World Snooker Championship 2021

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1st Round Draw:

Ronnie O’Sullivan (1) vs Mark Joyce
Ricky Walden vs Anthony McGill (16)
Ding Junhui (9) vs Stuart Bingham
Jamie Jones vs Stephen Maguire (8)

John Higgins (5) vs Tian Pengfei
Sam Craigie vs Mark Williams (12)
Mark Allen (13) vs Lyu Haotian
Kurt Maflin vs Mark Selby (4)

Neil Robertson (3) vs Liang Wenbo
Ali Carter vs Jack Lisowski (14)
Barry Hawkins (11) vs Matthew Selt
Gary Wilson vs Kyren Wilson (6)

Shaun Murphy (7) vs Mark Davis
Martin Gould vs Yan Bingtao (10)
David Gilbert (15) vs Chris Wakelin
Liam Highfield vs Judd Trump (2)

Soul Requiem wrote:

CaledonianCraig wrote:Cracking session between Bingham and McGill last night. In the eight frames there were three centuries (1 from Bingham and 2 from McGill) plus  two breaks in the 90s, one in the 80s and two in the 70s. An array of great shots with the long potting from McGill something to behold rubbishing this boring tag. McGill leads 9-7. It outshone action on the other table between Robertson and Wilson where Wilson battled back to 8-8 in a nervy affair.

One session doesn't alter my opinion of him.

Fascinating. He turfs out the champion coming from behind in the process and is boring. On top of that, the pundits who I put far more stock in their opinion, he played in one of the most remarkable matches seen at The Crucible in the semis last year. Doesn't sound boring to me. Mark my words if Ronnie had potted the range of long pots McGill did yesterday they'd still be clearing up The Crucible's cum stains now.

Wilson off to a flier this morning with two big breaks to lead Neil Robertson 10-8.

CaledonianCraig wrote:

Soul Requiem wrote:

CaledonianCraig wrote:Cracking session between Bingham and McGill last night. In the eight frames there were three centuries (1 from Bingham and 2 from McGill) plus  two breaks in the 90s, one in the 80s and two in the 70s. An array of great shots with the long potting from McGill something to behold rubbishing this boring tag. McGill leads 9-7. It outshone action on the other table between Robertson and Wilson where Wilson battled back to 8-8 in a nervy affair.

One session doesn't alter my opinion of him.

Fascinating. He turfs out the champion coming from behind in the process and is boring. On top of that, the pundits who I put far more stock in their opinion, he played in one of the most remarkable matches seen at The Crucible in the semis last year. Doesn't sound boring to me. Mark my words if Ronnie had potted the range of long pots McGill did yesterday they'd still be clearing up The Crucible's cum stains now.

You are entitled to think differently, i'm at no point saying that you cannot enjoy watching McGill play, I however do not and I don't see that changing any time soon. You seem to have this complex with regards to O'Sullivan, every argument leads back to him, almost like the snooker equivalent of Godwin's law.

Wilson piling on the agony for Robertson with another 60+ break and Robertson looks a beaten man as he goes 11-8 down. Selby in cruise control leading Mark Williams 8-2 now. Not out of the question that he can get this done a session early.

Soul Requiem wrote:

CaledonianCraig wrote:

Soul Requiem wrote:

CaledonianCraig wrote:Cracking session between Bingham and McGill last night. In the eight frames there were three centuries (1 from Bingham and 2 from McGill) plus  two breaks in the 90s, one in the 80s and two in the 70s. An array of great shots with the long potting from McGill something to behold rubbishing this boring tag. McGill leads 9-7. It outshone action on the other table between Robertson and Wilson where Wilson battled back to 8-8 in a nervy affair.

One session doesn't alter my opinion of him.

Fascinating. He turfs out the champion coming from behind in the process and is boring. On top of that, the pundits who I put far more stock in their opinion, he played in one of the most remarkable matches seen at The Crucible in the semis last year. Doesn't sound boring to me. Mark my words if Ronnie had potted the range of long pots McGill did yesterday they'd still be clearing up The Crucible's cum stains now.

You are entitled to think differently, i'm at no point saying that you cannot enjoy watching McGill play, I however do not and I don't see that changing any time soon. You seem to have this complex with regards to O'Sullivan, every argument leads back to him, almost like the snooker equivalent of Godwin's law.

And you have what's known as fanboyism with Ronnie O'Sullivan. To you snooker began when he started playing and will end when he hangs up his cue. Anyone that dares beat him you take a dislike to. That is your prerogative but there are snookers fans who are fans of the sport not just one player who appreciate all styles and all types of player.

I'm interested where this O'Sullivan fanboyism comes from, he's far from my favourite player but do throw your toys out the pram yet again.

I started watching Davis, White and Hendry in the early 90's which progressed through Doherty, Williams and then Paul Hunter. Always had a fondness for Joe Swale, anyone who could reach multiple world semi finals with that cue action has my admiration as well as players like Hawkins who has made the absolute most of his ability. The elegance of Marco Fu amongst the balls is also worth watching, let down by a lack of cue power but a top player nonetheless. I've never really bought into the Judd Trump hype, a quality player but i've never liked his attitude, seems a bit entitled to me.

So since i've started watching Snooker there are at least nine players I would choose to watch before O'Sullivan, some fanboy.

Soul Requiem wrote:I'm interested where this O'Sullivan fanboyism comes from, he's far from my favourite player but do throw your toys out the pram yet again.

I started watching Davis, White and Hendry in the early 90's which progressed through Doherty, Williams and then Paul Hunter. Always had a fondness for Joe Swale, anyone who could reach multiple world semi finals with that cue action has my admiration as well as players like Hawkins who has made the absolute most of his ability. The elegance of Marco Fu amongst the balls is also worth watching, let down by a lack of cue power but a top player nonetheless. I've never really bought into the Judd Trump hype, a quality player but i've never liked his attitude, seems a bit entitled to me.

So since i've started watching Snooker there are at least nine players I would choose to watch before O'Sullivan, some fanboy.

Apologies to you then Soul Requiem.

I am a non-conformist. I go against the grain if you will of the populist theory. Everyone raves about Ronnie and how we must all love him turns me right off him. Same with all other forms of entertainment. People say Mrs Brown's Boys is superb and I must watch - sorry no not for me. The more people try to railroad me into something I go against it. It irks when I read reports raving about Ronnie and how he won five frames on the bounce and superb comeback but people seem to ignore the fact that in the same match I think McGill won six frames on the bounce without hailing the achievement. Credit where credit is due I say.

Anyway back to the snooker and Selby looks unstoppable this year. He is 10-2 up and still on course to win this a session early. Wilson, with a mix of solid breaks, help from Robertson and outrageous run of the ball is a frame away from the semis leading 12-8.

Apologies again Soul.

Kyrem Wilson is the first man through to the semis beating form man Neil Robertson 13-8. Robertson was bitterly disappointing for some reason in all departments in the match. Wilso put in a solid display and won comfortably in the end and he awaits Judd Trump or Shaun Murphy in the semis.

One balance Robertson was fortunate to win three frames yesterday evening, his game completely disappeared and Wilson did enough to capitalise without being in top form himself. With Robertson, the moment his break building fails him he has very little to fall back on, his safety and tactical game isn't up to scratch which is highlighted over the longer format.

Mark Williams wins his first frame of the day with a 70+ break but cannot convert early chances in frame 14. Selby in and looking set to make it 11-3.

Robertson's struggles at the Crucible since winning it back in 2010 really are a bit of a mystery. Just one semi-final in eleven attempts since then, which is shocking for a player of his capabilities who has won so consistently elsewhere across the tour. Quite a few first round exits, too.

He often arrives in Sheffield in great form and looks the man to beat in his first couple of matches before completely flopping under the pressure of expectation. It's not that he lost today - it's that you could visibly see the confidence draining out of him, and that he basically didn't show up when it got to crunch time. Very strange indeed.

Obviously he's got nothing to prove - he's won it all and the standard of his game when he's in top form speaks for itself. But he'll definitely go down as the greatest player to have 'only' won it once if he doesn't redress the trend. Nothing wrong with having the same amount of world titles as guys like Parrott, Doherty, Ebdon, Bingham etc. but based on his overall achievements and ability he should be looking up to try and get closer to the Selby, Williams and Alex Higgins types with at least two before he retires.

88Chris05 wrote:

Obviously he's got nothing to prove - he's won it all and the standard of his game when he's in top form speaks for itself. But he'll definitely go down as the greatest player to have 'only' won it once if he doesn't redress the trend. Nothing wrong with having the same amount of world titles as guys like Parrott, Doherty, Ebdon, Bingham etc. but based on his overall achievements and ability he should be looking up to try and get closer to the Selby, Williams and Alex Higgins types with at least two before he retires.

I actually think Robertson is massively over rated because of his consistent ability to score centuries, the rest of his game isn't of the standard of Selby, Higgins or O'Sullivan who have won the bulk of the titles during his time. One world title seems about right on balance, the only titles that truly matter for me in these discussions are the triple crown. There is a big difference between a semi final over 11 frames at the UK and a quarter final over 25 at the worlds, requires a different skillset.

O'Sullivan- 20
Hendry- 19
Davis- 15
J. Higgins- 9
Selby- 8
Williams- 7
A. Higgins- 5
Robertson- 5

I'd argue that gives a fairly apt representation of overall ability.

I liken The Crucible in many ways to the Grand National (of old). In the old days when the fences took some jumping you had national specialists who you could guarantee you'd get a good run for your money. Horses that took to the fences and rose to the occasion. The Crucible is like that too. Some great players never quite take to The Crucible and under perform such as Ding, Maguire and such-like. Other players perhaps less lauded excel and raise their game at The Crucible. I think Robertson tends to be a shrinking violet there now whereas you have the likes of Bingham, McGill and others who really revel in The Crucible and raise their games.

Meanwhile, Mark Selby marches on. He is now 12-3 up with one frame to play in the session and if he wins that he wins the match a session early and earns a rest before the semis.

Hard to see who is going to stop Selby winning a fourth title. McGill looks like being his biggest potential stumbling block, has the all round game to hang in there whilst I can't see any of the other three having the tactical game to trouble him over 35 frames.

And Selby gets it down with a session to spare beating Mark Williams comprehensively 13-3. Selby will take some stopping here.

Like I said yesterday, I think Selby is nailed on to be in the final now and once he's there, I can only see Trump stopping him. Don't like any of McGill's, Bingham's, Murphy's or Wilson's chances against him in a four session match. If Trump doesn't make the final (not absolutely guaranteed though he probably should) then Selby is going to win this title relatively comfortably, I think.

88Chris05 wrote:Like I said yesterday, I think Selby is nailed on to be in the final now and once he's there, I can only see Trump stopping him. Don't like any of McGill's, Bingham's, Murphy's or Wilson's chances against him in a four session match. If Trump doesn't make the final (not absolutely guaranteed though he probably should) then Selby is going to win this title relatively comfortably, I think.

Yes I tend to agree with you. Selby has been very strong in all departments. If, as I expect, he plays Trump in the final I can see him tying him up in knots tactically and picking off the big breaks to take the title - his fourth world title.

Selby was outstanding this morning. Will be tough to stop him now as the longer games suit his tactical style and superb safety game.

Robertson will be highly disappointed - didn't expect him to triumph this year as, despite his good form going into the event, the Crucible is normally a struggle for him. That said, I did expect him to beat Wilson, and I certainly didn't think he'd lose five from five this morning!

McGill and Bingham locked at 10-10. Trump-Murphy tied at 6-6.

Bingham coming on much the stronger today and playing solid match play snooker freezing McGill out a great deal and stormed to a 12-10 lead. McGill has clawed back the 23rd frame and now trails 12-11. On the other table world No 1 Judd Trump is up against it going into this evening's final session. He trails Shaun Murphy 10-6. Murphy looking the more dangerous player in amongst the balls.

Tense QF between Bingham and McGill. Into the 24th frame and McGill takes a tactical 24th frame to level at 12-12. We have a deciding frame.

One of those matches that it was a shame there had to be a loser. Bingham wins 13-12 to set up a semi-final against Mark Selby. A cracking match that ebbed and flowed, However, he'll have his work cut out against Mark Selby.

Well played, Stuart. Good luck in the next round though. Selby has looked different class from the rest.

McGill was a qualifier who made the semis last year, now Bingham's done the same. Good win for him, made the most of his purple patch when he won five straight frames, then held his nerve in the decider.

But he'll need to raise his game substantially to beat Selby.

Murphy defeats Trump. Goodness me. That's the three leading favourites (according to the odds) for the tournament all put out before the semi-final stage.

Selby v Bingham
Murphy v Wilson

So three of the four quarter finals saw the underdog triumph in them. Maybe we shouldn't be giving Selby the trophy with a bow on it just yet...

Bingham-McGill was a really good match overall and McGill is becoming a bit of a favourite of mine these days. I like his plucky, positive attitude and although he's not quite gone as far this year, in a way I think his Crucible performances this year have rubber stamped his credentials and proved that last year's semi final spot was no fluke. Did very well to withstand the O'Sullivan fightback and produced some great stuff in the second session against Bingham. Even though he lost the match, he really didn't do too much wrong and for the second year running might be counting himself a shade unlucky to go out the way he has. Played a very gutsy, positive shot on the brown in the decider and couldn't have hit it any better, but didn't get the luck which would have made it a possible match winner.

88Chris05 wrote:So three of the four quarter finals saw the underdog triumph in them. Maybe we shouldn't be giving Selby the trophy with a bow on it just yet...

Bingham-McGill was a really good match overall and McGill is becoming a bit of a favourite of mine these days. I like his plucky, positive attitude and although he's not quite gone as far this year, in a way I think his Crucible performances this year have rubber stamped his credentials and proved that last year's semi final spot was no fluke. Did very well to withstand the O'Sullivan fightback and produced some great stuff in the second session against Bingham. Even though he lost the match, he really didn't do too much wrong and for the second year running might be counting himself a shade unlucky to go out the way he has. Played a very gutsy, positive shot on the brown in the decider and couldn't have hit it any better, but didn't get the luck which would have made it a possible match winner.

I fully agree. He really does great pulling off pressure long range pots and when he is under the thumb. He may find himself back to having to qualify for the Crucible next year given his precarious ranking though.

Shaun Murphy take a bow. He seems to get a lot of negative press amongst fans but loved his open and frank interview after completing his win against Trump. Also his reaction at getting the win as he left the arena last night I think was one to obnoxious Trump fans almost saying: 'Get it up you.'

I fancy Murphy to beat Wilson in his semi BUTTTTT he will have to avoid the inevitable dip after the Trump win but could be negated somewhat by, perhaps, Wilson suffering the same dip after the high of beating Robertson. I foresee a slow start with an edgy low key first session as a result. In the other semi I have to go for Mark Selby although Stuart Bingham is a great competitor. For the Ballrun to win frames he may have to push the boat out and go for more 50-50 shots to get in and build frame-winning breaks. For me though Selby just has too much a well-rounded game and will get the job done.

Selby is very well-placed now. Should he make the final his game matches up very well to Murphy or Wilson. His great safety will frustrate either of those players and starve them of good chances and force them to go for more outlandish shots and that is when he will pounce in my opinion.

A strange first session of the Selby/Bingham semi with both players unhappy with the way the cushions were reacting. Selby went into the mid-session interval leading 3-1 and the cue ball was changed. Bingham then took control and won three frames on the bounce to lead 4-3. Final frame of the session just underway.

CaledonianCraig wrote:A strange first session of the Selby/Bingham semi with both players unhappy with the way the cushions were reacting.

This seems to happen every year once we move to the one table set up, should settle down tomorrow.

A tight final frame of the session was taken by Mark Selby and it ends at 4-4.

A weird start too in the other semi. Murphy looked good in taking the first frame but then the wheels came off. He mishit shots and was wafting his cue in frustration as Wilson looked the far more solid and composed of the two and takes a 3-1 lead into their break. Murphy needs to settle.

Kyren Wilson has control of his semi. He leads Shaun Murphy 6-2 and Murphy will need to regroup and have a much better day today to resurrect his challenge. Selby needs to up his level too. Although level at 4-4 he has yet to hit a one visit frame winning break - quite a change for centuries galore in his previous matches.

Bingham and Selby locked at 6-6 at their second session mid-session interval. Bingham proving what a tough competitor he is but you feel Selby will be happy in the knowledge he is level without finding top gear.

Top gear potentially engaged, back to back centuries to lead 8-6.

Soul Requiem wrote:Top gear potentially engaged, back to back centuries to lead 8-6.

Yes back-to-back 134's and then a total clearance of 127 from Bingham and now in the final frame of the session a tighter frame. First chance to Selby but breaks down in the 40s and Bingham hots back with a break of 51 but leaves the last red on. Selby clears up to take a 9-7 lead into this evening's third session.

Huge miss from Bingham in that final frame. The difference between 8-8 and Selby being in control at 9-7. Took a while to get going, but those last four frames were of high quality.

Wilson doing OK at 10-4 up, the last frame sealed with another century. Murphy may already be beaten.

Duty281 wrote:Wilson doing OK at 10-4 up, the last frame sealed with another century. Murphy may already be beaten.

Agree. Murphy has somehow won the penultimate frame of the day and trails 10-5. I feel he must win this last frame of the session to keep faint hopes alive.

Murphy, from 46 points down, snatches the 16th frame and boy did he need that. He still trails 10-6 but at least it keeps his slim hopes alive. He must up his levels tomorrow though a lot more. He has disappointed so far but in fairness Wilson has been dominant. I still think Wilson has this in the bag but at least Murphy has kept this semi-competitive.

In this evening's session Selby resumes leading Bingham 9-7. If Selby wins this session he wins yhe match. Imperative for me that Bingham, at the very least, shares the session but preferably wins it to get back level or into the lead.

Sublime start to the session by Stuart Bingham. Levels it at 9-9 with a century break and a gallant attempt at a maximum.

Incredible stuff from Bingham tonight.

No surprise Selby stinking out this 19th frame and taking the fizz out of Bingham's momentum. Nearly 25 mins without potting a ball. Massive frame

Bingham wins a thrilling hour and 3 minutes long tactical frame on the black ball to edge back ahead 10-9. That frame had everything. It could prove a pivotal frame.

Bingham playing truly superb snooker here. Scoring big, no miss snooker and has the cue ball in complete control and looks to be about to win his fourth frame of the four this evening. It looks like being 11-9 to Bingham at their mid-session interval. Selby has to regroup as he is getting blown away.

Sheer brilliance from Bingham tonight. Wins all four frames and leads 11-9. Selby absolutely rattled. Even when Selby tried to stink out the 19th frame, Bingham still overcame it.

The ref also warning Selby about time wasting was a joy to watch

Selby has been brilliant throughout the championship but it's not pleasant seeing him resort to old habits again.

Selby is the Novak Djokovic of snooker. If he could take an injury timeout, he would.

This 24th frame is quite an event. Surely not a re-rack at 63-4 Bingham, but can't see it being resolved quickly.

OK, it's resolved, Bingham is the hero of Sheffield, even if Selby won't immediately concede while needing 5 (!) snookers.

It's over. 13-11 at the interval.

I'd almost forgotten why I disliked Selby as a player, but now I remember. It's because he can be an ultra-negative clown, sucking all joy and excitement from the game. Almost as if he's on a mission to make snooker less popular than lawn bowls.

Was a bit embarrassing seeing Selby carrying on when needing five snookers, not sure why he alienates himself so much.