snooker world championship final

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.

? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_World_Snooker_Championship : Hawkins lost the final to O'Sullivan in 2013

lol, totally forgot that.

Hawkins re-establishing a two frame lead with solid snooker.

Terrific break from Williams - just willing a one-visit winning break (included a plant and a tough red with the cue against the cushion, ton of pressure there)

fucking hell Mark Williams man

Pulling it out of the fire with that 50 break. Fantastic red to the middle and then misses a black off the spot! Time to punish now.

Hawkins punishes with a 73: 13-11. It feels like 15-11 but Williams is great at putting this kind of thing out of his mind.

Higgins - Williams!

that was fairly brutal to watch by the end

🎱🙌 No exaggeration - this is an unbelievable shot from Mark Williams!

And to think it comes in the pressure cooker of a gripping #Crucible semi-final

👏 @markwil147

📽@WorldSnooker1 pic.twitter.com/cyTdLWGFlP

— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) May 5, 2018

Higgins - Williams!

What century are we in again?

More like the wrong decade but they are two of the greatest players to have played the game and both have played some great stuff.

That shot is unbelievable. Thanks for posting it StanM, missed last night's action.

You'd think Higgins the favourite even before Williams' marathon last session last night. But its a two day final so as long as Williams isn't more than four frames behind by this evening I'd like to think it will be a good contest.