wildJONESEYE wrote:Sonny wrote:I'd love to know why Mark Davis is playing so well after being on tour for so long. He's gotta be in the top 16 before long with his results over the last 12 months. Maybe winning the 6 reds in Ireland made him click.
decreasing standards
No I really don't think so.
If it were that, others who are very competitive and with bags of pride would perform better than they do ... Hendry, Ebdon ...
Here is an excerpt of Dave Hendon's blog on August 25, 2010
uck was something Mark Davis believed he had on his side after beating Jamie Jones 3-0 to qualify, although after 19 years of toil in the qualifiers few would begrudge him some running.
Davis has joined the top 32 for the first time and is now pressing for a place in the top 16.
“I don’t know what it is, really, other than that I’ve been working hard on my game and the mental side,” he said.
“I always knew deep down that I was good enough to get results but you have to prove it.
“The balls are going for me at the moment and I’ll make the most of it because I know it can all turn round.
“If you win a 5-4 it can be a springboard but if you lose one it can dent your confidence. That’s how narrow the difference can be.”
I think one important factor is that some of those players now see a clear frame of opportunities, something they didn't have for years and it's boosting their motivation. It also makes them willing to invest more money in coaching or psychological specialised counseling because they see it a worthy investment for the future. I know for sure that some have done it recently.
Also the more relaxed and audience devoid environment of PTCs might be a help to some, especially the lower ranked players, while it might be a problem for the big guns used to and thriving in big occasions and big crowds. A lot in snooker happens in the head. And of course guys like Davis, Pinches, Dale don't have much pressure and expectations from fans and media to cope with, at least not yet.
