Shanghai Masters qualifiers 2011 underway

We might still smell a bit of weekend and not facing the Manic Monday, as the Bangles have said it so well, but things are pretty hot in Sheffield, where the Shanghai Masters qualifiers have started.


On Sunday, we had the two pre-qualifiers matches going on ... well, only one actually, for the second didn't happen. And I'm talking about the cue battle that supposed to see the new wild-card of this season, the Indian Lucky Vatnani facing David Hogan. But there wasn't too much "luck" involved in the equation apparently, as the lad has experienced some VISA problems and missed the match. According to this article (thoughtfully mentioned by Matt from ProSnooker Blog) the Indian player's VISA problems seem to be true.


The other match was the one given between Belgium's prodigy Luca Brecel and the proud graduate of the Q School Event Three, Adam Duffy. It seemed like an one way street, as Adam hit a great 118 to break the ice but when the Englishman was on top of the situation leading 3-1, the restless fighter that's lying inside Luca, fought back and draw level. With this kind of performance it was clearly no surprise that minutes later, the lads were on a decider. Adam was the last man standing, 5-4.


Tomorrow, the real battle (how I like to call it) will begin. With "the best of 9" rule and with three sessions per day, the first one starting from 10:00 (UK time), the first 32 players will start their journey through a very competitive qualifiers. I don't know why, but I always feel that the Shanghai Masters qualifiers are the hardest and longest in the book.
Anyway, best of luck to all the players and see you tomorrow evening for the story of the first day.


Matches schedule:


10am


2.30pm


7pm