John Higgins vs Steve Davis - Discussion

[MattWilson]

What you must remember is that the WC is a marathon of a snooker event. To win the tournament you need to win 71 frames over 17 days (in Higgins' case) and he's well aware of the need to peak at the right time.

He did ENOUGH against Hawkins in the first round. He will still most probably do ENOUGH to beat Davis in the second round, and by then he will/should (!!!) be match sharp and look to move through the gears against Robertson or Gould in the next round.

Fantastic stuff from Steve last night, but somehow I just can't see it lasting over the second and third sessions unfortunately. But I agree with the general consensus - his final session against King and the first against Higgins have been my favourite sessions of the tournament so far by a country mile!

MW

[Odrl]

I would seriously doubt if he would be interested in getting a place in Top 16, after reaching the final

Well, he might still need to qualify for tournaments next season then.

And he is not in a great position on the one-year list, so if he loses to Higgins, he will start next season provisionally outside the top32. He really would need to reach the final not only to get into the top16 for next season, but also to have any chance of keeping his place for the season after. Under the current ranking system of course.

[Snookster]

Some of the comments on here about John's performance last nite, have been a little unfair on Steve.
Anyone who has played snooker at a high level will know, if your constantly playing from tight on the baulk cushion it is very hard to take your chances when they do come along, even a great player like John Higgins will struggle.
It was an extraordinary performance.
Here's hoping the rest of the match keeps enthralling us all as much as last night.

[montoya10]

What you must remember is that the WC is a marathon of a snooker event. To win the tournament you need to win 71 frames over 17 days (in Higgins' case) and he's well aware of the need to peak at the right time.

He did ENOUGH against Hawkins in the first round. He will still most probably do ENOUGH to beat Davis in the second round, and by then he will/should (!!!) be match sharp and look to move through the gears against Robertson or Gould in the next round.

Fantastic stuff from Steve last night, but somehow I just can't see it lasting over the second and third sessions unfortunately. But I agree with the general consensus - his final session against King and the first against Higgins have been my favourite sessions of the tournament so far by a country mile!

MW

You are just overlooking that it's not that easy to consistently reach the latter stages of the world championships. If Higgins had to wait for his second world title 9 years, it has something to do with it. Doing enough in the early stages does not mean that you're going to begin motoring later on., at least it's not going to be a fact

And Odrl, I've checked one-year rankings and Steve terribly needs to win the title Come on Steve

[MattWilson]

What I am saying is that I would not be surprised to see Higgins come into some good form if he manages to come through this match. The consistency of his performances over the past 3 seasons are enough to suggest that at some stage during a 3-session match he will win 3 or 4 frames in one visit which will put the pressure on Davis again.

Personally, I'd love to see Davis get through... who would have put money on a potential Davis v Gould quarter-final?!?!

MW

[ore]

I would seriously doubt if he would be interested in getting a place in Top 16, after reaching the final

You mean it would be the best moment to retire?

[montoya10]

You mean it would be the best moment to retire?

No, but he would rather be in a mood trying to win it, than making calculations to see whether he will be in the Top 16 or not.

And also, winning the world title at the age of 53 would definitely overpower regaining his Top 16 status at any day.

I just think if some weird results came out and despite making the final, he didn't make it to the Top 16, he wouldn't get disappointed

[Odrl]

It looks like today will be a different ball game.

It's a good thing Davis did get that lead...

[cox orange pippin]

Higgins looks determined, but he should not have let Steve in for the practice clearance, which Steve executed perfectly.

[spike]

If Davis can finish this afternoon's session no worse than 9-7 or 8-8 , then he will still give himself every chance going into tomorrow mornings final session.

[cox orange pippin]

Sloopy 10th frame. Higgins should have put Davis under a couple of times and let him back in, but Steve couldn't capitalize.

[cox orange pippin]

Brilliant 11th by Davis!

[Snookster]

Nice reply from the nugget, big blow to higgins if he takes this one to level the session.

[Mal]

He's got a good chance now to make it 8-4 and he won't be behind even if Higgins does come out with a streak of good play after the MSI.

[cox orange pippin]

Davis is really playing superb. 8-4!!