Grand Prix 2006

[Stu4ko]

Today I found an article about the Grand Prix 2006/2007 and it'll be held in Aberdeen between October 21-29.
The top 32 are pre-qualified, so my Jimmy will have to play just one qualification round
So, do you guys think that one of the biggest snooker events in the calendar should be moved to Scotland?
I think it's good for the sport and a big tribute to one of the greatest snooker nations.
I have also another question - has the Grand Prix ever been held outside England??? I know it' been played in Preston and before that in York, but nothing more.
And here http://www.worldsnooker.com/news_pre...ases-17964.htm is the article about the decision...

[Robert602]

No doubt in my mind that there ought to be at least one tournament in Scotland, it's possibly got more top players than England and at least as much following. The current world champion and the current world number 1, as well as the defending champ of the Masters and of the Grand Prix itself, all Scots.

There have of course been tournaments in Scotland before but I think you're right in that this is the first time the Grand Prix has been there. It was in Reading for much of the 80s, spent some time in Bournemouth and Derby before moving to Preston. Not sure it's ever been in York? You might be thinking of the UK, which used to be in Preston and moved to York.

Anyway, I think it's good news for snooker even if it is moving a bit further away from me. Hope to see Jimmy there too.

[Stu4ko]

Do you go to watch all pro events live???
You said "it's going a bit too far from me"
I can just dream of watching the best in the business, because it's really too far for me

[Erwan_BZH]

I'm delighted to see that Scotland will finally have a major snooker event! It's well deserved! And I'd like to see the Irish open back on the circuit too. It was a shame last year to see that event cancelled. Irish people deserve to have a big snooker event on their soil, like the Welsh btw! Wales has been a champion factory for many years.

[Robert602]

Do you go to watch all pro events live???
You said "it's going a bit too far from me"
I can just dream of watching the best in the business, because it's really too far for me

The first and only event I've seen live was the world championships this year, just a few matches, but I do plan to see as much as I can find time for next season. I'll certainly be at the UK if it's in York again because that's practically next door to me, Preston and Sheffield are fairly close too so I'm pretty lucky.

I sympathise with your situation though, must be hard work being a snooker fan outside the UK. Hopefully in future they'll have a few more tournaments dotted around Europe, maybe one or two near you. At least this latest Eurosport deal means you're guaranteed some decent TV coverage for a while

[Erwan_BZH]

I should settle myself in Ireland this summer or next autumn so I hope to be closer from the snooker scene!!

[Stu4ko]

Yes, it's hard, there aren't any big pool tournaments here, so what about snooker!
But I watch it on TV and it's good for me. Someday I can travel to England and watch live, but this day is far in the future.

[*CueBall*]

I look forward to the Grand Prix, and think its relocation is a good idea. As mentioned Scotland has produced some of the greatest talent the game has, also it will be nice to have a different audience. The Grand Prix should be another spectacular event, especially considering how close the top players are (points wise).

[CueLad]

I really liked the Guild Hall.... good atmosphere, central location, good parking and plenty of pubs / places to eat in between matches.

having never been to the venue in Aberdeen, I think it'll be hard pressed to beat the Guild Hall..

[snooky147]

The Aberdeen venue is great, I have been there a few times and will probably be there for this tournament.

[Cessy143]

Yeh we've had few tournaments in Scotland over the years. The Regal Scottish has been held in Aberdeen a few times already. Was then held in Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh but I preferred Aberdeen. Motherwell Civic Centre has often been used for tournaments, nice little venue. I remember being at Hendry/Higgins semi final few years back, was packed and the atmosphere was electric.

[Watford]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
Preston is great!!
And half an hour from my house!
I was going to book some time off work for it, *******s!
I suppose I'll go to the UK or the Worlds instead now!

[The Statman]

I've always liked Preston. The venue and the town (sorry, city), and it is after all one of snooker's most longstanding venues.

In any case, I shall probably stay at my usual B&B in Preston for the Grand Prix, as it is an ideal halfway station for the trip to Aberdeen!