Ronnie’s farewell to Billy O’Connor

December 10, 2015January 6, 2016 Monique Live Live

Yesterday, a very talented young player, Billy O’Connor passed away, and his management, Grove, published this article.

Farewell Billy

9 DECEMBER 2015

Billy O’Connor has lost his battle against cancer this morning. For four years, he fought against the disease, showing great courage, he never gave up. He was a lovely person and a great snooker talent. Ronnie O’Sullivan himself had tipped him to become a great of the game. Unfortunately, this terrible disease has robbed him of his future and his dreams. It’s a great loss for snooker, and an even greater loss for his family, his friends, and us, at Grove, who have managed and supported him since the age of nine. We are devastated. Our thoughts go out to his family.

Rest in peace, Billy, you will be in our hearts forever.

Ronnie, who was managed by Grove himself in the past and rated Billy very highly – as a person and a player – expressed his sorrow at the news as well as his support to Billy’s family .

This morning, he tweeted :

Devastated to hear about billy. Thoughts with his family. Always had a smile on his face, so brave. Rest in peace x

Isle of Man – 9 December 2015

December 10, 2015December 10, 2015 Monique Snooker Legends event Snooker Legends

Ronnie and Jimmy played the Quinn Legal Group Challenge Match, yesterday evening in Villa Marina, on the Isle of Man. Ronnie won 5-3 with a highest break of 96, whilst Jimmy had a 85.

It was a great night again, with a touch of unexpected as well … Indeed the very windy weather prevented Michaela Tabb to make it: her flight was canceled. Jason Francis, the promoter, and the players had a rather bumpy flight but managed, although Jason suggested on twitter that he was suffering from a sore bum 🙂 Sore or not, he had to replace Michaela as the referee on the night … a première 😉

Ronnie tweets after last night show:

Thanks to @QuinnLegalIOM for a great night and all the fans who turned up. Homeward bound.

and also

Simple solution to the kick problem thicker cloths and heavier balls

Wether this last one was inspired by the conditions at the exhibition or the debate that rages about kicks on twitter for months, is anyone’s guess. Anyway, that’s an “old school” stance and one I’m certain other players of his generation will agree with …

German Masters 2016 qualifying rounds draw and format now published

December 9, 2015 Monique Professional snooker tournament Professional snooker

World Snooker has now published the draw and format of the German Masters 2016 qualifying rounds.

Ronnie will play his first match on Saturday 19 December 2015 at 2:30 pm (UK time), his opponent will be Hamza Akbar from Pakistan. Should he win this match, he will then face either Stuart Carrington or Jamie Cope on Sunday 20 December 2015 at 7 pm (UK Time)

German Masters 2016 – Draw

December 8, 2015December 8, 2015 Monique Professional snooker tournament Professional snooker

The German Masters 2016 draw was made live on youtube from Worldsnooker’s office in Bristol today. You can watch – but barely hear – it (again) here:

The first 4 minutes are pretty fascinating 😉 … you’ll see or maybe you can just skip that part.

The two first rounds will be played in Wigan next week, with the tournament proper – from last 32 on – being held in the Tempodrom in Berlin, in February 2016.

Ronnie has entered the event and will try to book his place in the last 32, in Berlin. He has fond memories from this tournament as his 2012 German Masters trophy marked his return to the winning circle after a long dispiriting lean spell. His first opponent will be Hamza Akbar.

GERMAN DRAW GRAPHIC 1

GERMAN DRAW GRAPHIC 2

GERMAN DRAW GRAPHIC 3

GERMAN DRAW GRAPHIC 4

Midweek Matchzone N°25

December 8, 2015 Monique Radio or Television Show Radio Show

Midweek Matchzone n°25 was broadcast last Thursday, but recorded the week before as Ronnie was clearly very busy last week with the UK Championship.

So were we … but now is a good time as any to listen to it.

Ronnie and Chris discuss Eastern Europe exploits, Andy Murray’s contribution to tennis, football, coaching, Real Madrid and B teams.
Plus Betway’s Alan Alger talks weekend Premier League odds.

2015-07-23-Ronnie-OSullivan-and-Chris-Hood-620x465

The Masters 2016 Draw and Schedule

December 7, 2015 Monique Professional snooker tournament Professional snooker

Masters2016Draw

So it’s Mark Willams for Ronnie …

Masters2016Schedule

And someone isn’t happy on twitter … guess who? Mark Williams MBE ‏

Ronnie o xxxxxng sullivan, ffs, anyone bar him, hes beginning to xxxx me off.

Why did he have to enter

Right im off too bed, probably have xxxxxxxx nightmares tonight now

Walk up sweating then, had a dream i drew ronnie for the lasters #phew

York Chronicles – Day 9

December 7, 2015October 9, 2019 Monique Professional snooker tournament Professional snooker

Neil Robertson won the UK Championship for the second time, beating Liang Wenbo by 10-5. It was the first ever UK final, in 39 instalments, not featuring a UK or Irish player. He also made the first ever 147 in a UK Championship final in frame 6 of the match. It was the first in a triple crown final.
But Wenbo did play his part and many will have warmed to this lovely, animated boy who takes everyone along with him in his journey at the table.
A great conclusion to a great tournament.

Here is the cutest picture on the day …