Matt Stevens V Shaun Murphy

[moondan]

I think Matthew is a better alround player, Murphy did not carry his game on after his deserved win in 2005.
Their games and shot selection are very similar but Im not sure Murphy is in great form.
Matthew has looked very solid and if he can improve with each round, then I see no player beating him. Could well be his year at last.

[Alex0paul]

Well Stevens did win their last meeting in the final of the Pot Black Cup.

[Blondie]

Well Stevens did win their last meeting in the final of the Pot Black Cup.

Hi Alex,

...........interesting, was that that quite recently?, as I stupidly thought they hadn't played any match [of any kind] for a couple of years..:

[Aggrolite]

October before last was that pot black. If Stevens knocks out Murphy and Robertson knocks out O'Sullivan, this could be my favourite worlds since 03.

[snookerlass]

I'm not going to get into a slagging match about Matthew not being worthy of being in the top 16. I just hope he wins against Murphy, and as always I wish him the very best of luck.

[Cyril]

I saw most of the two second round games involving these two. Stevens played very well against an excellent young talent in Mark Allen. Don't think of Allen as a young inexperienced rookie! He is a hard, hard, player to beat. Bags of skill and a lot of guts. Stevens, it is true has not played like a top-16 player this season but, the Crucible brings out the best in the best and as usual he looks a title contender.

Murphy looked very sharp at the start but then buckled under the unexpected pressure put upon him by Parrott. Perhaps he didn't think the old master still had it in him but fact is, Murphy was flattered to come out of the second session at only 3-5, should have been 2-6 or even 1-7. Final session, Murphy was again first out the blocks and JP this time seemed to really feel the pressure. Losing frame number 19 after having several good chances seemed to shatter his resistance.

So in conclusion, personally, I would tend to favour Stevens to win this one to go on to the semi's and, thus retain his top-16 status.

[Maija]

So in conclusion, personally, I would tend to favour Stevens to win this one

From what I have seen so far I agree with you. Which makes me happy (As a closet sorta-fan of Maff.)

[missneworleans]

Probably Shaun will win, but who knows...Stevens was very good at last mathes and Murphy was struggling a little bit..so let's wait and see

[RaNeN]

I think Matt will get his 2005 revenge!

[zong]

someone has to knock Murphy out, and i hope Matthew does the job, he certainly looks capable based on current form

[missneworleans]

Murphy 4-4 Stevens
Good well snooker from both players and Shaun showed figth to fight back from 0-3 down to draw. Looking forward to the rest of the match!

[Alex0paul]

Matthew Stevens takes the first frame of the evening. He now leads 5-4

[Miss Walker]

May I just say this: GO MATTHEW!

[Alex0paul]

What a Surprise! Stevens does all the hard work, misses a black ands its all open for Murphy.

[Alex0paul]

Matthew Stevens moves 8-5 up. Here is hoping that he wins at least 2 more frames tonight.