Snooker World Championship

[simoid]

SpeckledJim said:

But is that only because he didn't actually get as far as taking the money, only as far as agreeing to?

Beats the hell out of me:

‘Higgins was handed the ban and fine for "intentionally giving the impression to others that they were agreeing to act in breach of the betting rules" and failing to report the matter to World Snooker.

However, the charges of "agreeing or offering" to accept bribes and "agreeing to engage in corrupt or fraudulent conduct" were dropped.‘

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snook...

Looked and quacked like a duck, but wasn’t.

[SpeckledJim]

simoid said:

SpeckledJim said:

But is that only because he didn't actually get as far as taking the money, only as far as agreeing to?

Beats the hell out of me:

‘Higgins was handed the ban and fine for "intentionally giving the impression to others that they were agreeing to act in breach of the betting rules" and failing to report the matter to World Snooker.

However, the charges of "agreeing or offering" to accept bribes and "agreeing to engage in corrupt or fraudulent conduct" were dropped.‘

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/snook...

Looked and quacked like a duck, but wasn’t.

I can't see how they justify banning his man for 12 years, and giving Higgins the 5 months he'd already been suspended, plus one month.

Cycling in bow ties.

[simoid]

SpeckledJim said:

Cycling in bow ties.

I thought that was some weird metaphor until I reread a few times

It was perhaps decided that the other chap was the driving force/fall guy.

[Leins]

[redacted]

[mattyn1]

[redacted]

[Stan the Bat]

[redacted]

[BlackLabel]

Come on Kyren Wilson!

[RemyMartin81D]

Last time I saw Stephen Lee he was 98% pure fat and 2% face.

[BlackLabel]

SpeckledJim said:

I can't see how they justify banning his man for 12 years, and giving Higgins the 5 months he'd already been suspended, plus one month.

Cycling in bow ties.

The Quinten Hann case is the best comparison to the Higgins one. Hann was only found guilty of agreeing to fix matches for money but didn’t actually take any money or fix any matches and he got an 8 year ban.

wikipedia said:

The newspaper did not go through with any agreement, but by agreeing to lose the game Hann was in breach of rule 2.8, which states "a member shall not directly or indirectly solicit, attempt to solicit or accept any payment or any form of remuneration of benefit in exchange for influencing the outcome of any game of snooker or billiards." Hann was banned from snooker until 2014 and also fined £10,000.[6]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinten_Hann

[Stan the Bat]

To all snooker players Riggins is a cheat.

That is, to all except the BBC commentators for some reason.

[hungry_hog]

I do recall a clip of a young RoS driving off in an e36 M3 and David Vine (BBC presenter) commenting on what a lucky bar steward he was. Must have been late 90s?

On he subject of Mr Higgins it does seem he got off very lightly. Almost a token sentence. The Beeb are treating as a taboo subject.

Virgo on commentary tonight. Where is that cue ball going...

[BlackLabel]

So the fat fixer is through to the final.

This other semi is a cracking one, hope it goes to a decider.

[Pericoloso]

This could be a late one.

[Northbloke]

Was lucky enough to be offered tickets for afternoon and evening sessions yesterday for my first visit to the Crucible.

What a great experience. Quite a small arena so very close to the action, front row behind the players seat (even made it on to TV!). A third of the auditorium is all TV, commentators (you can see Hazel Irvine!) and cameras!

I used to play local league snooker (badly) and was thinking what shot I'd play each turn but they are just so good at potting it was rarely the same as theirs.

Two even matches and was rooting for Wilson given Higgin's past although this suggests he was set up:

http://www.sportingintelligence.com/2010/09/21/rev...

In the other I initially wanted Hawkins but Mark Williams was a very droll character, obviously enjoying the match, and he played some amazing shots to stay in it.

Watching the end of their semi now and don't mind who wins but do want them to win the final against Cheaty.

[Pericoloso]

Who saw the bit when Higgins asked for some kids in the front row to be moved because they were fidgeting ?

When I saw them swop seats with someone else all I thought was ,why would you bring children probably of less than 10yo

to a rather dull, and lengthy ,to them ,snooker match ?

[BlackLabel]

Shame there had to be a loser but wow what a match of snooker. Well played Mark Williams.

[hungry_hog]

Epic semi final

Lets hope MJW can overcome the forces of darkness in the final

[Pericoloso]

I wanted Bazzer to win ,not fussed about the final now ,but I'm bound to tune in at some point ,probably about midnight

on Monday at 15 frames each.

[Amirhussain]

Wow that was a very tense final frame. Could have gone either way, plenty of mistakes made by both men, understandable under the pressure.

[Blackpuddin]

Didn't like Williams in the past but he seems to have acquired a sense of humour and a very relaxed attitude which is very endearing. I hope he trounces Higgins.