German Masters Day One

Snooker returned to the Tempodrom in Berlin today with the start of the 2014 German Masters.

It says a lot for the way the German public have taken snooker to their hearts,that this tournament has so quickly become a highlight on the calendar,but that fact coupled with the truly unique venue have put this tournament on a level that is probably only behind the games "Big Three" in terms of popularity.

The new flat draw system,saw the first round of this event take place in the UK in December where an obviously disinterested Ronnie O'Sullivan was the major casualty.This left 64 players on their way to Berlin and a logistical nightmare with a total of 63 matches having to be played over the five days of the event. 

It is lucky then that the Tempodrome can accommodate so many tables with 7 still in clear view of the audience and only one table out of view. 

This also means I would be here all night if I were to write about every match that took place today so here instead are the highlights

The two men who contested last years final were the notable casualties in the morning session with defending champion Ali Carter letting a 4-2 lead slip against Dechawat Poomjaeng,going out 5-4 and Marco Fu going out to Paul Davison 5-2.

Also among the shocks were defeats for Suart Bingham (5-3 to Peter Lines) & Mark Allen (5-3 to Anthony Mcgill)

The big three of Mark Selby,Neil Robertson & Ding Junhui all had comfortable 5-1 wins.(beating Jimmy Robertson,Liu Chuang & Mike Dunn)

Veterans John Higgins & Mark Williams both also went comfortably through against Gerard Greene (5-2) & David Morris (5-1) respectively

Not such good results for our legends Jimmy White & Steve Davis in their fight to remain on the tour as both suffered defeats.(Jimmy 5-1 to Xiao Goudong & Steve 5-2 to Dominic Dale)

Tomorrow will the conclusion of the last 64 in the morning & then the whole round of 32 in the afternoon and evening.So plenty of snooker to be played.The only pity is we have only got one tv table.