Masters First Round Discussion

[spike]

I would not agree with that i think ronnie and perry match was the best till now and as for selby vs walden i was looking forward to this match but walden he is taking so long that its getting boring and i am actually am getting to a point where i dont wanna watch it.

I have to agree with you.

[speedyturtle]

:snooker:walden just tried to injure mark lmao

[Mal]

Although results haven't gone his way, Selby has been much more fluent this season. If he wins this frame, he should step it up a gear.

Although it wasn't mentioned in the commentary, I think Selby should have gone for a higher value colour on the third from last red and this would have given more insurance.

Lovely last red and Selby looks more settled since the interval. Very disappointed with Ricky so far - I've seen him a few times and he seems very inconsistent and he can be fluent at times, but can also be laborious and tonight, his slow play isn't helping any fuency,

[RocketRoy1983]

Just got back from the hallowed Wembley the trump-allen and ding-murphy matches were full of missed opportunities. Good play tonight though although Selby is looking good at 4-2

[spike]

Selby leads Walden 4-3

[bobbond]

walden was great to watch then in that last frame, smashing in the colours at the end, thats what we want to see

[Mal]

He really loosened up in the last two frames he won when he got past the winning post. Before then, he has looked out of sorts.
Virgo said that Ricky Walden has battled really hard - while I wouldn't disagree, it wouldn't have been mentioned if Selby had taken his opportunity when amongst the balls in that frame or later on the mid range red.

[spike]

Would be great to see yet another match go to a decider!

[Mal]

Selby hasn't played an impressive shot in the last three frames - in his chance to win, he played quite negatively in the break, he missed a mid range ball which would have left the balls all set. Then at 5-4 his safety play was never reaching within a foot of the baulk cushion - very surprising for a player of his tactical nous and matchplay. I still fancy him to win however!

[The Statman]

Didn't see it, Mal, so can't comment on that – but a gripping start to the decider, with some magnificent safety from both players.

[Mal]

His real chance to clinch it was at 5-3 - the next frame it was more that he didn't put much pressure on Ricky in the safety battle and left either easy replies or a couple of half chances- Ricky got away with one miss, then left a decent opportunity, but perhaps the pressure (understandably told)

However, he has played better this frame and a 50 point lead at 5-5 is massive.

[spike]

Anyone else experiencing break up on interactive tonight?

[Mal]

Yep, have to switch to Eurosport, but then switch back as I am not a fan of Joe Johnson and his commentary!

(i.e. on a shot RW had on the black he said 'oh, he won't be able to hold here, he'll have to play the pink, but it was just a simple roll')

Well played Mark - another tense game. some good play in middle part of match from Mark and Ricky only really started to flow from 4-2 down.

[JiangYu]

Well played Mark Selby - good luck against whoever's next

Tomorrow's projections anyone?
- Marco Fu V. Higgins
- Ryan Day V. Mark Allen

[RocketRoy1983]

Decent 2 days play is anyone going on Thursday? Could meet up? PM ME