Bahrain Tournament doors openning

[daoc2006]

Do you think this is a great opportunity for someone like Joe Perry to perhaps win his first event with nearly all the best players out, Ronnie, Selby and Ding and Higgins and Davis who are in the League or Ronnie pulling out because he wants to.

But still some great players left, Maguire, Murphy, perhaps this is a chance for Hendry to win this event? , He wouldnt have to face O'Sullivan or Selby or Ding and that is making everyones task one heck of alot easier.

[Mal]

I think Maguire has got to be favourite. Murphy is off form likewise Hendry, Ebdon, Doherty. Could be a bit of a blast from the past, as with the tournament being wide open, these players could see a real chance. Hendry's game is so lacking confidence. Perhaps beating Higgins, even though it was 'just' the PL may give him confidence and if he gets past Walden, then he has as good a chance as anyone. I personally think Walden would be favourite to beat Hendry on current form, but if Hendry gets past him, I think he could go all the way.

On the other hand, perhaps it could be a breakthrough tournament for Allen or Cope. It could bring their game to the next level.

[Rane]

I wish Ryan Day and Ali Carter will meet each other in the final, then at least one of them has to get over the winning line.

[Goldspark]

Yeah, it's the perfect chance for somelike like Day or Carter to finally get a title under their belt, or for Murphy to put his dreadful early season form behind him, or for Robertson to have a desperately needed run, or maybe for Walden to win again and prove that Shanghai wasn't a fluke and push for a top 16 place. It promises to be a fascinating tournament despite all the absentees.

[gby4]

This might just as well be a chance for older players like Doherty, Ebdon and Hendry to win something again.

[very.tee]

I wish Ryan Day and Ali Carter will meet each other in the final, then at least one of them has to get over the winning line.

Yeah, me too!
I'd like Ali to win of course!

[bonoman1970]

The truly great players of our generation are...Davis,Hendry,O'sullivan,Higgins,White,Reardo n,Alex higgins,Thorburn,Griffths and Spencer, Nobody else desrves to be called great!

[Odrl]

Doors opening indeed. Four top16 players absent, one injured, and the possibility of Davis not playing. Let's see who is left in the tournament:

Quarter 1:

(O'Sullivan v. Davis)
Fu v. Dale
Stevens v. Bingham
Day v. Harold

Fu and Dale probably playing for the QF here, I expect Fu to be stronger. Ryan Day has to be favourite for the other QF spot, in form and traditionally strong in overseas events. I can't see Dave Harold keeping his form for this long, but maybe Stevens can get it together?

Quarter 2:

Ebdon v. Milkins/Saif
Cope v. Holt
Dott v. Pinches/Goulam
Hendry v. Walden

Another possible Ebdon-Cope match, with Cope having a tough opening match. Ebdon hasn't performed well in recent overseas events, but maybe in this particular event, being close to where he lives these days, he might be inspired to play well. A great chance for Hendry or Walden for the other QF spot. Maybe Hendry is a slight favourite here, he will be looking for revenge agaist Walden, and also Walden hasn't previously shown any consistent form for a longer period of time. I am also assuming Dott is well enough to play, and if he does happen to meet Hendry in the second round, the loser of that match might be thinking "oh crap, I can't even beat him".

Quarter 3:

Murphy v. Dunn/Asiry
Doherty v. Hawkins
Allen v. Trump
Carter v. Judge

This is a tough one to call. Shaun Murphy will have find some form to reach the quarters here, Doherty or Hawkins waiting in the second round. Tough match for Doherty, but a great chance to go far in the tournament if he wins it. The same could be said for Hawkins though. Three strong candidates for the other spot. Carter has to be favourite, being the 4th seed. Trump could also build on his GP success, and Mark Allen... he hasn't really shown any great form recently. Maybe it's his time?

Quarter 4:

Robertson v. Campbell/Al-Khussaibi
King v. Lee
Perry v. Lawler/Al-Hashmi
Maguire v. M.Davis/Habib

Looks like a pretty weak quarter. One of Robertson, King or Lee almost guaranteed a QF place, I think they can count themselves a bit lucky. Robertson is favourite I think, even with his poor form over the last 12 months or so. But maybe The Boss is right, this could be time for Mark King to do something, he has a decent draw. Perry and Maguire favourites for the other spot. I think Perry would have a psychological advantage over Maguire if they met in the second round. But surely, if Maguire finds some form, with this draw, he should be a strong favourite for the semis, whomever he meets in the first three rounds.

Possible QF:

Fu v. Day
Ebdon v. Hendry
Murphy v. Carter
Robertson v. Maguire

The truly great players of our generation are...Davis,Hendry,O'sullivan,Higgins,White,Reardo n,Alex higgins,Thorburn,Griffths and Spencer, Nobody else desrves to be called great!

Not sure what this has to do with the topic, but it's a silly list anyway.

[matoski]

This will be a cracking tournament. Even though there are lots of top players out, there still plenty of quality players left. I expect someone like Marco Fu or Mathew Stevens to win it.

[ADR147]

stevens has a tough opening game. holt in with a chance. but fav must be day or maguire.

[Monique]

stevens has a tough opening game. holt in with a chance. but fav must be day or maguire.

or Perry. He's a man on form at this moment in time.

[ADR147]

or Perry. He's a man on form at this moment in time.

true - but i think he may have burned out a bit.

[Anastasia]

I think now it's time to Day . Other favs. are Selby and Maguire . And still hope for Hendry .

[Monique]

I think now it's time to Day . Other favs. are Selby and Maguire . And still hope for Hendry .

Selby ... that would be a premiere, winning a tournament you do not enter. Or are they playing "mail snooker"?

[Anastasia]

Selby ... that would be a premiere, winning a tournament you do not enter. Or are they playing "mail snooker"?

ok without Selby