World Snooker Championships Discussion

[The Statman]

Sorry to come to this late; I didn't see the daytime matches.

But Maguire admitted after Joe Perry beat him 13-12 in the quarter-finals in 2008 that he "didn't give him the credit he deserved", admittedly based on a previous Crucbile match which Maguire had won easily.

This of a well established top-16 player. Frankly, this should be a lesson learnt and there is no excuse, really, that he should underestimate anyone.

I don't think he underestimated him. It is just that he plays below his average, while Poomjaeng, a debutant at the crucible, plays his best snooker and he seems absolutely pressure-free. Yeah anyway, I've tried to put the finger on Maguire's shortcomings to explain his frustration, but it doesn't mean I don't give credit to Poomjaeng. He is absolutely outstanding and rather a lovely character, no doubt about that :3

No I'm sure he didn't. But I do get this feeling that Maguire seems to think, just occasionally, that he doesn't have to try his hardest against some perceived poorer opposition, or more accurately perhaps that he doesn't quite big himself up for some matches where lower opposition is involved.

As for luck, or lack of it, he's been playing snooker for long enough to know that some days you're the pigeon and other days you're the statue. It's the job of the statue to stand there and keep the same expression.

Haha, love the metaphor. But hey, I just don't agree on that point, players should be free to let their anger out as long as it's not harmful to anybody. Some just do a facepalm, some get quite nervous, some act like nothing happened, some try to make the crowd laugh to release their own tension a bit (like Mark Williams). These long matches bring out the very personality of the players and again players are human beings, I'd prefer all tour players to be like Maguire rather than like Hamilton.

Yeah, fair do's, I've just always wanted to use that metaphor and the opportunity presented itself!

I don't really mean statue-like in the literal sense, and I agree that it's nice to see players' characteristics (by the way, that's why I don't understand how people think Graeme Dott is such a non-personality, he's always grimacing or having a little joke with the crowd - but that's for another thread).

But I was really meaning that he should know by now that for every day that you're the statue, on another you will be the pigeon.

I play the game myself and like everyone gets annoyed when silly little pieces of misfortune go against me. But I've always thought temperament was a reason for not playing as well as I have (not that I'm anywhere near top amateur level, you understand) and that for someone with as much talent as Maguire clearly has, he should have learnt by now. I can't help but find that it overshadows any other opinion of him.

His performance in the latter stages of the Welsh Open was the complete opposite.

[daffie]

The continuation of the Maguire vs Poomjaeng match is on Eurosport2 right now!

[streamer45]

Nice black Selby

[Billy]

The continuation of the Maguire vs Poomjaeng match is on Eurosport2 right now!

Thanks, Daffie! Great heads-up. Was wondering when we'd get to see the finish of this.

[The Statman]

The continuation of the Maguire vs Poomjaeng match is on Eurosport2 right now!

Yes, about 5 minutes behind 'live' play. We've just heard the applause for that good black by Selby!

If you don't want to know the score, look away now!

[Valiullin]

What a safety shot by Poomjaeng, deserves to win him the match!

[Masterdoctorgenius]

selby is a lucker

[Billy]

Joe Johnson has got the world's clickiest mouth.

Arrgghh! It's going to mar the whole championships for me if Poojaeng doesn't come through this.

[paddybhoy30]

Poomhaengs antics getting a bit tedious now. C'mon maguire.

[daffie]

Poomhaengs antics getting a bit tedious now. C'mon maguire.

Love his antics...a breath of fresh air imo, very funny bloke. He's Liang Wenbo times 2

[daffie]

Joe Johnson has got the world's clickiest mouth.

Arrgghh! It's going to mar the whole championships for me if Poojaeng doesn't come through this.

Me too...would love to see him go through. Too bad though he will face Michael White...another newcomer I really like and would like to do well and come through.

[scottley]

I wonder if he took the wrong turn on purpose on his introduction, just like Liang?

[paddybhoy30]

Yes it's ok every now and again. But every frame is a bit much. It can be off-putting for your opponent.

[daffie]

I wonder if he took the wrong turn on purpose on his introduction, just like Liang?

Did he really?! I haven't seen the intro.

I find it amazing though and heartwarming to see him being able to just be himself on this huge occasion for him.

[daffie]

Yes it's ok every now and again. But every frame is a bit much. It can be off-putting for your opponent.

Agree on the last part. But hey, if even Maguire can smile and laugh about it, then it must be ok