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The Crucible and its surrounding area were busy with fans checking out the activities in Cuezone, watching the matches on the big screen, player spotting and autograph hunting.
Looks like Peter Ebdon and local lad Shaun Murphy are getting the thumbs up from fans so far. I’m told Peter is the friendliest autograph signer on the circuit, with Shaun a close second. Well done fellas, you’re making a lot of snooker fans very happy.
Word on the street is that the defending champion is a tough nut to crack when it comes to autograph pleasantries. Come on Dotty.
With Dott sent packing on day one, the tournament is even more open than before, and it certainly looks as though there are a few contenders out there who fancy the 2007 crown.
Apparently, 23-year-old Mark Selby is looking good as a possible youngster to sneak up on the outside. He was spotted practicing in Ecclesfield’s 147 Club against Shaun Murphy. My insider tells me the world number 28 was racking up century breaks consistently for about five hours and looked unstoppable…..He may not have made a massive name for himself in snooker but he was the 2006 Eight Ball Pool World Champion so consider yourself warned.
Clive Everton was out and about and it appears he is not backing the fave Ronnie O’Sullivan. General speculation and current odds suggest if the Rocket plays his best, he will blow the others away BUT Clive told us Ronnie’s form is far from polished at the moment.
Others beg to differ. Snooker pro Jimmy Michie reckons Ronnie has been practicing loads and is more than ready for world title number three. Didn’t Ronnie borrow your cue last year Jimmy?
Bumped into Hazel on Friday night. She gave me the low down on the Parrott-Davis stand-off. She described the atmosphere on the BBC punditry bench as very jovial and admitted the boys are relishing the first round clash.
It is a bit strange to see them fighting it out for a place in the last 16. I feel a little uncomfortable watching John and Steve sit inches from each other with absolutely no friendly banter. Parrott seems to be favourite. Go on Steve.
And finally - is Matthew Stevens the only man in the world to enjoy an advancing hair line? I swear every year he sprouts more. Check it out. Mind-you watching John Parrott tonight – he gives him a run for his money. Sully from Monsters Inc springs to mind.
In a nice way!!!
More soon…
