tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86039559994002507082024-02-19T06:52:21.639+02:00Snooker, my loveRamona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.comBlogger1523125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-53684875415157127222020-02-14T15:44:00.000+02:002020-02-14T15:51:17.101+02:00World Snooker Tour launches mobile app<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.incrowdsports.com&source=gmail&ust=1581773400403000&usg=AFQjCNF7ACPYz0K2s0W8ahheVv7TR9G2nQ" href="http://www.incrowdsports.com/" target="_blank"></a></span></i><br />
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<a href="https://wst.tv/"><b>WST </b></a>has launched its first official mobile app, featuring
live scores, results, news, video content and more.</div>
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The free app is available now on all <b><a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/official-world-snooker/id1480667254">iOS</a></b> and <b><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.incrowdsports.wst">Android</a></b> devices, and can be found by searching World Snooker Tour in Google Play or
Official World Snooker in Apple.</div>
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The WST app, developed by digital fan experience specialists
InCrowd, is part of the World Snooker Tour’s strategy to bring the sport to new
supporters worldwide and enhance fan engagement.</div>
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The score centre of the app, which uses data from WST’s
official partner Sportradar, features instant live scores from the sport’s
biggest events, plus match results, frame breakdowns and tournament
information.</div>
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The app also incorporates latest news and feature articles,
video content including player interviews and match highlights, latest
rankings, player profiles, ticket information and polls which give fans the
chance to express their views.</div>
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Future versions of the app will bring in additional features
to maximise the user experience.</div>
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WST Chairman Barry Hearn said: “We live in a world of
ever-increasing demand for instant information and every sport must recognise
this. Our first official WST app gives our many millions of fans around the
world fast access to a wealth of data including the latest scores from every
professional match – whether it’s a major final or the first qualifying round.</div>
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“We wanted to make an app which is informative and
entertaining and I believe it will help us to grow our fanbase. I’m looking
forward to seeing how the app develops further in future versions.”</div>
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InCrowd CCO Dan Lipman adds: "Snooker has a very large
and passionate global fanbase and we are pleased to be able to work with the
team at WST to create even deeper connections with their fans through new
digital experiences. This app will no doubt become an essential resource for
every snooker fan around the world."</div>
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<b>About InCrowd </b></div>
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InCrowd are digital fan experience specialists, facilitating
the development of the rights holders relationships with their fans. InCrowd
work with multiple major sports organisations and clubs including Premiership
Rugby, Formula 1, ICC, Indian Premier League, 15 Premier League / Championship
football clubs, the Rugby Football League and the ECB. Our understanding of the
avid and emotional mindset of a fan is combined with in-depth data analysis and
ground-breaking digital technology to offer rights holders and brands a unique
opportunity to reach out to sports fans in the moments that really matter
whilst, improving commercial value and increasing ROI. Find out more <b><a href="http://www.incrowdsports.com/">here</a></b>. </div>
Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-50074529470390991642019-03-10T23:14:00.001+02:002019-03-11T15:16:27.569+02:00History in the making: O'Sullivan hits 1000 century breaks<br />
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<b>Ronnie O'Sullivan</b> wrote one of the most important chapters in snooker's history after making his <b>1000th century break</b>, tonight in Preston, while also <b>winning the Players Championship</b>.<br />
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We've seen him with a white towel on his head, we've seen him with one shoe, playing in sneakers, leaving the arena during a match, crying with excitement, making the fastest 147 break to this date, lift no less than five World Championship trophies, picking his nose, biting his nails, sharing autographs, kicking photographs out of the arena, writing novels, helping those in need, catching an Aussie accent, break record after record and ... tonight he's done is again.<br />
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Today's final, against <b>Neil Robertson</b> was pretty much a one-way-traffic snooker affair, "The Rocket" imposing his superior cue style right from the very first session which ended on 7-2.<br />
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This didn't leave too much to be done to his opponent, although Robertson tried (and also managed) to pull back a couple of frames during the evening session.<br />
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However, O'Sullivan was on fire and there was no way this victory could be denied to him. Century breaks no 997, 998 and 999 were previewing what was about to be an epic last frame that was going to break down a new world snooker record: 1000 century breaks!<br />
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<b>The 1000th century break</b> was pure awesomeness and snooker bliss, which got zero responses from Robertson, who was just enjoying the show from his seat, like the rest of us.<br />
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Probably you won't witness another time in snooker history when, after the 1000th century break was made, the audience was left on cheering for every single pot that Ronnie was cueing. Well, at least not at a proper snooker tournament you won't (Snooker Shoot Out mean remark in order).<br />
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Thus, <b>the victory was sealed at 10-4</b>, Ronnie receiving the Players Championship trophy along with a £125,000 cheque.<br />
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Of course that words pale in front of such an achievement, but it's only fair and normal to add our congratulations to "The Rocket" and feel damn privileged to be living these times.<br />
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Today snooker's history got one of the best chapters written ... and you can re-see it <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kD8vsbM880">here</a></b>. <br />
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P.S. The friends of the blog might wonder why I/ve decided to start re-writing all of the sudden, but for Christ sake, if this is not something to be writing about, I don't know what it is! <br />
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<b>Photos credit:</b> World SnookerRamona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-28193057392014879952018-04-07T13:47:00.003+03:002018-04-07T13:56:15.716+03:00The curtain falls on *Snooker, my love* blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was the summer of 2010 (<b>21st of July</b> to be more precise) when "<b>Snooker, my love</b>" blog first saw the light of day and it's been such an amazing and terrific journey ever since.<br />
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I've learned so much along the way, known so many people and experienced so much snooker, that 8 years later I can honestly look at myself in the mirror and see a better person than I was when I started all this.<br />
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It was never my intention to penetrate the "snooker media market" or get international recognition for writing about snooker, but somehow, along the way, it just happened. I am glad it did.<br />
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This blog saved my life in more than one way and it will continue to do so, even if today I've decided <b>to write the last article</b>.<br />
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My love for the game of snooker and my passion for what it stands for, will never vanish, but <b>sometimes, some things, must come to an end, so better ones can begin.</b><br />
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I have had the pleasure to know and even met many of the readers of "Snooker, my love" blog and it's been a thrill. This would have never happened without you. Thank you for that!<br />
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What an amazing achievement it is to remain friends and build connections with people that share the same passions and interests as you! To feel that you are not alone in a world that is slowly and sadly turning into an iceberg! You can't buy stuff like that!<br />
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Many of you know that this blog started as <b>a personal project,</b> something that I felt I need to do, for a sport that saved me when I was in a very dark point in my life. Now, I feel like I have given back all that I could.<br />
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I would just like to give my sincerest thanks to all the people that stood by my side along this snooker journey, starting with you, my dears readers, and continuing with the ones that took the time to grant me interviews, answer my feverishly written e-mails and helped me see snooker as a press officer.<br />
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It's been a genuine privilege to know <b>Lewis Ward</b> and <b>Ivan Hirschowitz</b> from <a href="http://www.worldsnooker.com/">World Snooker</a> in person (big thanks guys for an incredible Masters experience), the omniscient Matt Huart (I have learned so much form you!) but also to interview face to face our only top Romanian snooker ref, <b>Alex Crișan</b>.<br />
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Of course I can't but also thank all those who preferred to throw stones at me, than support a sport that needs to grow in popularity. You've made this journey even more exciting.<br />
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The blog and snooker itself have had an immense positive impact on my life and they helped me developed as an individual, but also as a professional, so it's impossible to just say STOP at all of it.<br />
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That's why I will continue to support snooker and go to tournaments and show my appreciation for the players who work so hard yet are so easily critiqued by commentators and the so-called sport fans. So, although part of this marvelous journey stops here, another part of it will continue.<br />
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<b>Keep the love for snooker alive my snooker loopies and fight for this sport in every way you can!</b><br />
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Over and out ...<br />
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P.S. Some very special thanks go to the one and only, <b>Steve Davis</b> - the man who has not just inspired me to pick myself off the ground and start doing what I love the most (which is writing), but also to never stop believing in myself.<br />
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<br />Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-37290485621006559472018-03-19T15:12:00.000+02:002018-03-19T15:12:09.703+02:00Ryan Day wins thriller final to lift Romanian Masters trophy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Ryan Day</b> beat <b>Stuart Bingham</b> 10-8 in a nail-biting final, to win the inaugural edition of the Romanian Snooker Masters. The match had it all, from gorgeously played shots, to unearthly snookers, nervy moments and ... a re-spotted black!<br />
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Recently returned from Gibraltar, where he won the Gibraltar Open after cruelly defeating Cao Yupeng 4-0, Ryan Day continued his good run and added the Romanian Masters trophy to his collection.<br />
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A well deserved back-to-back victory, that however, didn't come short from drama, as the Welshman had to make a comeback from being led 4-0.<br />
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The start of the match (which was refereed by the Romanian ref Alex Crisan) bared Bingham signature, beginning to end, as the 2015 world champion used runs of 57, 84 and 45 to take an amazing 4-0 advantage over his opponent.<br />
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But that 15-minutes break worked wonders for Day as the Welshman won his first frame of the final, on the black! Tremendous poise!<br />
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To this, he added a break of 63 and a 52 to go just one behind Stuart, but an awesomely cued 124 was re-establishing the two-frame gap, at 5-3.<br />
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However, just as the first session was coming to and end Day used a top break of 40 to pull back one. It was 5-4 and game on!<br />
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At returning into the arena, not only did Day manage to draw level for the first time since the final began, thanks to a 50 break, but also to take the lead after a thrilling and extremely dramatic 55 minutes frame.<br />
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A very focused Bingham hit back with a break of 84 to restore the balance of the match and took a very scrappy 13th frame to make it 7-6, but Day made the most of the next frame to get his feet back into the game.<br />
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It was a great 111 break that put Bingham two-frames short of winning the final, but from that point on, it was a "Day highway".<br />
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The Welshman used runs of 61 and 43 to take control of the match, 9-8, and squeeze the best of snooker out of frame 18, which landed on a re-spotted black. Because such a final couldn't' have ended any other way!<br /><br />
Away it went the black into a pocket and so did Day's fist that punched the air. He was champion once more and after quite a final!<br />
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The Welshman goes home with a prize money of 50.000 euros, while his opponent has to be thankful with just half of this amount and the pride of making the highest break of the tournament (137), which is not shabby at all.<br />
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<b>Photo credit (1):</b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RomanianSnookerMasters/">Romanian Snooker Masters</a><br />
<b>Photo credit (2&3): </b>Bogdan Campean<br />
<br />Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-75247253091004951012018-03-16T10:59:00.000+02:002018-03-16T10:59:09.637+02:00Romanian Snooker Masters (Day 2) - Trump & Higgins reach QFs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The second day of the Romanian Snooker Masters saw some very exciting matches being played at the Metropolitan Circus arena, Judd Trump performing the third whitewash of the tournament, while the recent Welsh Open champion, John Higgins booked his place in the QFs.<br />
<br />
Thursday seemed to be "the day" for <b>Ryan Day</b> as the Welshman beat <b>Barry Hawkins</b> 4-2, after being led by 2-1. Although the opening frame bared his signature, the next two were brutally conquered by Hawkins with breaks of 72 and 61.<br />
<br />
However, Day kept his composure and used just a top break of 76 to win three frames in a row and book his quarter-finals place.<br />
<br />
Next in line were <b>John Higgins</b> and his fellow countryman <b>Anthony McGill</b>.<br />
<br />
McGill broke the ice with a gracefully cued 64 break, but Higgins hit one of those special scares of his (82 and 94) to go 2-1. And although Ants caught up with him thanks to a 85 break, it was the 2018 Welsh Open champion who got the final say and ended the match 4-2.<br />
<br />
The evening came and with it "The Ace in the Pack" with a full display of his snooker skills.<br />
<br />
<b>Judd Trump</b> faced Belgium's <b>Luca Brecel</b> in a one-sided match, which he won by hitting a myriad of breaks (101, 118, 57 and 52) for a perfect 4-0 result.<br />
<br />
<b>Kyren Wilson</b> and <b>Mark Allen</b> were the ones that closed the second day of the tournament (in a match refereed by the Romanian Alex Crisan), Kyren obtaining a much-wanted and fought-for victory of 4-2.<br />
<br />
A top break of 77 was the one who helped Kyren cash the first two frames of the match, but Allen hit back with a superb 130 to win his first one.<br />
<br />
However, the Englishman didn't seem to mind and continued his good run with a break of 62, to which Allen responded with a 85 to go just one behind.<br />
<br />
The 6th frame saw Wilson make a 66 break and Allen left with 2 snooker, which sadly enough he didn't manage to obtain.<br />
<br />
<b>Today order of play:</b><br />
<br />
<i>13:00 Ali Carter v Stephen Maguire</i><br />
<i>14:00 Liang Wenbo v Stuart Bingham</i><br />
<i>19:00 John Higgins v Ryan Day</i><br />
<i>20:00 Kyren Wilson v Judd Trump</i><br />
<br />
*all hours are local time<br />
<br />
Photo credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RomanianSnookerMasters/">Romanian Snooker Masters</a><br />
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<br />Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-6642319711804172762018-03-15T11:32:00.000+02:002018-03-15T11:32:12.172+02:00Romanian Snooker Masters (Day 1): Robertson & Selby face early exit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAEaXmuM8Ji7I3OvjaW3MeBEqbdcRJUMoUcHXCkbOy5KbSLNfQgMaoInbxjJ1rVXaj2yNDYZ52gk1f3Yb4DqSDwMgr0RP1L0xp4I75hdqxr5t8rN7SLeKpyu9XB7wvJfBuUo9rpc8dSU/s1600/29214331_1651666124880085_1242628264013188339_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAEaXmuM8Ji7I3OvjaW3MeBEqbdcRJUMoUcHXCkbOy5KbSLNfQgMaoInbxjJ1rVXaj2yNDYZ52gk1f3Yb4DqSDwMgr0RP1L0xp4I75hdqxr5t8rN7SLeKpyu9XB7wvJfBuUo9rpc8dSU/s640/29214331_1651666124880085_1242628264013188339_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The first day of the <b>Romanian Snooker Masters</b> recorded some pretty huge shocks, as both <b>Neil Robertson</b> and <b>Mark Selby</b> faced an early first-round exit.<br />
<br />
Spring has come to Bucharest, Romania and so did snooker, this magnificent combination kicking off this Wednesday at the Metropolitan Circus with the likes of Ali Carter, Mark Williams, Mark King and Stephen Maguire.<br />
<br />
Interestingly enough the first two matches of the day ended on the same result, <b>Carter </b>whitewashing <b>Willo</b>, 4-0 thanks to breaks of 74, 133 and 71, while <b>Maguire </b>"burnt" <b>King </b>with the same result, supported by top breaks of 109, 61, 108 and 74.<br />
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The evening came and with it the first match that saw all its frames being played: <b>Neil Robertson v. Stuart Bingham.</b><br /><br />The 2015 world champion opened the scoreline with a top break of 91 to take the first two frames of the match, but Robertson fought back not only to draw level, but also to put his nose in front.<br />
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It was 3-2, but Bingham had other plans. Plans that made him hit a beautiful 137 break (the highest of the tournament so far) and win two consecutive frame to get his place booked in the quarter-finals.<br />
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A very different match followed next, as <b>Mark Selby and Liang Wenbo</b> took the stage in a pretty low-standard confrontation of cues.<br />
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The lads got tangled in a pretty scrappy, 43-minute opening frame which went Wenbo's way thanks to a top break of 48, to which the Chinese player added a 47 to go 2-0 up.<br />
<br />
Selby pulled one back by using half a century break, but the next one was cashed by Wenbo who was now just one away from victory.<br />
<br />
The fifth frame saw Selby barely managing to add it to his collection, everything ending with Wenbo's runs of 31 and 41, for a final result of 4-2.<br />
<br />
<b>Today's order of play:</b><br />
<br />
<i>13:00 Barry Hawkins v Ryan Day<br />14:00 John Higgins v Anthony McGill</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>19:00 Judd Trump v Luca Brecel<br />20:00 Mark Allen v Kyren Wilson</i><br /><br />Photo credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RomanianSnookerMasters">Romanian Snooker Masters</a><br />
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<br />Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-7580617696015801312018-02-08T16:35:00.002+02:002018-02-08T16:35:52.451+02:006 world champions part of Romanian Snooker Masters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9l9Hl5acStCJp8dcoZmcigApMvA-frmm7OcFYEHnZAUVyaSPmbY2O1wlxVV_xLI0kW2qK5jWkqnoVYYRFi8FUWEqxZclpFb9p1pRIFHPB3Shi_4kcZECKLByjMbPQKTwPjkqbMv2ZEE/s1600/Vizual+Romanian+Snooker+Masters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9l9Hl5acStCJp8dcoZmcigApMvA-frmm7OcFYEHnZAUVyaSPmbY2O1wlxVV_xLI0kW2qK5jWkqnoVYYRFi8FUWEqxZclpFb9p1pRIFHPB3Shi_4kcZECKLByjMbPQKTwPjkqbMv2ZEE/s640/Vizual+Romanian+Snooker+Masters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The <b>Romanian Snooker Masters</b> event, due to take place in Bucharest this Spring between <b>14-18 of March</b> will become the stage for no less than six world champions, as the likes of Mark Selby, Mark Williams, John Higgins, Stuart Bingham, Ali Carter and Neil Robertson will grace us with their presence (but also snooker skills) at the Metropolitan Circus Arena.<br />
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Unfortunately, the Romanian public's darling, Ronnie O'Sullivan is not part of the deal (a fact that saddens us truly), but we are sure that snooker is appreciated and loved beyond that.<br />
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On a more positive note though, the draw is ready, so here is the match schedule for Round One:<br />
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<span lang="RO"><b>Mark Selby – Liang Wenbo<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="RO"><b>Stuart Bingham – Neil Robertson<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="RO"><b>Mark Williams – Ali Carter <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="RO"><b>Shaun Murphy – Stephen Maguire <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="RO"><b>John Higgins – Anthony McGill <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="RO"><b>Barry Hawkins – Ryan Day <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="RO"><b>Mark Allen – Kyren Wilson<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="RO"><b>Judd Trump – Luca Brecel </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="RO">The first two rounds will be played on the "Best of 7" (Wednesday to Friday), the semi-finals will be played on Saturday on a "Best of 9" rule, while the Grand Final will take place on Sunday on a "Best of 19".</span></div>
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<span lang="RO">The tickets are already on sale on <a href="https://www.entertix.ro/g/13/romanian-snooker-masters-2018.html">Entertix </a>and <a href="https://www.myticket.ro/ro/evenimente/385/romanian-snooker-masters-ziua-1-14-martie-2018-circul-metropolitan-bucuresti-bucuresti.html">MyTicket.ro</a></span></div>
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Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-60390022426131488882018-02-01T14:38:00.003+02:002018-02-01T14:38:48.996+02:00Romania to stage Romanian Snooker Masters <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj839yuv2aZ-eup3dmg3yHYY2kwqmOmzpzKWuweMYf-bOGhAsZ665d_Ex7ik6EC50r-yfvI2Fb0g45vtm6j-mipE_ItyDBwsj9zKwE63wBnXkwnpxDS2p4JFJM0O6dFT6JxxMlTRYj57YU/s1600/Vizual+Romanian+Snooker+Masters.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj839yuv2aZ-eup3dmg3yHYY2kwqmOmzpzKWuweMYf-bOGhAsZ665d_Ex7ik6EC50r-yfvI2Fb0g45vtm6j-mipE_ItyDBwsj9zKwE63wBnXkwnpxDS2p4JFJM0O6dFT6JxxMlTRYj57YU/s640/Vizual+Romanian+Snooker+Masters.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Romania will have the honor and privilege to stage, yet again, a new snooker tournament - the Romanian Snooker Master - between <b>14-18 of March</b> this year, at the <b>Metropolitan Circus Arena from Bucharest.</b><div>
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<div>
The country is no stranger from presenting snooker events, back in October 2016, staging the first and only (to this date) snooker ranking tournament in its history: <b><a href="http://snookermylove.blogspot.ro/2016/10/the-european-masters-personal-note.html">The European Masters</a></b> which delighted the public with a thriller final starring <i>Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump</i>, with the last named one winning 9-8.</div>
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<div>
It's been a bit lonely to have a snooker-less 2017, so this year <b><a href="http://www.worldsnooker.com/">World Snooker </a></b>along with <b>McCann</b> and <b>McCann/Thiess Events </b>are organizing the <b>Romanian Snooker Masters</b>, an invitational tournament which will present to a hungry audience 16 players ready to cross their cues in their quest for a total money prize of 200,000 Euros.</div>
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<b>World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn</b> said: <i>“We are delighted
to add this event to our 2017/18 World Snooker Tour calendar. We know how
popular snooker is in Romania so it’s fantastic to be heading back there for a
tour event. The players who make it to Bucharest will enjoy a fabulous
atmosphere in an amazing city.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>“We now have 29 tournaments on our global calendar this
season. Our sport is growing around the world in terms of popularity and prize
money so each event added to the Tour is great news for the players and fans.”</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7lyWF_5RlhAqKhONIvUcrciHTKGDJCIRsGBtNqVjN1ujLRe1RFvAk3Pnw-JRAhyphenhyphen-5duApTEC_4MgQov_AUEXyG8ZTZYpqUrtCXwjZS99lZTOdMuHGsnRcidy4U2bpN65Ron-0SVVDS8/s1600/Logo+Romanian+Snooker+Masters.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7lyWF_5RlhAqKhONIvUcrciHTKGDJCIRsGBtNqVjN1ujLRe1RFvAk3Pnw-JRAhyphenhyphen-5duApTEC_4MgQov_AUEXyG8ZTZYpqUrtCXwjZS99lZTOdMuHGsnRcidy4U2bpN65Ron-0SVVDS8/s640/Logo+Romanian+Snooker+Masters.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<b>Cosmin Hodor, Event Director, said:</b> <i>"Romania has a
strong culture for sport and we are delighted we will feature Romanian Snooker
Masters in 2018, the year of the country’s Great Union centennial. We made
great efforts to make this event happen and to strengthen our relationship with
World Snooker and the players. We are honoured to see the best snooker players
in the world come to Bucharest for a spectacular event."</i></div>
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<b>Adrian Thiess, Event Promoter, added: </b><i>“We are excited to
have this event in Romania and to continue our efforts in featuring a snooker
sports tradition in Romania. It means a lot the relationship we have with
Ronnie O’Sullivan and the fact that he is keen to play in Romania. During the
spring of 2016 we made a partnership with World Snooker for three snooker
events in Romania and we are committed to honour this partnership."</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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The tickets are already up for grabs on <a href="https://www.entertix.ro/g/13/romanian-snooker-masters-2018.html">Entertix </a>and <a href="https://www.myticket.ro/ro/events?search=snooker">MyTicket.ro</a>, so be sure to buy them fast and secure your spot for a genuine snooker show!<br /><br />Also, keep an eye on the blog for the latest news! ;)</div>
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Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-89719934952895402712017-12-19T10:36:00.000+02:002017-12-19T10:36:59.036+02:00Press release: WPBSA World Seniors Snooker Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiDNjwJ5oX94vDy3brLwXrCx3fI7Jx4r7ivRKKxyPbd3k0U6BeKlAfMxe5UgSlXeJVnjaBZWPz8RuKQXZRMtJAhvGi88T1ekthoaCvkrqs5bxpypMd8F0szJuZFaGSR_zFL4b7LU8fAA/s1600/Legends+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="956" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiDNjwJ5oX94vDy3brLwXrCx3fI7Jx4r7ivRKKxyPbd3k0U6BeKlAfMxe5UgSlXeJVnjaBZWPz8RuKQXZRMtJAhvGi88T1ekthoaCvkrqs5bxpypMd8F0szJuZFaGSR_zFL4b7LU8fAA/s640/Legends+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.wpbsa.com/about/">The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association</a></b> (WPBSA) can today announce its involvement in the beginning of an official WPBSA World Seniors Tour.<br />
<br />
Whilst the World Snooker Tour has gone from strength to strength in recent years, it is vital that we consider the longevity of the careers of our players. We recognise the excellent work already carried out by Jason Francis and Snooker Legends in creating interest and events which many of our sporting greats now compete in. Our intention is to create a partnership with Jason to take what he has done global and create more playing opportunities for amateurs than ever before.<br />
<br />
There is clearly a role to play for the WPBSA as snooker’s world governing body in ensuring this concept receives the attention and support it deserves. Globally, there are significant numbers of players who are over 40 who continue maintain a strong competitive instinct in our sport, this includes many passionate amateurs and includes both past and present World Snooker Tour players.
<br />
<br />
In support of the many players and the work of the <b><a href="https://www.wpbsa.com/about/wsf/">World Snooker Federation</a></b> as snookers IF, we are now engaged with the partners involved to build a tour of events as an official WPBSA World Seniors Snooker Tour.<br />
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<br />Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-48512958182949665232017-12-08T15:39:00.000+02:002017-12-08T15:39:42.839+02:00BBC and World Snooker Extend Broadcast Agreement to 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnAbQzpzNws4Lx0kgi6y_or-Ektf9VtwY0EDAmE0Z_23oypCUInW6945-gaVE6QupuZTSJugePaWxYBI179JvK8g1rMK19POuEHEHBik636IQ9bK58pJK9D_vWbZxzNDKdVX802V0n7w/s1600/Screen-Shot-2015-03-26-at-15.13.57.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1473" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnAbQzpzNws4Lx0kgi6y_or-Ektf9VtwY0EDAmE0Z_23oypCUInW6945-gaVE6QupuZTSJugePaWxYBI179JvK8g1rMK19POuEHEHBik636IQ9bK58pJK9D_vWbZxzNDKdVX802V0n7w/s640/Screen-Shot-2015-03-26-at-15.13.57.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The BBC will continue to broadcast all three of snooker’s
Triple Crown tournaments until the end of the 2023/24 season.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The new deal is a five-year extension to the current
agreement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The BBC will continue to provide comprehensive live TV
coverage and online streaming of the World Championship, UK Championship and
the Masters, the sport’s three most prestigious tournaments.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The UK Championship is currently in progress in York, to be
followed by the Masters in London in January and the World Championship in
Sheffield in April and May.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
World Snooker Chairman <b>Barry Hearn</b> said: <i>“So many great
moments in the history of our sport are synonymous with the coverage they have
received on the BBC. The Triple Crown tournaments have a history which can’t be
replicated and bring something extra special to snooker fans and those watching
on the BBC alike.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Barbara Slater</b>, Director of BBC Sport said: <i>“Snooker has
been televised by the BBC since 1969 and we are delighted to continue this
proud tradition until at least 2024. The new deal means that these events will
continue to be televised free-to-air for many years to come, which is fantastic
news for the many millions of fans around the UK.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-44312372825454193202017-11-30T22:21:00.002+02:002017-11-30T22:22:47.691+02:00Press release: Play your snooker at a 147 Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2A7Mj-3O4JnOtYtmfdRl5YewRN19fWUiqSOCef1nj6tPbo9VZvMcThHatC8uSt4PnXEjGlTHjEd5KdALL8U-v84x6HWe6SZ2QybB_ls1N5ucYHMDD4JSgtco6EcIO1ADfqtSEXI1ILI/s1600/147+Club+Logo+%2528002%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="1000" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2A7Mj-3O4JnOtYtmfdRl5YewRN19fWUiqSOCef1nj6tPbo9VZvMcThHatC8uSt4PnXEjGlTHjEd5KdALL8U-v84x6HWe6SZ2QybB_ls1N5ucYHMDD4JSgtco6EcIO1ADfqtSEXI1ILI/s640/147+Club+Logo+%2528002%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;">The English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards (EPSB) is today excited to announce the launch of the 147 Club – the first club affiliation scheme of its kind for snooker clubs in England.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;">Improving standards<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;">The scheme aims to promote a modern, positive and progressive perception of clubs by improving standards, boosting the junior game and encouraging new players from all backgrounds into the sport.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;">With the support and guidance of the EPSB, participating clubs will be required to meet set criteria around player welfare, insurance cover and coaching provision, with the aim of improving the club environment for all.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;">Club benefits<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;">At the same time, the clubs can gain substantial membership benefits by joining the 147 Club, such as inclusion on an official online club finder map, links into amateur competitions, training support and cost-saving advantages. The scheme also offers a bespoke insurance package for clubs of any shape or size.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;">WPBSA Club and Facilities Manager Bob Hill said:<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;">“<i>This important new scheme reflects feedback from clubs, recognising the improvements required to transform the look and feel of snooker clubs and showcasing the best places to play our sport.<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;"><i>“The 147 Club is open to all types of facility where snooker is played, including commercial clubs, social clubs, community halls and leisure centres. We want to demonstrate that snooker can be played in safe, clean and modern environments that are open to everyone.”</i><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;">One club that has already stated its enthusiasm to join the initiative is Hazel Grove Snooker Club in Stockport. The club’s manager <b>Dino Georgiou </b>commented:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;"><i>“We are keen to get involved with the 147 Club affiliation scheme as it will bring much needed credibility to the industry and set the standard required to enhance snooker at a grassroots level.<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;"><i>“From a business point of view, being affiliated and recognised in this way will boost the club’s image and this in turn will have a positive effect on trust, perception and ultimately membership sales.”</i><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;">Another club that is set to join up is the South West Snooker Academy (SWSA) in Gloucester. Manager <b>Andrew Norman </b>said:<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;"><i>“The SWSA is proud to become a member of the 147 Club. This will support us in providing professional playing and coaching facilities as well as staging tournaments for all players, both professional and amateur.<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;"><i>“We look forward to working with the scheme to help provide people with every opportunity to learn, play and enjoy the sport of snooker.”</i><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;">The new initiative aims to become a proven model which will extend to other National Federations in the sport.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;">If you would like your club to be part of this exciting initiative or you would like to find out more please visit </span><span style="color: #0563c1; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 16.96px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://www.epsb.co.uk&source=gmail&ust=1512159344176000&usg=AFQjCNE6BHTBnKd60i88bp5FbJtWaTpcog" href="http://www.epsb.co.uk/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.epsb.co.uk</a></span></div>
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Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-14674812898107616602017-11-17T12:48:00.000+02:002017-11-17T12:49:40.221+02:00Press release: Steve Davis to play Tournament Snooker one Final Time in Ireland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Steve Davis</b> has been announced as a late addition to the Irish Masters line up in Goffs, Co Kildare in January.</div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br />The Nugget has won the title on eight previous occasions, the last time in 1994 with a final frame victory over Scotland’s Alan McManus.</span></div>
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Steve replaces another scot, Stephen Hendry, who has withdrawn to fulfil contractual commitments in China.</div>
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<b>Steve </b>said: <i>“I don’t want anyone to read anything into this with regards to any sort of playing comeback. This is a one off appearance to help out, and for the Irish fans a chance for me to wave goodbye "in retirement" to them like I did at the Crucible. Goffs is a great venue and holds many special memories for me, it will be great to play there again one final time.”</i></div>
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<b>Stephen Said</b> :“<i>I’m gutted to have to pull out of Goffs, the time I played Alex there was probably the craziest atmosphere I’ve ever played in. I know Steve will be a great replacement and I will be practicing hard for the World Seniors and Masters next year.”</i></div>
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<b>The Irish masters takes place in Goffs on the weekend of the 6th and 7th January 2018.</b> A Gala launch dinner will be held on Friday 5th January in Palmerstown House. </div>
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Tickets to see Steve, Jimmy White, Ken Doherty and all the other legends do battle can be found <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Snooker-Legends-tickets/artist/1409591?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module">here</a>.</div>
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Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-24565605221971473772017-10-26T13:13:00.000+03:002017-10-26T13:13:15.967+03:00WPBSA Statement - Trophies<br />
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Following recent comments made via social media the <b>WPBSA </b>today seeks to clarify its policy in respect of both original and replica tournament trophies.<br />
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Historically, it was not practice to provide replica trophies to every tournament winner, with players instead receiving a commemorative plaque or medal to keep. However, last year, the WPBSA undertook a full review of all its trophies on the World Snooker, this included the commissioning of new high-quality and meaningful trophies for new events. The WPBSA made also made a further commitment to provide replica trophies to a number of past champions, many of which have now already been provided. These include ¾ size World Championship trophies, handmade by an original Sheffield Silversmith, the UK Championship, International Championship and the German Masters since the introduction of the new Waterford Crystal bowl.<br />
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We are also working alongside our incredible partners, Waterford Crystal, who are renowned for quality and excellence to produce bespoke replica trophies for winners, not only for our Masters, but also for other prestigious World Snooker Tour events. It is our expectation that the Masters trophy will be available for the 2018 Dafabet Masters, this is in accordance with the timeframes previously discussed with individual players.<br />
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Many of our current trophies have significant historical value. We work on the principle that players are proud to put their hands on the original iconic trophy when they earn their place in history and become a champion.<br />
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The current policy is that players who win major titles can take home the original trophy until the event next takes place. At this point, players will be provided with a suitable replica worthy of a champion. Again, the principle being that players are proud to take home the actual trophy to be on display, it is also an opportunity to assist players with local media around their achievement.<br />
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This policy was in place at the 2017 Dafabet Masters. Ronnie O’Sullivan was offered the original Paul Hunter Trophy to take home, he was also informed that he would be provided with a suitable replica when it was to be returned. He refused to take the trophy and World Snooker have retained the trophy. Ronnie has since been offered delivery of the trophy on a number of occasions, however has continued to refuse it. Ronnie was also offered the original English Open trophy following his exceptional performance in Barnsley last week, he also declined to take this trophy away.<br />
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The WPBSA will continue to work with its partners to reward players when they achieve their dreams.<br />
<br />Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-9022331856513053762017-10-24T12:24:00.000+03:002017-10-24T12:26:27.171+03:00WPBSA Statement: Stuart Bigham banned over snooker betting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) conducted an investigation into the allegation that Stuart Bingham was betting on snooker in contravention of the WPBSA Members Rules. </span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">The investigation was supported by the Gambling Commission Sports Betting Intelligence Unit. On 15<sup>th</sup> March 2017 the WPBSA decided that he had a case to answer and the WPBSA Disciplinary Committee with an independent chair would hear the case.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">After a hearing chaired by Nicholas Randall QC that took place on 11<sup>th</sup> July 2017, Stuart Bingham admitted a small amount of betting on snooker using two accounts in his own name, to limited betting on snooker using three proxy accounts and to betting with a third party on high break scores.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">The WPBSA contested his account and the hearing found him to be guilty of much greater betting over at least seven years. This included bets on his own matches using an account in his manager’s name between 2003 and 2015, which he had not admitted.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 11pt;">The estimated total of his betting on snooker in this time is £35,771.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Where he was using proxy accounts to bet, it is not possible to establish whether he won or lost from his betting activity.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">The detail of the betting and finding of the Committee is summarised below where the numbers correspond with the charges that can be found </span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4f81bd;">here.</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="color: black;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"><u></u> <u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">He bet on snooker using an account in his name in 2009-10 to a total of £424.44, with losses of £280.20.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="color: black;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"><u></u> <u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">He bet on snooker using an account in his name in 2012-13 to a total of £20, all of which were losing bets.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<u></u><span style="color: black;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"><u></u> <u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">He placed bets on snooker matches that he was playing in using his manager’s account. There were 36 matches between 2003 and 2015 to a value of </span>£4,636.<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">4&5(a)i<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">Between 25<sup>th</sup> August 2009 and </span>11th January 2017 <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">he bet on snooker using an account in his manager’s name.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">5(a)ii <u></u><u></u></span></div>
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Between 1st January 2012 and 11th January 2017 he bet on snooker<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"> using a different account in his manager’s name.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">In relation to counts 4 and 5(a)i and 5(a)ii the exact value of the betting by Stuart Bingham on his manager’s account could not be ascertained. The hearing found that he was responsible for 50% of it to a value of £29,619.73.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">5(b)i<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">That his manager placed bets for Stuart Bingham’s direct or indirect benefit<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">5(b)ii<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">That a second party placed bets for Stuart Bingham’s direct or indirect benefit to a value of £1,706.85<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">6(a)<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Between 1st December 2014 and 8th November 2016 he placed bets with a third party to a value of £ 4,000 that his highest break in a competition would be beaten. All of which were winning bets, where made a profit of £7,000.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The charges at 5(a)iii and 6(b) were not found.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The finding of the Disciplinary Committee can be found in full </span><b><span style="color: #4f81bd; font-size: 11pt;">here</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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On Wednesday 11<sup>th</sup> October 2017 there was a second hearing to determine sanction, where the decision of the Committee was that Stuart Bingham serve a six month period of suspension effective from 28th October 2017. Of this period three months and one day are suspended until 31 October 2018 subject to Stuart Bingham confirming that he will comply with any course of medical treatment recommended to him regarding his gambling and will commit no further rule breaches.<u></u><u></u></div>
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This means that Stuart Bingham will serve an immediate suspension from 28 October 2017 until 26 January 2018 and the remainder of the six month periods of disqualification (three months and one day) will not be enforced provided he complies with the conditions identified above and provided also he is not found to have committed any similar breaches during the period ending 31 October 2018.<u></u><u></u></div>
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The Committee ordered Stuart Bingham pay £20,000 towards the costs incurred by the WPBSA.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">The finding on sanction and costs can be found </span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0070c0;">here</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">There is no suggestion whatsoever that Stuart Bingham was doing anything to influence match outcomes or engaged in any corrupt activity, he was solely betting on snooker.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black;">He has until 6<sup>th</sup> November 2017 to appeal the decision.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #212121;">WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said <i>“It is very disappointing to see such a high profile player fall foul of the WPBSA Betting Rules. Stuart is a great competitor and I have no doubt he has always played to the best of his ability. This case shows that there are no exceptions to the rules. Players must understand that they cannot bet on snooker at all, even if they are not involved in a match or event. Any player found to breach of the betting rules will face the most serious of consequences”.</i></span><u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>The WPBSA Rules<u></u><u></u></b></div>
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The WPBSA Rule pre 25<sup>th</sup> August 2009 was:<u></u><u></u></div>
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<u></u><i><span style="color: #1f1f1f;">2.7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></i><u></u><i><span style="color: #1f1f1f;">A Player shall not bet or lay bets on the result, score or any other aspect of any snooker or billiards match in which he is playing or cause any such bet to be placed or laid on his<span style="letter-spacing: -1.25pt;"> </span>behalf.<u></u><u></u></span></i></div>
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The WPBSA Rule post 25<sup>th</sup> August 2009 is:<u></u><u></u></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 15px;"><em><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Betting misconduct</span></em><u></u><u></u></li>
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<em><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">2.1 It shall be a breach of these Rules for a Member to do any of the following:</span></em><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">2.1.1 Betting:</span></em><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">2.1.1.1 to place, accept, lay or otherwise make a Bet with any other person in relation to the result, score, progress, conduct or any other aspect of the Tour and/or any Tournament or Match in events sanctioned by the WPBSA, WSL or WBL;</span></em><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">2.1.1.2</span></em><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> <em>to solicit, induce, entice, instruct, persuade, encourage, facilitate, authorise or permit any other person to enter into a Bet for the Member’s direct or in direct benefit in relation to the result, score, progress, conduct or any other aspect of the Tour and/or any Tournament or Match in events sanctioned by the WPBSA, WSL, WBL, WLBS or</em> <em>WDBS;</em><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en-GB&q=http://www.wpbsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/WPBSA-Members-Rules-as-amended-18.01.17.docx&source=gmail&ust=1508923242281000&usg=AFQjCNGy_tQdpZ1I37B5Dl30LWpagEC0uA" href="http://www.wpbsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/WPBSA-Members-Rules-as-amended-18.01.17.docx" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The full WPBSA Members Rules can be viewed here.</span></a></div>
Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-74855270333900003902017-10-17T14:16:00.001+03:002017-10-17T14:16:23.056+03:00Press release: Mike Peachey Appointed to WSF Board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>The World Snooker Federation (WSF)</b> is today delighted to
announce the appointment of <b>Mike Peachey</b> to its board of directors as
Treasurer.</div>
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Peachey has vast experience in the administration of cue
sports with his previous roles having seen him serve on the board of the <b>World
Confederation of Billiard Sports (WCBS) </b>from 2005-2010, during which he was
appointed to the <b>WCBS Organising Committee</b> to the 2009 World Games in Chinese
Taipei. Mike was also the official WCBS board member selected to represent Cue
Sports during the Asian Games held in Vietnam, and has also previously served
as President of both the Australian Billiards and Snooker Council and the
Oceania Billiards and Snooker Federation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With a long-standing interest in billiards sports spanning
40 years, Peachey has also acted as a tournament referee at international level
and been involved with billiards sports media as both a correspondent and
distributor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Mike Peachey</b> said: <i>“I am honoured to be able to take up the
position of Treasurer within the WSF. From day one I have been convinced that
the WSF will take our sport forward and that the opportunity to be able to work
closely with National and Regional Federations, World Billiards, World Ladies
Billiards & Snooker and World Disability Billiards and Snooker, will ensure
a major future for our sport.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>“I will give my total commitment to the WSF and I am
convinced that the team can make a positive difference for the future of both
snooker and billiards.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson</b> said: <i>“I am delighted to be
able to welcome someone with the wealth of high-level administrative experience
and commitment to billiards sports that Mike has demonstrated for so long. His
understanding of International Olympic Committee structures and hard-earned
reputation across the world for his work means that he will be a valuable
addition to our team.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>“It is crucial that the WSF is able to represent billiards
sports at a global level and this appointment underlines our commitment to the
Oceania region.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Read more information on the <a href="http://www.wpbsa.com/world-snooker-federation-wsf/">World Snooker Federation</a><o:p></o:p></div>
Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-11454742631876296852017-10-08T23:00:00.000+03:002017-10-08T23:00:25.554+03:00Trump retains European Masters title<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Judd Trump</b> beat <b>Stuart Bingham</b> 9-7 to win this year's <b>European Masters </b>crown and at the same time managed to defend his first ranking title.<br />
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It was the autumn of 2016 in Bucharest, Romania when Trump was beating Ronnie O'Sullivan in a cracking final that saw all its frames being played, in order to win the first edition of the European Masters.<br />
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A year later, the same Judd Trump almost ended on another decider, to retain his European Masters crown, this time by playing another world champion, Stuart Bingham, in the city of Lommel, Belgium.<br />
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The cues-battle was a pretty balanced one, as the lads started going hand-in-hand up until 2-2 when Bingham fired in breaks of 107 and 101 to go 4-2 ahead. Still, by the end of the first session, Trump was sure to level up against his partner-in-crime at four apiece.<br />
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The second session was opened with a tremendous 130 break, which bared Stu's signature, but Trump's breaks of 107 and 66 were taking the Bristolian at 7-5 up as the interval came knocking.<br />
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A few minutes later and after runs of 31, 38 and 78, the scoreline was once again a draw, as Bingham proved he's in his rights to win the title.<br />
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Still, Trump's breaks of 66 and 107 were too strong to see any reply from his opponent and so the match ended on 9-7.<br />
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Delighted over his win, Trump admitted that his victory means even more, since this is the first time that he manages to defend a title.<br />
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<b>Photo credit (3):</b> <a href="http://www.worldsnooker.com/">World Snooker </a>Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-13471850953374190462017-10-08T21:49:00.000+03:002017-10-08T21:49:27.992+03:00Press release: EBSA Becomes First Regional Association Affiliated to the WSF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Following yesterday’s announcement regarding a new International Federation for snooker and billiards, we can confirm today that the European Billiards and Snooker Association (EBSA), confirmed their affiliation to the WSF. The EBSA has 44 National Federations as members.</span></div>
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The WSF is pleased to announce that EBSA Chairman Maxime Cassis has agreed to join the WSF Board and will take up the position of WSF General Secretary. He will join fellow WSF board members Jason Ferguson of the WPBSA and Nigel Mawer QPM, the former Chief Superintendent of the Metropolitan Police, who will oversee WSF governance and integrity.<u></u><u></u></div>
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Three further board members will be appointed in time, with a minimum of one board member from Asia and two representing different regions of the world.<u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson</b> said:<i> “We are delighted that the interests of the EBSA, such as good governance and the removal of barriers in our sport are aligned with those of the WSF. We welcome every single one of their 44 National Federations to the WSF to be part of this new and exciting future.”</i><u></u><u></u></div>
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<b>EBSA Chairman Maxime Cassis </b>said: <i>“I have been working in amateur snooker for the last 20 years as a volunteer and this is one of the most exciting developments I have seen during that time. I am delighted to be part of this project in its inception and I will serve the WSF on behalf of all amateur players to protect and support their interests. It is fantastic to see amateur and professional snooker working together in harmony and we look forward to a bright future together.”<u></u><u></u></i></div>
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Further news will follow regarding further appointments and other members who have committed to the membership of the WSF.</div>
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Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-26965931236169490252017-10-06T23:04:00.000+03:002017-10-06T23:04:01.520+03:00Press release: World Snooker Federation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA)</b> is today pleased to announce its involvement in a new era of sports governance for snooker and billiards with the official launch of the <b>World Snooker Federation (WSF).</b></div>
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The WSF brings together both amateur and professional snooker and will be a key organisation as snooker looks to take its place on the Olympic and Paralympic programme. The WSF has been formally established as a not for profit International Sports Federation (IF) in Switzerland. The WSF will be based in Lausanne, Switzerland, home to many influential international sports organisations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC).<br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased !important; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; height: 0.8em;" />Regional & National Federations</div>
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The WSF is open to accepting membership from Regional Bodies and National Federations across the world that share its vision to grow the sport at all levels.</div>
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With the support of these Bodies and Federations the WSF will now form part of an international structure for snooker and billiards in which National Federations can develop new and exciting opportunities. For the past seven years the WPBSA and World Snooker have established many new events working in close co-operation with National Federations such as the Indian Open, Riga Open, Six Red World Championship in Thailand and various ranking events in China.</div>
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The growth of the sport through these relationships and the increased commercialisation of the tour through World Snooker has enabled the WPBSA to make significant investments in grassroots development projects. Projects such as World Disability Snooker, the World Women’s Snooker Tour, Cue Zone into Schools supported by accredited coaching programmes are all now gaining momentum. It is the WPBSA’s wish to work closely with many more National Federations around the world and this can now be achieved through the World Snooker Federation members.</div>
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The WSF will also provide vital playing opportunities through the staging of a unified WSF Amateur Championship. This new, mixed gender event will be open to the elite performing players of National Federations who are members of the WSF and provide an opportunity to qualify for a place on the World Snooker Tour. The first staging of this Championship will take place before the start of the next (2018/19) World Snooker Tour season.</div>
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The WPBSA has already announced that it will assist with the funding of a new Challenge Tour which will work alongside the World Snooker Tour to developing elite pathways for top amateurs and new emerging talent. National Federations who are WSF Members will have further opportunities to host some of these events.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased !important; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Governance</span></div>
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The WSF will be run by a board of directors who will ensure that appropriate governance and accounting practices are in place. The board will be supported by a newly constituted Council comprising up to ten people from across the globe representing different regions and continents. The WSF is committed to bringing together a truly diverse and multinational team.</div>
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WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson said: “Following a restructure of the professional sport in 2010, the World Professional Snooker Tour has never been stronger. We have seen unprecedented growth and we are now a truly global sport. With this growth comes a responsibility for us to ensure sustainable career pathways for elite talent and playing opportunities for all at all levels. We must ensure there are no barriers in our sport, no matter of politics, race, gender or disability. Only when we achieve this, can we be considered to be a ‘true sport’. There are some incredible people around the world, company directors, players, officials and referees, many of whom serve our sport as volunteers. It is the vision of the WSF to engage with these individuals from within our sports international community.”</div>
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To serve the best interests of snooker and billiards and to achieve the aspirations to become an Olympic and Paralympic sport, it has been necessary to reconfigure the IF structure in billiard sports to ensure adherence to the highest standards of integrity, transparency and governance.</div>
Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-37777735465759817342017-08-01T13:37:00.002+03:002017-08-01T13:37:48.814+03:00WPBSA Statement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Following an inappropriate and unconstitutional attempt by some members of the International Billiards and Snooker Association (IBSF) to control seats within the World Confederation of Billiards Sports, the WPBSA will be distancing itself completely from the IBSF.<br />
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All World Snooker Tour places allocated to the IBSF at future events will be removed with immediate effect. Any organisation staging events which hold two-year WSL tour cards for the winners should check with the WPBSA before taking any entries.<br />
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The WPBSA has had serious concerns for some time about governance standards within some Cue Sport organisations. The WPBSA is committed promoting the principles of good governance in sport and will continue to work with National Federations who share the same vision for the future.<br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.wpbsa.com/">WPBSA </a>Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-31439316459253309082017-07-26T19:42:00.000+03:002017-07-27T09:39:13.694+03:00Joe Perry - WPBSA statement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">After a hearing before the WPBSA Disciplinary Committee that took place on 18th July 2017 Joe Perry admitted that between 2009 and 2013 he had breached the WPBSA Members Rules by placing bets on Matches using five different betting accounts in his own name.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wpbsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Decision-of-the-WPBSA-Disciplinary-Committee-Joe-Perry-1-002.pdf" href="http://cuenewsletter.co.uk/_act/link.php?mId=AT821578871735231773161539288&tId=94145092" style="background-image: none; border: none; color: #0000ee; word-wrap: break-word;">View the Decision</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">The facts of the case are that between 23rd September 2009 and 3rd June 2013 Mr Perry placed 193 bets on snooker with 5 different online betting operators. None of these bets involved his own matches, but it did include bets on matches in tournaments Mr Perry competed in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">The bets in question were relatively small in value to a total of £2,806.49 over the four year period where he made an overall profit of £832.09. There was one account where the betting could not be quantified due to a lack of data.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">From the outset Mr Perry fully admitted betting on snooker over a four year period in contravention of the WPBSA Members Rules and fully cooperated with the WPBSA enquiry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">There is no suggestion whatsoever that Mr Perry was doing anything to influence match outcomes or engaged in any corrupt activity, he was solely betting on snooker.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">He was suspended from playing in WPBSA sanctioned events for a period of three months. This suspension is suspended in full until after the 2018 World Championships. He was ordered to pay a fine of £2,500.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">The WPBSA Members Rules prohibit any betting on snooker by a Member:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">Post August 2009 The WPBSA Members Rules Betting Rules state:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">2. Betting misconduct</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">2.1 It shall be a breach of these Rules for a Member to do any of the following:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">2.1.1 Betting:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">2.1.1.1 to place, accept, lay or otherwise make a Bet with any other person in relation to the result, score, progress, conduct or any other aspect of the Tour and/or any Tournament or Match in events sanctioned by the WPBSA, WSL or WBL.</span></div>
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Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-86900542716900455442017-07-03T13:50:00.000+03:002017-07-03T13:50:15.333+03:00Belgium To Host Snooker's European Masters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Belgium will stage a World Snooker ranking event for the first time in 23 years in October when the <b>2017 European Masters comes to Lommel</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The tournament will run from October 2 to 8 in the city of Lommel in the Belgian province of Limburg. Belgium hosted the European Open from 1992 to 1994, in the cities of Tongeren and Antwerp, but has not staged a full ranking event since.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>The tournament will start with a 128-player flat draw</b>, with a qualifying round to run on August 3-4 in Preston and the winners going through to the final stages in Belgium.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Judd Trump won the European Masters last season, beating Ronnie O’Sullivan 9-8 in a dramatic final in Bucharest, Romania.</b><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The popularity of snooker has grown in Belgium in recent years, particularly through television coverage on Eurosport as well as the success of talented young player Luca Brecel.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">World number 27 Brecel is the highest ranked player from continental Europe. The 22-year-old from Maasmechelen reached the final of the German Masters last year and remains the youngest ever player to compete in the final stages of the World Championship, having made his Crucible debut in 2012 at the age of 17. Brecel is in China this week representing his country in the Snooker World Cup.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn</b> said: “<i>We are thrilled to be growing our footprint in Europe by staging a ranking event in the beautiful city of Lommel for the first time.<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>“Snooker has grown at an astonishing rate in Europe in recent years and our viewing figures on Eurosport are fantastic. Our sport is extremely popular in Belgium and now the fans there have the chance to see their heroes play live.<u></u><u></u></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>“We want to see more gifted young players like Luca Brecel emerge from the continent, and staging major tournaments is an important way of keeping our growth going and inspiring the next generation.</i>”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Mayor of Lommel Peter Vanvelthoven</b> added: “<i>We are extremely thrilled to be able to host such a prestigious event in our city, Lommel. With pleasure we provide our venue and knowledge! This is an unique opportunity to see Luca Brecel – young snooker talent from our region and country – play in our beloved city. This will attract many visitors for sure.</i>”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Details of how to buy tickets for the event will be announced soon.</span></div>
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Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-52507052353000949922017-05-04T18:14:00.002+03:002017-05-04T19:24:37.273+03:00The 2017 World Snooker Championship - my views<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The World Snooker Championship it's over for some days now and so is the 2016/2017 snooker season: a time for depression for most of us: snooker fans, bloggers, journalists and so on.<br />
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The question "And now what?" comes to mind, isn't it? So that's why I thought of sharing a few of the highlights of this year's World Championship.<br />
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I haven't done this in years, so for those of you who have forgot or have no idea what doing an "after" piece is all about, here's the bloody, bloody truth: what you will read next are just my views. It's my turn to be bias.<br />
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<b>A special edition </b><br />
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<b>2017 marked the 40th anniversary from when snooker graced the Crucible Theater with its presence. </b>It's been one hell of a journey, one that is bound to continue for at least 10 years as we were assured just before the kick off, of this year's edition when World Snooker Chairman, Barry Hearn signed the papers.<br />
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"The home of snooker" will remain in Sheffield, at the Crucible Theatre a place so tiny and claustrophobic, but one that guards so many lovely and painful memories nonetheless. It's actually paradoxical how a place so small can capture so many great moments.<br />
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The 40th anniversary got some great coverage from the BBC, a celebration party before the start of the new World Championship, some awesome TV-shows, plus a re-play of "<a href="http://snookermylove.blogspot.ro/2016/01/the-rack-pack-through-foreigners-eyes.html"><b>The Rack Pack</b></a>" - a film that presents (in a very weird mix of sad and funny) the "change of guards" from Alex Higgins to Steve Davis.<br />
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I am what you would call "old school", so I can't but be overjoyed by the fact that snooker has found such a great and cozy place as the Crucible for its home and that for 40 years this has been the stage where snooker's been the winner.<br />
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<b>"Shocks on the rocks" </b><br />
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Probably that the biggest shock of the tournament was the fact that one of the biggest favourites to win the title this year, <b>Judd Trump suffered an out-of-this-world defeat from world number 54, Rory McLeod.</b><br />
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McLeod, whose last major victory was recorded back in 2015 when he won the Ruhr Open, beat Trump 10-8 in the first round.<br />
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A match that I guess proved to Trump what the expression "nerves of steel" is all about.<br />
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<b>Marco's comebacks </b><br />
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Marco Fu has been a very strong contestant and his form this season is probably his best so far. So probably is not fair to say I was surprised to see him battle his way through matches, performing more than one comeback.<br />
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The first came when he was 7-1 down in the first round, against Belgium's best Luca Brecel. What a great performance for the Hong Kong man! He went on and won the match 10-9.<br />
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The second piece of history happened in the next round, where he faced the mighty Neil Robertson. This snooker encounter was filled with a lot of mistakes and bad missed, as the man himself was going to state after the match and although the lads went hand in hand for most of the time, everything changed when Robbo went 10-8 up.<br />
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In the end though, Fu managed to win 13-11. He got beaten in the quarters though, 13-3 by the reigning world champion, Mark Selby.<br />
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<b>Break of pattern for Ding</b><br />
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Ding Junhui enjoyed a pretty good run during this year's World Championship, but his most notable performance must definitely be the victory he obtained in front of his idol, Ronnie O'Sullivan.<br />
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<b>"The Chinese Sensation" hasn't beat O'Sullivan in 10 years!</b> So to do it here, at the Crucible, in the quarter-finals of the World Championship must really be something worth remembering. Not just for the lad, but also for us.<br />
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I guess we all remember the time when Ding ended up in tears after losing to O'Sullivan, back in 2007 in the Masters' final. 10 years later, the student was overcomes his master.<br />
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<b>146 - the new 147 </b><br />
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I don't know about you, but I am a sucker for maximum breaks. It gets me all warm and fuzzy inside. So the fact that this year we didn't have a 147 at the Crucible was a bit sad.<br />
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However, we had the next best thing, which is <b>a 146 beautifully cued by the one and only Ronnie O'Sullivan</b> in the match against Ding Junhui.<br />
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Interestingly enough we haven't had a maximum break at the Crucible since Stephen Hendry's 147 from 2012 - the year he actually retired form professional snooker.<br />
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<b>Selby gets 3 out of 4 & joins elite group </b><br />
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Selby hasn't just retained his world title, but has also recorded a pretty special deal: he won three out of four World Championship finals!Which, despite not being everyone's cup of tea is a pretty awesome thing.<br />
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Plus, the fact that he defended his title also puts him next to snooker's elite: Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan.<br />
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These three gents are the only ones to have won back-to-back world titles.<br />
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<br />
<b>Vintage Higgins</b><br />
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Back in 2011 Higgins won the World Championship in a splendid way. He enjoyed a tremendous season, winning the 2010 UK Championship and the 2011 Welsh Open so I guess it was only normal to end that season in grand style. Plus, if you well remember he had something to prove after the six-months ban.<br />
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Since then though, his form has been oscillating and although this season he captured the Champion of Champions title, he didn't seem to regain his superb cuing style.
But this World Championship we had a very nice surprise from the Scotsman.<br />
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Although not at his best, he was strong, determined, his long potting was just superb and he reached the final where he battled like a lion.
Sure, it was a time when everything came to pieces, but it was without any doubt a vintage Higgins running around the snooker table this year.<br />
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<b>Snooker conquers Social Media </b><br />
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I have been blogging about snooker for almost seven years now and I am so happy to say that this year was probably the best in regard to how snooker was present and promoted through Social Media.
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Either we are talking about Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube - snooker was there. World Snooker even decided to use Facebook as a tool for<a href="http://snookermylove.blogspot.ro/2017/04/2017-world-snooker-championship-goes.html"> <b>broadcasting the World Snooker Championship in parts of the world where the transmission wasn't available </b></a>- which by all means is great publicity for the sport itself.
Snooker reached news territories and flooded all Social Media channels with pictures, short videos, LIVE sessions, news etc.<br />
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Everything was there up for grabs. Every minute of the World Championship got coverage from the officials, as well as from us - the snooker blog-sphere - and the snooker fans from all around the world.<br />
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The snooker family got together once more and shared unique moments, ideas, jokes and so on. It really was a tremendous year for snooker to break the online. I dare to day snooker conquered the online for 17 days ;-)<br />
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So this is it, grosso modo I have stated my case (of which I am certain, as Sinatra said in a very famous song - I'll let you guess which one) of my highlights for this year's World Snooker Championship.<br />
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And now what? - the same question arises. Now it's your turn! Write me about your favourite/worst moments, the highlights, the funny parts ... whatever springs to mind. I will be sure to read them all.
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Photos credit: <b><a href="http://www.worldsnooker.com/">World Snooker</a></b><br />
<br />Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-2769374365748509882017-05-02T02:04:00.001+03:002017-05-02T02:04:22.593+03:002017 World Snooker Championship - Selby wins third world title<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Mark Selby beat John Higgins 18-15 to win the 2017 Betfred World Snooker Championship and retain the trophy he lifted last year, when he defeated Ding Junhui by a pretty similar scoreline, 18-14.<br />
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Selby's had a tremendous season, winning the UK Championship back in December by defeating the one and only Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-7 and the recently ended China Open where he beat Mark Williams 10-8.<br />
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Talk about breaking a curse for we all know that since the China Open was moved in the snooker calendar before the World Championship, no China Open winner managed to also cash the world title.<br />
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In the 2017 World Snooker Championship final, Selby was led 10-4 by a furious John Higgins who displayed such an outstanding cue action throughout<a href="http://snookermylove.blogspot.ro/2017/05/2017-world-snooker-championship-day-16.html"> <b>the first two sessions</b></a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mv99qXmfTjAlginoDmEGvleIwfUtrpFz-dbBXLdJCRc95Ac3VwXKfcDhT08xv9-XS7CLYP3NBma5tggr9sP-mDEPI85IsICjcTzAN8VQppSQt1I5yj-NB3E2YvONWUUuk1R0gLeKncw/s1600/hIGGINS-TWEET-1024x682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mv99qXmfTjAlginoDmEGvleIwfUtrpFz-dbBXLdJCRc95Ac3VwXKfcDhT08xv9-XS7CLYP3NBma5tggr9sP-mDEPI85IsICjcTzAN8VQppSQt1I5yj-NB3E2YvONWUUuk1R0gLeKncw/s640/hIGGINS-TWEET-1024x682.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
But something changed, or better to say, Selby's grit made an appearance, when the players returned for their third session, "The Jester" being led 10-7.<br />
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The current world number one took the first two frames, some genuine scrappy affairs, with just a top break of 40 before Higgins could make a great 78 clearance and restore the three-frame advantage, 11-9.<br />
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Selby managed to win the frame before the interval on the colours and carried on by firing in breaks of 67, 58 and 72 to complete his comeback and take the lead, 13-11.<br />
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That's how the scoreline was looking when the forth and last session kicked off, Mark being the one to quickly get the run of the balls and get one more frame under his belt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhcNyfpwAtjN8o4oIshtIHXIxBx4kdd7n72mtWu50T8jCPM4YEoqetFMmtzZX2q_VgjImyWjHlcQl4YEMzpSlyU5Vw2p2w7mbZniTapdK1VZZktRLnvYhOK5ue5K5u86ao8MzfezQv4g/s1600/C-xpSPuWAAI_pHC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhcNyfpwAtjN8o4oIshtIHXIxBx4kdd7n72mtWu50T8jCPM4YEoqetFMmtzZX2q_VgjImyWjHlcQl4YEMzpSlyU5Vw2p2w7mbZniTapdK1VZZktRLnvYhOK5ue5K5u86ao8MzfezQv4g/s640/C-xpSPuWAAI_pHC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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An out-of-sorts Higgins tried his best and managed to win the next frame, but by the mid-session interval Selby's breaks of 71 and 70 were putting him 16-12 in front.<br />
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After the 15-minutes break the Scotsman produced some magnificent breaks of 88, 111 and 43 to win three frames in a row and keep his hopes alive, but Selby was sure to respond with a powerful 131 and a 75 to close the match at 18-15.<br />
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Selby's victory means even more since it puts him alongside with three great legends of the game, Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan for winning back-to-back world titles.<br />
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"The Jester" is now a thee-time world champion and £375,000 richer, but most importantly continues to retain his world number one spot and tells the story of what determination, stamina and hard-work is all about.<br />
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Congrats Jester! You did it again!<br />
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Photos credit (1&2): <b><a href="http://www.worldsnooker.com/">World Snooker</a></b><br />
Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-47753240771580853082017-05-01T01:23:00.002+03:002017-05-01T01:37:14.992+03:002017 World Snooker Championship (Day 16 - The Final) - Higgins leads Selby after two sessions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLqM-X6KjUKyllt64zUu6pm7YSmy_JWqg1-7oocZT4t9En9Wlld03Ru7SRtZL0MF2gSlMAYLcwdfoQRa060ycKFZt0bGiEL1zEx9n5_EWJ5plvwVdEqsNPgK3RoxodqtIiMu39RcJqA8/s1600/Higgins-1-1024x682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLqM-X6KjUKyllt64zUu6pm7YSmy_JWqg1-7oocZT4t9En9Wlld03Ru7SRtZL0MF2gSlMAYLcwdfoQRa060ycKFZt0bGiEL1zEx9n5_EWJ5plvwVdEqsNPgK3RoxodqtIiMu39RcJqA8/s640/Higgins-1-1024x682.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The mighty and much-craved for final of the 2017 Betfred World Snooker Championship has exhausted its first two sessions, John Higgins holding an overnight advantage of 10-7 over Mark Selby.<br />
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The pair got together in a re-enactment of the World Snooker Championship final from 10 years ago, when Higgins was the winner, this definitely adding a bit more pressure on both players, as it was easily seen at the beginning of the match.<br />
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Selby was the one to take the first frame of the final with a great 76 break, while Higgins was drawing level after winning a scrapper.<br />
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Runs of 62 and 58 were helping "The Jester" put his nose back in front, Higgins responding with a perfectly cued 141 to make the scoreboard go 2-2 at the mid-session interval.<br />
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It was a nervy start from both players, but as the match re-started "The Wizard of Wishaw" got a bit more settled in and used runs of 63 and 33 to take the lead for the first time since the start of the match, to which he carefully added a 95 clearance, a 7th frame won on the black and a 49 to end the first session at 6-2 up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpE3T4iGRrni2nOPMiBBaiD4Mbu1ssPpVaIvIyn8Cbh_BtI4LX9ZE10i3T4H7P35eyhmnhss_G_O1dYcp3wgEkO03YUczqzHv7u0hDFE2GrYEqjxR7U-ECOFFpuaoNCehiJkb79dpEcY/s1600/SeLBY-1111-1024x682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpE3T4iGRrni2nOPMiBBaiD4Mbu1ssPpVaIvIyn8Cbh_BtI4LX9ZE10i3T4H7P35eyhmnhss_G_O1dYcp3wgEkO03YUczqzHv7u0hDFE2GrYEqjxR7U-ECOFFpuaoNCehiJkb79dpEcY/s640/SeLBY-1111-1024x682.jpg" width="640" /></a>When returning into the arena for their second snooker encounter, Selby seemed determined to produce one of his well-known comebacks as he crafted a break of 86 to pull one back. But that wasn't in Higgins' plan, who took the next two frames to open a five-frame lead.<br />
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Luckily, the current world champion managed to produce runs of 26 and 38 just as the mid-session interval was starting, thus trailing 8-4.<br />
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A vintage Higgins, whose long potting was just superb, was furiously taking no less than two consecutive frames thanks to a top break of 76 to go 10-4 up, when Selby's determination decided to make a full appearance.<br />
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The world number one hit in breaks of 81, 121, 47 and 49 to reduce the gap at just three frames, 10-7 and get into a much better position than the one he was into when the second session started.<br />
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Monday will see the conclusion of this match, the lads meeting for their third session from 2pm (UK time) and for the forth and last, from 7pm (UK time).<br />
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And since vintage-Higgins is on the cards and comeback-Selby has finally decided to show up, then we have a cracking final on our hands!<br />
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Photos credit: <b><a href="http://www.worldsnooker.com/">World Snooker</a></b><br />
<br />Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8603955999400250708.post-60823703943637443992017-04-29T22:27:00.002+03:002017-04-29T22:27:37.417+03:002017 World Snooker Championship (Day 15) - A Selby v Higgins Final<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After a tremendous day of cue-crossings we are finally in possession of the players' name that will grace us with their snooker skills in the 2017 Betfred World Snooker Championship final: Mark Selby and John Higgins.<br />
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<b>Mark Selby</b> and <b>Ding Junhui </b>met in a re-match of last year's World Snooker Championship final, the history repeating itself and naming Selby as winner. The Jester beat Ding 17-15.<br />
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The lads came into their last session on a tie (12-12), but Selby hit the first blow and won two frames in a row thanks to solid contributions of 74 and 96.<br />
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Ding responded quickly by taking the next frame, but ended up losing the one just before the mid-session interval after a tactical battle on the colours that saw Selby win it with just a top run of 41 for a 15-13 lead.<br />
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At returning into the arena Selby made the most of a pretty scrappy 29th frame, only to see Ding fighting back and winning the next one on the black to which he added a 73 break to trail 16-15.<br />
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But Ding's form from the last three sessions was no-where near, while Selby's will to win and defend his world title were helping him craft a break of 72 to end the match with a classical roar of "Come on!" and book his place in the final.<br />
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<b>John Higgins</b> and <b>Barry Hawkins</b> disputed their last two sessions today, the Scotsman keeping his advantage from 10-6 up.<br />
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Despite the fact that "The Hawk" was the one to win the first frame, Higgins won no less than seven frames in a row!<br /><br />He restored the four-frame advantage by winning frame 18 with just a run of 42 points, to which he added a frame won on the pink, one on the black and breaks of 48, 45 and 90 to go 16-7 in front.<br />
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One more frame was to be played that session, but Hawkins managed to prolong the suspense and took it in grand style with a run of 58.<br />
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But when the players returned for their last session, Higgins put together a great 120 break to close the deal at 17-8.<br />
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So, here we are:<b> the GRAND FINAL featuring the names of Mark Selby and John Higgins.</b><br />
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As we all know it, Selby is a two-time world champion and holds the current world title, while Higgins is a four-time world champion with a tremendous history at the Crucible and beyond that.<br />
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If both players will come up in great form and display that beautiful snooker that both of them are capable of, then we are on for such a treat in the next two days!<br /><br />Cue the action!<br /><br /><b>Sunday's match schedule:</b><br />
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<b>2pm</b><br />
<i>Mark Selby v John Higgins</i><br />
<br />
<b>7pm</b><br />
<i>Mark Selby v John Higgins</i><br />
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* all hours are UK time<br />
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Photos credit: <b><a href="http://www.worldsnooker.com/">World Snooker</a></b><br />
<br />Ramona Dragomirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14563263938742095664noreply@blogger.com0