2017 World Championship - Main Event

[nicky1982]

I just thought that losing a world semi final would be worse than losing a world final. At least you would have made it to a final if you lost in it.

[Billy]

[...] and the BBC is in urgent need of new commentators and has been for years now. Hopefully Ebdon could be that new person they need.

I don't want new commentators. Why does 'young' automatically mean 'better'? Ebdon is okay in small doses but he over-enthuses on too many shots.

Being a commentator is about more than just 'knowing your snooker', and I think the old-time regulars do a brilliant job. I even miss WT when he's not there, and I can't stand his commentary.

[Billy]

Is a Selby Vs Hawkins final a possibility? I pray not - what a snoozefest that would be. I love my snooker, whoever plays, but that would be a hard one to sit through.

[vjmehra]

Is a Selby Vs Hawkins final a possibility? I pray not - what a snoozefest that would be. I love my snooker, whoever plays, but that would be a hard one to sit through.

Yep, it will be Selby vs Ding in one semi and Higgins v Hawkins/Maguire in the other.

[JohnF14722]

Is a Selby Vs Hawkins final a possibility? I pray not - what a snoozefest that would be. I love my snooker, whoever plays, but that would be a hard one to sit through.

Were you not watching how Selby was playing earlier? He made a brilliant 143 clearance!

[Cue crafty]

For anyone who missed it - watch the Selby match v Marco Fu on catch-up quite a flawless standard of snooker in last session - In my opinion his 143 break is now the greatest clearance ever. Best I ever saw for sure - Better than Alex Higgins famous 69 - have to say yes

You got all excited there didn't you mate : ) must have had a few beers like me!

Having now watched it, it is quality stuff but exhibition style in an inpressured situation. So on this occasion I will have to disagree. :snooker:

[Billy]

Yep, it will be Selby vs Ding in one semi and Higgins v Hawkins/Maguire in the other.

Oh dear. Ah well, thanks for the answer. I couldn't for the life of me think who the winner of the current match would be playing.

[Billy]

Were you not watching how Selby was playing earlier? He made a brilliant 143 clearance!

Selby can make a 147 look dull. Sorry.

[JimMalone]

I think O'Sullivan was in a different mindset playing Ding compared to when he played Murphy. He wanted to beat Murphy very badly and was 100% concentrated on the task. I think it's tougher for him after all of these years when it's a player like Ding who he genuinely likes away from the table.I'm sure he wanted to win, but maybe it wasn't with quite the amount of passion that he wanted to beat Murphy.

Or maybe that's a bunch of psychobabble and Ding just outplayed him on the day.

It's option B for the most part. They were pretty close at level when in between the balls. Both great, but sometimes took on to risky balls and made mistakes, but that happens in every match. But Ding was better in safeties and especially long potting, so he acquired more chances by himself.

It has to be said also that I think Ding is a superior player to Murphy, especially these days.

The most important aspect though was probably that for once Ding wasn't afraid of playing O'Sullivan. He believed in himself and kept calm under pressure.

[JimMalone]

Selby can make a 147 look dull. Sorry.

Maybe you should watch this break on that occasion though before judging.

[itsnoteasy]

Were you not watching how Selby was playing earlier? He made a brilliant 143 clearance!

It's not the norm for him though is it. He's as good as anyone ,ever, on occasion, but he has been hard watching on a few occasions. I still put him as the worst multiple world champion of the modern game.
My order would be
O'Sullivan
Hendry ( very unlucky not to be at the top)
Higgins
Davis
Williams















Selby

[JimMalone]

It's not the norm for him though is it. He's as good as anyone ,ever, on occasion, but he has been hard watching on a few occasions. I still put him as the worst multiple world champion of the modern game.
My order would be
O'Sullivan
Hendry ( very unlucky not to be at the top)
Higgins
Davis
Williams
Selby

If he gets the title this year he overtakes Williams in my books.

[Billy]

Maybe you should watch this break on that occasion though before judging.

They just showed it again as it happens and fair play those last few shots were a bit special. Like someone in an earlier post said, though, no pressure on them as the frame was won - so not even comparable to Alex's. Most of the top players are capable of that kind of exhibition stuff once the frame is won.

[Billy]

Here's a question I bet no one can answer:

Why was Steve Davis' voice twice as deep when he was in his mid-twenties, compared to now?

[Cue crafty]

Here's a question I bet no one can answer:

Why was Steve Davis' voice twice as deep when he was in his mid-twenties, compared to now?

Was it because his nads were a stone heavier Billy? : P