World Championship first round matches

Stephaniebot

Though there is a tournament to go before this I hope no one minds me starting this, especially given 2 of the matches in this draw for various reasons.
All rankings are as per global snooker challenge website so include 'guaranteed points' for both China and World Champs.

2yr = prov ranking 1yr = is ranking based on this season only.

Top half of the draw.

Dott (2yr 2, 1yr 8) v McCullough (2yr 28, 1yr 18)

Dott has had a solid year as world champion, and as proved at the UK the longer matches do tend to suit him. McCullough has had a better year, but been patchy, and I see Dott winning this comfortably enough.

Hamilton (2yr 36, 1yr 48) v Fu (2yr 25, 1yr 44)

Two players who havent had a great season, apart from the Welsh Hamilton had a season to forget. Fu's ranking is down because he missed the UK (playing in Asian games) so in probably one of the less gripping games of the draw I'll plump for Fu.

Maguire (2yr 14, 1yr 10) v Perry (2yr 15, 1yr 14)

The rankings suggest this will be close, and I'd be inclined to agree on that, both players having had solid years. Perry has gone off the boil a little of late (not heading to China, already out) but equally wont face the long haul travel close to the big event. Plump narrowly for Maguire, but this has 10-9 written all over it.

Williams (2yr 10, 1yr 40) v Swail (2yr 16, 1yr 22)

Williams with the exception of the UK has had a year to forget, and to me this has turn up written all over it, especially given Swail's good performances over the years at Sheffield.

Higgins (2yr 3, 1yr 11) v Holt (2yr 20, 1yr 20)

Interesting, Higgins was strong the first half of the season, Holt has been stronger of late. Of course Higgins could prove himself in China again but would want to see a sign of that to be confident about him. Think he will get through, but narrowly. Results in China could easily change my opinion on that though.

Hawkins (2yr 21, 1yr 56) v O'Brien (2yr 38, 1yr 33)

Hawkins has had a horrible season, and though O'Brien wasnt the toughest draw he could have got I dont think his luck will change. Would call it a turn up suggesting O'brien for this, but not sure if it can be seen that way?

Robertson (2yr 8, 1yr 1) v Day (2yr 13, 1yr 7)

One of 2 absolutely superb matches at the end of this half of the draw, and look who they meet in the next round, whoever gets through! Both players I rate highly and wouldnt like to say who will win. Day's performance at the UK (longer tournament) just makes him the tip for me, but in all honesty a match to watch, not to bet on.

O'Sullivan (2yr 9, 1yr 3) v Junhui (2yr 7, 1yr 4)

Many wanted this as the final, instead its a first round match! A lot depends on how Junhui copes with the atmosphere after the 'Wembley incident' and thats a factor that is pure guesswork. No idea who will win this, twist my arm I'd say O'Sullivan but with no confidence whatsoever. Again a match to watch, not to punt on in all honesty.

Bottom half of the draw tomorrow,

I would appreciate it if people didnt post comments until I've done the bottom half of the draw tomorrow, thanks. Then feel free to do so.
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fairfranco · At Stud Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 4505

No way, Ding has got O'Sullivan?!

how's Ding been playing recently, if he's playing well he must be worth a bet as O'Sullivan still hasn't been taking games all too seriously. Everyone I saw on the forums thought that he deliberatley lost the first round in Malta.

mrdavie · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 11:39 am Post subject:

His flight to Malta landed 2 hours before he was due to play if I recall...

fairfranco · At Stud Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 4505

is that because it was late or because he wanted to be there as short a time as possible. I think he left Malta the same day as well!

Stephaniebot · Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 11:48 pm Post subject:

Some couldnt wait lol!
I did actually say I hadnt got a clue for the O'Sullivan v Jinhui match, just thought I'd better offer a selection of sorts. Think Ronnie is more likely to perform at home than abroad in all honesty. If I remember rightly last year he didnt even travel to Malta?

Bottom half of the draw.

Doherty (2yr 1, 1yr 9) v Allen (2yr 30, 1yr 26)

Mark Allen is a name for the future thats for sure, but he could have got an easier draw than this, against Hamilton or Hawkins I certainly would have tipped him. For me though Ken will be too shrewd for him this year, but Allen's time will come.

Stevens (2yr 27, 1yr 23) v Delaney (2yr 58, 1yr 49)

Not the biggest Stevens fan in the world, but I dont think he can mess this up in all honesty. But I suspect a lot depends how much snooker practice he has compared to poker playing time!

Davis (2yr 12, 1yr 16) v Parrott (2yr 40, 1yr 36)

If this wasnt for BBC commentator bragging rights I'd say Davis with a fair amount of confidence, but surely Parrott will practice really hard for this, and doesnt have to trek to China and back. Will still say Davis but expect the 'teasing' to fly on TV before they meet on the Saturday evening. Expect the BBC to focus on this, no idea why!

Murphy (2yr 5, 1yr 6) v Trump (2yr 51, 1yr 35)

Like Mark Allen its fair to say Judd Trump has a good looking future in this sport. Equally like Allen he hasnt got the easiest draw possible. Murphy's experience to see him through, but admire a good prospect for the future.

Ebdon (2yr 4, 1yr 2) v Bond (2yr 22, 1yr 19)

If this has an evening session expect a late finish! This should have lots of tactical safety play thats for sure. You would expect Ebdon to win but Bond has shown a revival of form this year so who knows?

Lee (2yr 11, 1yr 12) v Selby (2yr 18, 1yr 15)

One of those matches that truly could go either way, especially depending which head Lee turns up with. The good one could, and should win this but cant be relied to appear. Selby has had a good solid year and could cause a turn up.

Carter (2yr 23, 1yr 17) v Hicks (2yr 41, 1yr 50)

You would expect me to say Carter, and you're probably right, I should. But after an awful season Hicks has just started finding his form again and has good results in the past at Sheffield. Carter has occasional bottle problems (as in finishing a match!) and Hicks could talk him out of this if his recent form continues. China might give a clue as to how stable Hicks form really is though.

Hendry (2yr 6, 1yr 5) v Gilbert (2yr 45, 1yr 37)

Hendry has been turned over here in the past but I cant see it here. Gilbert has shown sprinklings of form but Hendry will surely outclass him here much as the betting suggests.

Now feel free to add comments...oh some already have! Cheeky

Outright tip,
Top half of the draw is very tough so ducking it for the value. Cant stand watching him play but on seasons form and previous crucible record I'll put up Peter Ebdon as the value tip.
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kerryman87 · Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 1:01 am Post subject:

nice write up mate, agree with you on most of them.

Rads · Classic Winner Joined: 05 Feb 2005 Posts: 617

I must agree very good preview there Stephaniebot Win

I've not seen much of it yet but looks like it has been pretty exciting with two 10-9's.

I'm looking forward to the Carter v Hicks match, I think Andy Hicks can win that one, he has played some of his best snooker at the crucible and is much better over a longer distance. (Hicks to win)

Williams v Swail is another match that will be intresting, if Williams continues to play like he has been, then I think Joe Swail will beat him quite easy to be honest, saying that Williams wasn't playing to well last season, but played well at the crucible only to lose 13-11 to Ronnie in the Quarters. (No Bet for me!)

Robertson (2yr 8, 1yr 1) v Day (2yr 13, 1yr 7)

Dammo Qwirky · Stallion Joined: 29 Oct 2004 Posts: 5897

kens playing like a muppet as usual. his opponent has got a bit of bradley outta eastenders about him. he will prob come out of this session 5-4 which would be a travesty.

Rads · Classic Winner Joined: 05 Feb 2005 Posts: 617

Its 6-3 to Mark Allen, they continue in the morning, I think Ken will slightly benefit from the overnight break, Mark would of liked to have carried on I expect, and it will give Ken half a chance to sort himself out.

10-9 on the cards here I think Wink

betking · Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 7:03 pm Post subject:

The first round is causing some shocks so far, Dott out, Ding dismantled, Parrott upset Davis and Doherty playing catch-up. Did I miss any?
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Room316 · Handicapper Joined: 16 Mar 2007 Posts: 20 Location: Pompey

All the snooker pundits on t.v. talk about how good Dings temperament is but it seems to me when he falls behind in a match he looses his head and virtually gives up.

Although being taken apart like he has against Ronnie in recent matches it would be difficult for anyone to want to carry on.
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Rads · Classic Winner Joined: 05 Feb 2005 Posts: 617