World Championship 2012 1st Round Discussion

[peterpackage]

Hearn and the board wont be happy, they're in a mess now, if they discipline Allen like say 6 month ban, the game suffers, if they do nothing then they're seen (rightfully so), as soft, if they slap a big fine then it's not enough, it's a no win situation, all publicity is good publicity I think, I feel sorry for the board on this issue, stupid comments by Allen have put them in a right hole now. . .

i don't think Allen being out of the game for 6 months affects it at all

Allen is a non entity, no one cares if he's in a tournament or not. Everyone goes to see Ronnie, Judd, Hendry, Higgins, Ding, Selby etc

I don't think anyone would bat an eyelid if Allen was missing

Like it or not, China is important to the financial future of the game, much more so than Allen, sacrifice the little bugger

[montoya10]

think ronnie has after the looks of other opponents the easiest one

cao beating allen, jones leading 8-7

Playing O'Sullivan in the arena is tougher than playing Allen or Murphy.

[breakman16]

i don't think Allen being out of the game for 6 months affects it at all

Allen is a non entity, no one cares if he's in a tournament or not. Everyone goes to see Ronnie, Judd, Hendry, Higgins, Ding, Selby etc

I don't think anyone would bat an eyelid if Allen was missing

Like it or not, China is important to the financial future of the game, much more so than Allen, sacrifice the little bugger

Points taken, what I meant was that while he's in a tournament he gets people talking about snooker, often people who wouldn't normally watch or care, but with it being the Worlds may watch the semis and finals, the more exposure for this tournament the better, I know that's what Hearn will think, even if Allen should be disciplined, deep down he knows that more people are talking about snooker now due to this, the game would carry on, as it would if any of the top players retired tomorrow of course!

[breakman16]

Playing O'Sullivan in the arena is tougher than playing Allen or Murphy.

exactly, the difference between Murphy and O'Sullivan is the difference between the greats of all time and greats of their particular generations, O'Sullivan on TV, in an arena, is one of the toughest tests in the history of modern sport, assuming he's playing at least decent of course!! The hardest is playing Phil Taylor (darts), on TV, when he's in form, but Ronnie is extremely tough too!

[breakman16]

meanwhile frame 16 is well in the balance between Jones and Murphy, and Murphy really needs to win it!

[jonnylovessn8ker]

exactly, the difference between Murphy and O'Sullivan is the difference between the greats of all time and greats of their particular generations, O'Sullivan on TV, in an arena, is one of the toughest tests in the history of modern sport, assuming he's playing at least decent of course!! The hardest is playing Phil Taylor (darts), on TV, when he's in form, but Ronnie is extremely tough too!

full disclosure: bought ebdon, fu, and murphy for today's matches.
thank god for in play bets, but betfred site seems down..

[montoya10]

exactly, the difference between Murphy and O'Sullivan is the difference between the greats of all time and greats of their particular generations, O'Sullivan on TV, in an arena, is one of the toughest tests in the history of modern sport, assuming he's playing at least decent of course!! The hardest is playing Phil Taylor (darts), on TV, when he's in form, but Ronnie is extremely tough too!

On top of that, he's the role model for many young players. Of course, playing him is a lot more difficult. Playing likes of Hendry, Higgins, Williams is also very tough on this basis. You get excited to play a ranking event winner like Allen. But playing a multiple world champion is totally on a different level.

[breakman16]

On top of that, he's the role model for many young players. Of course, playing him is a lot more difficult. Playing likes of Hendry, Higgins, Williams is also very tough on this basis. You get excited to play a ranking event winner like Allen. But playing a multiple world champion is totally on a different level.

exactly, or even a Murphy, former world champion that he is he isnt the same prospect as playing Hendry, Higgins or O'Sullivan, for me they are the top 3 in the history of the game, although the 3rd spot of O'Sullivan is up for grabs with the great Steve Davis!

[breakman16]

Murphy and Jones still involved in an epic 16th frame on table 2, destined to decide the match it seems! Wouldn't surprise me if it went 9 all if Murphy wins that frame!

[breakman16]

"could be perceived", no they ARE directed at Chinese players!

[Masterdoctorgenius]

9-7 jones

this would be the biggest shock of the WC so far

[montoya10]

9-7 jones

this would be the biggest shock of the WC so far

Cao beating Allen is more of a shock for me.
At least, I've heard someone named Jamie Jones before this match.

[Odrl]

Jones is handling the pressure quite well at the moment. Murphy needs to find that extra gear now.

That match has my full attention now, as Ebdon doesn't look like he has it today. Kind of expected, but I was still hoping for a better match.

[breakman16]

Jones is handling the pressure quite well at the moment. Murphy needs to find that extra gear now.

That match has my full attention now, as Ebdon doesn't look like he has it today. Kind of expected, but I was still hoping for a better match.

As we all were, could have been great but it'll be a massive comeback now, virtually impossible, if Ebdon made a proper match of it, a great shame! At least I'd heard of Jamie Jones as he'd been mentioned as a great talent, never heard of Cao though!

[breakman16]

THAT is how to play the pack shot off one cushion from a high black, perfect from Ebdon, fantastic shot!!