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14.30 (local time)
Ding Junhui v Mark Allen
Ref: Eirian Williams
19.30
Ali Carter v Mark Williams
Ref: Jan Verhaas
At this point in the tournament, there is usually a bit of discussion about who could potentially win the tournament, or how various matches might turn out. It's a bit lacking this week, but I suppose that's understandable, with the matches starting so early in the day for most of us.
I don't really have the time or the energy to post anything in the morning, so I might as well do it now.
Most people consider Williams the favourite at this point, Eurosport commentators included, but I would say Ding has been just as impressive, if not more. Statistically, he has scored better than any other player so far, especially in the matches against Selby and Ebdon who were playing fairly well themselves. If you come through back-to-back matches with those two opponents, it's obvious that you're up for the battle. We didn't see as much of Mark Allen, but he has also impressed in some parts of his match against Hendry. The worrying thing is the middle part of that match, where Allen struggled to string two pots together, and seemed to completely lose his way for a while. It was more a case of Hendry letting him back in the match, with a couple of easy misses and a bit of frustration. But what was admirable was Allen's fighting spirit and determination when he was on the brink of defeat. He needs to be prepared to dig deep again, because he is likely to be put under extreme pressure by Ding. I definitely think that Ding is more solid in every aspect of the game this week, and I expect him to take this one.
Carter against Williams could be an even better match. They have already met this season at the Masters where Williams won, even though Carter played pretty well himself. I also remember their great match in the 2008 UK Championship, where it was Carter who prevailed. I suppose Carter got to this stage of the tournament pretty quietly, without really facing an opponent who was his equal. His true form is a bit of a mystery, because he hasn't really had to play under pressure yet. Williams played very well against Higgins and Fu, putting them under pressure and punishing their mistakes. He hasn't really played an opponent who replied with similar form yet (although I don't know how well Cope played against him), so it will be interesting to see if Carter can do that. I expect Williams to be the stronger of the two though.
So I'm going for a non-controversial prediction of a Ding-Williams final. But whatever happens, we're guaranteed quite a good final, even if it's the other two. Looking forward to it.
Ding Junhui v Mark Allen
Ref: Eirian Williams
19.30
Ali Carter v Mark Williams
Ref: Jan Verhaas
At this point in the tournament, there is usually a bit of discussion about who could potentially win the tournament, or how various matches might turn out. It's a bit lacking this week, but I suppose that's understandable, with the matches starting so early in the day for most of us.
I don't really have the time or the energy to post anything in the morning, so I might as well do it now.
Most people consider Williams the favourite at this point, Eurosport commentators included, but I would say Ding has been just as impressive, if not more. Statistically, he has scored better than any other player so far, especially in the matches against Selby and Ebdon who were playing fairly well themselves. If you come through back-to-back matches with those two opponents, it's obvious that you're up for the battle. We didn't see as much of Mark Allen, but he has also impressed in some parts of his match against Hendry. The worrying thing is the middle part of that match, where Allen struggled to string two pots together, and seemed to completely lose his way for a while. It was more a case of Hendry letting him back in the match, with a couple of easy misses and a bit of frustration. But what was admirable was Allen's fighting spirit and determination when he was on the brink of defeat. He needs to be prepared to dig deep again, because he is likely to be put under extreme pressure by Ding. I definitely think that Ding is more solid in every aspect of the game this week, and I expect him to take this one.
Carter against Williams could be an even better match. They have already met this season at the Masters where Williams won, even though Carter played pretty well himself. I also remember their great match in the 2008 UK Championship, where it was Carter who prevailed. I suppose Carter got to this stage of the tournament pretty quietly, without really facing an opponent who was his equal. His true form is a bit of a mystery, because he hasn't really had to play under pressure yet. Williams played very well against Higgins and Fu, putting them under pressure and punishing their mistakes. He hasn't really played an opponent who replied with similar form yet (although I don't know how well Cope played against him), so it will be interesting to see if Carter can do that. I expect Williams to be the stronger of the two though.
So I'm going for a non-controversial prediction of a Ding-Williams final. But whatever happens, we're guaranteed quite a good final, even if it's the other two. Looking forward to it.
Let's see if together we can cheer him on properly 
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