Opinion please!

[LeeMills]

Hi people,

I would really like to know what people think of the following incident;

Me and nine other players participate in an amateur league that we decided to do. I played the player who was top of the league and I had to win to catch him. If he had won, it would have been pretty much impossible to catch him. Anyway, we decided not to use a referee as we are all (well, almost) honest people. I won the first frame and we had a disagreement in the second frame which became very heated. I had potted the black and there was a red right next to the black spot and I was convinced that the black would not go back on its spot. The other player didn't really take much care and 'forced' the black on the spot, which resulted in both balls touching. The pink and blue spots were available and I always assume that if a ball is touching, then put it on the next spot available. He never did this and it cut my break short as it tied the red and black up. I asked him, not in an obnoxious way, to take more care putting colours on spots as I though it was a little unsportsmanlike to do what he did. He accused me of having attitude and swore at me a few times and said it wasn't the crucible. According to him, I was in the wrong for saying that, but if I had done it to him, he surely would have something to say about it. We are playing for money, there are trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, and several hundred pound for the top three finishes. I felt that he did disrespect him in this regard, but when I said something he snapped back, as if to wind me up. It didn't work and I managed to gather my thoughts and won 4 - 0. But he did make me feel as if I was in the wrong. What are your opinion on it? Was I in the wrong or was he? Thanks!

Lee.

[jrc750]

Well i think he was in the wrong, but you stuffed him good and proper, so that should make you feel better .
Next time maybe keep a careful eye if it looks close, and make sure he gets it right

[wildJONESEYE]

Rules is Rules doesent matter if its the crucible or a garden shed if a ball don't go it don't go.

Rules State a ball must not be touching with a re spot if it does then it don't spot.

[damienlch]

...The other player didn't really take much care and 'forced' the black on the spot, which resulted in both balls touching. The pink and blue spots were available...

Hi Lee, I'm reading that the other playing actually moved the red away in order to spot the black? This shouldn't be done, regardless of the level of play or the stakes involved.

The reason why he got so angry was because he cheated but refused to own up... typical juvenile behaviour... smack him in the mouth and send him to his room without dinner...

[LeeMills]

Haha,

The problem was if I didn't say anything, what else would he have tried? If he had apologised that would have been the end of it and I would have carried on regardless. It was the fact that he had a lot of attitude and it really wound me up. I really believe that he had me flustered and he hoped I would fall to bits. I did very nearly walk out and tell him to get stuffed, but I really want to win and decided not to do that. It actually helped me and my potting improved; it was him whose head went because of it. I am gutted that it happened because I didn't enjoy my victory at all. But yes, it was juvenile behaviour.

[damienlch]

Haha,

The problem was if I didn't say anything, what else would he have tried? If he had apologised that would have been the end of it and I would have carried on regardless. It was the fact that he had a lot of attitude and it really wound me up. I really believe that he had me flustered and he hoped I would fall to bits. I did very nearly walk out and tell him to get stuffed, but I really want to win and decided not to do that. It actually helped me and my potting improved; it was him whose head went because of it. I am gutted that it happened because I didn't enjoy my victory at all. But yes, it was juvenile behaviour.

I think you are right in reminding him to spot the balls properly... Kudos to you in keeping your composure and letting your cue do the talking by trashing him 4-0... :snooker:

[burwat292596]

Cheating is endemic, the balls, the scoreboard, different versions of the rules and "gamesmanship" - i have seen them all, you did very well to persevere and triumph, always be aware is the best advice...

[DawRef]

Section 2 Rule 17:
A spot is said to be occupied if a ball cannot be placed on it without that ball touching another ball.

As I see it, in your case, the black could NOT be spotted and should have gone on the highest available spot, the Pink.
In retrospect, as your tournament is played for money and trophies, I would think getting a qualified referee would stop this thing happening. Even if it meant reducing the prize money to pay for the referee.

[deant1982]

As said above. If the black would not spot cleanly (without touching or moving another ball) it should have been spotted on the next available spot of the highest value. The kid tried to cheat, got caught, then proceeded to lose his temper, head, and the match because he was a pillock. The way I would think of it is - he was clearly worried about what you would do against him, hence he tried to mess you up with the black, but it backfired big time. You played better, he played worse.
You shouldn't feel bad in winning that match. To me, the sweetest victories are over anyone that tries to cheat against me! Just think to yourself - even with cheating, you still couldn't beat me.
I personally don't see the point in playing if you have to cheat to win. Its an empty victory, and shows you don't think you are good enough to beat the other person fair and square. What can you possibly learn from playing like that?
Just my two pence worth.
Dean.