“T” minus one and counting…
It promises to be a rollercoaster ride this year.
Already, the gauntlet has been thrown down.
Yesterday’s launch of the 888.com World Championship saw both defending champion Graeme Dott and super-rookie Ding Junhui declare themselves contenders.
Dott is looking to break the curse of the Crucible and has one eye on becoming world number one, while Ding is aiming to bring the Rocket down to earth.
The build-up has seen Ronnie speaking his mind as usual, this time telling Zoo Magazine he suspects the draw was fixed. I’m wondering if he really thinks that, independent adjudicator aside, or whether the news furore surrounding this statement is simply a well-placed PR stunt for the world number three – who, as we all know, has an interesting relationship with the press.
Whatever. Back to the tournament – the general consensus seems to be that if the Rocket is firing on all cylinders, he has every chance of leaving his opponents for dust…..We’ll see.
Anyone who loves the game will be feeling a slight sadness with the absence of two of the sport’s most colourful players.
Sorry to see Jimmy White not make it this year. He will be missed in the arena but his insight on the commentary bench will be much appreciated.
And of course, following the very tragic and untimely death of Paul Hunter, 2007 marks the first World Championship without this chirpy, trend-setting and extremely popular three-time Masters champion from Leeds. We’re thinking of you Paul.
The battle for the 2007 champion is only hours away.
Let the games begin.
