Play Matthew Stevens And Win Tickets

Former UK snooker champion Matthew Stevens will be on hand tomorrow 31st January at the Newport Indoor Market in the High Street.

Fans have the chance to play the star and a chance to win tickets for the upcoming Welsh Open between 11am to 4pm.

The rules are as follows. You must score 20 or more points in a frame to win a pair of tickets to the event, running from the 16th to the 22nf February at the Newport Centre.

O’Sullivan and White Snooker Exhibition at Trim

Snooker legends Ronnie O’Sullivan and Jimmy White will be playing an exhibition of Snooker at the Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim

It will take place on Wednesday 28th January.

Ronnie will also be showing off his new Masters title, which he won a few days ago.

Local players will have a chance to play Jimmy White and see a match between the 2 stars later on.

Both players will be available for autographs throughout the evening.

Tickets are priced at 35 Euros and are available through the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim on (086) 8211302.

Davis, Doherty and Stevens out of China Open

The qualifying event at Prestatyn for Snookers China Open 2009 is now over.

Looking at the results, we see that some former Top 16 players will not be heading for China. They include Steve Davis, Ken Doherty and Matthew Stevens.

Steve Davis lost 5-2 to Stuart Pettman. Davis could only manage a high break of 54, while Pettman had highs of 109 and 99.

Ken Doherty got hammered 5-0 by rising star Judd Trump. It seems hard to believe that Doherty was ranked number 1 only a few seasons ago. Trump had high breaks of 62 and 60.

Matthew Stevens lost a close match by 5-4 to Rod Lawler. Lawler’s high breaks were 70, 70 and 62.

Meanwhile, there were good wins for other former Top 16 players. Nigel Bond, Stephen Lee, John Parrott and Mark Williams all go to China.

The China Open will be from 30th March to 5th April 2009.

Snooker China Open 2009 Qualifying Results

Here are the complete Snooker results for the 4 qualifying days for The China Open 2009.

24/01/09

Dave Harold 5-4 Jimmy Michie
Ken Doherty 0-5 Judd Trump
Michael Judge 4-5 Ricky Walden
Nigel Bond 5-1 Jamie Burnett
Steve Davis 2-5 Stuart Pettman
Matthew Stevens 4-5 Rod Lawler
Stephen Lee 5-3 Jin Long
Stuart Bingham 2-5 John Parrott
Dominic Dale 1-5 Gerard Greene
Mark Williams 5-4 James McBain
Jamie Cope 5-3 Mike Dunn
Anthony Hamilton 5-1 Patrick Wallace
Barry Hawkins 0-5 David Gray
Ian McCulloch 3-5 Michael Holt
Fergal O'Brien 5-4 Andrew Higginson


23/01/09

Jimmy Michie 5-4 Andrew Norman
Judd Trump 5-3 Kuldesh Johal
Ricky Walden 5-1 Andy Hicks
Liang Wenbo 0-0 Robert Milkins
Jamie Burnett 5-3 Scott MacKenzie
Alan McManus 3-5 Stuart Pettman
Adrian Gunnell 2-5 Rod Lawler
Tom Ford 4-5 Jin Long
John Parrott 5-3 Robert Stephen
Gerard Greene 5-1 Andy Lee
Dave Gilbert 4-5 James McBain
Mike Dunn 5-1 Atthasit Mahitthi
Rory McLeod 4-5 Patrick Wallace
Marcus Campbell 3-5 David Gray
Michael Holt 5-4 Aditya Mehta
Andrew Higginson 5-4 Martin Gould


22/01/09

Andrew Norman 5-4 Stephen Craigie
Barry Pinches 4-5 Kuldesh Johal
Andy Hicks 5-2 Simon Bedford
Robert Milkins 5-1 Andrew Pagett
Mark Joyce 3-5 Scott MacKenzie
Stuart Pettman 5-2 Peter Lines
Rod Lawler 5-4 Daniel Wells
David Morris 1-5 Jin Long
Liu Song 4-5 Robert Stephen
Paul Davies 2-5 Andy Lee
Mark Davis 2-5 James McBain
Ian Preece 3-5 Atthasit Mahitthi
Joe Delaney 3-5 Patrick Wallace
David Gray 5-3 Lewis Roberts
David Roe 1-5 Aditya Mehta
Martin Gould 5-1 Li Hang


21/01/09

Lee Spick 4-5 Stephen Craigie
Kuldesh Johal 5-0 Michael Georgiou
Simon Bedford 5-4 Liu Chuang
Paul Davison 2-5 Andrew Pagett
Scott MacKenzie 0-0 Declan Hughes
Peter Lines 5-0 Chris McBreen
Daniel Wells 5-2 Wayne Cooper
Jamie Jones 2-5 Jin Long
Supoj Saenla 1-5 Robert Stephen
Matthew Selt 3-5 Andy Lee
James McBain 5-0 Stefan Mazrocis
Matthew Couch 2-5 Atthasit Mahitthi
Patrick Wallace 5-3 David Grace
Lewis Roberts 5-2 Vincent Muldoon
Rodney Goggins 3-5 Aditya Mehta
Jimmy White 3-5 Li Hang

Snooker The Masters 2009 Selby v O’Sullivan

Mark Selby 8 - 10 Ronnie O’Sullivan

In a highly anticipated final, Mark Selby took on Ronnie O‘Sullivan.

After the first four frames, O’Sullivan had a 1 - 3 lead in this mini session. Selby had started slowly and looked a bit nervous. O’Sullivan knocked in a 68 in frame one but Selby soon knocked in an impressive 82.

The next mini session of four frames was a reversal of the first with Selby taking it 3 - 1 to end the afternoon session at 4 - 4. Selby went 4 - 3 up and had a lead for the first time with breaks of 76 and 50. However, O’Sullivan won the eight with a brilliant clearance after Selby stumbled on a break of 53.

The all-important evening session started in frame nine. The frame went back and forth with O’Sullivan winning it on a fluked red that travelled the full length of the table and ended in the yellow pocket.

Later, Selby won three in a row with big breaks of 101, 89 and 114 to take a 7 - 5 lead after being behind.

O’Sullivan fired back with an 110 break which helped him regain the advantage and a 7 - 8 lead before Selby drew back it make it 8 - 8.

By now, a tired looking Selby missed a chance in the next and the score became 8 - 9 to O’Sullivan.

The final frame started unusually with two re-racks before O’Sullivan clinched the title with a break of 55.

All in all, I think this was a great quality tournament, especially from the quarter finals onwards. It was nice to see, after the fairly poor quality of play throughout the UK Championship in December.

We now move on to the Welsh Open, which will be 16 - 22 February.

Highest Breaks:
Selby 82, 76, 50, 53, 41, 101, 89, 114, 55, 69, 49
O’Sullivan 68, 40, 101, 48, 53, 43, 110, 55

Snooker The Masters 2009 Maguire v O’Sullivan

Stephen Maguire 1 - 6 Ronnie O’Sullivan

In the last semi final, Stephen Maguire took on Ronnie O‘Sullivan.

In a quick fire start, O’Sullivan knocked in a break of 102 in the very first frame.

The only other fault was in the third frame when The Rocket conceded 16 points in fouls and misses when attempting to escape from a difficult snooker.

This was Maguire’s only joy in the match, who must be disappointed after a great match with Neil Robertson yesterday. His highest break of the match was 44.

Afterwards, O’Sullivan said he was still getting use to his new cue. Not bad for someone who has only used it for an hour in practice before the tournament started?

O’Sullivan will now play Mark Selby in the final.

Highest Breaks:
Maguire 44
O’Sullivan 102, 84, 66, 136, 70

Snooker The Masters 2009 Selby v Higgins

Mark Selby 6 - 2 John Higgins

In the first semi final, Mark Selby took on John Higgins.

Higgins got in with an early lead of 1 - 2.But that’s where it ended for Higgins. Selby rattled off five frames in a row for the victory.

After the interval, which seems to have favoured Selby, the Leicester potter scored a 102 break to go 3 -2 up.

Selby scored heavily in the second half of the match with four breaks of over 60.

After the match, Selby had confessed to being nervous.

Only three players previously have successfully defended The Masters title.

Selby will now play Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final.

Highest Breaks:
Selby 52, 102, 60, 84, 82
Higgins 100

Snooker The Masters 2009 Carter v O’Sullivan

Ali Carter 2 - 6 Ronnie O'Sullivan

In the last quarter final, current World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan took on Ali Carter.

After a fairly slow start for The Rocket, the interval certainly charged him up. The first four frames were shared between the two players.

Then as Ronnie often does, he won four frames on the trot with four 80+ breaks.

As we know, Ronnie is using a new cue after smashing up his old cue a week ago.

Carter will be disappointed as he did have chances, but couldn’t capitalise on them. It is now Carters 11th loss to O’Sullivan who leads the head to head by 11 - 0.

O’Sullivan will now play Stephen Maguire in the semi final.

Highest Breaks:
O’Sullivan 66, 90, 82, 128, 115, 91
Carter 40

Snooker The Masters 2009 Maguire v Robertson

Stephen Maguire 6 - 3 Neil Robertson

In the third quarter final, Stephen Maguire took on the Neil Robertson.

The Scot Stephen Maguire lost the first two frames in his match, but hit back to take the lead 3 - 2.

Then the Australian Neil Robertson hit back with two great centuries of 122 and 100.

In a high quality and scoring match, Maguire then knocked in 105 and 113 to take the match.

The match ended with an incredible five straight centuries, two from Robertson and three from Maguire.

Having gone back to Scotland between his matches between Dott and Robertson clearly did Maguire the world of good.

Maguire will now play Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi final.

Highest Breaks:
Maguire 55, 62, 120, 105, 113
Robertson 60, 58, 97, 122, 100

Snooker The Masters 2009 Higgins v Ding

John Higgins 6 - 4 Ding Junhui

In the second quarter final, John Higgins took on Ding Junhui.

Another high standard game with both players scoring well. At the interval, Higgins was 3 - 1 up, but Ding pulled it back to 4 -4.

But from then on, John Higgins showed his experience by knocking in a great 127 to make it 5 - 4.

He then closed out the match in the next to complete a good victory.

Higgins will now play Mark Selby in the semi final.

Highest Breaks:
Higgins 55, 50, 45, 64, 43, 84, 127
Ding 63, 66, 84, 80, 72

Snooker The Masters 2009 Selby v Allen

Mark Selby 6 - 5 Mark Allen

In the first quarter final, current Masters champion Mark Selby took on Mark Allen.

This was the best match of the tournament so far, with both players scoring heavily. Coming from 2- 4 down, Selby put his foot down to level at 5 - 5.

In the final frame decider, Selby fluked a red while escaping from a snooker, but couldn’t take the advantage and let Allen back in. Allen then missed a red, probably due to nerves.

In the last frame, I feel Allen pushed the boat out too far and took on too many long shots. He could of won the match with slightly less aggressive play. But that’s the way most players play the game today.

Selby will now play John Higgins in the semi final.

Highest Breaks:
Selby 81, 57, 92, 120, 104
Allen 47, 74, 88, 48, 57, 104

Snooker The Masters 2009 Carter v Ebdon

Ali Carter 6 - 0 Peter Ebdon

In the last match of day four, Ali Carter took on former World Champion Peter Ebdon.

Carter played very well tonight, knocking in two centuries and easily beating Ebdon.

Carter started off very well was a 130 break in the very first frame. He was then quickly two up with a 57 break.

Being 4 - 0 down after the interval, Ebdon tried to force the issue by taking on a difficult red to the middle pocket and missing.

Carter closed out the match with a 64 break in the sixth frame.

Carter will now play Ronnie O’Sullivan in the next round.

Highest Breaks:
Carter 130, 57, 6, 124, 64
Ebdon 42

Snooker The Masters 2009 Hendry v Robertson

Stephen Hendry 4 - 6 Neil Robertson

In the first match of day four, Stephen Hendry took on the Shanghai Masters champion Neil Robertson.

Both players weren’t on top form and missed easy chances. Neither player managed to pull free of the other.

Finally, Robertson won the final three frames of the match.

Earlier, Robertson was on for a 147 maximum, but fell badly on a black and broke down on 97.

After the match, Robertson said he was pleased with his safety play, while Hendry conceded he made too many unforced errors and had lost his confidence.

Robertson will now play Stephen Maguire in the next round.

Highest Breaks:
Hendry 80, 61, 60, 42
Robertson 85, 97, 52, 47, 92

Snooker The Masters 2009 Day v Allen

Ryan Day 1 - 6 Mark Allen

In the last match of day three, Ryan Day took on Mark Allen.

A comprehensive win for Mark Allen as he clobbered Ryan day by 1-6. The victory came in just over 1 1/2 hours.

After Day took the opener, Allen never looked back with breaks including 119. He must take some confidence with this victory into his next round.

Allen will now play Mark Selby in the next round.

Highest Breaks:
Day 62, 45
Allen 53, 45, 61, 119, 54, 61

Snooker The Masters 2009 Higgins v Fu

John Higgins 6 - 4 Marco Fu

In the first match of day three, current Grand Prix champion John Higgins took on the UK Championship runner up Marco Fu.

Higgins made a good comeback by winning four frames on the trot to come from 2-4 down to win 6-4. John also knocked in the highest break of the tournament so far, with a brilliant 140 in frame two.

However, there was never more than one frame in it until the end and the match could have been won by either player.

The match ended with a fluke from John who knocked the black from the jaws of one corner pocket that rolled across the rail into the opposite corner pocket.

Higgins will now play Ding Junhui in the next round.

Highest Breaks:
Higgins 140, 67, 59, 69
Fu 41, 65, 77

Snooker The Masters 2009 Selby v Walden

Mark Selby 6 - 5 Ricky Walden

In the final match of day two, current Masters champion Mark Selby took on the wildcard for this tournament Ricky Walden. Selby had to fight hard to get through in a match that went through the midnight hour.

There was plenty of long safety exchanges in the match, along with some errors by both players, which explains the late finish. However, Selby did knock in a nice 100 in frame 6.

Selby has lost a few deciders this season and must be happy to go through.

Selby will mow play Ryan Day or Mark Allen in the next round.

Highest Breaks:
Selby 40, 62, 71, 40, 100, 79
Walden 44, 90, 59

Snooker The Masters 2009 Murphy v Ding

Shaun Murphy 4 - 6 Ding Junhui

In the second match of day two, UK champion Shaun Murphy took on Ding Junhui. In a good match, the current UK champ and one of the favourites to win this week is out.

Ding found a bit of form and made consistent breaks throughout. Ding knocked in a composed break of 46 in the last, which could have been more, but he missed a simple red.

Ding will play John Higgins or Marco Fu in the next round.

Highest Breaks:
Murphy 52, 53, 45, 62, 93
Ding 74, 77, 51, 41, 75, 83, 46

Snooker The Masters 2009 Allen v Trump

Mark Allen 6 - 4 Judd Trump

In the first match of the second day, wildcard entry Judd Trump took on Mark Allen. The level of play in this match was pretty poor from both players. I think Allen would be happy to get through on this performance. Both players missed easy balls.

However, there was a ray of sunshine from Trump as he scored a nice 123 in frame 9.

Mark Allen will now play Ryan Day in the next round.

Highest Breaks:
Trump 40, 55, 96, 55, 123
Allen 80, 70

David Vine passes away at 73

Just started watching the Snooker on the BBC to hear the sad news that David Vine has passed away.

He presented many sports programs over the years and most notably Snooker. He had a heart attack yesterday and died at the age of 73.

All Snooker fans will fondly remember him.

Snooker The Masters 2009 King v Walden

Result

Mark King 2 - 6 Ricky Walden

In the final match of the day, Shanghai Masters champion and wildcard entry Ricky Walden took on Mark King. After this decisive win, Walden will be looking for a good run in this tournament. This is Walden’s first time at The Wembley Masters.

Walden will be up against it when he plays Mark Selby in the next round.

Highest Breaks:
King 57, 115
Walden 65, 94, 86, 57

Snooker The Masters 2009 O’Sullivan v Perry

Result

Ronnie O’Sullivan 6 - 5 Joe Perry

In the most anticipated match of the day, in front of a capacity crowd, The Rocket Ronnie O’Sullivan took on Gentleman Joe Perry (I wonder if Joe likes that nickname). The match was a high standard with frames being won in one visit. Joe Perry I feel is the most improved player over the last few years and seems to have O’Sullivan’s number whenever he plays him.

Perry will be disappointed with this loss, as he was 4 - 5 up and in the balls in the tenth frame. In the last, he missed a pink off the spot and let O’Sullivan back in. Joe seems a bit nervy on match balls. Still, it is all experience and I’m sure Joe will come back better for it.

O’Sullivan will now face Ali Carter or Peter Ebdon in the next round.

Highest Breaks:
O’Sullivan 43, 100, 68, 118
Perry 63, 85, 63, 105

Closing stages of the Ronnie O'Sullivan Joe Perry match.

Snooker The Masters 2009 Maguire v Dott

Result

Stephen Maguire 6 - 5 Graeme Dott

In the first match of The Masters 2009, Stephen Maguire came back from a 2 - 5 deficit to win by 6 frames to 5. In a match where Dott showed good form and in which I thought he would win, Maguire rattled off 4 frames to win. Maguire knocked in a nice 68 break in the deciding frame.

Dott is now outside the provisional Top 32 and his poor form over the last few years continues. It is understandable though with his problems away from the table.

Maguire will now play either Stephen Hendry or Neil Robertson in the Quarter Finals.

Highest Breaks:
Maguire 47, 114, 49, 63, 68
Dott 106, 51

Stephen Maguire interview after beating Graeme Dott

Snooker The Masters 2009 BBC schedule

Here is a rundown of the BBC schedule for The Masters 2009, which starts later today.

Sunday 11 January
1100-2300, BBC Red Button and BBC Sport website
1330-1700, BBC Two and BBC Sport website
0020-0310, BBC Two

Monday 12 January
1100-2300, BBC Red Button and BBC Sport website
1330-1715, BBC Two and BBC Sport website
1900-2000, BBC Two and BBC Sport website
2320-0200, BBC Two

Tuesday 13 January
1100-2300, BBC Red Button and BBC Sport website
1330-1715, BBC Two and BBC Sport website
1900-2000, BBC Two and BBC Sport website
2320-0200, BBC Two

Wednesday 14 January
1100-2300, BBC Red Button and BBC Sport website
1400-1715, BBC Two and BBC Sport website
1900-2000, BBC Two and BBC Sport website
2320-0200, BBC Two

Thursday 15 January
1100-2300, BBC Red Button and BBC Sport website
1330-1715, BBC Two and BBC Sport website
1900-2000, BBC Two and BBC Sport website
2320-0200, BBC Two

Friday 16 January
1100-2300, BBC Red Button and BBC Sport website
1330-1715, BBC Two and BBC Sport website
1900-2000, BBC Two and BBC Sport website
0020-0310, BBC Two

Saturday 17 January
TBC

Sunday 18 January
TBC

Jimmy White opens Cuedos Snooker Centre in Bradford

The Whirlwind Jimmy White opened the newly refurbished Cuedos Snooker Centre in Bradford just before Christmas.

The picture shows Jimmy unveiling the plaque at the ceremony.

Famous players have played at the club in Bradford over the decades, including the 1986 World Champion Joe Johnson.

As always, Jimmy when asked said he was playing well in practice. He said he was also hoping to take his form into the qualifiers at Prestatyn in Wales.

Jimmy played several local players, including the clubs new owner who Jimmy beat with a break of 94.

For the full story, read here.

Clive Everton looses BBC commentary position

Well, it looks as if the rumours are true regarding the demotion of Clive Everton in the commentary box. The rumours started before the UK Championship in December. After a long illustrious career with the BBC, he has now been sidelined in what is described as "the way the corporation covers the sport". Other sports covered at the BBC have also made similar changes.

Personally, I would prefer 1 or 2 other changes in the box before Clive, but that's another story.

I wish Clive well for the future. You can read the full story here.

Championship League 2009 Allen through

Mark Allen won Group Two of Championship League Snooker at Crondon Park Golf Club in Essex to make it through to the winners' group in March.

The man from County Antrim lost just one match in the league stage without being at his best - then beat Ali Carter 3-1 in the semi-final.

And he showed plenty of bottle to beat last year's outright winner Joe Perry 3-2 in the final after the man from Cambridge had gone 2-0 in front with two centuries.

Perry had earlier beaten Ding Junhui 3-1 in the other play-off after the Chinese star had again topped the group after the league stage.

Source

The Masters 2009 Snooker preview

The biggest names in snooker will be fighting it out in the superb surroundings of Wembley Arena as the most prestigious invitational event on the calendar gets underway on Sunday - The Masters.

Mark Selby made his major breakthrough by winning the tournament on his debut 12 months ago, and he is back to defend his title against the best players in the game, all of which are desperate to get their hands on the famous trophy.

The top 16 in the world will be taking part, along with two wild card winners, in a unique event in snooker held in one of the best venues possible to stage a tournament.

All of the game's great names have won the Masters during its 33-year history - including Ray Reardon, Alex Higgins, Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams, John Higgins, Paul Hunter and Ronnie O'Sullivan.

The old Wembley Conference Centre was one of the most revered venues in the game, and the short trip to Wembley Arena has not affected the atmosphere one bit as crowds still flock to the special event.

"It's great to have Masters Snooker back at Wembley Arena for 2009, continuing the relationship between Wembley and this most prestigious of tournaments," said Wembley Arena manager John Drury.

Defending champion Selby will face either Mark King or wild card entry Ricky Walden in the first round proper, the 'Jester from Leicester' hopes to continue his good form this season with a repeat of his career highlight last year.

The mercurial O'Sullivan faces Joe Perry - who himself has been in impressive touch, especially in the Premier League, while Ali Carter players Peter Ebdon.

Last year's beaten finalist Stephen Lee has not made the cut this time around, such is the competition for places at the Masters.

As usual, every match is one of real quality - a point illustrated perfectly with Stephen Hendry playing Neil Robertson in the opening round, along with Stephen Maguire facing fellow Scotsman Graeme Dott.

Source

Mark Selby Masters 2008 Trophy Presentation.

Win The Masters 2009 Final Tickets

Snooker's biggest invitation tournament starts this Sunday, and here's your chance to win a pair of tickets to the final on January 18.

The world's top 16 players, including Ronnie O'Sullivan, Shaun Murphy, John Higgins, Stephen Hendry and defending champion Mark Selby, as well as wild cards Judd Trump and Ricky Walden, will be battling for the Masters trophy at Wembley Arena.

For the chance to win two tickets to both sessions of the final, name the five players who have won the Masters on three (or more) occasions.

Send your answer by email to competitions@worldsnooker.com or send a postcard to Masters Competition, World Snooker, 4th Floor, 14-16 Great Portland Street, London W1W 8QW.

Make sure you include your name and address, and send your answer by Tuesday January 13.

Source

Selby advances in Championship League

Mark Selby has booked his spot in the winners' group of the Championship League at Crondon Park, but Shaun Murphy and Ryan Day are out of the competition.

Selby was overshadowed by Ding Junhui in the round-robin phase of the tournament, with the Chinese player proceeding unbeaten through all of his six matches - winning five and drawing one - to go into the group one play-off.

But Ding then lost his play-off match 3-2 to Ali Carter while Selby - who was second out of the group of seven players after the opening games - waltzed past Joe Perry in the other play-off match.

Selby then produced a break of 133 - the best of the event so far - as he beat Carter 3-1 in the play-off final to win himself a spot in the Championship League winners' group.

Carter, Ding, Perry and Stephen Hendry will all go on to play in the group two round-robin matches which begin on Wednesday, where they will be joined by Mark Williams, Peter Ebdon and Mark Allen.

But UK Championship winner Shaun Murphy is out of the competition, as is Welshman Ryan Day. The pair each won just one of their six matches to finish sixth and seventh respectively in the group and heading out of the competition.

The Championship League consists of eight groups. Seven regular groups and then a winners group featuring the seven previous successful players.

In groups one to six, the winner of the final will advance to the winners' group. Players finish 2-5 advance into the next group where they are then joined by three new players for the next group.

All matches in the league phase are played over four frames. The play-offs and final are the first to three.

The winner of the event gets an automatic berth into the lucrative Premier League while there is also prize money on offer of £100 a frame in the regular group stage - with each semi and final being worth £300 per frame.

Source

Ding & Selby perform in Championship League

Ding Junhui and Mark Selby were the star performers on the opening day of the Championship League at Crondon Park in Essex.

Both players played four matches during the day with Ding winning three and drawing one while Selby enjoyed two wins and two draws.

They are now both on the brink of qualifying for the group one semi-finals with their 2-2 draw closing out the day's play.

Of the players in action - Ali Carter drew all four of his matches; Shaun Murphy, Ryan Day and Stephen Hendry all had two draws and a defeat from three matches; and defending champion Joe Perry is in trouble after two defeats and just one victory.

The group will be concluded in full on Tuesday.

It was a particular special day for Selby as a 122 in his 3-1 win over Perry represented the 100th century break of his career.

"I knew after the UK Championship I was in the late 90s but I wasn't thinking about getting my 100th century and didn't even know I had achieved the feat until I was told afterwards," he wrote in his latest Eurosport blog to be published on Tuesday.

The Championship League consists of eight groups. Seven regular groups and then a winners group featuring the seven previous successful players.

In groups one to six, the winner of the final will advance to the winners' group. Players finish 2-5 advance into the next group where they are then joined by three new players for the next group.

All matches in the league phase are played over four frames. The play-offs and final are the first to three.

The winner of the event gets an automatic berth into the lucrative Premier League while there is also prize money on offer of £100 a frame in the regular group stage - with each semi and final being worth £300 per frame.

Source

Fifth Premier League Title For Rocket

Ronnie O'Sullivan won the Premier League title for a fifth straight year with a 7-2 victory over Mark Selby in Norfolk.

The world champion got off to a flyer with a break of 93 to go one up and despite a missed red with the rest, a run of 70 put the Chigwell cueman 2-0 ahead.

The third frame was a scrappier affair but a break of 39 sufficed for O'Sullivan.

He quickly won the fourth as well and despite a break of 40 from Selby in the next, O'Sullivan's 61 was enough to give him a 5-0 lead.

O'Sullivan could also have won a tight sixth frame, but he missed a difficult cross-double on the pink which was game ball.

That left Selby a long pot, which he dropped in nervelessly and the black from its spot gave the 'Jester from Leicester' his first frame.

But it was back to business as usual in the next as O'Sullivan rolled in a 105 break after a Selby error. That earned him a £1,000 bonus for the century but more importantly put him five up with six to play.

Selby - who beat Stephen Hendry 5-0 in Saturday's semi-finals - hit back immediately with a run of 84 to make it 6-2.

Selby was first in the balls in the next but ran out of position and after O'Sullivan won the subsequent safety exchange, a break of 74 wrapped up the win and the £50,000 first prize for the Essex star.

Overall, O'Sullivan won £75,000 in prize money from the tournament.

O'Sullivan told Sky Sports: "It is just good to win... every time I play I feel I have to win. To beat someone of Mark's quality and calibre is fantastic for me, because he is coming after me and they are all coming after me, so I just want to keep them at bay as long as I can.

"I was happy with my form. I was scoring amongst the balls. I'm just happy because it was a final and that's where you want to produce your snooker where it matters and I was able to do that. I knew I had to do it so it's even more pleasing.

"I hadn't played great this season but hopefully this is going to turn it around and I can find a bit of consistency."

Source

Ronnie O'Sullivan trophy presentation for the 2008 Premier League.

Steve Davis backs World Series of Snooker

Snooker legend Steve Davis believes the World Series will help spread the sport's word across Europe.

Davis, 51 who has 28 ranking titles to his name, including six World Championships in his 30 year career, makes his World Series debut in Warsaw, Poland this weekend.

In the 1980s, Davis and his manager, Barry Hearn, promoted invitation events in countries new to snooker which went on to stage fully fledged ranking tournaments - including China and Thailand.

And Davis believes the game can only benefit by taking tournaments to countries where snooker has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to Eurosport's extensive coverage of the professional circuit.

"What the World Series does is to take top flight snooker to countries who have not had a great deal of exposure," he said.

"The last leg in Berlin was a huge success and, hopefully, Warsaw will be the same.

"Snooker has become a little bit stale in the UK and the aim is for Europe to become a catalyst to kick-start the game again. It's all about making the world sit up and take notice.

Source

John Higgins takes Grand Prix crown

John Higgins held off a superb comeback from Ryan Day to win his first ranking event for 18 months at the Royal London Watches Grand Prix in Glasgow.

The Scot opened up a 5-2 lead in an impressive opening session and extended it to 7-2 before Day found his form.

The Welshman, seeking his first ranking title in his third final, won five of the next six frames to get back to 8-7.

But Higgins held his nerve to win 9-7. securing his fourth Grand Prix crown and his first success on home soil.

It was the first title for the "Wizard of Wishaw" since his second World Championship victory in May 2007, and his 19th ranking title in all.

The opening session gave little sign of the drama to come as Higgins compiled four breaks of more than 50, the best an 85 in the second frame, to open up a three-frame advantage over the world number eight, who replied with breaks of 64 and 82.

That became five frames when Higgins had further runs of 62 and 52 on the resumption to make it 7-2.

"I was 7-2 up but I was feeding off Ryan because he didn't play nearly as well as he has all week - he has definitely been the player of the tournament," Higgins said.

"I knew once he got his cue arm going he would come back at me really strongly. I was just relieved to get over the line and really proud I have won."

Day rattled in a break of 69 to kick-start his revival and then won a topsy-turvy 11th frame on the black to go in at the interval only 7-4 down.

An 89 further reduced the deficit before the Welshman won a tight 13th frame on the pink to cut the gap to one.

The two-time world champion responded to the pressure to move within one of victory, only for Day to maintain the tension with an 83 to make it 8-7.

But Higgins potted a superb penultimate red to finally shake off his doughty opponent, whose search for an elusive first ranking title goes on.

Day, who also lost his previous two ranking finals, in Malta in 2007 and Shanghai last season, refused to use fatigue as an excuse after his nailbiting, final-frame semi-final win over Ali Carter on Saturday.

"I was slow out of the blocks and I could have been a bit jaded after last night but that was no excuse," he said. "I should have been better than I was today.

"I am disappointed with the result. I dug in and gave a little of my best but it wasn't quite there. John deserved to win. He was the better player on the day."

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Higgins through to Grand Prix final

John Higgins fought off a spirited fightback from young gun Judd Trump to book his place in Sunday's Royal London Watches Grand Prix final in Glasgow.

The three-time Grand Prix champion clinched a fine 6-4 semi-final victory at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.

But having established a commanding 4-1 lead, Higgins saw Trump level the match by winning three frames in quick succession.

However, Higgins dug deep at the £502,100 tournament to pull away again to make sure of a place in his seventh Grand Prix final.

"I felt a little bit under pressure at the start of the match because he had nothing to lose, but I knew that if I could hang in there and get to five frames before him I could hopefully put some pressure in the next frame.

""Luckily I had a chance and played well in the last two frames to win the match," reflected Higgins.

"It's really hard to play these young players because they all go for their shots, so it's really pleasing to get through to the final.

"I'll be the favourite now to win the tournament but, whoever I play, it's going to be a tough match."

Higgins has won 18 ranking titles during a glittering career, but surprisingly not in Scotland.

The world number five wants to change that unwanted statistic, especially in front of his family and friends.

"I'll be the favourite now to win the tournament but, whoever I play, it's going to be a tough match," added Higgins, who will face either Ali Carter, last season's World Championship beaten finalist, or Welshman Ryan Day, a two-time ranking event runner-up, in the best-of-frame 19 final.

This year's winner will pocket £75,000, while the runner-up will win £35,000.

"I do think my game is there," Higgins continued. "At the start of the match I couldn't pot eight, but I was really pleased with the way I finished the match. I'm feeling confident.

"I've lost a couple of finals up here to Ronnie [O'Sullivan], which is pretty hard to take because you've got all your friends and family here to watch you. I would dearly love to win it here.

"It's really hard to play these young players because they all go for their shots, so it's really pleasing to get through to the final.

"At 4-1 I thought he was struggling a little bit and I thought I'd probably go on to win quite comfortably.

"But he's a great talent, he pots them off the lampshades. He's going to be a great player in the future, there's no doubt about that.

"He'll just need to get used to the TV conditions, but we've all gone through that. He pots balls for fun, but if he learns the tactical side he's got a great future ahead of him."

Breaks of 79 and 80 saw Trump, the world number 41, level proceedings, but Higgins responded in style, winning the next two frames with breaks of 61 and 83 to deservedly progress.

"At 4-4 I thought I had a good chance to win it, but John made his experience count in those last two frames," said Trump.

"I didn't feel nervous, but it would have been nice to get into the final. I felt I could win this tournament.

"I needed a few chances to get going. He [John] missed a few balls and I had a good couple of breaks. I thought he would be under a bit of pressure at 4-4, but I only missed two balls in the last two frames.

"He stepped up. He's been there before [in finals], but I thought I was unlucky to miss those two shots. Maybe I'll change my shot selection next time, but I felt I played the right shots."

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O'Sullivan crashes out at Grand Prix

World number one Ronnie O'Sullivan crashed out of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix after losing 5-4 to teenager Judd Trump in a tense quarter-final.

Trump, 19, won the first two frames but O'Sullivan took a 3-2 lead, going in front with a break of 104 in the fifth.

Trump, who will now play John Higgins, levelled on the final pink and while the next two frames were shared, the youngster edged through.

Ali Carter beat Steve Davis 5-3 to progress, while Ryan Day also advanced.

Higgins beat Ding Junhui 5-3 to claim a semi-final against Judd.

Ding took a 2-1 lead but two-time former world champion Higgins levelled with a break of 71.

A frame apiece made it 3-3 but Higgins edged ahead once more before claiming the final frame with a break of 71.

I'm awful but it still doesn't stop me trying

Ronnie O'Sullivan on his present form

Day lost the first frame against Jamie Cope, but took the next five against his out-of-sorts opponent to progress.

The Welshman, who has yet to win a ranking event, fired in breaks of 129, 112, 85 and 74 to take the last four frames, Cope scoring just 56 points in reply.

Earlier, Trump, who comes from Bristol, put on a fabulous show considering the qualifier was competing in his first quarter-final in a ranking event.

"It feels brilliant to have beaten (O'Sullivan), it's the biggest win of my career by a mile," said Trump, ranked 41 in the world.

"We both struggled, but I went out there to win and I got the job done. I had chances to win 5-3 and I didn't take them, so I was glad I got another chance to win the match."

O'Sullivan, who has complained about his poor form all week, added: "I've not seen a lot of him, but he's obviously dangerous.

"He's young and he's hungry for success, but I don't want to say he's great because he's only young, he's not been on the snooker scene that long."

On his own showing O'Sullivan said: "I can't pot a ball over six foot at the moment, I have to really struggle. I'm awful, but it still doesn't stop me trying."

Having clawed his way back into the contest, Trump blew several chances to claim victory in the eighth frame and his nerves looked likely to hinder his progress.

However, it was the world champion who struggled in the final stages and a missed red to the middle pocket decided the match.

In the other afternoon's quarter-final, Davis and Carter were close to the day's second final frame decider, but Carter's early fluke in the eighth set him up for a match-winning 99.

Davis had started brightly with breaks of 43 and 42 to take the opener, but Carter bounced back to take the next three frames.

Former world champion Davis exhibited his phenomenal safety play in the fifth but Carter just edged it to get within one frame of the finishing line.

Despite a great fightback for Davis to make it 4-3, the Glasgow crowd was denied a dramatic final frame thanks to Carter's lucky red and break to ensure his impressive victory.

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Cope beats Ebdon at Grand Prix

Jamie Cope knocked Peter Ebdon out of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix in a match that ended in bizarre fashion.

Ebdon needed two snookers in the final frame but after getting them he was snookered himself and dropped to the ground in despair in Glasgow.

Cope managed to finally close out a 5-4 victory in a game which had already seen Ebdon react angrily after missing the final green as he went for a 147.

Ronnie O'Sullivan cruised to a 5-1 win over defending champion Marco Fu.

O'Sullivan, who had not been happy with his form in his first-round win, said after the victory: "I'm happier with that performance but surprised I won."

Fu hit a 116 to level at 1-1 but that was as good as it got as breaks of 57, 67 and 76 helped O'Sullivan to victory.

The second of Thursday's games was a scrappy affair, with Cope and Ebdon frequently undone by simple pots.

The most blatant example came in the second frame when Ebdon, on 122, missed a very pot-able green to end his bid for a maximum 147.

He swung his cue in a wide arc at head height to leave no-one in doubt about angry he was but that was not the most extreme reaction he was to produce.

In the final frame Cope looked set to wrap up victory as he cruised to a break of 68 before missing a fairly simple red, which left Ebdon needing two snookers.

He managed to lay a first snooker and when Cope missed a simple escape it was game on once more.

Cope then managed to get out of a far trickier snooker but handed the advantage to Ebdon by missing the yellow once more when snookered for a third time.

After a miss was called he finally escaped at the third time of asking and promptly fluked a snooker himself.

Ebdon reacted in total disbelief, dropping his cue and then chucking his chalk in the air before collapsing to the ground in melodramatic fashion.

He duly failed to escape and left the table open for Cope to finally wrap up a victory which should have been his 15 minutes before.

Ali Carter needed just 74 minutes to whitewash veteran Parrott 5-0, while Ryan Day clinched a battling 5-4 victory to dump out the current Masters and Welsh Open champion Mark Selby.

The Welsh professional pocketed breaks of 67, 62 and 55 to progress - and will now play Stoke's Jamie Cope in the quarter-finals, while Carter will meet Steve Davis.

"Steve Davis is unbelievable, to be playing top flight snooker at 51 is a great achievement," said Carter looking ahead to Friday's match.

"I'm 29, so it's going be another 22 years for me to catch him up. I can't see myself still playing snooker then. It's no mean feat for Steve."

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Hendry out to Higgins at Grand Prix

Stephen Hendry was knocked out of the Grand Prix after losing 5-2 to John Higgins in Glasgow.

The clash between the two Scotsmen - with nine world championships between them - began in close, tense fashion, with neither man hitting their stride.

Hendry often found himself coming to the table with a shot on due to Higgins's loose safety play but could not take the opening frame.

The trend continued through the next two frames. Hendry produced some impressive long pots but, after levelling at 1-1, could not prevent Higgins regaining the lead.

The match finally opened up for Higgins in the fourth frame. With the Lanarkshire-born player's 51 the highest break up until that point, he went on to score a 127, chalking up his 379th career century break and going into the mid-session interval 3-1 up.

Hendry's killer instinct looked to have deserted him, and following the break he again failed to take advantage as Higgins missed a simple pot using the cue and rest extensions. Higgins returned to the table to take the frame 112-14.

Hendry kept his hopes of survival alive by taking the next frame, but Higgins sealed his place in the quarter-final draw in the following frame.

In the afternoon's other match, China's Ding Juhui beat Michael Holt 5-2.

In the sixth frame with Holt 3-2 down, the Englishman found himself 14 points behind with just the pink and black left on the table. However, he could not force the required snookers from Ding and the Chinese went on the take that frame and the next to progress.

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O'Sullivan comesback to beat Liang

World number one Ronnie O'Sullivan recovered from a shaky start to beat Liang Wenbo 5-2 in the first round of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix.

After losing the opening two frames O'Sullivan won the next five and finished in style with a century break.

But the 32-year-old was not happy with his display in Glasgow.

"At 1-0 and 2-0 everyone must be thinking I wanted to go home. It was embarrassing, my shots were amazingly off target," said the Englishman.

"It got a little bit better, I hate losing, I'm stubborn. It still bothers me when I play like that - the thing that keeps me going is that I can play well occasionally."

Liang made the most of it as he raced into a 2-0 lead, but the world champion regained his composure and, after clawing one frame back, a 52 break in the fourth saw him draw level.

From there O'Sullivan never looked back and after the interval he edged into the lead with the help of another half-century.

After winning the sixth to lead 4-2 O'Sullivan signed off in style with a 103 to set up a last-16 meeting with Marco Fu in a repeat of last year's final, which Fu won 9-6.

In the afternoon's other match Ali Carter saw off the challenge of Dave Harold to win a close encounter 5-4.

In the next round, Carter will play John Parrott, who beat Mark King 5-3 in the evening session, while former world champion Shaun Murphy was beaten by Adrian Gunnell by the same scoreline.

Gunnell will face another ex-world champion, the legendary Steve Davis, in round two on Wednesday.

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Hendry endorses Snooker Players Union

Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry believes the formation of a snooker players' union is long overdue.

He was referring to the Association of Snooker Professionals (ASP) set up by two-time world champion John Higgins and his manager Pat Mooney.

"I don't know why we didn't have something like this sooner," Hendry.

"There have been issues down the years with players not trusting each other. Hopefully this will help us voice our concerns about how the sport is run."

Six-time world champion Steve Davis and promoter Barry Hearn have also given their backing to the ASP.

"I had a meal with Steve in Shanghai and it all sounds pretty much common sense, to be honest," said Hendry.

"There are a lot of issues which need to be dealt with. It's about time the players had more control, because there are always issues which never seem to get resolved."

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Cope knocks out Maguire at Grand Prix

Jamie Cope caused the first major upset of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix when he dumped out world number two Stephen Maguire in Glasgow.

The Stoke player cruised to a 5-1 first-round win at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre to make sure of his place in the last-16 draw.

A Grand Prix runner-up in 2007, Cope had a top break of 79 but other than that failed to make another run over 50.

The world number 20 was, however, understandably delighted with his victory over Maguire, one of the home favourites.

"I played quite solidly. I still made a couple of mistakes, but Stephen made more," said Cope.

"The 5-1 scoreline was a surprise. If he had played like he can it would have been a lot closer. Hopefully I can improve as the tournament progresses.

"I got to the final here a couple of years ago, so it would be great if I could do the same and even go one step better. I've love to have another crack at a final."

Cope won the opening frame with his composed break of 79 but neither player produced their best form in the next three scrappy frames.

It was Cope who claimed them all though for a healthy 4-0 interval lead.

Maguire rallied briefly with a break of 66 - his highest of the match - but Cope won the seventh to seal the victory.

"I did feel a little bit of extra pressure before the match, I was nervous, but I can't have any excuses," said Maguire.

"I never got going from start to finish. If you play six frames and you don't get going, then there's only one result.

"Apart from the first frame I had chances in every frame, but I gifted him two frames. I couldn't have made it any easier for him.

"I've not played as bad as that for a couple of years. I felt the match was over after the second frame, I just wanted to get out of the arena.

"There's been a lot of hype about this tournament, I really wanted to do well here in Glasgow.

"For some reason, when I got out there, I was really flat. It's the worst feeling in the world.

"But it's not the end of the world, I've only lost a snooker match at the end of the day."

China's Ding Junhui, a three-time ranking event winner, is also through to the last 16.

Junhui, who is based in Sheffield, impressed with a 5-0 whitewash of Jamie Burnett, another Glaswegian looking to make his mark in front of the home supporters.

Breaks of 75, 62, 64 and 85 did the trick for the world number 11, while Burnett's top break was only 15.

In the evening session, Mark Selby wasted little time in booking his place in the last 16.

The world number four and defending Masters and Welsh Open champion sparkled in a 5-0 whitewash of Widnes qualifier Andrew Higginson.

Three century breaks in five frames did the damage - and there was also a 68 break from Selby as he powered into the next phase.

The 'Jester from Leicester' admitted the match could have easily swung in his opponent's favour.

"I played really well, but as stupid as it sounds it could have gone against me tonight," said Selby.

"If Andrew wins the first frame, it could be a different game and I don't go on to make those three centuries."

He joked: "I was bit gutted I didn't make centuries in the other two frames!

"I played him (Andrew) in my first match of the season at the Northern Ireland. He dominated the first few frames over there, I knew he was a dangerous opponent."

Higginson, the world number 38, said: "He didn't miss a ball. I had a half chance to win the first frame, but I didn't do anything wrong after that.

"It's very disappointing, but there's not a lot you can do when someone plays that well against you."

Higginson made a break of 48 in the first frame, but lost it on the final black and Selby took control. The underdog scored just 77 points in the entire match.

Peter Ebdon, the former world and UK champion, eased into the last 16 with a 5-1 victory over Simon Bedford, a qualifier from Bradford.

Ebdon had breaks of 100, 48 and 53 to win secure his first win of the new season.

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Davis and Hendry through in Grand Prix

Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis both made the second round of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix in Glasgow after surviving final frame deciders.

Hendry began well against England's Dave Gilbert with breaks of 69 and 70 to grab a 2-0 lead, but it was level at the interval after a 123 Gilbert break.

A 98 from the Scot and a break of 88 from Gilbert took it to the ninth, with Hendry just edging it to win 5-4.

Davis, three-times Grand Prix winner, overcame Australia's Neil Robertson.

The Englishman needed just over four hours to progress, with neither player in top form at the start.

Robertson's 75 was the only break over 50 before the players finished 2-2 at the interval level.

Davis showed nerves of steel in the fifth to clear the colours and win the frame after a re-spotted black.

They traded frames before Robertson forced it to a final frame decider with a break of 80 in the eighth.

Davis claimed a nervy last frame to make the random draw that takes place on Tuesday.

"That's a big scalp for me", Davis said. "I was like granite out there, I had to be because neither of us played great.

"It was a tough one. I found the table to be very quick, I found it hard to control the cue ball.

"It was like skating on ice. Neil wasn't at his best, but I had to keep it tight. It's a very good win for me."

Hendry was also delighted to come through a desperately close encounter.

"I'm very relieved to get my first win of the season," he said. "I've had a slow start to the season and, when you're not getting the wins, panic starts to set in a little bit.

"I was just thankful David gave me the chance in the last frame - he left me a pot on a blue ball over a corner pocket. I was delighted to get through."

In the first match of the evening, Marco Fu saw off England's Jimmy Michie 5-2.

Fu, who is defending his title, fought back from being 2-0 down and continued to play magnificently after the interval.

The Hong Kong star made breaks of 139, 77 and 94 to knock off the final three frames.

England's Michael Holt had little trouble seeing off Mark Allen of Northern Ireland, 5-1, and Ryan Day beat Ricky Walden 5-4 in Sunday's final match.

Walden beat Ronnie O'Sullivan to win the Shanghai Masters earlier this month but could not repeat that form.

"I've tried my best to prepare the last few days, but it's been hard because I've still been buzzing from winning in Shanghai," said Walden.

"I had a chance in the last frame, but I didn't take it. Fair play to Ryan, he played well and deserved to win. He's a top player."

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Higgins and Perry win at Grand Prix

John Higgins and Joe Perry both won on the opening day of the Royal London Watches Grand Prix in Glasgow.

Scotland's Higgins whitewashed Anthony Hamiltion 5-0 at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, while Englishman Perry struggled to overcome good friend and compatriot Barry Hawkins 5-3.

Higgins gave his home fans plenty to savour with breaks of 97, 65, 134 and 58.

But, in control at 3-0 ahead, Perry saw Hawkins battle back to 3-3 and nearly force a decider.

Breaks of 64, 41 and 59 gave Cambridgeshire's Perry a welcome lead, but Hawkins dug deep and forced the issue with runs of 75 and 61.

Last season's World Championship semi-finalist reflected: "The scoreline said I cruising, but I never felt comfortable out there.

"We're really good friends, so it felt really strange out there. For some reason I just couldn't get going, I was a little bit nervous.

"I didn't play anywhere near my best form. But luckily the last frame went scrappy, which helped me, because I never fancied clearing up at one visit."

World number five Higgins appeared to be on top form against Hamilton. Yet despite not dropping a frame in his opening match, he is still short of confidence.

"I hit the ball okay, but I'm still not that confident. I've been struggling for the last couple of years and I'm not sure why," he said.

"I know I won the world title (in 2007), but that's the only tournament I've won in three years.

"I'm capable of stringing a few matches together, but I'm not doing that regularly enough."

"There's no better feeling than winning tournaments, and if you're not doing that then you get a bit down.

"You see other players lifting trophies and you think 'I'm as good as him'."

Higgins won a fragmented first frame, before a break of 97 saw the Scot double his advantage.

Hamilton broke down on a break of 47 in the next, and Higgins won it with a run of 65 - before breaks of 134 and 58 followed to help the 33-year-old deservedly progress.

"This is a big season for me," he added.

"I've never been one to dedicate myself to snooker in the way that Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry did. But I've still got the desire and the hunger to win titles."

Higgins does not know who he will play in the last 16 stage yet because a new random draw is being operated at this year's event, but he would be happy to miss out on a clash with crowd favourite Ronnie O'Sullivan.

"I'm all for the draw - it adds something different," he said.

"I'll be glued to the TV on Tuesday and nervous about who I'm playing next.

"Ronnie is a bit like Manchester United at the moment; he's winning most of the big events. Maybe I'm like Liverpool - I can beat the big boys on my day."

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Malta Cup will be Non Ranking

The Malta Cup will not return to the snooker calendar as a ranking event this season.

The event lost its ranking status last season but there was some hope that it would find a place on the 2008/2009 calendar.

However, World Snooker has written to the tour's players and confirmed that if it does take place it will only be as an invitational event.

"We remain in discussions about a possible invitation event at the end of January 2009 and as soon as there is any more information on this we will inform you," the letter says.

Despite being an invitational, last season's event still attracted 14 of the world's top 16 players with Ronnie O'Sullivan and Steve Davis being the only two who decided against travelling to the Mediterranean island.

Shaun Murphy won the event by beating Ken Doherty in the final.

The decision means there will be just eight ranking events this season.

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John Higgins rules in Moscow

John Higgins dominated the latest round of the World Series of Snooker as he won the Moscow event without dropping a frame.

Higgins beat Chinese sensation Ding Junhui 5-0 in the final with breaks of 73, 46, 52, 65, and 58 helping him to wrap up the victory.

The Scot, who is a co-promoter of the World Series, had previously enjoyed 4-0 victories over Israeli 14-year-old prospect Shachar Ruberg and Russia's top female player Anna Mazhirina.

Ding booked his place in the final by beating Mark Selby 4-2 in the other semi-final but found Higgins too hot in the final.

The Grand Final of the World Series will also be in Moscow next March but it will move from the Sovetov Sports Arena to the glamorous surroundings of the Kremlin.

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Graeme Dott pulls out of Moscow

Graeme Dott has withdrawn from this weekend's leg of the World Series of Snooker in Moscow because his wife, Elaine, is due to give birth at any moment.

Dott, the 2006 world champion, won the Berlin stage of the new competition in July and was due to play Russian hopeful Sergey Vasilev.

"I'm disappointed not to be going to Moscow with the rest of the lads but at the same time I'm just excited that I'm going to be a dad again," said Dott, who has a four year-old son, Lewis.

"The baby was due last Saturday so it could happen any minute now. It's the waiting for Elaine and myself that is the hardest part.

"I was looking forward to Moscow having won in Berlin which was amazing, playing in front of the best crowd I've ever experienced. But right now my priority is my family."

The World Series event in Moscow will be the first professional snooker tournament staged in the Russian capital.

It features twice world champion John Higgins, world number four Mark Selby and Chinese star Ding Junhui.

"We'll all miss Graeme in Moscow but will have our glasses charged and ready to toast the new arrival in the Dott family," said Pat Mooney, chief executive of World Series organisers FSTC management.

"There is nothing more important than Graeme, his wife and the good health of their baby.

"His withdrawal obviously means there is now an opening in the draw and we are working to bring in someone to fill that gap.

"It's not going to be a problem because players are jumping at the chance to join the World Series."

The Grand Finals of the World Series will be staged at the Kremlin next March.

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World Series Snooker Final For Kremlin

The World Series of Snooker grand final has been moved to March next year so that it can take place in the iconic Kremlin in Moscow.

The event was originally planned for an alternative venue in Moscow, but the promoters decided on the switch when they successfully negotiated the use of the Russian seat of power.

A replacement tournament will still be staged in Moscow on the original dates of November 22-23.

"It's awesome. Put it this way, it's the best venue I will have ever played in," said co-promoter John Higgins, who has already qualified for the final.

"It certainly demonstrates what this series is all about, taking the game to different countries throughout Europe."

The World Series is organised by FSTC Sports Management and broadcast throughout Europe on Eurosport. FSTC chief executive Pat Mooney has spoken of his delight at the Kremlin news.

"The chance to hold the final in the Kremlin, one of the world's most iconic buildings, was irresistible. It will be the ultimate launching pad for snooker in Russia," Mooney said

"Eurosport, who have been covering the event, and the World Series of Snooker have had thousands of ticket enquires from fans all over Europe.

"We originally fixed the final for Moscow next month but when a chance came to play it in the Kremlin in March, John and I decided we could not possibly say no.

"However, to avoid disappointment for fans an additional World Series leg will be run on the original dates towards the end of November at another venue in Moscow."

The World Series began this year and events in Jersey, Berlin, and Warsaw have already taken place.

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Higgins Wouldn't Oppose Crucible Change

John Higgins has said that he wouldn't be opposed to moving the World Snooker Championship to China and believes it is time for snooker to proactively tap into new markets.

The sport's blue riband event has been hosted at Sheffield's Crucible theatre since 1977 but World Snooker's contract with Sheffield City Council runs out in 2010 and the group's chairman, Sir Rodney Walker, admitted that the sport will "evaluate all options" when their current deal expires.

Asked if he was in favour of moving the event to China if the contract with the Crucible was not renewed Higgins told Eurosport: "Absolutely, I've just come back from playing at the Shanghai Masters and the way that the event was run was first class so why not?

"If the Chinese want to come in and make the prize pool bigger and put on a high quality tournament then we should give them the chance.

"As a sport, we have to realise that we are not big enough to stand still. Other sports can do that, they have sponsors coming to them, but we need to go out and look for it ourselves.

"The world doesn't owe us a living; when the tobacco companies were forced to pull out that was a massive blow but I think the effects of that are finally starting to sink in.

Higgins, who has won the World Championship on two occasions, was speaking from Warsaw where he is helping to promote the latest round of his World Series of Snooker which takes place in the Polish capital at the end of the month.

The series has already held events in Jersey and Germany, and will host its Grand Final in Russia before the end of the year.

Higgins said that organising events has helped open his eyes up to the different areas in the world where snooker's popularity has been criminally overlooked.

"Why is there no ranking event in a country like Germany? Your guess it as good as mine," he said after revealing that the recent World Series event in Berlin was played out before sell-out crowds.

"Since I've been getting into the organising of events I can see that the interest is there, so I just can't understand why World Snooker does not want to go into these markets.

"Instead we have to go to Newport in Wales (for the Welsh Open), which, and I don't think I'm been too harsh in saying this, has to be one of the most depressing towns I've ever been too. And the crowds there are always terrible too."

Higgins was also scathing of the policy that sees all qualifying events for ranking events held in Prestatyn, a town in North Wales with a population of less than 20,000.

"Everybody talks about Sheffield being the home of snooker and the Crucible being the most important venue but it is actually Prestatyn," he said.

"Why not have the qualifiers at least in other countries, or bring them in through the World Series?

"People in China and Europe have never even heard of Prestatyn and yet we expect them to travel to this little place in North Wales if they want to make it as a snooker player, it is absolute nonsense."

Higgins admitted that he was inspired to get involved in the promotional side of the sport due to the laissez-faire attitude of those in charge and says that he is not the only player determined to do everything in his power to help the sport grow globally.

"Basically it has been my fault as much as anyone's", he admitted.

"I was happy just being a professional snooker player, but enough is enough, and I think others players feel the same, which is why we are getting a players' association together.

"Some of the people in charge of snooker have no right to be making all the big decision on their own, and the players are waking up to that fact.

"From now own, everything that we do might not necessarily work, but at least it won't be from a lack of trying."

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Walden Rocks O'Sullivan In Shanghai Final

Qualifier Ricky Walden stunned world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan to claim the Roewe Shanghai Masters title thanks to a stirring comeback at the Grand Stage venue.

The 25-year-old landed the £52,000 top prize by winning five of the last seven frames against O'Sullivan to overturn a 6-5 deficit and win 10-8.

Walden wrapped up victory with a break of 105, his highest of the match.

The shock win gives Walden the first ranking title of his eight-year career - and he has big plans to celebrate it.

"I am now going to go to Las Vegas with my friends and really enjoy it," said the new champion.

Walden also prevented in-form O'Sullivan becoming the first man for 15 years to claim three ranking titles in a row.

"I am thrilled to bits to win my first tournament," said Walden, who now lives in Flintshire, Wales.

"I had a bit of luck, especially when I missed a few easy chances. But I managed to stay calm and I hope I can go on and achieve more now."

World number one O'Sullivan had been 5-4 in front at the interval thanks to breaks of 58, 64, 87 and 78.

Although the Rocket was not on top form, he extended his lead to 7-4 thanks in the main to a break of 108 in the 11th frame.

World number 35 Walden hit back to make it 7-6 before O'Sullivan made it 8-6.

Just when it seemed O'Sullivan was in control, Walden reeled off the next four frames to put him on the verge of a top-16 spot in the latest provisional rankings.

"I certainly want to get into that top 16 and win more tournaments," said Walden.

His run to the final included victories over Stephen Hendry, Neil Robertson, Steve Davis and Mark Selby.

Walden becomes the 16th player from outside the world's top 32 to have won a ranking event.

O'Sullivan, who collects £25,000 as the runner-up, said: "I am disappointed to lose. I played okay this afternoon but tonight I wasn't at the races. I was poor.

"Ricky played very well. He's a good player and it's good that he has won an event. I never put him under any pressure so I deserved to lose. I have still had a good week to get to the final."

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Walden And O'sullivan In Shanghai Final

World champion Ronnie O'Sullivan and qualifier Ricky Walden both staged superb fightbacks to book their places in Sunday's Shanghai Masters final.

O'Sullivan trailed Scotland's Stephen Maguire 5-4 in his semi-final but won the last two frames to snatch victory.

The Englishman produced a stunning break of 145 to win the decider.

Walden, ranked 35 in the world, came back from 4-1 behind to beat world number four Mark Selby 6-4 and reach his first major final at the age of 25.

O'Sullivan also knocked in a break of 141 and three more of over 50 in an impressive display against the world number two.


I had a bit of luck, but then I've had plenty of bad luck over my career so I think it evens itself out, but I'm happy to have some.

Ricky Walden

"I didn't play as well as I can but Stephen made it tough, so it was nice to win those last two frames and get over the line," he said.

"It was tough at times out there, I couldn't seem to find any rhythm, but my 145 in the last frame was a good way to finish the match."

Maguire said: "I had my chances, but to be honest there wasn't much I could do in those last two frames.

"It's disappointing not to have reached the final, but fair play to Ronnie because he played well, especially under pressure in those last two frames."

O'Sullivan is the clear favourite to win the best-of-19 showdown but Walden is determined to make his mark after a battling through to his first final.

The qualifier said: "I'm thrilled to bits to be in my first final but it was a real struggle out there.

"I had a bit of luck, but then I've had plenty of bad luck over my career so I think it evens itself out, but I'm happy to have some.

"To be honest, for three years in my head I've been expecting to come to events and win them, so it's good to get to a final at last."

Selby, last season's Masters and Welsh Open champion, said: "Obviously I'm very disappointed to lose from 4-1 up.

"Ricky didn't perform up to that point but after that he played a lot better."

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O'Sullivan Through To Shanghai Semis

World champion and world number one Ronnie O'Sullivan is closing in on a place in this year's Roewe Shanghai Masters final after victory over Mark Williams on Friday.

The Rocket impressed with a 5-3 quarter-final win over the Welshman at the Grand Stage and will now play Scotland's Stephen Maguire in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Maguire held his nerve and fought back from 2-1 down to edge another Welshman, Ryan Day, 5-4 in their quarter-final clash.

"It was a good match, I'm pleased with my level of performance," said O'Sullivan. "Mark is tough to beat and doesn't make it easy for you.

"He can make you sit in your chair for long periods so you have to score when you get the chance.

"I'm the oldest player in the tournament and there are many young and hungry players who can pot better than me, they are confident and believe they can win.

"But my break-building is there and if I get some momentum I can be tough to beat."

O'Sullivan started brightly with breaks of 93 and 87 for a 2-0 lead, before Williams rallied with a run of 45 to reduce his arrears.

But O'Sullivan, who is aiming to become the first player for 15 years to win three consecutive ranking titles, established a 3-1 interval lead with a cool century break in the fourth frame.

Williams compiled a 55 break to make it 3-2 before O'Sullivan added a break of 106 to restore his two-frame cushion.

A superb 128 break from Williams kept him in the fight, but O'Sullivan finished the job with a nerveless 78 run to progress.

Williams said: "It was an excellent game and it could have gone either way. I played well but Ronnie makes breaks from nowhere.

"He's probably the best player ever. I'm disappointed because I've won a few tournaments in China and if I'd got through the match tonight I could have gone on to win this one.

"If I keep playing like that I've got every chance of getting back in the top 16 for next season. Going to Pontin's (Holiday Park in Prestatyn, to qualify for events) is hard but it's something you've got to do."

The last quarter-final to finish saw Glaswegian Maguire hold his nerve to beat Day in a tense final-frame decider.

Day led 2-1, but Maguire pocketed breaks of 114 and 64 to keep his hopes of a Chinese double alive having won the China Open last season.

Breaks of 81 and 61 kept Day, last season's runner-up, in the hunt, but he missed his chance to clinch victory in the decider.

Maguire added: "It was no different to my first two games. I've been very lucky here because no-one has played well against me, and usually if I played like that I'd be out in the first round.

"I've just been falling over the line. But at least I'm in the semi-finals now, I can look forward to it and hope to step my game up a couple of gears."

Day admitted he let Maguire off the hook.

"Neither of us were fantastic, there were a few scrappy frames," he said. "I played well in my first two matches but I didn't feel sharp tonight.

"I had a good chance in the last frame but something went through my mind at the wrong time and I missed the blue."

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Maximum Man Jamie Cope Out Of Shanghai

Jamie Cope made the second maximum break of his career but it was not enough to save him from defeat against Mark Williams at the Shanghai Masters.

The 23-year-old from Stoke hit the 147 in the third frame of the match but failed to follow it up and lost 5-2.

Elsewhere, Ryan Day beat two-time world champion John Higgins by the same score to seal his place in the last eight.

Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Maguire both progressed with 5-3 wins over Joe Perry and Stuart Bingham respectively.

O'Sullivan is bidding to become the first player in 15 years to win three successive ranking titles, and only the third in history after Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis, after winning the World Championship last May and the Northern Ireland Trophy, in August.

But he went off the boil against Perry after opening up a 3-0 lead, and the match could have gone the distance had he not cleared up from green to black in the eighth frame.

O'Sullivan's frustrations were evident as early as the third frame when he let slip an expletive and was warned for swearing by referee Brendan Moore.

In a conversation between the two before the fourth, Moore told O'Sullivan he would award a frame to Perry for any further transgression.

"It was a strange game and could have gone either way so I'm delighted to get through. Joe's a good player," said O'Sullivan, who lost to Perry in the Premier League last month.

Cope became the 10th player to compile more than one maximum in professional competition.

The world number 19 from Stoke previously made a 147 in the 2006 Royal London Watches Grand Prix in Aberdeen.

His latest maximum, in the third frame of his match against Williams, should earn him £22,000, but the 23-year-old was more concerned about losing.

"I'd rather have won the match because I came here to win the tournament," said Cope, runner-up in the 2006 Grand Prix and 2007 China Open but yet to land a title.

"It's getting on my nerves that I haven't won one yet. Overall, I'm disappointed. I hope no-one else makes a 147 to share the prize money but anyone is capable of doing it."

Earlier, Steve Davis came back from 4-1 down to beat Dave Harold 5-4 and secure his quarter-final spot.

Ricky Walden matched Davis's achievement, also coming from 4-1 down to beat Australia's Neil Robertson 5-4.

World number 35 Walden made breaks of 75, 66 and 89 in the last three frames to seal his quarter-final round spot.

Elsewhere, Mark Selby beat Mark King 5-0 to set up a clash with Marco Fu, who saw off Andy Hicks 5-2.

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Top Seeds Crash Out Of Shanghai Masters

Four seeds, including local favourite Ding Junhui, were knocked out on the second day of last 32 action at the Shanghai Masters.

Ding lost a war of attrition with Dave Harold 5-3, while Peter Ebdon, Shaun Murphy and Ali Carter also all fell on an afternoon of shocks.

The form book held up in the evening session however, as seeds Ryan Day, Stephen Maguire and Marco Fu all progressed.

Harold, who reached the final of the Northern Ireland trophy already this season, just outslugged Ding in messy match that lacked real quality.

There were only three half-centuries in the match, but Harold produced the best break of the contest, a 75 effort, in the final frame to clinch his place in the next round after he had missed chances to take it the frame before.

The Stoke native will now play six-time world champion Steve Davis in the last 16.

Two-time world champion Mark Williams was the unseeded player in his match against last year's world championship finalist Carter and found himself 2-1 down early in the match.

However, he then rattled off four frames in a row to clinch victory, with an 86 in the penultimate frame representing his best break.

Stuart Bingham also had to come from behind in his match against Ebdon, as he trailed 3-2 at one stage.

He got himself back on level terms with a break of 103 and then closed out the match by winning two more frames in succession with a break of 75 in the final frame icing the match.

Ebdon had produced a 114 break in the second frame but he could never recapture that form.

"I played pretty well," said Bingham.

"Any result against Peter Ebdon, a former world champion, is a great result. I was 3-2 down then made a 100 and took confidence from that."

Meanwhile, 2005 world champion Murphy never got going in his match against Andy Hicks and paid the price with a crushing 5-1 defeat.

Hicks was in fine form throughout though with breaks of 127, 71, 57, 51, and 47 helping to guide him into the next round.

Murphy said after: "If you watched the match it speaks for itself. Andy played very well and I didn't. It's not complicated."

In the evening session, Fu took awhile to get going in his match against Anthony Hamilton but he managed to come back from 0-2 down to win the match 5-2 without ever reaching top gear.

Fu finished the match strongly but will still need to play better to dismiss Hicks who he plays next.

Similarly, world number two Maguire will be happy after progressing 5-3 over Barry Hawkins but again he will know he needs to improve if he is to challenge this week.

He saw a few too many breaks end with poor misses against Hawkins but luckily for him his opponent was suffering from a similar aliment.

"I was anxious to get over the line so I was relieved to get there in the end," said Maguire, who sunk breaks of 65, 71 and 40 in the match.

"I enjoy playing in China because it's always a good atmosphere," he continued. "Obviously, I won the tournament in Beijing last season so to repeat that and do the double would be fantastic."

One man who had no problem progressing though was Welshman Ryan Day, as he wrapped up a comfortable 5-0 demolition over local player Liang Wenbo in no time at all.

His last 16 tie with John Higgins will provide a much sterner test.

Jamie Cope received a bye when Graeme Dott was forced to withdraw with a broken arm. Cope faces Williams next.

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Jimmy White Loses To Mark King In Shanghai

Jimmy White's run to the televised stages of the Shanghai Masters has come to an end with a 5-4 defeat to Mark King in the last 32.

White had won four matches to get to the first-round proper of the tournament, but found world number 15 King too much, despite taking a 2-0 lead.

The 46-year-old White, who only narrowly avoided relegation from the professional circuit last season, looked in good shape when he led 4-3, but Romford's King battled back to win the final two frames and take his place in the last 16 against Mark Selby.

Selby hit a rich streak of form as he cruised past Bristol youngster Judd Trump 5-1. The Leicester player made breaks of 75, 75, 85, 88 and 105 on the way to victory.

Ronnie O'Sullivan marched into the last 16 with a 5-2 victory over Stuart Pettman.

O'Sullivan stepped up a gear after Pettman levelled at 2-2, making breaks of 60, 73 and 86 to cruise into a match against Joe Perry , who had little trouble in moving into the next round, beating former World Championship runner-up Matthew Stevens 5-1 .

John Higgins held off a strong fightback from Tom Ford to book his place in the last 16.

Things looked bad for Ford when he missed a simple final blue in the third frame to allow the Scot to move into a 3-0 lead.

But Ford, ranked 48 in the world, rattled off successive centuries (136 and 100) to take the match into a deciding frame, although Higgins eventually stumbled over the line, helped by a huge fluke on one of the final reds.

Defending champion Dominic Dale crashed out after losing a final-frame decider to veteran Steve Davis, while Australian Neil Robertson beat Dubliner Fergal O'Brien and Stephen Hendry lost in a last-frame decider against Ricky Walden.

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Mark Allen Loses In Shanghai Masters

Mark Allen made an early exit at the Roewe Shanghai Masters as he was beaten 5-2 by rising Chinese star Liang Wenbo.

Last season's World quarter-finalist Liang led 2-0 before Allen hit back to level at 2-2 - helped by a break of 80.

But Liang played superbly after the interval as runs of 62, 81 and 105 saw him take the last three frames.

Despite being ranked 16th, Allen had to play a wildcard round match as he was nudged out of the seedings by defending champion Dominic Dale.

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