Ronnie on the brink of making history

[tiger76]

17-12 up on Trump, and just one frame away from matching Hendry's 7 world titles, and he seems to improve with age if anything.

Trump will win more world titles, but he won't be adding to his haul tonight, Ronnie has recovered from his blip this afternoon, and dome exactly what he needed to do this evening.

One of the true all time greats of the game, and what's remarkable is his longevity, he continues to be the man to beat as he has been for most of the last 20 years or more.

[BurnleyFC]

After what this tournament has thrown up this week I wouldn’t be surprised to still see it go to a deciding frame, but O’Sullivan is an absolute genius at his craft, ably supported by his fellow class of ‘92 graduates Higgins and Williams.

It’s incredible that they’re all still at the very top of their games.

[ElectroClaret]

Done it 18 - 13.

[Chester Perry]

what a brilltant two weeks this has been at the crucible - possibly the best quality of snooker across the board ever

[KRBFC]

One of the best sportsmen this country has produced, maybe snooker isn't big enough but he never seems to get much credit. A genius of an incredibly difficult sport.

[yTib]

even though i can't stand him i'm actually pleased for him.

i must be getting old.

[Jakubclaret]

Pure raw talent & a master of the game for sure, not quite sure he doesn’t get the credit people who are into snooker unanimously agree he’s 1 of the best.

[tiger76]

what a brilltant two weeks this has been at the crucible - possibly the best quality of snooker across the board ever

Sadly I've not watched any of it this year, but the pure fact a record 109 centuries were scored, beating last years previous record of 108, suggests that the standards are improving all the time, and this for me makes Ronnie's achievements all the greater, yes Hendry was a great player, but when he won his titles there was perhaps 2 or 3 guys dominating the sport, now the competition is way deeper in my view anyway.

Same with Steve Davis in the 80/90's, they were rarely tested in the way Ronnie has been during his career, I honestly thought his win in 2020 would be Ronnie's last, due to the calibre of the young talent, and the likes of Selby, Trump etc, but he's firmly put the pretenders back in their place again.

[Chester Perry]

Sadly I've not watched any of it this year, but the pure fact a record 109 centuries were scored, beating last years previous record of 108, suggests that the standards are improving all the time, and this for me makes Ronnie's achievements all the greater, yes Hendry was a great player, but when he won his titles there was perhaps 2 or 3 guys dominating the sport, now the competition is way deeper in my view anyway.

Same with Steve Davis in the 80/90's, they were rarely tested in the way Ronnie has been during his career, I honestly thought his win in 2020 would be Ronnie's last, due to the calibre of the young talent, and the likes of Selby, Trump etc, but he's firmly put the pretenders back in their place again.

some astounding play from the new generation but the class of 92 were incredibly tough to get past - really high quality, cannot remember a poor match up

[jdrobbo]

Sensational Ronnie. What an achievement!

[IanMcL]

An excellent achievement in the modern age. Many capable of winning. It takes a certain ability and mentality, to push yourself that extra bit, no matter what is happening.

[Swizzlestick]

The best that's ever played, by a distance - a total genius.

Also, he got a lot of stick a few years back when he criticised the standard of young players coming through and how they weren't affecting big tournaments but he was absolutely right. Three of the four semi-finalists were in their mid-40's (bear in mind Hendry won his last world title when he was 30). I'm not sure if it's the Hearn-ification of the sport which hasn't helped or whether the talent just isn't there, but it's definitely a problem.

[Chester Perry]

The best that's ever played, by a distance - a total genius.

Also, he got a lot of stick a few years back when he criticised the standard of young players coming through and how they weren't affecting big tournaments but he was absolutely right. Three of the four semi-finalists were in their mid-40's (bear in mind Hendry won his last world title when he was 30). I'm not sure if it's the Hearn-ification of the sport which hasn't helped or whether the talent just isn't there, but it's definitely a problem.

it is all those best of 9 tournaments - it makes these multi-session affairs a difficult experience and you could see it was as much about mental toughness/endurance for those older players

[Rowls]

what a brilltant two weeks this has been at the crucible - possibly the best quality of snooker across the board ever

Agreed. Thoroughly enjoyable snooker on display. I've enjoyed virtually every minute of it.

[IanMcL]

it is all those best of 9 tournaments - it makes these multi-session affairs a difficult experience and you could see it was as much about mental toughness/endurance for those older players

Like Test Match Cricket!

[Red Fox Rocks Socks]

There was a clip on the bbc website of him falling out with the ref, what was all that about?

[claretburns]

There was a clip on the bbc website of him falling out with the ref, what was all that about?

There was a moment when he made a hand gesture to the crowd and the ref gave him an informal warning to watch himself. Ronnie denied doing anything wrong and told the ref.

Not seen a proper replay so not sure if the ref or Ronnie was right.

[Im_not_Robbie_Blake]

There's not a lot that's better than watching Ronnie play like that1

[Claretitus]

Trump also played his part, but as said Ronnie was like a Rolls Royce. Gliding around the table. Superb stuff.