O'Sullivan V Ding

[Maija]

Soooo. What can I say that hasn't already been said?

I think Ronnie showed great sportsmanship, and I think Ding will be back to his old machine ways in no-time.

As for not mentioning Paul Hunter enough (someone said about 5-6 pages back): it is important to remember those who are no longer with us. It is, however, far more important to take care of those who still are. Ding needed support and he got it, from his opponent, of all people. Ronnie balanced it nicely off, I think, in his little interview, without it sounding hollow.

The game goes to show how important it is to be mentally strong to make it on the snooker circuit. Honestly, Ding has to live with the fact that people root for the opponent. He has to learn how to rise above it, ignore it or even grow on it - but I suppose being beaten so badly doesn't make it easier.

The last frame was a joke, really. I can understand that Ding just shovelled the balls around so that it would appear that Ronnie had an opponent, regardless of whether he thought it was first to 9 or not. It really doesn't matter.

Ironically this makes me appreciate Ding more. Well, what can I say, I'm a mum

[Mitsuko]

I think the size of the arena may have caused some problems, did seem a bit to big for my liking

[elvaago]

I can see in my mind, Ronnie saying: Don't give up early, look what happened to me when I threw in the towel against Hendry! At least pretend to play the last frame!

But it looked nice on tv when he put his arm around Junhui's shoulder.

[Black_cat]

It's quite difficult for me to come up with something new on this subject but I'll try anyway. I've been a fan of Ronnie's for almost two years and been waiting for a tournament victory for just as long. I really thought he'd got it in the last year's Masters but compensated for it with a vengeance last evening.
The crowd darkened this wonderful achievement to some extent and it was reassuring to see Ronnie take a stand. I am sorry to have witnessed a great champion in the making crack under pressure and only hope this will prove valuable in the future, regardless of how difficult and distressing it may be right now.
This year's final had it all: five centuries, a breath-taking 66 clearance for Ronnie to surpass Ding's 65 in the 10th, pot success of above 93% for both players and some genuine human drama towards the end. A kind of moment that makes one able to see beyond the reality of a scoreboard, of points won and lost, of triumph or defeat.

[Nina]

I didn't watch all the match in details, I'm glad I watched the second session however. It was one of the most dramatic finals I have seen in a long time.

I am not a Ronnie fan, and that's due to his attitude rather than his lack of skill - in fact I've always recognised he's one of the best ever. This is why I am happy I can say (at least this once) that I liked the way he behaved in that arena last night, that I approve of it and I wish he would be like this always. His treatment of Ding was almost paternal and he was also hard on the shouting fans. I take my hat off to him for that, even if he never gives me reason to speak well of him again, I will always count last night in his favour.
My heart went out to Ding also, things did not turn out the way he had anticipated at all... I am sure he was confused and mistaken at 9 - 3, he seemed altogether bewildered at that point. I think it was due to the combination of the venue, the people shouting, and losing control of the match. I am convinced however that he learnt a valuable lesson in there last night and we will never see him in such a state again. He is well organised and disciplined and this experience will be valuable for him.

[Welshsteve]

Just got in to see this thread.

I actually believe that Ding did genuinely thing it was best of seventeen.

I would, particularly after the bad press he's received over the last controversial month, like to say that I think Ronnie's attitude and behaviour were exceptional this evening; he seemed to be genuinely concerned for and compassionate towards Ding. Maybe that's not the word, but you know what I mean.

Could not agree more Statman. Ronnie attitude throughout this tournament has been exemplary. The way he treated Ding last night was magnificant, and will certainly help Ding in the future. Ding will be back, no doubt about that.

Hats off to Ronnie.

As for the crowd, typical loutish cockney behaviour if you ask me.

[lagermike]

What don't kill you makes you stronger.

Ding will learn from this but perhaps a fragility in his temperament has been exposed. All the greats have had to play Higgins, White and O'Sullivan in front of over zealous crowds like the one last night, I have never seen anyone lose it like Ding did like night.

[Miss Walker]

Hi all – I've been a member for some time, this is my first post though. Never felt the need to comment on anything before, I guess Last night's match was SO bizarre, though, I feel the need to now.

Very fine performance by Ronnie - both on and off the table. Two thumbs up and congratulations.

Very disappointed by Ding, he can do SO much better!

And on a side note: Did anyone notice Ding taking off his bow tie when ROS was still playing frame eight? Very Ronnie-ish behaviour

[berolina]

To be honest, I can't really believe that Ding thought it was a best of 17 final...

To me that sounds like a lousy excuse. Sorry, but I think he overreacted a bit, because he totally lost the plot. Obviously, he didn't want to carry on. I can understand that reaction, he's only human after all and 19 years old.

BTW I didn't notice any misbehaviour of the crowd (apart from the usual shouting ) on TV until the final frame...I must go and get my ears checked...too much loud music

[Marge]

I thought the way certain people in the crowd treated Ding was disgraceful. It brings the game into disrepute. I cannot imagine the pressure he must have been under.

It was heartening to see Ronnie being so supportive to Ding.

[cap]

But Ronnie backs this up in his interview. Initially I thought it was an excuse, but after reading comments from all sides, I think he really was confused. He said he was very annoyed by the contineous abuse from someone sitting not far behind. With the match slipping away, it might have just caused the confusion.

Have said that I am disappointed about his last couple of shots in the second last frame.

[t88]

It was outstanding perormance by The Rocket, it was obvious that young fella Ding will just be part of the crowd

[thevenue2]

was Ronnies wife with him last nite when he won, normally they stand with the players for the photos etc. is he still 'with' her?

[cap]

I saw a dark hair lady walking away closely with Ronnie after the presentation. I assume it is her.

[Welshsteve]

It is, she came on and gave him a kiss just after it had finished.