Albury review

As a snooker player, the Fred Osbourne Snooker Classic is a must attend tournament. This year is a bit of a disappointment. Although the tournament was well run, and the organizer had done a great job, but the condition was nothing but CRAP. All the tables had been re-stretched, but those clothes probably been used for the last 4 years or more. The pace was quick, but got nothing in it. Almost impossible to screw 3/4 of the table because the cloth is so worn out, it doesn't grab.

They also moved the room downstairs. That's the worst decision ever made by them. The new room is so compact, low ceiling and very hot inside. Most importantly it has lost the atmosphere and the "Grand" feeling you used to have in the old room. The new room is nothing special, similar to any snooker room in your local RSL joint. Having been to this tournament for the last 6 years, I would have to say this year is the worst.

According to my matches, I played like a genius first up against Kiwi. Demolished him 3-0 within an hour. I were potting everything and he only scored 8, 8 and 14 points in 3 frames. Against the GHB, I played like a spastic. Perhaps too much pressure because 5 bowls of wonton noodles was on the line there. And I lost 3-0.

I also had other bets for the weekend. MVP gave the crowd a huge fist pump after he beat Tim Ng 3-1 (which cost me a feed of Yum Cha), but Dazz beat Bully for 2 feeds. So I am 1 up against Bobo. Me and Mr.Invincible had other bets as well. I had Rudy in his first match against McGee, giving 2 frames starts. Rudy won 3-0 and brought home the bacon. I also had Stuart Duncan against GHB and he won 3-1. Micheal Sharp also brought home the goods as he beat KY. The only bet I lost was Nathan White, he lost 3-2 against Bacon and Eggs. Overall I won YC$50.

I went up there with Rudy and Donahue. For 3 1/2 hours when I was driving, Donahue was talking all the time in the car. There's only 3 subjects in his conversation. God, Jesus and how he used to practice with the pros in England. When he was not talking, he was reading Bible. All of the sudden he will yell out something like," Hey, Rudy! Is this fascinating?" Then he will read out something from the Bible, Blah blah blah............ Lucky me Sam Fishy not there. What a start to the trip.

After I lost to the GHB, I were not going to play in the plate. Time to get pissed! Friday night at the Club was OK, but Sat night was DEAD. We really missed Master Gee, KO Master, Keith and Happy Andrews. KO Master normally will keep the bar busy; Happy Andrews and Keith will be there at the TAB; Master Gee will do his specialty entertaining the crowd. Sat night I ended up watching the Crows lost to the Pies with Dazz, dropping another bowl of noodles in the process to the Master. Later in the night, Rose, Mr.President, Jamesy and Tazz joined in. Stratos was missing and he was working in his room for some banks. Just wondering which bank he works for? The next day we got the answer. Not ANZ, not Commonwealth, Westpac etc. but the great bank called "SPERM". It is a tough job my friend. Wonder how much he gets paid for the first shot. Will the price fluctuates in his second? What happen if there's a hair in it? Wonder if he can pump a litre! All I can say is, life's tough in recession! Although we only had a small group, but I was fun. Mr.President was so drunk, he gave Dazz and Tazz a series of "French Kisses". I got the photos in my mobile, if anyone interested in it. I might do a private sale. Otherwise I will put it up on e-bay.

Due to the crap conditions, many players were struggling. Uncle Glen, Mr.Invincible, Aaron, Brother Paul, Ben Judge. They all played like a B graders. On the way back to Melbourne, finally Donahue changed his subject. He was talking to Rudy about techniques. How the Pros play in England, Rudy's weakness and the correct mindsets. As all the big guns were playing so crap, he reckons he should be playing in the finals. The reason Uncle Glen and Mr.Invincible could go all the way to the semi because of their "REPUTATION". He said "Reputation" plays a big part in the game. Having a good reputation, your opponents will fear you; they will be playing with a lot more pressure. As the result, they can't perform up to their standard. They will choke at the crucial moment. So all the big guns with REPUTATION don't need to perform up to their standard, but they can bluff their way to the next match. Very interesting in fact!

We got a SMS from BOBO and the final will be Budd vs Mr.Invincible. We try to pick the winner and we all went with Mr.Invincible. Here is why:

Donahue: Reputation!
Rudy: No one in snooker history can defend the title in their first attempt. (Hendry, Davies didn't). No back to back winners at Fred Osbourne winners board. (Don't know about that!)
My reason: I got no choice! My mind said Shawn, but my heart said Steve. From Master Gee's word of wisdom, Mr.Invincible is DUE!

We all know what the result is. Congratulation to S.Budd winning the 2009 Fred Osbourne Classic!