2023 International Championship

[Cue crafty]

I think one should try a cue before judging, whatever the material. Carom players are the masters of touch and angles. They have switched to carbon fibre long ago: you hardly see any wood in pro tournaments, it has been so for decades, and they really make the cueball stop where they want after 8 cushions. The reason they switched to carbon is (a) you can modify the balance of the cue up to your own taste with internal weights at different points of the cue, and (b) the material remains way more consistent over the years. The question may well be why snooker players haven't switched yet, not why McGill uses it. I have been looking for carbon snooker cues for years, maybe now I will find some.

I've noted this in pool circles, big move to carbon & graphite and I'm sure their qualities are undoubted. I have some mild concern regarding what I've seen in golf where technology has made the game too easy for big hitting pro's and TBH it's making it boring to watch. I'm all for everyday players getting equipment that makes the game more enjoyable, just not so sure I want to see that in the pro ranks of snooker.

[Mark187187]

I've noted this in pool circles, big move to carbon & graphite and I'm sure their qualities are undoubted. I have some mild concern regarding what I've seen in golf where technology has made the game too easy for big hitting pro's and TBH it's making it boring to watch. I'm all for everyday players getting equipment that makes the game more enjoyable, just not so sure I want to see that in the pro ranks of snooker.

I think the only selling point of the carbon fibre cues is slightly lower cue ball deflection when playing with side. I tried out a Predator Revo carbon fibre shaft for 9 ball and deflection wasn't much different from the maple Predator low deflection shaft I've had for 10+ years. Don't really see any point for a smaller tipped cue for snooker or english pool. Because they have relatively lower end mass than a 9 ball cue anyway, you can get low deflection from a standard maple or ash cue. My maple Maximus has less deflection than any of the Predator 'low deflection' shafts I've used. Either way, the top snooker players can easily adjust for cue ball deflection when playing with side once they get used to a new cue, so it's not like a carbon fibre cue offers much. I've always thought the market is for low standard players who can't adjust for using side rather than offering any advantage for skilled players. Carbon Fibre cues feel pretty dead, and can sound quite pingy, so for a decent player there's more disadvantages than advantages.

[cueman]

Was in two minds whether to watch any of the final. Glad I woke early to switch it on to see a magnificent 147 from Zhang in the 3td frame. He played some excellent shots towards the end to keep it going. He really is playing snooker of the highest level right now. The depth in talent at snooker never ceases to amaze me.

[DeanH]

There was no way I was getting up early today (have done most of the week but...) so just catching up on the record and what a wonderful maximum, very well controlled, well done Zhang in his second pro max

[Cue crafty]

Definitely looks like Zhang is ready to win, Tom still looks to struggle with the mental side of this game. No one is unlucky Tom, you bring misfortune upon yourself with negativity mate.

[Rane]

Congratulations to Zhang. Who would have thougt by the start of the season that Zhang and Tom Ford would qualify for two finals, and then so early in the season.

Do anyone know if Zhang is his first or last name.. I think Ive seen it written both as Zhang Anda and Anda Zhang.

[Rane]

If anyone has any insight into McGills reasons for the 8 ball pool style of play and of course I’m talking glove, crap cue and placement of chalk around the rails per shot…. Oh god, just so sooo disappointed in the lad 🤪

try things for sure, but this just looks desperate!

I guess the gloves could have something to do with high humidity.

[DeanH]

Congratulations to Zhang. Who would have thougt by the start of the season that Zhang and Tom Ford would qualify for two finals, and then so early in the season.

Do anyone know if Zhang is his first or last name.. I think Ive seen it written both as Zhang Anda and Anda Zhang.

in Chinese, Family Name first, Given Name second, so it is Zhang Anda

[Cue crafty]

Dave Gilbert 0-2 down to Bai Yulu in the Qualifiers - Bo11.

Dave wins but Bai played so well initially, really too the game to him. He was a bit under pressure until he steadied the ship at 2-2.

[Cue crafty]

Impressed with what I've seen of Bulscu Resesz so far, nice and fluent, gets on with it and doesn't look scared. Looks up the job.

[Nifty50]

in Chinese, Family Name first, Given Name second, so it is Zhang Anda

So Andy if he was Scottish.

[itsnoteasy]

Dave Gilbert 0-2 down to Bai Yulu in the Qualifiers - Bo11.

Dave wins but Bai played so well initially, really too the game to him. He was a bit under pressure until he steadied the ship at 2-2.

I watched bits of that today from 3-2 to Gilbert. Bai could have won that match a few frames went down to the pink or black with Gilbert just pinching them

[Cue crafty]

I watched bits of that today from 3-2 to Gilbert. Bai could have won that match a few frames went down to the pink or black with Gilbert just pinching them

Yes it was clear to see, that as a few chances leaked away Gilbert grew stronger in confidence and Bai's confidence faded slightly. Once she wins a match like that she will get stronger. The game is there.

[itsnoteasy]

Is there any snooker on today?
it's ok I was looking at last year's calendar.
Next one Wuhan on the 6th.