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.

The magic of The Crucible

It's1991, a staggeringly cold -20C and I'm on way to watch England play Cameroon in a meaningless friendly.

And then I see it; an image that will stay with me until the day I die: Wembley lit up in all its majesty.

I was only 12 but remember thinking this was a dream come true. Here was this stadium I had seen on TV so many times, but never got close to it.

Fast forward 18 years and I'm standing outside The Crucible in Sheffield embarrassing my wife and son by taking dozens of pictures.

Going to the 'theatre of dreams' for the first time felt like that Wembley experience as a child - but here I was, a 30-year-old man.

Like Wembley, I'd grown up with this place, lived its history but never got the chance to see it.

Now I'm kicking myself for leaving it so late.

The magic of The Crucible is in the simple things: standing outside its famous sign to walking into the warm, stuffy arena.

But it's also getting the chance to walk past the professionals in the street - and even finding yourself propped up next to them at the bar.

It's not just the English who have a love for The Crucible. Last year a Dutch gent in a bright orange top was in the front row of almost every session. And a student from China flew over for just the opening match - such is its appeal.

So if you've never gone to The Crucible, put it on the Bucket list. One thing's for sure if you do, you'll keep on going back.

Who can be top of the world?

The World Championships are just a few days away and no-one looks to be a runaway favourite.

It's so open there are possibly up to eight players who have a chance of lifting the famous trophy.

Here's my opinion of the top eight favourites, according to odds from William Hill, and how far I predict they will go.

Judd Trump 5-1

Last year's runner-up has been a breath of fresh air for the sport, but he's had a patchy season.

He won the second biggest title, the UK Championship, last December but since then hasn't reached a semi-final.

He's been knocked out in the quarters of the German Masters, Welsh Open and the recent China Open and couldn't get past the second round at the Haikou Open and PTC Finals.

So it's fair to say he hasn't been firing on all cylinders in the run-up to the Crucible, but his draw isn't too bad.

I expect him to dispatch whichever qualifier he's drawn against, and think he'll have an easy game against Ali Carter should he proceed to the second round.

A tough quarter final awaits against potentially either an in-form Stephen Lee or Shaun Murphy, but I suspect he'll have enough to overcome that hurdle.

However I fear his attacking game could be his undoing when it gets to the latter stages, and maybe Stephen Maguire or John Higgins might just raise their games.

Prediction: semi-final

Ronnie O'Sullivan 8-1

It's been said countless times before but if The Rocket turns up with his A game, he has to be a contender.

But with his well-documented struggles with illness - he suffers from severe bouts of tiredness due to glandular fever - it has to be a black mark against any chance of winning a fourth World title.

He's like a Denman or Kauto Star - a thoroughbred who the paying public adore, but potentially may not be able to win the big prize.

Having said that the win at the German Masters, semi-final spot at the Welsh Open and quarter final of the China Open will give Ronnie's fan some hope.

Prediction: Quarter final

Mark Selby 8-1

The world number pulled out of the China Open with a neck injury so there are doubts about his fitness ahead of the worlds.

Selby is a funny character (and not in the Jester from Leicester meaning).

He performs consistently well and regularly reaches the latter stages of tournaments, hence his top spot ranking.

While winning the Shanghai Masters and Wuxi Classic, he has a seemingly mental block when it comes to clinching major ranking event wins (which is why he wasn't in the Premier League this year despite being number one).

I fully expect him to reach the quarters but believe his Crucible run will come to end against Mark Allen or Ding Junhui (who he lost to at the same stage last year).

Prediction: quarter final

John Higgins 8-1

The Scot played phenomenally well to win the tournament last year, with Steve Davis describing Higgins as the best player ever. So you'd be a fool to right him off completely, but for me he is a player struggling for form. He's had a nightmare season and I cannot see him getting past Stephen Maguire if they meet in the quarters.

Prediction: Quarter final

Neil Robertson 8-1

Like Judd Trump, the Aussie has had an indifferent season. He won the Masters in January, but since then has faded away at tournaments, losing games he shouldn't.

But he's gritty, loves the longer format and I think he can make it to the semi-finals at least.

Prediction: Semi-final

Ding Junhui 9-1

It might just be the Chinese player's year. He's in the same half as Mark Selby, Neil Robertson and Ronnie O'Sullivan, but he's in fine form this season, having won the Welsh Open in convincing style over Selby.

Prediction: Final

Mark Allen 14-1

His performances this year have been far better and more consistent. He reached the final of the UK Championship and played fantastically well, eventually losing to Judd Trump who simply potted more balls.

He slaughtered Stephen Lee 10-1 in the Haikou Open and so comes to Sheffield high in confidence. And if he can overcome Ding Junhui in the second round he's got every chance. But Ding will probably have that bit more quality to see him through. However, expect a close game if they do meet.

Prediction: second round

Stephen Maguire 16-1

The Scot has lived up to his nickname - 'on fire Maguire' - with some thrilling performances this year. He's reached the final of the German Masters (losing to Ronnie O'Sullivan) and the China Open (losing to Peter Ebdon). So at 16-1 he's definitely worth a bet and the draw looks promising. But if he does reach the final, his ability to finish off matches could come back to haunt him.

Prediction: Final

Ebdon's the ultimate grinder

HIS game has been described as boring, dull even. And all those criticisms of Peter Ebdon are 100 per cent right - he can make snooker look the most tedious game on the planet. But do you think he cares? Not a jot. And why should he? He's just picked up his ninth ranking event win of his career after a marathon 10-9 win over Stephen Maguire in the China Open, not to mention the small matter of £75,000. But while many may criticise his tactics and slowness around the table, it's that ability to concentrate 100 per cent - to give it his all on every shot - that many players envy. The great Alex Higgins freely admitted he would often take on ridiculous shots and play up to the crowd, and often then lose the frame and possibly match. But Ebdon is content to take extra time to think about a shot, no matter if the audience are getting restless. He has what football pundit Alan Hansen regularly bangs on about: 'grit and determination'. Ebdon can also still play to a high standard - he hit four centuries in the China Open final. I would certainly not want to see every player in the top 16 play his way - it would probably be the death of snooker. But every sport has its tactics and different ways of playing a game. And remember, snooker has always had its fair share of grinders with Cliff Thornburn and Terry Griffiths. Now we will have to wait and see if this is a one-off and whether Ebdon can get back into the top 16. We might have a long wait, though....