2017 Masters

[cueman]

Do you think Judds beginning to struggle with form under pressure after so many losses and the "tag" of best player not picking up more major wins?

No disgrace, God knows I would. Kinda feel he could do with some good luck in getting over the line. I don't want to see this becoming an issue for him, the game needs players of his style winning more.

I don't think his form is the issue. I think its more the drive and self belief when results or bits of bad luck cost you matches, a bit like today.

I don't even think he plays this naughty snooker or plays up to crowds like Jimmy did. His first 3 frames today were of the highest level, clearances under pressure when Fu missed.

The turning point for me was the frame when he led 60 odd points with 5 reds all near the black cushion. Fu played a poor safety and left a red near the corner only for the blue to come to his rescue. Judd only needed one red to win the frame, Fu later played a double and cleared up. That was a big frame, the difference between 5-2 and 4-3 at that stage was a big psychological blow that is hard for any player to take. Fu levelled with a century in the next frame and that then meant all the pressure was on Trump.

Unfortunately he didn't even get a chance in the final frame, Fu again getting a lucky fluke to take control and Judd only played one more shot which was just a safety and Fu potted a red and won the frame.

So as I said its now the drive Trump has to carry on this season. It would be easy for him to think I can't play any better or do any more and yet I'm not getting results. This is where I think the top players need a sports psychologist to help them because its human nature to get down when you aren't getting the rewards that your effort deserves.

[Cue crafty]

I don't think his form is the issue. I think its more the drive and self belief when results or bits of bad luck cost you matches, a bit like today.

I don't even think he plays this naughty snooker or plays up to crowds like Jimmy did. His first 3 frames today were of the highest level, clearances under pressure when Fu missed.

The turning point for me was the frame when he led 60 odd points with 5 reds all near the black cushion. Fu played a poor safety and left a red near the corner only for the blue to come to his rescue. Judd only needed one red to win the frame, Fu later played a double and cleared up. That was a big frame, the difference between 5-2 and 4-3 at that stage was a big psychological blow that is hard for any player to take. Fu levelled with a century in the next frame and that then meant all the pressure was on Trump.

Unfortunately he didn't even get a chance in the final frame, Fu again getting a lucky fluke to take control and Judd only played one more shot which was just a safety and Fu potted a red and won the frame.

So as I said its now the drive Trump has to carry on this season. It would be easy for him to think I can't play any better or do any more and yet I'm not getting results. This is where I think the top players need a sports psychologist to help them because its human nature to get down when you aren't getting the rewards that your effort deserves.

Yep, agree with most of that. I don't Think I should have said struggled with form as much as struggled with dealing with someone else playing as well against him. Therefore it's more a case of dealing with that kind of situation. He came out all guns blazing but when Fu fought back it all looked a lot harder for him. So it seems to me when there is not much pressure at the start of a match and he gets off to a flyer all is well, but it can all fall apart when an opponent doesn't buckle and be subdued in that situation (oh my god Judds playing like a dream what should I do!) I feel Judd really wants to throw the bombs of his talent at others and see them be crushed by it. The safety he plays in the final frame after Fu breaks down after his initial fluke, had little commitment. He should have been thinking how he could position the white off the shot to put Marco in the toughest position possible and gain an advantage from his missed opportunity. Instead he plays a vary average shot that just spelled apathy for me, so agreed he needs to find more drive. Great talent alone does not deserve wins.

[Ronnington]

I don't think his form is the issue. I think its more the drive and self belief when results or bits of bad luck cost you matches, a bit like today.

I don't even think he plays this naughty snooker or plays up to crowds like Jimmy did. His first 3 frames today were of the highest level, clearances under pressure when Fu missed.

The turning point for me was the frame when he led 60 odd points with 5 reds all near the black cushion. Fu played a poor safety and left a red near the corner only for the blue to come to his rescue. Judd only needed one red to win the frame, Fu later played a double and cleared up. That was a big frame, the difference between 5-2 and 4-3 at that stage was a big psychological blow that is hard for any player to take. Fu levelled with a century in the next frame and that then meant all the pressure was on Trump.

Unfortunately he didn't even get a chance in the final frame, Fu again getting a lucky fluke to take control and Judd only played one more shot which was just a safety and Fu potted a red and won the frame.

So as I said its now the drive Trump has to carry on this season. It would be easy for him to think I can't play any better or do any more and yet I'm not getting results. This is where I think the top players need a sports psychologist to help them because its human nature to get down when you aren't getting the rewards that your effort deserves.

What about that crucial black he missed off its spot when in amongst the balls in the final frame? Or was it the penultimate frame(?)

As Stephen Hendry would say: "that was careless" with a look of disdain. Rightly so

[vmax4steve]

The safety he plays in the final frame after Fu breaks down after his initial fluke, had little commitment. He should have been thinking how he could position the white off the shot to put Marco in the toughest position possible and gain an advantage from his missed opportunity. Instead he plays a vary average shot that just spelled apathy for me, so agreed he needs to find more drive. Great talent alone does not deserve wins.

A very poor shot that left Fu a regulation plain ball shot to nothing, unless of course he had a bad contact that slowed the cue ball down.

[karlos fandango]

For me Trump is lacking in something..its hard to pinpoint but the killer instinct of the likes of Hendry, Davis, O'Sullivan and the likes had an edge before the game even begun. He is beatable and no one is scared to get stuck in against him

[the_unrepentant]

Selby's cue ball control today is exquisite. He is looking dangerous.

[armstm]

yeah he is turning it on. I thought in the UK it was the first time Selby actually has become a better player than Ronnie, he won by outplaying him rather than grinding him down. Fair play.

[the_unrepentant]

yeah he is turning it on. I thought in the UK it was the first time Selby actually has become a better player than Ronnie, he won by outplaying him rather than grinding him down. Fair play.

Exactly. I only said yesterday Selby (on current form) is better then Ronnie (on current form) and I'm enjoying watching his game. Fair play to him listening to his critics. He does seem to be more aggressive at the moment has one of the best tactical heads in the game with that.

[PatBlock]

yeah he is turning it on. I thought in the UK it was the first time Selby actually has become a better player than Ronnie, he won by outplaying him rather than grinding him down. Fair play.

And now we've seen him put off his potting stride by a bout of safety play, who'd have thunk it ay.

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[Neil Taperell]

Williams did a Selby there to win that 5th frame .

Really enjoyed that frame .

[Railfan87]

I completely agree that Selby on form is the man to beat, but I do miss the 'Jester from Leicester' antics some!

[the_unrepentant]

I completely agree that Selby on form is the man to beat, but I do miss the 'Jester from Leicester' antics some!

Its true he has got more serious on the table but that reflects his world number 1 status and titles I guess. Can't always be cocking about in this game!

[armstm]

probably he is aware of some of the hate on the internet about his antics as being gamesmanship and so has toned them down... maybe...

Its true he has got more serious on the table but that reflects his world number 1 status and titles I guess. Can't always be cocking about in this game!

[Tim65]

Great match -ruined by the kick in the last frame.

[Slasher]

Well , we've got this forum and I doubt I'm alone in saying let's use it to spread and rekindle the game in all areas. I'm 49 had a skate board when I was 13 never saw them again for years now they are everywhere in force. It's just cycles, snooker was always the main cue sport for Canadians it will grow again. ; )

It is officially dead out here and has been for years, even 9 ball is dead. Pretty sure Marco left because there was no pro level competition to hone his skills and if he had stayed here he would never have become world class.
Team sports and maybe golf dominate the media these days and I can't really see that changing in the near future. Our associations have been abysmal at promoting the game and the main stream media is not interested, most of the rooms are gone and the old guard of snooker players from the 70's have all up and croaked so Slasher has pronounced cuesports officially deceased in western Canada.