Many years ago, I used to watch 'Pot Black' on television and followed on by becoming quite addicted to the game in the early 1980s. Ted Lowes' immortal "for those of you who are watching in black and white, the pink is next to the green" is one of the most memorable quotes in sporting history which is a testament to the game's popularity.
I tried to play the game myself but simply couldn't see the angles well enough - on odd occasions, I'd play shots that anyone would have been proud of but I never could play with any consistency. What ultimately depresses me and, at the same time exhilarates me, is the utter genius that is displayed by our top snooker players.
This is not a game in which small errors can be forgotten, in fact, every tiniest error may well be punished unmercifully. Players that I have seen, from the days of Ray Reardon and John Spencer, through Alex Higgins, Steve Davis and Steven Hendry to today's greats of Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins, have demonstrated extraordinary skill and nerve in the most tense situations.
Tonights almost unbelievable match between John Higgins and Mark Williams has shown all of the greatest elements of a great game. The skill, tension and drama was more than is ever seen in most sports; the competitors are there on their own with no one else to help them. The grit and determination of John Higgins was astonishing; the way in which Mark Williams could still raise a joke and a smile after losing a 9-5 winning lead was a demonstration of true sportmanship.
What a great sport and what a great match.
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