Grand Prix 2009 - 1st round discussions!

[Matt_2745]

Brilliant result, absolutely delighted to see Ken back in the mix like this. Couldn't wish to meet a nicer guy. Didn't think he was going to get over the line there but Selby just wasn't at it.

On Selby actually, his form is rather concerning, seems to be putting in too many performances like that in the shorter matches...

[spike]

That was a hard earned victory for Ken & very well deserved.

[Mal]

Well played Ken and really starting to move back up the rankings. Ken could challenge in this tournament (if his form is good!)

As for Mark, well I do think he is a very good player, and I did occasionally back him for tournaments, but not over the last year as the bookies putting him second for most tournaments doesn't make any sense when you look at his results - and his performance tonight wasn't impressive.

[Monique]

Delighted for Ken, congrats. And what a dramatic match that was

[Odrl]

Great opening day. Looking forward to tomorrow's matches, especially Ding-Stevens and Day-Cope, surely two of the highlights of the 1st round.

[montoya10]

Well played Ken and really starting to move back up the rankings. Ken could challenge in this tournament (if his form is good!)

As for Mark, well I do think he is a very good player, and I did occasionally back him for tournaments, but not over the last year as the bookies putting him second for most tournaments doesn't make any sense when you look at his results - and his performance tonight wasn't impressive.

I really can't understand how some local commentators here in Turkey label him as the second best player on the tour to Ronnie.. He is talented, he is a strong match player and a decent fighter, but still not quite there. I don't think his ranking is threatening, but sadly his current form is..

[spike]

Great opening day. Looking forward to tomorrow's matches, especially Ding-Stevens and Day-Cope, surely two of the highlights of the 1st round.

I think Robertson/Greene could prove to be a match to savour if Greene can bring some good form into the match.

[Odrl]

I think Robertson/Greene could prove to be a match to savour if Greene can bring some good form into the match.

Yes, that one could be interesting as well. Hopefully I'll be able to catch a bit of it. And Carter-Milkins as well for that matter.

Actually, I can't find a "weak" match in this round at all. It's either two equally matched players, or at least a top player playing, in every match.

[Mal]

I really can't understand how some local commentators here in Turkey label him as the second best player on the tour to Ronnie.. He is talented, he is a strong match player and a decent fighter, but still not quite there. I don't think his ranking is threatening, but sadly his current form is..

His ranking may not be at risk of falling out of top 16 just yet, but if Hendry and Allen get through to the next round they will overtake him and runs to QF for Ding and Wenbo would see them go ahead provisionally and suddenly the bookies second favourite would be provisionally 14th in the world!

[Alex0paul]

He reminds me a bit of the old Matthew Stevens. You would fancy him to do well in the longer frame matches but then struggle in the best of 9's thus his ranking would always stay quite low.

Selby has had some tough draws recently though. Lost to Williams at the UK, lost to Day and Doherty at the Grand Prix, lost to Dott in China and Higgins at the Worlds since his his last semi so he hasn't been losing to mugs. I think its only a matter of time before he has an extended run in a tournament and maybe a quiet season could be what he needs before a world championship tilt. However the pressure of maybe dropping out of the top 16 may start to get to him.

[choy]

From what I read in Ferret's post, Doherty/Selby matchup seems very interesting. What a shame, I didn't get to catch it live! Anyone managed to record it? Don't mind posting it up? Many thanksssss !!!

[JohnPizzapan]

I'm actually quite amazed to see that Ken Doherty actually defeated Mark Selby in this first round. My personnal prediction just got wrong in the first round.

It would be great to see Ken Doherty get back in the swing of thing and get a few good matches. The Darling of Dublin could really be a pleasant surprise in this event. I'm really looking forward to it.

[montoya10]

He reminds me a bit of the old Matthew Stevens. You would fancy him to do well in the longer frame matches but then struggle in the best of 9's thus his ranking would always stay quite low.

Selby has had some tough draws recently though. Lost to Williams at the UK, lost to Day and Doherty at the Grand Prix, lost to Dott in China and Higgins at the Worlds since his his last semi so he hasn't been losing to mugs. I think its only a matter of time before he has an extended run in a tournament and maybe a quiet season could be what he needs before a world championship tilt. However the pressure of maybe dropping out of the top 16 may start to get to him.

Can't disagree with the toughness of the matchups he had had recently, but I don't think he is as good as Matthew was.. Very sad to see him struggle now, in Shanghai he did well to reach the last 16, let's see if he can go back to his best..

Come on Matthew. Be a good test for Ding

By the way, I have Ding in my fantasy team

[matoski]

I'm actually quite amazed to see that Ken Doherty actually defeated Mark Selby in this first round. My personnal prediction just got wrong in the first round.

It would be great to see Ken Doherty get back in the swing of thing and get a few good matches. The Darling of Dublin could really be a pleasant surprise in this event. I'm really looking forward to it.

I wasn't surprised at all. I even bet Doherty to win at 2.65 to 1 rate. He is a class act for Selby, no question about it.

[The Boss]

I wasn't surprised at all. I even bet Doherty to win at 2.65 to 1 rate. He is a class act for Selby, no question about it.

Perfect score for me too. Perry was playing on the other side. I was disappointed that the cameraman didn't capture his down on the shots at the best angle. The man himself was not happy with his performance, which is a good thing. Too early to peak. This could be Il Uomo Pericoloso's tournament