I think it would be great for snooker if Ding can win, but Selby is such a tough cookie. I remember how he eventually ground down O'Sullivan in the final 2 years ago with his safety play. It's easy to knock in century breaks when you're opponent gives you easy starters, but Selby is so good at keeping the cue ball in akward positions, and over the long format that can start to really frustrate his opponents. Ding is definately playing the better once he gets in the balls, of that there is no doubt. But I don't think Selby will allow him as many opportunities as other players have.
Epic last frame last night,some how Selby pulls it out of the bag again ! I really hope Ding does him,not just cos I hate Selby but what it would mean for the game as a whole.Just had a small wager on Ding to win 18-14,18-15 and 18-16,could be well and truly gutted if he wins a last frame decider !
Ding looks very nervous and is making a lot of errors,Selby punishing him here to go 3-0.Hammer why do you dislike Selby so much?I backed him at the start due to his crucible record and from what I heard is a likeable chap so hope he wins it!
Dings in danger of absolutely throwing this away. That second frame was a disaster. Early days but if you're gift wrapping Selby a 4-0 start like he looks like, he may as well book himself a nice table for dinner for about 6pm tomorrow evening as this wont be going to the last session.
Selby ground out the last 2 frames yet again.As much as I dislike him,you have to hand it to him for being able to win frames when he's playing ****!Ding looked absolutely shattered at the end,and so am I after watching those last 3 frames.To a finish tomorrow,may the best man win. Come on Ding!
Not sure why anyone would hate Selby, and want Ding to win. Makes no sense to me at all unless you're Chinese.
Having dragged himself right into it and got to within a frame, and finally playing the snooker that got him this far it looked last night as if Ding was close to being the favourite again. But when Zzzzzzzelby dragged the absolute life out of the third last it become apparent he is a bit like a dog with a bone. Clinching the last 2 frames must have felt like a right big kick in the bollocks as he's back to being only one frame better off than he was when the evening play began. Totally want Ding to pull this out of the flames now having giftwrapped Zzzzzzelby a 6-0 start, what a story for the sport and the 300/400 million Chinese who are rooting for their man back home. Nothing against Zzzzzzelby (I like the guy) just prefer Dings style of play and as stated, it'd be some comeback and story. Nice to know I'm being dragged away on shopping duty today and will be lucky to get back for the evening session (if we get one).
That's tough, Cyc, try and 'vanish' before the event? Once or twice, when making a huge blunder, found myself alongside my dear wife when she was shopping for shoes. Roughed it a bit in my younger days at work, but there ain't nothing as exhausting as shopping with one's missus..... please log in to view this image
I never understand why so many players don't go back to the table when there is a chance of getting snookers. Selby showed last night just why it is worth slogging it out. Selby's accuracy in repeatedly snookering Ding was amazing. It finished Ding off for the evening and Selby took the last 2 frames. I always enjoy the whirlwind break building of Ronnie (watching him alternate between left and right handed) but this game is called snooker and last night (and the night before) Selby showed just how good he is at snooker
Indeed, Ron, that's the name of the game, not "pot-the-balls". Just locally of course, but my old dad was quite the snooker player (used to win 'pocket money' quite regularly) and he told me to learn to play billiards first, it will make you a much better snooker player. Do people still play billiards nowadays? I honestly don't know.
It's a dying game Swanny, but there are a few leagues and players out there who do play it... My highest break is 74 at billiards, compared to 131 at snooker, but I do know a bloke who has had a break over 500...!! It certainly needs a bit of thought when you play it...
