It’s really baffling me, has this been his natural look all along? I’m truly in shock!I literally came in here to post the same.
Redcafe Snooker
- Thread starter Ronnie O'Sullivan
- Start date
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik and Imran hold a long overdue conversation about United's awful league form with 1 win in 7. They discuss a disappointing draw at Bournemouth, a not so disappointing draw against Liverpool and a crushing defeat at Chelsea - Is time nearly over for Erik Ten Hag?
Then in a special second half of the pod, Nik welcomes Natalie ( https://twitter.com/natalie_17) to discuss the fortunes of Manchester United Women as they booked a place in the FA Cup Final after a historic first ever win vs. Chelsea.
No idea! I'm used to seeing him his beach blonde aussie side part.
What I'm now seeing is a friendly chuckie doll lookalike
Yeah, it's been like this on and off during the pandemic.
When Snooker first came back, it was as mad as this and then, when hairdressers reopened he got it sorted out. This reappeared again during the latest lockdown and he's stuck with it so far.
I'm a big fan of Robbo but it's truly awful.
EDIT: I think he claimed that his hair is naturally curly and this is how it goes when left alone. But I'm not sure.
Robertson has always had bad hair. I kinda prefer this different kind of bad.
Just turned the snooker on and wondering wtf happened to his hair. I'd always assumed he was borderline albino.Have I just gone back to the 80's?
What kind of shit shot was that on the blue. It honestly looks like it was fixed.
He's certainly won me over as a fan since he turned into Craig from neighbours.
Higgins 4-7 down to Tian Pengfei and really struggling to get anything going.
Carter 3-1 up on Lisowski on the other table.
2 matches to a finish tonight - McGill 5-4 Walden and K. Wilson 4-5 G. Wilson, great that they're both so well poised otherwise could have been a really short night, mind you it still might!
Carter 3-1 up on Lisowski on the other table.
2 matches to a finish tonight - McGill 5-4 Walden and K. Wilson 4-5 G. Wilson, great that they're both so well poised otherwise could have been a really short night, mind you it still might!
Re-the criticisms of the BBC coverage:
So far they seem to be going above and beyond to 'move away' from what was criticised about it.
Considering the male version has been almost exclusively played by white men, with the exception of this generations young Chinese players, then it's always very likely that the coverage of the male version, in terms of pundits, etc, would reflect that.
But the BBC is managing to include a large amount of female presenters and a regular female pundit, as well as covering the BAME side of it as well with its choice of presenters - much harder for Snooker to do than other sports with its complete lack of BAME former players to choose from as pundits.
So they seem to be doing all they realistically can, and more, to make sure it's not just a studio of 'white men of a certain age' that was obviously the source of the criticism.
So far they seem to be going above and beyond to 'move away' from what was criticised about it.
Considering the male version has been almost exclusively played by white men, with the exception of this generations young Chinese players, then it's always very likely that the coverage of the male version, in terms of pundits, etc, would reflect that.
But the BBC is managing to include a large amount of female presenters and a regular female pundit, as well as covering the BAME side of it as well with its choice of presenters - much harder for Snooker to do than other sports with its complete lack of BAME former players to choose from as pundits.
So they seem to be doing all they realistically can, and more, to make sure it's not just a studio of 'white men of a certain age' that was obviously the source of the criticism.
I think Hazel Irvine has been one of the best presenters on the BBC for a long time.
With the BBC coverage I don't think it's so much about diversity because as you say (rightly or wrongly) it's not a hugely diverse sport.
You can count on one hand the number of black snooker players that have played professionally.
The womens game is as strong as it's ever been and Reanne Evans is an excellent pundit.
My criticism of the BBC is that it just hasn't changed. You can go back 30 years, maybe even more and hear John Virgo and Dennis Taylor. In recent years nothing has changed, it's Hazel Irvine every year (2020 Covid aside) with the same people, sat in the Winter Gardens looking really uncomfortable because the public are about 6 feet away and with some random bloke (very often my brother in law) playing on the table in the background.
Even something as simple as the graphics, why not leave up the current break at all times? It doesn't take up much space and it helps a lot if you switch on mid-frame.
But again they've been the same for years. Why not mix up the panel, the locations, the graphics, the segments - they are incredibly tedious.
You can tell that the BBC don't want to throw any effort at it and the Eurosport coverage has become the Premier League to the BBC's National League.
You can count on one hand the number of black snooker players that have played professionally.
The womens game is as strong as it's ever been and Reanne Evans is an excellent pundit.
My criticism of the BBC is that it just hasn't changed. You can go back 30 years, maybe even more and hear John Virgo and Dennis Taylor. In recent years nothing has changed, it's Hazel Irvine every year (2020 Covid aside) with the same people, sat in the Winter Gardens looking really uncomfortable because the public are about 6 feet away and with some random bloke (very often my brother in law) playing on the table in the background.
Even something as simple as the graphics, why not leave up the current break at all times? It doesn't take up much space and it helps a lot if you switch on mid-frame.
But again they've been the same for years. Why not mix up the panel, the locations, the graphics, the segments - they are incredibly tedious.
You can tell that the BBC don't want to throw any effort at it and the Eurosport coverage has become the Premier League to the BBC's National League.
Yeah, good points.
Virgo and Taylor maybe should have been replaced by now (I've never been a fan of Virgo anyway).
TBF, they have added a 'new bunch' with McManus, Doherty, Hendry, Dale - all of whom are still of an age that they are / could be still on the tour. I guess that's another of the problems with Snooker compared to other sports - they can play on until much older so the regular pundits will often be older as well, and with less of a turnover as there's fewer (semi) retiring players looking to go into punditry to choose from.
As regards the diversity - fans of Snooker recognise that it's because there's a lack of former BAME players to choose from. And nothing more. But I'm sure the BBC coverage, who don't show much, will probably be afraid of complaints if they have a too White-centric studio even if it's completely understandable for the sports demographic (context isn't often taken into consideration with those complaints). So I'm sure a big part of the choice of mostly female, younger, some BAME presenters is to do with moving away from a mostly white, male group in the studio to prevent / in response to complaints.
What a finish to Lisowski Vs Carter . Both were so edgy at the end
Unquestionably the worst part about the BBC coverage is how they will show extended highlights of a game from 5 frames earlier when the match is live. It'll be replaying the clips from 2-2 earlier in the day when the match is actually live and is 5-4. It's mind boggling
Yeah, that's always driven me mad. And it's so avoidable.
They used to do it in the old days with County cricket on Sundays (pre-Sky). They'd only show bits of it amongst other sports, and when they came back it was always well behind rather than showing the live action.
Brilliant effort from Lisowski to come back from 8-6 down against Carter.
I know Jack's the seed, but Carter is good enough to be top 16, and often has been, and has more experience at the World Championships and a stronger mentality.
I wasn't expecting Jack to win the final frame decider, but had a bit more hope as he's getting better at it. As he said in the interview, he'd have lost that game in previous years. Can't see him overcoming Robbo, but that's more because of just how good Robertson is.
I know Jack's the seed, but Carter is good enough to be top 16, and often has been, and has more experience at the World Championships and a stronger mentality.
I wasn't expecting Jack to win the final frame decider, but had a bit more hope as he's getting better at it. As he said in the interview, he'd have lost that game in previous years. Can't see him overcoming Robbo, but that's more because of just how good Robertson is.
Great nerve by Lisowski and a fantastic match. I do think he will struggle in the next round though.
Back to the BBC I think @WR and @Bertie Wooster you both make good points regarding the coverage.
The new bunch are a bit better, especially McManus. Doherty and Dale are OK but for me Neal Foulds is the best snooker commentator by a country mile. And Dave Hendon, also on Eurosport despite not really having any playing background - he's a successful playwright by trade but he's great to listen to on the sport.
And also agreed about the delays, as far as I'm aware the BBC have all-in rights so whenever there's live coverage I'm not sure why they would be showing highlights, it's been like that for a few years and is frustrating.
The coverage on Eurosport is much more thorough.
Back to the BBC I think @WR and @Bertie Wooster you both make good points regarding the coverage.
The new bunch are a bit better, especially McManus. Doherty and Dale are OK but for me Neal Foulds is the best snooker commentator by a country mile. And Dave Hendon, also on Eurosport despite not really having any playing background - he's a successful playwright by trade but he's great to listen to on the sport.
And also agreed about the delays, as far as I'm aware the BBC have all-in rights so whenever there's live coverage I'm not sure why they would be showing highlights, it's been like that for a few years and is frustrating.
The coverage on Eurosport is much more thorough.
Judd Trump telling himself and everyone else he is the best again. Can't stand the fecking prick.
I think Judd's great.
A brilliantly entertaining player to watch and who has turned himself into an all round great player and serial winner.
Being a regular winner makes you a target for haters - as United have found out over the years. I very much doubt if he was the same person but ranked #58 with no ranking titles that he'd get the same level of dislike.
I don't do Twitter or Facebook or anything, but I think he comes across as a decent bloke in interviews but one who also speaks his mind - so not just the usual bland stuff; and seems very close with his family (just moved back to Bristol to be close to them again), and has dedicated the last few years to constant gym training and practicing to get the very best out of himself and he deserves all the success that he's had and I'm delighted for him.
A slight difference in opinion I see
Contrary to the vast majority of others, he is not afraid of openly talking about existing issues. It can only be applauded if anything
Come on Ronnie!
McGill would be better I think
Ronnie in big trouble now , looks completely all over the place
Ronnie potted 10 balls in the first mini session. McGill is playing some great stuff, it looks easy for him at the moment.
McGill is playing some great stuff, it looks easy for him at the moment.Ronnie playing without a brain ....sad to see
edit: nice break ...maybe he’s just found it
edit: nice break ...maybe he’s just found it
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1 seven times world champion is more than enough for snooker. In this regard it is important for McGill to continue his good performances todayRonnie potted 10 balls in the first mini session.
As bad as things look for O'Sullivan that last frame to make it 10-6 instead of 11-5 going into tonight could be crucial.
Still in it Ronnie. Let’s hope he can do it.
I want Ronnie to retire on 8. He might be a nob at times but he’s the most talented player ever and he should retire as the GOAT with most WCs.
As a former supporter of Stephen Hendry, I want him to retire at 6. And in terms of sheer talent (longevity aside), it’s difficult to judge - players like Judd are as talented as it may get. Only time will tell
Trump isn’t fit to lace Ronnie‘s shoes. Trump is a top class talent who has the confidence and arrogance to showboat which leads to some great highlights, Ronnie is a genius that sees the table like no other before him.
Have you watched Trump in the past year? He's dominated the game
I like both Ronnie and Judd (and Hendry as well) but it's a joke to use 'arrogance and showboating' as a criticism for Judd as if that doesn't apply equally to Ronnie as well - especially in his early years like Judd. It applies to most geniuses in sport to an extent.
They're both geniuses of the game. It doesn't have to be an either / or. Both have won plenty of tournaments, racked up plenty of century breaks. And doing it in a thrillingly entertaining way. I prefer Judd's personality and interview style, but I love watching them both and have huge respect for their ability and achievements.
Not difficult these days though.
Ronnie doesn't give a shit anymore. Robertson is some weird vegetable surfing hippy who just turns up now and again. After that, who else is there?
It's not like Williams, Higgins, Ronnie, Hendry, actual competition.
Too many wet wipes these days.
Of course I have. He’s dominated the game in a year where the level of the field has dropped though and the quality has unquestionably dipped, I’m sure Covid has played a part in that too as some players had no access to practice tables for periods. He’s in the absolute peak of his career too, at the same age Ronnie had much much tougher competition.
I’m not denying he’s a great player and very exciting but the difference between Trump and Ronnie is comparable to Ronaldinho and Messi.
See above.
Who’s the nasal commentator on right now? His reading of the game is fecking terrible.
I get the point about the current overall standard. Although that brings us back to your earlier post saying: "Judd Trump telling himself and everyone else he is the best again. Can't stand the fecking prick."
It seems harsh slagging him off for stating the obvious fact that he's been the best player over the last couple of years, and then going on to try to belittle his achievements by saying there's not much competition for him as the others are mostly 'wet wipes'.
Judd wasn't saying anything dismissive like that about his competitors. He was just pointing out that, with the way the points are distributed, O'Sullivan could have overtaken him by winning his only ranking tournament of the season if that was the World Championship - and was just saying that the points shouldn't be so skewed towards one tournament as he'd clearly been the #1 player the last couple of seasons yet Ronnie might become #1 just because of one tournament win.
The standard might not be at peak level at the moment - the best players, other than Judd, being in their late 30's and 40's and so mostly past their absolute prime. But it's not as if Judd is playing average / good Snooker and only winning so much because the competition isn't great.
He's playing top level Snooker - getting around 100 centuries a season, playing a great all round game. And that World Championship Final performance v Higgins was outstanding. He has to do it for longer than a couple of years to be in the Ronnie and Hendry conversation as the GOAT. But he's still in his prime - 15-20 years younger than those - and has already got himself 3rd in that list. So he deserves huge respect for that and let's see if he can continue it for a long period like they did.