World Open 2012

[LittleMissAlexa]

it does cloud your judgement when u have something on it

deep screw is the challenger by the way i think everyone else is out

[montoya10]

Taking a look at both teams, it's quite possible for little miss to win without Lee getting to the final.

[LittleMissAlexa]

i think that depends on the highest break which lee currently holds

[montoya10]

Whitewashes really helped you, as well.
Three of them and the highest break means 23 extra points. If Allen goes out and makes a maximum, things can change.
Other than that, it's pretty difficult.

[montoya10]

Lee on the brink of victory now. He really has this under control. That safety he played thin off the two reds on the left side to get back to the baulk was classy.

[montoya10]

Cool break from Stephen. A really entertaining final is awaiting!!

[Odrl]

Well played Lee, another strong performance. Should be a good final.

[coomsey76]

Well pleased that Lee has got through..... well deserved!!

How good was the black he potted from the cushion and then that red to middle and which then developed the remaining the reds.....

Should be a cracking final tomorrow!!

[montoya10]

Well pleased that Lee has got through..... well deserved!!

How good was the black he potted from the cushion and then that red to middle and which then developed the remaining the reds.....

Should be a cracking final tomorrow!!

And the way he used the pocket's side to get back to that black with a heavy screw back.. What a risky shot it was.
Lee is back in Top 8 of the world in the latest projected seedings in Matt's blog. Well done.

[coomsey76]

Indeed Montoya some great snooker from Lee, so impressed with how well he is playing..... and being back in the top 8 shows that!!

Good call on Lee making his mark on the game after the interval.... he certainly did that 4 frames on the bounce!!

[montoya10]

Indeed Montoya some great snooker from Lee, so impressed with how well he is playing..... and being back in the top 8 shows that!!

Good call on Lee making his mark on the game after the interval.... he certainly did that 4 frames on the bounce!!

Well, surprisingly spot on call from me, you're right : )
I wasn't anywhere near getting something correct all week long (=

[coomsey76]

Well, surprisingly spot on call from me, you're right : )
I wasn't anywhere near getting something correct all week long (=

Well as they say..... 'this could be the turning point for you!!'

[montoya10]

Well as they say..... 'this could be the turning point for you!!'

Lol, now, this is a good one, really : )

Perhaps a catchphrase of my own it's going to be, like "Where is the cue ball going?"

[Odrl]

So, who do we see winning the final?

It will be a rare success for one of the players in any case. Stephen Lee has not won a ranking title for six years, in fact, he hasn't got anywhere near in recent years. He certainly hasn't produced such a sustained period of good form, particularly the scoring part of his game, until last month basically. You just fancy him to make a century when he gets a scoring visit, and once you get that feeling with a player, it surely means they have a good chance of winning titles. Possible weaknesses? Maybe some rustiness, not being in this position very often these days. Stamina? Could come into play in a two-session match, especially if it goes close. Other than that, he is pretty solid. But so is his opponent...

Very impressive stuff from Allen all week, potting and scoring at his best, certainly on Lee's level if not even better. While Lee has basically thrashed all of his opponents this week, Allen has had to come from behind twice, and did so brilliantly. That, along with his UK final comeback, makes me think he is not going to crack here, even if Lee gets off to a good start. I think it might actually suit Allen if the match is close early on, he could then produce his best at the business end again. On the other hand, if he dominates the match from the start, he will soon lose the underdog status that has helped him dig deep here, and he will be under pressure not to waste a great chance to win his first title. Weaknesses? Well, certainly the fact he hasn't won a big title yet. Some players need a loss or two first, before they can learn from their mistakes and do it right eventually. Maybe Allen is there now, having lost the UK final earlier in the season. Another weakness could be his tactical play... He played a couple of poor safety shots early on against Selby, but having gone behind, his safety then improved to a more than adequate level. He has also been known to play an over-ambitious shot or two in the past, especially towards the end of matches. He needs to keep his discipline here.

Taking everything into account, I have a feeling Allen will prevail. Maybe a balanced first session, then Allen pulling a couple of frames ahead in the evening? Something like 10-7, although my preference would be 10-9. No chance for a midnight finish here, but I would be happy if at least the Chinese snooker fans get it.

[coomsey76]

A bit one sided at the minute..... Allen playing well and not missing a lot!!

But Lee has just got his first frame on the board, can he build on it??? Let's hope so......