World Open 2014 - Discussion

[streamer45]

Terrific performance by Higgins!

[coomsey76]

Judd will be sick he lost that one.....

Great stuff from Higgins though!!

[P.Smith]

Crazy. Judd should've had that match if not for a careless shot to get on the pink.

Good for Higgins though, it's been a while since I've seen one of his great comebacks!

[cueman]

Unfortunate for Judd, 1cm cost him when he rolled the red to the middle and wasn't on the pink. He gets on the pink and the frame and match his probably his. Also is it time we saw an end to intervals in short matches? I think they aren't necessary in the modern game and today the interval turned the match around.

[Erwan_BZH]

Woot!!! Well done Johnny boy!!!

[rich45]

judd was a millimetre from winning that....just couldn't get through to the pink. he didn't do much wrong though.....Higgins was unbelievable after the interval. Great stuff. I hope Higgins goes on to win the title after that comeback.

[Masterdoctorgenius]

higgins could play crap the next match i suppose

or this comeback has the same effect as ronnie came from 0-4 down against higginson in 2012

[rich45]

Also is it time we saw an end to intervals in short matches? I think they aren't necessary in the modern game and today the interval turned the match around.

If anything, it is an advert for keeping the interval. Assuming it did have an effect, it consequently provided one of the matches of the season!

[Odrl]

That really was great stuff from Higgins. It's the first time in a year and a half that he's done something like that. If that doesn't give him confidence to finally challenge for a title, I don't know what will. :smile:

I didn't see much of Trump's play when he was building up the lead, but he really didn't do much wrong in the second half of the match. So close to getting on the pink with enough reds on to easily win the match, but it wasn't to be...

Also is it time we saw an end to intervals in short matches? I think they aren't necessary in the modern game and today the interval turned the match around.

And that's exactly why we need them. A match that wasn't very competitive suddenly turned around and ended up being one of the best best-of-9s in recent times. :smile:

[cueman]

If anything, it is an advert for keeping the interval. Assuming it did have an effect, it consequently provided one of the matches of the season!

I'm against it because they only serve purpose for one player and that is the guy who is behind. Its an advantage to come off and re-focus your mind, get on the practice table, have a word with your coach etc. All too often we see games turn on an interval and yet we never really see the need for it. Players are always having little intervals going out the arena for a comfort break between frames etc.

I just don't like to see a player gain an advantage through something that is not needed in the short frame matches like a best of 9.

We are seeing another turnaround in the Ding match now too, I'm sure Murphy and Judd love intervals! I'm sure you'd love to come off when you are playing well too only to find you can't get back that form and the other guy turns it around!

[rich45]

I'm against it because they only serve purpose for one player and that is the guy who is behind. Its an advantage to come off and re-focus your mind, get on the practice table, have a word with your coach etc. All too often we see games turn on an interval and yet we never really see the need for it. Players are always having little intervals going out the arena for a comfort break between frames etc.

I just don't like to see a player gain an advantage through something that is not needed in the short frame matches like a best of 9.

We are seeing another turnaround in the Ding match now too, I'm sure Murphy and Judd love intervals! I'm sure you'd love to come off when you are playing well too only to find you can't get back that form and the other guy turns it around!

Looking at it from a different angle, I think an interval is needed for the spectators.....9 frames is a long time to go without a break, particularly if the players are of the slower variety and it goes the distance.

[cyberheater]

Higgins winning was very unexpected. More unexpected was the manner he won. Incredible attacking snooker and barely missing a ball. I forgot how good he was.

[scottley]

Sounds like i've missed some cracking snooker;(

[moose]

Ronnie often says John is the 2nd best player ever (after Hendry) and he's not too far wrong! 3rd best, in my book.

Great win for John, always love it when the class of '92 shows the young guns what they can do.

[cueman]

Looking at it from a different angle, I think an interval is needed for the spectators.....9 frames is a long time to go without a break, particularly if the players are of the slower variety and it goes the distance.

The audience always have the option to leave between frames too. I've been to many tournaments and actually its an advantage to get out before the mid session interval because when everyone tries to get out at the same time it can take about 5 minutes to get out the arena and then there is massive queue for the toilets and bar area. You literally are lucky to get to the toilet before you have to get back in for the resumption of the match.

I think doing away with the interval will help spectators because they can choose which frame to miss and they always have coverage on the screens in and around the arena to watch anyway so you don't miss much at all.

It would help the broadcasters too as they don't need to fill in with pointless chat and the scheduling will be easier to plan. I just think there are more positives to get rid of them than negatives.