2023 World Championship

[itsnoteasy]

I bet I can't play like Ronnie after he'd only been playing for a week.

[Starsky]

I bet I can't play like Ronnie after he'd only been playing for a week.

I had the pleasure of seeing him play at 10 yrs old and nobody was playing like him then tbh .
Hit the ball differently to anyone I’d seen at the time and that includes better players .

[JimMalone]

So Ding leads Vafaei 5-4 after the first session. As expected this is a very close contest.

[PatBlock]

So Ding leads Vafaei 5-4 after the first session. As expected this is a very close contest.

Yes, very interesting match. I think Vafaei has the stronger temperament, so I expect him to come through in the end. I like both of them, would love to see Ding win a WC, but sadly I think that ship has sailed.

-

[PatBlock]

Bingham through 10 - 4. Not at all surprised, Gilbert's too fragile for the longer format and Bingsy has plenty of experience here.

-

[Cue crafty]

Neil Robertson, cueing a dream, looks close to his best. This worlds is warming up nicely. 🔥😊

[PatBlock]

Can't believe MJW missed that straight mid range pink to the green pocket, gave the frame away.

-

[PatBlock]

Neil Robertson, cueing a dream, looks close to his best. This worlds is warming up nicely. 🔥😊

Yeah, but how long can he keep it up? I always expect him to drop off by the time we reach the sharp end.

-

[JimMalone]

Yeah, but how long can he keep it up? I always expect him to drop off by the time we reach the sharp end.

-

This was open the case during the last years. He plays a great first round, but if he is challenged he falters over the long distance, last year against Lisowski being a special huge example of it.

[itsnoteasy]

Totally agree about Robertson he's probably the nicest player to watch when he's firing but he can throw in an indifferent performance. With his ability one win is pretty poor imo.

[Cue crafty]

Yeah, but how long can he keep it up? I always expect him to drop off by the time we reach the sharp end.

-

Yeh I know, hes a grand national thoroughbred but there's a question ❓ mark over his stamina!!

[PatBlock]

Yeh I know, hes a grand national thoroughbred but there's a question ❓ mark over his stamina!!

I think it's his concentration level, not stamina that lets him down.

They say owners grow to look like their dogs, don't they. I wonder if Jimmy Robertson has a bull mastiff?

-

[Starsky]

I don’t think it’s anything to do with his stamina or concentration tbh. If this was the case then he wouldn’t have won so many tournaments .

I think it’s due to a couple of things,I think coming in as favourite and the expectation level that goes with that recently has weighed on him.
I also think he has played into his opponents hands on a few occasions and not played his natural game and to his strengths . This has manifested itself in negative play and overthinking shots etc.

I hope he goes on and wins it again soon as he is my favourite player to watch .

[Cue crafty]

I think it's his concentration level, not stamina that lets him down.

They say owners grow to look like their dogs, don't they. I wonder if Jimmy Robertson has a bull mastiff?

-

I was thinking more mental Stamina, the kind of thing Ronnie has talked about in terms of mental strength to go the distance at the Crucible. Strength of mind to believe in your own game stick with your strengths no matter who you’re playing etc.

anyway if Neil had a dog during lockdown it would’ve been a poodle. 😋

[PatBlock]

I also question his level of motivation As I've said before, I think he's all loved-up and chilled these days, hasn't got the same fire in his belly that he used to have.
C'mon Robbo, prove me wrong, I'd love it.

-