Welsh Open 2016 - Discussion

[sealer]

That is snooker for you there, that is why spectators and players are coming back for more. Ronnie is delivering when it matters. I would not say Robertson is done. He is class too.

[vilkrang]

Robertson is offering each frame up on a plate tonight. Reminds me of his performance in the Masters last year, absolutely bottling it at the business end of the match.

[Hatcherjob]

Their stats tonight don't compare against their stats all week. It's clear they're both playing for the title of worlds best player and don't they know it. Contrary to popularly held belief, I don't think Ronnie is a great player under pressure, but I'm wondering, what do we think of Robertson's nerves? Heralded by Ronnie as being Stephen Hendry-esque but it must be said, he's had a lot of very off colour sessions when it gets to the latter stages of tournaments.

[Where's Willie?]

First two frames were massive tonight. Neil could have won both of them and probably would with a better split going into the reds. Difference between 7-3 and 5-5. Since then Ronnie has started to play really well and Neil has started to miss. Ronnie will take some stopping now he's in front.

[armstm]

Both feeling it but Ronnie showing a bit more grit. his bottle isn't as great as the other parts of his game but its not bad!

[vilkrang]

Contrary to popularly held belief, I don't think Ronnie is a great player under pressure, .

Disagree there, he's only human though.

Even Hendry missed a black that he would pot 9 times out of 10 (maybe more) to win the Masters in 1998 so no player is immune from nerves. I've said it before but Ronnie has won a higher percentage of final frame deciders than any player which clearly shows he's at least up there with the best when it comes to playing under pressure. I don't think there's much to choose from between him, Davis, Hendry and Higgins (John, although the infamous Alex Higgins break was probably the best pressure break of course) when it comes to pressure but each of them have missed pots under pressure in their prime, like I say they are all only human.

[PatBlock]

First two frames were massive tonight. Neil could have won both of them and probably would with a better split going into the reds. Difference between 7-3 and 5-5. Since then Ronnie has started to play really well and Neil has started to miss. Ronnie will take some stopping now he's in front.

Wouldn't be at all surprised if Robbo doesn't win another frame now, too many chances missed tonight.

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[daffie]

Wouldn't be at all surprised if Robbo doesn't win another frame now, too many chances missed tonight.

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Yes I have the same feeling. Would be great if Robbo could get the next 3 frames...maybe we could get us our final frame decider. But honestly don't think it will happen tonight.

[Ronnie's tip]

This would be a monster steal for Robertson!

[Hatcherjob]

Disagree there, he's only human though.

Even Hendry missed a black that he would pot 9 times out of 10 (maybe more) to win the Masters in 1998 so no player is immune from nerves. I've said it before but Ronnie has won a higher percentage of final frame deciders than any player which clearly shows he's at least up there with the best when it comes to playing under pressure. I don't think there's much to choose from between him, Davis, Hendry and Higgins (John, although the infamous Alex Higgins break was probably the best pressure break of course) when it comes to pressure but each of them have missed pots under pressure in their prime, like I say they are all only human.

Fair play, I think I was a bit harsh. There are plenty of moments where Ronnie has shown unbelievable steel. That 147 in the final frame against Selby for instance. re Hendry - I'd add when Ebdon beat him in the WC final, he really succumbed to nerves in the end.

Unrelated, but "These two great players" must be Willie Thorne's favourite phrase and not just tonight.

[cyberheater]

Just returned from my travels. Currently on catch up. It's 5-3 to Robbo. I'm also keeping a eye out the realtime live scores. Looks like a good match.

[daffie]

Just returned from my travels. Currently on catch up. It's 5-3 to Robbo. I'm also keeping a eye out the realtime live scores. Looks like a good match.

You might wanna refrain from sneaking a peak on the board then

[cueman]

Robertson is offering each frame up on a plate tonight. Reminds me of his performance in the Masters last year, absolutely bottling it at the business end of the match.

This is one of the worst bottle jobs I've seen from Robertson. Usually he is very strong from in front, especially in longer frame matches. Tonight he has completely succumbed to pressure he has put on himself. Ronnie has been there for the taking tonight and couldn't take any of the numerous chances he was given.

Ronnie probably came into the evening session expecting much of the same from this afternoon and there was no way back for him because Robertson bossed the match.

I just wonder what this does now to Robertson because I felt given the form Ronnie has shown this last few weeks that he was the only player capable of stopping him.

Ronnie must be massive favourite now for the world championships and barring a miracle that Judd can find his best form I cannot see any current player beating him.

[itsnoteasy]

Brilliant, not going to comment on Robertson, just detracts from what Osullivan has produced this week.

[jrc750]

Well done Ronnie, but shouldn't of had it so easy