Ssb - higgins edges glasgow thriller

[MySockPuppet]

It could only have been pressure that cost Ronnie O'Sullivan a place in the Grand Prix quarter-finals today.

There was the pressure of not being confident with parts of his game, particularly long potting.

And pressure because of who he was playing and the knowledge of what John Higgins is capable of doing.

Higgins must have thought he was out when O'Sullivan twice had good chances to win the eighth. It was to the Scot's credit that he won the decider in one visit because proceedings had become nervy by this point.

O'Sullivan held a 27-17 lead in previous career meetings prior to the match but a number of those wins had come in the Premier League and smaller events.

In ranking tournaments it is now 11-7 to Higgins.

They have now played ten deciders and won five apiece. They were unlucky to draw each other at such an early stage - the last time they played in the last 16 of a ranking event was at the 1996 Thailand Open.

Toay's contest was just what the tournament needed.

But the downside is that we've lost one of the star attractions in the second round.


More...

[Odrl]

Yes, it is unfortunate to lose one of the top2 crowd pullers in the 2nd round. But they at least made for a good atmosphere in one match, having played each other. And the matches from now on should have a better atmosphere because the occasion will be "bigger" at the business end of the tournament.

[Monique]

Yes, it is unfortunate to lose one of the top2 crowd pullers in the 2nd round. But they at least made for a good atmosphere in one match, having played each other. And the matches from now on should have a better atmosphere because the occasion will be "bigger" at the business end of the tournament.

That remains to be seen about the atmosphere.

[Odrl]

That remains to be seen about the atmosphere.

Have a little faith.

[Templeton Peck]

There should be another decent turnout for Hendry tomorrow and Maguire is playing in the evening as well. I won't be too bothered if Williams and Ding are sent packing if it means the local interest is retained.

[Monique]

Have a little faith.

The arena is quite empty.

[Monique]

There should be another decent turnout for Hendry tomorrow and Maguire is playing in the evening as well. I won't be too bothered if Williams and Ding are sent packing if it means the local interest is retained.

When Mags played his first match there wasn't exactly a crush...

[Rane]

When Mags played his first match there wasn't exactly a crush...

No, actually surprisingly many empty seats.

[Alex0paul]

Thats the problem with a random draw because people may not want to commit to buying a ticket for a match where they don't know who could be playing in it.

Also last year the event was played during half term so a lot more kids could go during the day which also helps.

[Monique]

Thats the problem with a random draw because people may not want to commit to buying a ticket for a match where they don't know who could be playing in it.

Also last year the event was played during half term so a lot more kids could go during the day which also helps.

Well that wasn't the case for round 1. That draw is known for a while. It still was a very poor attendance. The random draw having made sure that at least one of the world champion or world n°1 would go out in last 16... certainly that make sure it's a tremendous success!
How exciting!

and believe it or not I would write exavctly the same thing if it was Ronnie who'd won. I actually wrote it elsewhere already before the match.

[Templeton Peck]

Well, I suppose it is a tad presumptuous to assume the Scots line up for any old sh*t just so long as it is Scottish.