Betfred.com World Snooker Championship SEMI-Final Discussion

[FerruleFox]

Anyway let's hope Judd Trump wins the title, just to boost snooker...

I agree. It's not just his flamboyance but he wears his emotions on his sleeve. He's a natural performer, much like Jimmy and Ronnie.

I know from a player's perspective appearing disinterested can throw your opponent off and make you a tougher match player, but from spectator's perspective I wish Ding would show a little more personality out there. It would make it easier to root for him.

[pottingpinks]

He did smile a couple of times today!

[pottingpinks]

For me the most emotionless character is Marco Fu, always reminds me of a clockwork robot, sorry Marco!

[Orton31291]

Well the Asian players do have amazing temperament, they are amazingly focused

[FerruleFox]

He did smile a couple of times today!

I noticed that too. Almost like he wants to let loose but being stoic is so engrained he can't help it

[BarryH]

Commentators

You're right. In fairness, JV says WHERE'S THE CUE BALL GOING?????????

To be honest it's DT that says Where's the white going??????? in a slightly (in fairness, not much) less hysterical voice.

It's a game of fractions, after all, to be honest. In fairness, and not forgetting what me and my mates were up to on the golf course yesterday, and that bloke from that band that I've never heard of that likes Selby sitting in this packed arena, in fairness, with everyone listening to inane drivel turned up to eleven on their ear pieces, so loud even that young man from the land of the rising sun couldn't concentrate properly.

I love them dearly of course, and Steve Davis and Hendry are worth listening to, but where the **** is Clive Everton?

[BarryH]

Trump

Trump really does seem to be the successor to Alex Higgins/Jimmy White/Ronnie O'Sullivan in terms of raw natural talent and flair. However, he seems to be missing the personality disorders and wild social lives of his predecessors.

I have no problem with John Higgins character, but as entertainment watching him play snooker doesn't rate very highly, no matter how good at winning he is.

[Wim]

I have no problem with John Higgins character, but as entertainment watching him play snooker doesn't rate very highly, no matter how good at winning he is.

When I watch Ronnie or Jimmy or Judd play I always have the feeling that something special or unexpected can happen.
Higgins is a fantastic matchplayer but I never feel magic in the air when he plays.

[cazmac1]

I don't really watched a lot of snooker on TV these days, but have really a enjoyed this years WC and have really taken to trump. I love Higgins but think trump is a breath of fresh air and is just what snooker needs. He can inspire a new generation of young players to take the game up. But what ever happens I'm sure it's going to be a great final and snooker is the main winner this year.
PS, the only negative is that the standard has been so high that it’s made me realise that my game is a million miles from where I want to be

[pottingpinks]

Yes I agree Trump coming through is what the game needs, perhaps we'll have less of Ronnie's tantrums and threats to quit in the news all the time if that happens and everything won't seem to revolve around someone who doesn't really seem that bothered about going out of his way to promote the game.
As regards the standard I still take heart from some of the misses under pressure, for instance Williams yesterday missed lots of pots that club players would make most times though obviously you can't compare the pressure.

[rivercard]

I do agree that Trump is up there with the best concerning raw talent, but I can't see the charisma that Alex Higgins or Ronnie had/has. His run this year reminds me of Murphy's in 2005, only Judd is younger and he has an "interesting" haircut. To be fair one could just as easily compare him to a young Stephen Hendry.

As for today's final, it's really not easy to predict. In the end I'll have to with Higgins, but if Trump gets up to a good start I wouldn't be at all surprised if he'd win it.

[pottingpinks]

Maybe they will be issuing Judd Trump wigs on entry to tournaments soon at a fiver a time, though some of the old school refs would probably have them ejected for wearing them (seem to remember someone sitting quietly with a pantomime horses head on in the audience got removed a few years ago at one event)

[jrc750]

.....seem to remember someone sitting quietly with a pantomime horses head on in the audience.....

That sounds hilarious lol

[jw147]

Think it will be a great final, glad judd made it cause hes entertaining to watch. I like higgins (but believe hes 100% guilty, and should of got a longer ban) but, fair play to him, hes a gritty player and will take some beating.

[the_Crippler09]

Is it just me or did Ken Doherty seem WAY outta his league sittin with Steve Davis pre match and during frames ?

His analysis of what was going on in the match was banal and quite frankly cringeworthy!! I could see Davis squirming in his seat as he was talking. Rishi couldnt wait to get to Davis for some proper match analysis!

I like Doherty, met him a few times, hes a great fella but i seriously think hes out of his league here.