PartyBets.com Premier League
11th October 2007 (Week 6)
Venue: Grimsby Auditorium
Referee: Paul Collier
Commentators: Phil Yates/Mike Hallett

Ronnie 6-0 Jimmy White (see pictures)

It’s now week six of the PartyBets.com snooker league and the venue moves onto Grimsby. After tonight’s matches, we will be more than halfway through the qualifying fixtures. Results tonight are crucial for all four players, albeit for different reasons. A win for Ron and Stephen will almost guarantee their place in the play-offs. John and Jimmy badly need a win to get themselves back in contention. With the Grand Prix looming, the players will also be keen to find some form, get a good win under their belt and gather some momentum going into the season’s second ranking tournament.

First up tonight is a battle of the Scots. Stephen Hendry, seven times World Champion, and current league table leader, takes on John Higgins, the current World Champion. Stephen has made a great start in this year’s event, with two wins and a draw already in the bag. By contrast John has struggled a little. He is yet to win a match in the league, and with only one draw in his first two matches, desperately needs to pick up a win. This promised, as always, to be a good old battle.

Match two seen a repeat of last year’s final. Ron, twice World Champion and current league title holder took on Jimmy White. It was great to see Ron get back to winning ways last week and he’ll certainly be hoping to consolidate his place in the top 4 with a win over Jimmy. With only one match remaining for Ron after tonight, anything less than a win may leave him in a slightly precarious position. Jimmy has started steadily in this year’s event but a victory still eludes him. Could he get revenge for last year’s final defeat or would Ron carry on from where he left off last week? I for one, was certainly looking forward to this match and I’m certain the packed auditorium are too. I expect the noise level to be a little higher tonight!

First up, Stephen and John. Both receive a nice welcome and its game on. A steady start from both players sees the first two frames shared, Stephen taking the first and John levelling with a very nicely taken 53 break. (btw, Jo, I hope that wasn’t your mobile going off!!). An error stricken third frame, where both players had good chances, finally went Stephen’s way on the pink. Much better stuff in the next frame, Stephen very quickly wrapping it up with a great 125 break, making sure he leaves Grimsby with at least a point. John immediately replies with a fantastic 128 break, leaving him needing the last frame to salvage a draw. In the final frame, John was very unlucky to break down on 38, he played a nice shot on the blue, but got a very unkindly split on the pack of reds. Stephen eventually won the frame, taking the match 4-2. Stephen has now certainly qualified for the play-offs. He has played some good stuff so far in the league and appears to have regained some form. I’m sure he will be a huge threat this season, and I for one reckon he may win a big title. John now has his work cut out to reach the play-offs, he’s lost two of his three matches and certainly needs at least two good wins from his remaining matches to give himself any hope.

Next up, my two favourite players of all time. As you’d expect, both Jimmy and Ron receive a fantastic reception and already the atmosphere in the arena seems more electric.

Frame 1
Jimmy breaks off and leaves Ron a half chance (red to middle) which he pots but only manages 5. Jimmy attempts a long red but misses and leaves Ron a good chance. Straight away Ron develops reds and I have to say, he already looks very sharp and focussed. A lovely middle distance blue when on 50, keeps the break going. Moments later it’s a ton. Fantastic break of 119 gets Ron off to another great start, very similar to the start he made against Steve last week. Keep it up Ron.
Frame score: 124-0 (1-0 Ron)

Frame 2
Loose safety from Jimmy gives Ron first opportunity again. On 23, Ron pulls out a lovely red to middle, cannoning the pack of reds to hold on the black. The reds are now nicely split, however there are a few of them placed awkwardly, covering the black into one corner pocket. However Ron quickly clears the path but finishes tricky on the pink. Ron misses, but still a nice break of 51. An easy red left for Jimmy and a chance to score a few points and get back into the frame, but he blows it. Still to pot a ball, he seemed to play that shot in a hurry, Jimmy will need calm down and settle quickly. Ron duly obliges with a 36 break and takes the frame.
Frame score: 87-0 (2-0 Ron)

Frame 3
Ron looks good again tonight (and I’m not talking about his looks)! He appears well up for it again and things already look ominous for Jimmy, he must win this frame to give himself a chance. Jimmy plays a good break-off shot this time and Ron replies with a nice safety. Moments later Ron gets in first but only makes 17, over cutting a fairly tricky black. A chance for Jimmy but he only makes 9 and snookers Ron behind the yellow. Ron plays a fantastic escape shot and leaves things fairly safe. Well I thought he had. Jimmy pulls out a great pot to middle but only makes 28. Ron doesn’t capitalise, and Jimmy makes another small break of 25. A few single ball pots from Jimmy leaves Ron needing one snooker, with one red remaining. Ron immediately takes red and black to leave himself 29 behind with 27 on the table. Over the next few minutes, Ron manages to snooker Jimmy twice, Jimmy successfully escapes the first but fails on the second. Ron having potted the yellow is now 23 behind with 25 left. However with brown and black on cushions, it won’t be easy, Jimmy still strong favourite for the frame. Jimmy then pots the green and Ron needs a snooker again, grrrr. But, Jimmy plays a shocker and in playing safe off the brown, goes in-off…great billiards shot Jim!! He throws his cue on the floor in disgust. Ron misses a half chance and leaves Jimmy a long brown. He pots it, surely frame over?!!…but no it isn’t, where’s the white going? Straight in the middle pocket, unbelievable!!! Ron clears to win the frame. Jimmy must be gutted.
Frame score: Sorry didn’t catch it in all that excitement. (But now 3-0 to Ron)

Frame 4
Jimmy will be demoralised now but must fight on in hope of salvaging a draw. Must admit I would be surprised if he took a frame tonight now. Anyway, a great safety from Ron snookers Jimmy right behind the green. Jimmy escapes and Ron misses a half chance. Jimmy makes 38 but misses an easy red. Ron puts Jimmy tight behind the green again, and again Jimmy escapes. Ron pots a nice red and moments later takes the frame with a nice 87 break, shame he misses the last pink, missing out on another ton. Jimmy looks fed up.
Frame score: 87-38 (4-0 Ron)

Frame 5
I wonder if Ron will maintain his hunger now that he has the win. I expect him to, as it was only last week he was in the same position against Steve, and he did say he was disappointed to lose the last two frames then. Jimmy takes a 37 point lead but again, breaks down. Ron gets back in the frame with 39. Moments later he makes 33 and it’s another frame to Ron.
Frame score: 74-37 (5-0 Ron)

Frame 6
Ron pots a nice long red but goes in-off the green. Jimmy with cue ball in hand, refuses a middle distance red, his confidence must be fairly low. Phil Yates states that out of the last 24 frames this pair have played in the league, Ron has won 22 of them, quite unbelievable and I didn’t realise that. I think it will be 23 out of 25 very shortly. Ron gets in and very quickly wraps up the frame and match with a very well taken 91 break. Well played Ron, very good performance.
Frame score: 91-4 (6-0 Ron)

So the first whitewash in the league this year and poor Jimmy is on the receiving end. Ron played well tonight and has almost secured his place in the play-offs. He may need to take something from his final match (against Robbo), all depends on how the other matches go before then. Steve has played 2 matches fewer and Ding 3, so both these players may overtake Ron in the upcoming weeks. Ron can only sit and wait and will now switch his attention to the Grand Prix in Aberdeen. In the last few weeks, Ron has come out all guns blazing, and started his matches very strongly, making a century in the first frame. If he keeps that up in Aberdeen, he should have no problems progressing from the group stages.

Anyway that’s it for now folks. There’s no league fixture next week due to the Grand Prix. Ron now has three weeks off in the league and returns to action on the 15th November in Kidderminster, where he will play Robbo. I look forward to that.

Good luck in Aberdeen Ron, hope to see you there.

Cheers

Cessy

PartyBets.com Premier League
4th October 2007 (Week 5)
Venue: Assembly Rooms, Derby
Referee: Paul Collier
Commentators: Willie Thorne/Phil Yates

Ronnie 4-2 Steve Davis (see pictures)

It’s now week five of the PartyBets.com snooker league and the venue moves a few hundred miles northward to the Assembly Rooms in Derby. Is it just me, or would everyone else like to see a change of referee?! Maybe Michela is saving herself for the final week at the Rothes Halls, wishful thinking eh. Anyway, the league table is starting to take shape and after tonight’s matches, ten of the twenty one qualifying matches will have been completed. Three of the current top four players are in action tonight, in what may prove to be a pivotal week.

First up saw Stephen Hendry, seven times World Champion, take on Neil Robertson, the young Aussie, winner of two ranking titles last season. This promised to be a high quality match, with both players desperate for a win. Stephen has made a decent start in this years event, and with one win and one draw already in the bag, a win tonight will help consolidate his position in the top four. It may also catapult him to the top of the table, depending on the result from tonight’s other match. Neil has looked a little out of sorts in his first two matches, and with only one draw to his name, anything other than a win tonight will leave his chances of qualifying very slim.

Match two seen a repeat of last year’s league play-off semi-final. Steve Davis, six times world champion and current leader in this year’s event, took on Ron, twice World Champion and current league title holder. Both players have made in-different starts to this year’s campaign. Steve has started well, winning both his matches, and another win tonight will not only keep his 100% record and place at the top of the table intact, but will almost certainly guarantee his place in the play-offs. Ron on the other hand, has his work cut out. His unbeaten run of 24 games now seems a distant memory, and after two consecutive defeats, his place in this year’s play-off appears to be in jeopardy. When these two met in last year’s semi-final, Ron came out the victor by six frames to nil. What Ron would give for the same result tonight! However, current form suggests that this match will be a lot closer, and I’m sure Ron would be delighted with any win. Anything less will be disastrous!

I didn’t see much of the Robertson/Hendry match, only managed to catch the last frame. Must admit, I was a little surprised to see Stephen leading 5-0. Neil was in great danger of being on the receiving end of the first whitewash in this year’s league. However Neil dug deep and took the last frame, nice to see Neil keep his sense of humour even in defeat. Phil Yates said Stephen’s performance was “Cool, Class and Clinical”. Sounds like Stephen played very well and that win takes him to the top of the table. Hopefully he’ll still be there after Ron’s match. (If Steve wins, he’ll go back top).

Steve enters the arena followed moments later by Ron. A brief interview from both players in which both speak very highly of each other. To me, Ron looks up for it, just itching to get started. A good sign I hope!


Frame 1
Steve plays a careless break-off and Ron is in straight away. A superb 105 break, great start to the match. Looks like I was right. Keep it up Ron, I want an early night!
Frame score: 105-0 (1-0 Ron)

Frame 2
Ron in again with another quick-fire ton, a magnificent 141 clearance, equalling his own record, set only last week against Ding. The great WT highlights that Ron’s average shot time so far is 12 seconds.
Frame score: 141-0 (2-0 Ron)

Frame 3
Steve breaks off and straight away Ron pots a great long red and stun-runs through onto the black. He’s off again, can he make it three tons on the trot? I wouldn’t be surprised. Unfortunately Ron misses the last red when on 96, a fantastic attempt. Yet to pot a ball, Steve comes to the table needing 16 snookers. C’mon Steve, your tactical game is good but not that good! Can’t blame Steve really, he understandably just wants some table time. He makes 24, missing the final black.
Frame score: 96-24 (3-0 Ron)

Frame 4
Ron must remain focussed, he has 3 frames on the board but needs to keep his foot on the gas. First chance to Steve this time, but with the black tied up, not yet a great chance. However he makes a very nice 41 break and plays safe. Ron immediately floats in a lovely long red and lands on the black. Moments later he pulls off a great middle distance pot on the black to keep the break going. Ron breaks down on 55. A loose safety from Steve and its frame over. Ron clears with 28.
Frame score: 82-41 (4-0 Ron)

Frame 5
Careless in-off from Ron gives Steve the first opportunity. I have to say Steve appears to be playing well enough, he’s looked fluent and played a few lovely positional shots tonight, he just hasn’t had much table time. He proves me right and very quickly clinches the frame with a fantastic 143 clearance (sets the new highest break record in the league). What a response from the Nugget! The third century of the match, five frames in fifty minutes, 12 second average from Ron, 16 second average from Steve. One thing’s for sure, these two are completely at home with the shot clock!
Frame score: 0-143 (4-1 Ron)

Frame 6
Both players agree very quickly to a re-rack. Steve in first with 43. Both players miss a few and a bout of tactical play follows. A 39 from Steve takes the frame.
Frame score: 4-87 (Ron wins 4-2)

So a much needed win for Ron tonight, was great to see him play well and get back to winning ways. Always nice to see a few tons. Ron did make the crowd laugh when he admitted in his interview that he played well but could have played better. Ron knows that he let things slip in the last few frames, not costly tonight but maybe would have been another night. Things now look more promising for Ron, but a few more points needed yet. Stephen now sits proudly at the top of the table, followed by Ron, then Steve. I’m fairly confident that these 3 will go onto finish in the top 4, and I for one will be happy with that. The other place is still wide open. Neil appears to be struggling and I would love to see Jimmy grab it. I have feeling though, that it will be between Ding and Higgy. Time will tell.

That’s it from me folks. Jo and Pete, I hope you both had a great night and I look forward to see-ing the pics. Jo, whatever you put in Ron’s tea, it worked…..same again next week please!!

Next up for Ron, is Jimmy. I look forward to that.

Until then, Cheers.

Cessy

PartyBets.com Premier League
September 27th 2007 (Week 4)
Venue: Plymouth Pavilions
Referee: Paul Collier
Commentators: Neal Foulds/Clive Everton

Ronnie 2-4 Ding Jun Hui

It’s now week four of the PartyBets.com snooker league and it’s off to Plymouth in the South West of England. The current league table is very tight, and no doubt will remain like that until the final week. Last weeks results (Robertson 3/Higgins3 and White 3/Hendry 3) proved just how difficult it can be to pick up a win. In the six matches so far, three of them (50%) have resulted in draws. This trend may continue until the final week, and if any player can string a couple of victories together in the upcoming weeks, this may see them do enough to qualify for the final stages. I notice there has been six centuries made to date, that’s an average of one per match (I’m not just a pretty face you know). Ron and Ding are the only players to have made more than one (2 each). Fingers crossed we’ll see a few more tonight, preferably from Ron.

Right, to the matches. Match one seen a repeat of this years’ Masters final. Young Chinese sensation Ding Jun Hui, already a winner of three ranking tournaments faced Ron, the pre-tournament favourite and going for his fourth consecutive league title. Ron’s long unbeaten streak in this event came to an end in week two, where he lost to Stephen Hendry, his first defeat since January 2005. Ron will be keen to get back to winning ways immediately (as will Ding having drawn his first match). Match two, saw a battle of two old arch enemies. Steve Davis, six times world champion and semi-finalist in last years’ event, faced the ever popular Jimmy White, runner up in 2006. Steve is currently 45 places higher in the rankings than Jimmy, but this will count for nothing and I expected a highly competitive and quality match. Both have started well in the league, particularly Steve, winning his only match. Jimmy has started steadily with two draws and I’m sure he will be keen to pick up his first victory.

So, first up Ron and Ding. Richard Beare introduces both players, who both receive great applause. Ding enters first, followed by Ron. A brief interview from Ron, which I have to admit, did make me chuckle. Ron was asked how important a win was tonight, to which he replied “We have to play 6 matches in this league, so there is still a long way to go, after tonight's match I will have played 3, so I won’t even be halfway” Erm, Ron……isn’t 3 half of 6?!! Hehe, good one mate………….I just hope this is his one and only error tonight.

Ok to the match, and as Clive Everton said, there is a special air of expectation when Ron is playing. Clive mentions that Ron was down in Plymouth early, had a little practice, followed by his usual run.

Frame 1
Ron breaks off, and after a few minutes of good tactical play, Ron plays a loose safety and lets Ding in. Ding makes a very nice break of 97 and its frame over. Good start from Ding.
Frame score: 0-97 (1-0 Ding)


Frame 2
Half chance for Ron off Dings break-off but the red doesn’t even threaten the pocket. Ding plays a cracking shot-to-nothing (potting the red) and then snookers Ron, who easily escapes and lays up to the pack. Moments later another loose safety from Ron leaves Ding a good chance. However this time Ding misses an easy red on 17. A 35 break from Ding gives him a 61-0 lead, and Ron is still to pot a ball. Ding then misses a long red by quite a margin but flukes it the same pocket he actually attempted (the red travelled all the way around the table, in and out of baulk, avoiding every other ball)….jammy ***! Ding makes a small contribution from this but it’s enough to win the frame. Ron concedes.
Frame score: 0-68 (2-0 Ding)

Frame 3
Ron just hasn’t had a decent chance to get going tonight and I’m starting to fear the worst. I’m sure Ron is in good form, but Ding hasn’t given him any easy opportunities, Ron will have to tighten up his safety and force an error from Ding. A draw is now looking like the best result Ron will get tonight. Moments later, my thoughts are confirmed. Ding gets in first again and very quickly wraps up the frame. A 137 clearance, great stuff from Ding.
Frame score: 0-138 (3-0 Ding)

Frame 4
Ding now appears in full flow and it will take something very special from Ron to get a draw out of this match. Ding has now scored almost 300 unanswered points, grrrrr. Ding leaves Ron a long red which he pots, woooo’hooooo! Ron only makes 37. Surely Ding won’t clear again?! No not this time, but he makes 36 and is now only 1 point behind. Another fluked red from Ding moments later gives him a good chance to take the frame but he only manages 16. Ron pots a great red and clears with 30 to take the frame. Whew!
Frame score: 67-57 (3-1 Ding)

Frame 5
First chance to Ron who now appears to have a little spring in his step. I’m proved right, Ron gets in and immediately develops reds from the pack, playing some delightful little canon shots to keep the break going. Ron makes a 141 clearance, fantastic stuff, what a break! That’s more like it Ron, the crowd go nuts!
Frame score: 141-0 (3-2 Ding)

Frame 6
Ron pots a nice long red from Dings break, followed by a nice power shot on the green. He’s certainly in the groove now, just a shame it’s the last frame. He breaks down on 21 but puts the cue ball tight on the baulk cushion. A couple of brilliant safety shots from both players follow, but its Ding who gets in first. No fault of Ron this time, decent safety but Ding pulls out an ‘all or nothing’ long red. Terrific pot, played with a bit of screw from near the baulk cushion (shot of the night). Not much is made and things start to get a little edgy, both players realise how huge this frame is. Ding snookers Ron and has him in a spot of bother. Ron fails to escape, Ding makes 38, enough to win the frame and match.
Frame score: 21-72 (Ding wins 4-2)

No interview form Ron tonight, just a quiet word from Neal Foulds, who thought the match was of very high quality. Have to say, I agree. Another couple of tons, the highlight being the 141 from Ron (the highest break to be made so far against the stop clock). Both players appeared in good form, Ron just played a couple of loose safety shots early in the match, and fair play to Ding, he punished him. Ron looked good towards the end of the match and scored very well when he got his chance. In my opinion, 4-2 was a fair result. Ron has now played 3, won 1 and lost 2. He is not so well placed in the league. He has played a match more than the players below him, and is in danger of slipping further down. Qualification for the play-offs is now looking a little tricky and Ron really must get back to winning ways next week. Perhaps Jo’s attendance will help spur him on! Next up for Ron, is the nugget, IMO a must win!

Sorry folks, I’ve no report on the match between Jimmy and Steve. It’s been a hard week and I decided to hit the sack for some much needed beauty sleep. I did watch the first 2 frames, both of which were very scrappy and lasted the best part of an hour. The match was poised at 1-1 when I left it.

I now know Jimmy lost 4-2, grrrr, fair to say, not a great night for me then!!

Anyway, until next week.

Cessy

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

PartyBets.com Premier League
September 13th 2007 (Week 2)
Venue: Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire

Referee: Paul Collier
Commentators: Clive Everton/Neil Foulds

Ronnie 2-4 Stephen Hendry

It’s Thursday again and we’re back to league action in the PartyBets.Com snooker league. Gee, as I get older, the weeks just seem to go by more quickly, it certainly doesn’t feel like a whole week has passed since doing my first report. One can only imagine what its like for Dean (Ok folks, I think this report may turn out to be my last!!). Anyway, to serious business, moving on from last weeks venue in Hayward’s Heath, West Sussex, the league travelled a few hundred miles North West to the town of Malvern in Worcestershire for its next encounter. Thankfully though, there’s no drastic change in venue where I’m concerned. It’s the sofa for me again, feet up, Sky Sports on, pen and notepad by my side, few cans of cider chilling in the fridge and munchies at the ready. Boy do I just love Thursday nights! (btw, Dean, you know I’m just kidding mate)

Week two again provided an exciting and erm, interesting line up. In match one, Steve Davis, the six times World Champion and semi-finalist in last years’ league, played Neil Robertson, the young Aussie, winner of two ranking titles last season and making his debut in this event. Steve has played in this event many times and has performed quite well in recent years. His game has certainly speeded up and he now seems quite at home playing against the stop clock. However, I was particularly looking forward to watching Neil make his debut. I think his game will be well suited to the league format, and in my opinion, if he can get off to a good start, he may go on to be the main challenger to Ron this year. Having said that, with my track record at predictions, he’ll probably finish bottom of the league, without a win!!!

Match two and again top of the bill, seen the seven times World Champion, Stephen Hendry, take on twice World Champion and current league title holder Ron. These two have met so many times over the years and have undoubtedly provided some of the most exciting and explosive, high quality matches ever seen in the game. Personally, I love watching these two compete, both play a very attacking game, and seem to bring the best out of each other. Recently though, Ron seems to have the upper hand, the last three matches they have played (albeit exhibition matches), Ron has won 9-0, 6-3 and 8-1. This may have some psychological effect on Stephen, but everyone should be aware by now, that you can never write off us Scots. Anyone see the footy on Wednesday? (Sorry, couldn’t help myself). However, another Scottish win tonight, would be nowhere near as much of an upset.

Ok, to the matches. First up were Steve and Neil. I did wonder what song Neil would use as he entered the arena, and was pleasantly surprised to hear INXS’s ‘New sensation’. Must admit, I was a little gutted though, I was secretly hoping for Rolf Harris’s ‘Tie me kangaroo down sport’! A tactical start to the match saw Steve take the first frame. The rest of the match remained fairly scrappy with only a number of 40+ breaks. However it was Steve who settled the quicker of the two players, and he went on to take the next 3 frames and a 4-0 lead. Neil looked a little out of sorts and would have to dig deep to avoid a whitewash. That’s exactly what he did and he stole the fifth frame after potting a great final black. He then went on to take the final frame quite comfortably. An enjoyable match played in great spirit. Not a good start for Neil, and like Higgy, may just need a little time to adjust to the stop clock. Steve played ok, very fluent, and he was pleased to start with a win. It would be no surprise to me if he made the play-offs again this year.

Next up, Ron and Stephen. First to enter the arena was Stephen. Ron entered the arena to his usual Kaiserchiefs hit, and again was greeted to a fantastic reception. Was great to see Ron sporting new style waistcoat, red and black tartan, I wonder where he got that idea?! Both spoke very highly of each other in their interview and Ron highlighted that he was disappointed with last weeks performance and he would need to improve to beat Stephen. (btw, just kidding about the waistcoat)

Frame 1
A couple of chances fall to both players but neither player take full advantage. Stephen takes a 29-1 lead and the next chance is for Ron. Ron gets going, is on a break of 51 but in trying to move the final red of the cushion, he pots the yellow and goes in-off into the middle pocket. Stephen clears well with a 32 break to take the frame.
Frame score: 52-66 (1-0 Hendry)

Frame 2
Stephen pots a lovely long red of Ron’s break but fails to get on a colour and plays safe. Ron pots a terrific long red also, and within a few shots, has split the pack of reds nicely. Five minutes later, its frame over. A lovely break of 98 sees Ron level at 1-1. Just a pity he missed the brown for the ton. Clive Everton mentioned in commentary during that break that he thinks Ron is the best player in the game at developing reds/splitting the pack without losing position. I have to say, I agree 100%.
Frame score: 98-1 (1-1)

Frame 3
Great safety shot from Ron has Stephen in a spot of bother, from which Stephen escapes from very well. A careless shot from Ron leaves Stephen a half chance to the middle, which he takes, but only manages to make 19 from. Another chance to Stephen moments later, from which he makes a frame winning break of 78.
Frame score: 0-104 (2-1 Hendry)

Frame 4
Stephen gets first chance and looks favourite to take the frame but breaks down on 39 (misses blue in attempting to split the pack of reds). An unexpected miss and I’m sure Ron didn’t expect to get back to the table so quickly. Not an easy frame winning chance (2 reds little awkward in baulk end) but certainly an opportunity to get back into the frame. Ron does all the hard work and just when he looks like nicking the frame, misses an easy green when on a 52 break. Stephen clears to blue, misses and snookers Ron. Ron makes a great escape on his 2nd attempt, leaving the blue safe. Few minutes later, Stephen misses a good chance and lets Ron in. Ron pots the blue but carelessly goes in-off. Stephen pots blue and pink to take the frame. Ron looking annoyed now and so he should. I can assure you, he isn’t the only one, grrrrrrr.
Frame score: 52-75 (3-1 Hendry)

Frame 5
Ron now got his work cut out to keep his unbeaten streak going. He needs the last two frames to avoid defeat. After Stephen makes a break of 11, Ron fails at an attempt at a long red. Stephen picks out a nice plant from the pack of reds and makes a nice break of 54, ended by a terrible kick on the black. Moments later he’s back in and polishes off the frame with a 30 break.
Frame score: 0-95 (4-1 Hendry)

Frame 6
Quickfire ton (102) from Ron to take the final frame. Fantastic break! Shake of the hands with Stephen and the ref and he’s off. I can tell Ron is very annoyed with himself.
Frame score: 102-1 (Hendry wins 4-2)

So unfortunately a defeat for Ron, but I suppose it had to happen some time. His unbeaten record of 24 matches in the league will certainly never be equalled. He appeared up for the match, and I could tell how much the match meant to him. He just made a few careless mistakes at crucial moments in the match. Stephen played ok, and as he said in his interview, was just delighted to start with a win.

Well that’s it from me folks, no match for Ron next week. He returns to action in two weeks (27th September) at the Plymouth Pavilions, where he meets Ding.

Should be a cracker!


Report by Cessy

PartyBets.com Premier League
Dolphin Leisure Centre, Haywards Heath

September 6th 2007 (Week 1)

Referee: Paul Collier
Commentators: Phil Yates/Mike Hallett

Ronnie v John Higgins

The much anticipated start to the 2007 PartyBets.com Snooker League got underway last night (Thursday). A few changes have been made to this years’ line-up, out goes Graeme Dott and Ken Doherty, who have been replaced by John Higgins and Neil Robertson. It remains to be seen how both these players will adjust to league snooker, particularly Neil, who is making his debut in this event, however, I suppose the big question again this year is ‘Can anyone snatch the title from Ron?’

Week one provided a couple of highly anticipated and mouth watering matches. In match one, the ever popular Jimmy White, a finalist in 2006, played Chinese sensation, Ding Jun Hui. Match two and top of the bill, seen newly crowned World Champion, John Higgins, making his first appearance in this event for four seasons, take on Ron, the pre-tournament favourite and going for his fourth consecutive league title. (C’mon the Rocket) Oops, sorry about that folks, I must try and control myself, not show any bias towards Ron. It’s not easy though, just ask John Virgo!!

Ok, to the matches. Well my pre-match predictions (3-3 in both matches) were going great after the first match.

First up were Jimmy and Ding in what proved to be a high quality match. Jimmy got off to a flier, compiling a very well taken 86 break in the first frame. There was never more than one frame in it, and the match finished 3-3. There were seven +60 breaks, including two centuries from Ding, the highlight being a 138 in the second frame. I thought 3-3 was a fair result, both players scored very well, and I’m sure both will be fairly happy not to lose their opening match. Great to see Jimmy show a bit of form, and I wish him well for the rest of the season.

Next up, Ron and John, and after witnessing the first match, the crowd anticipated another quality match. Could they produce?

First to enter the arena was John, who received great applause, with U2’s ‘elevation’ playing loudly. I like John, he’s a nice lad, only down side is he supports Celtic!

Next up was Ron, entering to his usual ‘I predict a riot’ by the Kaiserchiefs (one of my favourite songs). As usual, Ron was greeted to a fantastic reception and plenty loud cheers. Ron looked well, and for me, it was great to see him again. After a brief but comical interview, it was game on.

Frame 1
As Ron broke off, Phil Yates pointed out that Ron is unbeaten in the league for 23 matches, his last defeat way back in January 2005. Would he make it 24?. He was certainly favourite to do so. John’s first attempt at a pot was a long way off but was fortunate to leave nothing on. After a few missed half chances from both players, Ron potted a cracking opening red, which soon became a 38 break, and would likely have been much more but for a terrible kick on the green. I’ve noticed Ron is already playing some shots left handed. The frame remained scrappy and Ron wins on the yellow, after John fouls, already needing a snooker.
Frame score: 63-27 (1-0 to Ron)

Frame 2
First chance to John, but he didn’t make the most of it. A few minutes later Ron had John in a spot of bother. After two unsuccessful safety attempts (both called miss), John, aware that another miss would forfeit the frame, smashed the reds and fluked one in the middle pocket, from which he made a 44 break. This puts John 60 up with 59 on the table. Ron concedes a few shots later.
Frame score: 12-72 (1-1)

Frame 3
John gets in first again and plays a nice shot, splitting the reds from the brown, but only manages to make 37. A great safety shot from Ron forces an error from John, from which Ron pots a good middle distance red, but only manages to make a 12 break. A poor safety shot moments later from John lets Ron in again, and Ron duly obliges with a lovely break of 68 to win the frame.
Frame score: 80-37 (2-1 to Ron)

Frame 4
Ron pots a great long red off John’s break off shot and lands perfect on the black. Ron starting to look good now, things look ominous for John. Five minutes later its frame over. Ron makes a quick-fire ton (120), and fouls on the pink. Fantastic stuff, that’s more like it Ron. (His unbeaten streak now 24 games)
Frame score: 120-6 (3-1 to Ron)

Frame 5
John makes a careless mistake from Ron’s break off and leaves Ron an easy red. John looks a little out of sorts tonight, not really settled, maybe he just needs a little time to adjust to stop clock etc. Ron breaks down on 30, little unlucky not to be on a red after going into the pack. John pots a nice red but again breaks down quickly, only scoring 5. Ron makes another 30 break (C’mon guys, I see better scoring down my local) hehe. Another chance falls to Ron, this time it’s a frame winner.
Frame score: 83-38 (4-1 to Ron)

Frame 6
Ron in first with a 25 break, mistake lets John in but again he doesn’t capitalise, only making 7. Ron makes a 90 clearance, game over!
Frame score: 108-7 (5-1 to Ron). C’mon the Rocket!!! oops.

Quick interview from Ron at the end, seemed pleased with win, and why not eh. Played very well in last few frames, and its always good to beat John, 5-1 was a great start. £6000 also not bad for few hours work mate, that’s erm, £5980 more than I make!

So, a great opening night to this years’ league. Good to see Jimmy play well in a high quality match. Ron’s match proved a little scrappier but still a great start in his defence of the title, carrying on from where he left off in last years competition. John struggled but I’m sure he’ll come good in his next few matches.

Anyway that’s it from me folks, until next time. I thoroughly enjoyed week 1 of the league and look forward to next week. Next up for Ron is Stephen Hendry. Bring it on!!

Report by Cessy

Betfred Premier League
Aberdeen Exhibition Centre

23rd November 2006

Ronnie 3-3 Graham Dott

Referee: Paul Collier
Commentators: Phil Yates/Neal Foulds

Tonight we come to the final matches in the group stage of this season’s Premier League with Ronnie hoping to make it 20 unbeaten games in this format and to add to the record breaking £87,000 that he won in last year’s competition. He has a good record against Graeme Dott, the current World Champion, having won 10 out of their last 13 meetings. However, in last year’s World Championship semi final Graeme beat him 17:11 and the evening ended up with Ronnie giving away his cue to a lucky young lad in the audience. Ken Doherty had already gone down 5:1 to an in form Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry had drawn 3:3 with Ding Junhui.

Frame 1
Ronnie breaks using his loop bridge and after a couple of safety shots by both players Dott has his first chance, he rattles the jaws with his opening red resulting in a short lived premature round of applause from the audience. Ronnie has a go at the same red and drops it in. He follows with a black, red and a long pink to the green pocket. It looks promising. He breaks down on 31 after getting caught in the pack, cannoning off the black and plays safe. Dott misses twice, attempting to roll into the pack off of two cushions. The third time he goes the other way but ROS rolls him straight back. Another safety exchange. Dott takes a terrific long red and then snookers Ronnie behind the green and brown. Ronnie tries a four cushion escape – a foul and a miss. He then tries another four times. On his sixth attempt he tries a different way out, going up and down with the rest but leaves one on. Dott seems to have a frame winning opportunity and puts together a nice break of 43 before missing a black. I thought the frame was over but Ronnie has another chance. Unfortunately he misses the red and Graeme makes a break of 27 to take the first frame 47:91. I have to say Graeme looks quite solid and in good form.

Frame 2
Dott breaks knowing that he only needs one of the remaining frames to avoid meeting Ronnie in the semi finals next Saturday in Manchester. A safety exchange ensues and Ronnie misses his first chance. Graeme returns the favour by leaving one over the pocket. Ronnie gratefully accepts and subsequently plays the black onto an adjacent red which drops in the corner. Ronnie looks stunned and puts his hand to his head and cannot believe what he has done. I’ll ask him about it when I speak to him but I can only presume it was a sudden loss of concentration. The reds are nicely split and Dott steps up and puts together a nice solid 79 to take the frame 1:86. Ronnie is 2 nil down. Phil Yates commented that in his opinion he thought other players owed Ronnie a debt in that Ronnie is “pure box office”. Not wishing to sound biased but he is the man who puts bums on seats at the moment (my words this time not Phil’s!).

Frame 3
ROS uses a loop bridge to break. Graeme takes a nice red but leaves himself tight on the black. He elects to play safe into baulk. Ronnie misses his first attempt on a red and Dott again steps up and puts together 25 points. He asks for the pink to be respotted, composes himself and makes 35 and plays safe leaving himself 36 points to zero ahead. Another quality safety exchange begins with the audience showing their appreciation. Ronnie takes a lovely red to the middle and makes 16 points before missing a straight forward red to the corner. He seems to have gone off the boil a little. Dott comes again with a frame winning 67 break leaving himself 3:0 up with the scores at 16:103 - Ronnie is struggling and is suddenly playing for a draw.

Frame 4
Dott breaks and immediately leaves Ronnie with a chance which he misses – its just not happening tonight. Dott makes three points before snookering himself behind the yellow, rolls nicely into the pack and another safety exchange. Its interesting that Ronnie’s safety seems to be working reasonably well but his potting is letting him down – that doesn’t often happen. Dott leaves one over the pocket and Ronnie plays a very strange shot and leaves one over the middle pocket. It seems to me like his snooker brain isn’t switched on tonight. Fortunately Dott misses it. Ronnie’s in and suddenly it looks like he’s finding his rhythm. He makes an awkward 84 leaving the scores at 84:8 before missing a red and swinging his cue at the blue in frustration giving Dott a consolation of 5 points. Frame scores now 3:1 and Ronnie looks disappointed with himself at missing out on another ton and another grand.

Frame 5
ROS plays a great tight break, Dott rolls into the pack and a safety exchange ensues. ROS takes a chance with a long red to the green pocket which rattles the jaws leaving one onto the middle for Graeme, which Graeme rattles in reply. The Rocket is in, takes a red and yellow before missing a straight forward red into the green pocket. Another safety exchange ensues before Ronnie rattles yet another red in the jaws. Dott is in again but can only put 6 points together before also rattling a red. Ronnie takes an “exquisite” long red to the green pocket, stunning for the black (Phil Yates’ words – not mine but I agree!). He moves onto 24 and goes into the pack but does not get good position. His recovery shot, however, a red to the middle, was pure class. He misses the final red to finish on a break of 88 points and goes in off with the cue ball. Not to worry its 3:2.

Frame 6
Graeme’s break leaves a half chance but Ronnie refuses and plays safe. A safety exchange by both players finds Ronnie looking at a red over the left middle but it’s a very fine cut. Ronnie calls time out which is the first time out by either player. Quite surprising seeing as we have reached the sixth frame. He drops the red but no way can he control the cue ball and has to play safe off the yellow. More safety before Ronnie drills a long red to the corner. The referee, Paul Collier, calls a touching ball on the brown and Ronnie takes the blue to the middle. He puts together 6 points before potting a red to the bottom right, pink to the bottom left and the cue ball in the middle all in one go leaving the score at 7:6 (John Virgo eat your heart out!). Another long safety exchange. Dott gets a chance but unluckily gets a huge kick. The Rocket is in again and puts together 6 points – more safety. Both players look disinterested in the frame and Ronnie suggests a re-rack, Graeme agrees. Lets try again.

Frame 6 (Re-rack)
Dott breaks and it’s a cracker (who let Frank Carson in on this website?) and leaves Ronnie snookered tight behind the yellow. Ronnie’s escape comes off two cushions but it’s a foul and a miss. His second attempt leaves a red on for Dott which he takes and he’s around the black spot. Fortunately for our man he can only put together 30 points and lets out a big sigh as he walks away from the table leaving the score at 0:34. Ronnie replies with 8 points before missing a long red to the green pocket. Graeme plays safe. Ronnie lets the stop clock run down incurring a 5 point penalty before playing safe. I must confess I didn’t understand this myself as he had two time outs left and it was the final frame. It further reinforces my opinion that Ronnie left his snooker head in the hotel room this evening. I’ll make mental note to ask him when I next see him. A safety exchange follows before Ronnie takes a great long red followed by a blue and another red. Unfortunately, he gets a kick on the following black. Dott takes a nice red to the middle and puts together 11 points leaving the score at 15:50. Ronnie plays safe into the baulk area and another safety exchange ensues. Although his progress into the semi finals was assured before the start of this evenings proceedings Ronnie is obviously anxious to make it 20 unbeaten matches in the Premier League. And he’s in. He puts together 26 points before forcing a red into the green pocket and cannoning onto the remaining red on the side rail rolling it away from the cushion and over the top pocket giving us a glimpse of what we all love about him. He finishes the break on 64 points and, after very strange match seems relieved to walk away from the table at 3:3.

In my opinion (bearing in mind my highest break is on average 9!!) it seemed to be hard work for the Rocket tonight, possibly knowing that he was already through to the semis affected his concentration, but I prefer to take the view that he’s saving it all up for next week.

Throughout the whole group stage only four matches had ended in 3:3 draws leaving next Saturday’s line up seeing Ronnie facing that gentleman of the game, Steve Davis and Dott facing the people’s champion, Jimmy “The Whirlwind” White.
It’s interesting to note that both the provisional World No. 1 and the official World No. 1 are both out of the tournament. I look forward to next weekend – I’ll be up there, come and say hello.

Dean

Betfred Premier League
November 16th - SECC, Glasgow
Ronnie 4-2 Stephen Hendry

Ref – Paul Collier
Commentators – Clive Everton and Neil Foulds

Ronnie, introduced to “I predict a riot” by The Kaiser Chiefs again, enters the arena sporting a new shorter hair cut and the website logo on his shirt.
Firstly, Ronnie is asked if he is here to win, after all he is already guaranteed a place in the semi finals, “Of course I’m here to win” says Ronnie, “I have not come all this way just for the fresh air…..” Both players say it will be a difficult match, both say their opponent is a hard one to beat, high praise from both players.

Frame 1
Ronnie gets the first frame underway using the loop bridge. Stephens first shot is a loose safety leaving a lovely long red for Ronnie, he takes it and is on the black, the reds are spread nicely and as Ronnie pots red then black then red then black 147 is mentioned by the commentators, £25,000 is the prize. In the interview before the match Ronnie says he would love a 147, he’s been getting them in practice but has not had one in competition for a while. It is not to be on this occasion though as Ronnie catches a red wrongly and loses position on the black sending the white into the middle pocket ending his break on 65, not enough for the frame. Stephen places the white in the D but his safety shot leaves a second long red for Ronnie, on 8 points Ronnie misses but leaves nothing on for Stephen. A third long red of the frame for Ronnie and with a score of 82 points he misses the black, Stephen concedes and Ronnie puts his first frame of the night on the board.

Frame 2
Stephen breaks in the second, Ron hits a loose safety catching a red he didn’t need to and leaves a long red which Hendry takes. Stephen misses the black off it’s spot sending the black to the baulk end of the table. Ron takes a red and with the black difficult goes for a long green, straight in the pocket sweet as a nut. He then pots a nice red with the rest and is on the black. Kisses into the reds to break them but loses position and misses a red to the middle pocket while on 15 points. Stephen pots to the left bottom corner and up for a baulk colour, back down for the next red but misses the next black having scored 6. The next red goes to Ronnie who then takes the blue on into the green pocket, however he is not on a red so goes for safety after taking 6 points. Stephens safety shot leaves a red over the pocket for Ronnie, it goes in, but the blue does not, the cue ball kisses the brown and runs into baulk. Safety from both players and this frame is a very scrappy affair. Ronnie is struggling with the next shot and the clock is ticking down, Ronnie lets it run out and incurs a 5 point time foul. Neil asks Clive if he would have called a time out here rather than give away 5 points, Clive says maybe Ronnie wants to save his time outs for later and it’s only 5 points, however, Clive states he would have used one of his time outs. Stephen puts Ronnie back in again but the clock has not restarted until Ronnie points it out. Shot clock gets going but Ronnie still misses the red 4 more points to Stephen. After all this time the frame scores are level as 22 points each. Ronnie's second attempt nestles on the red on the bottom cushion, more safety from both players. More pots and misses by both players finally sees Ronnie taking the last red and remaining colours to the pink to take the frame 51 points to 35. 2-0 to The Rocket.


Frame 3
Ronnie breaks, loop bridge again. First chance of the frame falls to Stephen but he misses and leaves Ronnie in. He takes the red but is not on the black, tries a long blue to the green pocket, another miss. Stephens’s safety leaves the white near the yellow pocket but Ronnie takes on a long red to the right corner and in it goes. Ronnie misses a left handed pink while on 13 points but only leaving a chance of a double for Stephen. Hendry, the commentator’s state, is not known for taking on doubles and duly misses. Another scrappy frame as shots are taken on by both players. A chance for the rocket and racks up 13 points before attempting to go into the pack and missing a left handed red. Stephen takes the red left over the bottom pocket but not on a colour and snookers Ronnie behind the brown. Neither player seems to be able to take their chances in frames 2 and 3 and so for Stephens highest break in the match has been 8 points, scoring 45 points in all in the 3 frames. Ronnie finally manages to string a break of 41 together and takes the frame 68 – 3 to keep his unbeaten record in the league.

Frame 4
Stephen breaks off, first chance in this frame to Ronnie by the misses a long red by a mile and leaves the white short of the baulk line. Hendry takes his first time out of the match to study the lie of the balls more closely. He takes a lovely long red, Clive says “that’s more like it,” and he’s on the pink. 16 points and Stephen splits up the reds nicely, continues on to 38 points and splits the reds again. A really nice fluent break of 87 ensures Stephen gets his first frame with no reply from the rocket. Frame score now 3-1 to Ronnie.

Frame 5
Another loop bridge sees Ronnie starting the next frame but catches the blue on the way back up the table and is lucky not to leave anything for Stephen. Ronnie’s next safety catches the red too thin and the white jarred in the jaws of the bottom pocket leaving the cue ball at the business end of the table. Hendry takes a red but taking a colour is not easy, the blue goes in but position again is not there and misses the next red. Ronnie overcuts a red but doesn’t leave anything on for Stephen, excellent safety shots follow from both players, however Stephen plays a safety shot short and leaves a long red for Ronnie, another miss and again leaves nothing. More safety, more misses from both players and until finally a miss by Ronnie leaves Stephen in amongst the remaining balls and finally takes a chance to rack up a break of 56. Here he takes his second time out to ensure his break continues and with a score of 4-78 Stephen comes within a frame of taking a draw. 3-2 to Ronnie.

Frame 6
The final frame and Stephen gets it underway. Ronnie plays containing safety from which Stephen puts the white tight on the top cushion. Thin safety from Ronnie leaves Stephen a long pot but he misses his next shot, a pink from it’s spot to right centre and it’s Ronnie in amongst the balls this time. After hardly potting a ball in the previous two frames Ronnie looks to be happy to be potting, breaks the pack up well and continues an easy looking, frame winning break, a lovely kiss on the final two reds allows him to take frame ball, final frame score 84-5.

Match score 4-2 to The Rocket

No final interview with either player tonight, Sky must be running late. Stephen will find it hard to qualify for the semi finals tonight and must win his last match and hope other scores got his way. Ronnie consolidated his place in Manchester in two weeks time. Have a safe trip home Ronnie, well done!

Jo

Betfred Premier league
November 2nd - Ronnie V Steve Davis
Venue: Plymouth Pavilions

Referee: Paul Collier
Commentators: Phil Yates and Neal Foulds

Week 7 in the BETFRED Snooker Premier League sees Ronnie up against the Nugget who some consider a veteran of the sport but there’s still a lot of life in the old dog yet. Ronnie’s recent pedigree in the competition is second to none having gone 18 consecutive matches without a loss – his most recent defeat being 4-2 against the Whirlwind two years ago.

The first thing I notice, as Ronnie makes his entrance is the website logo on his shirt. I was especially pleased to see it as I was up until 1.00am last night sewing it on (and believe, me I’m no tailor!!).

In the pre-match interview both players spoke highly of each other and there’s obviously a lot of mutual respect.

Frame 1
It’s Ronnie’s break and before he can get down on the table the first shout of “mon Ronnie” rings out followed by a “mon Steve” – it sounds like the crowd is good humoured tonight. The last time the two met was the semi-finals in Manchester last season which the Rocket won 5-3 with breaks of 136, 100, 116 and 85.
After a short safety exchange and Steve takes first blood. He rolls up behind the green and Ronnie finds himself stuffed already. He tries a four cushion escape, foul and a miss – back it goes – but his second attempt is good. A miss by the Nugget leaves Ronnie with a chance. He starts off with the red and blue and follows with a lovely two ball plant to the corner. He gets a vicious kick on the pink when on 36 but it goes in. It turns out to be the first of many kicks this evening. He recovers and continues the break including a nice cannon off the black when on 66 to open the last three reds. Another kick when on 82, he misses a red to the middle – 88 points it is and 1-0 to Ronnie in six minutes.

Frame 2
Steve breaks. Ronnie plays a weak safety shot but Steve cannot capitalise taking the red but missing the following black. Another safety exchange results in Steve going in off with the cue ball. Ronnie puts the cue ball in the D and plays safe. Steve makes an attempt on a long red but misses and leaves Ronnie a chance. Ronnie’s in again but runs out of position having amassed 18 points and is forced the play safe. Steve does likewise and another missed pot by Ronnie. The Nugget plays an uncharacteristic bad safety shot and leaves one on which Ronnie drops into the yellow pocket. He puts another 20 on the board before missing a long red to the green pocket.

Steve’s on a long red and the crowd shows it’s appreciation with a round of applause. Everyone respects the Nugget and the people watching tonight are no exception. He goes on to make a nice 45 but unfortunately leaves Ronnie on one and in good shape to finish him off in this frame. Ronnie takes the red and the black and gets a vicious kick and finishes with a great snooker. Another round of applause by the appreciative crowd. A great escape by Steve until the yellow rolls right over the middle pocket – fortunately for him it is tight against the right hand jaw.

It’s still game on. Ronnie misses and Steve gets another kick on the yellow and asks for the cue ball to be cleaned. The 25 shot clock continues to run as you have to have the ball cleaned in your own time – referee, Paul, gets it back on the table in double quick time. The green flies in with the score on 58-48 but Steve goes in off dropping the cue ball in the middle – very unlucky and a groan from the crowd. The green comes back up on it’s spot with Ronnie needing only the green, brown and blue to secure the frame. Not a problem, it’s 2-0 – but just for good measure he doubles the pink into the middle. He doesn’t bother with the black over the pocket as it’s frame over.

Frame 3
Phil Yates comments that the score in their past meetings runs at 14-6. The highest break in the tournament is 124, made by Ronnie, and he’s already had two tons in this series. (I’m sure Phil wont mind me borrowing his stats as he supplied the information on our biography page – cheers Phil).

Ronnie breaks and Steve rattles the jaws of the pocket with his first red. Ronnie drops his opening the pack up but misses a green to the middle. Steve replies with a nice red and again shows his tactical class rolling up behind the green. Another three cushion escape by the Rocket – so close but a foul and a miss. Likewise, his second attempt but not so close this time. His third attempt comes off four cushions which Steve follows with another great safety shot. Not quite good enough though as Ronnie takes a fantastic red into the corner pocket – unfortunately he follows through in off with the cue ball. A missed red by Steve with the cue ball kissing the blue lets the man from Chigwell in – red, black, red but unfortunately cannons onto the black rolling it onto the top cushion. Silence from the crowd as he rolls it in – great shot. He goes onto to make a 23 before missing the blue – the score is now 24-14.

Steve takes his chance but misses the black on 17, Ronnie’s straight back amongst the balls with the reds all available – it’s a frame winning chance. He loses some control over the cue ball and runs out of position so lays a snooker behind the brown. He seems disappointed not to have closed the frame out. The referee calls a foul and a miss as Steve contacts the black leaving the Rocket on. A red followed by the blue into the yellow pocket with the rest is frame ball - 28 ahead and just the colours, worth 27, remaining. Yellow, green, brown and blue disappear from the table before a missed pink makes it 72-30 and 30.

Frame 4
This is a important frame. If Ronnie wins this he’s got a place in the semi’s not to mention a possible £50k winners cheque plus frame bonuses is looming on the horizon.

Steve breaks and gives a good spread on the reds, Ronnie plays safe. Davis takes a tremendous long red and is on the black when something in the crowd disturbs him. He calls his first time out. Even under pressure it’s taken in good spirits – you come to expect nothing else from this man. It reminded me of Ray Reardon joking with the crowd in the 70s (for those of you who remember the 70s!). He takes a couple of seconds to compose himself and stop grinning before continuing. The break continues with another kick and yet another kick when on 23. Lady luck isn’t shining on Steve tonight. He runs out of position and plays safe on 28. Ronnie’s safety shot leaves him another half chance and Steve calls his second time out. A missed red leaves the cue ball tight behind the brown, Ronnie taps the table several times with his cue in appreciation before attempting a two cushion escape. A good shot but leaves a red along the cushion which Steve accepts – he’s now in around the black spot but runs out of position and misses a red on 16. The score is now 0-44.

Ronnie misses a long red to the green pocket giving Steve another chance – he calls his third time out (you’re allowed five time outs in total in the match and three in any one frame) and takes the opportunity with a little light banter with Paul Collier. After some though he decides to play safe. Yet another kick leaves a red on for the Rocket but unfortunately he misses. Steve is once again in with a chance to finish the frame off but a straight forward missed black when on 32 leaves him 66 ahead and 67 on the table. He shakes his head in disappointment. Ronnie takes a red but has no choice on a colour he has to take the black to tie the frame. A difficult shot along the cushion and it stays between the jaws. Steve takes a red and the hanging black then plays to the crowd again by deliberately fouling the red attempting to steer it into the middle pocket with his cue. Another laugh from the crowd.

Frame 5
It’s 3-1 to the Rocket. A short break while the referee changes the cue ball by player’s request. This one looks even worse than the original being very white and both Ronnie and Steve agree to play with the original kicking white.
Ronnie breaks and Steve immediately takes a lovely long red to the corner followed by a blue. He has that look on his face that says he’s really enjoying his snooker. He accumulates 22 points and he’s trying to repeat his feat against Jimmy White when he came back from 3-1 down to even the match. A safety exchange sees Ronnie playing far too strong a shot but he’s saved by the jaws of the green pocket. Steve uses his fourth time out before playing a good safety shot – though a touch fortunate. Ronnie then calls his first time out of the evening and tries to delicately roll up to a red by the middle – a foul and a miss is called by the referee. The Nugget opts to play this one and plays a great pot into the corner which the crowd appreciate. Ronnie seems to have gone off the boil a little bit and Steve is in again but only manages to put another 12 on the board. Ronnie replies with an attacking safety shot coming up behind the green. Steve comes back at him with a great two ball plant but again he’s unlucky and snookers himself. He escapes and replies with a touch of genius nominating the yellow and coming off of the baulk cushion to tuck in behind it and leave Ronnie in trouble. Ronnie’s first attempt is a two cushion effort which he misses but plays a great second shot – another safety exchange ensues. Steve misses a pot and another safety exchange – Ronnie finally breaks the deadlock followed by a black into the middle to leave the score 8-43 before missing a red. His long distance potting seems to be letting him down this evening. Steve is in again and gets another kick on the pink while on 24 there’s now a 59 difference with Ronnie needing four reds and four blacks plus all the colours to tie the frame. He has a half chance red but misses, the Nugget doesn’t and, although he misses the yellow, Ronnie stays in his seat and it’s 3-2.

Frame 6
The final frame sees the Nugget breaking off. Ronnie definitely needs this one as he’d like to leave himself under no pressure in his up coming games against Hendry and Dott.

Ronnie’s in again with a great pot to the middle followed by a black and then opens them up. This time it looks like he means business and it doesn’t go unnoticed that with the spread of the balls the maximum is on. Does he go for the max or does he take the sensible route and just secure the frame. Everyone obviously wants the 147 but the frame is more important and he takes the blue instead. It’s his third ton of the series and he goes on to make 108 before missing the yellow after snookering himself leaving it in the jaws of the pocket after doubling it three times – he takes the match 4-2.

In the post match interview he again looks in great spirits and it’s a pleasure to see him enjoying his snooker.

Ron, if you’re still awake, speak to you tomorrow – I fancy you’re going to have a few messages on the board to answer!

Dean

Grand Prix Quarter final
October 27th - Ronnie v Neil Robertson

Ref: Michaela Tabb
Commentators: Willie Thorne and John Virgo

The commentary team start off by saying that Neil Robertson has never reached the semi final of a ranking tournament in his career so far and that he will have to be at his very best to beat Ronnie who has been playing extremely well so far this week. With hindsight.....

Frame 1
Neil gets the first frame underway getting the cue ball tight on the top cushion. A couple of safety shots later Ronnie gets a very thin contact on the red he was aiming for and leaves the white halfway up the table by the right middle pocket. A good chance for Neil to pot the first red which he takes easily only to end his break on 31. Ron goes for a red which he misses and leaves another chance of a red to the right corner for Neil which again he takes on. Virgo says Neil is a very good player, can be tactically naive at times, but will certainly win a tournament in the near future. Neil has made a very good start to the match making another 32 break and with the score on 0-63 and needing a snooker Ronnie stays in his seat. First frame to Robertson.

Frame 2
Ronnie breaks off in the second frame and after a poor safety shot from Neil Ron gets his first points on the board. However, a bad bounce of the bottom cushion leads to safety having scored only 4. Another couple of safety shots each and Ron has a chance at a long red which he sinks and is on the black. Another bad bounce off the cushion leaves Ron very close to the black but he manages to keep the break going, his score climbs to 46 when he misses a red, to the right corner, by a mile. The reds at this stage are spread all over the table, Neil takes one to the right centre and starts to claw into Ron's lead. He takes all the remaining reds, however misses the yellow while on 38 points. Safety from both players on the yellow ball which, somehow, Neil manages to fluke to the bottom right corner, gets a sweet kiss on the blue and finishes perfect on the green, he takes the rest of the colours needed to overtake Ronnie's score and takes the second frame.

Frame 3
Robertson starts the next frame, he takes on a long red and misses leaving a fine cut back to the left corner for Ron. Willie comments that the tables are playing very fast and the white runs on too far, on a break of 5 Ron is out of position. Neil gets another chance of a long red which he takes this time however runs out of position having scored 10. Ron's turn for a long red to the left corner but is not on an easy colour, he manages to take the yellow but the cue ball ends up close to the middle cushion and he misses the next red, only 3 points scored. Neil takes some time over his next shot as Virgo says one mistake, when playing Ronnie, could be his last. The red down the left side goes in the corner pocket and it's not looking too good for our man today. Hold on, Neil misses the black off it's spot on 23 points giving Ron a chance to nick a frame back as the balls are well spread. Ron takes his chance and with a break of 69 pulls a frame back, it's now 1-2.

Frame 4
After a long 5 minute break out of the arena Ronnie comes back in with a file and proceeds to work at his tip for a few seconds before breaking off. Neil rolls the white to nestle on the pack of reds but leaves one on for the Rocket who rattles in a break of 36 before losing position and snookering Neil behind the green. Neil tries to nestle on the reds again but hits the pink firs