UK Champ 2010 - Final discussion!

[gby4]

Cheater has won the tournament. What a big disgrace for snooker.

That is the sikening stuff I was refering to. To try to spoil a moment like this... well no chance.

[Billy]

Absolutely gutted!!

Believe this or not, but at no point during that match (and that includes at 9 - 5) did I think Mark had this final 'in the bag'. There was just something in the air that stank of a come-back and I was (unfortunatley) proved right.

I honestly can't stomach finals like that anymore. I used to relish them, but the butterflies I get nowadays - especially when it's one of my all-time favourite players on the brink of winning - are unbearable.

[ace man]

Incredible match!

I just can't believe that Mark didn't attempt to play position on the yellow after potting the black! I think that was what ultimately decided the outcome...

[iksotam]

Grow Up Guys!!!

Mark Williams Lost the Match Not..... John Higgins Won it....Surely Any Sort of Snooker Player or Fan could see that....

Last 5 Frames Was CRAP!!.....I could have beaten the Pair of them Hands Down.

If one century and two breaks over 90 under such pressure is crap for you, then you must be some undiscovered snooker talent. Maybe you should give it a try in PTC

[The Boss]

Higgins' greatest ever achievement. Lee, Dott, Maguire, Allen and Williams all in form and all beaten :snooker:

[gazza147]

I just can't believe that Mark didn't attempt to play position on the yellow after potting the black! I think that was what ultimately decided the outcome...

Yes Exactly what I was Talking about....More I watch it Back More I think!!!!....Well I am Not going to Say ....Just Incredable that a Pro Doesn't Try and Pot Yellow for Match!!....Which he was doing all the Way throu the Match but Not to Win Match.

[sh1234]

Who needs the gym when you can sit at home and have your heartbeat in the weight loss zone for 3 hours?
Awesome Higgins, never gives in, the best performance I've ever seen.

[Case454]

If I ever seen a Match.............Throu away that was it? How many Chances did mark have Unreal.

I am a Massive Mark Williams Fan as used to Play with him, But how on Earth did he just Pot That Black without even trying to get a Shot at that Yellow? Which would Go in Yellow Pocket.

I just didn't Understand it as the Black Was Easy and could have Screwed Back or Top to get closer to Yellow.

Sorry Mark but you throu that Away m8 should have Been Yours 9-5 Up!!

Im Gutted.........

Mark didn't have that many chances. From 9-5 to 9-9 he had one and then John got a snooker. He didn't miss in the balls so there was no choke. One poor cannon in the last frame.

[ADR147]

Grow Up Guys!!!

Mark Williams Lost the Match Not..... John Higgins Won it....Surely Any Sort of Snooker Player or Fan could see that....

Last 5 Frames Was CRAP!!.....I could have beaten the Pair of them Hands Down.

umm which match were you watching mate? - that one was a cracker and other than the odd twitch williams played very well.

[Odrl]

What can you say?

I didn't think this final would be anything special, but you never know with snooker. This was one of the greatest matches in the time I've been a snooker fan, and one of the greatest stories that's ever been told on a snooker table. John Higgins showed why he was considered the best player in the world before his suspension, and has in my opinion now regained that status. He once again showed incredible heart when it looked like he had no chance of winning. To come back from 5-9 behind against a player of Williams' class, and with the way Williams was playing... quite incredible. It's the first time I've seen him be this emotional after a victory, it really showed he much he wanted this title, especially when he mentioned his dad. Thanks for a wonderful end to the snooker year, sir.

And thanks to Mark Williams as well. I didn't think he had this kind of form in him this week, but I'm glad he did. He would have been an equally worthy winner.

Finally, this match once again proved that snooker is at its best in the longer matches. You can't produce this kind of magic any other way. The debate with people who want to see snooker dumbed down with short formats and shot clocks has been a frustrating one for me, and it has seemed like a waste of time sometimes. But as the end of another year approaches, I think it's important we continue the fight to keep this magic alive, no matter how small a minority we become. It must be heartbreaking if you were supporting Williams tonight, but I bet most people don't regret watching a single minute of it.

So there, that's the last of the snooker on TV in 2010. I'm sure everyone is looking forward to the Masters in January, I know I am.

[Nugget]

What can you say?

I didn't think this final would be anything special, but you never know with snooker. This was one of the greatest matches in the time I've been a snooker fan, and one of the greatest stories that's ever been told on a snooker table. John Higgins showed why he was considered the best player in the world before his suspension, and has in my opinion now regained that status. He once again showed incredible heart when it looked like he had no chance of winning. To come back from 5-9 behind against a player of Williams' class, and with the way Williams was playing... quite incredible. It's the first time I've seen him be this emotional after a victory, it really showed he much he wanted this title, especially when he mentioned his dad. Thanks for a wonderful end to the snooker year, sir.

And thanks to Mark Williams as well. I didn't think he had this kind of form in him this week, but I'm glad he did. He would have been an equally worthy winner.

Finally, this match once again proved that snooker is at its best in the longer matches. You can't produce this kind of magic any other way. The debate with people who want to see snooker dumbed down with short formats and shot clocks has been a frustrating one for me, and it has seemed like a waste of time sometimes. But as the end of another year approaches, I think it's important we continue the fight to keep this magic alive, no matter how small a minority we become. It must be heartbreaking if you were supporting Williams tonight, but I bet most people don't regret watching a single minute of it.

So there, that's the last of the snooker on TV in 2010. I'm sure everyone is looking forward to the Masters in January, I know I am.

Great post, I think I agree with every word!

I feel bad for those strange few that don't watch snooker. They really missed out tonight.

[Gargon]

Amazing win for Higgins, that was an outstanding frame of snooker, one of the most enthralling I have seen since the Grand Prix semi final with Higgins/Robertson last year.

Full match report on my site: http://maximumsnooker.com/uk_champio...s_to_glory.htm

[gavpowell]

Also, everyone seems to say that O'Sullivan is miles ahead of Higgins, but I think they are on equal ranking tournament wins now aren't they?

Yep, although O'Sullivan was first to 3 world titles and has four UK titles to his name, so arguably Higgins has still some catching up to do, but Higgins tends to have Ronnie's number these days - such a solid matchplayer that he can withstand O'Sullivan barrages and wait for his chances before playing himself back in, as he did v Williams tonight.

[attilahun]

Cheater or no cheater John Higgins is a LEGEND. Missed a good part of the final because iwe watched the Mosconi Cup ( also great show ) but what i saw, coming back from 9-5, and needing a snooker, is pure class. This man can perform under pressure like no other. Great, just great.

[Looki]

What a match last night. I've have to say I feel sorry for Mark for not winning it but then again he had a great chance to nick it and John was very strong towards the end. It was probably the best and most exciting match that I've witnessed.

Looking back at the tournament John was maybe a more deserving winner if you can say that as he was playing very well all the time. But also after the comeback against Murphy I was certain that it would be Mark's year. I expected him to up his game which he did, apart from the last part of the evening session it he was very dominant. But it's a funny game and anything can happen.

J. Higgins is a worthy winner and, as much as I would've wanted to see Mark lifting the trophy, I want to congratulate John for the title and especially for the bottle and courage he showed last night.