snooker world championship final

I hate Selby's attritional play more than Ebdon's or Higgins' or any other "scrape him off the table" grinding wanker.

^^^

disspiriting match so far

worse than Ebdon?! That's cold!

why is he so fucking sad???!?!??!

has he just realised that life is meaningless or something

2017, from what I've seen so far:

- Higgins looks like he's BACK BABY and in the easier half of the draw (that 58 break, taking adv of a kick when Allen was about to make it 10-9 gave flashbacks from before the time he got corrupt). LOL it was funny Parrott talking up any strength in that half for Hendry to basically go 'u mad'. Doesn't mince words and he never talks anything up.
- Ronnie is looking good, enjoyed how he despatched that piece of thrash Murphy yesterday.
- That upper half is tough tho'. You'd say Selby or O'Sullivan to come through.
- I can't see O'Sullivan beating either Selby or Higgins in a final, they are the two players who play the kind of game that throws Ronnie off (as I might have discussed this over the years).

:-(

a strong ding is a strong championship, every legend fades

Ding-Selby is a terrific match, maybe better than their final...Ding is scoring heavier but unfortunately can't quite close the two-frame gap. He was about to square but missed the opportunity and Selby nailed him to the cross: 12-10

12-12. This is a great, great response by Ding. Could be the making of a World Champion.

His 13th century of the tournament, his nearest is on six.

Can't see the final session tomorrow afternoon :-(

boo @ bbc's foreigner-excluding red button thing though. i hate having to watch via eurosport.

This final is going to be 17-17, isn't it?

Those fuckin intros

selby vs higgins will kill the sport

actually nah, not if selby fuckin thrashes him

Has Gary Barlow come along to support his mate DJ Steve

Hendry's theory -- that he had too much respect for "The Master" -- on Higgins' lead was utter bollocks. It seemed pretty clear that Selby was feeling the after-effects of a marathon against Ding. It usually happens that one or both arrive at the final fatigued. That usually goes by Day 2 of the final but its then all about how big the gap is and how strong your mind is. Its a supreme test and there is v little like it in most other sports.

Higgins isn't quite in that break-building class these days and that missed pink at 10-4 up finally switched Selby on and he was utterly dominant to win the last three frames and session. I agree with Hendry that Selby is slight favourite.

I really wish the final was available to stream in the US.

This Selby dude is annoyingly persistent and also quite good, isn't he?

unless he's playing higgins in which case may he slay, may he rend

oh why won't he fuck off

that feels a bit mean-spirited of me now, especially how he was kicking himself over his various misses when ahead. aw but not wanting higgins to win is a national pastime by now

there is something about selby that is very unlikeable. I don't know what it is though

hes a professional snooker player

Ronnie one away from equalling Davis' six UK titles.

Puts so much pressure on Murphy. Break after break. Relentless.

Also to be playing like this in his early 40s. That's what's most impressive. Davis and Hendry were pretty much through by then.

We'll miss when he is gone, y'all.

otm

and they're off!

Yes, Selby out and Ronnie through!

a thing we can agree on

G'wan Ronnie

Shaun Murphy is out too thank fuck

i feel softer towards him as he's a good sport, but yeah

back to disagreeing then. 100% joy at seeing this fucker go just now.

Agreed. xp

In 2018 snooker is in dire need of a new Alex Higgins or Jimmy White, though. Ronnie alone can't save us from the dullness. It'd be too much to ask.

#lololdpeople

kyren wilson is...something. luca brecel hasn't rly happened

I don't think we need a new Jimmy White or Alex Higgins (esp the former, I don't want any maverick briliance without a world title). I do miss the period of time when O'Sullivan/Hendry/Williams/Higgins were at their peak (roughly from '96 - '04). No real grouping like that has emerged.

And only Selby (whom I do like but wanted to go as I knew he was the only one capable of beating peak O'Sullivan) has managed to be consistent enough to capture multiple world titles and dominate the stage for a significant period since then.

I don't want any maverick briliance without a world title

This is true, I must concede. Still breaks my heart. Also agreed on the '96-'04 period. It's much more scattered these days.

just let them smoke and drink again, then we'll start to see the characters

Ali Carter is really holding up against Ronnie: 9-7 up.

Ronnie did win the last two frames last night in about fifteen minutes

so... Higgins for the win now?

literally anyone but him pls

Anyone but Judd Trump. Thankfully Higgins should beat him.

Got a feeling Mark Allen could come through in that top half.

ding ftw

judd trump is an irritant too though yes

Higgins is two ahead as he goes to the final session of his SF against Wilson. He does look good, and he has a habit of crushing young people's dreams. Judd Trump had him on the ropes and the comeback once Judd made the error (great breakbuilder but he still misses the key shot) in that QF was maginificent.

Barry Hawkins has just gone 11-10 up. If he wins I can't see him beating Higgins, should he get to the final. Its a big ask as he has yet to overcome the SF stage and Williams will punce on any hesitation.