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Will Ronnie retain the 'Big Two'?

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  • Will Ronnie retain the 'Big Two'?

    Ronnie O'Sullivan gets his UK Championship defence under way this weekend, hoping to retain the title for the first time after three previous attempts. Patches of brilliance have been enough to see the Rocket add to his title tally this season, as he snatched the season opener in Northern Ireland before adding a fifth straight Premier League title earlier this month. But there have been signs of inconsistency - the most obvious example being his failure to reach the last 4 at the Grand Prix, and the player himself doubted his desire and longevity in the sport in a revealing BBC interview screened on Monday night.

    But Telford hosts the second biggest event in the calender and O'Sullivan's record has been impressive at the venue. Another triumph will see him join Stephen Hendry on 5 titles and should he do that, he'll be just one behind Steve Davis' record of 6. But the Chigwell chief will not have it easy, with Grand Prix winner John Higgins likely to pose the biggest threat along with Romford Godfather Mark King, who boosts a superior record against his Essex counterpart. Can the Magic Rocket keep his rivals at bay and complete the first half of another double?




    Hold it Tight: O'Sullivan kisses the trophy.



    Put a spell on me: O'Sullivan brings out the best in 'Wizard' Higgins.



    Dethrone the King: O'Sullivan will be hoping to keep nemesis Mark King in his seat should they meet again.
    41
    UK Championship
    9.76%
    4
    World Championship
    17.07%
    7
    Both
    34.15%
    14
    Neither
    39.02%
    16

    The poll is expired.

    sigpic
    Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli

  • #2
    Well... the poll question reads "Can Ronnie retain the 'big two'?", and the only answer I can think of is "yes, of course". He'll be the favourite in the UK, and something extraordinary would have to happen for him not to be favourite in the worlds.

    The thread title however, says "Will Ronnie retain the 'big two'?", here I'll go with "unlikely". Although he starts as favourite, all the other players put together are still favourite to beat him. I think he might win one of the big three this season, most likely the Masters. I know it's still a long way to go for the worlds, but looking at the draw, all his bogey players are in his half this year. He has a decent draw here, untill the QF that is, but I still suspect he'll be stronger in the Masters. He seems to play his best snooker there, in recent years.

    As for him having to fear Mark King... It's not like they're scheduled to play in the 2nd round, they'd have to meet in the Final. That's a bold prediction, even for you.

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    • #3
      no he wont retain either
      Robbo Unbeatable in ranking finals 6 out of 6

      COME ON ROBBO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Comment


      • #4
        "You just keep playing, keep wanting to win tournaments. You never think I've made history and this and that," said O'Sullivan.

        "For me, it's just about trying to win the UK, the Masters and the World Championships.

        "At the end of your career you're judged on those big tournaments and I'd like to win another couple of worlds.

        "I don't know if I can because obviously the standard is very high now and it's difficult to keep that momentum and that form up all the time.

        "But I'll certainly have a go. I haven't got long left now so we'll see what happens."
        from http://new.edp24.co.uk/content/Sport...A07%3A45%3A853

        That's all there is to say actually ... and very much in line with Odrl post.
        Proud winner of the 2008 Bahrain Championship Lucky Dip
        http://ronnieosullivan.tv/forum/index.php

        Comment


        • #5
          Neither
          Winner of crucible 77's 2008 Jiangsu Classic Fantasy Snooker Game
          Winner of 2009 China Open Prediction Contest

          Comment


          • #6
            Yes a good point from Odrl. off cause he can but I don´t think he will win either. I think the draw for the UK is difficult for him, as he well can get into a lot of long and winding matches, which isn´t in favor of beeing fresh at the end of the tournament.
            ....its not called potting its called snooker. Quote: WildJONESEYE
            "Its called snooker not potting" Quote: Rory McLeod

            Comment


            • #7
              People who say neither are on crack! It's quite obvious he can retain both.

              Comment


              • #8
                history is aganst Ronnie correct me if im Wrong but the PL is the only tournament he has succesfully defended.....Ronnie is the type of player that doesent put in the effort like Steve or Stephen to continue but he will go a few years without a tournament and then he will say "sod this i want to win again" of course he will try every year but i think theres something holding him back from totally dominating like he should have done....

                in answer to the question yes he can win both.....will he ?...well that depends on other players trying to stop him and really nobody can answer that but it will be a brilliant season finding out if he can...

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally Posted by Templeton Peck View Post
                  People who say neither are on crack! It's quite obvious he can retain both.
                  I think many of us see this question as "will he" retain it ! If the meaning really was can, then the poll was useless.
                  ....its not called potting its called snooker. Quote: WildJONESEYE
                  "Its called snooker not potting" Quote: Rory McLeod

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Not quite ... he's sucessfully defended his "welsh open" title also: 2004 and 2005. I even think it's the last occurence anyone defended a ranking title.
                    Proud winner of the 2008 Bahrain Championship Lucky Dip
                    http://ronnieosullivan.tv/forum/index.php

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      He will win one of them, not both.
                      My Flickr

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                      • #12
                        He defended his China Open and Irish Masters titles as well - he hasn't got a great record in defending titles but it's not unprecedented. Ronnie was strong in the UK following his last two world titles, and I'm pretty sure it was only a stupendous Maguire run that stood in the way in 2004, so I reckon it's odds on he will win the UK. Normally I would expect him to blow the WC but he's probably down to his last couple of chances in realistic terms as far as the world championship goes so maybe that will maintain his focus. If he wants to win five he's going to have to defend his current title.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally Posted by Rane View Post
                          I think many of us see this question as "will he" retain it ! If the meaning really was can, then the poll was useless.
                          Yes, but if he can then often he will. If he can, then why hasn't he before? Does he have what it takes to defend the big ones? He has retained the Premier League, which holds little pressure and that event has always motivated him. He has retained a couple of ranking tournaments, but none of the big 4. I wonder why he hasn't done so
                          sigpic
                          Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Love him or hate him... we all know if he wants to win he can. Period.
                            In the PL final he made Selby appear to be a deer caught in the headlights.
                            Shell-shocked or stoned, whatever, Selby was WAY out of his league,
                            and knew it. I don't think any other player can do that.
                            Look at Dave Harold... Shanghai-ed.

                            Yes, Ronnie wiil "retain".


                            =o)

                            Noel

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally Posted by Templeton Peck View Post
                              People who say neither are on crack! It's quite obvious he can retain both.
                              We will see !
                              Winner of crucible 77's 2008 Jiangsu Classic Fantasy Snooker Game
                              Winner of 2009 China Open Prediction Contest

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