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There is not much to say ahead of the final...
We already knew at the quarter-final stage that the finalist from the top half would be a big underdog, especially if it was someone other than Mark Davis. Xiao's performance today changed my opinion somewhat. He played some good stuff in a match where he was supposed to be under pressure, and he has now prevailed three times in close matches, as well as come back from behind on a couple of occasions. This suggests that there is every chance he won't succumb to the pressure of the occasion, and if he does go behind he will probably dig deep and fight to the end.
Having said that, the problem is that what most players would consider a good performance is the general standard for Ding. He is bound to make some high breaks and win frames in one visit over a best-of-19, which means Xiao has to do the same himself to have any chance of winning. Ding has also shown great discipline throughout the week, dominating the safety battles and fighting when things went against him. But he knew he had to do that against the likes of Robertson and Murphy, and there is always a chance that a bit of complacency could creep into his game now that he is the big favourite. Xiao is a lot more mature than some of the other players around his age, he doesn't really play anything stupid, so Ding needs to be solid in every department if he wants to dominate the match.
I think Ding will probably prove too strong for Xiao in the end, but it could be closer than expected, maybe a 10-8. Looking forward to it. :smile:
We already knew at the quarter-final stage that the finalist from the top half would be a big underdog, especially if it was someone other than Mark Davis. Xiao's performance today changed my opinion somewhat. He played some good stuff in a match where he was supposed to be under pressure, and he has now prevailed three times in close matches, as well as come back from behind on a couple of occasions. This suggests that there is every chance he won't succumb to the pressure of the occasion, and if he does go behind he will probably dig deep and fight to the end.
Having said that, the problem is that what most players would consider a good performance is the general standard for Ding. He is bound to make some high breaks and win frames in one visit over a best-of-19, which means Xiao has to do the same himself to have any chance of winning. Ding has also shown great discipline throughout the week, dominating the safety battles and fighting when things went against him. But he knew he had to do that against the likes of Robertson and Murphy, and there is always a chance that a bit of complacency could creep into his game now that he is the big favourite. Xiao is a lot more mature than some of the other players around his age, he doesn't really play anything stupid, so Ding needs to be solid in every department if he wants to dominate the match.
I think Ding will probably prove too strong for Xiao in the end, but it could be closer than expected, maybe a 10-8. Looking forward to it. :smile:
Too bad Eurosport once again skips the snooker in the middle of a final...so it's waiting for 13:15 for the coverage to continue.
Was hoping as you did for a closer finish at the mid-session. Well...let's wait and see what happens in about 20 minutes time. Come on Xiao!!!
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