World Champ. 2009 -1st round discussion!

[Mal]

Yes, good point - what a championship that was - every match Doherty played had drama. - 3 deciders including the amazing comeback against Hunter, the final with the 8(?) frame comeback against Williams which ultimately wasn't enough and the only match that didn't go close was vs 13-8 vs Higgins in which he was 10-0 up!
So, looking through again it was 1995 that was the last time, but there is still time and with the matches finishing today being close and Day - Lee those are the best chances I'd think.

[spike]

If Nigel Bond can show some of his best form we could see a very close match with Ebdon - though now Ding has opened up a 3 frame advantage it looks less likely now that match is likely to go the distance - but Liang is still more than capable of coming back!

[Mal]

Asbolutely, put Ding under pressure and you never know. He needs to win the next two and then Ding won't enjoy his half time cup of tea so much.

[Mal]

The odds on Ebdon weren't great - so I put £20 on him to make the highest break (as he is a great breakbuilder) of the match, so that's looking good now for £10 profit

[spike]

Liang pulls a frame back & is only 2 behind at 7-5. Hope he squares things up and then it will be interesting to see how Ding's temperament stands up....though throughout this match so far Ding has looked very composed but maybe that's because he's in front.

[Monique]

BBC just showed the stats. Liang is ahead of Ding in absolutely all departements ... and yet 2 frames behind

[Mal]

Well it's the stat that matters - it was the same with Hendry Williams yesterday aside from long potting, but all other stats favoured Hendry like overall pot success, balls potted, points scored when he was 7-5 down, and he came through to win, so maybe Liang will do the same.

Looks like 7-6 now. Be interesting as Spike says to see how Ding reacts if Liang was to win the next one after the interval.

[spike]

Liang only 1 frame behind now at 7-6 and in Ebdon is 2-1 down to Nigel Bond.

[matoski]

Wow, what a ridicilous shot by Liang on that black over the pocket. He still isn;t mature as a player. That was the most horrible shot of the championship.

[Mal]

Interesting now - if Liang wins the next frame, I think it'll be 10-7 to him.

[spike]

7-7 Ding - Liang! Great Stuff from Wenbo!

[Monique]

Well it's going 8-7 to Liang and the twich is there under Ding's eye.

[Mal]

Yes, big favourite now with Ding's renowned ability to collapse. I think Hendry would have had the edge over Ding, but Liang has no fear so that would be an enthralling match.

[spike]

Yes, big favourite now with Ding's renowned ability to collapse. I think Hendry would have had the edge over Ding, but Liang has no fear so that would be an enthralling match.

Yes i totally agree with that!

[Forman]

good chance for ding now, hope he can take this match all the way to a decider