World IBSF snooker men's last 64 draw

[JanieWatkins]

Snooker champion Burden's arrogance didn't win many friends

That is just TOTALLY UNTRUE. I don't know what made Anad write that story that way.

Alfie was absolutely mobbed after the match, as was Igor. Every winner, finalists and medallists were all given fantastic ovations from the packed crowd.

Alfie gave a superb acceptance speech, in which he praised all his opponents, the organisers and dedicated his win to his family and supporters.

He also said he was glad that he'd actually lost his main tour place so that he had the chance to win this tournament.

Alfie is one of the least arrogant people I have ever met.

Everyone has taken Igor to their hearts and everyone was in 100% agreement that he should be number one candidate for a wildcard next season. Not least because of the huge potential of opening up a whole new continent to the sport.

Regarding the pull off at 4-0 in the semis when they were due to play 6 frames. That was very bad by the organisers. Alfie was justifiable annoyed as he was in total control in the match. Then they disrupted the players more by conducting the WADA drugs tests in the middle of the match!

the Indians are extremely polite. You never hear them swear, but us Brits do swear, particularly when annoyed. I was within earshot and all Alfie said at that time was "this is a ****ing joke" or something along those lines. One of the Indians said he can't speak to us like that so I just said we can speak how we ****ing like!

The Indians adored Alfie and he spent countless hours of his spare time in the commentary box, helping the Indian media in any way he could.

It was the Indian photographers who asked Alfie to raise his fists in the air for the photographs. The press just barged into the arena and mobbed him. The organisers were trying to get the official presentations under way and they had honoured guests etc waiting while the media frenzy went on. If they'd organised their media properly they would have conducted the players to the media room after the presentations and pictures and done their interviews, instead of all fighting to get in first in the middle of the arena.

I will still be in India for a few days yet and I will bring that article to the attention of the Indian Association who I am sure will all apologise on behalf of the Indian Federation and people.

Anand ripped into me for going into the arena after the Masters final to take the happy snaps. he's obviously never been to the Crucible where it's every snapper for himself!! (herself!)

[goldengirl]

I cannot believe that of Alfie either - have always found him very friendly and helpful.
Some players do display a certain arrogance around the table - but that is because it means so much to them and that's why they are winners!!

[AntMac147]

That's not fair Alfie is one diamond of a guy, he can come across arrogant yes but if you speak to him you will find out he is one of the nicest guys around!

Well done deserved winner.

[MattWilson]

Totally agree with that Ant.

The game is hard enough without being pulled off in the middle of matches, drug tested etc. I also watched a lot of the final and when you get run of the balls like Alf did towards the middle/end of the match then you're entitled to feel aggrieved.

With a big title and prize at stake, there is always going to be tension. There's also nothing worse than seeing your opponent in your line of fire like Igor was (unintentionally of course) several times in the final.

MW

[khizzy]

the article is totally not true.

alfie is a gem of a guy,he not only won with grace but as soon as he won he called every single supporter of his who were with him and supporting him through the tournament into the playing area and hugged and thanked them.

he also asked me to keep his photograps ready so that he could give them out as autographed pictures right after the match which he did and made a lot of youngsters very happy.

he also helped me out with a few things and advised me to play the pios tour.

and about arrogance this anand guy was the one who was arrogant who was moving around the tables and clicking pictures with flash on while the players were on the shot and never listened inspite of many requests and warnings from the referrees.