Looks like Luke Littler could handle a cue if he lost a few pounds?

I thought it was a big blow that Xintong and Bingtao got banned as they were showing a few signs.

I suppose Luca even though he is now 28 is one of the young ones.

As for British players, seems like it will be a long wait before one of them comes through.

I think Luca is the only player in the top 16 that is under 30. It's a bit strange no younger players are coming through.

I just remember that the likes of Jimmy, Hendry, Ronnie, Higgins, Ding all dazzled us as teenagers, whereas no-one has really done that in recent years.

I agree it's a real shame with Bingtao in particular, who was showing maturity as a young player.

Maybe it's taking players a bit longer to develop, or the standard is such it's more difficult to break through.

You would just think that with the growing popularity of the game, there would be more youngsters breaking through than ever

Young Stan?

They need to re-release the timeless classic 'Snooker Loopy' to draw in a younger audience

Whilst I am quite happy that Ronnie is winning so much at this stage, it’s quite concerning how much he is winning recently.

I don’t really think he played particularly well in the last 3 tournaments apart from the odd match here and there.

I’m sure many players will bring their best snooker at the Worlds, but can’t believe there are so few young players.

I don't think anyone has been on great form this season. We all know about the Ding match, but apart from that, Ronnie has been fairly solid, brief flashes of brilliance, but certainly beatable. Trump has a few wins also without looking his normal self. The rest have been much of a muchness.

But it's all the same crew with very few new faces. It's crazy that we don't have anyone 25 or younger who looks really threatening.

Yea it's a shame, I'd love to see a young lad smashing the establishment, maybe Stan Moody.. We'll see, meanwhile, Ronnie beats Burden 5-3, & crackers Jimmy White loses 5-0.. Just stop now...

Ronnie has pulled out of the German Masters

Needs a rest before the Welsh,, 2 ITV events, & the worlds....

Slowby and Murphy out in R1 of the German Masters

Ding also out

I dont know if i like the setup of the tables in this venue, so weird.

I like the foxy redhead in Judd's match

The set up is a bit weird. Comfortable win for Judd but Luca Brecel anothet big name out.

Luca has had a disappointing year, so far as world champion

Luca was obviously brilliant at the World Championships last year, but he simply had a 2 week spell where everything went right for him, from the amazing comebacks against Ronnie and Si Jiahui and a great performance in the final against Selby.

I think he will always be a streaky player, so just as likely to go out in the first round as he is to blow everyone apart.

I guess there can be always a natural dip after a world title, especially if you're not the dominant player of the time. It will come good at some tourney for Luca, just difficult to predict when.

Yeah I am not surprised Brecel has struggled. He isnt one of the top dogs, but certainly worthy of a Top 16 place.

Its a pity how poor Matthew Stevens is these days, he is younger than the Class of 92

Judd wins 5-3. That was probably the worst he played all season. That was such a struggle barring the last 2 frames where he played a lot better.

Robbo had a decent win too

Kyren beats Woolston 5-1

2-2 between John and Zhou.

Zhou’s long potting has been ridiculous.

Higgins on a max here…

Messed it up straight away 😂