2013 Masters discussion

[daffie]

Yes I can't see a way back from 2-5 down. Just a bit of a disappointing match this has been if I'm honest...rather flat performances from both, with Neil having some good frames and big breaks though. But...never count Murphy out. Sometimes he can find his best form from being behind. But I don't see it happen this time...

[daffie]

Well a good win for Neil. Murphy really didnt put up too much of a fight though. Too bad, was expecting more of this match. On to the 2nd Semi...

[brusque]

Your confidence in Dott is overwhelming.

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Dott will beat Selby. You heard it here first

[PatBlock]

Frustrating performance from Shaun, could have easily been a whitewash. Can't see Selby or Dott getting passed Robertson ATM, but you never know...

Expecting a close match tonight, neither of these two know when they're beaten so could be another midnight finish for you guys running on CET, maybe even for us in the UK too.

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[armstm]

i liked hendry's comment about the current masters being slightly devalued by the absence of ronnie. probably prompted by murphy's control (lack of) of the cueball.

[Neil Taperell]

Come on Graeme Dott . Love the guy's determination .

[Odrl]

I'm looking forward to tonight's match, it could be a really close one. And yes, PatBlock, a midnight finish would be lovely.

I'm not sure when these two last met in a major match, but they played a couple of times around 2010 and 2011. The big one was of course their semi-final at the WC, where Selby was the favourite, but Dott was in control for most of the match and prevailed in the end. Selby got his revenge in the German Masters and the Welsh Open the following season, although it was only best-of-9s of course. I'm not sure if they've played a major ranking match since.

Neither has been at their best this week. Dott has been better than his normal form of recent times, but it's not exactly been one-visit snooker. With Selby I kind of expected it, considering he is the winner of the previous event. Still, he has shown his usual fighting qualities against Bingham, and then never looked like losing against a poor Williams. He obviously likes this format. I think he played in eight of these tournaments where it's mostly best-of-11 prior to this one, and won three of them, so that's quite impressive.

I'm not sure what to expect tonight really. Dott has been known to struggle against the more methodical players in the past, but at the same time, he doesn't seem to mind playing Selby that much, and he completely outplayed him tactically in that WC match. So in any case, there should be some high-quality safety played. And if the breakbuilding is a bit lacking, which it very well could be, there could be a lot of interesting frames decided on the final colours. We'll see if either player can raise their game tonight. Of the two, I think that's more likely to be Selby, a specialist for these evening matches in front of a full house. Selby to win 6-5. :wink:

[Neil Taperell]

I find Selby to be too negative for my liking . He seems to make a large majority of his frames disjointed with his negativity . And each frame lasts an eternity .

[daffie]

Yes Odrl very much looking forward to this 2nd Semi. Could be a very close fought one with much safety play and tense moments. Here's hoping to a midnight finish as well...I'm up for it

[Neil Taperell]

Cracking 1st pot from Graeme bridging over the yellow .

[co004]

I'm going to the final tomorrow. Never been to any tournament before, what can I expect outside of the arena in terms of exhibitions etc? Any tips for the day as a whole?

[fernandofan08]

I find Selby to be too negative for my liking . He seems to make a large majority of his frames disjointed with his negativity . And each frame lasts an eternity .

I still say Selby tries to bore his opponent to death. I know he's been criticised for it before. Quite flukey how he get away with his mistakes.

This could be a close match between the 2. If Graham can keep at the table he'll be ok, but if Selby gets up and takes 6 hours a shot, its game over.

[fernandofan08]

Some great playing by Dott, good safety, good pots and positioning.

[daffie]

Good start by Graeme. Nice to fluke the red of the brown as well 51 pts in front...waiting to see how this first frame pans out...

[fernandofan08]

Good start by Graeme. Nice to fluke the red of the brown as well 51 pts in front...waiting to see how this first frame pans out...

Mightve spoke to soon the pair of us =[