Carter out,beaten 13-11 by McManus.He was 9-7 up overnight but McManus just ground him down.If Higgins wins he'll play McManus,that will be one seriously tactical affair!
I had my first bet of the WC last night, I backed Bazza Hawkins @ 5.0 on Betfair to beat O'Sullivan. Didn't like Ronnies demeanour in the first round and Hawkins is very capable on his day of giving anyone a run. Carter was atrocious this morning, just wanted to get out of there and Angles did the job on him. Nice to see the "old dogs" still enjoying their time in the limelight.
5-3 to Barry after the 1st session,played well and held off the Ronnie onslaught.He's one of the few player's that I feel Ronnie respects,he's pretty unflappable,and I think he could turn Ronnie over! Good luck pal
Great match going on between Selby and Baird,Selby was 11-7 up and it looked all over,but Baird's taken the next 3 and is looking good to make it 11 all ! Really impressed with Baird's temperament,he looks like a real talent for the future.
Ronnie really looks vulnerable in this. Didn't quite fancy him at the start, fancy him lesa and less as it goes on. Robertson was player I expected to take advantage but he didnt exactly follow my script .... No idea who wins it now, it's a cliché but it really looks like anyone left could. Qualifiers included. Hope to pick someone before QFs and have a small wager.
No bet from me but would love to see john higgins take another world championship. Amazing to think its almost 20 years since his first win. He's always been a fav of mine, helped by the fact he's Scottish, but he's just a class player and quite a likeable guy. If not higgins then be nice to see a new name on the trophy, maybe hawkins if he can get past ronnie!
Judd's done the same again this morning,he threw away at least 2 frames and he's gonna find it almost impossible to overhaul a player like Ding from 6-2 down. On the other table Kyren Wilson has blown Mark Allen away with some tremendous play,he leads 7-1 and this kid is the real deal !
O'Sullivan throws in a 124 break In 27 seconds to edge back 1, 12-10 now. Higgins carrying on his form from early in the season, through to the Quarters once more after disposing Ricky Walden.
12-12...Ronnie with 3 on the trot in no time at all...monstrous fave now given his past form with The Hawk.
What a match. Tense decider and with both getting chances, Hawkins marches on to play Marco Fu in the Q/F.
Tremendous match,and a fabulous performance from Hawkins.Trump needs a brain transplant if he's ever gonna win this,it's there for the taking now!
Well played boys backing Hawkins to beat Ronnie. I won't after time only to say I've thought Ronnie wasn't quite at the level he'd need to be
Those last 2 frames were huge for Kyren. A mountain to climb though you have to feel, if Selby was 4 down you would almost still believe he was the likely winner, he's very hard to catch with any lead. Ding looks to be doing ok, maybe going in under the radar this year is having a more positive effect for his game. Hawkins feeling the pinch of his 25 frame match vs Ronnie today...3 down already to Fu! Surprise winner or Selby to do what most expect now?
I wouldn't say Higgins would be a surprise winner,it would be his 5th World title. It's still possible that it could be an all Asian final,Fu v Ding final would probably be the most watched snooker match of all time !
You know what I mean though. Higgins wasn't up there among the favourites pre tournament where as Selby was 2nd/3rd fave. Obviously he has a chance especially given his form over the season and his past...would be some achievement if he reclaimed it, or Will.i.ams.
