Northern Ireland Trophy thoughts

[Caroline]

I hope Stevens still has something to prove to us, yet I would also say that he is a bit too ripe now to be enough consistent or competitive to stay longer in a tournement. If he ever used to be a great player, but these days there are too many established young guns well prepared in the field, they are all great potters and break-builders and all scrupulously hungry for success. Matthew's game strength and mental force is just not sufficient against them. Even Ronnie today cannot find his way through, it will be even more unlikely for Stevens I suppose.

For this NIT, I still fancy likes of Ding, Murphy, or the academic Fu or someone even not so noticeable to get it.

[samasnookerfan]

I mentioned Day on 606, and I feel hes in with a chance, its more likely he won't win of course but I said him as hes definately in with a shout.
Selby is another player due a tournement win, and I feel may do well, but hes got another possible tie with John Higgins in the second round!
But there are so many in with a shout, and you just don't know whos going to do well!

[PaulTheSoave]

Dont think this can hold Caroline, sorry .

The latest ranking winners, being Dom and Marco, not quite young, up and coming talent!

Though Marco is slightly younger. And the comparison with Ron is shooting blanks as Ron is in the top 8 still and reached the last ranking final, though he is below par not winning for 31 months.

I hope Stevens still has something to prove to us, yet I would also say that he is a bit too ripe now to be enough consistent or competitive to stay longer in a tournement. If he ever used to be a great player, but these days there are too many established young guns well prepared in the field, they are all great potters and break-builders and all scrupulously hungry for success. Matthew's game strength and mental force is just not sufficient against them. Even Ronnie today cannot find his way through, it will be even more unlikely for Stevens I suppose.

For this NIT, I still fancy likes of Ding, Murphy, or the academic Fu or someone even not so noticeable to get it.