Snooker

[Delboy99]

Mark Williams jokes he's "blocked number" of Jackson Page as protege knocks him out of event.​

Mark Williams has been knocked out of the WST Classic by close friend and protege Jackson Page, losing 4-3 in their last-64 match.
Mark Williams has joked that he has "blocked" protege Jackson Page's number after he knocked the three-time World Champion out of the inaugural WST Classic.


The pair are close friends away from the sport and regularly practice together, with Williams referring to Page as his "fourth son" last year.
Speaking ahead of a game against Page in last year's World Snooker Championship, Williams said: "Obviously, I'm going to try my best to beat him and I want to destroy him – there's no question.

"I don't like losing to anybody but, if I am going to lose to anybody and I had to pick, it would be him.


"He's not just a friend; he's more like my fourth son really He comes to the house; we play cards together with my kids, pizzas, golf, badminton – you name it, we do it together."


On that occasion, Williams beate Page 13-3 before being eliminated by Judd Trump in the semi-finals. However, at the WST classic the apprentice got one over on the master as Page won their last-64 clash 4-3.
And following the defeat, Williams joked on Twitter : "Jackson number has just been blocked". He then added: "Never thought I'd see the day where Old Willo wasn't even the best player in the club.


"Sad day for me. The abuse has started. Even my youngest is giving me abuse , must be cause @JacksonPage147 bribes him with pokemon cards".
Page is now set to face Zhou Yuelong in the last-32 after he beat Liam Highfield 4-2 in their last-63 match.

 

[The Hare]

The first 4 matches in the next round already well under way but this the draw. The bottom half a little more competitive. I should have mentioned how badly Neil Robertson played yesterday, hopefully he is ok and it was just frustration after a disappointing season but never seen his attitude like that.

 

[Delboy99]

Jimmy White ends Judd Trump's Tour Championship hopes with stunning victory for legend at WST Classic.​

Jimmy White reached the last 16 of a ranking event for the second time this season with a 4-2 win over Masters champion Judd Trump at the WST Classic in Leicester. The result means Trump cannot qualify for the elite Tour Championship next week in Hull while Eurosport analyst White progresses to a meeting with Pang Junxu chasing a quarter-final spot on Tuesday night at the Morningside Arena.​

Jimmy 'Whirlwind' White continued his remarkable return to form with a 4-2 victory over Masters champion Judd Trump in the last 32 of the inaugural WST Classic in Leicester.
The six-time world finalist followed up his opening 4-2 win over 2006 world champion Graeme Dott and 4-3 victory against former Welsh Open winner Joe Perry in the second round with another assured display of typical grit against Trump on Tuesday morning to reach the last 16.
Trump had threatened to recover from trailing 3-0 after piecing together 73 in the fifth frame, but White maintained his composure on the colours to see out another fine performance and reach the last 16 of a ranking event for the second time this season. He lost 5-2 to Jack Lisowski at the German Masters in February.
“I was really nervous, and it’s OK to be nervous because it means you’re alive," said White. "Even though I went 3-0 up, I didn’t really play great stuff but he was struggling.
“I tried to keep him cold. I had a chance to win 4-0, a chance to win 4-1 and then the balls don’t forgive you and I lost a bit of discipline.
“It’s a big win for me. The last five times I’ve played him, he’s beaten me. I've played better than I played today and lost so a great win.”
The Londoner will meet China's Pang Junxu on Tuesday afternoon for a quarter-final place after Pang enjoyed a 4-0 whitewash win against compatriot Si Jiahui, boosted by breaks of 139 and 96.
To illustrate his potting renaissance period, at the age of 60, the evergreen White reached his last world final in 1994, five years after Trump was born, and won the last of his 10 career ranking titles at the 2004 Players Championship, four years after Pang was born.
He last reached the quarter-finals of a major tournament at the 2005 Masters when he defeated Williams 6-5 at the old Wembley Conference Centre.
The defeat also ends Trump's hopes of qualifying for the elite eight-man Tour Championship in Hull next week (March 27-April 2).
He needed to reach the final of the Classic, but joins world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, Neil Robertson, Mark Williams and John Higgins in having the next few weeks off to prepare for the 47th World Championship in Sheffield (April 15-May 1).
Only Scottish Open champion Wilson can force his way into the top eight for the Tour Championship via the WST Classic, but he needs to at least reach the semi-finals at the Morningside Arena on Wednesday, the final day of the ranking event.

 

[The Hare]

Last 16 after Trump's demise to White. Already Gary Wilson has won and now needs two more win to knock Ding out of the Tour Championship/ All the Top 16 players are now in the bottom half so Wilson is the favourite in the top half.

Away now so no more updates, 3 rounds tomorrow to determine the winner.

 

[Delboy99]

Jimmy White confident of World Championship return despite defeat at WST Classic.​

Jimmy White has finished runner-up at the World Championship six times
Six-times runner-up Jimmy White says he is "playing too well" not to qualify for next month's World Championship.

'The Whirlwind', 60, was beaten 4-1 by China's Pang Junxu at World Snooker Tour Classic in Leicester after a fine run that included a third-round win over world number five Judd Trump.
White has not reached the final stages of the tournament since 2006 and qualifying starts on 3 April.

"I'll be getting to the Crucible," said White.

"I'll take a couple of days off now and get back to practice on Friday."

White, winner of 38 titles during a decorated career, won the opening frame against Pang to raise hopes of a quarter-final place, but Pang won the next four to set up a meeting with Oliver Lines.

"I am playing OK, I just ran out of steam" added White, who became the first player aged 60 or over to reach the last 16 of a ranking event for 31 years at the German Masters last month.

"I'm really disappointed that I didn't compete. I won the first frame then I should have gone 2-0 up. I felt mentally drained.

"The buzz should get you through that, but I was tired and I was cueing poorly from the second frame onwards.

"Pang is one of my favourite Chinese players and I wish him all the best because he's a hard worker.

"But to beat the three players I have beaten this week, and then not produce, is a disappointment."

The World Championship takes place from 15 April - 1 May at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

 

[Delboy99]

Mark Selby wins WST Classic snooker title in front of delighted Leicester fans – 'Ready for world bid'.​

Mark Selby secured a major tournament victory for the first time in his home city of Leicester after hitting three centuries in a 6-2 win against Pang Junxu in the WST Classic final on Wednesday night at the Morningside Arena. "Hopefully, I can carry that into the Tour Championship, then the World Championship. I’ll be going to Sheffield confident," said the four-time world champion.​

Mark Selby claimed a first major title in his home city of Leicester with a 6-2 win over Pang Junxu in the inaugural WST Classic final at the Morningside Arena.
The four-time world champion hit three centuries on his way to securing his 22nd career ranking title, 15 years after his first at the 2008 Welsh Open when he edged Ronnie O'Sullivan 9-8 in Newport.
Having defeated fellow four-time world champion John Higgins (4-2) and Ali Carter (5-0) with a century and six breaks over 60 earlier on Wednesday, Selby continued his majestic scoring streak to secure the £80,000 first prize.
Selby began the night with breaks of 104 and 138 and never looked back.
Pang, competing in his first major final, made 75 in the third frame, but trailed 3-1 and 4-2 with Selby adding a third ton with 120 in the fifth frame before finishing the job off with a 79 in the eighth frame.
It is Selby's second ranking title of the 2022/23 campaign following his emotional 9-6 win over Luca Brecel in the English Open final in December.
The victory also catapults the world No. 2 into third spot on the one-year ranking list before the elite eight-man Tour Championship in Hull next week.
Selby will face Ryan Day in his tournament opener next Thursday at the penultimate ranking event of the season before the 47th World Championship begins in Sheffield (April 15-May 1).
“I played well all day, against John Higgins in the quarter-finals and Ali in the semis, then continued that in the final,” said Selby, world champion in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2021.
“I was just gutted at the end not to make a fourth century! I have been striking the ball well in practice and it was nice to take that to the match table.
"Even when I won the English Open in December, I wasn’t hitting the ball as well as I was this week.
"Hopefully, I can carry that into the Tour Championship then the World Championship. I’ll be going to Sheffield confident."
Mark Selby buried Ali Carter under a barrage of breaks to reach the final of the WST Classic in Leicester with a 5-0 whitewash in a one-sided semi-final.
The four-time world champion is chasing a first ranking title in his home city and produced a relentless display of scoring with knocks of 95, 138, 65 and 89 enough to book his spot in the inaugural Classic final at 7pm UK time on Wednesday night.
Carter has a few days to regroup before the German Masters champion travels to Hull for the elite eight-man Tour Championship (March 27-April 2) – the final ranking event before the 47th World Championship breaks off next month (April 15-May 1).
21-time ranking event winner Selby is up to fifth on the one-year ranking list and could overtake Carter as third seed at the Tour Championship if he claims the £80,000 first prize at the Morningside Arena.
He will face Jimmy White's last-16 conqueror Pang Junxu, who completed a 5-4 win over Scottish Open champion Gary Wilson in the other semi-final.
Wilson contributed 121, 50 and 97 as he recovered from 2-0 and 3-1 behind to lead 4-3, but Pang secured his first final appearance with runs of 91 and 68.
The result means Wilson fails to qualify for the Tour Championship with Ding Junhui securing the final spot in the tournament by only 500 points via the one-year list.

 

[The Hare]

Selby gets another win. Played his battling snooker up to the last couple of days which I didn't see but notice some decent breaks in the longer games. Moved back to a more respectable level on my ratings. Surely a big danger in the World's if he can show this form and determination. Hawkins has dropped out of the Official Top 16 and will be a dangerous qualifier if making the Crucible. These are my Top 16 ratings.

 

[The Hare]

So starting Monday is the Tour Championship between the top 8 on this year's rankings alone. It looks quite weak really, best of 19 frames from the beginning to end.
Allen got in with his early season form but not looked as good since the New Year, surely Ding can get revenge for the UK collapse? Ding needs to make Final to avoid qualifying for the Crucible.
Carter playing well and could be close against Wilson who would be my choice to win it.
Milkins had the great win in Wales beating Murphy who won the next event. Hopefully he can show that form again and this might be closer than my ratings suggest but would still favour Murphy for an easyish win over the longer format.
Day has been in terrible form after his early season showings and Selby should be able to win this unless he has a hangover from this weeks win.

Good to see new faces but a few not in great shape at the moment.

The main part is the last qualifying seeding for the Crucible - Gary Wilson currently, Day with one win would get it unless Ding makes the Final.

 

[Delboy99]

Selby gets another win. Played his battling snooker up to the last couple of days which I didn't see but notice some decent breaks in the longer games. Moved back to a more respectable level on my ratings. Surely a big danger in the World's if he can show this form and determination. Hawkins has dropped out of the Official Top 16 and will be a dangerous qualifier if making the Crucible. These are my Top 16 ratings.

View attachment 131320

..... there still looks a few oddities in this table which tend to look out of place. Neither Trump nor Ronnie has done much later so I find it strange to see Trump jumping in higher than Ronnie. Kyren Wilson done little to look like a lively number four. Still find it odd to see Mark Allen down there at number ten. I know he has not won much currently but my oh my he was hot just a few short weeks ago, and looks more suitable to be at least up where Wlison is in your list. Neil Robertson down there at number eleven is another who is out of form currently but I fail to see how he is below quite a number above him. Jack Lisowski not making any meteoric rises either, may come good through time. Not meant to be critical of your ratings as they are still a good guide to how things are shaping up, and always raise a point of interest. Keep up the good work!

 

[The Hare]

..... there still looks a few oddities in this table which tend to look out of place. Neither Trump nor Ronnie has done much later so I find it strange to see Trump jumping in higher than Ronnie. Kyren Wilson done little to look like a lively number four. Still find it odd to see Mark Allen down there at number ten. I know he has not won much currently but my oh my he was hot just a few short weeks ago, and looks more suitable to be at least up where Wlison is in your list. Neil Robertson down there at number eleven is another who is out of form currently but I fail to see how he is below quite a number above him. Jack Lisowski not making any meteoric rises either, may come good through time. Not meant to be critical of your ratings as they are still a good guide to how things are shaping up, and always raise a point of interest. Keep up the good work!

Hi Delboy99 the ratings I suppose are more a measure of consistency. So though Trump and O'Sullivan don't win much they do get through a few rounds and are rarely thrashed, bar O'Sullivan in the UK to Ding. What you notice are the Chinese players are highly rated as they tend to get close but as O'Sullivan says don't have the winning mentality, at least before last year.

The ratings cover the 2 years and O'Sullivan beating Trump in last years world championship has a large bearing as they are much longer games and have a higher effect than the shorter first to 4 frames games.

Not perfect but a good guide, comments are always welcome.

Still think Wilson will win the event next week and if pressured Robertson to win World's after a terrible season losing the plot last week might motivate him!

 

[Delboy99]

Glasgow snooker prodigy dubbed 'next John Higgins' after European championship win.​

Liam Graham, 18, was crowned the U21 European Champion in Malta on March 12 and he is now set to test his skills against some of the biggest names in the sport.
A Glasgow teenager has been touted as the 'next John Higgins' after his snooker U21 European Championship triumph in Malta.


Liam Graham, 18, now has his eyes set on the pro tour after he secured a spot following his competition win on March 12.
He first picked up a cue at the age of nine and has never looked back, after unexpectedly falling in love with the sport.


Liam told Glasgow Live: "My grandad and dad both play lawns bowls.


"My mum made them take me one day just to get me out of the house. When we got there they put me in the wee snooker room and I fell in love with it.


READ MORE: Lanarkshire brother gives emotional tribute to 'adored' young dad after sudden death



"As soon as I had one go of it I just wanted to play all the time. I wouldn't be here if they didn't put me in that room. I never thought I was going to turn pro at that age, I just enjoyed playing.


"It wasn't until the age of 14 that I thought that I could do this at a pro level."
During his first year in the sport, he took part in his first under-16 tournament in Dumfries, which he went on to win.


Going into the European Championship's the Clarkston teen was one of the favourites, however, he was battling with illness throughout the competition.


The snooker champion said: "I ended up being very unwell during it, I had food poisoning.


"I was sick during the knockout stages, at that stage, I thought I could be out at any moment.


"I felt worse while playing at some stages. Toward the end of the day, I started to feel a little bit better. I just kept getting through and sneaking past everybody."


The 18-year-old went on to lift the trophy after taking on eight opponents. Liam defeated Ukrainian Iulian Boiko by five frames to two in the final


The teen explained: "It was like every emotion wrapped into one.
"There was joy, happiness, and relief. It was a life goal to get to a pro-level, that's all I've wanted. Having my dad there was really emotional.


"He was in tears of happiness and couldn't believe that I had made it."


Not only does his victory in Malta see him come home with silverware but he was handed a coveted pro tour card.


Following the important win he received a text from world number three Mark Allen congratulating him on the massive achievement.


The snooker prodigy said: "I can now play in all world snooker events.


"I will be a pro, ranked player for at least two years, and it could be longer if I can break into the top 64.


"I've got the World Championship qualifiers on April 3 and 4 so that is my focus right now. You dream of things like this.


"The ultimate goal for me is to be the number one and a World Champion. I also want to be a multi-time ranked event winner.

 

[Delboy99]

Shaun Murphy tells Ronnie O'Sullivan to 'get his hands dirty' over snooker row.​

​

Shaun Murphy has hit back at Ronnie O'Sullivan after the world No1 and seven-time world champion launched a scathing attack on the state of snooker.
Shaun Murphy has told Ronnie O'Sullivan to either help or shut up after the Rocket's scathing attack on the state of snooker.


World No1 and reigning and seven-time world champion O'Sullivan, 47, claimed this week that the game was in “the worst state ever” with regard to overall prize money. And O'Sullivan, who bids for a record eighth world crown at the Crucible next month, also reckoned the situation was “beyond a crisis”, called for players to strike and slated the efforts of those running the sport.

But Murphy was quick to point out that this year's £10.5million total prize money far exceeded the 2009-10 figure of only £3.5m – when there were just six ranking events compared to 15 this term. And he also challenged O'Sullivan to turn up to key meetings about snooker's future.


The Rocket was not present at one of the biggest for years last week. Murphy said: “It's a shame that not just Ronnie but other players won't come to the table and talk with WST and WPBSA Players board. I was always taught not to air your dirty laundry in public, and all of the things Ronnie refers to…none of them are made any easier by him speaking so publicly about them.
“I don't see how players can't understand that. This isn't about gagging orders or restricting free speech. It's having the sense to realise some of these things are sensitive, and need dealing with in-house.


“We need to be a unified voice in snooker to grow the game and make it bigger and better – and there is very little of that going around at the moment. In simple mathematical terms, for prize money and number of tournaments, he is incorrect to say it is the worst it is ever been.
“I don't know where he is coming from with his comments. He wasn't at the meeting last week, neither were other players that have been vocal recently like Stephen Maguire and Ali Carter. They were no-shows as well.
“And if players don't attend meetings and go through the proper channels, then WST and WPBSA won't take them seriously. There are a lot of criticisms flying round, but not many solutions. It's all well and good criticising from the side-lines, let's see some of these players get their hands dirty and getting involved.
“Help make the game better. Ronnie has carried a big burden on his shoulders for 20-30 years and the biggest star we have ever had, there is no question there. He puts more bums on seats. But snooker was here before Ronnie O’Sullivan, and it will be here long after he puts his cue down.


“They said about Alex Higgins the game wouldn't survive him leaving, and that was wrong. The frustration with Ronnie is that there is the odd good idea in there. If he could be motivated to get involved, he would be a real asset. But I have no idea who can do that.”

 

[The Hare]

Shaun Murphy tells Ronnie O'Sullivan to 'get his hands dirty' over snooker row.​

​

Shaun Murphy has hit back at Ronnie O'Sullivan after the world No1 and seven-time world champion launched a scathing attack on the state of snooker.
Shaun Murphy has told Ronnie O'Sullivan to either help or shut up after the Rocket's scathing attack on the state of snooker.


World No1 and reigning and seven-time world champion O'Sullivan, 47, claimed this week that the game was in “the worst state ever” with regard to overall prize money. And O'Sullivan, who bids for a record eighth world crown at the Crucible next month, also reckoned the situation was “beyond a crisis”, called for players to strike and slated the efforts of those running the sport.

But Murphy was quick to point out that this year's £10.5million total prize money far exceeded the 2009-10 figure of only £3.5m – when there were just six ranking events compared to 15 this term. And he also challenged O'Sullivan to turn up to key meetings about snooker's future.


The Rocket was not present at one of the biggest for years last week. Murphy said: “It's a shame that not just Ronnie but other players won't come to the table and talk with WST and WPBSA Players board. I was always taught not to air your dirty laundry in public, and all of the things Ronnie refers to…none of them are made any easier by him speaking so publicly about them.
“I don't see how players can't understand that. This isn't about gagging orders or restricting free speech. It's having the sense to realise some of these things are sensitive, and need dealing with in-house.


“We need to be a unified voice in snooker to grow the game and make it bigger and better – and there is very little of that going around at the moment. In simple mathematical terms, for prize money and number of tournaments, he is incorrect to say it is the worst it is ever been.
“I don't know where he is coming from with his comments. He wasn't at the meeting last week, neither were other players that have been vocal recently like Stephen Maguire and Ali Carter. They were no-shows as well.
“And if players don't attend meetings and go through the proper channels, then WST and WPBSA won't take them seriously. There are a lot of criticisms flying round, but not many solutions. It's all well and good criticising from the side-lines, let's see some of these players get their hands dirty and getting involved.
“Help make the game better. Ronnie has carried a big burden on his shoulders for 20-30 years and the biggest star we have ever had, there is no question there. He puts more bums on seats. But snooker was here before Ronnie O’Sullivan, and it will be here long after he puts his cue down.


“They said about Alex Higgins the game wouldn't survive him leaving, and that was wrong. The frustration with Ronnie is that there is the odd good idea in there. If he could be motivated to get involved, he would be a real asset. But I have no idea who can do that.”

Scotland did really well in the European Championships, perennial runner up, Ross Muir has finally made it back on the Tour at 27 and hopefully he can reach a higher level this time.

I saw World Snooker reacting to O'Sullivan's latest moans. For once have to agree with Murphy, the reason he hasn't made much this season is a lack of competing and effort. He should be grateful in these times as how lucky he is.

 

[Delboy99]

Scotland did really well in the European Championships, perennial runner up, Ross Muir has finally made it back on the Tour at 27 and hopefully he can reach a higher level this time.

I saw World Snooker reacting to O'Sullivan's latest moans. For once have to agree with Murphy, the reason he hasn't made much this season is a lack of competing and effort. He should be grateful in these times as how lucky he is.

...... very true, some of these players forget their roots and what it is like trying to grind out a living prior to being recognized by those in charge of the Green Baize. Some of them have it far too easy these days they tend to think that if they wave their arms money will come rolling in!

 

[Delboy99]

World Snooker Championship 2023 qualifying: Jimmy White faces potential Marco Fu clash, Stephen Henry v James Cahill.​

The draw for the qualifying rounds of the 2023 World Snooker Championship has been made with Barry Hawkins, Stephen Maguire, Hossein Vafaei, Jimmy White, Stephen Hendry and 12-time women's world champion Reanne Evans among the big names involved in the hunt for Crucible places.​

Jimmy White faces a potential showdown against Marco Fu in the second qualifying round of the World Snooker Championship.
The draw for the four qualifying rounds, which take place from April 3 to April 12 at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, will see the field of 128 players whittled down to the final 32 for the Crucible showpiece event.
The World Championship main draw begins on April 15 with the final on May 1 and all the action can be seen live on discovery+ and Eurosport.
Former two-time semi-finalist Fu faces Martin O’Donnell in the first qualifying round with the winner going on to face six-time runner-up White, who has been given a bye.
The draw also pits fellow veteran and seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry against James Cahill, who famously beat Ronnie O’Sullivan on his Crucible debut in 2019.
The winner of that match will then take on the talented Chinese youngster Lei Peifan.
Ken Doherty, who beat Hendry in the 1997 final, will take on 12-time women’s world champion Reanne Evans, while 16-year-old Stan Moody faces Andres Petrov, who became Estonia’s first ever professional snooker player last year.
Barry Hawkins, Stephen Maguire and Hossein Vafaei are among the names who have been given a bye through to the third qualifying round, as well as the winner of the ongoing Tour Championship.

 

[The Hare]

World Snooker Championship 2023 qualifying: Jimmy White faces potential Marco Fu clash, Stephen Henry v James Cahill.​

The draw for the qualifying rounds of the 2023 World Snooker Championship has been made with Barry Hawkins, Stephen Maguire, Hossein Vafaei, Jimmy White, Stephen Hendry and 12-time women's world champion Reanne Evans among the big names involved in the hunt for Crucible places.​

Jimmy White faces a potential showdown against Marco Fu in the second qualifying round of the World Snooker Championship.
The draw for the four qualifying rounds, which take place from April 3 to April 12 at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, will see the field of 128 players whittled down to the final 32 for the Crucible showpiece event.
The World Championship main draw begins on April 15 with the final on May 1 and all the action can be seen live on discovery+ and Eurosport.
Former two-time semi-finalist Fu faces Martin O’Donnell in the first qualifying round with the winner going on to face six-time runner-up White, who has been given a bye.
The draw also pits fellow veteran and seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry against James Cahill, who famously beat Ronnie O’Sullivan on his Crucible debut in 2019.
The winner of that match will then take on the talented Chinese youngster Lei Peifan.
Ken Doherty, who beat Hendry in the 1997 final, will take on 12-time women’s world champion Reanne Evans, while 16-year-old Stan Moody faces Andres Petrov, who became Estonia’s first ever professional snooker player last year.
Barry Hawkins, Stephen Maguire and Hossein Vafaei are among the names who have been given a bye through to the third qualifying round, as well as the winner of the ongoing Tour Championship.

Ironic that Hendry's probable last match on Tour against his ex nephew. If he turns up that is.

 

[Delboy99]

Kettering’s Kyren seals a superb success, despite his young son’s illness.​

Kettering’s Kyren Wilson showed all the bravery in the world as he booked himself a place in the semi-finals of the Duelbits Tour Championship - despite concerns over the health of his youngest son Bailey.
Kyren Wilson says speaking openly about his son Bailey's health issues has "freed" him up to enjoy playing snooker again.

The Englishman, 31, beat Ali Carter 10-4 in the quarter-finals of the Tour Championship in Hull on Tuesday.
Five-year-old Bailey first became ill in January, initially with a suspected brain or back tumour, but that diagnosis proved to be wrong.

Wilson will face China's Ding Junhui in the semi-finals on Friday.

He told the World Snooker Tour: "We had a couple of days to wait for an MRI scan to find out whether it was a tumour, and that was very tough.

"It now seems more likely it could be something like Crohn's Disease, though we are still not sure.

"But before I left home he was running about and seems to have turned a corner so that was great to see.

"It's important to talk about these things sometimes rather than bottle them up.

"I have sometimes felt that snooker is the be-all and end-all, but this has made me realise how lucky I am, and it has freed me up to just enjoy the game."

World number seven Wilson made a break of 137 in the second frame as he raced into a 5-0 lead before ending the first session 6-2 ahead.

Fellow Englishman Carter, who won the German Masters in February, rallied after the interval but Wilson edged two tight frames to move 8-3 clear.

He then won two of the next three frames to seal victory and a last-four tie with Ding.

"One of my main goals for the season was to get into this tournament and now I have won a match in it for the first time," said Wilson.

The winner will pick up a first prize of £150,000 out of a total prize fund of £380,000.

 

[Delboy99]

Preview: White And Hendry.​

Our series of Cazoo World Championship previews continues as David Hendon considers how two of the all-time greats will fare in the qualifying rounds…


Jimmy White will set a new record when he takes his bow in the Cazoo World Championship qualifiers next week.


White, once the new kid on the baize, will be appearing in snooker’s premier event for the 43rd time, one more than the great Fred Davis, who made his first appearance in 1937 and his last in 1993.
In between, snooker underwent a rise and fall. For several years, there was no World Championship at all. But by the time White qualified for the Crucible in his debut season in 1981, the sport was riding high on British television and the charismatic Londoner became a megastar.


Now 60, White has become the sport’s great survivor. His many fans have been delighted by the genuine resurgence he has enjoyed this season. In February, he reached the last 16 of the German Masters, the first hexagenerian to advance this far in a ranking event for 31 years.


Earlier this month, White beat Judd Trump at the WST Classic and he is well placed to keep his tour card through his position on the one-year ranking list.


As ever, though, April means only one thing. For all his successes, White’s place in the public consciousness has come to be defined by the Crucible. It is a venue where he has produced some thrilling moments, including a 147 break in 1992, but also experienced major disappointment, losing all six of the finals he contested in snooker’s theatre of dreams.


White last appeared in the final stages in 2006. 17 years on, could he make an improbably romantic return to the Crucible?


He believes so. White’s irrepressible enthusiasm has kept him going through good times and bad, long after many others would have packed the game in.


The draw is tough. He faces Marco Fu or Martin O’Donnell with Noppon Saengkham awaiting in round three, but White remains giddily excited about the prospect of another World Championship. It’s hard to knock that positivity.


His long time nemesis in Sheffield was of course Stephen Hendry, who faces a round one qualifying tie against James Cahill, most famous for beating Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Crucible in 2019.
Hendry has not played much competitive snooker this season, although he did achieve a notable off-table victory over Lulu in ITV’s The Masked Singer.


He is back where he began his career, in the qualifying section. For someone who once bestrode snooker like a colossus, this multi-table environment is not where he wants to be but the opportunity to earn a first Crucible berth since 2012 is his motivation. He has been practising in between punditry sessions at the Tour Championship and is determined to put up a proper showing.


Us snooker fans can be a nostalgic bunch. It would mean a great deal to many to see White and Hendry back on the stage they graced so memorably in the 1990s.


But sentiment has no part in the cut and thrust of elite sport. The truth is, it will be difficult for both to win a series of best of 19s against younger, hungrier opponents.


White and Hendry inspired so many. Now they need every ounce of inspiration to defy the passing of years and raise the Crucible roof once more.

 

[The Hare]

So we reach the semi finals over the next 2 days, a very poor crowd so far. Very closely matched games. I would favour Murphy as the best bet. Day has to qualify for Crucible now but played a little better today than of late.

 

[The Hare]

The Crucible qualifiers start on Monday and back to best of 19 again. Fu v O'Donnell game of the first round. Doherty plays Evans again, he nearly lost a few years ago at this stage to her with a great comeback then.