2015 World Championships - Discussion Thread

[CaledonianCraig]

First topic message reminder :

So another world championship at The Crucible is upon us. Who will emerge victorious and be crowned the world champion? For me a lot depends on the early rounds. Players who will get better as the tournament goes on I feel will be the likes of Neil Robertson, Mark Selby and John Higgins so them avoiding an early exit will put them right in contention. Obviously, Ronnie O'Sullivan will be one of the favourites and his chances will hinge on avoiding top notch match play players ie Mark Selby and John Higgins in the latter stages. Ronnie is at his best in matches against expansive shot players who play an open game and whose misses leave chances. This year it is wide open I think so here is hoping we have a great fortnight of snooker. Enjoy and start discussing here when the matches get under way........

[CaledonianCraig]

Superb break from Murphy. He really looks solid as a front-runner. He leads 6-4 and its another century break. The record for centuries at The Crucible draws nearer to being broken.

[CaledonianCraig]

A chance missed by Bingham and Murphy takes advantage and weighs in with another century (what a pot on that blue) and leads 7-4 now and re-instates his three frame lead.

[CaledonianCraig]

In Frame 12 Bingham has had a handy lead but it is Murphy who ends up winning it to round-off a perfect mini-session for him. He has won all four frames and leads 8-4.

[CaledonianCraig]

Bingham needed that frame badly and pockets it with a 70+ break. Murphy leads 8-5.

[CaledonianCraig]

And Bingham pulls another one back with another big century break and Murphy leads 8-6. That is a record for centuries at The Crucible in one year.

[CaledonianCraig]

Bingham on a roll again and reels off another frame (his third in a row) and Murphy's lead is cut to 8-7.

[CaledonianCraig]

Murphy bounces back with his own big break to take the next frame and leads 9-7. One frame left to play tonight. One Bingham needs to keep him very much in touch.

[CaledonianCraig]

And Bingham with a break of 67 gets that crucial final frame of the day and overnight Murphy leads Bingham 9-8. Beautifully poised.

[Josiah Maiestas]

Bingham is much better than he gets credit for. Scoring well against Dott, Ronnie, Judd and now Murphy Shaun will be glad he's ahead but much more to do from here

[CaledonianCraig]

Yes JM. Love his attitude and his tears - it shows he cares and wants this badly. Jeez I hope the Beeb have a big box of Kleenex at the ready for the famous post-match interviews if Stuart does win.

[FootballLight]

I've got a keen interest in Snooker and have watched every major event (and some minor events) for the last 8 years or so now and I think it is quite a fascinating sport whereas some people argue against this being a sport. But I'm not looking to get into that.

A small bit about myself, I'm well known on a couple of boards around here (Football and Sports Gaming) but all for the wrong reasons 90% of the time. I'm formerly from the opposite site JA, before I was banned from there for various reasons. I did take strong interest in Snooker over there and I will continue to do so here. So, for the benefit/mishap for some people, you can consider me a regular for most of the major events that surround Snooker. You may/may not be pleased to here that but frankly, its a free site so I'll be in and around here a lot of the time.

Its been an interesting 17 days and I personally hope Bingham wins this, not just because he is probably the least known/underdog going into the Final but because as someone rightly pointed out, he maybe doesn't get the credit he rightly deserves. Even before this tournament, I didn't know a great deal about him but I'm sure he will be moved up the ranks here. Although, as much as I want Bingham to win this, I can't really look beyond Murphy. Head says Bingham, heart says Murphy. Also, Murphy is one of my favourite Snooker players as he controls the table and his pots are very good indeed.

So, I'll be in on the action throughout most of today and again, any other major events. I'd actually be grateful enough to let me stay after my track record on previous boards.  

[FootballLight]

I've got a keen interest in Snooker and have watched every major event (and some minor events) for the last 8 years or so now and I think it is quite a fascinating sport whereas some people argue against this being a sport. But I'm not looking to get into that.

A small bit about myself, I'm well known on a couple of boards around here (Football and Sports Gaming) but all for the wrong reasons 90% of the time. I'm formerly from the opposite site JA, before I was banned from there for various reasons. I did take a strong interest in Snooker over there and I will continue to do so here. So, for the benefit/mishap for some people, you can consider me a regular for most of the major events that surround Snooker. You may/may not be pleased to here that but frankly, its a free site so I'll be in and around here a lot of the time.

Its been an interesting 17 days and I personally hope Bingham wins this, not just because he is probably the least known/underdog going into the Final but because as someone rightly pointed out, he maybe doesn't get the credit he rightly deserves. Even before this tournament, I didn't know a great deal about him but I'm sure he will be moved up the ranks here. Although, as much as I want Bingham to win this, I can't really look beyond Murphy. Head says Bingham, heart says Murphy. Also, Murphy is one of my favourite Snooker players as he controls the table and his pots are very good indeed.

So, I'll be in on the action throughout most of today and again, any other major events. I'd actually be grateful enough to let me stay after my track record on previous boards.  

[CaledonianCraig]

Bingham levels with a break of 87 and it is 9-9.

Welcome aboard FootballLight. I like my snooker and I agree I see this as a sport - why not? People will try saying it is a game but for me games are stuff like Monopoly, Cluedo, Scrabble, Mouse Trap (showing my age there) and others.

Enjot the Final and look forward to your views.

[temporary21]

9-9. Stuart must have been so buoyed by his first days performance. The match starts again now

[CaledonianCraig]

This frame could be pivotal. Murphy missed a sitter when in amongst the balls and Bingham now edging to the frame with a growing break. If he wins this frame he will lead in the final for the first time.

[CaledonianCraig]

And Bingham takes the frame even though Murphy had another bite or two of the cherry. For the first time in the match he leads 10-9.

[temporary21]

Murphy under the microscope for the first time.

[CaledonianCraig]

Whisper it quietly....Bingham on a maximum.

[FootballLight]

Appreciate the introduction there thanks a lot.

Very interesting now that Bingham takes the lead. A possible 147 is exactly what he might need here, its still on...

[CaledonianCraig]

Bingham wraps up the frame but maximum still on. Ten reds and ten blacks.

[CaledonianCraig]

14 reds, 13 blacks....best of luck Stuart.

[CaledonianCraig]

Awww what a shame. Great effort. 14 reds and 14 blacks and it ends. Bingham leads 11-9.

[Josiah Maiestas]

Shouldve played for the double to the mid still a top effort. 2 frames ahead now

[temporary21]

2 frame lead, and in the balls again after another Murphy miss. Getting exciting

[CaledonianCraig]

Mercurial snooker at the moment from Bingham. He's on his way to winning eight of the last nine frames.

[CaledonianCraig]

And Bingham seals another frame and he now leads 12-9. The question is now what has Murphy got left in the tank?

[FootballLight]

Things are looking bad now for Murphy. He's still got a chance, but he has to win this frame now.

[CaledonianCraig]

He cannot afford to slip any further behind but he looks shell-shocked. The break has come at a good time though and he may be able to clear his head. You feel he must win three of the next four frames.

[FootballLight]

Well has Bingham won 7/8 or is it 8/9 frames now in this final? If he can do it, I'd be sure Murphy can. He needs it big time.

[CaledonianCraig]

That will help Shaun a lot. First frame after the interval and he takes advantage in it with a break of 59. Favourite now to win it.

[CaledonianCraig]

And that long pot on the red should seal the frame for Shaun. He trails 12-10.

[CaledonianCraig]

Bingham back in the groove again and a cool break in one visit takes the frame and he leads 13-10.

[temporary21]

Is Stuart guaranteed at least level into the evening session now?

[CaledonianCraig]

Cracking long pot from Shaun and he has a chance to hit right back here. And yes temporary21 Bingham is guaranteed to be ahead going into the last session.

[CaledonianCraig]

Murphy hanging in there and great break of 84 considering him being under the cosh. He takes the frame and trails 13-11

[Josiah Maiestas]

If Shaun missed that first red he would probably be 14-10 down, nicely done. We will have a tense session tonight

[CaledonianCraig]

Great opening red from Bingham there and he has a chance to take the final frame of the session.

[CaledonianCraig]

And Bingham continues to score heavily and a break of 57 and a lucky run of the ball makes him warm favourite for the frame.

[CaledonianCraig]

A chance for Murphy to take the frame from under Bingham's nose.

[CaledonianCraig]

Hmm Murphy forcing it too much misses a green. Safety shot was on there to leave Bingham in trouble but Bingham now takes the frame and goes into the final session leading 14-11.

[Josiah Maiestas]

Scoring has been too good, even jealous Ronnie fans can't argue with the way this has been played. Would be nice to have a cagey frame

[CaledonianCraig]

It has been a tremendous standard JM. Like Hendry said it is like two boxers seeing who can punch the other one harder. Great stuff. I have a feeling this could go down to the wire.

[FootballLight]

Bingham is well in control now. Murphy needs to realistically win 3/4 at minimum to have a good chance if he can get momentum going ion the evening session. But, he has to win the first frame really, if he doesn't, Bingham should cruise through then. But, its not over until its over, still a lot of table time to be played yet. However, it will be very interesting to see if Murphy can pull this one off. He can do it, he just has to do it now.

But, all credit to Bingham now, even if he doesn't win this. Still done extremely well.

[CaledonianCraig]

Okay almost time for the final session of the championship.....

Will it be Kleenex at the ready for Stuart or will Shaun get his second world crown? Time will tell.

[CaledonianCraig]

First chance of the evening goes to Murphy. Good chance this.

[CaledonianCraig]

A missed chance but 33 on the board.

[CaledonianCraig]

And Murphy takes the frame and he hauls it back to 14-12.

[CaledonianCraig]

Great long pot from Murphy and he is in first again.

[CaledonianCraig]

Murphy breaks down on 6 and Bingham in with a chance here.

[CaledonianCraig]

A fabulous break of 102 under pressure there and had to manufacture that break as well. Bingham takes it to lead 15-12.

[Sponsored content]