Snooker - The Malta Cup 2005

One of the realities that make sport appealing is the element of surprise.

Irrespective of predictions, debating past and recent results, it all boils down to that magic moment of the actual performance on the day.

The latest of such exemplar was the first Malta Cup, a world ranking tournament on the World Snooker Association calendar, contested by the world's top players.

At such a level of play forecasts are somewhat capricious to make. Yet, both from a competitive aspect and more significantly from a commercial outlook, the 'prediction' element generates enthusiasm which is definitely a prime characteristic in the build-up scenario of an event.

Just hours before the balls set rolling on the green baize at the Hilton, Stephen Maguire was 3/1 favourite, Ronnie O'Sullivan was second at 5/2 and Stephen Hendry third at 9/2... yet there was no mention of Graeme Dott, who put up a fantastic display and was so close to get over his ranking tournaments taboo of making the final just to miss on the glory.

This was his fourth 'mishap' final. Incidentally, it was also a fourth triumph for Hendry in Malta - previously he had won two Rothmans Grands Prix (1998, 2001), and the European Open in 2001.

When referring to Hendry in one of my pre-event features I said: "a quality player may pass through a drop-in-form phase but never loses class".

The tense 9-7 Malta Cup final confirmed the Scotsman with a unique tally of 36 ranking tournaments victories and absolute leadership of the all-time winners list.

And whether one talks of the 'pudding' or the 'Scottish pie', the reality is indisputable - on his day Hendry is the greatest.

The Malta Cup lived up to its expectations - a real spectacle.

At this stage a chronological or detailed report on the event is unnecessary following the extensive coverage given by both the press media and television where, besides over 20-hours of Eurosport transmission, practically all rounds of the Malta Cup were given 'live' viewing on the Melita Cable channels.

Today is, more appropriately, a time of reflection and evaluation of the significance of a first world ranking event with direct association to Malta. Here is the feedback from some 'involved' personalities.

Tony Drago, professional player

Prior to the tournament a top player might have given the impression that the Malta Cup was not too appealing because of the prize-money. How determining is the prize-money in a ranking event?

"Prize-money has over the past few years gone down in many events mainly due to a restructuring phase the game is passing through.

"Of course, all players would like to win hefty prize-money but for sure at this level of play prestige and ranking points are what the leading players are after. One can attribute the success of the Malta Cup for many a reason among which was the players' fervent commitment which brought about some fantastic snooker."

Antoine Gouder, U*BET Brand Manager for Maltco Lotteries

The Malta Cup proved a milestone in the young history of Maltco Lotteries. Snooker became the second sport, after football, which was listed in your local betting opportunities. What was the response and was this considered an encouraging send-off?

"The number of bets placed for the Malta Cup was in line with our expectations for such a niche market.

"We were able to offer this to sports enthusiasts due to the flexible systems we have in place and which can cater for such one-off events.

"We shall continue to pursue opportunities to offer betting through our U*Bet brand. In fact, F1 betting will be offered from this season."

Phil Yates, seasoned journalist

You have been covering snooker for many years now and you have also been a regular visitor to Malta when tournaments are held here. How does Malta fit in the international snooker scenario and how does our facilities and organization compare?

"Only the other day I worked out that I've attended over 150 world ranking events.

"Some have been unforgettable for the wrong reasons, others have been average, others have been outstanding. The Malta Cup, and indeed its forerunner the European Open, fall into the latter category. That is not diplomacy... it is fact.

"The facilities at the Portomaso Hilton are five star in every sense, the atmosphere is excellent and the organisation by Snooker Promotions (Malta) could not be faulted.

"Long may our trips to your island continue".

Richard Balani, Director of Snooker Promotions Malta

In its 11-year eventful life-span, Snooker Promotions have brought six world ranking tournaments to Malta. How do you rate this last tournament and what are the prospects of having the Malta Cup a permanent appointment on the WSA calendar?

"Eleven years? Actually, it seems only like yesterday that SPM embarked on its quest of staging professional snooker events in Malta, and the hard work put in has always been appreciated by the snooker fans and players alike.

"However, this is not enough, and to ensure the continuity of the Malta Cup, we must maintain and increase our local sponsorship base because of two reasons. One, there are several countries around the world that are just waiting to step into our shoes; and, two, it is a fact that the event greatly contributes to our country's tourism drive."

It's so true that "the proof of the pudding is in the eating", or to put it more simply, at the end of it all "results are what count".

The Malta Cup has given Hendry yet another sweet taste of victory and certainly for many others also a great sense of pride and satisfaction.