2016 World Championship discussion

[armstm]

I wouldn't say clearly better player. O'sullivan feels pressure when he's expected to win.

I actually think the 2014 final is a good example of what I am saying. Selby clearly turned out to be the better player in the end, and even a very slow start didn't ruin his chances.

It really would be silly for Ding to panic after 4 frames out of 35. I'd like to think he is stronger than that mentally. :smile:

[armstm]

He frustrates his way to wins.

Here's to a good final, 6-2 is not much of a lead with first to 18, I think that Mark Williams 6 frames behind at 13-7 v Stevens. We have seen plenty of matches where the momentum shifts suddenly from one player to another.

Just want to say something about Mark Selby though. I think he fully deserves his number 1 status - he is incredibly difficult to beat. Each time he has been asked questions in this tournament he has responded, when Baird came from 11-7 to 11-11, against a very in-form Wilson in QFs and with Fu staying with him for the entire match. You generally get what you deserve and if his play was as one dimensional as some are suggesting how come he is in the final while the other 'more talented' players aren't?

[armstm]

I may be grasping at straws and I probably am but I am just hoping the bad experience for Ding will take the pressure off him. He was close to tears there and I hope it just relaxes him and lets the tension out. Win or lose I'd like to see him play well so that it isn't a nightmare experience for him.

[daffie]

I may be grasping at straws and I probably am but I am just hoping the bad experience for Ding will take the pressure off him. He was close to tears there and I hope it just relaxes him and lets the tension out. Win or lose I'd like to see him play well so that it isn't a nightmare experience for him.

I said the same thing earlier. Indeed I think the 1st frame was a huge shift in mentality, you could clearly see what it meant to Ding, and also the new-found freedom of play afterwards.

Looking for a 6-2 win for Ding in the 2nd session this evening

[jonny66]

I don't really want to get into this argument, but I'm going to anyway.

If Mark Selby only wins because he frustrates his opponents, then it's his opponents fault for getting frustrated. Snooker is a mental game, if you aren't mentally strong enough to get over someone playing slowly, then you aren't a good snooker player.

[Le Ball Sack]

I don't think Ive ever seen Selby lose a large lead. As some as he senses a comeback he dials the grinding to 11.

[daffie]

I don't really want to get into this argument, but I'm going to anyway.

If Mark Selby only wins because he frustrates his opponents, then it's his opponents fault for getting frustrated. Snooker is a mental game, if you aren't mentally strong enough to get over someone playing slowly, then you aren't a good snooker player.

Agree 100% with you on this. Selby is as tough as nails, playing hard matchplay snooker, and never gives up. Mentally he's up there with the very best like Higgins, I rate Selby even higher at times.

Opponents better deal with it or else they'll do so at their peril. As you say snooker is mostly in the head, and if you don't have the right mindset or if you cannot bounce back mentally from a setback or being behind, then you need to toughen up mentally.

Terry is just the right man for the job and it clearly shows with the current Ding. Years ago, we would have seen Ding panic, loose focus, and hinder himself. Now he bounced back and got the final 2 frames of the afternoon session to go into the evening session 'only' 6-2 behind.

So well done to Ding.

[armstm]

Yes being annoying and taking ages over shots and trying to mess the table is fair play and just being mentally strong. You're spot on!

I don't really want to get into this argument, but I'm going to anyway.

If Mark Selby only wins because he frustrates his opponents, then it's his opponents fault for getting frustrated. Snooker is a mental game, if you aren't mentally strong enough to get over someone playing slowly, then you aren't a good snooker player.

[armstm]

Loooooooooooooooooooooooooool

i don't think ive ever seen selby lose a large lead. As some as he senses a comeback he dials the grinding to 11.

[armstm]

Looking forward to more "jokes" and grimaces to audience when loses position etc.

I don't think Ive ever seen Selby lose a large lead. As some as he senses a comeback he dials the grinding to 11.

[P.Smith]

Armstm please stop, its not healthy to get so butthurt over a snooker player.

[daffie]

Btw my prediction for the 2nd session is a 6-2 win for Ding.

:snooker:

25 minutes to go....

[P.Smith]

Btw my prediction for the 2nd session is a 6-2 win for Ding.

:snooker:

25 minutes to go....

You should have more faith in mark "the snooker god" Selby. I predict that he wins the session 8-0.

[daffie]

I'm wishful in my predictions as I want an incredible Final...one that goes all the way and both players being at their best.

[P.Smith]

I'm wishful in my predictions as I want an incredible Final...one that goes all the way and both players being at their best.

You are an honorable gentleman indeed, but I think it is unrealistic to think that ding could possibly withstand the majesty of Selby at this point.