UK Champ. 2009 - 2nd Round Discussion

[spike]

Today's 2nd round matches are as follows not before 3pm

Stephen Hendry v Mark Selby
Neil Robertson v John Higgins
Stuart Bingham v Stephen Maguire
Liang Wenbo v Mark King


Discuss...

[superaussie]

come on robbo

[gettingbetter]

Preferably, I'd like to see the Scots and the Chineseman win.

I feel that Selby will be too strong for Hendry and likewise, Maguire against Bingham. For some reason, I think Maguire is somewhat of a darkhorse in this tournament (as good as he is, and the fact that he is world no. 2). I can see similarities between him and Murphy from last year; mainly poor lead up form.

Higgins and Robertson will be a good game. I think/hope Higgins will win. Mainly because I think he safety over the 17 frames will be more advantageous. In saying that, Neil is probably the most in form player at the moment and he is making centuries more often than he did previously.

I think King will do his normal routine in the longer tournaments. Get a win, get the extra points for the longer format and lose in the last 16.

[BearsdenSnookerFan]

Which two second round games are televised today? Higgins v Robertson will be a certainty, but it could be any of the other three. I'd guess Hendry v Selby but I could be wrong.

[superaussie]

Which two second round games are televised today? Higgins v Robertson will be a certainty, but it could be any of the other three. I'd guess Hendry v Selby but I could be wrong.

hendry is on tv table 1

[Odrl]

Aaarrgghh, it's pretty annoying that Robertson-Higgins and Selby-Hendry are on at the same time. I don't want to miss either. But it can't be helped I guess. We might have a similar problem tomorrow, with Murphy-Ding and O'Sullivan-Ebdon.

Before the tournament, I thought the possible Higgins-Robertson match would probably not live up to the hype, as you can't expect them to play like they did at the Grand Prix all the time. I'm not so sure anymore. We didn't see Robertson, but he's supposed to be playing pretty well. Higgins looks up for this tournament as well. I don't know... I can't see either of them cracking here, it should go very close. Robertson has a good record against Higgins, but I think he could come a frame or two short over two sessions. But whoever comes through here will be very hard to beat from the QF onwards.

I expect a slightly lower standard in the Selby-Hendry match. They've both shown some weaknesses in the opening round. Could either of them raise their game? Hendry usually gives some indication he's playing well right from the start. I didn't really get that feeling yesterday, but he did make three centuries, so there is potential there. I think there is a slightly better chance Selby raises his game. It seems to be easier with players of Selby's age, and his confidence could be pretty high after that great comeback. Also, if the standard is mediocre, Selby is quite strong in the scrappy frames. But if Hendry scores well, Selby needs to stay with him, because I don't think Hendry will be losing from 8-4 up.

Maguire is obviously favourite against Bingham, but he wasn't at his best against Holt. He can produce very different snooker, in terms of quality, from match to match, so you never know. I don't know how Bingham is playing, but if he's as solid as his win over Perry suggests, Maguire will need to raise his game. This could go either way, but I'll stick with Maguire.

King and Liang both won their opening matches very convincingly, but I think this one could be closer. In the last two seasons, King has been pretty good at winning against this kind of opponents, but it's usually been in the 1st round. Liang also seems pretty good in long matches, as he seems to realize where the important parts are, and doesn't usually lose many frames on the bounce. This could be a 9-7 or 9-8 either way. But if it turns out to be one-sided, I think it will probably be in Liang's favour.

Looking forward to it.

[pat39]

4 interesting matches for me.

Selby should beat Hendry but will have to improve. Hendry will make things difficult but Selby may just have too much towards the end of the match.

Robertson v Higgins could be another classic. Either player could win what I think will be a close match but I will pick Higgins.

Bingham has a decent chance against Maguire in what could be another close match. I won't be surprised if Bingham wins but Maguire may have too much class.

Wenbo looks to be in good form so King will have to play really well to have any chance but I think Wenbo will win quite comfortably.

Overall, it should be another good session of snooker. I can't wait.

[The Boss]

Youth v Experience

I'm surprised that so many people on the predictions thread think Wenbo will breeze past King. Have you conveniently forgetten that King is the top 16 player and beat Hamilton 9-2? Not only this, but he is more disciplined than Wenbo and knows how to win ugly. King to go all the way



Next to suffer? Wenbo will lock horns with in form Mark King

[missneworleans]

I'm surprised that so many people on the predictions thread think Wenbo will breeze past King. Have you conveniently forgetten that King is the top 16 player and beat Hamilton 9-2? Not only this, but he is more disciplined than Wenbo and knows how to win ugly. King to go all the way



Next to suffer? Wenbo will lock horns with in form Mark King

Well I hope

[montoya10]

I'm surprised that so many people on the predictions thread think Wenbo will breeze past King. Have you conveniently forgetten that King is the top 16 player and beat Hamilton 9-2? Not only this, but he is more disciplined than Wenbo and knows how to win ugly. King to go all the way

I don't like Wenbo much, but I don't think King is going to be that strong to push him hard, though..

I hope you are right, by the way..

[very.tee]

I've been posting in the wrong thread

I'm hoping for a Selby win today (obviously..), but I'd like to see King win too

Higgins vs Robertson should also be a cracker but I can't watch two matches at once very easily... obviously I'll be flicking over every now and again:snooker:

[missneworleans]

oh
what a fluke mark
and what a miss!!!

[matoski]

An insane fluke by Selby. But seems like he threw away this frame.

[very.tee]

Mark! You absolute IDIOT!!!!

Next frame: Come On!!!

[montoya10]

Mark! You absolute IDIOT!!!!

Next frame: Come On!!!

It is still early, just be patient

Higgins loses concentration, come on John!!