Stephen Hendry V John Higgins

[daffie]

Stephen is the best ever...probably. For me, this is the reason I could never warm up to the guy

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bendirs/2...s_winning.html

But then again, it is this kind of mentality that brought him all the titles. As for Higgins, I used to like the guy until the betting scandal. So, I am not really that bothered that I am at work. Maybe I will be sorry later, when this matches produces some amazing snooker

Dank voor de link

Very interesting read! I knew he had a winners mentality, but nothing like what I have just read. Amazing really the frankness with which he talks about it. One might expect this killer-instinct from a multiple World Champion. I have always admired Stephen for his way he plays the game, and he is a very likable character as well imo. Don't have this winners mentality myself, I'm more of the "competing is everything" school...but still have to admire Stephen. Especially for hanging in there at age 43.

[dino]

@daffie, Ik woon in Den Haag ook, you wanna play a game?

[cueman]

From reading that interview it seems to confirm what I always thought of Hendry, spoilt brat, expected everything to go his way, doesn't like to see others enjoying any success, particularly at his expense. Never liked him, though admired him as a player obviously.

Don't agree about the players aren't doing anything different to what he did in his prime, I agree to an extent that he was as good a break builder that has ever played the game but for a long time the standard he was up against must have been like being in a practice session. Nowadays you miss a ball and anyone on the MT and quite a few outside can clear up in one visit. Back when Hendry was dominating there were probably less than 10 players who could realistically clear up in one visit. You only have to look at the break building stats over recent years to confirm this.

So when he says what Trump was doing he was doing back then whilst true, the difference is Hendry was largely doing this under very little pressure as a miss often never cost you the frame.

Anyway, come on Higgins!

[daffie]

...
So when he says what Trump was doing he was doing back then whilst true, the difference is Hendry was largely doing this under very little pressure as a miss often never cost you the frame.
...

Good point regarding the difference between Hendry back then and Trump currently. I tend to agree, but at the same time having additional admiration for Hendry in his prime, as he clearly was measures above the rest. That has to count for something

@daffie, Ik woon in Den Haag ook, you wanna play a game?

Amazing isn't it....unfortunately I don't play snooker any longer as my back is screwed You're also looking forward to this morning's match I assume ?

[dino]

@daffie, what's even more amazing is that I have also had back problems for years and I don't really play that much!

I am at work unfortunately and will have to rely on updates from the good people on this forum

[daffie]

@daffie, what's even more amazing is that I have also had back problems for years and I don't really play that much!

I am at work unfortunately and will have to rely on updates from the good people on this forum

Incredible really. And the coincidences don't stop there neither, cause I'm at work as well at the moment But that might be a statistical high possibility as we are both no teens any longer...haha.

Hoping I'll be able to cut this day short and head back home soon...but will have to wait a bit and see if it is possible, would be great! Otherwise I'm taping every bit, so will be watching the whole match with delay

[montoya10]

"No-one's ever made one against me, I would hate it - I wouldn't be genuinely happy for them," says the Scot, playing in his 27th straight World Championship.

I really wonder what Hendry thought of him when Stuart rooted for him and greatly appreciated his achievement.
Killer instinct or not, I've never liked this kind of attitude in my life.

[daffie]

I really wonder what Hendry thought of him when Stuart rooted for him and greatly appreciated his achievement.
Killer instinct or not, I've never liked this kind of attitude in my life.

Me neither. But apparently it is needed if you want to be absolute best at what you do. Not my cup of tea...enjoying the sportmanship must be part of the deal.

[Odrl]

Looking forward to this one...

Not sure what to make of Hendry's chances. He played pretty well in the 2nd round in 2008 and 2009, without a major crisis. If he can do something similar this time, he should be able to match a decent but not brilliant Higgins. On the other hand, his game fell apart against Selby in 2010 and 2011, so you never know. If Higgins plays a tight tactical game, keeping Hendry away from the table, it could turn into a struggle for Hendry.

It's really tough to predict how well he is likely to play. He played a good game against Robertson at the Welsh Open, but then followed it with a very poor performance against Allen in the next round. His recent career is full of examples like that. Even the 1st round here, very good in the first session, then scrapping across the line in the second one, probably thankful he had such a big lead in the first place.

Higgins? I kind of expect him to play the way he's been playing in recent months. A decent game, not making major mistakes, but below the level that won him titles last season. For me, he would be second favourite against a Maguire in this round. But luckily for him, he has another round before he has to face the likes of Maguire, so plenty of time to play himself into the tournament, he just needs to get through. I think he needs to avoid playing a very open game, because that's just about the only type of snooker where Hendry can possibly match him at this point in time. If he keeps it tight, gets his chances, and doesn't miss in the balls too much, he has to be favourite.

I don't expect much fireworks in the first session though...

[P.Smith]

Can't wait for this match, come on Hendry!

[montoya10]

One interesting session is there for you tomorrow afternoon.

Saturday April 28

2.30pm

17* John Higgins v Stephen Hendry
21 Mark Williams v Ronnie O'Sullivan

[maxz]

Hendry FTW!! COME ON... )

[Odrl]

Surely not another crappy match between these two?

I can't see this going on for three sessions though, the standard is bound to go up.

[PatBlock]

There you go, another missed black on the spot from Hendry, just what I was afraid of but sadly expecting. Higgins is also looking very edgy, but seeing Hendry miss spotted blacks will certainly help his cause.

-

[wordsworth]

Plus Hendry goes for some ridiculous shots, expecting Higgins to get through quite comfortably when he settles.