Dominic Dale, whose form has been erratic since moving to Vienna last year, looks decidedly vulnerable against Chinese hot-shot Liang Wenbo.

http://betting.betfair.com/betting/snooker/welsh-open-betting-time-for-day-to-rise-and-shine-120209.html

 Отправлено: 18.03.09 11:19. Заголовок: Что пишут американцы..

Что пишут американцы из Сан-Франциско

цитата:

The years have not been especially kind to the snooker world since the turn of the millennium. The sport has suffered from masses of infighting, periods of uncertainty after the cigarette ban and a whole barrage of minor incidents most circling around the "Rocket" Ronnie O’Sullivan and his personal life. What the sport appears to lack at the moment is a player strong enough personality wise as well as skill wise to drive the sport into a new era and bulldoze the sport back into the spotlight. Since Stephen Hendry’s fall from grace and Jimmy White’s complete obliteration the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Williams, and John Higgins traded tournament wins before a period of the last two or so years where each tournament has a new winner. Predictability has gone out of the window and the players appear to be running away from title wins as opposed to striving for them—a link here must be made to the women’s tennis arena where a similar situation was evident recently. Obviously personal issues aside Ronnie O’Sullivan at his best is by far the strongest player; a player of substantial quality, but a player whose past behaviour has left him with a flailing fan base and inconsistent performance. His summarisation at the end of matches is often intriguing but sometimes ungrateful and condescending to his losing opponent. It’s as if he thinks of himself as invincible and cares little about the consequences of his words. Still at least you have to thank your lucky stars that a player of Stephen Lee’s stature doesn’t represent the pinnacle of the snooker world. Here is a player who cares little about the effects of binge eating on his body and produces a display of a "sportsman" being someone who thinks it acceptable that the youth of today, the youth who yearn for role models at such a young age, can accept a player of his appearance and think it ok to put your fitness and health at risk because they can't say no to food. As harsh as it may sound I will never want him to win the World Championship purely for that reason. There are a few new talents that have emerged in the rankings of late, capable of pushing the sport back to the forefront, notably Ali Carter and the sensational Mark Selby. At a mere 25 Mark Selby is the critics’ choice to being the number one rival to Ronnie O’Sullivan for the accolade of "World No. 1." An inconsistency though in those who reach finals is really what is hindering the sport. Ronnie O’Sullivan is the best player, Mark Selby his number two. However what is seen too often is either player reaching a final one week and the following week being knocked out in round two. Again reference must go to the woman’s tennis world and one Ana Ivanovic as a point in case. You could of course attribute this to the game of snooker being a game against another player but also partly a game against yourself. Any player who lacks quality in a match and gives his opponent ten or so chances in each frame is obviously going to be punished for their horrendous shot building or safety play, and any opponent capable of striking a ball would be a sure fire winner. Personally the best hope for the sport itself is for either Ronnie O’Sullivan to calm down, show some gratitude and develop his consistency. Alternatively the refreshing sight of Mark Selby or Ali Carter triumphing in a blaze of glory is a sight worthy of media attention, and a role model in the making.

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 Отправлено: 21.03.09 20:59. Заголовок: Максим Сталев: «Ну..

цитата:

Максим Сталев: «Нужен олигарх – фанат снукера» Сейчас, благодаря телепоказам, в России стремительно растет популярность снукера. Есть ли у него какие-либо спортивные перспективы в нашей стране? Я, наоборот, владею информацией, что сейчас гораздо больше снукеристов проявляют интерес к пулу. Стив Дэвис, к примеру, подчеркивает, что пул ему интереснее. Просто исторически так сложилось, что в Британии играют в снукер. А ведь технический арсенал в пуле гораздо богаче за счет того, что играется практически любой шар (при хорошем знании «бриллиантовой системы»). О каком развитии снукера в нашей стране можно говорить, если меня, обладателя лучшей серии на постсоветском пространстве (в 2000 г. на Чемпионате России Максим Сталев сделал серию в 98 очков. — Прим. ред.), не пригласили на московский тур Мировой серии снукера. Это расстраивает. Я не уверен, что у снукера есть будущее в России. Одними стараниями кучки фанатов ничего не сделаешь, нужно другое отношение со стороны Федерации бильярдного спорта России. В том же 2000 г. за 1-е место я получил 15 тыс. руб., серебряный призер Юрий Пащинский — 14 тыс. руб. и так далее по убыванию. А мне говорили, что первому месту отдадут половину призового фонда. Я, собственно, поэтому туда и поехал… Должен появиться какой-то олигарх, фанат снукера, готовый отдать часть своих денег на развитие этого вида бильярда в России. Что касается массового спорта, то откуда взяться интересу к игре, если в России практически нет никакой снукерной школы? Спрос отсутствует еще и потому, что игра технически сложна: маленькие шары, специфическое сукно, на котором шар в одну сторону катится одним образом, а обратно — по-другому, тонкий наконечник кия.

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 Отправлено: 09.04.09 16:38. Заголовок: World Snooker draws ..

World Snooker draws Twenty20 inspiration for 'Super6s' revolution

• New shorter format to be trialled
• 'Very positive response' from players

Fewer balls, six-minute matches and -moving its world championship around the world – snooker is about to undergo its own Twenty20-style revolution.

The sport's governing body is going to launch a new short form of the game, provisionally called "Super6s", at the world championship later this month. Each frame would have the same number of colours but only six red balls.

Sir Rodney Walker, the chairman of World Snooker, also revealed yesterday that he would consider moving the world championship from its traditional home at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre with Manchester or China a potential new host, and in a further move to increase the game's popularity he also wants a major shake-up of its ranking system, with the creation of more less-important tournaments.

The Super6s will be trialled with a contest between a legends team of former players-turned-pundits and rising stars away from the main Crucible arena, where Ronnie O'Sullivan will be defending his title. It will be broadcast digitally by the BBC and viewers will be invited to offer feedback.

"As an observer of snooker you cannot churn out the same diet year after year," Walker said. "Look at what Twenty20 has done for cricket. It brought in a whole new audience so what we have in mind we think would be appealing to a younger audience. We'll ask them to tell us what they think of it via the red button. The working party who looked into this thought that a six-ball tournament with matches that take an average of six to seven minutes to play, with maybe the best of five, best of 10 frames [could work].

"We think it would give players other than top-rank players chances of winning because once you get on the snooker table with fewer balls, other people might have a chance."

Walker added that many of the sport's prominent players had been consulted and there had been "a very positive response". There was also a similar reaction, he said, to the idea of revamping the ranking -system through the creation of more minor tournaments which carry "less ranking points and lesser prize money" so that players could select when they compete.

"What I want to do is completely rehash the way it works – give much higher ranking points to competitions like the World Championships [and other] fully prized events, but then look at putting on low cost ones that carry fewer points and lower prize money," he said.

"Having discussed it with a number of players there's quite an appetite for that, providing we can put on tournaments with something to play for." This, he said, would allow players greater flexibility. "Consider golf, where you can opt in and out because by not taking part the consequences are not that great. But you wouldn't opt out of the tournament that carries five times as many ranking points."

отсюда

По мне так хоть 6 красных, хоть 1, лишь бы больше турниров.

 Отправлено: 09.04.09 16:50. Заголовок: перевод статьи на то..

 Отправлено: 14.04.09 14:27. Заголовок: What's wrong wit..

What's wrong with snooker's wonder kid Ding?

 Отправлено: 14.04.09 23:04. Заголовок: How Ronnie O'Sul..

How Ronnie O'Sullivan is trying to run off 'them demons'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/apr/14/ronnie-osullivan-exclusive-interview-snooker

 Отправлено: 16.04.09 14:44. Заголовок: Disciplinary Hearing..

Disciplinary Hearing took place on 7 April 2009 to establish whether Mr Jin Long, a member of the Association, was in breach of the Association’s Disciplinary Rules following allegations that he conceded frames in his matches against his opponents on 23 November 2008 during the Masters qualifying event and on 2 December 2008 during the Maplin UK Championship qualifying event whilst there were still available points on the table.

Mr Long was not present at the hearing.

Mr Long was found to be in breach of the Association’s rules in relation to the first matter and was ordered to pay a fine of £150.

In relation to the second matter the Committee considered the information presented to it at the hearing and did not find Mr Long to be in breach of the rules.

There will be no further comment on this matter.

http://mxmbilliards.com/2009/04/09/world-snooker-association-hearing/

 Отправлено: 16.04.09 14:58. Заголовок: williams hopes to po..

 Отправлено: 23.04.09 11:31. Заголовок: Часть комментариев ..

[url=http://rightsideoftheblue.wordpress.com/2009/04/22/day5-afternoon/][/url]
Часть комментариев Дениса Тейлора, Джона Вирго и Клайва Эвертона.
The bbc showed the budget for hours when there should have been snooker on, and then they took us to the snooker and the first thing Rishi said was ‘we’re going to concentrate on the horse racing to begin with’. Oh, whatever.

The bbc showed the budget for hours when there should have been snooker on, and then they took us to the snooker and the first thing Rishi said was ‘we’re going to concentrate on the horse racing to begin with’. Oh, whatever.

Robertson vs Davis

Robertson won it quite easily today, I think they were at 7-2, and Robertson won three frames to make it 10-2. Steve Davis was quite often in when I glanced across but then missing when he was still in position and everything. I mostly watched the other match, but I heard bits from this one. They had Dennis Taylor and Clive Everton commentating. Dennis says that Steve likes Indian food. Clive says that he has breakfast with Steve but doesn’t tell us his preferred menu. Clive calls Steve ‘Steve’ when he has breakfast with him, but ‘Davis’ when he’s playing. This is because Clive is professional through and through and also BRILLIANT. Clive and Dennis love Steve, and think he is a great professional and will be playing this frame at 8-2 down just the same as if he were at 5-5. I think he probably ought to be playing it a bit better than if he were at 5-5, but there you go.

Mostly Dennis and Clive seemed to realise the match was going to be over Quite Quick, and struggled to fit in enough nice things about Steve Davis in just three frames. He’s a gentleman, a true professional, and even if this is the last session he ever plays at the crucible, it will always remember him extremely fondly. Dennis said that as he was commentating on the other table during the first session of this match, he could glance over and see just the end of this table, and saw that Steve was sometimes missing blacks from the spot and he had a bit of a worry about him. Clive quickly jumped in with the exact number of blacks missed from the spot, I don’t know, about five or something. I just like the thought of Dennis being a bit distracted from Ebdon/Bond, by Steve.

Then when he really had lost and Robertson was just finishing his final break, Clive did a proper finishing up thing, and it made me so sad that they have fired Clive Everton and aren’t going to let him commentate forever. Because he does things like that and is just very nice. He said:

“In decline, in inevitable decline, he has never lost his dignity, his professionalism, his sportsmanship. He’s never going to win another world championship. But he’ll always be, as to many others I’m sure, a true champion to me.

OH CLIVE. Then they sort of remembered themselves and said some nice things about Robertson and how he won well.

Higgins vs Holt

I sort of lost at being calm during this despite having told myself all the important things it is important to remember when John Higgins is playing. Mainly that if he isn’t a few frames behind he doesn’t bother to play. So it’s not even that I wasn’t expecting it. I was just cross about it all the same.

He won the first frame quite easily, I think he got 80 something. And then Michael Holt won the next three and it was just AWFUL and John Virgo does not help. John Virgo thinks *everything* is *very* worrying. And also he has no real memory for the other million years John Higgins has spent being rubbish at snooker and seems to think it’s a New Thing. And generally OH GOD John Virgo is hell when he is commentating on a match I care about.

Terry Griffiths actually said, and I have NEVER heard another commentator say this or notice this or bother to be right about anything ever, Terry Griffiths said: “I have actually noticed with John that he tends to pick up his game a bit later in the sessions usually.” It’s incredible to actually hear a commentator say the thing that you’ve been shouting at them for the last ten years. Mind you, no matter how much I knew that it made me no calmer, so whatever. Terry Griffiths also said that John Virgo had always been quite a grumpy person.

I really like Michael Holt, it only makes things worse. I am not sticking up for him even a little bit, but I would be against anyone else. I worry about him a bit because of the face pulling and the talking about stuff and I sort of think it shows that a tiny bit of his mind is on how he looks and not on what he’s doing. Not that, but sort of like that. His brother told him that he’s only really been a professional for six months and before that he was just an idiot with a cue. That seems a bit true really, he looks much better than he used to and that’s not fair just this once. Less of that.

Anyway, then there was a mid session interval and John was a bit happier. But not a lot happier. I flicked over to the bbc coverage to see if they’d left horses, but no. But I watched John Parrott and Rishi talk about horses for a bit, it’s quite nice seeing John Parrott talking about anything. Not seeing him, but hearing him anyway.

After the mid-session I think john Higgins got the first frame and then lost the second, so it was 4-2. But then John Higgins vaguely remembered that he was a world champion and tried a bit harder. Terry calls Michael Holt ‘Michael White’ and John Virgo asked him why, and Terry says it happens all the time and most people are more polite than to say so.

John Higgins did some nice clearances, and missed a bit less, and at one point played for the black when the commentators were very doubtful that the black would actually pot when it was back on its spot because it wasn’t quite going to fit on its spot. And I doubted him a little bit as well, but only because I’m horrible, and actually he is a professional snooker player so it was okay. Then John Virgo blamed the camera people and how they couldn’t get behind the shots because the crucible is so small. At one point Holt called a foul on himself and John Virgo said that he was sure Michaela would have noticed, they are all so in love with Michaela and how she is invincible.

The last frame, when they were at 4-4, was weird, and all the reds got bunched down under the black spot and there were lots of touchy shots, but Higgins was a bit great and managed okay. And then Holt played for snookers for a bit, and they had some smiling and Holt was lovely and i felt a bit guilty for hating him so much for the last couple of hours. But never mind.

It’s 5-4 to John Higgins. Not that that means anything, he can lose from five frames in front, so who knows. I fear it just means he will forget to care about the next session. Which is tomorrow. Hm.

 Отправлено: 23.04.09 11:53. Заголовок: Russian roulette - I..

Russian roulette - Image
April 21st, 2009 by admin
Image

Betfred - New Sponsor for World Snooker Championship
Betfred.com Replaces 888.com as Snooker Tournament Sponsor; Tournament Renamed Betfred.com World Snooker Championship Independent UK bookmarker Betfred.com has recently announced its sponsorship for the next four years of the World Snooker Championship, replacing 888.com as the former sponsor. The tournament will now be known as Betfred.com World Snooker Championship. The event will be televised this Saturday, April 18, and will finish on Monday, May 4, at the Crucible Theater located in Sheffield. This tournament is definitely one of the most anticipated events in offline and online gaming, as it features top snooker players such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, Stephen Hendry, Ali Carter, Steve Davis, and Shaun Murphy. Just last year, its 127 hours of BBC Sport coverage was watched by 24.5 million people. Aside from that, it was also watched by the rest of the world, with 60 million viewers from Eurosport and 10 million viewers from CCTV5 in China. Both Betfred chairman Fred Done and World Snooker chairman Sir Rodney Walker expressed their happiness in this partnership. Furthermore, according to Walker, the four-year agreement is proof of snooker’s popularity not just in the UK but all over the world as well, much like the popularity of casinos and games like online blackjack and online roulette. Since August 2008, the World Snooker Association was already on the lookout for a sponsor to replace online casino 888.com, which withdrew its sponsorship two years earlier than previously agreed. The casino company was facing economic hardships, hence its withdrawal decision.
http://fairfield-montana.com/2009/04/21/russian-roulette-image/

 Отправлено: 24.04.09 10:42. Заголовок: Что пишут ирландцы ..

Что пишут ирландцы

Maguire sees off Burnett, Rocket misfiring

Thursday, 23 April 2009 22:35
Stephen Maguire tonight insisted nothing would distract him as he bids for his first world title.

The Glaswegian had experienced a disruption to his build-up for the Betfred.com World Championship.

He was interviewed by Strathclyde Police last week after their economic crime unit opened an investigation into the result of his December match against Jamie Burnett at the UK Championship.

But world number two Maguire shrugged that aside as he beat Burnett 10-5 to secure his place in the second round at the Crucible, where Mark King will be his next opponent.

'I'm just here to play snooker,' Maguire said. 'I don't read much of what's going on.'

He explained: 'I'm distracted by nothing. I've been practising hard.

'Practice has gone well and it's paid off in the first match.'

Maguire made three centuries in the match, including a total clearance of 127 in the final frame.

'I played well and scored well,' he added. 'My long-potting was great.'

Beaten Burnett, a good friend of Maguire, refused to comment on the police investigation.

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association have also been conducting their own inquiry into the result of the match at Telford last December, which Maguire won 9-3.

Bookmakers had alerted snooker chiefs to what they considered to be unusual betting patterns prior to the match.

Both players have previously denied any wrong-doing and have pledged to assist with the investigations.
Burnett said he had been focusing 'as much as possible' on his Crucible opener.

He added: 'I knew I had a hard game so I knew I had to concentrate on that and that's why I put in so much work.

'How other people see me and Stephen is up to them. I'm not going to act any differently towards Stephen for any reason.

'Before the match we were friends, during the match we were friends and after the match we're friends.

'How other people look at it is just up to them.'

Ronnie O'Sullivan appeared out of sorts as he began his second-round match against Northern Ireland's Mark Allen.

The 33-year-old defending world champion had been frustrated with his opening performance against Stuart Bingham and gave himself marks of five out of 10.

Tonight's display was worse, yet somehow O'Sullivan managed to emerge on level terms at 4-4 with the man from Antrim, with two sessions still to come in the best-of-25-frames clash.

O'Sullivan missed three attempts to pot the blue before getting 20 points on the scoreboard.

He should still have pinched the opening frame but missed the final pink, and Allen made the pot required to go 1-0 ahead.

Allen, 23, was soon 2-0 up following more erratic play from O'Sullivan.

He was back in front in the third frame but missed a long blue to halt a break of 53.

O'Sullivan took advantage, clearing to the pink, before winning the next with a break of 67 to level up at 2-2.
He went 3-2 ahead but Allen responded to win a scrappy sixth frame.

Allen stormed into a 4-3 lead with a classy break of 119, however, O'Sullivan responded with 93 in the final frame of the session.

They resume tomorrow afternoon and the match will conclude on Saturday.

Earlier, John Higgins, the man O'Sullivan has pinpointed as his biggest rival for the trophy, raced into round two by brushing Michael Holt aside.

Higgins, champion in 1998 and 2007, had been 4-2 behind against Holt at one stage yesterday but he lost only one more frame as he emerged a 10-5 winner.

Higgins made breaks of 131, 68 and 80 today, winning the closing four frames in rapid fashion to set up a clash with Jamie Cope in the last 16.

Higgins expects a tough match against a player he has lost to before.

Cope, 23, has an attacking instinct and has made two 147 maximum breaks in competition.

Higgins said: 'He thumped me in the UK Championship two years ago, he beat me 9-3, totally destroyed me and played great.

'He's young, he's exciting, he likes to go for his shots and it's a game to look forward to.'

Holt was despondent afterwards, reflecting on his failure, at the age of 30, to break into the top bracket of players.
He said: 'It's just 10 years of failure basically. I believe that I'm good enough.

'It's 10 years of nothing. It's embarrassing.'

Stephen Hendry and Ding Junhui were tied at 4-4 after the first session of their second-round duel.

Hendry came from 3-1 down to lead 4-3, before Ding won the last frame with runs of 58 and 32.

Ding made the highest break of the session, 112 in the second frame. They will play to a finish over two sessions tomorrow.


http://www.rte.ie/sport/snooker/2009/0423/worldchampionships.html

 Отправлено: 24.04.09 10:44. Заголовок: Maguire wins repla..

Maguire wins replay of controversial clash worldMaguire wins replay of controversial clash world

 Отправлено: 24.04.09 10:46. Заголовок: Snooker star Ronnie ..

 Отправлено: 25.04.09 12:31. Заголовок: TV Scoop: Top 5 TV s..

TV Scoop: Top 5 TV snooker commentators

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 Отправлено: 25.04.09 12:36. Заголовок: Higgins has previous..

Higgins has previously struggled at the last-16 stage, says Paul Krishnamurty, and Jamie Cope is a high-quality opponent.

здесь

 Отправлено: 27.04.09 13:11. Заголовок: Sure we don't n..

Sure we don't need Ronnie?

 Отправлено: 05.05.09 13:05. Заголовок: Looking for Ways to ..

Looking for Ways to Revive Popularity

цитата:

“It’s a brutal sport because you don’t have to do much wrong to lose,” John Higgins said. “Baseball, tennis, golf, you can hit back and rectify things right away. In snooker, if you play a bad shot, you could be sitting in your chair for an hour.”

 Отправлено: 05.05.09 13:24. Заголовок: Из комментариев на В..

Из комментариев на ВСС

цитата:

Sensational scenes. The whole Higgins clan pile into the arena. "All credit to John" says Mr Murphy.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snooker/8032596.stm

 Отправлено: 05.05.09 21:48. Заголовок: Я даже не знаю в как..

Я даже не знаю в какой теме запостить. Наверное, здесь. В общем, мой скромный опус на страницах Чемпионат.ру Джон Хиггинс в третий раз покорил чемпионат мира . Не судите строго, про снукер я пишу впервые и очень надеюсь начальство устроит внимание со стороны читателей и в следующем сезоне наш сайт будет чаще уделять внимание снукеру. Это с одной стороны. А с другой стороны, если есть какие-то замечания, я постараюсь в будущем исправиться.

 Отправлено: 06.05.09 08:06. Заголовок: Шаховец пишет: Наве..

Шаховец пишет:

цитата:

Наверное, здесь

Здесь!
Прошу обсуждать статью в соответствующей теме.

 Отправлено: 06.05.09 11:42. Заголовок: “Like all businesses..

“Like all businesses, we have to look to the future,” Walker said. “I don’t believe that presenting the same product year after year is going to be sufficient, so we have to look for more imaginative ways to present snooker to the public.”

здесь

 Отправлено: 06.05.09 11:52. Заголовок: что пишут австралийц..

 Отправлено: 06.05.09 11:55. Заголовок: Белфаст Дублин..

Белфаст

Дублин

цитата:

Allen has shown that he is capable of beating the best — after all he ousted last year’s champion O’Sullivan and with a bit of luck could have made the final. The Antrim lad has done himself proud since joining the professional ranks and at only 23, time is very much on his side in his bid to become Northern Ireland’s third world champion. Naturally, O’Sullivan heads the market at 7-2 but such a price could not be entertained as it’s always difficult to know what is in Ronnie’s mind about his future in the game. Better to wait and see if he turns up first.

 Отправлено: 06.05.09 18:28. Заголовок: Прекрасная подборка ..

Прекрасная подборка статей
http://www.worldsnooker.com/ws_championship_news-45682.htm?tid=124

 Отправлено: 07.05.09 13:30. Заголовок: O'Sullivan can b..

O'Sullivan can become "unbeatable" despite World Snooker Championship despair

Published Date: 06 May 2009
By Mark Berry
RONNIE O'Sullivan's Yorkshire-based coach has admitted that the world number one was "in bits" after his early exit from the Betfred.com World Snooker Championships but vows that 'The Rocket' will bounce back.
Steve Prest, who is based in Harrogate and runs a snooker academy at St Michael's Snooker Club, in Wakefield, began working with O'Sullivan shortly before the championships got underway at the Crucible Theatre, in Sheffield.

But the reigning champion came unstuck in the second round when he lost 13-11 to Northern Ireland's Mark Allen.

And Prest believes that O'Sullivan's early exit from the tournament was largely down to off-the-table events. He said: "Ronnie didn't really turn up and perform on the day.

"But there was nothing technically wrong with his game. It was purely down to pressure away from the table and Ronnie didn't get the balance right.

"Before the tournament I was totally convinced he would win it but he didn't play anywhere near his best."

Prest added: "Ronnie is in bits about not being world champion. He cares about winning games and his performances, he might say he doesn't but he does."

However, Prest is determined to turn the disappointment into future success. He said: "Working together in Sheffield was a massive learning curve for both of us and things will be done differently next season.

"I now know how to find a balance for Ronnie and if we get that right he will be unbeatable.

"If he had won I probably wouldn't have learned so much. I talked with Ronnie after the tournament and told him what we had both done right and wrong."

Prest was able to take solace in the performances of two more of his players however, and both Neil Robertson and Shaun Murphy enjoyed superb championships.

The two came face to face in an excellent semi-final, in which Rotherham's Murphy triumphed 17-14 to reach the final.

However, he was denied a repeat of his 2005 World Championship success by John Higgins who put in an impressive display to take the crown 18-9.

Prest said: "Shaun was happy to do so well. He got away with making mistakes for a couple of games but he was punished by Higgins.

"Neil was totally exemplary on and off the table and he was a credit to himself."

here

 Отправлено: 12.05.09 13:20. Заголовок: The WPBSA have hel..

The WPBSA have held their end-of-season disciplinary hearing.A new rule was brought in over the past coupe of season that prevents a player from conceding a frame before requiring a snooker. Not exactly first degree murder, we hear you cry!

The referee is obliged to report any player for committing such heinous crimes. Although a first offence is dealt with by written warning and second time offenders are dealt with more severely!

So, here is the 2008/09 hall of shame…

Dave Harold - fine £150
Mark Williams - fine £150
Ronnie O'Sullivan - fine £150
Lee Spick - £150 suspended for 12 months; £1,000 costs
Stephen Maguire - fine £150
Robert Milkins - fine £150
David Roe - fine £150
Jin Long - fine £150

Frame concessions (3rd incident)
Jin Long - no finding of breach


In other matters dealt with by the panel, Northen Ireland’s Declan Hughes was fined £500, although £250 is suspended subject to future good conduct and ordered to pay £1000 costs.

Some of you may have seen the Jimmy Michie video on YouTube. Well, the Yorkshire potter was fined £1,000 and also ordered to pay £1,000 costs.

There were also two players that qualified for the 2008/2009 Tour who had outstanding disciplinary matters dating back to 2005. These matters were revisited and the outcome of each hearing was as follows:

Declan Hughes, faced the charge of unacceptable behaviour, but no penalty ordered on this occasion, although there was a reminder given as to future conduct.

Yorkshire’s Kuldesh Johal had failed to appear at a 2005 tournament and although no penalty ordered on this occasion he was given a reminder as to future conduct.

http://www.global-snooker.com

 Отправлено: 13.05.09 09:37. Заголовок: http://s51.radikal.r..

Стив девис посетил клуб.

COMPLAINTS of anti-social behaviour have plummeted after the introduction of cheap snooker nights, police said.

Twice weekly events at Cue Masters, Accrington are drawing crowds of up to 60 youngsters each night, as complaints of youth nuisance is said to be falling dramatically.

The scheme at the Blackburn Road club has also given teenagers the chance to meet snooker legends like Steve Davis, Jimmy White and Cliff Thorburn, since starting in September.

Youth workers have also arranged for visits to the Crucible Theatre, home of the world championships, with backstage passes.

At the club, youngsters pay 50p entry before competing in tournaments and at special snooker games.

The idea comes after Hyndburn’s Young Persons Neighbourhood Operational Team (Y-NOT) teamed up with the Paul Hunter Foundation, a charity aimed at encouraging youngsters to play the sport.

Accrington PCSO Karl Bowers said: “Kids who were starting to have a few problems are now having the time of their lives instead.

“Some even say they would like to take it up professionally.”

PCSO Ian McCarroll added: “Complaints haven’t gone away entirely but they’ve dried up considerably. The kids have also realised we’re not ogres out to spoil their fun, because they get to know us at the snooker.”

Hyndburn Anti Social Behaviour Officer Sharon Burch, who works for Lancashire County Council, said: “Already we have figures which show a 63 per cent drop for Hyndburn youngsters entering the criminal justice system between January and December last year.

"This coincides with the setting up of Y-NOT in April and the start of the snooker scheme in September.

"It has got to the point where reports to us don’t even show anti-social behaviour as a priority.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to work with young people when they have become so enthusiastic so quickly.”

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 Отправлено: 14.05.09 16:35. Заголовок: Promotion fight reac..

Promotion fight reaching boiling point

THE only outstanding issue in Section B of the RCS Landscapes Intermediate Snooker League is who will join Stamford in the top division next year.

The battle is going to go down to the wire.

Robbie and Richard Bell helped RCS Landscapes B into a 3-1 lead at Huntsman before George Emmitt and Dave Doore pulled a frame back.

Keith and Adam Board then won the final frame to leave RCS three points behind Buddies, who have already completed their fixtures.

The other two teams in the mix met each other as Grimsby Cons A made the short journey to West End B.

Euan Hunter and Cliff Goldsack won both their frames as Cons edged into a 3-1 lead over their rivals.

Needing a draw to keep their promotion bid alive, West End were thankful to Paul King and Dave Dixon who won their frames to leave the promotion race wide open.

After last week's whitewash, Grimsby Police B were determined to salvage some pride and Pete Wood and Pete Jacklin opened up a 2-0 lead over Hainton A.

However, Rob Broughton and Dave Telfer played well as they levelled at 2-2.

Captain Sandy Young led from the front as he and Terry Steel won their frames to give the Police a good 4-2 win.

Also winning 4-2 were Clee Cons C and it was Alby Forster and Ian England who did the damage as they inflicted defeat on Crazy Potters, who were warming-up for a decisive role in the promotion race with their final two fixtures.

Andy Barry, man-of-the-match Neil Morley, Rob Baker and Paul Brett won 2-0 as Express Appliance saw off Westlands C with an emphatic 5-1 win.

Nige Mumby and John Ford were the stars as Westlands D beat Carr Lane Social B 4-2.

отсюда

 Отправлено: 14.05.09 16:41. Заголовок: Craig Steadman books..

Craig Steadman books his place on World Snooker Tour

FARNWORTH-born Craig Steadman is confident he can compete with legends like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry and John Higgins after qualifying for the World Snooker Tour.

дальше

 Отправлено: 16.05.09 15:21. Заголовок: Crucible heroes to c..

Crucible heroes to cue up for World Series in Killarney

 Отправлено: 19.05.09 11:43. Заголовок: Что пишут про Jason..

Что пишут про Jason “The Ginger Magician” Devaney и его три победных фрейма против Джимми.

http://www.sportsloopy.com/2009/05/18/world-series-snooker-champion-of-champions-challenge/

 Отправлено: 20.05.09 16:00. Заголовок: Published Date: 19 M..

Published Date: 19 May 2009
World snooker champion John Higgins visited a private members club in Northampton to present the annual snooker awards to members.

здесь весь текст

 Отправлено: 20.05.09 16:09. Заголовок: Даю ссыль, здесьВади..

Даю ссыль, здесьВадим, к тебе это тоже относиццо! Жми здесь! есть подкаст с Патом Муни...Ну, и др. вещи...

 Отправлено: 20.05.09 17:33. Заголовок: я знаю, автора этой ..

я знаю, автора этой ссылочки)) а над подкаст, благодаря Даше, должен скоро быть

 Отправлено: 21.05.09 11:35. Заголовок: Snooker: Leslie cues..

Snooker: Leslie cues up another title

BONNYRIGG snooker star Michael Leslie added the Chesser Challenge Trophy to the under-21 and under-19 Scottish national titles he won in Glasgow at the weekend with a 5-2 victory against Falkirk veteran Bob McCabe in the final at the Matchroom at World of Snooker in Chesser.

The 16-year old won the first frame but McCabe used all his experience to take the next two.

McCabe prevented Leslie from getting in to his rhythm but the youngster struck good form in the fourth frame and, despite a brave attempt by McCabe to slow the game down, Leslie went on to clinch the title by winning the last three frames.

His prizewas a cheque for £300 and he also won another £25 as his half-share of the prize for the highest break. That was a 91, equalled by Glasgow's Anthony McGill, who also picked up a cheque for £90 as a beaten semi-finalist.

Eden Sharaf, from Alloa, was the other semi-final loser.

Leslie now goes on to play Robert Carlyle in the semi-final of the Mpact Invitation Series for the top under-21 players in Scotland. The final takes place at the Matchroom on Thursday, May 28, with world champion, John Higgins, the guest of honour.
click here