Hair and other things

Yes, there is a mystery. Yes, you can solve it. Yes, comment or message if you think you have.

Now, other things. For the last week or two I've had the equivalent of a holiday. I felt like writing MLP fiction, which happens rarely these days; so I did. How to Win a Uniform is what happens when I write freely and indulgently, without much store for ruthless prose. Hair, on the other hand, is a crisp, sterile, careful job. Both benefit from some new thoughts I've had about structure and pacing. I hope you enjoy the results.

Otherwise I've been watching snooker. I'm enjoying this world championship so far. My predictions at the start were either O'Sullivan (obviously), Shaun Murphy (oof) or Mark Selby (still in it!). I've really been impressed with Luca Brecel. I mean, I've liked him for years, and I know he's brilliant if you judge him by his best shot. But this time out he's actually had results. No one beats Mark Williams by playing poorly. Anthony McGill I really like, and I wasn't in the least bit shocked when he knocked out Judd Trump. Keep an eye on him. If he makes the semis and faces Ronnie, who knows? Kyren Wilson looked brilliant in the first round, but as I type, John Higgins is butchering him. Go on, Kyren!

Poor old Shaun Murphy. He's played wonderful stuff this season, yet he's out. I suppose that's what happens when you're commentating on every other match and playing in the very same tournament. Same goes for Joe Perry. As it stands, you'd think it was Ronnie's year again. Half the favourites are gone already. Higgins looks a threat. As well as McGill is playing, can he really make the final? Unless Luca stuns us all, I don't see how Ronnie can lose. Maybe vs Selby in the final – if Selby gets there. He's looking OK, but he isn't dropping any jaws. So, here's to Ronnie's 8th. Let's see how poorly this ages.

Acologic out.