Ronnie O Sullivan - Ali Carter - final

[daffie]

Haven't seen the Barry Hearn piece on BBC yet (taped it though)...is it worthwhile watching?

[Masterdoctorgenius]

Does anyone know why the introduction was so low key? Last year the atmosphere when Higgins/Trump came out was unbelievable with the smoke, music, fans standing up ect.

I was expecting something similar today.

this was the last session of last year

watch tomorrows last session then it will be surely the same or more buzz

[daffie]

Does anyone know why the introduction was so low key? Last year the atmosphere when Higgins/Trump came out was unbelievable with the smoke, music, fans standing up ect.

I was expecting something similar today.

Me too. I felt Rob Walker was also very low-key during the whole of this tournament, with some exceptions. It seems like he has lost some of his fire Hope he will pick it up soon....I liked it a lot, got the crowd going as well each time.

Last year was during the evening's session, don't know 1st or 2nd night. Hopefully some of that again this year...never seen anything like that before (or after)...the hairs on the back of my neck where up!

[daffie]

no, you are not being picked on! I thought it was my continuing router problem
the forum must be busy for some reason...

I had thoughts along the same line...thought the probs might be originating on my ipad, which I use of course when in front of the tele watching the snooker. Thanks.

It started right after Hendry retired. It will exist forever when O'Sullivan retires.

That seems like the most logical conclusion

[Ronnie's tip]

Does anyone know why the introduction was so low key? Last year the atmosphere when Higgins/Trump came out was unbelievable with the smoke, music, fans standing up ect.

I was expecting something similar today.

[DeanH]

Btw no-one else getting the "server busy" messages every now&then (pretty often today)...am I the only one?

no, you are not being picked on! I thought it was my continuing router problem
the forum must be busy for some reason...

[montoya10]

Btw no-one else getting the "server busy" messages every now&then (pretty often today)...am I the only one?

It started right after Hendry retired. It will exist forever when O'Sullivan retires.

[daffie]

Btw no-one else getting the "server busy" messages every now&then (pretty often today)...am I the only one?

[daffie]

this type of game works only if ronnie is mentally fragile

but nowadays it isnt the case anymore, he is more patient and waits for his chances that will surely come

2 years ago it might have worked but only selby which he doesnt respect much could have a chance with these kind of tactics though i am not sure if selby in form could have beaten ronnie in top form and stabile mind

Still...it is *the only chance* one has against Ronnie. So...what other option does one have really

[Masterdoctorgenius]

I'm not so sure about that. Ali has been playing the same game all tournament long, it's just a new adapted way of playing for him. And especially necessary against Ronnie. I agree, Ali can't beat Ronnie playing his (fast) game. This is the only way of having a chance at winning.

this type of game works only if ronnie is mentally fragile

but nowadays it isnt the case anymore, he is more patient and waits for his chances that will surely come

2 years ago it might have worked but only selby which he doesnt respect much could have a chance with these kind of tactics though i am not sure if selby in form could have beaten ronnie in top form and stabile mind

[daffie]

I think the main problem is Ali is trying not to lose the match instead of winning the match. Didn't get seriously punished in the previous matched, this time it's different. Another fact is that Ronnie knows Ali's changing his game, that is not really a positive way of playing.

I'm not so sure about that. Ali has been playing the same game all tournament long, it's just a new adapted way of playing for him. And especially necessary against Ronnie. I agree, Ali can't beat Ronnie playing his (fast) game. This is the only way of having a chance at winning.

[breakman16]

Just wish ali had shown a little more intent to entertain even though it is a very important match.

but if he attacks and tries to play up to the crowd then he'll lose, there's NO WAY he can live with Ronnie scoring and attacking, anyone want some Matchroom aftershave btw?? lol

[daffie]

During the break I came across NHRA Funny Cars dragracing on ESPN...talk about someting completely different from snooker These guys are doing +500km/h in under 4 seconds...snooker not fast enough for you?
Ah well that's enough of that I suppose...too much testosteron for my linking. Impressive technical feat though, scary as it is.
Edit : excuse the off-topic brain-fart

[Wimm]

I think the main problem is Ali is trying not to lose the match instead of winning the match. Didn't get seriously punished in the previous matched, this time it's different. Another fact is that Ronnie knows Ali's changing his game, that is not really a positive way of playing.

[coomsey76]

When will they start again?

They resume at 7pm.....