One week down at snooker’s most famous venue and there has been plenty of action, both inside and outside the Crucible. Many players have already made their mark on the 2007 888.com World Championship, good and bad, with Cuezone hosting a great deal of extra-curricular activity.
With that in mind, here’s a little look at the past eight days as Cuefactor presents Gabi’s Gossip Awards (part I)
Dave’s best sesh:
Apart from those few pints on Day Two, it would have to be the first one between Stevens & Allen in round two – two centuries and two 80s in eight lightning-quick frames.
And worst sesh:
Hamilton v McCulloch round two, 1st session, Thursday night. Even hardened snooker fans might have been reaching for the remote.
Hot shot:
Fergal O'Brien's crisp red to hold his nerve and win the deciding frame against Barry Hawkins in round one.
Shooting blanks:
Has to be Dotty going in-off with the first shot of the tournament. Never really recovered.
Rocky Balboa best comeback:
Either Joe Swail coming from 8-6 behind against Mark Williams to win 10-9, or Mark Selby beating Stephen Lee 10-7 after losing first five frames.
Cinderella moment:
Probably rookie Mark Allen dumping out world number two Ken Doherty.
Good sport:
Again, Mark – making light of a fan’s comments that he would have preferred Ken to win their first round clash. Mark laughed it off and gave (what seemed like sincere!) commiserations to the young Ken-ite.
Bad sport:
I think Auzzie Neil Robertson gets this one for continuing to moan about conditions at the Crucible – even after winning his first round match. I mean, to blame the weather for his mediocre form is pretty lame. You won. Be glad and don’t make such a fuss.
Mr Nice Guy:
Chinese sensation Ding Junhui. Put out in the first round by the Rocket, he could have sloped off to lick his wounds but instead stayed around the stage door chatting, signing autographs and posing for pics with awe-struck young fans.
Best dressed:
Tricky one as they all look very similar in the arena - but Michael Holt gets my vote. Not only was he sporting an interesting waistcoat in the first round but his stage door get-up is pretty street chic. He’s a fave with the ladies that’s for sure.
Temper Temper:
Angry Stephen Maguire walked into this one after spilling over in his second-round match. Michaela Tabb was forced to have words with the Scot after he punched the table following an easy miss and a flying cue ball. Naughty.
Quote of the week:
For this there are many contenders but unexpected outsider John Parrot clinches it with his comment about meeting Shaun in the final second-round session:
“It’s a long time since I’ve been that nervous, it felt like I had a family of ferrets in my waistcoat.” A whole family? Blimey.
Ego of the week:
Has to be Hendry. Every time. Confident that he’s well within the top four title contenders this year, he really appreciates how fabulous it must be for these new guys to face such a great player like himself at the Crucible.
OK, seven-time champion, maybe it’s allowed. Still makes me smile though.
Comedy moment:
Crowd favourite Shaun Murphy sparked a laugh or two when he inquired whether an audience member’s phone call was for him. “That’s for me,” he said. “I think it’s my mum!”
Crazy fan:
I have to be honest, there are a few wandering around Tudor Square. One anorak was searching for Hazel Irvine with a box of After Eights to give her. Funny thing was, I spotted him the next day with a box of Matchsticks! Success with the After Eights I wonder? Brilliant.
Obsessive’s corner:
Poor Michaela. This obsessive fan approached her in Cuezone during Junior Pot Black to ask about a complicated foul rule. A very patient Ms Tabb took 10 minutes to explain only to be told she was wrong! Mr Snooker expert would not leave until she had produced a rule book and read aloud from the relevant section. He very helpfully said he would be checking with other refs before getting back to her.
Any suggestions of your own? We’d love to hear them. Get in touch via our feedback link, or if you’re local, pop into Cuezone to see us. Cuefactor will be in town all of next week with activities and competitions for all.
