The big one starts on Saturday at the Crucible.
Can Zhao break the "curse" of no first time winner, retaining the title? I checked the odds last night, and he's only 2/1 to do it! So..............
I'm not gonna have a bet this year.
Talents like Brecel, Bingham, and Lisowski, will be (like me) only watching it on the telly, rather than donning their waistcoats, and bow-ties!
Bring it on!
Spelly.
Huge moment at the Crucible yesterday. Teenager Stan Moody missed the last red, which would've probably given him an 8-3 lead. Kyren Wilson then cleared up to tie the scores, potted the re-spotted black, and didn't look back from then on.
Moody will come again many times, but he'll be hurting this morning.
Watching Trump v Wilson as I bash this out.
Spelly.
Well, we're down to just four guys left, on the single table scenario at the Crucible, with...........
Representation from China, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England battling out for the greatest prize in the sport.
The bookies can hardly split 'em, with the "win outright" odds across the quartet varying only from 2/1 to 4/1.
I'm not even gonna hazard a guess as to who'll lift the trophy, but will certainly be tuned in to watch!
Spelly.
Both semis on a knife-edge, before the title match tomorrow and Monday. Prediction? No chance!
Will miss the early sessions today and tomorrow, as will be at our wheelchair, and first team games, but defo glued to the box in the evenings, and all the action on Monday.
Spelly.
I thought the first semi was good, but the second was just awesome!
Wu came from 14-16 behind, to win the last three, and join Murphy in the final.
In the penultimate frame, all (all???????????????????) Allen had to do to reach the final, was pot the black from its spot, but it wobbled, and Wu sank it to take it to a decider, and then..................
In the last, he was behind, and came up with an incredible clearance. He must have ice running through his veins, and just 22 years of age!
Allen was interviewed immediately afterwards, and was a total gentleman. A true credit to the sport!
As I said earlier, I'll miss the opening session tomorrow, coz I'll be at the Lions, but I'll be on my sofa in the evening, and until the winning ball is potted on Monday!
Bring it on!
Spelly.
It's been a good championship, lots of closely fought games.
Wu 10-7 Murphy, and the Chinese guy (just) has the edge overnight, but it's faaaaaaaaaaaaaar from over, and I'm (still) got gonna stick my neck out and predict who'll be lifting the trophy in 24-ish hours!
Spelly.
What an awesome tournament, and what an awesome final! Seventeen days of action went down to just one frame of snooker!
Wu showed yet again he has bottle by the shed-load!
Murphy, just like Allen in the semi, a true gentleman in defeat, and a credit to the sport
The title stays in China, and despite it being daft o'clock over there, I would imagine there were countless millions tuned in!
A world champion at just twenty-two years of age!, and just noticed that he shares his birthday with yours truly!
Spelly.
Thoroughly enjoyed the whole tournament, gutted it's over to be honest. Well done to Wu.