China Open 2006

[RaNeN]

Who Do You Guys Think Will Win The China Open 2006?
Will Ding Be Able To Defend His Title?

[Robert602]

I find the short format tournaments like the China very unpredictable, especially since a lot of players play very differently away from (or closer to) home. That said though, I think Ding has a decent chance. Without taking anything away from him, I think it means more to him than most of the other players, especially with the World's so close, and he's got the home crowd backing.

Ronnie I'd imagine is one of those who won't be too bothered, he didn't even bother to turn up last year. Even when he has made an effort, he's been hit and miss this season, probably most notably with a first round exit from the UK. As ever, he could come out and play like a man possessed, win it without dropping a frame, but the statistics aren't favouring him at the moment.

Higgins plays poorly away from the UK, he even struggles with the London crowd, and he hasnt been on top form in Wales or Malta. Much as I'm a fan, he wouldn't be my first pick for this one, although considering the season he's had he's got to be in with a fair chance.

Hendry always seems to want to win everything, and doesnt seem to care much where he's playing, so I think he could do alright again if he can get through a tough first round vs Hawkins. Hawkins himself has a chance, but I don't know him well enough to guage how he'll fare in China.

Murphy's tough to predict at the moment, I haven't quite worked out whether he's a quality match player yet or just a potting demon.

Jamie Cope is one of the most impressive young players yet to make his mark. He seems to have that champion's ability to dominate the table as well as just play well, and he almost got the better of Murphy in Wales. I wouldn't say he was a favourite for the tournament, but I think if it went to someone outside the provisional top 8, it'd be Cope.

Erm, after that I suppose it's the usual suspects. Doherty has been impressive this season, then there's Stevens, Williams maybe.

I'd say my top four would be:
1. Ding
2. Hendry
3. Higgins
4. Doherty

[Erwan_BZH]

My two cents would be :

1 - Higgins
2 - Ding
3 - Hendry
4 - Ronnie

As Ding is out of the world qualifiers, the China Open will be his last tournament of the season so bet on him to try his best to defend his title. But I think (and hope lol) that the Wizzard is going to be back on top with another victory, overseas this time.

[RaNeN]

Well , here are my top 4:
1.Ding(i dont think there are any good enough players that can defeat him in his half except Hendry and Hawkins)
2.Higgins
3.Ronnie
4.Murphy

[chrisfinch]

Come on Ding!!!

My favourite player at the minute, maybe even ever.

If Ronnie fancies it, you have to back him to do well, as well as the usual Higgins, Hendry etc.

[cueman]

I think Neil Robertson may do well, he is from overseas and probably travels well and has the game to win a tournament. He just needs to find that consistancy and I'm sure sooner or later he will win a ranking event.

I think Ronnie will be up for it, I don't think he will be happy with his form this season and has dropped down to third on the provisional list and won't want to lose his no.1 spot to Hendry. If he gets through the first round he has every chance.

[chrisfinch]

he might be confident after qualifying for the worlds.

[Erwan_BZH]

I think Neil Robertson may do well, he is from overseas and probably travels well and has the game to win a tournament. He just needs to find that consistancy and I'm sure sooner or later he will win a ranking event.

I think Ronnie will be up for it, I don't think he will be happy with his form this season and has dropped down to third on the provisional list and won't want to lose his no.1 spot to Hendry. If he gets through the first round he has every chance.

You're right, Neil Robertsson will be the one to keep an eye on! This guy is a demon at potting long shots!
I'm always stunned to see his accuracy!

[Nat5guns]

Jamie Cope is through narrowly missing out on a max but he overcame the 'Grinding' McManus 5-2 and now goes on to play Stephen Hendry, come on Jamie!

[reverse_side]

Excellent, I was looking forward to watching him on Eurosport as they had some air-time left over from Ronnie losing so quickly; but as always, they do things a bit strange on that channel.
Did you catch JC on the webcast? http://www.worldsnooker.com/tourname...d17802)-46.htm

Higgins would have enjoyed those 2 classy breaks to beat Bingham - quality.

[RaNeN]

Now that the China Open is in a interesting stage , Who do you guys think will make it to the semis and then the finals??? Who will eventually be the WINNER? I hope its Williams.

[reverse_side]

Well I would lay a few pounds on who'll make the semi's!! only joking Ranen, I'd say the final will be a deciding frame win for Ding over Higgins.

(very surprised that Swail didn't put up a fight - not only was he out of form, he was playing the wrong shots and then playing the right shot.... in the wrong way; that red along the black cushion??? how hard!!)

[RaNeN]

You think Ding will overcome Wiliams??? I am sure he wont!

[reverse_side]

fighting talk, excellent... so you think the defending champion who's only lost 2 frames in his last 2 matches, hasn't a chance against a guy with no form in a season where he was in danger of limping out of the top 32?

Hmmm.... put your TSF points where your mouth is (where've they gone by the way, I had a shed load!!!???)

[Robert602]

I don't think Higgins is a shoe-in for the final, Doherty seems to have his number lately, and he's playing some good stuff. That said I'd still put Higgins slight favourite in that semi. He seems much stronger this week than he was when Doherty beat him in Malta.

Ding-Williams is a tricky one to call. On paper, it looks like Williams is finding some form in China, but since neither Eurosport or CCTV have shown a single one of his matches it's hard to say. Ding, on the other hand, is undoubtedly a very strong, talented and unflappable player at the moment. On the basis of that I'd predict Ding to win the match.

Higgins-Ding in the final then. On this weeks form I think Ding's played the more commanding snooker, and it's been improving. Unless Higgins can pull out the kind of majestic performance of the Masters, or better, the Grand Prix finals, I think Ding will run away with it when he gets a nose in front. 9-6

Once Ding gets himself into the top 16, probably the end of next season, I can see him dominating the game. He's so good in the televised stages. I do look forward to some cracking Ronnie-Ding battles down the line, I don't think we've had one yet.