Crucible predictions are coming true

Seven out of eight of my Crucible predictions have been right so far which isn't bad going: I think I might take this up for a living!
And, two of those had the correct scorelines: Stephen Maguire losing 10-9 to Anthony McGill and  Marco Fu beating Jimmy Robertson 10-6.
The only match so far that has left me with egg on my face is John Higgins thumping Robert Milkins 10-5. I fancied Milkins to pull off a result there, but I should remember not to write off the Scot.

My prediction              Result
Selby 10-4 Maflin           10-9
Maguire 9-10 McGill      9-10*
Hawkins 10-8 Selt          10-9        
Robertson 10-4 Jones     10-2
Walden 9-10 Dott           8-10
Fu 10-6 Robertson          10-6*
Bingham 10-4 Williams 10-7
Higgins 7-10 Milkins     10-5

* Correct scorelines predicted

If you fancy a flutter and want to follow some of my other predictions for the other first round matches here they are:

Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-2 Craig Steadman
Joe Perry 10-6 Zhang Anda
Mark Williams 10-8 Matthew Stevens
Shaun Murphy 10-5 Robin Hull
Mark Allen 7-10 Ryan Day
Ali Carter 9-10 Alan McManus
Judd Trump 10-3 Stuart Carrington
Ding Junhui 8-10 Mark Davis

Selby Pleased To See The Back Of Maflin

Well, that was a bit close!
At 8-9 down Mark Selby must have been wishing the world championship draw makers would run into the Crucible announcing: "Sorry, we screwed up the draw, you're meant to be playing someone else."
It wouldn't have been that surprising given the farce on Thursday when conflicting draws were being tweeted out, with Selby forced to take ask Twitter who he was playing.

While many may not have heard of London-born Norwegian citizen Maflin, those who follow snooker closely know he's a heavy scorer, a break-building machine who, despite his ability, hasn't been seen on TV much.

(By the way esteemed BBC commentator and analyst John Parrott 'hadn't seen much of him' which shows how much snooker he really pays attention to outside the 17 days in Sheffield).

Having said that, my match prediction was slightly wide of the mark. I had Selby down for a fairly comfortable win. But I was amazed at how Maflin seemed to be comfortable out in the Theatre of Dreams.
He really did seem at ease (though inside he was almost certainly nervous as hell).

I liked his manner and pace around the table. It was always consistent, never rushing when the adrenaline hit, and thoughtful when faced with a tricky shot.

So it was a shame he couldn't quite get over the line, but he must be pleased with his performance.

As for Selby's fist-pump and shouting when potting the winning ball, it's clear that Maflin didn't take offence.

It's also a sign of just how much it means to Selby. People forget how much emotion these guys go through out there. It must be almost painful, so if it's all bottled up as they try to win the match, then it has to be released when the pressure is lifted.

Well done Selby, commiserations Maflin.

Crucible Curse, Crazy Commentators, And Fashion Faux Pas

It's the most exciting time of year to be a snooker fan (and most rewarding for those old snooker pros now earning a living talking about the game).

The World Championships are about to get underway in Sheffield - two weeks of agonising commentary from JV, Dennis, and Willie. Oh and there's some actual snooker being played amid Dennis's ramblings about Patsy Fagan, Thorburn flying over to the UK first class, and something weird about Ray Reardon's pocket knife. 

Here, I take a look at some of the oddities that makes it the highlight of my year.

The Crucible Curse

The Crucible Curse: it will be mentioned about 1,000 times by Dennis and co and at every interview with Mark Selby. No-one who wins the title for the first time goes on to defend it, that's the rule, that's just the way it goes, sorry...

Poor chap doesn't stand a chance. Imagine this scenario:

Interviewer: Do you fancy your chances?

Selby: Definitely. I'm playing very well, confident, the number one player in the world and feel great.

Interviewer: Yeah, but you won't will you? You know, what with the curse and everything.

Selby: Well, that's just a...

Interviewer: You do believe in the curse, don't you?

Selby: I..i.i..i..i

That's it, he's gone. First round looooooser.

Fashion Faux Pas

These pair of shoes will, I'm sure, grace our screens for as long as Trump is in the competition.

I presume those spiky shoes are very comfortable and expensive but please BBC, let's concentrate on the snooker.

As an alternative though, maybe the players' 
haircuts will be the main talking point in between the action. 

I'm hoping Ronnie gets the clippers out and repeats the skinhead look from a few years ago...

Or maybe Neil Robertson will get the curlers out again... 

I'm hoping the Crucible crowd will get in on the action as well...

And please, please, please let weirdy beardy man turn up again...

The Gurning

But it wouldn't be snooker without professionals pulling stupid faces, picking their nose just as the producer goes in for a close-up, and gurning uncontrollably.

The runaway champion in this category is, surely, Ronnie 'I pick every bit of my face' O'Sullivan.

Oh, scrap that, I forgot about Fergal O'Brien...

Who will win? 

Anyway, there are usually a few shocks at the Crucible and I believe this year some of the top seeds will fall in the first round.
Here are my predictions:

Mark Selby v Kurt Maflin: Selby to win 10-4

Stephen Maguire v Anthony McGill: McGill to win 10-9

Joe Perry v Zhang Anda: Perry to win 10-6

Shaun Murphy v Robin Hull: Murphy to win 10-5

Barry Hawkins v Matt Selt: Hawkins to win 10-8

Mark Allen v Ryan Day: Day to win 10-7

Ali Carter v Alan McManus: McManus to win 10-9

Neil Roberston v Jamie Jones: Robertson to win 10-4

Ding Junhui v Mark Davis: Davis to win 10-8

John Higgins v Rob Milkins: Milkins to win 10-7

Marco Fu v Jimmy Robertson: Fu to win 10-6

Judd Trump v Stuart Carrington: Trump to win 10-3

Ricky Walden v Graeme Dott: Dott to win 10-9

Stuart Bingham v Robbie Williams: Bingham to win 10-4

Mark Williams v Matthew Stevens: Williams to win 10-8

Ronnie O'Sullivan v Craig Steadman: O'Sullivan to win 10-2

Crucible shocks; Robertson flutter

Well my first round predictions were a little hit and miss. 

But while I may not have won any money, I was happy with accurately predicting nine of the 16 match winners (yes, that's at least more than half !), and two correct score lines.

There are always surprises at the Crucible, but none more so than this year. What odds would you have got backing Wasley over Ding, as well as old guards Doherty and McManus smashing big timers Bingham and Higgins?

Hopefully there will be a few more on the way. Having said that, from the start I have tipped an O'Sullivan v Robertson final. And somewhat controversially, I fancy the Aussie to lift his second World title.
I'm so confident I've even put money on it.

On paper, he's got quite a tough route to the final, facing Mark Allen and possibly Judd Trump and Mark Selby should he get through his matches.

In contrast O'Sullivan has a seemingly easy passage now Higgins is gone with Shaun Murphy and Barry Hawkins the only real threat in his half of the draw.

But, he's got to get past Joe Perry yet, and given what has happened in the first week of the championships, it shouldn't be a foregone conclusion.

My first round predictions vs results...

Ronnie O'Sullivan v Robin Hull 

Prediction: O'Sullivan, 10-3

Result: O'Sullivan, 10-4

Joe Perry v Jamie Burnett

Prediction: Perry, 10-8

Result: Perry, 10-7

Shaun Murphy v Jamie Cope

Prediction: Murphy, 10-6
Result: Murphy 10-9

Marco Fu v Martin Gould

Prediction: Fu, 10-7

Result: Fu, 10-7

Barry Hawkins v Dave Gilbert
Prediction: Hawkins, 10-5
Result; Hawkins, 10-4

Ricky Walden v Kyren Wilson

Prediction: Wilson, 10-8
Result: Walden, 10-7

Mark Davis v Dominic Dale

Prediction: Davis, 10-9

Result: Dale, 10-5

Ding Junhui v Michael Wasley

Prediction: Ding, 10-3

Result: Wasley, 10-9

Mark Selby v Michael White

Prediction: Selby, 10-6
Result: Selby, 10-9

Ali Carter v Xiao Guodong

Prediction: Carter, 10-4
Result: Carter, 10-8

John Higgins v Alan McManus

Prediction: Higgins, 10-5

Result: McManus, 10-7

Stuart Bingham v Ken Doherty

Prediction: Bingham, 10-3

Result: Doherty, 10-5

Judd Trump v Tom Ford

Prediction: Ford, 10-8
Result: Trump, 10-8

Stephen Maguire v Ryan Day

Prediction: Maguire, 10-4
Result: Day, 10-9

Mark Allen v Michael Holt
Prediction: Allen, 10-5
Result: Allen, 10-4

Neil Robertson v Robbie Williams
Prediction: Robertson, 10-2

Result: Robertson, 10-2

Crucible 2014: first round preview

Yes, it's that time again. It's the eve of the World Championships and there are some fantastic first round games to look forward to at the Crucible over the next few days.
So, here are my predictions....

Ronnie O'Sullivan v Robin Hull

The reigning champ is obviously a huge favourite. While Finland's Hull is no mug and has been around the circuit for many years, I can't see past O'Sullivan handing out a real thrashing.

Prediction: O'Sullivan, 10-3

Joe Perry v Jamie Burnett

It maybe a bit unfair, but you wouldn't expect many people clamouring for the remote control to watch this match.

But it is a tough one to call and could prove to be a real tight game, going to the wire.

Prediction: Perry, 10-8

Shaun Murphy v Jamie Cope

Murphy has had a stop-start season, although has come good of late, recently winning a PCT competition in Poland this year.

Cope has frequently failed to deliver the promise he showed years ago and has quietly dropped down the rankings. But he has hit form at the right time, winning three matches to qualify for the Worlds.

However, I think Murphy will be too strong.

Prediction: Murphy, 10-6

Marco Fu v Martin Gould

These two have played each other twice before in the first round at the Crucible in recent years, with
Gould winning both matches, 10-9 and 10-8.

But this season Fu has been a revelation, progressing far in many tournaments so I confidently predict a victory by the man from Hong Kong.
Prediction: Fu, 10-7

Barry Hawkins v Dave Gilbert

What a couple of seasons Hawkins has had, rising to number four in the rankings. Gilbert is no pushover and performed well the last time he was at the Crucible.

But Hawkins will be too strong.

Prediction: Hawkins, 10-5

Ricky Walden v Kyren Wilson

On paper, Walden should walk this. But he can be a funny player, knocking in century breaks one minute but missing a simple shot the next. I fancy an upset as Wilson will be flying high after his four wins to qualify, including past champion Graeme Dott. 

Prediction: Wilson, 10-8

Mark Davis v Dominic Dale

Again, a tough match to call between two seasoned pros.

Prediction: Davis, 10-9

Ding Junhui v Michael Wasley

Ding has been in record-breaking form this season, picking up five world ranking competitions matching Stephen Hendry's past feat. Given this, he has to be a strong favourite against a Crucible debutant.

Prediction: Ding, 10-3

Mark Selby v Michael White
White is a cracking young player, but can he overturn Selby? The Jester from Leicester is strong in the first round in Sheffield (though let's himself down as the tournament progresses).

Prediction: Selby, 10-6

Ali Carter v Xiao Guodong

Carter always performs strongly at the Crucible. I suspect a walk in the park for him against debutant Guodong.
Prediction: Carter, 10-4

John Higgins v Alan McManus

This clash of the old Scottish guard will be a cracker. McManus is enjoying a rejuvenation, while
Higgins is not the player he was. But Higgins will have more to offer and I believe he will comfortably win this match.
Prediction: Higgins, 10-5

Stuart Bingham v Ken Doherty

Former World Champ Doherty is still hanging in there, during the twilight of his career. But Bingham will prove too strong.
Prediction: Bingham, 10-3

Judd Trump v Tom Ford

What a great tie this will be. Ford is an under-rated player who played extremely well to overcome Matthew Stevens in the qualifiers. Trump has also struggled this season. Given this, I suspect a potential shock on the cards.
Prediction: Ford, 10-8

Stephen Maguire v Ryan Day

Maguire will prove too good for Welshman Day, who has been in and out of form in recent years.
Prediction: Maguire, 10-4

Mark Allen v Michael Holt
Allen was once tipped as a future World Champion but sometimes gets more involved in rows with the governing body than concentrating on winning matches.
Prediction: Allen, 10-5

Neil Robertson v Robbie Williams
I suspect the Aussie will easily win this match against another Crucible debutant.
Prediction: Robertson, 10-2

Two greats of the game

I've recently had the pleasure of speaking to two of the game's greats: Steve Davis and Jimmy White.

Between them they've been on the pro snooker tour for an amazing 66 years.

See the links below for stories on them, previewing the World Seniors Championships in Portsmouth

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/other-sport/snooker/davis-happy-to-keep-rolling-back-the-years-1-4350014

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/lifestyle/whirlwind-set-to-descend-on-city-1-4265142

Match throwers are 'idiots', says Davis

ANYONE thinking they can get away with match fixing is 'an idiot', says Steve Davis.

A match involving the six-times world champion and Thailand's Thepchaiya Un-Nooh is currently at the centre of an investigation into betting patterns by snooker's world governing body.

However, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association does not believe Davis has breached any rules.

It's reported that odds on Asian betting exchanges moved considerably in the hours before the third round match at the Players Tour Championship in Gloucester last month.

And it comes as Stephen Lee has been suspended by snooker's governing body as it investigates suspicious betting surrounding his Premier League match against John Higgins on Thursday, October 11.

Davis told me during an interview earlier this week to promote the World Seniors Championship in Portsmouth: 'Because of the transparency of the betting industry, the moment there's even a sniff of anything it's highlighted. 

'The story you are talking about would never have seen the light of day if it hadn't of come from our sport announcing it. It's a completely different scenario to what happened years back. 

'Firstly, nobody would have probably known there was even a betting pattern because nobody would've known. Who would be in touch with Asian markets? But now the world is such a smaller place and everyone talks to each other.

'People can't get away with anything and if they think they can they're idiots. From my perspective if there's even a question of anything it gets exposed. It's a much healthier position.

'I celebrate every time something's in the papers about any sport because actually it will make it stronger in the end for the punter who wants to make an honest bet.'

World number seven Lee, 37, was already subject of an investigation by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).

The investigation surrounded match-fixing allegations made back in 2010.

Lee has been informed he will not face a criminal prosecution over the claims.

'The WPBSA have concluded that it would not be appropriate for Stephen Lee to continue to compete on the world snooker tour whilst these investigations are undertaken,' said a statement.

'Therefore WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson has taken the decision to suspend Stephen from competition whilst this enquiry is ongoing.

'Subject to his right to appeal, this suspension will remain in place until either the conclusion of the investigation or any resultant hearings.'

Lee, of Trowbridge, Wiltshire was arrested in February 2010 by police investigating suspicious betting patterns, but denied any wrongdoing.