World Championship 2010: game-by-game preview
Higgins is probably as the man to beat at this year's Championship, and with two wins in the last three stagings, it's hard to argue with that. Hawkins may cause him a few problems, the left hander is a classy player indeed, however, his search for a maiden Crucible win will go on for another year at least. Higgins 10-6
Mark King v Steve Davis
Steve Davis will this year make his 30th appearance at the Crucible, and I fancy him to mark the occasion with a hard-earned win. King is consistent, but unspectacular, and may come unstuck against the Nugget. Davis 10-8
Neil Robertson v Fergal O'Brien
Neil Robertson is a serious contender for the title, and has been dealt a relatively kind draw. O'Brien can play a bit, that goes without saying, but will have nowhere near the firepower required to gun down the Aussie. Robertson 10-4
Marco Fu v Martin Gould
You could never accuse this game of being the glamour first round tie, but for the Casino croupier, it could be a memorable clash. Gould is no mug, and put in a decent display against Mark Allen this time last year. Fu's career is in serious trouble, and needs to cop on fast... but his misery will go on at Sheffield. Gould 10-6
Ali Carter v Jamie Cope
An interesting clash between two very decent players who's main weaknesses lie in the mental stakes. It should be a good free-flowing game, with nice breakbuilding, but expect it to deteriorate as the finishing line draw near. It'll be a tight one, and I fancy Cope to shade it, but neither man will have the edge to go all the way. Cope 10-9
Joe Perry v Michael Holt
Perry has not impressed of late at all, and looks distinctly average in comparison to most of the top-16. Don't expect a classic, but the fiery Holt could have enough to gun down Perry. Holt 10-8
Ding Junhui v Stuart Pettman
Ding is a quality player, and I don't see him having any real problems with Stuart Pettman. Whether or not the Chinaman can go on to claim the title is another matter, but I feel he could go deep. A dark horse. Ding 10-5
Shaun Murphy v Gerard Greene
Yet again, Shaun Murphy has been dealt a very kind draw at the Crucible. Gerard Greene joins an elite list of an ailing Chris Small (2005), a well past-it James Wattana (2006), an inexperienced Judd Trump (2007), Dave Harold (2008) & Andrew Higgins (2009). Greene, the Kent born potter representing Northern Ireland, is nothing special, and Murphy should ease through. Murphy 10-6
Stephen Maguire v Stephen Lee
Neither of these men have a game that impresses me too much at the moment, to be honest. Maguire can bully the lesser players, but when facing top drawer opposition seems a pale imitation. Lee has had a lot of problems with his game in recent years, and although he may trouble Maguire, it's the Scot who should prevail. Maguire 10-7
Peter Ebdon v Graeme Dott
A fascinating clash between two players who nobody enjoys facing. They met in the final four years ago, and it was a drawn-out battle between two superior matchplayers. Dott won on that occasion, and I think his trademark grit will outdo the 2002 winner. Dott 10-8
Mark Allen v Tom Ford
Should to be open, high scoring, and decent quality fare. Ford did well in thrashing the disappointing Judd Trump, but Allen is made of tougher stuff. Expect a good performance from the newcomer, but Allen's bottle will win out. Allen 10-6
Ryan Day v Mark Davis
The six-reds World Champion Davis has had a strong season, and is playing well enough to cause Day problems. Day's game strikes me as being a little anaemic, but Davis' lack of guile may see him pipped to the line. Day 10-8
Mark Selby v Ken Doherty
A clash to be savoured, that goes without saying. Doherty won this event in 1997, and has restored his career somewhat this season. Selby looked excellent at Wembley when he deservedly overcame O'Sullivan in a thrilling final. Any matches between these two tend to only have the odd frame in it by the end, and this could be no different. Selby to come out on top of a cracker, but only just. Selby 10-9
Stephen Hendry v Zhang Anda
Ironically, the best known player in the draw will take on the unknown quantity Zhang. To be fair to the Chinaman, his wins in qualifying against the likes of Parrott, Higginson & Walden can only impress, but Hendry is a different animal. Hendry won't make it 8, but will have enough to make round two. 10-6 Hendry
Mark Williams v Marcus Campbell
Williams hs put down a strong season, and should have no problems with Campbell. The Welshman could be a darkhorse if he builds momentum. 10-4 Williams
Ronnie O'Sullivan v Liang Wenbo
One thing's for sure, if O'Sullivan's going to win this year, he'll have to do it the hard way. Liang is the first round draw from hell, and the Chinaman has the firepower of the US army and then some. Still, O'Sullivan is more than his attacking match, and his superior tactical game will catch Liang out. 10-7 O'Sullivan.
-
Tubberlad - Posts: 5009
- Joined: 02 October 2009
- Location: Ireland
- Snooker Idol: Ronnie OSullivan
- Highest Break: 49