World Championship 2009 [provisional discussion]

[JiangYu]

Matthew Stevens, oh dear



7-3

[spike]

It looks highly likely that the Bingham/McManus match will go the distance.

[DerMoment1608]

3-8 Come on Matthew!!!

[João]

No surprise at Stevens to be fair. Martin has been one of the in-form outsiders this year.

[JiangYu]

I wonder why Martin isn't ranked a lot higher than he currently is. He's evidently one of the tougher qualifiers.

[dannyd0g]

I wonder why Martin isn't ranked a lot higher than he currently is. He's evidently one of the tougher qualifiers.

he has done very well in this and the previous tournament. I dont think he made much of impression before that though, which was why he was well down the list.....

[Alex0paul]

It is only his second season on tour and we all know how hard it is to stay on after one year. He will probably be pushing for a top 48 finish which looks like his level.

[dannyd0g]

Higginson becomes the first qualifier through. Well done. This will be his first time at The Crucible. Hope he plays well there.

[João]

So, Matthew has been at the Crucible every year since 1998, could this be the end of his run.

[dannyd0g]

So, Matthew has been at the Crucible every year since 1998, could this be the end of his run.

Looks inevitable now 9-4 down. Gould will soon be joining Higginson and Cope whose also just sealed a quick win to qualify.

Cant remember if Cope has made it to the Crucible before ?

[spike]

Looks very much like it unless he can pull something out of the bag.

[Templeton Peck]

I think the top 16 will be relieved to see Stevens go out - nobody wants to draw him at The Crucible do they? John Higgins clearly didn't look a happy chappy when he drew him last year.

[JiangYu]

I think the top 16 will be relieved to see Stevens go out - nobody wants to draw him at The Crucible do they? John Higgins clearly didn't look a happy chappy when he drew him last year.

10-4 is certain now. Martin's on a break of 93 and counting. This will hurt Matthew and to think I predicted him getting back into the top 16 this year as well...looks like it could be another one or two years yet.

[spike]

I would like to see Nigel make it to the crucible again, & It's looking quite good for him at the moment. Anyone else feel the same?

[Mal]

Cope qualified last year and played well against peter ebdon just losing 10-9. Ebdon applauded him and got the crowd to give him a round of applause afterwards. Cope is a fabulous potter and breakbuilder but inconsistent.