Drop in rankings for Ronnie warns Hearn
January 30, 2012
Ronnie O’Sullivan has been warned by World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn that he will lose ranking if he continues to skip tournaments.
Rocket Ronnie has stated that he will play less matches this year so he can spend more time at home.
O’Sullivan said:
‘I’m not prepared to travel 28, 29 weeks of the year, living out of a suitcase in hotel rooms.’
O’Sullivan is the father of two young children and it is understandable he wants to spend more time with them. However, some poor performances recently has seen him slip to 16th oin the world rankings and his position will slip further if he misses events.
There are a host of new snooker tournaments taking place this year which has bulked up the snooker calendar.
Haikou World Snooker Open news
January 28, 2012
Snooker legends Steve Davis and Jimmy White have both crashed out of the third qualifying round of the Haikou World Open snooker tournament. The snooker legends were both hoping to cement places in the tournament which starts in earnest next month.
White lost his match 5-1 to Sam Baird, who hit a 113 in the second frame. Davies lost his match by the same scoreline, with Ian McCulloch the victor.
Another old favourite, Tony Drago also lost at the qualifying stage of the tournament, which will see the winners go through to the finals in China on the 27th of February.
Jimmy White’s Testimonial
January 25, 2012
A special lunch and dinner event has been planned to celebrate one of the most popular snooker legends to have ever taken to the baize. The Jimmy White testimonial lunch and challenge match will take place on the 2nd of June and has been organised by Barry Hearn and Jason Francis.
Jimmy’s attacking style cemented him as a favourite in many snooker fan’s hearts and one of the most recognisable sporting figures in the UK.
Jimmy will of course be at the event, alongside some of his snooker friends including John Virgo and Ronnie O’Sullivan, as well as rock legend Ronnie Wood who will be attended the evening dinner.
Tables of eight or ten are still available on the Whirlwind Testimonial Line.
Robertson wins Masters thriller
January 24, 2012
Australian Neil Robertson was triumphant in the masters with a deserved 10-6 win over Shaun Murphy at the weekend.
The event took place at Alexandra Palace in London. Murphy had dominated the earlier sessions but Robertson had the run of the ball and was lucky to still be in with a chance at 3-3. He then won the first two frames of the second session and was 8-4 up at the mini-break. A 70 in the next frame helped the Australian to a seventh major final win.
Robertson commented:
“Shaun probably dominated the early stages of the first session but had a pretty bad run of the ball so I was quite lucky to be in there at 3-3.
“After that I think I played really good match snooker, scored heavily when I was in and you have to do that against Shaun. After the World Championship this is the tournament I really wanted to win. My path to the final hasn’t been easy but I’ve stuck at it and played some really good stuff.”
Ronnie O’Sullivan Argues Over 147 Breaks
October 7, 2010
I was driving home from work the other day and an article came on the radio about Ronnie O’Sullivan. As a snooker fan, I have to say I love watching Ronnie play, especially when compared to some of the older generation who take minutes in between shots. Ronnie was arguing that in a recent tournament where he completed yet another maximum break of 147, that there was no additional prize money offered for such as achievement. Ronnie went on to say that he was in two minds whether to purposely miss the black because of the lack of cash incentive to clear the table completely and I’m tempted to agree. I know it sounds a bit greedy given his earnings through the years, but he was arguing that the sport was trying to compete with more ‘exciting’ sports, and that if they want the best players to try and push for 147 breaks that there should be a bonus prize, as it’s not easy, and it deserves to be commended and rewarded.
If someone else who had just made the first 147 of their career had said this, I’d have said they were being stupid, but with it being Ronnie, I’m tempted to agree with him. Snooker needs Ronnie and should want him to keep entertaining the crowds like he has done throughout his career so far.
World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association press release
September 16, 2009
Summer break is Evans sent
WORLD number one Reanne Evans believes a summer break helped her to dominate the first two tournaments on the women’s snooker circuit.
Evans, 23, eased past England team-mate Maria Catalano in the finals of the £1,100 Wytech Masters and the UK Championships, the first ranking event of the World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association (WLBSA) 2009/10 season.
Both matches finished 3-0. In fact, Evans dropped just one frame out of 19 in the double-header at the North East Derbyshire Snooker Centre, Clay Cross.
“I had a month off,” she said. “I didn’t feel comfortable so I had a long break.”
It was the five-time world champion’s fifth straight UK Championship and an 18th WLBSA ranking title. She collected £660 prize money – £400 for winning the Wytech Masters plus £60 for a high-break of 53, and £200 for the UK Championship.
Mother-of-one Evans and Ronnie O’Sullivan’s cousin Catalano, 27, both from Dudley, West Midlands, last week powered England Ladies to victory in the Home Internationals at Pontin’s, Prestatyn. Evans insists she still has the hunger to produce a clean sweep on the circuit this season even at the expense of her good friend.
“Although we’re friends you have to put that aside,” she said. “We have a laugh and a joke on the table but at the end of the day we still take it seriously. There’s no point entering if you don’t want to win.”
Evans will again compete this season on the EASB Pro-Ticket Tour in a bid to become the first woman to qualify for the professional circuit.n Former England international Marianne Williams, from Smallfield, Surrey , triumphed in both the UK Championship Plate and Seniors events.
Derby schoolgirl and two-time World Ladies Junior Champion Hannah Jones, 13, won the UK Championship junior final. Nottinghamshire pool stars Kerry Griffiths, Deb Burchell and Rachel Tucker made their snooker debuts in the Wytech Masters.
For the first time on the WLBSA circuit, the six-red format was trialed up to the quarter-finals of the Wytech Masters.
The Wytech Masters was played on Saturday, September 12, and streamed live on Cuesport TV. The UK Championships was played on Sunday, September 13, and streamed live on ustream.tv.
The WLBSA is hosting six ranking events this season culminating in the World Championships in April.
Wytech Masters results (breaks) prize money:
FIRST ROUND (six reds) £10: Jenny Poulter (35) 3-0 Vicky Ashby, Eva Palmius 3-0 Maureen Logan, Deb Burchell 3-0 Naomi Clare, Kerry Griffiths 3-1 Jodie Symes, Marianne Williams 3-0 Mary Hawkes, Rachel Tucker 3-0 Joanne Davies, Suzie Opacic 3-1 Gaye Jones, Chris Sharpe 3-2 Hannah Jones.
SECOND ROUND (six reds) £10: Williams 3-1 Griffiths, Poulter 3-1 Sharpe, Tucker 3-2 Palmius, Opacic 3-1 Burchell.
QUARTER-FINALS (15 reds) £50: Maria Catalano (31, 32) 3-1 Opacic, Reanne Evans (53) 3-0 Marianne Williams, Emma Bonney (35) 3-0 Rachel Tucker, Katie Henrick (30) 3-0 Jenny Poulter.
SEMI-FINALS (15 reds) £90: Catalano (47) 3-1 Bonney, Evans (46) 3-1 Henrick.
FINAL (15 reds) £400/£210: Evans (44, 30) 3-0 Catalano (42).
UK Championship results (breaks):
PRELIM: Gaye Jones 3-0 Maureen Logan.
LAST 16: Reanne Evans 3-0 G Jones, Chris Sharpe 3-0 Mary Hawkes, Eva Palmius 3-0 Marianne Williams, Katie Henrick 3-0 Naomi Clare, Emma Bonney (35, 33) 3-0 Jodie Symes, Jenny Poulter 3-0 Hannah Jones, Suzie Opacic bye, Maria Catalano 3-0 Vicky Ashby.
QUARTER-FINALS: Evans (41, 43) 3-0 Sharpe, Henrick 3-0 Palmius, Bonney 3-2 Poulter, Catalano (73) 3-2 Opacic.
SEMI-FINALS: Evans (61) 3-0 Henrick, Catalano (49) 3-0 Bonney.
FINAL: Evans (32, 56, 43) 3-0 Catalano (31).
UK Championship Plate
QUARTER-FINALS: Jodie Symes 2-0 Hannah Jones, Vicky Ashby 2-0 Naomi Clare, Marianne Williams 2-0 Mary Hawkes, Gaye Jones 2-0 Maureen Logan.
SEMI-FINALS: Ashby 2-0 Symes, Williams 2-0 G Jones.
FINAL: Williams 2-0 Ashby.
UK Junior Championship
ROUND-ROBIN: Hannah Jones 1-0 Naomi Clare, Jodie Symes 1-0 Clare.
FINAL: Jones 2-0 Symes.
UK Senior Championship
QUARTER-FINALS: Marianne Williams 1-0 Chris Sharpe, Eva Palmius bye, Maureen Logan bye, Jenny Poulter 1-0 Mary Hawkes.
SEMI-FINALS: Williams 1-0 Palmius, Poulter 1-0 Logan.
FINAL: Williams 1-0 Poulter.
WLBSA provisional snooker rankings 2009/10:
| Pos | Name | Town | Pts | Sponsor |
| 1 | Reanne Evans | Dudley, West Mids | 455 | |
| 2 | Maria Catalano | Dudley, West Mids | 370 | |
| 3 | Emma Bonney | Portsmouth | 355 | |
| 4 | Katie Henrick | Bickley, Kent | 330 | 180poker.com |
| 5 | Eva Palmius | Isleham, Cambs | 222 | |
| 6 | Chris Sharpe | Chelmsford | 180 | |
| 7 | Jenny Poulter | Maidstone | 165 | |
| 8 | Suzie Opacic | Brambridge, Hants | 161 | Kara Accountants |
| 9 | June Banks | Orpington, Kent | 150 | |
| 10 | Gaye Jones | Melksham, Wilts | 138 |
Wytech Masters entries:
Reanne Evans
Katie Henrick
Maria Catalano
Emma Bonney
Chris Sharpe
Suzie Opacic
Hannah Jones
Eva Palmius
Joanne Davies
Jodie Symes
Naomi Clare
Maureen Logan
Gaye Jones
Marianne Williams
Vicky Ashby
Jenny Poulter
Mary Hawkes
Kerry Griffiths (Notts)
Deb Burchell (Notts)
Rachel Tucker (Notts)
UK Championship entries:
Reanne Evans
Katie Henrick
Maria Catalano
Emma Bonney
Chris Sharpe
Suzie Opacic
Hannah Jones
Eva Palmius
Jodie Symes
Naomi Clare
Maureen Logan
Gaye Jones
Marianne Williams
Vicky Ashby
Jenny Poulter
Mary Hawkes
Next snooker ranking event:
2009 East Anglian Championship
Saturday, October 10
Cambridge Snooker Centre
Coldhams Road
Cambridge
CB1 3EW
More details and pictures available from:
Tim Dunkley (WLBSA press office)
88 Lionheart Way
Bursledon Green
Southampton
SO31 8HN
Tel home: 02380 562647
Tel work: 01329 853513
Mobile: 07986 376114
E-Mail: timdunkleysnookerdad@hotmail.com
Jimmy White quizzed for money laundering by cops
August 18, 2009
Jimmy White one of the most popular snooker players of his generation has been interviewed by poilice investigating a money laundering ring that is apparently worth millions of pounds.
Senior offices in the crimesquad have been questioning Jimmy White about his part in the money laundering investigation. Jimmy has apparently volunteered to provide a witness statement and has not been charged with any offence by the police.
The police in the West Midlands have stated that they cannot provide any more details. The investigation is said to have centered around the city of Birmingham. Jimmy last night had no further comment to make regarding the situation.
Jimmy White nicknamed the ‘whirlwind’ has won around 10 ranking tournaments, but has been beaten an amazing 6 times in the Snooker World Championships.
Snooker star Katie ‘Hooray’ Henrick launches pool career
August 2, 2009
KENT snooker star Katie Henrick is set to take the plunge on the pool circuit. The 29-year-old from Bickley has signed a sponsorship deal with 180poker.com to compete on the 8-Ball Super Tour.
However, Henrick insists she is not turned her back on snooker. “This doesn’t mean I’m giving up,” said the world number four “I still want to continue playing and improving my game”.
“The decision to play pool was mainly to have a change and a different challenge. I’m a competitive person so of course I want to win as much as I can. If I find I enjoy it then maybe it will be a long term career.But at the moment I want to enjoy the challenge and see how things go. I know it’s not going to be easy. There will be different tactics involved and a few rules to learn on the way as well.”
180poker.com was set up by McDonnell Racing, which has shops in Grove Park, Deptford and Plumstead.
“I’m very grateful for their support,” added Henrick. “I might even learn poker!”
A keen Arsenal fan, Henrick, who has a top break of 101, is resident snooker professional at the exclusive Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall.
In 2007 she was dubbed ‘Hooray’ Henrick after claiming the East Anglian Championship, her first World Ladies Billiards & Snooker Association title.
This weekend (August 1-2), Henrick heads to Keynsham, near Bristol, for event one on the 8-Ball Super Tour. Depending on her success, she may join the English Pool Association’s ladies tour next March.
Christopher Keogan lands dream double
July 16, 2009
Christopher Koegan a talented 16 year old snooker player has is the youngest ever player to win the Sheffield and District Snooker League Player of the year. He won the prestigious award without losing even a single frame.
All this after just winning the Yorkshire Junior champion. After both of these awards the young player is being tipped for a great future in snooker. Most players in the league believe that Chris is destined to be one the the best players to ever come out of the league
His future will really depend on his dedication, and his education, and everyone will be hoping that player snooker won’t just become an occasional past time for Chris. Chris next goal will be to win the prestigious Sheffield Championship, and on this form he has got a great chance.
White beats Hawkins in 6 reds snooker
July 15, 2009
There are many snooker fans out there who really hate six red snooker. Jimmy White however will be happy after claiming £18,000 for beating Barry Hawkins 8-6 to win the Sangsom Grand Prix.
But why does the six game snooker appeal to the players? It does ensure shorter frames as the reds are split quickly, and you can still play a good safety game. The game is also new, and every player likes a new challenge. Cricket already has its quick version game its call Twenty/20, and it is well liked across the world. But does the new six red game end the reign of traditional snooker. Put quite simply no!
Six red snooker will keep growing, especially for less skillful players, as they have a good chance of winning a game of six red snooker. Maybe its a good thing, snooker hasn’t changed since the 19th century and its well overdue a mix up.
The old 15 red game however is well established and is not going anywhere, so if you are worrying about the end of traditional snooker I think you can relax.
