The Good, The Bad and The Complaining !
A good day for Aussie Neil Robertson – although you wouldn’t think so from all the moaning.
Both Robertson and his beaten opponent, Ryan Day, blamed the weather and the incredible bouncing cushions for their lack-lustre performances. A few possible contenders for exCUEse of the round?
Although many of the players this year have sought a variety of reasons to shelve responsibility for their form.
Dotty was potty about McCulloch’s “pigeon” playing - to the point where he couldn’t remember how to play himself. Even that nice Mr Perry was grumbling about lady luck favouring his opponent Stephen Maguire.
And while we’re on negativity – buck-up Stephen! The 26-year-old is apparently not too bothered about winning this year! Yeah right!
On a more positive note, the general consensus is that players are taking on a much more ambitious game. Confidence is up and the newer faces are attempting shots their predecessors would arguably have passed on.
I’d agree with that.
There are the two Marks of course.
And Neil - when he’s not bemoaning the baize – is emerging as King of the long pots. Although not quite at his Crucible best, he can produce some of the most exciting snooker on the circuit.
Robertson might keep Ronnie on his toes anyway. We’ll have another chance to compare the two when they clash in the second round. By all accounts the Melbourne machine is confident he can bring the Rocket down as he’s beaten him twice already this season.
Was really nice to hear someone telling us that Hendry had held it all together very well and commending himself for an exemplary attitude. Not a whinge in sight. Stephen then went on to say how wonderful it must be for these young rookie types to come to the Crucible and play against such big names. Like himself.
AND – what’s with Ali Carter telling the BBC that Davis was an unpopular winner?! The Captain from Essex is not worried about being a fave with fans, comparing himself with the likes of Hendry and Davis who, apparently, were extremely unpopular in their heyday??
Anyway, the point is, that’s rubbish. Davis is a national treasure and Hendry is good box-office. When Davis dominated back in the 1980s, I was too young to understand the mentality of the popular underdog. It’s all about winning when you’re six so naturally, he was my hero.
Looking good Ali, but a long way to go yet.
