UK championship match discussion thread

[Semih_Sayginer]

8-4 - you never know!

yes, my crystal ball is cloudy, so i dont know, but the more someone says things like that inevitably theyre correct eventually, and the rest of the time it "was a tough ask anyway", so even though i know its possible, but not likely, i still dont agree with commentators (or others) who say that, in the hope that theyre correct. i hope he wins. if he doesnt. its as much his own fault as it is Allens good play. i like Allen. Im Hendo through and through, but i can be objective, even though im ******* shouting at the tv and at him right now.

[ADR147]

i am pi55ed off now! wish mark the best of luck though

[Semih_Sayginer]

me too, but im happy for Mark Allen. a rising star who could go all the way in the game.

imho Hendo should bin the cue, the coach, and just play with another new cue, alone, and practise more with the rest too, as he was a disaster with it today, among other things

[samasnookerfan]

Some interesting matches today.
Allen was very impressive but helped by Hendrys poor play as well, the way he closed out the match was paticularly impressive and showed a lot of confidence. Maguire is contuning his good from it seems, and i'm I pleased to see Williams through to face Allen - that match could be a cracker.
Ebdon is in good form but McCulloch has right to feel pleased after trailing 5-0 to trail only 5-3 so that could be exciting finish tomorrow. Also Murphy started in fine form against Paul Davies but Davies outplayed him in saftey I think and Murphy definately felt some nerves and missed some easy shots so I think Davies will feel good to be level at 4-4 although he missed easy ones too.
As for Doherty and Bond, Doherty has played badly but is leading 7-4. The first session had some exciting stuff and really Bond should have led but Doherty stuck to his guns and showed his class.

[Caroline]

Thanks Sam, your summary is highly appreciated. Our Eurosport was showing snow image rather than green baize the whole afternoon

[April madness]

wasn't it 6-2 for Ebdon vs McCulloch match, samasnookerfan? I think my livescore was showing that result, but maybe I read it in a wrong way

[samasnookerfan]

Thanks Sam, your summary is highly appreciated. Our Eurosport was showing snow image rather than green baize the whole afternoon

I'll keep you updated each evening if you like.

wasn't it 6-2 for Ebdon vs McCulloch match, samasnookerfan? I think my livescore was showing that result, but maybe I read it in a wrong way

April madness - It was definately 5-3 as I saw the end of the session and the live scoring must have been wrong.

[cueman]

TBH I think Stephen may well start contemplating his future in the game after today. Its quite obvious that he doesn't have the game anymore to challenge for titles and he has always stated that once he goes to tournaments and cannot realistically expect to win that he would quit the game.

I'm not just basing it on todays performance, but his overall form for the last year or so. He has tried a few new cues, had a new coach, put extra hours practice in and for what? He's still missing a lot of simple balls, his long game is just not good enough and relies heavily on his opponent missing to leave him chances. Allen played pretty well today but didn't do anything special to win, just took his chances when he got them. Fact is, most of the top 32 and quite a few players outside can play to Allen's standard now and Hendry is sliding down quicklu, realistically his form is no better than a player outside the 32 now.

He may still turn the corner but at 39 in a few weeks, I don't think his form, if it ever does return, will last for long.

[April madness]

April madness - It was definately 5-3 as I saw the end of the session and the live scoring must have been wrong.

So I am wrong, I was watching just livescore

[cap]

Thanks Sam, your summary is highly appreciated. Our Eurosport was showing snow image rather than green baize the whole afternoon

GSC had commentary thoughout today, even for non-televised matches.

http://www.globalsnookercentre.co.uk...07-UK-draw.htm

[Caroline]

Thank you Cap for sending me millions of red ants to pick up!

[Caroline]

That is very sweet of you

I'll keep you updated each evening if you like.

[dannyd0g]

TBH I think Stephen may well start contemplating his future in the game after today. Its quite obvious that he doesn't have the game anymore to challenge for titles and he has always stated that once he goes to tournaments and cannot realistically expect to win that he would quit the game.

I'm not just basing it on todays performance, but his overall form for the last year or so. He has tried a few new cues, had a new coach, put extra hours practice in and for what? He's still missing a lot of simple balls, his long game is just not good enough and relies heavily on his opponent missing to leave him chances. Allen played pretty well today but didn't do anything special to win, just took his chances when he got them. Fact is, most of the top 32 and quite a few players outside can play to Allen's standard now and Hendry is sliding down quicklu, realistically his form is no better than a player outside the 32 now.

He may still turn the corner but at 39 in a few weeks, I don't think his form, if it ever does return, will last for long.

Unfortunately I have to agree with some of that. I keep hoping that Hendry will return to form but somehow it rarely surfaces any more. I would say on his recent history it is extremely strange that Hendry was made favourite for this match today, against a quality up and coming player. Sad to say but there could be some money to be made out of Hendry, by always betting on his opponents. There will be good prices on them and judging by Hendry's recent performances most in-form players in the top 40 or so are going to beat him quite easily ! I only wish I'd thought of this before todays match and put a few quid on Allen.

[doorag]

I think Mark Allen could be the man to beat in this tournament.

[PaulTheSoave]

I have always rated Allen higher than Trump and co, its nice to see some jump on the band wagon now.

I really hope Maguire will go to number one, as he is a fascinating player and actually a good lad. Only his temper will be his greatest enemy. Always remember his display beating ROS in the UK and his evening session (was not enough) against Higgins in the worlds, delight to witness that kind of snooker.