Grand Prix 2009 - 1st round discussions!

[darrus]

Yes, looks like Ding lets the pressure get to him again

[cueman]

The attendance is utterly pathetic and must be a massive worry for WSA and most of all the players. This is the first tournament of the season on British soil and so far we've seen about 200 in tops despite some big names playing.

Seems to me that people really are falling out of love with the game on these shores. Its not helped by hosting an event in Aberdeen which is not the easiest place to get to for avid fans of the game. I think the big problem is just down to the fact that its no longer an entertaining sport anymore. Selby v Doherty match last night was a typical example of that, the lack of money for the players means they are all scrapping for points and money which makes for poor quality games IMO.

[spike]

Is frustration getting the better of Ding? Looks like it to me.

That's nothing new with him though is it..

[Monique]

It's Glasgow ... not Aberdeen
Whatever, it's worrying and like it or not WSA should really do something to make the venues and the attendance at venues more fun and attractive otherwise it can't beat TV in the comfort of your home. It should offer something extra when you make the effort to get there.
Maybe if they listened to ... eerh no... shame on me!!!
I liked the Selby - Doherty match a lot. I'm sure I'm not alone. That's not the problem...

[montoya10]

The attendance is utterly pathetic and must be a massive worry for WSA and most of all the players. This is the first tournament of the season on British soil and so far we've seen about 200 in tops despite some big names playing.

Seems to me that people really are falling out of love with the game on these shores. Its not helped by hosting an event in Aberdeen which is not the easiest place to get to for avid fans of the game. I think the big problem is just down to the fact that its no longer an entertaining sport anymore. Selby v Doherty match last night was a typical example of that, the lack of money for the players means they are all scrapping for points and money which makes for poor quality games IMO.

Maybe they should reward centuries or trickshots with money so that players get extra motivation

Talking about poor quality, Ding and Stevens are on level now, with the fourth frame score 11-49

[darrus]

I liked the Selby - Doherty match a lot. I'm sure I'm not alone. That's not the problem...

You're not alone, Monique I thought Selby-Doherty match was a very entertaining affair.

The attendance is horrible though, which is rather disturbing to see.

[Monique]

That's nothing new with him though is it..

No it isn't and obviously Matthew's fragmented style of play and fussing around is doing the job!

[very.tee]

You're not alone, Monique I thought Selby-Doherty match was a very entertaining affair.

The attendance is horrible though, which is rather disturbing to see.

I second that, I loved the match yesterday.

Apart from the score

[spike]

Well as cueman mentioned i think PART of the reason for the poor turnout is that the venue is not the easiest place for people to get to..

[cueman]

You're not alone, Monique I thought Selby-Doherty match was a very entertaining affair.

The attendance is horrible though, which is rather disturbing to see.

I do believe you are in the minority though of fans that enjoy tactical drawn out affairs. Yes there is an appeal for some but the large majority go for fluent break building where the frames are over quickly and people can see the real talent of potting and cue ball control.

When you are sitting in arena and have to be quiet and not allowed to get up or move about the last thing you want to see is players struggling or getting involved in safety bouts that often are to the detriment of their break building.

[Matt_2745]

Generally I much prefer the break-building side of the game but at the same time I do appreciate good safety and last night saw a lot of that, particularly early on.

[Monique]

I do believe you are in the minority though of fans that enjoy tactical drawn out affairs. Yes there is an appeal for some but the large majority go for fluent break building where the frames are over quickly and people can see the real talent of potting and cue ball control.

When you are sitting in arena and have to be quiet and not allowed to get up or move about the last thing you want to see is players struggling or getting involved in safety bouts that often are to the detriment of their break building.

Well it's a matter of taste ... and I'm not so sure we are a minority. I like all aspects of the game. I really appreciate breakbuilding skills and fluency: ROS is my fav player . And I travel to go to events ... several times a year. As do others on this board. But when atmosphere is gloomy and players look at loss and downhearted it isn't nice and it does not help them to deliver.

[darrus]

I do believe you are in the minority though of fans that enjoy tactical drawn out affairs. Yes there is an appeal for some but the large majority go for fluent break building where the frames are over quickly and people can see the real talent of potting and cue ball control.

When you are sitting in arena and have to be quiet and not allowed to get up or move about the last thing you want to see is players struggling or getting involved in safety bouts that often are to the detriment of their break building.

Well, I'm not sure it's quite correct to make such generalizations. Breakbuilding is not the only thing that constitutes snooker, and actually there are enough people who find 'break after break after break' matches boring. The game can be interesting only if it has a variety of things to offer to spectators.

[SebastianZ]

HOW COME THE STREAM IS SO LAGGY, I M USING http://zh-cn.justin.tv/nasnas595.
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE PROVIDE A BETTER QUALITY STREAM.

THANKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[spike]

The way things are going at present it doesn't look like it's going to be Ali's day..