German Masters - 1st round and wildcard round discussion

[LittleMissAlexa]

Wildcard round

I do not think european wildcard rounds have the same strength as asian ones

[PatBlock]

What is it with Ken the past seasons? He hasn't performed well, like he used to as former World Champion. I really like Ken as a player and person as well. Seems like he doesn't get as much attention from bbc / eurosport like other players get...seems like he's under the radar most of the time. Just wondering...

Suppose he's just getting older, that's all. He's now languishing around the 30s in the rankings, and I don't expect to see a Williams-like return to form from him unfortunately, as you say, nice bloke, maybe too nice? I've often wondered about Ken's killer instinct.

He's done OK so far today though, with a good 5 - 1 win over Einsle

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[gazza147]

Fans of Ken Please dont take this the Wrong Way he is a Loverly guy as I have meet him a few times and what a loverly bloke, but I never thought he was Somebody who Stood Out like some of the Others he was Good in Patches but very Unconsistant and if you watch his Cueing for the 1st Time you wouldnt think he has Won anything as everything is Wrong! And I dont think that has helped him either when hes playing Bad it Shows alot more.

[daffie]

Suppose he's just getting older, that's all. He's now languishing around the 30s in the rankings, and I don't expect to see a Williams-like return to form from him unfortunately, as you say, nice bloke, maybe too nice? I've often wondered about Ken's killer instinct. He's done OK so far today though, with a good 5 - 1 win over Einsle -

You're right, maybe Ken's time was back then when he won the WC and somehow can't compete to the level necessary these days...nevermind the difference in style of play nowadays (very attacking, little safetyplay) compared to the earlier years. Too bad cause I really like Ken. Btw he does great commentating...hopefully he'll continue doing that.

[Ronnie's tip]

I've always liked Ken - he was a top player 10 years ago, though I agree with the guy who said he lacked killer instinct. He's always been a second-tier player to me though, in that he always seemed to lose against the 'big boys'.

Looking at his record now, he's been in 17 ranking finals and won only 4 of them. In fairness though was up against Hendry, O'Sullivan, Williams and Higgins so it's understandable. Lost in 2 Masters finals aswell to Higgins + Stevens.

Can't see him making a comeback though - his career is done IMO. I'm not too keen on him as a pundit/commentator either. Much prefer Davis, Parrot and Hendry.

edit:

Why isn't Mark Davis in this draw (couldn't see his name)? He won his qualifying matches...

[montoya10]

Why isn't Mark Davis in this draw (couldn't see his name)? He won his qualifying matches...

He is due to play John Higgins this evening and his name is at the bottom of the draw.

[PatBlock]

....also fancy perry to beat carter and Hawkins to shock murphy...

Good call on the Murphy match, I thought Hawkins was going to take it there in the 8th, but then he missed a relatively easy red, and that was that. I wasn't able to watch the final frame, was it a close one?

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[PatBlock]

...I'm not too keen on him as a pundit/commentator either.

I like Ken, but I have to agree with you there, although he's getting better at it IMO, think he's had a bit of commentary coaching from someone because I though he was much better in the Masters than usual, less frantic and generally more considered.

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[montoya10]

Good call on the Murphy match, I thought Hawkins was going to take it there in the 8th, but then he missed a relatively easy red, and that was that. I wasn't able to watch the final frame, was it a close one?

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Hawk missed an unbelievably easy red to the middle and I just shut it off. I guess that was the end as he let Murphy in.

[PatBlock]

Hawk missed an unbelievably easy red to the middle and I just shut it off. I guess that was the end as he let Murphy in.

I see, thanks. You not a big Murphy fan then?

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[montoya10]

I see, thanks. You not a big Murphy fan then?

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Absolutely true
But apart from that, I didn't exaggerate the shot. It was a very heavy contact, I suppose.

[merlin1234]

I like Ken, but I have to agree with you there, although he's getting better at it IMO, think he's had a bit of commentary coaching from someone because I though he was much better in the Masters than usual, less frantic and generally more considered.

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I noticed that, wondered if it was a conscious thing. It soudned to me like he was trying to speak a little bit more slowly and clearly, and he was using a lower register of his voice, sort of trying to make things sound a little more dramatic.

I've been appreciating Neal Foulds work a little bit more of late. I didn't warm to him at first but I've started noticing how accurate and concise his calls are, lot less splashing around than some of the other commentators.

[PatBlock]

I noticed that, wondered if it was a conscious thing. It soudned to me like he was trying to speak a little bit more slowly and clearly, and he was using a lower register of his voice, sort of trying to make things sound a little more dramatic.

Exactly what I thought.

I've been appreciating Neal Foulds work a little bit more of late. I didn't warm to him at first but I've started noticing how accurate and concise his calls are, lot less splashing around than some of the other commentators.

Yeah, definitely my pick of the 'new breed' of commentators, he has a very accurate eye, knows when to keep quiet, and doesn't feel the need to constantly demonstrate how witty he is. You know he's class because the BBC don't use him any more.

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[merlin1234]

iirc I've heard him with Clive Everton a couple of times, good combo. Foulds and Phil Yates also.

[Sam1036]

No way of watching tonight?

Doesn't seem to be on eurosport or liveworldsnookertv.