2021 Summer CLS Phase 1 – Day 1

July 19, 2021 Monique Professional snooker tournament Professional snooker

This is WST report on what happened on the first day of the season:

Walden And Lines Progress

Ricky Walden and Peter Lines won their respective groups to advance to Stage Two of BetVictor Championship League Snooker as the new season got underway at Morningside Arena, Leicester.

The pair will now meet in Group B of Stage Two, which will be another round robin, with the winner advancing to Finals Day on August 13.

Lines went through with two wins after Jak Jones was unable to beat Mark Williams in the final match of the group. However, the key moment was a nervy fourth frame against Hammad Miah, where Lines eventually bettered his opponent to take a 3-1 win.

Williams wouldn’t have been completely satisfied with his play in the opening match of the season, but Miah was unable to take any of the chances presented to him, and despite not registering a break above 50, Williams was comfortable in registering a 3-0 win.

That was the Welshman’s work done until the evening session, before which Jones had moved to the top of the group with his win over Lines and a 2-2 draw with Miah.

Lines then inflicted a 3-0 reversal on Williams, who struggled while his opponent racked up the first century of the group. That threw things wide open, with only Miah unable to qualify.

Yorkshire’s Lines, who returned to the Tour through Q School this summer, then moved into pole position with a 3-1 win over Miah. The result put Williams out of the group and meant that Lines would progress, unless Jones could beat Williams in the final match of the group.

Jones took the first frame but his compatriot took the next two, meaning Jones could no longer win the match and therefore the pair were left battling for second place. It was a battle won by Williams, who took the fourth frame to push Jones down to third.

“I was a bit of a nervous wreck watching Mark, I owe him a thank you there,” said Lines. “I said before I went to Q School I had had a torrid two years so I was just going to enjoy myself with what time I have left on the tour and it paid off there and I am delighted.

“I was gutted to lose to Jak, I felt I deserved a draw, but to bounce straight back and beat Mark Williams 3-0 was very pleasing. Hopefully it sets me up well for the season; I’m just going to enjoy myself and we’ll see how far I can do.”

A 2-2 draw between Nigel Bond and Allan Taylor got Group 7 underway on Table 2 and Walden took full advantage of the fact that those points had been shared by beating Oliver Brown 3-1 and Taylor 3-0 to open up an enviable lead at the top of the table.

Bond and Brown then shared the points with a 2-2 draw, meaning Walden was assured of top spot. The Chester cueman rounded off a fine day’s work with a 3-0 defeat of Bond.

“It’s been a good day,” said Walden. “It was a bit of a battle out there with the weather being so hot outside, obviously the arena is pretty warm as well. To get through in those circumstances is pretty good.

“Everybody is a good player and this format makes it more condensed, so you have to be quick out of the blocks to get through and thankfully I won my first match which took the pressure off and I was pretty solid from there on in.

“It’s important, the way the calendar is, to fill it with as many tournaments as you can so the fact I am back down here in three weeks keeps me on the practice table and hopefully I can keep going.”

BetVictor Championship League Snooker continues on Monday with the likes of Ali Carter, Dominic Dale and former Championship League winner Scott Donaldson all in action.

Coverage of Table 1 begins at 12 noon (UK time) and is live on FreeSports (UK), DAZN, Zhibo.tv (China) and Viaplay, with Table 2 live globally at Matchroom.Live. Full broadcast details can be found at https://championshipleaguesnooker.co.uk/watch/

Follow BetVictor Championship League Snooker on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest news and scores from Stadium MK.

GROUP 8 TABLE

Pld W D L +/- PTS Money Won

Peter Lines 3 2 0 1 3 6 £3,000

Mark Williams 3 2 0 1 2 6 £2,000

Jak Jones 3 1 1 1 0 4 £1,000

Hammad Miah 3 0 1 2 -5 1 £0

GROUP 7 TABLE

Pld W D L +/- PTS Money Won

Ricky Walden 3 3 0 0 8 9 £3,000

Allan Taylor 3 1 1 1 -1 4 £2,000

Nigel Bond 3 0 2 1 -3 2 £1,000

Oliver Brown 3 0 1 2 -4 1 £0

Ricky Walden was pretty solid out there, despite looking as if he was about to melt on the spot for the best part of the day, and he scored the first century of the season, a 122, in the last frame of his first match. There were two more tons yesterday: a 107 by Walden and a 100 by Peter Lines.

In group 8 it was really a matter of who wanted it the most. Peter Lines who has struggled badly over the last two seasons and has just redeemed his professional status via the Q-School is 100% determined to make the most of this new chance. Mark Williams appeared relaxed and reacted to his second place with this:

Someone who really looked out of sorts yesterday was Miah, but, maybe, that’s not surprising. He too redeemed his professional status via the Q-School. Doing that is a though task in any circumstances, but in addition to the “normal stress” that comes with the event, he had to cope with the worst possible preparation, traveling back from Tashkent to Sheffield. After that colossal effort, he probably just needed to relax and put his feet up and didn’t practice much.

Willo playing for fun in his 30th season

July 18, 2021July 18, 2021 Monique Interview Interview

Mark Williams will play today in the very first match of the season. He has been interviewed by WST:

Enjoyment The Key For Evergreen Williams

Mark Williams insists he will continue to take a carefree attitude into tournaments in the coming season and to focus on enjoyment of the game rather than results.

Williams is going into his 30th professional season

The three-time World Champion has played with a fast and fluid style in recent years, with an average shot time often as low as 15 seconds. And that paid dividends last season as he won the WST Pro Series and reached the semi-finals of two other events, as well as the quarter-finals at the Crucible.

At the age of 46, the Welshman intends to squeeze as much fun as he can out of the rest of his career. “I played as fast as I can last season and loved every minute of it,” said Williams. “I lost a lot of matches I should have won, but also played some good stuff. I looked dangerous for the first time in a while. Maybe that’s because I got on with it. Obviously I want to win, but if I don’t, no problem.

“I won’t practise much this season, maybe a couple of hours every day or every other day. That might affect my form, but I have accepted that. It’s enough to keep me in half decent condition. I’m enjoying it, and that’s my aim, rather than to get bogged down. I can have a best-of-19 in the club with Jackson (Page) in less than two hours because we are both pretty quick.

“My only target now is to see how long I can stay on the tour for. I would like to see where I am when I’m 50 – whether I’m still in the top 16. I want to see how long I can stay on the tour on merit.”

Williams plays on the opening day of the new season on Sunday at the BetVictor Championship League – for the match schedule click here and for details of how to watch, click here.

Déjà-vu feeling? Well, yes. When you go into your 30th year as a professional, when you have been playing seriously since you were a kid and won everything there is to win, how do you keep going? By finding ways to continue to enjoy it.

This is not very different to what Ronnie has been saying in recent years and it’s not surprising as they have started playing at the same time, turned pro at the same time and are both still in the top 16. This approach will probably not yield many titles; we should accept that and be grateful because it will keep them playing and wanting to play.

Judd Trump about playing Ronnie

July 17, 2021 Monique Interview Interview

With the imminent return of competitive professional snooker this was to be expected: Phil Haigh is at it again and has been speaking with Judd Trump … about what it’s like playing Ronnie.

Judd Trump relishes the Ronnie O’Sullivan ‘argy-bargy and mind games’

Phil Haigh – Saturday 17 Jul 2021

Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan have had some memorable matches in recent years (Picture: Getty Images)

Judd Trump says playing Ronnie O’Sullivan is ‘not like a game of snooker’ but he relishes the challenge of the ‘argy-bargy and mind games’ that come with taking on the Rocket.

The world number one has an excellent record against the six-time world champion, winning his last three matches against O’Sullivan to give him a winning record in the head-to-head.

Trump has won five of his last six meeting with the Rocket, including the Masters final and three finals of the Northern Ireland Open, and says facing O’Sullivan in showpiece matches, in front of rowdy crowds is ideal for him.

Facing the sport’s most popular figure in front of a full house would be intimidating for many, but Trump loves the challenge, which is unlike anything else in the sport.

‘Whenever there is a crowd in town – it hasn’t been the same for the last 18 months – you want to play Ronnie because the atmosphere is different class and everyone gets behind him,’ Trump told Sporting Life.

‘For me, that spurs me on to go out there and shine and take away his fans. I know it’s going to be a bigger audience when Ronnie’s around, so for me it’s an extra chance to show what I can do.

Trump had great results behind closed doors but is excited by the return of crowds (Picture: Getty Images)

‘It’s completely different to playing anyone else. If you’re playing any other player, you just play your own game, but when you’re playing him, it’s like you’re playing in his show.

‘He really feels like he owns the table and it can be quite difficult to play against. His mannerisms and everything, he’s quite in your face; it’s not like a game of snooker, there’s a bit of argy-bargy and mind games going on at the same time. It’s a massive match-up.’

Judd and Ronnie have met just once on the biggest stage in the game, with O’Sullivan winning 17-11 in the semi-finals of the 2013 World Championship.

Trump has gone on to great success since then though, winning the world title in 2019, and fans would love to see the two biggest draws in the game currently clash once again at the Crucible.

Both Trump and O’Sullivan are entered into the Championship League, starting on Sunday, with the world number one not playing till 6 August in Group One, while the Rocket is in action on 20 July in Group 32.

Participation is not confirmed yet, but both are expected to be playing in the British Open in August and could face each other at any stage with a random draw being made at the end of each round.

There will be no seedings in the tournament that boasts a top prize of £100,000 so top players can meet at any stage at the Morningside Arena in Leicester.

Shown live on ITV, the event runs from 16-22 August

This is an interesting interview because Judd’s perception is quite astonishing, Well, it is to me at least.

I’m not sure how Judd Trump perceives his own game, but in my eyes, there is no player currently on the tour who is more “in your face” than himself.

Also the bit about “taking away his fans” is a bit baffling to me: I’m not sure that many Ronnie fans in the audience warm to Judd when he is in the process of beating their favourite player, no matter how well Judd might be playing. Quite the opposite in fact. It was the same with the Hendry fans back in the days: the vast majority would stay with their man no matter what.

Also, it’s not about being a fanboy, or a fangirl: a lot of true snooker fans appreciate certain players more than others because they are attracted by the way they play.

Ronnie’s game is daring, but it’s also and mainly about cue ball control, putting the white exactly where he wants it, making it all look simple, easy, natural. That’s what I like most about his game, and that’s why I’m a Ding fan as well and still hoping that he gets back in the winning circle soon.

Judd’s game is a lot about showing off: his abilty is quite extraordinary. It’s impressive, spectacular, no question. I do understand why people would be “fans” of that sort of game and Judd is the best exponent of it currently. Alex Higgins was like that too (*). But it’s not my thing and I’m not alone in this.

John Higgins is a great, great player, I know that, I understand what he does … but he bores me to death. Don’t ask.

(*) Judd is a much better and more complete player than Alex IMO

2021 Summer CLS – withdrawals and replacements

July 17, 2021 Monique Professional snooker tournament Professional snooker

WST has announced more withdrawals and replacements in the 2021 Summer CLS draw:

Friday 16 Jul 2021 05:12PM

The 2021 BetVictor Championship League gets underway on Sunday July 18th in Leicester.

Click here for the latest match schedule

Sydney Wilson has replaced Alfie Burden in Group 19 on Monday, July 19. Ben Fortey has replaced Lu Ning in Group 10 on Thursday, July 22.

Judd Trump, Shaun Murphy, Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, Mark Williams and defending champion Kyren Wilson will be among those battling for the trophy. For details of how to watch CLICK HERE

Alfie posted on his Facebook page that he had tested positive to covid-19 and that he was truly gutted to miss the first event of the season. Get well soon Alfie.

No reason was given for Lu Ning withdrawal but it’s likely either caused by travel restrictions/problems, or the result a decision to stay in China a bit longer after everything that happened last season and being away from home for so long.

It all starts tomorrow with “Willo” the highest ranked player in action.

WPBSA announces the new EPBSB Open Series

July 14, 2021July 17, 2021 Monique Snooker

This announcement has been made by WPBSA

The English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards (EPSB) is today delighted to announce the launch of the new EPSB Open Series which is set to boost competitive snooker across the country.

Backed by several established stars including reigning world champion Mark Selby and four-time ranking event winner Kyren Wilson, as well as snooker’s world governing body the WPBSA, the initiative will see the EPSB work together with its affiliated 147 Clubs to create a series of open tournaments across the country.

The EPSB has for some time recognised the need for increased competitive opportunities at amateur level. This is seen as critical both to sustain and improve upon current participation levels and to enable our elite talent to compete regularly and develop as players looking to reach the highest level of our sport.

The EPSB Open Series will therefore see the creation of accredited events across the country which will ensure a consistency of organisation and standard at all events. Already, recognised clubs including the Elite (Preston), Frames Sports Bar (Coulsdon), the Golden Cue Snooker Club (Bilston), the Tradewell Snooker Club (Hull) and the Winchester (Leicester) have committed to hosting events during the 2021/22 season.

In planning the events the EPSB has consulted extensively with experienced professional players including Mark Selby, Kyren Wilson, Joe Perry, Mike Dunn, Peter Lines, Robert Milkins, David Grace and others. These players have all experienced first-hand the benefits of similar competitions during their formative years in our sport and already have made an invaluable contribution to ensuring that the events will be structured correctly.

KEY FACTS

All tournaments held under the EPSB Open Series will:

Be organised by / held at affiliated 147 Clubs

Be run by an experienced Tournament Director

Supported by the WPBSA, including use of its tournament management system WPBSA SnookerScores

Be open to professional and amateur players who are members of or in good standing with their respective governing bodies

100% of entry fees will be paid out in prize money

Jason Ferguson, WPBSA Chairman said: “We often hear talk of the ‘Class of 92’ in snooker. These players came through the amateur ranks at a time when the strength and depth had developed in the UK because of the successful snooker clubs with open and pro-am events at the time.

“It is widely recognised that young talent needs to be nurtured, but it is essential that this talent is provided with the robust competitive environment open events can deliver. There must be no barriers to entry into this sport and drawing on the experience of the world’s best, and by working through the growing network of 147 Clubs, I am sure the EPSB Open Series will turn into a breeding ground for future champions.”

Simon Berrisford, EPSB CEO said: “I am hugely excited by the launch of the EPSB Open Series which represents another significant landmark in the continued development of snooker in this country.

“The creation of further competitive opportunities is crucial to help our young and aspiring talent to reach their full potential and already it has been energising to speak with venues and organisers who share our vision.

“I would also like to thank the current professional players who have helped to shape the Series so far, by providing their unique first-hand experience of their own respective journeys to the top of our sport. It has been a pleasure to work with them already and all of us at the EPSB now cannot wait for the first tournaments to get started.”

It is anticipated that the first tournaments will begin in September 2021 with further information including dates, formats, and entry details to follow in due course.

This is clearly an important inititiative from WPBSA and EPSB. There have been lots of discussions recently about the decline of the amateur game and how this impacts the young aspiring talents. Well done to them.

My only concern is that, it appears once again to be essentially UK/English centric. I do understand that one has to start somewhere, and under the recent and current circumstances “international” initiatives/actions are even more difficult than ever to undertake and build into success stories. However the W in WPBSA stands for “World”. Therefore I hope that this is only the first step, and a kind of “pilot” for a wider project that would include other nations/countries. We have seen a lot of promising young talents emerging from mainland Europe in recent years. Maybe working with the snooker “bodies” and clubs in that part of the world could be the next step? I’m convinced that the sport as a whole would greatly benefit from such initiative.

Also Lewis’ ideas about a rating system that would “cover” all categories of players from amateurs to top professionals, are certainly relevant in the context of initiatives like this one that will bring amateurs and pros closer to each others, blurring the distinction between “categories” of players. Such systems exist and do work in other sports, most notably in chess. Why not for snooker?

The 2021 Summer CLS starts on Sunday – here are some infos

July 13, 2021 Monique Professional snooker tournament Professional snooker

This was shared by WST today

Tuesday 13 Jul 2021 01:56PM

The updated draw and match schedule for the 2021 BetVictor Championship League world ranking event is now available.

Click here for the Match Schedule

Judd Trump, Shaun Murphy, Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, Mark Williams and defending champion Kyren Wilson will be among those battling for the trophy in the event which starts on July 18th.

Note that Ng On Yee and Zhou Yuelong have pulled out of the event, replaced by Saqib Nasir and Joshua Thomond respectively.

For details of how to watch CLICK HERE

Zhou Yuelong withdrawal is maybe not too unexpected, but On Yee was really looking forward to start playing on the Main Tour and her withdrawal is almost certainly the result of ongoing travel restrictions. As such, it’s pretty worrying for her as well as for Marco Fu as the covid-19 situation in the UK doesn’t look like it’s improving any time soon.

Anyway, here is the “programme” for phase 1:

2021 Turkish Masters News

July 12, 2021 Monique Professional snooker tournament, Snooker Professional snooker

WST has published some interesting news about the Turkish Masters.

Sunday 11 Jul 2021 01:52PM

Here’s the prize money breakdown for the new Turkish Masters world ranking event:

Winner: £100,000
Runner-up: £45,000
Semi-finals: £20,000
Quarter-finals: £12,500
Last 16: £7,500
Last 32: £5,500
Last 64: £3,500
High break: £5,000
Total: £500,000

All matches up to and including the quarter-finals will be best of nine frames, with the semi-finals best of 11 and the final best of 17.

The qualifying round in Barnsley will run from September 16 to 21, followed by the final stages in Antalya from September 27 to October 3.

WST will closely monitor all guidelines on travel and Covid safety, working with governments in the UK and overseas.

If for any reason we are not able to host the tournament on these dates, we intend to postpone the event to dates to be confirmed later this season, likely to be March. In that instance, we plan to stage a different ranking event in Barnsley from September 27 to October 3.

Antalya is renowned as one of Europe’s outstanding destinations, known for its culture, history and ideal location on the Mediterranean coast.