The Good, The Bad and The Ugly!
It’s hotting-up in these semis. All I’ll say is go on Maguire! To be honest, not leaning toward either player in this match but we love an underdog and he is playing superbly. Murphy and Selby – gonna be a tight one. I predict 17-16. See Dave’s detailed synopses for a frame by frame account. Exciting!!
So, the semi-final platter serves us two Scots and two English. These are, of course, not unusual nationalities for the latter stages at the Crucible - indeed, a healthier option to the full English. But let’s not forget this is ‘World’ snooker and there are a whole host of talented players across the globe, just itching to make it on the big-time baize.
For example, ever wondered about the Indian game??
Was chatting to 21-year-old Indian player Lucky Vatnani. He gave me the low down on the scene in India – it’s very popular over there and they have plenty of fresh faces, one of them being Pankaj Advani who has won the World Amateur Championships. Let’s hope to see these overseas contenders at the Crucible in the near future.
Know how many Chinese watched Ding face Ronnie in the first round?
Only 1billion. Combine that with the estimated 50million people involved in the Chinese game – and that’s one massive scene. Let’s hope we see more Chinese players follow in Ding’s footsteps.
How great it would be to really open up the ranking tournaments to see genuine world-wide participation. The situation seems to be improving but, at the moment, I feel the phrase ‘World Snooker’ belies the rather narrow range of countries represented on the circuit. I realize this is easier gossiped about than done but much of it is just about awareness and public interest. This, of course, attracts the boys with the big bucks which is what these players need to spread their wings. More of the likes of 888.com, Saga, Maplin and Royal London Watches will go a long way…..
A keen fan was concerned that the trophy cabinet in Cuezone was left one showpiece short. The Masters Trophy was missing.Rumour has it, the beautiful glass sculpture has been smashed Let’s hope there was no foul play and another can be constructed soon.
This is, of course, the trophy most people associate with the late Paul Hunter who won the title three times in his short but awesome career.
On a lighter note, some teasing player trivia:
Which former world champion is rumoured to be an excellent northern soul DJ? Interesting….
And - Which 1980-something World Champion’s favourite film is “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly…?” I am told by a reliable source that he plays the theme music regularly in his car…..
If you’re lucky, you might see him with the Cuefactor guys in Cuezone this weekend.
