Sonny wrote:Wild wrote:i loved this event from start to finish.
i think there is scope to extend it even just a day so we get both semi finals and 2 Quarter Finals live on TV
i loved the open plan because as with the UK 2 Matches is played in boxed in cubicles. with this all matches had the feel of a TV Match even though they wasent because the players had a large crowd to play 2.
I don't think it needs any messing with whatsoever. I thought it was perfect. A static camera on the satellite tables is all that's needed to make it even better.
The Welsh up next - now there's an event that needs a revamp. I can see this being the last one unless something dramatic happens. The fact players are playing for Crucible spots gives it that extra edge but the German Masters was the one to win out of all remaining events leading to the Worlds.
I like the Welsh Open, but that's possibly only because I've been. And even I must admit, the bit I like from it is the quaint charm it possesses. Newport is a dump, granted. But the fact that it is in a rather small leisure centre, somehow adds to the charm for me. It's a bit of a squeeze getting everybody in, but the fact you can nip out and have a pint or a bag of chips overlooking a swimming pool after matches is so random, it makes the tournament for me.
And there is more opportunity at Newport to meet the players then there is at Wembley. Hotels are a lot cheaper though then some place, but at the same time are a lot crapper then most places.
If this year is the last year, I'll miss it. But will always remember my visits to it. If only the first round matches weren't best of seven, but best of nine with a MSI.
If it hadn't have been so close to The Masters, I'd have gone last year. But I understand they will probably have to move it at the very least. Playing in Leisure Centres in dumps like Newport won't fit in with Barry Hearn's plans to revitalise the game.
Which would be a shame, in my opinion, as I think the Newport Centre is a cracking venue. Even if the town of Newport isn't.