Snooker

Interesting format, 4 groups of 4, two matches the winner of each plays each other and the winner goes through, I kind of wonder why you needed the groups as it is effectively a knockout tournament

I think it's to pace it, so your evening crowd always get the best-of-11? The European ones seem to be mainly best-of-7 even in the finals.

Its been a good event. I have enjoyed it very much.
A welcome addition to the snooker season .

UK Championship is using 128 players in its first round, allowing Ken Doherty (and others) the chance to get KO'd by people who aren't even household names in their own household

Ali Carter complained at the format, despite winning 6-1 in his match.

If they get knocked out at that stage, they're obviously not good enough for the final so I have no sympathy for them.

Are matches prior to Saturday's BBC coverage being shown on the red button?

Not liking this new 128 draw format for the big tournaments. It may work well for the PTC tournaments but it clearly doesn't for UK and World Championship where you should have to earn your spot on TV.

I still think it's rather entertaining. For the guys at the wrong-end of the rankings, it lets them know what the big time could be like. It must get demoralising when you're stuck treading water outside the top 64. Guys like Marco Fu or Mark Davis might be not pleased, but I gather Jimmy White was chuffed to be back in the big time (albeit not for long).

Judd Trump v Mark Allen competing for a place in the QF. It's a pity one of them has to go out so early in the tournament. Two of the most entertaining guys on the circuit.

Some good matches - though Ronnie was in demolition mode tonight, whitewashing Milkins.