My World Championship preview: part four
John Higgins vs Barry Hawkins
Mark King vs Steve Davis
Neil Robertson vs Fergal O'Brien
Marco Fu vs Martin Gould
Ali Carter vs Jamie Cope
Joe Perry vs Michael Holt
Ding Junhui vs Stuart Pettman
Shaun Murphy vs Gerard Greene
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Stephen Maguire vs Stephen Lee
Peter Ebdon vs Graeme Dott
Mark Allen vs Tom Ford
Ryan Day vs Mark Davis
Mark Selby vs Ken Doherty
Stephen Hendry vs Anda Zhang
Mark J Williams vs Marcus Campbell
Ronnie O'Sullivan vs Liang Wenbo
Mark Selby
The Englishman will be one of the most feared contenders for the title. Runner-up to John Higgins in 2007, Selby's second Masters win this year highlighted just how good a player he can be.
The win was thoroughly deserved, he outplayed O'Sullivan for much of the match, and in the end fought back admirably to take the last four frames. It was one of the matches of the season, and a loss that stung O'Sullivan badly.
The Rocket said that Selby doesn't have what it takes to win the World Title, but I don't agree with that for a second. Selby has a fine safety game, great shotmaking and terrific bottle. It may not happen this year, although it wouldn't surprise me a bit, but Selby should win this title at some stage.
One to look out for.
Verdict: Quarter-finals
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Ken Doherty
A 10-1 winner over Joe Swail in qualifying, the 1997 World Champion has recoved well from a miserable couple of seasons that saw him plummet down the rankings.
In the opening round, he faces off against Mark Selby, with whom he has had some very tight encounters in the past. At the Masters in 2008, Doherty was unlucky to lose a decider, but at the 2009 Grand Prix sealed revenge in the odd frame.
I think Doherty will put up a heroic battle, but will drop short.
Verdict: First round
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Stephen Hendry
A man who needs no introduction.
A seven-time winner, Hendry dominated the game during the 90's, but will look back on the last ten years with disappointment. In 2002, he probably feels he let a glorious chance slip.
He faces off against a relatively unknown quantity Anda Zhang. I know precious little about the Chinese player, so it's a dangerous one to predict, but surely Hendry will overcome the first hurdle.
He probably won't get too far, but write him off at your peril.
Verdict: Second round
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Anda Zhang
I could tell you I know a lot about Anda Zhang, but I'd be lying through my teeth.
One thing is for sure though; his qualifying result looks impressive to say the least. He accounted for 1991 winner John Parrott's career, former Welsh Open finalist Andrew Higginson and one of the most feared qualifiers Ricky Walden.
That run alone is enough to tell you he's no mug, and Hendry must give him full respect if he's to avoid a slip-up.
Verdcit: First round
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Mark Williams
He's still not quite the player of old, but Mark Williams has put down his best season in a very long time.
He was terribly unlucky to lose out to O'Sullivan in their Masters semi-final, but he played very well, and their is much cause for optimism.
I don't think he'll have too much trouble with Marcus Campbell, but he probably faces a tough second round tie. I'd fancy him to beat Liang Wenbo, but his recent record against O'Sullivan is worrying.
If he can get past round two, he could very well win the tournament. A dark horse.
Verdict: Second round
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Marcus Campbell
He qualified thanks to a deciding frame victory over Matthew Stevens, but in truth the Welshman is a shadow of his former self.
Campbell takes on an improving Mark Williams in round one, and it would be the shock of round one if he was to win. He should exit early, but then again, who thought he'd beat Hendry 9-0?
Verdict: First round
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Ronnie O'Sullivan
It's make or break I feel for the most controversial player of the 32. Ridiculously talented, it's a testament to his natural gift that most will agree he's an underachiever despite winning this event three times.
For me, this will be O'Sullivan's last serious crack at a fourth World Title. He hasn't looked quite as sharp this year, but still has the game to win the tournament. For now.
Yes, a quarter containing Mark Selby, Liang Wenbo, Mark Williams, Ken Doherty & Stephen Hendry is going to be extrememly tough to overcome. But I must ask the question... which of those players is actually better than O'Sullivan?
Of the lot Selby looks the most threatening, but in spite of a few impressive wins over the Rocket, Ronnie has beaten Selby, and at the UK Championship he did it quite comfortably. Should they meet over 25 frames, I think O'Sullivan will have the measure of him.
It's not a prediction I make in huge confidence, but it's one I'll stand by. O'Sullivan for number four.
Verdict: Champion
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Liang Wenbo
If O'Sullivan has felt stitched up by his draws in recent years, he must have cried when he was paired with this man.
He's the toughest qualifier, no question. A smashing little player, full of character, who seems to hold no fear of anyone. He has represented himself well at the Crucible, and has improved dramatically.
His game is eccentrically attacking, and he'll cause some problems for O'Sullivan. His record against the Rocket is poor though, and his lack of defensive nous may let him down again.
Verdict: First round
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Tubberlad - Posts: 5009
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