Mark Allen v. Neil Robertson

[spike]

Really looking forward to this match today, and feel we could be in for a real treat. Neither Robertson or Allen were playing anything like their best in their first round matches, though i do expect the standard to improve today. Robertson's (all round game is very good) at the moment, and while Allen can match Robertson in the long potting departement, Allen's safety game at times can be his achilles heel. Still, i expect Mark Allen to be full of confidence after disposing O'Sullivan in the previous round. Both players have great touch when in amongst the balls, and both are devastating breakbuilders. If Allen can match the World Champion when it comes to the tactical exchanges, then i would give him a a "good" chance of sending Robertson packing.

My prediction is a 6-5 win for Mark Allen..

Discuss...

[PatBlock]

Hmm, I'd like Mark to progress today, but I cant see it myself.
His cueball was all over the place the other day, if Ronnie had bothered to turn up for the entire match, I doubt he would've won. I think Robertson's experience will help carry him through, he's got a good tactical game as well these days, and he's not afraid to use it.

Should be a great match though, really looking forward to it.
6 - 4 Robbo I reckon

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[superaussie]

Cant see robbo losing this 1 just too good an all round player to lose to allen

6-3 robbo

[ADR147]

the winner of this is likely to win the title i think. i suspect a final frame decider and i wll go for the under dog in mark allen.

[spike]

the winner of this
is likely to win the title i think.

Hope not as I have money on Ding. If Ding was to lose to Cope, I would be happy enough to see Allen as Masters champion..

[montoya10]

Allen to win this one, Ding to win it all, I guess..

[spike]

Allen to win this one, Ding to win it all, I guess..

That's the fella..

[Odrl]

I'm looking forward to this one as well. It's a match between two very confident players. Allen proved himself once again by beating O'Sullivan on the big stage. He is certainly not one of the players who lose a match before it even starts, you can't beat him with reputation alone. He was determined to play his own game against O'Sullivan, and he fully expected to win. Having said that, with a better shot selection, O'Sullivan could and perhaps should have won that match. I'm sure Robertson will be playing the right shots, so Allen might need to play even better.

Robertson is a very confident character as well, but he has to be very careful that it doesn't turn into complacency. He said he should win against Allen if he plays his best... I remember something similar in the 2009 Welsh Open, when he was the only tournament winner at the SF stage. He mentioned that himself before his match against Swail, and I got the feeling he thought he would have it easy. He can't afford to think like that today.

As spike says, they have similar games. They both play the attacking game very well, potting a lot of balls from distance and scoring heavily. Robertson has the edge in a tactical game, and he certainly won't be reluctant to play it, if he thinks it could win him the match. I think it could well come down to which player finds their scoring rhythm first today. But if both players play their best, I have more confidence in Robertson playing that one or two extra good shots when it really matters.

For the record, I've predicted Robertson to win 6-4. Bring it on...

[Looki]

I'd fancy Allen to win this but it will be tough. Hopefully Robbo's having trouble to get out of bed today. In more serious note, I think Allen has every chance to win this but he has to make most of his opportunities and his safety and long potting has to be good as well. Also Allen must avoid frustration as Robertson isn't afraid to scrape it through if that's what it takes...

[spike]

Good to see that Hendry will be commentating on this match..

[montoya10]

That's the fella..

And he has a good chance to win the first frame and make a good start..

[Hal]

I prefer Neil and think he will win this one match, but only with 2 frame difference, so my prediction is 6-4 for Robertson

[montoya10]

You got to appreciate Allen's confidence, in taking the long red instead of putting Robertson back at play..

Allen with a 69 clearance to pink, good job to lead 2-0..

[Odrl]

Good start from Allen, punishing Robertson's mistake there. I'm sure he'll be looking for at least 3-1 at the interval now.

[spike]

Quality 69 break from Robertson and just at the right time..