Carter expecting early exit for Ronnie

[The Boss]

http://msnsport.skysports.com/story/...195973,00.html

Ali Carter does not believe that Ronnie O'Sullivan will be able to successfully defend his Betfred.com World Championship title.

The 2008 runner-up at the Crucible thinks O'Sullivan will struggle to make it through a tough draw, with possible matches against Peter Ebdon and John Higgins awaiting 'The Rocket'.

Higgins remains the last player to defeat O'Sullivan in the world championships and recently recorded another victory over him in the quarter-finals of the China Open.

Ebdon eventually defeated Higgins in the Beijing final and Carter thinks the 2002 world champion has a great chance of taking the title again this year.

"I don't think Ronnie will be in the final this year. I think he'll get beaten in the mid rounds," Carter said.

"I think John Higgins is a good bet and Peter Ebdon at 33-1 is who my money would be on. He's won it before, he's come back to a bit of form and he won the China Open.

"(O'Sullivan) has got a tough half of the draw and John Higgins beat him the last time he lost here, and John Higgins beat him in China. John Higgins is not scared of playing Ronnie."

[superaussie]

the only one out of carter and ronnie that will be having an early exit will be ali boy he will lose to greene

[The Boss]

Yes, you'll notice that he didn't talk up his own chances. But he has highlighted the threat posed by the upgraded Cyborg

[JiangYu]

the only one out of carter and ronnie that will be having an early exit will be ali boy he will lose to greene

Agreed. I think Carter will be a first round shock casualty. That being said, Superaussie, you're going down . Mark King will beat Rory.

Yes, you'll notice that he didn't talk up his own chances. But he has highlighted the threat posed by the upgraded Cyborg

Is Ebdon your lucky dip?

[dantuck_7]

I've got to say all these interviews are only going to encourage Ronnie more - just what I want as I'm going to back Maguire and Day!!

[The Boss]

Agreed. I think Carter will be a first round shock casualty. That being said, Superaussie, you're going down . Mark King will beat Rory.

Is Ebdon your lucky dip?

No, i've got Dott. I think the Bazza will beat him, though i went for Dott in the predictions

[superaussie]

i have a good feeling about the romford battler he will reach the last 8 and lose to robbo

[The Boss]

i have a good feeling about the romford battler he will reach the last 8 and lose to robbo

King will get revenge for his 10-9 defeat to Ned in the 2005 qualifiers. He trailed 7-2, but fought back to a decider. King will battle to the final

[superaussie]

King will get revenge for his 10-9 defeat to Ned in the 2005 qualifiers. He trailed 7-2, but fought back to a decider. King will battle to the final

you wish boss

[spike]

My mate's Brother is a regular practise partner of Gerard Greene & he was telling me that Greene is hitting the ball better than ever & fancies making past the first round ever at the Crucible!
Be afraid Ali be very afraid!

[Forman]

sounds like ali is hoping someone else will put ronnie out of the world champs cos he knows theres no way he can do it

[Malachi-b]

I agree for some reason i just don't think ronnie will have it this year. although i hope ebdon doesnt win it i cant stand that guy.

[spike]

I too dont think Ronnie will win it this year....but at the same time i wouldn't bet against him either.

[RocketRoy1983]

I spoke with Mark (king) earlier this week and believe me he is RARING to get out there and play well.

[gby4]

Just imagine Carter out of all players on the tour saying: "John Higgins is not scared of playing Ronnie."

I really don't have anything agaist Carter- he just ruined last years final. I just hope it won't be a re-run of last years final this year with the same players.