Topic locked

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Smart » 20 Apr 2011 Read

Yep, memorable weekend. Met up with Sonny in the hotel foyer after a tidy piece of parking in the tiny underground hotel car park. :D

We were both pretty buzzing after JUDD had knocked out poor Robbo and had a brief chat about it then headed off to Crucible for the action.

I settled down in my seat and I knew it straight away, "rubbish" I have had nothing to eat and my stomach is now gonna rumble like mad. It did and the opening frame was not a 5 minute job. My rumbling stomach was audible to all around and was actually quite embarrassing rofl

Anyway, I nipped out at the end of frame 1 to get some food down me. Bumped into Casey looking very much the worse for wear. Bottle of water in one hand was the signal for anyone who had been on the snake hiss the night before.

Bacon butty, choccy muffin, back in for the snooker. I had backed Pagett and he had played okay but both players were missing a few too many. Funny moment was the frame that went to a re-spot. Pagett did a poor shot got a double kiss on green and amazingly it fluked into the middle and me being me I was delighted and was either laughing or said "get in" and I got the daggers from Cope, who was literally in touching distance. Anyway Cope won the re-spot with a great black from distance and gave it a little fisty. :chuckle:

So at this point we head back to the hotel to check in and we don the Island t-shirts (mine has just been washed and is pealing its motif already <doh> ). We have by now picked up the Scottish Englisher aka Witz and so the beer begins. We headed to the Monk for a quickie before afternoon session.

Pagett was in there with his posse. Shook his hand and said he'd played well but was unlucky. Really nice likable guy.

There was some pool and Witz was quite entertaining it has to be said. Casey is pretty decent. I struggle with shitty cues and the angles of 7ft tables vs 6ft tables. Thats the excuses out the way. rofl

Okay the afternoon session - what can I remember........................ummmmmm I remember Joe Jogia is snake hiss funny. Be careful what I say here. rofl

Missed the MJW/Day final session entirely in favour of hutting the bar with Casey and Sonny. Got more pictures with MJW/Gouldy/Leo and was pretty smashed to be fair. Played lots of pool, had a great crack.

The highlights of the weekend:

Seeing ROS play some snooker that was just out of this world !!
Meeting up and having a great crack with Sonny, Casey, Witz, Sarah Mount, Janie, Monique

Got home and had an anon text message, bit of a wind up, eventually found out it was my work colleagues..............saying they'd seen me on TV etc with eyes closed. <laugh>

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Roland » 20 Apr 2011 Read

This was mine:

Sonny wrote:As for my Crucible experience it was very memorable indeed. I had a fantastic time. Sunday was Ding in the morning, then a few very entertaining games of pool with Witz, Casey and Smart (see photos on twitter) and Witz in Alex Higgins mode is highly entertaining.

Then back to the Crucible for a few frames, I admit Hendry v Perry session 1 didn't get the juices flowing so at the mid session I joined Smart and Witz for a few beers at the bar (with the snooker clearly visible so we always knew the scores) and a highly entertaining afternoon with Joe Jogia giving us tips on the horses and a lot of passers by coming down and joining us for a chat such as Monique, Prosnookerblogger Matt, Sarah Mount and Janie Watkins.

And then after a bite to eat I had tickets for Carter v Harold. I'm sorry but at 8-1 I don't care if I miss the rest. On the other table it's 6-3 to Williams so what I figured was that big Dave would make Carter work for it a bit and by the time the match was over Williams would be on 9 so why bother when I was having such a good time? Anyway, I had tickets for the next day.

It's all a bit of a blur but we ended up in the Graduate pub playing pool for money all night. Casey cleaned up! Smart with plenty of beers turned into his forum character and was determined to lose more money at pool so we duely obliged. Martin Gould was sitting nearby and I chatted to him and he says he never saw the interview but agreed to another one (a proper one this time). And then Smart said to me "come here, you're gonna love this" and lead me to Mark Williams who was having a couple of drinks with his mates so naturally being snake hissed up I was a bit of a fanboy declaring him my favourite player of all time. :emb:

He said I could interview him so I have contact details for that. And then Dave Harold came in with his entourage and he's a really top bloke who also agreed to an interview. Meanwhile there was Statman and PSB Matt playing pool on the next table and Statman was goading Smart when he was playing me which was very funny.

Anyway, next day for your information wild I missed 2 frames. I watched the first couple of frames in the Maguire match but felt so ropey I had to find a chemist for some paracetamol. So I found a Superdrug, got some Resolve then headed to Crucible corner to take the medicine and have a coffee and watch the snooker on the big screen. I sat with Statman with the sun blazing and we both declared "This is the life" as some beautiful local ladies walked past (as always happens when the sun shines).

Then I went back in for the last 5 frames of the Maguire match. Afterwards I bumped into Paul Mount who gave me a ticket for the evening session (I initially meant to go home after the afternoon session). Then I was in prime position for the Ronnie match sat directly behind the players. Ronnie really does attract the knobhead element of the snooker fans and they were out in force with comments like "Good shot Rocket" and clapping everything he potted. I mean calling him "Rocket"? idiots!

I felt sorry for Dale because he didn't press home the advantage and then Ronnie stepped it up. I think they should have tv cameras from the crowds point of view because you see a lot of facial reactions from the players when they turn away from the cameras and opponent. Ronnie said something to the crowd after he missed the max and he was swearing a bit as well.

Anyway after the 8th frame I knew it would be 7-2 and Perry v Hendry was poised at 8-8 and there were a couple of front row seats for that match so I headed across and sat with Casey right at the front for the conclusion. I thought Perry's counter in the decider would've been the clearance of his life had he made it and I was gutted for him when Hendry won but respect to Hendry naturally.

Then after that match I went out for a bit of food and saw Willie Thorne walking towards me. I wasn't going to say anything but he clearly saw my t-shirt and then pretended to answer his phone and changed direction! rofl


Anyway, then I was back in for Hawkins and Maguire and had a great seat right at the back. At the start of the session Rory McLeod came in and watched a frame and I found my Shotmaster diagram of his Shootout black which I showed him and he studied it for a bit and then laughed and said "Yeah good wasn't it?!". He's a cool dude of a bloke, seems very laid back.

Paul Mount was going through the mill but he was so happy when Barry won. And fair play to him for what he's done for snooker. The pink waistcoats look great out there and I'm sure they will attract even more top players over the coming years.

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Roland » 20 Apr 2011 Read

Read back the day 3 and 4 discussion topics. Witz was winding Wild up something cronic about not going in and watching much snooker and the pair of us were judged incredibly harshly by the man who never goes himself!

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Smart » 20 Apr 2011 Read

Sonny wrote:Read back the day 3 and 4 discussion topics. Witz was winding Wild up something cronic about not going in and watching much snooker and the pair of us were judged incredibly harshly by the man who never goes himself!


I've read 2 and 3, and 4 is to come.

Yes its incredible that you support a sport, travelling distances and paying tickets then you get muppets telling you whats what. Wild has not been to the Crucible since I've virtually known him. rofl

I find it very enjoyable spending 3 nights in Sheffield, but it is very much a question of fitting it all in, if you have tickets for all the session and you maybe have to consider family and stuff. If a match is not that appealing then why not have a relaxing quality time drink, or even stay in the hotel pool etc.

The crack with JJ was top dollar and will live long in the memory, what a top geezer he was :hatoff:

Pleased about the PTCs and UK qualifiers coming to Gloucester, that is really positive. <ok>

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Roland » 20 Apr 2011 Read

Exactly, all the banter and meeting people and players. You wouldn't get that if you spent the whole time in the arena and some of the sessions just aint worth it. Carter 8-1 Harold being one of them. Sunday evening, I didn't know what ticket I'd get when I booked and had it been Selby session 1 there's no way I'd have missed it.

Besides, as I explained you're pretty much always aware of the scores and watching it on the big screen or the wall or the bookies and if it's getting interesting you can head back in.

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby jojo » 20 Apr 2011 Read

i would like to go with you guys next year and believe me pal i will make sure that sheep shagger comes along with us even if i have to drive to north wales myself grab him by the manhood and drag him out his little shed where he constantly on the laptop on this snooker forum day and night i will make sure he comes along with us and we will have an awesome time he wont know whats hit him ha

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Smart » 20 Apr 2011 Read

Oh forgot, got given a spare ticket by my mate for the Tuesday morning so took my little girl in with me. She was really excited about the whole thing and I got Rob Walker to do a little intro thingy as it was her first time at the snooker. She was thrilled if a little nervous about speaking on the microphone. I was whispering to her about who we were cheering for and why, and stuff about why people have those blue things in their ears. Also what happens when the players come out, what that thing is thats floating up in the air between the 2 tables etc.

It was an education and a pleasure to take her in. <ok>

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby SnookerFan » 20 Apr 2011 Read

Smart wrote:Oh forgot, got given a spare ticket by my mate for the Tuesday morning so took my little girl in with me. She was really excited about the whole thing and I got Rob Walker to do a little intro thingy as it was her first time at the snooker. She was thrilled if a little nervous about speaking on the microphone. I was whispering to her about who we were cheering for and why, and stuff about why people have those blue things in their ears. Also what happens when the players come out, what that thing is thats floating up in the air between the 2 tables etc.

It was an education and a pleasure to take her in. <ok>


I hope I can have a kid I can do that with one day. :-)

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby SnookerFan » 20 Apr 2011 Read

I'm getting jealous of all your stories. Well some of them, Witz can keep the dancing with drunken hen nighters as I bucking hate nightclubs.

Looking forward to getting up to the final, and meeting other snooker fans. :bowdown:

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Witz78 » 20 Apr 2011 Read

SnookerFan wrote:
Smart wrote:Oh forgot, got given a spare ticket by my mate for the Tuesday morning so took my little girl in with me. She was really excited about the whole thing and I got Rob Walker to do a little intro thingy as it was her first time at the snooker. She was thrilled if a little nervous about speaking on the microphone. I was whispering to her about who we were cheering for and why, and stuff about why people have those blue things in their ears. Also what happens when the players come out, what that thing is thats floating up in the air between the 2 tables etc.

It was an education and a pleasure to take her in. <ok>


I hope I can have a kid I can do that with one day. :-)


step 1 - ya betta get yerslef down yer local discotheque for a boogy woogy on the dancefloor then pal :ba\m/: :dance: :dance2:

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Witz78 » 20 Apr 2011 Read

snookerfan,

your jealous of all the stories but most of them relate to stuff that happened outwith the actual arena watching snooker haha

kinda goes against the grain a bit to what you (and Wild) think we should be doing when were in Sheffield so how can you then like these stories haha

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby SnookerFan » 20 Apr 2011 Read

Witz78 wrote:snookerfan,

your jealous of all the stories but most of them relate to stuff that happened outwith the actual arena watching snooker haha

kinda goes against the grain a bit to what you (and Wild) think we should be doing when were in Sheffield so how can you then like these stories haha


I'll be honest. The only story I read was the one about Smart taking his daughter. <laugh> I'm just jealous of going at all, to be honest. I love The Crucible.

I was just making the point that I like seeing as much live snooker as possible. (But then usually go alone.) When I take a friend with me, I don't buy tickets for three sessions a day, so usually have some break. If you enjoy combining watching snooker with going to nightclubs and bookies, that's your right of course. I just aint interested in either of those things, so try to see as much live snooker as possible. There's nothing wrong with enjoying the event in different ways. And as said, I do go in for a good drinking sessions after all the matches have finished, and talk to other snooker fans.

Just because I despise dancing as much as I love snooker, don't mean you got to.

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Smart » 20 Apr 2011 Read

I think what some are missing here is that its bloody intense being in the venue sat down and watching for a whole day. If you watch at home for a whole day, you can tap away on yer keyboard, pick your nose, fart, crack a tinny open. Its relaxed, and that is why peeps are in and out when a frame is concluded. There are peeps who sit thru a whole session and do not flinch, but my ass goes numb and I get a bit fidgety.

Love going but I feel I do need to have the other side of it, i.e. to have some drinking, betting, etc. Its a whole package. I also love the hotel, as they are so friendly, brilliant breakfast etc

<ok>

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Witz78 » 20 Apr 2011 Read

Smart wrote:I think what some are missing here is that its bloody intense being in the venue sat down and watching for a whole day. If you watch at home for a whole day, you can tap away on yer keyboard, pick your nose, fart, crack a tinny open. Its relaxed, and that is why peeps are in and out when a frame is concluded. There are peeps who sit thru a whole session and do not flinch, but my ass goes numb and I get a bit fidgety.

Love going but I feel I do need to have the other side of it, i.e. to have some drinking, betting, etc. Its a whole package. I also love the hotel, as they are so friendly, brilliant breakfast etc

<ok>


u made it up for breakfast? :limp:

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Witz78 » 20 Apr 2011 Read

Smart wrote:I think what some are missing here is that its bloody intense being in the venue sat down and watching for a whole day. If you watch at home for a whole day, you can tap away on yer keyboard, pick your nose, fart, crack a tinny open. Its relaxed, and that is why peeps are in and out when a frame is concluded. There are peeps who sit thru a whole session and do not flinch, but my ass goes numb and I get a bit fidgety.

Love going but I feel I do need to have the other side of it, i.e. to have some drinking, betting, etc. Its a whole package. I also love the hotel, as they are so friendly, brilliant breakfast etc

<ok>


dont you agree with me that they should let people in with alcohol, would enhance the viewing experience far more and make many more likely to sit in watching the snooker instead of hanging around the bar

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Smart » 20 Apr 2011 Read

Witz78 wrote:
Smart wrote:I think what some are missing here is that its bloody intense being in the venue sat down and watching for a whole day. If you watch at home for a whole day, you can tap away on yer keyboard, pick your nose, fart, crack a tinny open. Its relaxed, and that is why peeps are in and out when a frame is concluded. There are peeps who sit thru a whole session and do not flinch, but my ass goes numb and I get a bit fidgety.

Love going but I feel I do need to have the other side of it, i.e. to have some drinking, betting, etc. Its a whole package. I also love the hotel, as they are so friendly, brilliant breakfast etc

<ok>


u made it up for breakfast? :limp:

:win: Aye, was slightly snake hissed still on Monday, but battled my way thru a full English :win:

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Smart » 20 Apr 2011 Read

Witz78 wrote:
Smart wrote:I think what some are missing here is that its bloody intense being in the venue sat down and watching for a whole day. If you watch at home for a whole day, you can tap away on yer keyboard, pick your nose, fart, crack a tinny open. Its relaxed, and that is why peeps are in and out when a frame is concluded. There are peeps who sit thru a whole session and do not flinch, but my ass goes numb and I get a bit fidgety.

Love going but I feel I do need to have the other side of it, i.e. to have some drinking, betting, etc. Its a whole package. I also love the hotel, as they are so friendly, brilliant breakfast etc

<ok>


dont you agree with me that they should let people in with alcohol, would enhance the viewing experience far more and make many more likely to sit in watching the snooker instead of hanging around the bar


there should be some reasonable compromise, plastic glasses or bottles..................but did you see the security in CHIPS style outfits, not really what I would call proper security. <ok>

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby SnookerFan » 20 Apr 2011 Read

Smart wrote:I think what some are missing here is that its bloody intense being in the venue sat down and watching for a whole day. If you watch at home for a whole day, you can tap away on yer keyboard, pick your nose, fart, crack a tinny open. Its relaxed, and that is why peeps are in and out when a frame is concluded. There are peeps who sit thru a whole session and do not flinch, but my ass goes numb and I get a bit fidgety.

Love going but I feel I do need to have the other side of it, i.e. to have some drinking, betting, etc. Its a whole package. I also love the hotel, as they are so friendly, brilliant breakfast etc

<ok>



Oh, I get that. I totally understand that. Last year, I went the opening Saturday, Sunday and Monday. I watched four matches in total, eight sessions and I didn't miss a single frame. By the Monday evening I was in the hotel bar. I was still watching the snooker with a beer or twelve, but I was exhausted. It was very gruelling. And four matches was too much. In the bar afterwards, before I'd even had a drink, I couldn't tell people which matches I'd just been to, it had all blurred into one. Next time I go to an opening weekend, I'm going to trim it down to a two-dayer, with only six full sessions.

I understand how gruelling it is, and if and when I take friends with me, I only say, chose tickets to two sessions and not three so we can have the break, have the beer. Talk to each other. I just prefer not to do that when I travel up alone. I prefer to go for the all-out, balls to the wall snooker viewing. I still get time for the beer and socialising afterwards. But my socialising is a couple of hours in the hotel bar getting drunk with other snooker fans and the players. It's not playing pool or betting.

It's each to their own. My original point was, I could go clubbing at home if I wanted to, so I could never have tickets to a full session and only see two frames of it. But, I totally understand it's gruelling, and not everybody is as addicted to live snooker as I am.

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Witz78 » 20 Apr 2011 Read

Smart wrote:
Witz78 wrote:
Smart wrote:I think what some are missing here is that its bloody intense being in the venue sat down and watching for a whole day. If you watch at home for a whole day, you can tap away on yer keyboard, pick your nose, fart, crack a tinny open. Its relaxed, and that is why peeps are in and out when a frame is concluded. There are peeps who sit thru a whole session and do not flinch, but my ass goes numb and I get a bit fidgety.

Love going but I feel I do need to have the other side of it, i.e. to have some drinking, betting, etc. Its a whole package. I also love the hotel, as they are so friendly, brilliant breakfast etc

<ok>


u made it up for breakfast? :limp:

:win: Aye, was slightly snake hissed still on Monday, but battled my way thru a full English :win:


god u dont stop do you. a full English on Monday morning after youd had a full German on Sunday :limp:

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Witz78 » 20 Apr 2011 Read

Smart wrote:
Witz78 wrote:
Smart wrote:I think what some are missing here is that its bloody intense being in the venue sat down and watching for a whole day. If you watch at home for a whole day, you can tap away on yer keyboard, pick your nose, fart, crack a tinny open. Its relaxed, and that is why peeps are in and out when a frame is concluded. There are peeps who sit thru a whole session and do not flinch, but my ass goes numb and I get a bit fidgety.

Love going but I feel I do need to have the other side of it, i.e. to have some drinking, betting, etc. Its a whole package. I also love the hotel, as they are so friendly, brilliant breakfast etc

<ok>


dont you agree with me that they should let people in with alcohol, would enhance the viewing experience far more and make many more likely to sit in watching the snooker instead of hanging around the bar


there should be some reasonable compromise, plastic glasses or bottles..................but did you see the security in CHIPS style outfits, not really what I would call proper security. <ok>


cant remember but sure ill get a proper look tomorrow night rofl

alcohol will be inside that arena one way or another tomorrow night, thats for sure.

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby Roland » 22 Apr 2011 Read

Yeah bottler. Nearly a year spent talking about the booing and you were cheering like crazy for your fellow countryman rofl

Re: Opening weekend - a summary

Postby SnookerFan » 22 Apr 2011 Read

Sonny wrote:Yeah bottler. Nearly a year spent talking about the booing and you were cheering like crazy for your fellow countryman rofl


It's Witz we're talking about. He meant he was going to boo him from his seat at the bar. He probably watched the whole thing on television.
Topic locked