UK Champ 2010 - QF discussion

[ore]

Wednesday 8th December
1:30pm & 7pm
John Higgins v Stephen Maguire
Mark Allen v Stuart Bingham

Thursday 9th December
Mark Joyce v Mark Williams
Shaun Murphy v Neil Robbertson


Who could have expected Joyce or Bingham to reach QF?

[gettingbetter]

There has been much criticism of Maguire over the last few seasons (and maybe his whole career) that he never beats the big time players when he comes up against them. We'll see how he does today and he probably doesn't have a better opportunity as he is facing a 'rusty' Higgins. Should also be interesting how Allen goes. Ever since the 2009 semis he has failed to deliver and should make another semi-final, although Bingham is playing relatively well.

[ore]

Well, we did not see Maguire on telly yet. But Selby must have been no push-over; and should have caused enough of stress for Maguire not to be too relaxed while making those high breaks...

And Higgins is due to get 'exhausted' at some point... He already had two tough opponents (lucky draw, ha), and a decider (but then he often has close matches. As if closeness of defeat would kick him to fight back and make him more focused).

[gettingbetter]

Further, I think that Murphy and Robertson will be a great match. If Neil wins the UK, I think he is marching up the ladder of greatness.

Also, I think the the Joyce/Williams match will be a interesting. Remember that Williams lost to Lines here last year.

[trains]

I dont think Higgins looks on himself as being rusty,he was asked by Hazel Irvin if he thought he was and he only confirmed what Steve Davis thought when he replied not at all.4 good matches to look forward to,cant call any though.

[montoya10]

It should be expected Maguire v Allen and Williams v Robertson for the semi-final line up, but I've been watching snooker for enough time to know that those pre-favourites have a tendency of failing to live up to the expectations..

I can't quite foresee any winner at this point, though. Robertson is cueing well, but is yet to be tested, Maguire hasn't played on a TV table, Allen almost blew a five-frame cushion against Ding yesterday and Williams only did enough to get over the line against Hendry.

PS. Higgins has won 11 out of 12 matches in PTC, then added 2 more wins here, which takes his tally to 13 out of 14.. If this is what a 'rusty' player is playing alike, then, everybody should take a break at some time

[missneworleans]

I prefer Maguire too. I dont know why but he always plays well in UK
Its not going to be easy for Allen for sure

[Odrl]

Did no one watch the first session?

There were a couple of good breaks in the Higgins-Maguire match, especially from Higgins, but also a lot of potentially good scoring visits thrown away with easy misses.

I don't know what to make of Maguire's yawning at the end of the 7th frame, but it can't be a good sign, especially with another session still to come tonight. If Maguire is not up for it, I think Higgins is too solid not to exploit that.

I didn't get to see much of Allen-Bingham, but I suppose the result is not surprising.

[ore]

@Odrl, maybe Maggie is another one who doesn't like "morning matches", and is due to wake up? I hope so

How was he - Maguire - missing pots, or Higgins just did not him chances to step in?

[missneworleans]

Both were missing untill 3-3 when Higgins fired two breaks in nineties
I still hope Mags can hit back

[Odrl]

Yes, a couple of fairly easy balls missed from both players, and not many long pots from them either.

Higgins got going towards the end, perhaps because Maguire left him in at close range.

[very.tee]

right, firstly well done Mark Willliams for winning yesterday

and as for tonight,

Come On Mark Allen!!!:snooker:

I'm also hoping for a comeback from Stephen Mags

[Elaine]

good start Mags

[dinovirus]

Both were missing untill 3-3 when Higgins fired two breaks in nineties
I still hope Mags can hit back

BUT, thanks to Higgins, a guy has to wonder, is there a fix in? Two good friends playing each other like this. Very very easy for them to prearrange the score.

If I was a bookie I sure wouldn't be taking any action.

[Masterdoctorgenius]

TC maguire on fire