masters

[Sonny]

I love the way Hendry is coming out with the sort of quote like " x is in the top 3 players in the world along with myself and Ronnie". It's back to the Hendry speak of old!

[Sonny]

I thought Williams only showed his form of old when knocking in the century and clearing the board after the point of opponent needing snookers a couple of frames earlier. The fact that he's talking in terms of confidence boost is a good sign for fans such as myself who have recently thought that his hunger for the game had waned to the extent of quitting.

There have been plently of quitting threats in recent years (started naturally by Ronnie pretty much as soon as he turned pro) and last season was one of the worst I've ever known as far as the biggest names giving half arsed interviews goes. I for one think Mark Williams was a breath of fresh air when he arrived on the scene - not winning frames in one visit yet still beating those who did, with his relaxed attitude and approach. I hope he rekindels his love for the game because it's definitely better with him involved.

I've not known many sports people to quit when they were in their prime. Who is there? Hakkinen - the only man to have challenged Schumacher. I guess that is one sport to quit while you're ahead... Borg - he regretted in the end but it was too late.

Cantona, there's another...

[Sonny]

Stephen Lee says "I can’t put my finger on what’s gone wrong"

I can. He's too fat

[Rallick]

indeed

[chrisdebag]

yes lee seems to get bigger every year he really should try to get at least a bit fitter sad to see a good player in that sort of form

[Sonny]

The pause at the end of his backswing is the only thing worth watching with Lee. I've not had any time for him ever since he threw his toys out of the pram when Ebdon beat him at the Embassy.

[Rallick]

our tv will not show jimmys match this afternoon
anyone have a webcam where i can watch?

[Sonny]

what about the bbc website?

[Rallick]

i ask via email - they just activate over uk-land

[Sonny]

*******s! I thought it would be world wide

[Rallick]

*************s! indeed

[Nellie]

The on line coverage on the BBC web site doesn't seem to be working! Im slightly annoyed, this was the one match I wanted to watch!

[Rallick]

just working for uk - are you uk?

[Rallick]

this was a great match for sure, good that i can hope now to see the next jimmy-match

[Sonny]

I typed bollucks and that's how it came out (with the obvious replacement)

The Jimmy v Williams match was a typical Masters encounter. I feel gutted for Mark because he deserved to win but it just goes to show, when the crowd are ooing and aahing and come on Jimmying on every shot, it creates pressure that the players would otherwise not feel. I'm sure Mark would have dispatched of frame 12 had Jimmy not been missing loads - missing catches! I know myself from league matches - as soon as the opponent starts making glaring errors for some reason it makes you less certain about shots you would normally knock in in your sleep.

Also Jimmy was extremely lucky in the decider - how many times did he miss? Bloody loads, and how many times did he leave an easy opener for Mark? Virtually none! You can't hold it against Jimmy though because he certainly never got the luck against Hendry in all those world finals...

It remains to be seen if he can do it against Ronnie though... love him or hate him you've got to admit that the way he is playing at the moment using his left handedness to maximum effect (i.e. only when he needs to, and shot selection taking this into account) he is orgasmically good to watch!