Grand Prix 2009 - 1st round discussions!

[montoya10]

The attendance is utterly pathetic and must be a massive worry for WSA and most of all the players. This is the first tournament of the season on British soil and so far we've seen about 200 in tops despite some big names playing.

Seems to me that people really are falling out of love with the game on these shores. Its not helped by hosting an event in Aberdeen which is not the easiest place to get to for avid fans of the game. I think the big problem is just down to the fact that its no longer an entertaining sport anymore. Selby v Doherty match last night was a typical example of that, the lack of money for the players means they are all scrapping for points and money which makes for poor quality games IMO.

Maybe they should reward centuries or trickshots with money so that players get extra motivation

Talking about poor quality, Ding and Stevens are on level now, with the fourth frame score 11-49

[Monique]

It's Glasgow ... not Aberdeen
Whatever, it's worrying and like it or not WSA should really do something to make the venues and the attendance at venues more fun and attractive otherwise it can't beat TV in the comfort of your home. It should offer something extra when you make the effort to get there.
Maybe if they listened to ... eerh no... shame on me!!!
I liked the Selby - Doherty match a lot. I'm sure I'm not alone. That's not the problem...

[spike]

Is frustration getting the better of Ding? Looks like it to me.

That's nothing new with him though is it..

[cueman]

The attendance is utterly pathetic and must be a massive worry for WSA and most of all the players. This is the first tournament of the season on British soil and so far we've seen about 200 in tops despite some big names playing.

Seems to me that people really are falling out of love with the game on these shores. Its not helped by hosting an event in Aberdeen which is not the easiest place to get to for avid fans of the game. I think the big problem is just down to the fact that its no longer an entertaining sport anymore. Selby v Doherty match last night was a typical example of that, the lack of money for the players means they are all scrapping for points and money which makes for poor quality games IMO.

[darrus]

Yes, looks like Ding lets the pressure get to him again

[Monique]

Is frustration getting the better of Ding? Looks like it to me.

[montoya10]

Ding-Stevens match looks like a missfest right now.

An interesting frame..Ding goes in-off..

[very.tee]

I would like to see that too, but missing an easy red like he just did inexcusable.

I know... I can't BELIEVE he did that! That frame could have been his! Easily

[darrus]

Ding-Stevens match looks like a missfest right now.

[spike]

I'd be so pleased if it was 2-2 at the interval

I would like to see that too, but missing an easy red like he just did inexcusable.

[very.tee]

Milkins has been really lucky so far he played a really bad saftey and got away with it

I'd be so pleased if it was 2-2 at the interval

[Monique]

You can't blame the random draw for everything! It's just very poor disappointing attendance. It'll pick up a bit I'm sure and the big names will still be in, because there are plenty of them in the draw.

The random draw only starts in last 16 - The likes of Selby and Fu already put out have been done by qualifiers and that happens in any tournament. Over the last couple of years, the likes of Cope, Walden, Higginson, Dale, Wenbo, Swail, Harold have all come from qualifiers to the final (in standard draws)- if it happens in this tournament, will people moan about the random draw? And of course, last year it was Higgins - Day in this tournament.

I don't blame the random draw for the poor attendance now. My point is that the attendance is worryingly poor and if say Higgins meets ROS in round 2 (provided ROS gets there ) you are certain one will be out automatically discarding one big crowd puller. That scenario could only happen because of the random draw and I hope it wont!

[spike]

Milkins has played some good shots to keep this break going.

[darrus]

This BritishTV program that was recommended here yesterday shows Carter-Milkins match.

[Mal]

Very, very poor attendance it seems. What will that be in week days? Especially if the random draws results on some top names meeting in round 2 on wednesday/thursday ... and so sure to miss the latest stages on the week-end.. Nonsense!

You can't blame the random draw for everything! It's just very poor disappointing attendance. It'll pick up a bit I'm sure and the big names will still be in, because there are plenty of them in the draw.

The random draw only starts in last 16 - The likes of Selby and Fu already put out have been done by qualifiers and that happens in any tournament. Over the last couple of years, the likes of Cope, Walden, Higginson, Dale, Wenbo, Swail, Harold have all come from qualifiers to the final (in standard draws)- if it happens in this tournament, will people moan about the random draw? And of course, last year it was Higgins - Day in this tournament.