Malta Cup Thread

[Mullwarp]

Ding has obvious problem with his strong emotions. When under pressure his game falls apart. It often happens with wonder kids. Fearless when they are fiften but it comes a time when they realise they have a chance to be the best. It may grow on them or come as a sudden blow, but one day they start to put negative pressure on themselves. And at that time the game ain't funny no more.

Question is whether Ding has the right people around him to build mental strength, get things in perspective and get the fearless, joyful attitude. I hope so!

[Alex0paul]

One word - Careless. My mum said Ding reminds her of Jimmy White and I can see where she is coming from. On another note you just have to love Ding's handshake at the end of the match.

[dannyd0g]

Good points from mullwarp and alex0paul. Its hard to know who is right if Ding is just careless or if theres something more as Mullwarp suggests. Maybe a bit of both. Maybe Ding could benefit from some kind of 'mentor' if he doesnt have one already.

Not a great atmosphere in the maltetse crowd last night. 99 % of them looked bored to the point of coma. Murphy did not seem to be a popular winner to say the least. When he threw his chalk at the end it seemed to almost hit a Chinese lady who was definately not impressd. I guess she was a Ding fan !

[Caroline]

What happened to the handshake Alex? I missed the match.

One word - Careless. My mum said Ding reminds her of Jimmy White and I can see where she is coming from. On another note you just have to love Ding's handshake at the end of the match.

[rivercard]

I'm not sure if Alex meant this, but I noticed that Ding didn't even look at Murphy while briefly shaking hands, it was half-hearted to say the least. Same with Jan Verhaas.

[Caroline]

Oh, I see. I notice some players act this way sometimes, seems just very business-like. Not sure if this only happens between certain opponents or not.

A little disappointed that he lost to Murphy. Hope it is a good warm up for the Welsh Open.

[April madness]

Today's order of play (all times CET)

Sunday 10th February:

2pm

Final

Shaun Murphy v Ken Doherty Ref: Terry Camilleri
(Seven frames)

7pm

Shaun Murphy v Ken Doherty Ref: Terry Camilleri
(To a conclusion)

edit: direct link to eurosport video stream mms://livestream.eurosport.com/ebu/63549.wsx
Final

[kellie-text]

Its gone very quiet on here - we all watching the final?

Murphy 2-1 Doherty.

[rivercard]

I do.. Doherty lost it completely in the last 3 frames, he can't make a break of 10 now. Maybe Wim will be right again, and this will be another one-sided final.. I hope not.

3-1 to Murphy

[April madness]

maybe Ken just loves comebacks like in the Masters quarterfinal tbh Murphy misses quite many easy pots too, so nothing too impressive seen from both. And certainly the match is not over yet, as we saw last night

[vao]

i still can't believe if ding lost last night after leading 3-0 first..in the last frame..he missed a lot of easy shot..i thought he would be able to win 6-0..i think hes just unlucky..life goes on..

[Alex0paul]

Every match between them has gone to a final frame

2003 World Championship 1st Round Ken won 10-9
2006 Masters Last 16 Shaun won 6-5
2007 Pot Black Cup Final Ken won 1-0
2008 Masters Quarter Final Ken won 6-5

[April madness]

Mon Ken!!!!

[attilahun]

5-2 Murphy
But the standard of play is not exceptional. Too many missed shots from both players

[kellie-text]

Not vintage snooker by any means.

I dont think Murphy will lose it from here now.