Uk championship qualifying

[montoya10]

I would have thought the Selby v Cope match is a certainty and probably the Day v Liang match because there could be a 'shock'.

I am praying Dott's match is on a TV table as I barely get a chance to see him play now.

I don't think they're going to televise Robbo's game, aussie.. But a tie against Tom Ford promises a deeper run, so you might see him in the next rounds on TV

As for Williams vs Dott, it's the best match on first day, so it's surely a lock to be on a TV table. The last time they played, Dott was playing better than he is now, and still ended up losing, so I'm not sure of his chances going into this match. Williams, on the other hand, would like to back his recent Grand Prix semi final. And looking to the draw, he will probably face Fu and Maguire next, two players struggling this season, so he has all the chances at his hands to make it back to there..

I'm positive going into this tournament, especially about Mark's chances, but Ronnie has been handed a tough draw, Stevens, Ebdon or Trump, Selby or Hendry(don't forget Davis or Cope), Higgins and the other finalist.. Only tougher draw in history was probably Hendry's 1999 world title run..

[Odrl]

I'm positive going into this tournament, especially about Mark's chances, but Ronnie has been handed a tough draw, Stevens, Ebdon or Trump, Selby or Hendry(don't forget Davis or Cope), Higgins and the other finalist.. Only tougher draw in history was probably Hendry's 1999 world title run..

That's assuming all the seeds get through of course.

[montoya10]

That's assuming all the seeds get through of course.

But he is sure to play Stevens and then Ebdon and Trump, then apart from Steve, all three( Hendry,Selby,Cope ) can be dangerous..

Finally, I can't see someone upsetting Higgins, but that's what I love with this game.. You never know

[Odrl]

And if Higgins goes out, there is also Robertson.

[montoya10]

And if Higgins goes out, there is also Robertson.

Thanks for adjustment, this really made the draw kind of a sweet candy

So, no easy path for Ronnie, but if the good Ronnie checks in, he might make a strike of these strong opponents, although I've nothing to do with bowling

[Odrl]

Right, with the qualifying over, let's see what interesting matches we've ended up with...

Actually, I can't remember the last time we had so many good ones in the 1st round, but here are my 5 picks:

Mark Williams v. Graeme Dott

A repeat of last year's 2nd round match. There was some good snooker last year. Mark Williams has already shown some good form this season, and this was always one of his better tournaments, even when he was struggling. I expect him to be up for it. Dott on the other hand has shown nothing so far this season. But this is a best-of-17 match and he could be a tough opponent for anyone, as long as he finds a bit of form.

Ronnie O'Sullivan v. Matthew Stevens

O'Sullivan is a bit unlucky with his draws this season, getting an established name two times in three events. Judging by his performance in the Premier League final, he has every reason to be worried. Stevens rarely finds form these days, but he is a specialist in longer matches. If he finds form here, he could go through. But I expect O'Sullivan to be up for the match.

Peter Ebdon v. Judd Trump

Trump could do with a run here, but he's got a tough opponent. When Ebdon is at his determined best, he is impossible to demoralize. He also engages in a lot of mind games and mental battles, which could be tough for a young player to cope with. Trump has shown a lot of patience at times, getting involved in safety battles with the likes of O'Sullivan. But it's not always the case, as he has sometimes shown a low tolerance for this kind of snooker. He needs to be prepared for a real battle here, as I can see Ebdon being up for it.

Mark Selby v. Jamie Cope

After two 1st round losses, Selby could have done with an easier draw here. Cope hasn't shown his best either this season, but this could be the tournament. The format could suit him, as he seems to get stronger in 2nd sessions. But the format should suit Selby as well. He knows he'll have to play well right from the start, so I expect him to do just that. I wonder if Selby will try to make this into a tactical affair, and if so, how will Cope cope with it. He did hold his own against Higgins at the WC, although there wasn't much safety played there.

John Higgins v. Ricky Walden

Higgins couldn't ask for anything tougher either. He's been playing pretty well for a long time now. I bet he'd like an easier start, to play himself into form. But it's not going to be in this tournament, with Walden in his opening match, probably followed by Robertson. Walden has beaten Higgins before, even in a two session match. Also, he doesn't have an apparent weakness. You can't expect Higgins to be in form all the time, so if this is his off tournament, he could easily go out. Should be a great match.


Not including matches like Hendry-Davis or Day-Liang only speaks to the quality of the lineup. I look forward to the tournament, and we should see some great matches right from the first day.

[Mignon]

Any info about this year's prize money at the UK?

[noel]

Any info about this year's prize money at the UK?

Pounds and pounds of pies.


=o\

Noel

[Mignon]

Very funny reply, Noel!

A nightmare of indigestion....

Seriously, now: Globalsnooker used to give such information but I couldn't find it anywhere yet....