NI Trophy Quarter-finals discussion

[The Boss]

ROS-Hawk on telly table it seems. (table 1)

I've gone for a 5-0. It's a late start and the Bazza might already feel like being at the pub when the match has begun

[spike]

I think Hawkins will give O Sullivan a good match! He's playing some solid Snooker and had a good win over Ryan Day. Still expect O Sullivan to win but i certainly dont think it will one sided match!

[rivercard]

About Dave Harolds technique:

There was a thread on AZB about the "punch stroke", and Quinten Hann said the following (he's not a big fan of punctuation):

the only snooker pro i can remember that has a punch stroke recently who was any good was dave harold, other pro,s use that kind of stroke on stun run through's but not for playing many other shots when players twitch under pressure they quite often punch the shot or dont follow through its not something to aspire too.
when players are not so advanced they think things work for there game but in realitiy they dont fully know their tecnique yet and more often than not they are simply concentrating on the change so much they play better for a while

Others also said that it's more accurate, but limits your shot selection.

[Mal]

The WC final didn´t contain 5 centuries or a 147 from Ronnie. They each made one century.
Ronnie did what he had to do, and Carter as always when up against O´Sullivan sat scared in his chair. I agree that Carter played very well up to the final. Actually I like watching Carter except against O´Sullivan.

Obviously not! Sorry, bit of an error in my grammar as I meant the WC final was a damp squib (as I said!) but the match they played earlier in the season ROS made 5 centuries incl a 147.

[hoggar]

Yeah, if Ronnie plays like he did in their meeting in last years NI Trophy (or was it in the Grand Prix?) I sure wouldnt mind a rematch.

However, I am quite convinced that Allen will win that game. He played very well against Williams up till 4-0, and then survived Williams resurge through some grit and determination. I almost expected him to lose it when it went 4-3 due to home turf pressure and his relative inexperience to late tournament games, but he came through. I think he'll manage again.

I've never seen Ronnie having any problems with Hawkins, but he is a strong player who seems to be back on form again. I think it can be a fun game with lots of pretty big breaks.

Harold on Maguire... well you cant write off anyone who gets this far by beating Lee, who in turn made mincemeat of Hendry etc, but I really cannot see Maguire stumbling on this hurdle. I think McManus chances yesterday was much better than Harolds.

Higgins will have to improve to beat someone who sends Selby packing. I am not sure that he will, actually. It would be spectacular with the home hope, Ronnie, Higgins and champ Maguire in the semis, but I would not be at all surprised if McCulloch proves the strongest.

[davidhawkes]

I expect Maguire will beat Harold.

Even though McCulloch has played well, Higgins is the best match player around. He very rarely chooses the wrong shot to play. So a Higgins win is what I expect.

Hawkins doesn't stand a chance. He will be blasted out of the arena by the rocket.

Mark Allen is improving, so don't be surprised if he beats Ali Carter.
He will certainly get crowd support being a local boy.

[Gothic35]

Well its 7 reds 7 blacks so far for harold.

[João]

Vintage Harold so far... where did he get this form from?

[spike]

What's the score in the Harold match?

[Monique]

Harold leads 2-0 and deservedly so. Mags needs to calm down and focus if he wants to win this. I have the feeling he lets his temp get the better of him.

[spike]

Yes it's noticeable when things dont go his way sometimes. Great player but doesn't have the same temperament of a John Higgins or a Stephen Hendry!

[Robert602]

3-0, didn't see that coming but Harold has played well.

Maguire doesn't look happy. He admitted to not respecting Joe Perry enough at the WC and I wonder whether the same is happening again. There just seems to be a touch of desperation to his game at the moment, maybe I'm imagining it.

[alexholowczak]

For all the noise the crowd have been making, they may as well be playing at the Waterfront Library. No atmosphere at all.

[Gothic35]

For all the noise the crowd have been making, they may as well be playing at the Waterfront Library. No atmosphere at all.

Tell me about it, I'm beging to think half of them have no hands.

[hoggar]

3-1, Maguire looking sure to go 3-2 but runs out of position at 58. Safety battle to follow.

4-1 for Harold after great clearance and safty play. He looks stronger than I've ever seen him.