Masters 2010 - Final Discussion!

[very.tee]

Ronnie's obviously the favourite as Mark hasn't played that well all week but I know he'll be able to step it up a gear today

Come On Mark!!!

[scottley]

10-9 To Selby with any luck, C'mon Mark.

[Odrl]

I don't sense much expectation about today's final. I guess the O'Sullivan-Williams SF was the highlight for many people, but I suspect we might be in for a great final today.

The Masters final has an interesting statistical pattern of either being very close or very one-sided. The losing finalist has either only won 3 or 4 frames, or has won 8 or 9 frames every year since 1996. So that tells us that it's not likely to finish between 10-5 and 10-7 today. But what will it be?

Last year a lot of people were expecting a one-sided final in O'Sullivan's favour, even though Selby played to a similar standard throughout the week. The final ended up being a classic that could have gone either way. This year, O'Sullivan has clearly played the better of the two. He had two nasty opponents and one out-of-form player, whereas Selby played one out-of-form player and two players in reasonable but not great form. In truth, Selby probably wouldn't have reached the final from O'Sullivan's half of the draw. But he's here now, so what are his chances?

It's clear that O'Sullivan is in the right frame of mind to deal with whatever is thrown at him. He was able to deal with an in-form Selby in last year's final, so that makes me think he's not going to crack today. Their UK Championship meeting was very one-sided, and I don't think Selby has improved his form that much since then. But one thing that could make him play better is the Masters atmosphere. It's quite an achievement to reach three finals in a row, especially right from his debut year. I bet the occasion could give him some inspiration to play out of his skin.

O'Sullivan won the 2005 and 2007 finals in great style, with one-visit stuff throughout the match, especially the evening sessions. I don't think he'll be allowed to get into that mode today, he'll have to fight for it. He has a great record at the Masters, but his final success is only four out of eight. If he plays to a similar standard as yesterday, I think it will be five out of nine, because I can't see his mistakes being punished more than by Williams yesterday. But one mistake O'Sullivan could make is thinking that he's already won. He's usually a good starter in finals, so if he gets a good lead, he can't afford to put his foot off the gas. I can see him dominating the opening session, with Selby holding his own in the evening.

My prediction is 10-8 in favour of O'Sullivan.

[kokokol]

Does anyone know whether Ronnies father is already out of prison and in the audience today? Might be some inspiration for Ronnie.

[cue1]

Ronnie's obviously the favourite as Mark hasn't played that well all week but I know he'll be able to step it up a gear today

Come On Mark!!!

Two of my faves are in the final I'll be happy whoever wins this one

But since Ronnie doesn't care whether he wins or loses while Mark obviously does, I'll be supporting Mark today to get his revenge on last year's final

Come On Mark!!! :snooker:

[Monique]

Two of my faves are in the final I'll be happy whoever wins this one

But since Ronnie doesn't care whether he wins or loses while Mark obviously does, I'll be supporting Mark today to get his revenge on last year's final

Come On Mark!!! :snooker:

Ronnie doesn't care? I wouldn't be so sure
Ronnie downplays himself and tries to do some pressure and expectations management more like it to me.
Whatever. I mainly hope we have a good match and we should.

[cue1]

Ronnie doesn't care? I wouldn't be so sure
Ronnie downplays himself and tries to do some pressure and expectations management more like it to me.
Whatever. I mainly hope we have a good match and we should.

Don't take my posting too seriously, Monique It's all meant in a light-hearted fashion You of all people should know how highly I rate Ron

Edit: The clenched fist after potting match ball yesterday says it all

[acecue]

What a match im expecting this one to be. I just love watching Mark Selby play - he may not be as naturally gifted as Ronnie and that odd wobbling looks quite unorthodox...but besides from that, boy does he hit the ball well. And what a temperament he´s got.

If Ronnie doesnt hit the absolute best he´s got Mark´s got a chance. But I also admire Ronnies approach to the game nowadays. As the commentators say he doesnt throw the towel anymore and waits for his chances and doesnt get too frustrated if he misses a few.

Cant tell how much im looking forward for this.:snooker:

[Freddie Ng]

The match just started .. .

Go Go Ron ... 147!!

[aderion]

The match just started .. .

Go Go Ron ... 147!!

can be a century but no 147.

[jw147]

is michaela not supposed to be reffing the final?

[Odrl]

Great first frame. Selby really dominated all the tactical exchanges. If there's a few more frames like that, he has a chance of winning this final.

[Matt_2745]

is michaela not supposed to be reffing the final?

Following her family bereavement she elected not to.

[Odrl]

If there's a few more frames like that, he has a chance of winning this final.

Another one like that, but it goes to O'Sullivan this time.

[Odrl]

How did that frame ball red go in?

But a good opening red and a good contribution by O'Sullivan. 3-1 would be a good early lead for him.