Ssb - crucible countdown: Higgins v o'sullivan?

[gettingbetter]

What a great read. One of the things that I would say after reading all that is that comparatively, Higgins is under-rated. Note: I said compratively.

It would be good to see a Higgins-O'Sullivan final. I tend to get the feeling that these type of classics will not be so for much longer. But many times on this board many people have said that it is about time that these two performances will decline. But it is not so. The 'old guard' have in the last 2 seasons won; the China Open, Welsh Open, Shanghai Masters, World Championship, Masters, Grand Prix and the Northern Ireland Trophy. I fully agree that it is time for the younger players to start winning.

My pick for the Crucible is Ding. He has shown form to indicate that he is now a force and with a reasonably easy run to atleast the QFs, he has every chance of winning.

In addition, I wouldn't write off Higgins too. It is well known that defending any snooker title is difficult. But with motivation of winning presumably running low. What better way to stamp your mark on snooker history then by being only the third person to defend their title at the Crucible?

[matoski]

So after such a pretty horrible season you would still, expect Murphy to be up for it in WC?

Form is temporary. Murphy had more than enough time to prepare for this tournament. Remember Higgins in 2006/07 had a terrible season, but won the WC. In 2005/2006 had a great season, but lost in the first round. Murphy has every chance to win it for the second time, and he deserves it.

[ore]

Form is temporary. Murphy had more than enough time to prepare for this tournament. Remember Higgins in 2006/07 had a terrible season, but won the WC. In 2005/2006 had a great season, but lost in the first round. Murphy has every chance to win it for the second time, and he deserves it.

And class is permanent? :snooker:
Not sure about enough of time for preparation, he did not shine in China at all.. (at least the end of the match trying to get 3 or so hopeless snookers looked like being unable to realize it's all already over... And that's playing against Bond).

Maybe though he could still be somewhat of an underestimated danger, he did not have that perfect season last year either, and got to the final at WC... Hm, and won UK after 2 R1 exits right before it. This season I think he surprised Higgins & Ronnie a little in PL final. Another big occasion player?

But what does he deserve it for, I wouldn't know