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Welsh snooker on the decline but it will live to fight another Day

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Pablo Luna - Moonlighting for Betfair. Pablo is sad to see Mark Wiliams and Matthew Stevens struggle for form but thinks Ryan Day will lead the charge for the next generation of Welsh snooker players...

Wales has long enjoyed a prestigious position in the world of snooker and when you appreciate that Wales has about 5% of the UK population (less than 3 million) it is apparent that they punch above their weight when it comes to snooker. The successes the Welsh players and officials have had over the years have maintained its strong tradition and heritage and helped advance snooker in Wales. Here there is a reverence for the game with no mention of a misspent youth!

In Wales they have a wonderful structure for the development of snooker at all ages but particularly for youngsters. The Welsh Coaching Foundation has seventeen qualified WBSA Coaches and is fantastically effective. The number of available snooker tables with hands on coaching in South Wales bodes well for the continuation. Also the success of Welsh players has created real role models for a new generation of young players to follow.

There is a new breed on the verge of breaking through with no shortage of young talent. Three of world snooker's most promising starlets are Welsh: Michael White, Daniel Wells and Jamie Jones are all teenage sensations who have been tipped for the top as the snooker hotbed of South Wales continues to produce red-hot potters.

Michael White from Neath (16) was denied appearing in his first ranking event of the season, the 2007 Shanghai Masters as it fell short of his 16th birthday. This outstanding prospect became the youngest ever winner of the IBSF World Grand Prix and was the youngest ever player to score a century break when he was nine-year old. Daniel Wells and Jamie Jones (was the first now the second youngest ever to score maximum 147 in a match when 14-years old) are others about to break through with a host of others on a tier below.

Forerunner and groundbreaker was super legend Ray Reardon MBE who claimed six world titles. Although always difficult to compare players from different eras, he was the greatest player to come out of Wales.

He mastered the game when pockets were small and tactics vital but played on into the new age where faster cloths and larger pockets favoured attacking play and the young long-pot sharpshooters. At the age of 49 he reached the 1982 world final only to lose 18-12 to an inspired Alex Higgins but one of his greatest moments came in 1988. Aged 56, he thrashed Steve Davis, winner of five world crowns, 5-0 in the British Open. Energy not waned, he is currently assisting in the career of Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Terry Griffiths followed, winning the world crown in his second tournament as a professional. He was desperately unlucky to peak at the same time as Steve 'the Nugget' Davis or he would have won more. This figurehead is now widely regarded as one of the best coaches in world snooker and continues to share and give his expertise and experience to the cause of Welsh snooker. Former World number eight Darren Morgan is another countryman contributing with coaching youngsters at his own club.

Mark Williams is one of Wales's most successful snooker stars winning the World Championship in 2000 and 2003 but although capable of producing sublime snooker, he is seriously on the decline! A lack of motivation, practice and desire being the quickest route out of the snooker revolving door! He did not have to raise his game to beat the ordinary Mark Davis 10-3 in the first round and is now [30.0] to win the Championship with Betfair. He continues to threaten retirement, I think he should go now! Williams has been drawn against O'Sullivan and although potentially a dangerous opponent, most expect Ronnie to beat the lazy one!

Poker playing enthusiast Matthew Stevens, twice a World Finalist and three times a semi-finalist, is another who has stopped working at his game and needs a kick up the backside. Still only 30, he is a talent not fulfilled and he meekly surrendered to Higgins 5-10 in the first round.

This year I cannot see any success for the Principality. There will not be a new winner either, currently trading at [1.58] with Betfair. Those betting for a new winner only have Maguire as a realistic chance and you might as well back him individually at [7.6].

Ryan Day (currently ranked seven) is a player improving at the age of 28. He has given O'Sullivan and Higgins an almighty fright before losing and has some Crucible pedigree. However, in round two John Higgins at [1.53] should hold too many guns for Ryan Day who is[2.86] - prices with Betfair. A word of caution for Higgins supporters is that he has endured a low-key build-up to Sheffield and that history is against him winning the title. Since the tournament switched to the Crucible in 1976, only two players have managed to defend a world title. Higgins is currently [11.5] to win the Championship.

I expect Welsh snooker to be quiet for the next 18 months but to re-emerge strongly. The talent and building blocks are in place!