Comments on: 2008/9 Player Reviews: 17-32

By: matt2745

matt2745 — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:32:55 +0000

My feeling is that Ding will improve next season, I was really impressed with his attitude at the Crucible this year.

Ebdon…as he showed in China he’s still a class player but his time is running out I think.

This year only Dott dropped out of the top 16, the year before saw Davis, Ken, Williams and Lee go, prior to that I think it was three.

As ddrIII says though it’s going to be extra tough to call next season. From Davis down there are ten players within a thousand points, so with just six events confirmed every win really is going to count.

By: dannyboy

dannyboy — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:24:50 +0000

A fair assessment. Most of the players in this bracket have form from the past few years to suggest they could break into the top 16 but when you turn the question into simply a numbers/statistical question then the reality is only a few have a chance. I can’t be bothered to look back at the trend over recent years but if the number is around only 3 make the drop out of the top 16 after any one year then the chances of moving up are slim. It comes down to luck of the draw and places loads of pressure on those 3 BBC events where pts are increased! Whoever wins all 3 opening matches in those events may be better placed than a final appearance in the lesser 3 – Dave Harold and Jo Swail to name two last year. Somehow that doesnt seem right. Mark King is a real high achiever who maximises his results. Williams may come good again as he may appreciate the top 16 a bit more having been out of it and focus more as a result. Ding?? Ebdon ???

By: ddrIII

ddrIII — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:35:02 +0000

According to past experience, Walden should be break into the Top 16 from his position now.

Other are so close and difficult to say at this moment.

By: Sammy@SnookerSceney

Sammy@SnookerSceney — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:53:59 +0000

Holt top 16 next season!

By: quintahunter

quintahunter — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:58:33 +0000

I believe Cope and Walden will reach the top-16. As Matt says, Trump may need another season.

What happened to Matthew Stevens? Did Paul Hunter’s death affect him so much? He used to be REALLY good.

By: matt2745

matt2745 — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:08:44 +0000

I don’t think you are too far wrong really.

Walden I think is a very strong possibility, barring a nightmare I would be surprised to see him not make the step up. As you say, with there being just six events confirmed, the 2008/9 points are going to be even more important than usual and he is very well placed there.

Cope…I’m not sure, simply because I’ve been thinking the same for 2-3 years now and he starts next season 24th provisionally. He’s obviously talented enough, just needs to become a bit more consistent I guess.

Trump again could do, though my gut feeling says that he might have to wait another year. Despite his Grand Prix semi-final I’m still not convinced that he is at his best on TV yet and to become top 16, he’ll need to be making quarter-finals. The Premier League will help him a lot though I reckon.

Of the current top 16, I would say that the most vulnerable would be King, Williams and maybe even Perry who will have to improve. Ebdon too struggled barring that China run. I don’t see any other players losing their place so to answer your question, four at most, but probably three.

By: dannyboy

dannyboy — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:59:11 +0000

You would have to say Cope, Walden and Trump are the three to pick to rise upwards into the top 16. Next tier of three would be Wenbo, Holty and then one of the old guard (Dott, Stevens, Lee or Davis) The rest looked booked for top 32 at best and in some cases worse. Some of the old guard may dip downwards now too. Steve looks to have too many points to drop out of the 32 this coming season with so few events but for me it is a huge season in terms of any chance of climbing upwards. Now or never for Steve – it could be a farewell year in terms of top 20 leading to a demise like JP the year after. Dott may rekindle some form as he played better once fit. Lee and Stevens may go either way but the rest are top 32 at best. The standard is such that I can only see maybe 5 at best breaking into the top 16 with maybe 3 or 4 being more realistic. How many players do you think, starting out of the top 16 will move up into it by the end of the season? If it is around 3 or 4 you would have to think Trump, Cope and Walden are the most likely. Going to be very interesting – I just hope the season isnt restricted to 6 events!! 3 BBC events and 3 others will mean some players may lose all 6 opening matches!! I for one hope Steve wins at least one!!