Hawkins who earlier this year lifted the Shootout title in Blackpool became the 50th individual winner of a ranking by beating veteran Peter Ebdon 9-3 in the final.His victory seemed to have been met with universal approval as every quote I have read from those involved in the game has talked about Barry been one of the nicest guys on the circuit.It will be interesting to see if he can build on this as the season progresses..
What else can we take from last week? well despite falling at final hurdle Peter Ebdon had another great week reaching his second ranking final in a last four played.As always with Peter his playing style caused much debate particularly in his match with Ding which took over 5 hours for nine frames,I can see both sides of this but fact is if he's not on table and scoring he wont win so it's up to opponents to try take charge,Regardless of what we think though his participation 0in this years Premier League should be fascinating!
Having waited over 20 years in his professional career to reach a ranking semi final Mark Davis achieved this for second tournament in a row to keep up his excellent start to the season,In reaching this stage he managed to overcome home favourite Neil Robertson who again will be disappointed not to have had a better run in his hometown.
Another player who will be trying to find some form quickly is the current World no.1 Mark Selby who again went out tamely.in the first round.It may be that the neck injury he has been suffering with of late is still playing up on him or possibly he could be finding the punishing schedule he has had over the last few years is taking it's toll.
On this subject one of the main talking points before the start of the tournament was the fact that 7 of the top 16 didn't enter.It may be the case that as the tour spreads this is will become a regular occurrence and the fear I suppose will be that if the standard is diluted by the top players been absent any fledgling tournament will fail take off.
Anyway onwards and upwards we go UKPTC1 takes place this weekend..Hopefully my internet problems are behind me and I normal blogging service will be resumed.
What else can we take from last week? well despite falling at final hurdle Peter Ebdon had another great week reaching his second ranking final in a last four played.As always with Peter his playing style caused much debate particularly in his match with Ding which took over 5 hours for nine frames,I can see both sides of this but fact is if he's not on table and scoring he wont win so it's up to opponents to try take charge,Regardless of what we think though his participation 0in this years Premier League should be fascinating!
Having waited over 20 years in his professional career to reach a ranking semi final Mark Davis achieved this for second tournament in a row to keep up his excellent start to the season,In reaching this stage he managed to overcome home favourite Neil Robertson who again will be disappointed not to have had a better run in his hometown.
Another player who will be trying to find some form quickly is the current World no.1 Mark Selby who again went out tamely.in the first round.It may be that the neck injury he has been suffering with of late is still playing up on him or possibly he could be finding the punishing schedule he has had over the last few years is taking it's toll.
On this subject one of the main talking points before the start of the tournament was the fact that 7 of the top 16 didn't enter.It may be the case that as the tour spreads this is will become a regular occurrence and the fear I suppose will be that if the standard is diluted by the top players been absent any fledgling tournament will fail take off.
Anyway onwards and upwards we go UKPTC1 takes place this weekend..Hopefully my internet problems are behind me and I normal blogging service will be resumed.
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