Ssb - the nearly dead parrott sketch

[ferret]

I watched most of John Parrott's match against Michael White in the Shanghai Masters qualifiers yesterday and it's clear that the former world and UK champion is now merely going through the motions.

John doesn't need to be going to Prestatyn and I feel pretty certain that his professional career is now not far off being at an end.

I was impressed, though, by White. OK, so he was given plenty of chances but he has a very nice cue action and, at 18, represents the future of the sport.

Parrott was young once. In the early 1980s he wore a chocolate brown suit on Junior Pot Black and went on to become one of the game's leading players for the best part of a decade.

He won the World Championship at the time Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis and Jimmy White were all playing terrific stuff.

But he didn't look like he'd practised much for yesterday's match. Lack of motivation coupled with lack of preparation means that the end is surely in sight.


More...

[spike]

Have to agree...it's painful to see a great player as John once was struggling as he so clearly is.

[João]

Even if he qualified I doubt he'd be bothered to travel to China. Remember he won all the qualifying matches of China Open 2009 and didn't show up at all due to back injuries.

[RocketRoy1983]

Yes thye infamous "Back-injury" debacle as I recall. It is a shame to see although to be honest we've known for probably 5-8 years that his best days were long behind him.

[Vex 147]

it is really interesting how the players when they're good days are far far behind them, and they know it, and the whole world knows it... just won't hang their cues for good... why won't they retire?! I understand the love for the game but anyway... it's clear that they will never achieve something like they did before, not even close... and also they should have some pride in them left, they are ex world champions after all, John Parrott in this case and he's getting beaten by every kid he plays against! And it is also interesting that this is not the case in other sports... in snooker, the players just won't give up even if they see the end is here...funny...but on the other side, respect to them for their fighting spirit!

[RocketRoy1983]

If snooker is in the blood mate its hard to give up.

[crucible77]

It is a shame but I have to agree, JP's career is nearing its end

[Vex 147]

If snooker is in the blood mate its hard to give up.

Like i said, i understand that love for the game but come on!? Like one famous dead musician once said:'' it's better to burnout when you're at the top than to fade away...''

[spike]

Like one famous dead musician once said:'' it's better to burnout when you're at the top than to fade away...''

Easier said than done mate. Like Roy said if it's in the blood it's very very hard to do.

[Vex 147]

Easier said than done mate. Like Roy said if it's in the blood it's very very hard to do.

Well i think that it is all in the head... i'm preety sure that John Higgins or Ronnie will never allow something like that happen to them! The player just have to know when is the right time to say thank you and goodbye, my job here is done... end of story! The same thing has already started happening to Hendry...such a shame...

[Matt_2745]

Hendry isn't nearly at Parrot's position yet, he's still earning a good amount and is capable of reaching the latter stages of events. No reason for him to retire at all until he loses his motivation and wants to.

Sad times for John, hope he does retire now though (if his form continues as it is at the moment), as personally I would much rather see a young up and coming player on the tour than someone who doesn't bother to practice and isn't interested anymore. Entirely his decision though of course and that's his right, until he falls out of the 64 anyway.

[Vex 147]

Hendry isn't nearly at Parrot's position yet, he's still earning a good amount and is capable of reaching the latter stages of events. No reason for him to retire at all until he loses his motivation and wants to.

Sad times for John, hope he does retire now though (if his form continues as it is at the moment), as personally I would much rather see a young up and coming player on the tour than someone who doesn't bother to practice and isn't interested anymore. Entirely his decision though of course and that's his right, until he falls out of the 64 anyway.

I just said that it is starting to happen to Hendry and i think that in the end he's gonna be in the same position as JP now... but i certainly hope that it will never happen!

[Matt_2745]

I honestly can't see him continuing once he is out of the top 32, let alone the top 48 to be honest. May be wrong on that, we'll see I guess.

[Vex 147]

yeah, well i think you're right on this one! And he really shouldn't even concider continuing once he's out of top 32!

[wildJONESEYE]

Well i think that it is all in the head... i'm preety sure that John Higgins or Ronnie will never allow something like that happen to them! The player just have to know when is the right time to say thank you and goodbye, my job here is done... end of story! The same thing has already started happening to Hendry...such a shame...

doesent say much about the standards if the World No 10 is being compared to the plight of parrott...