King v White discussion thread

[cally]

...............................

[RocketRoy1983]

Says it all really matoski...

[beechy1212]

OK, I've heard a lot of comments about jimmy's popularity, but realy, i can't see what makes him so interesting at the table? Even in his prime he was no more interesting or amusing than any of the rest of snooker pros. Do people love him from compassion and sympathy for the six lost finals at the Crucible? Or maybe because of his bad guy attitude off the table (drinking, partying with Alex Higgins, unfinished elementary school)? Realy, can someone explain to me?

Are you a glue sniffer?

[imy147]

How good were the intros!! I was buzzing like anything when they walked out, without doubt a fantastic idea. Can't wait to see the rest of the players come out. It's certainly injected that bit more excitement and gets the crowd right into the match from the off. Nice to see the Celebrities there to support Jimmy, eventhough he just wanted good enough sadly. Hopefully he can get some serious practice in and qualify for the Crucible. We live in hope!

Jimmy (L)

[attilahun]

Says it all really matoski...

Yes, it does says it all about the lad......

[dinovirus]

Jimmy's washed up but the world loves an underdog so it was a good enough decision. Mark King stole some money though, because if he had played Liang and turned in that performance he would have been scratchin' a losing ass. White looked like he's barely playing at all. Did he really win tournaments last year? Amazing.

Incidentally, I'm pretty sure that Barry Hearn really has no idea how to save snooker but the emergence of China as a snooker nation really might save it for him. I've said it before and I'll say it again - there really has to be something that differentiates these tournaments from each other besides the color of the carpet.

[Looki]

Lets wait to see the official TV figures before saying it was the wrong choice eh jesus!

What I'm afraid is that those who have never watched snooker before and decided to do it yesterday won't be doing it again. So no favors done there...

[Monique]

Viewing figures will only tell something about peoples expectations, not their satisfaction. I watched it and watched it to the end, out of curiosity and because I'm hooked every time there is snooker on. But it was deadfull and painfull. I hated every minute of looking in the face of Jimmy who was totally gutted by his own display and downright embarassed.
BTW look here: http://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/...ers_White.html

In my eyes it was the wrong decision from the start and I haven't changed my mind about it. I would be more than happy with a veterans tour but not this, not in the Masters.
True King wasn't good neither but his task wasn't easy: the whole arena was behind his opponent and he got his fair share of distractions during the match. Not to mention that when your opponent plays really bad it tends to drag you down as most of those who play will have experienced.

[cazmac1]

I don't think you can make excuses for King, I thought the crowd were very fair to him, I think he made a big deal out of evey little thing.
Jimmy didn't play well, but the games were tidy and the balls where there for the taking. It's clear King is not one for the big occasion. He'd better get used to playing in front of a crowd if barry does turn snooker around.

[gerbisto]

I do not agree at all. I loved the atmosphere surrounding Jimmy, it is similar to when Alex Higgins used to play and snooker was at its peak.

Also, who would try the black Jimmy tried (and potted but scratched) from today's players? Noone. I loved watching him but felt he is over the hill.

We need new blood that plays like Jimmy. If snooker became a team sport more extroverted people would be attracted to the sport. It is currently a haven for the introvert. (Davis, Hendry, Murphy ................)

[Monique]

I don't think you can make excuses for King, I thought the crowd were very fair to him, I think he made a big deal out of evey little thing.
Jimmy didn't play well put the games were tidy and the balls where there for the taking. It's clear King is not one for the big ocassion. He'd better get used to playing in front of a crowd if barry does turn snooker around.

I'm not making "excuses" for anyone ever. I just express what I felt while watching the match and that's what I did feel. I'm not asking anyone to share those feelings BTW and I'm not particularly a King fan. King isn't a very top player and he wasn't good yesterday. Yet even the commentators mentioned that maybe Jan should have said something when people were using squeaky beakers and waving "com'on Jimmy" posters in his line of sighting...

[cazmac1]

I wasn't having a go at you, but you said jimmy dragged king game down?.
Also, think King should get a life time ban, for that dance he did. I don't mind players having music playing when enter the arena, But no dancing for god sake.

[Monique]

I wasn't having a go at you, but you said jimmy dragged king game down?.
Also, think King should get a life time ban, for that dance he did. I don't mind players having music playing when enter the arena, But no dancing for god sake.

And why not dancing? What's wrong with that? It was just a bit of fun before the serious things started.
I said that, yes, and I stick by it. If you play the game, you will have experienced it yourself: when your opponent is playing really bad and the match goes all fragmented it knocks you out of any rythm and you can't keep focussed and that is partially (and only partially) what happened to King yesterday.

[Looki]

Also, think King should get a life time ban, for that dance he did. I don't mind players having music playing when enter the arena, But no dancing for god sake.

Well what can you expect, they gave the wildcard to Jimmy. The whole thing is turning into a circus...

[gerbisto]

because king dances you complain? no wonder snooker is dying and the fans its kept are as boring as the players!