Bingham just couldn't find the same form as he did against Murphy. lost 6-1 to trump. Trump still not that in form but has got better. However Williams looks well in form. already over a century break in the first frame to go 1 up.
Judd Trump won 10-8 against Mark Williams in the final, probably his best performance all week but manage to get over the line. A bit of an ugly win, he didn't really play well early stages and even in the final you could argue it could have gone the other way. Although winning when not playing well is not a bad thing, reckon he could really pick up some serious form going into Worlds this year now as last time he won the masters he won the worlds then followed up with 5/6 ranking wins.
World Grand Prix started yesterday: Robertson out! 4-1 loss to Guodong Lisowski fightback 3-1 down, won 4-3 against Milkins Allen beat Gilbert 4-2 Yuelong beat Un nooh 4-3
Bingham / Ding during the day, Ronnie v Hawkins this eve, Not sure if all on eurosport but if not you will find on the betting sites.
Wasn't the best of finals but it weren't bad. Wanted Williams to win but that's more to do with growing up watching him and others of his era. Always liked Williams and his potting. Some he made in this masters was sublime. Just couldn't make it against Trump who got better and Williams unfortunately got poorer.
Ten Chinese players face match-fixing charges as snooker's governing body investigates the sport's biggest corruption scandal.
An independent hearing will now be convened to consider the evidence.
What are the charges?
Liang Wenbo - Age: 35 Ranking (Jan 2023): 56. Finalist in 2015 UK Championship
Charged with being concerned in fixing matches and approaching players to fix matches on the World Snooker Tour, seeking to obstruct the WPBSA investigation and failing to cooperate with the investigation.
Li Hang - Age: 32 Ranking: 64.
Charged with being concerned in fixing matches and approaching players to fix matches, seeking to obstruct the investigation and betting on snooker matches.
Lu Ning - Age: 29 Ranking: 46. Semi-finalist at the 2020 UK Championship.
Charged with fixing a match and being concerned in fixing matches and approaching a player to fix a match, seeking to obstruct the investigation and betting on snooker matches.
Yan Bingtao - Age: 22 Ranking: 16. First player born in year 2000 to turn professional, won 2021 Masters.
Charged with fixing matches and betting on snooker.
Zhao Xintong - Age: 25 Ranking: 9. Won 2021 UK Championship and 2022 German Masters.
Charged with being concerned in fixing matches and betting on snooker.
Zhang Jiankang - Age: 24. Ranking: 82.
Charged with fixing a match, failing to report approaches for him to fix matches and betting on snooker matches.
Not suggesting the masters final was rigged but it always amazes me how tight the finals are going all the way to a second session on TV yet there were regular 6-0 drubbings in the earlier rounds
Not suggesting the masters final was rigged but it always amazes me how tight the finals are going all the way to a second session on TV yet there were regular 6-0 drubbings in the earlier rounds
It's bar impossible to actually be 100% sure, other than betting irregularities. Both by playing and seeing the best miss the easiest ball ever, even one i got told was fixed and saw the highights of the match and didn't necessarily think that was 100% fixed, for example they potted better balls before the final balls. It's clearly happened but maybe they have been clever in disguising it, or maybe as i am used to seeing the easiest balls missed in both pool and snooker who knows.
It's a sad day, i am interested to see what the punishments are. They have set very clearly where the rules have been broken from each player, you would assume a few lengthy bans should follow. This is irrespective of whether pressured or not, i think that creates even more grey areas so they will have to be harsh.
Given the scandal, you have to wonder at the choice of last minute sponsors for the Grand Prix and two other tournaments: Duelbits Crypto Sports Betting and Casino.
Not suggesting the masters final was rigged but it always amazes me how tight the finals are going all the way to a second session on TV yet there were regular 6-0 drubbings in the earlier rounds
It's bar impossible to actually be 100% sure, other than betting irregularities. Both by playing and seeing the best miss the easiest ball ever, even one i got told was fixed and saw the highights of the match and didn't necessarily think that was 100% fixed, for example they potted better balls before the final balls. It's clearly happened but maybe they have been clever in disguising it, or maybe as i am used to seeing the easiest balls missed in both pool and snooker who knows.
It's a sad day, i am interested to see what the punishments are. They have set very clearly where the rules have been broken from each player, you would assume a few lengthy bans should follow. This is irrespective of whether pressured or not, i think that creates even more grey areas so they will have to be harsh.
Also, when one player has a big lead the pressure comes off the player who is losing and if they start to win a few frames, sometimes the player in front starts getting twitchy. It has happened so many times and it can look like they are throwing the match. By the same token it is easy to manipulate the score and it has happened in the past, Francisco, Hann, Lee were all banned, and it will happen in the future.
Ronnie 2-0 up against Noppon, lost 4-2 in the second round. I did watch bits but fell asleep too, not based on the game..
Allen and Williams both won, they are both due to play a pool series this weekend so interested to see if they do well or not. You would assume they only play the pool comp in the event they go out of snooker, its Ultimate pro series with a handful of snooker players, Maguire, Joe O'Connor:
Tom Ford due to play today (pool) Tony Drago was the latest person to join Ultimate but he has withdrawn from event 1 Joe O' Connor playing John Roe today (tough one former world pool champ) Mark Williams is due on 4pm, i am not sure if they will allow to see how he gets on or whether he will forfeit the game? as due to play tonight 7pm in the Grand Prix, Allen also due at 4pm so a similar boat Ryan Day is also playing in the pool event
Sorry taking away from snooker, but i thought people might be keen on some of their results. Only way to watch the pool this weekend is by signing up (about £5.99 a month) they have regular tournaments and Mondays and Wednesday nights are regulars, champions league and then the masters
So hard to be sure with the amount of games/tournaments.
Be a real shame if I start to really doubt snooker like I do with boxing. Not saying boxing is rigged but it has somewhat tarnished the sport for me.
Yeah it does make you question it, even if it's not just the chinese players. You always get these odd results, but now its natural to question any strange result.
I am sure the players will be more aware than ever, like you say boxing there is so many dodgy decisions, it really would take away from Snooker if they do not get past this smoothly, also appropriate action taken against those involved.
2 are through to the semi finals, Mark Allen beating Lisowski in a decider 5-4 Noppon has beating another former world champ MJW 5-3, so he's beating Selby, Ronnie and Williams now.
Today we have the last 2 quarters and a semi final this eve.
Murphy v Mcgill Trump v Guodong
Tonight Allen v Noppon, the winners of the above play on Saturday night, on ITV3 or 4
The final will be the usual race to 10, 2 sessions, afternoon and evening.
Mark Allen beat Judd Trump 10-9, was 7-2 up at the break and a combination of an inspired comeback and Allen looking rattled. However Allen wins his 3rd ranking event of the season (World Grand Prix)
The infamous shooutout starts on Wednesday, i do think the crowd can be a bit over the top but generally there is normally a bit of drama and shocks. I've reverted to actually wanting to go one year now, although i am sure that will change come this week lol
Mark Allen beat Judd Trump 10-9, was 7-2 up at the break and a combination of an inspired comeback and Allen looking rattled. However Allen wins his 3rd ranking event of the season (World Grand Prix)
The infamous shooutout starts on Wednesday, i do think the crowd can be a bit over the top but generally there is normally a bit of drama and shocks. I've reverted to actually wanting to go one year now, although i am sure that will change come this week lol
Mark Allen beat Judd Trump 10-9, was 7-2 up at the break and a combination of an inspired comeback and Allen looking rattled. However Allen wins his 3rd ranking event of the season (World Grand Prix)
The infamous shooutout starts on Wednesday, i do think the crowd can be a bit over the top but generally there is normally a bit of drama and shocks. I've reverted to actually wanting to go one year now, although i am sure that will change come this week lol
Yeah it just seems like the darts crowd turns up for this - dont mind a bit of noise, but sometimes just goes a bit over the top.
Mark Allen beat Judd Trump 10-9, was 7-2 up at the break and a combination of an inspired comeback and Allen looking rattled. However Allen wins his 3rd ranking event of the season (World Grand Prix)
The infamous shooutout starts on Wednesday, i do think the crowd can be a bit over the top but generally there is normally a bit of drama and shocks. I've reverted to actually wanting to go one year now, although i am sure that will change come this week lol
Anyone know if this is on TV anywhere??
Eurosport, Discovery + and probably betting sites, starts 1pm
And in the shootout I am gonna pick Hossein Vafaei
Think he is the one person you definitely wouldn't want to back
Shootout has been going for 12 years and we have had 12 different winners, can't see someone retaining the title(and he has a tough first match v Murphy)
I personally like the shootout I know it gets a bad rep from snooker connoisseurs but for me it makes a nice change, once a year, 4 day tournament.
Would hate it to be any more than that but what it is a once a year thing is good.
What I find weird is Judd Trump doesn't play, he spends all his time atm moaning in press about being restricted on what he can wear and other stuff, they one tournament he doesn't need to wear a tie can wear a t-shirt and trainers, can interact with the crowd and he doesn't turn up for it
Still no one can successfully defend the title and wouldn't surprise me to see another first time winner
I watched that match, the first 5/6 mins noone had potted. Hossein got in first and fouled right at the end, should have won... still the stats don't lie and a good shout.
I see your Ken Doherty dancing on twitter, made me laugh.
I watched all of the day one yesterday and bits of the evening, found it quite fun just doing little double ups like £5 bets for when i think there is good value, did ok overall about 4 wins and a loss.
Still no one can successfully defend the title and wouldn't surprise me to see another first time winner
I watched that match, the first 5/6 mins noone had potted. Hossein got in first and fouled right at the end, should have won... still the stats don't lie and a good shout.
I see your Ken Doherty dancing on twitter, made me laugh.
I watched all of the day one yesterday and bits of the evening, found it quite fun just doing little double ups like £5 bets for when i think there is good value, did ok overall about 4 wins and a loss.
Young Riley Powell (14 years old) Welsh protege, beats favourite Kyren Wilson 41-31, he was behind and brought it back and played a few good long pots and held his nerve, looked tidy and no doubt a great future talent. Practices in the same club as Jackson Page and Mark Williams, really impressed.
Still no one can successfully defend the title and wouldn't surprise me to see another first time winner
And the 2 finalists(Wakelin and Lecercq) have never won this event before(or any ranking event actually)
So 13 years 13 different winners
Wakelin won and also took the highest break in the final.
I actually backed Leclerq from round 2/3 for 40/1, only £2.50, but would have been nice given the luck element, but what a break from Wakelin at the end classy
German Masters starts tomorrow, best of 9. 32 left at the entry stage, its technically the 4th round and there is 4 byes due to the chinese contingent on bans, including previous top seed Xintong.
You may remember the name from last years shootout, as a 15 year old he beat Lu Ning before losing to Oli Lines.
He just won the WSF final which brings with it a 2 year tour card.
I watched the final and he looked fantastic, definitely a name to watch out for over these 2 years and beyond
I watched it until 4-0, he was brilliant and definitely has it all. Great safety, didn't really leave Liam much chance but wasn't really his day he couldn't get into it. Really impressed me how mature and intelligent he was on the table too, will have a great future!
Not sure how he will do the first two years, i think its all about experience and picking up the odd win would be huge so early in his career, could be a tough school but fingers crossed he can settle and pick up a few wins.
Comments
World Grand Prix started yesterday:
Robertson out! 4-1 loss to Guodong
Lisowski fightback 3-1 down, won 4-3 against Milkins
Allen beat Gilbert 4-2
Yuelong beat Un nooh 4-3
Bingham / Ding during the day, Ronnie v Hawkins this eve, Not sure if all on eurosport but if not you will find on the betting sites.
An independent hearing will now be convened to consider the evidence.
What are the charges?
Liang Wenbo - Age: 35 Ranking (Jan 2023): 56. Finalist in 2015 UK Championship
Charged with being concerned in fixing matches and approaching players to fix matches on the World Snooker Tour, seeking to obstruct the WPBSA investigation and failing to cooperate with the investigation.
Li Hang - Age: 32 Ranking: 64.
Charged with being concerned in fixing matches and approaching players to fix matches, seeking to obstruct the investigation and betting on snooker matches.
Lu Ning - Age: 29 Ranking: 46. Semi-finalist at the 2020 UK Championship.
Charged with fixing a match and being concerned in fixing matches and approaching a player to fix a match, seeking to obstruct the investigation and betting on snooker matches.
Yan Bingtao - Age: 22 Ranking: 16. First player born in year 2000 to turn professional, won 2021 Masters.
Charged with fixing matches and betting on snooker.
Zhao Xintong - Age: 25 Ranking: 9. Won 2021 UK Championship and 2022 German Masters.
Charged with being concerned in fixing matches and betting on snooker.
Zhang Jiankang - Age: 24. Ranking: 82.
Charged with fixing a match, failing to report approaches for him to fix matches and betting on snooker matches.
Chen Zifan - Age: 27. Ranking: 93.
Charged with fixing matches.
Chang Bingyu - Age: 20 Ranking: 77.
Charged with fixing a match.
Zhao Jianbo - Age: 19 Ranking: Amateur.
Charged with fixing a match.
Bai Langning - Age: 20. Ranking: 126.
Charged with being concerned in fixing a match.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/64297128
It's a sad day, i am interested to see what the punishments are. They have set very clearly where the rules have been broken from each player, you would assume a few lengthy bans should follow. This is irrespective of whether pressured or not, i think that creates even more grey areas so they will have to be harsh.
By the same token it is easy to manipulate the score and it has happened in the past, Francisco, Hann, Lee were all banned, and it will happen in the future.
Be a real shame if I start to really doubt snooker like I do with boxing. Not saying boxing is rigged but it has somewhat tarnished the sport for me.
Allen and Williams both won, they are both due to play a pool series this weekend so interested to see if they do well or not. You would assume they only play the pool comp in the event they go out of snooker, its Ultimate pro series with a handful of snooker players, Maguire, Joe O'Connor:
Tom Ford due to play today (pool)
Tony Drago was the latest person to join Ultimate but he has withdrawn from event 1
Joe O' Connor playing John Roe today (tough one former world pool champ)
Mark Williams is due on 4pm, i am not sure if they will allow to see how he gets on or whether he will forfeit the game? as due to play tonight 7pm in the Grand Prix, Allen also due at 4pm so a similar boat
Ryan Day is also playing in the pool event
Sorry taking away from snooker, but i thought people might be keen on some of their results. Only way to watch the pool this weekend is by signing up (about £5.99 a month) they have regular tournaments and Mondays and Wednesday nights are regulars, champions league and then the masters
I am sure the players will be more aware than ever, like you say boxing there is so many dodgy decisions, it really would take away from Snooker if they do not get past this smoothly, also appropriate action taken against those involved.
Todays snooker:
Luca Brecel v Judd Trump
Guodong v Day
Kyren Wilson v Shaun Murphy
Sam Craigie v Antony Mcgill
Quarter finals this evening, Allen v Lisowski + MJW v Noppon
There is a woman's belgium event starting tomorrow.
2 are through to the semi finals, Mark Allen beating Lisowski in a decider 5-4
Noppon has beating another former world champ MJW 5-3, so he's beating Selby, Ronnie and Williams now.
Today we have the last 2 quarters and a semi final this eve.
Murphy v Mcgill
Trump v Guodong
Tonight Allen v Noppon, the winners of the above play on Saturday night, on ITV3 or 4
The final will be the usual race to 10, 2 sessions, afternoon and evening.
The infamous shooutout starts on Wednesday, i do think the crowd can be a bit over the top but generally there is normally a bit of drama and shocks. I've reverted to actually wanting to go one year now, although i am sure that will change come this week lol
Good shout, lucky dip really but on Jackson page for 100/1 ew
Shootout has been going for 12 years and we have had 12 different winners, can't see someone retaining the title(and he has a tough first match v Murphy)
I personally like the shootout I know it gets a bad rep from snooker connoisseurs but for me it makes a nice change, once a year, 4 day tournament.
Would hate it to be any more than that but what it is a once a year thing is good.
What I find weird is Judd Trump doesn't play, he spends all his time atm moaning in press about being restricted on what he can wear and other stuff, they one tournament he doesn't need to wear a tie can wear a t-shirt and trainers, can interact with the crowd and he doesn't turn up for it
Still no one can successfully defend the title and wouldn't surprise me to see another first time winner
I see your Ken Doherty dancing on twitter, made me laugh.
I watched all of the day one yesterday and bits of the evening, found it quite fun just doing little double ups like £5 bets for when i think there is good value, did ok overall about 4 wins and a loss.
Over 100k views and a like and comment from the former world champion himself.
All the years I have been on twitter and this is my best tweet by far
So 13 years 13 different winners
I actually backed Leclerq from round 2/3 for 40/1, only £2.50, but would have been nice given the luck element, but what a break from Wakelin at the end classy
Jimmy White has become the first player aged 60 or over to reach the last 16 of a ranking event since Eddie Charlton's run at the 1992 British Open.
Former Masters and UK Championship winner White hit five half-century breaks in a 5-1 win over China's Peng Yisong at the German Masters in Berlin.
The six-time World Championship runner-up will next play Jack Lisowski.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/64494894
You may remember the name from last years shootout, as a 15 year old he beat Lu Ning before losing to Oli Lines.
He just won the WSF final which brings with it a 2 year tour card.
I watched the final and he looked fantastic, definitely a name to watch out for over these 2 years and beyond
Not sure how he will do the first two years, i think its all about experience and picking up the odd win would be huge so early in his career, could be a tough school but fingers crossed he can settle and pick up a few wins.