Snooker World Championships

Yes, he won the last 2 of the 4 qualifying rounds. I would have thought Donaldson could have been first choice then, but maybe Bazza doesn't care for contingencies (Chinese contingent notwithstanding)

Day One - Seeds in brackets

Results:
Judd Trump (1) bt Tom Ford 10-8
Kyren Wilson (8) bt Anthony Hamilton W/O

Overnight scores
Stuart Bingham (14) 5-4 Ashley Carty
Ding Junhui (11) 5-4 Mark King
Mark Williams (3) 4-5 Alan McManus

Williams v McManus could be a good match

It's going to be very different now without the crowd

I wonder if Judd Trump would have been as outspoken about Anthony Hamilton's withdrawal, if Hamilton hadn't been scheduled to play kyren Wilson ? Judd and Kyren supposedly don't get along and Hamilton's withdrawal gives Wilson an edge in a marathon event like the world championship.

But getting a bye in snooker isn't the same as in a sport like tennis where there is a lot of physical effort. Wilson will go into his second round match with no table time which might actually put him at a disadvantage?

Both Tractor Boy and circles_o_o_o make valid points. I suspect the most significant problem for Wilson though will be his possible second round opponent i.e Stephen Maguire who, much as I absolutely loathe and detest him is seemingly in excellent form if recent tournament play behind closed doors is taken into account.

I would Kyren probably will have to start very quickly to gain an advantage when you consider hoe long he has to wait for table time. Just hope some players who have already lost in rd 1 are helping him to gain practice time. If Maguire is still in his run of good form it will be tough going for Wilson if Maguire gets through.

(01-08-2020 14:20 )circles_o_o_o Wrote:  But getting a bye in snooker isn't the same as in a sport like tennis where there is a lot of physical effort. Wilson will go into his second round match with no table time which might actually put him at a disadvantage?

Players speak of being mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the world championships, playing at that high standard match after match, also if they had of played, Hamilton might of actually won.

Day Two.

Results:

Stuart Bingham (14) bt Ashley Carty 10-7
Ding Junhui (11) bt Mark King 10-9
Mark Williams (3) bt Alan McManus 10-5

Overnight scores:
David Gilbert (12) 4-5 Kurt Maflin
John Higgins (5) 6-3 Matthew Stevens