Could Hamilton be the fly in the ointment?

[Signal Fire]

So, it looks all set for Swail, King & Bingham to scrap out the title - but are we forgetting one member of the field who could potentially wipe them all out?

"The Sheriff of Pottingham" has his sights set on the trophy - and who are we to say he can't win it? Hamilton's name hasn't been mentioned yet, but with the exodous of top 16 players gathering pace, i think on the day he begins his campaign, it's time to name him as a potential dangerman.

[spike]

he's definately a danger signal fire! He is another player that i think is hugely underreated and such a prolific breakbuilder on his day can be a handfull for anyone.
Not sure if he's got what it takes to beat Maguire but it wouldnt surprise me at the least even though Hamilton hasn't done much all season he is still very capable of giving Maguire a few headaches!

[Signal Fire]

he's definately a danger signal fire! He is another player that i think is hugely underreated and such a prolific breakbuilder on his day can be a handfull for anyone.
Not sure if he's got what it takes to beat Maguire but it wouldnt surprise me at the least even though Hamilton hasn't done much all season he is still very capable of giving Maguire a few headaches!

Hamilton has the game, he just needs the confidence.

I still remember him knocking out Williams in the second round in 2002 - it took an in-form Ebdon (the Champ that year), to halt his progress in the Quarter-Final.

He's reached the last 8 four times - he could do again this year.

Don't rule him out. Bingham & King aren't safe yet.

[Maija]

The other day I re-watched the last session of Maguire v Hamilton last year: Hamilton didn't pot a ball in those four frames, he had a total of four points from Mags going in-off.

This being the first round, though, I presume they both need to play a few frames to get into the stride. My money's still on Maguire and no, I can't ever see Hamilton becoming the World Champion. That's not to say that he's not a good player, just not an outstanding player.

[Signal Fire]

The other day I re-watched the last session of Maguire v Hamilton last year: Hamilton didn't pot a ball in those four frames, he had a total of four points from Mags going in-off.

This being the first round, though, I presume they both need to play a few frames to get into the stride. My money's still on Maguire and no, I can't ever see Hamilton becoming the World Champion. That's not to say that he's not a good player, just not an outstanding player.

He's got a tough draw, with names like Bingham & King waiting to pounce. But if he can get past Maguire, it's game on.

Boy, this tournament is hotting up!

[Signal Fire]

Hamilton comeback gathers pace...

Like i predicted earler, Hamilton is playing a cagey game; he has just knocked in a century, as he pulls his second succesive frame back.

8-0 is now 8-2; Maguire must be feeling some pressure as The Sherrif sneaks back at him...

[hegeland]

Indeed. ..

[fudgeflaps]

I don't know who I am to say he can't win it, but he hasn't a hope, just being pipped 10-3 exactly as I predicted.

[Caroline]

It is really a shame that Hamilton could not perform yet again. I am his ever loyal fans.

[missneworleans]

So still King Bingham and Swail are left

[The Boss]

King sweating over ranking

So still King Bingham and Swail are left

Bingham and Swail are lurking just behind King in the rankings and might cost him that Top 16 place if they both win, so i don't want them to win. King will know he has to do the business tomorrow. He'll be pumped up for the early start. He's due to reach the next round after 4 defeats at this stage before. It must already be a record for losses in the last 16. King is playing better than before though and i expect him to overcome the swimmer tomorrow