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Only one of these players from the second quarter can reach the semi. Who?
John Higgins v Michael Holt
Barry Hawkins v Fergal O'Brien
Neil Robertson v Ryan Day
Ronnie O'Sullivan v Ding Junhui
Higgins has not shown form recently and a not-so-good Higgins against a hard hitting Holt may very well se the latter as a winner. I suppose Holt has learned well from his former appearances at the crucible. Last years Higgins counted as many peoples favourite following a tremendous season; still he lost the first round. Now he has to fight both Holt and bad form. Holt wins.
I could actually see Hawkins as the suprise winner of this sub-group! He will not stumble at the first hurdle but then I know almost nothing about Fergal O'Brian. Still: Hawkins wins.
Robertson has great confidence with two titles. He has climbed a step from beeing an excellent potter at times to now showing consistency. However, as shown in Wales and in other matches he may have troubles actually stepping over the winning line. This may be a sign of a person thinking to much thoughts instead of focus on the next break. I see Ryan Day as a steady work horse that has threaded in a careful way up the rankings. I do not connect him with "excellent, brilliancy, magic" and in a way he looked more suprised and satisfied in Malta than actually out there playing for a title. That said, if Ryan Day pick up Ebdons stubbordness and in the future get to win one or two titles he could be a future Crucible winner. Roberston win.
Ding must boost his confidence in China. Not necesseraly winning the title but show for himself that his game works well. A lot of us, I believe, would like to see this 20 year wonder boy lift the trophy and yes he will do it, but perhaps not this year. The longer format and this first match will take its toll. Even if Ding wins this "final" against Ronnie he must repeat his best play against Neal. Ding play has its flaw. As I see it one of his weakness is that the quality of his "bad play" is really weak, if you understand what I mean. Ronnies opponent is often said to be himself or his inner demons etc. This hold true for most players actually. It is also said that if he plays his best he will win any tournament with a smile. This could also be said for at least 15 other players at Sheffield. However, looking at results he is one of the best this season in ranking tournaments and absolutely the best when it comes to Masters, Premier League and Kilkenny. Could Ronnie play without pressure in Sheffield or can he find that feeling that will make him surf all the way? I wish it could work for him but I believe there are to many difficult hurdles. However, he will beat Ding.
Holt-Hawkins
Robertson-O'Sullivan
Ronnie will beat Robertson and beat any of Holt or Hawkins.
John Higgins v Michael Holt
Barry Hawkins v Fergal O'Brien
Neil Robertson v Ryan Day
Ronnie O'Sullivan v Ding Junhui
Higgins has not shown form recently and a not-so-good Higgins against a hard hitting Holt may very well se the latter as a winner. I suppose Holt has learned well from his former appearances at the crucible. Last years Higgins counted as many peoples favourite following a tremendous season; still he lost the first round. Now he has to fight both Holt and bad form. Holt wins.
I could actually see Hawkins as the suprise winner of this sub-group! He will not stumble at the first hurdle but then I know almost nothing about Fergal O'Brian. Still: Hawkins wins.
Robertson has great confidence with two titles. He has climbed a step from beeing an excellent potter at times to now showing consistency. However, as shown in Wales and in other matches he may have troubles actually stepping over the winning line. This may be a sign of a person thinking to much thoughts instead of focus on the next break. I see Ryan Day as a steady work horse that has threaded in a careful way up the rankings. I do not connect him with "excellent, brilliancy, magic" and in a way he looked more suprised and satisfied in Malta than actually out there playing for a title. That said, if Ryan Day pick up Ebdons stubbordness and in the future get to win one or two titles he could be a future Crucible winner. Roberston win.
Ding must boost his confidence in China. Not necesseraly winning the title but show for himself that his game works well. A lot of us, I believe, would like to see this 20 year wonder boy lift the trophy and yes he will do it, but perhaps not this year. The longer format and this first match will take its toll. Even if Ding wins this "final" against Ronnie he must repeat his best play against Neal. Ding play has its flaw. As I see it one of his weakness is that the quality of his "bad play" is really weak, if you understand what I mean. Ronnies opponent is often said to be himself or his inner demons etc. This hold true for most players actually. It is also said that if he plays his best he will win any tournament with a smile. This could also be said for at least 15 other players at Sheffield. However, looking at results he is one of the best this season in ranking tournaments and absolutely the best when it comes to Masters, Premier League and Kilkenny. Could Ronnie play without pressure in Sheffield or can he find that feeling that will make him surf all the way? I wish it could work for him but I believe there are to many difficult hurdles. However, he will beat Ding.
Holt-Hawkins
Robertson-O'Sullivan
Ronnie will beat Robertson and beat any of Holt or Hawkins.
...I'll go for my man...
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