World Championship 2011 - Day 14 - Who is ready to reach the big final?

11:20:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Ding Junhui, the man that`s fighting like a dragon
The Crucible magic has overwhelmed us all. It’s impossible to be a snooker fan and not love what’s going on at this moment in Sheffield. It’s absolutely magical! So many drama and emotions, so many dreams that are yet to come true, so many hearts that are beating together for the same goal...it’s bloody amazing! :-))


It’s the Pride and Prejudice of fighting for your dream, is the North and South of climbing the mountain of success, is the War and Peace that makes out of a match a genuine battle of cues, is the dramatic end of Romeo and Juliet story or is the sad song of a Thorne Bird that gives it all for her last way of singing the life, is the new beginning of "Tomorrow is another day" from Gone with the wind, is the courage that makes Don Quixote fight with the windmills or the adventure that Huckleberry Finn dared to take. It’s all about the passion for the art of snooker.


The young but powerful Judd Trump
Yesterday, the magic of the Crucible stunned us once more as the Chinese Ding Junhui put up quite a fight to come back in the match he’s playing with Judd Trump and he even took the lead.


With the first session ended on a 5-3 scoreline, in favor of the youngster from Bristol, the second one seemed to carry on in the same way as the English boy took over the first three frames with runs of 91, 51 and 49. But that was more that Ding could have taken, so he practically stormed in as to level the match at 7-7 and took the lead at 9-7 with (amazingly!) only a top break of 31. It wasn’t be most brilliant comeback in history, because it didn’t have the highest breaks ever, but it was a well-deserved little victory for the Chinese man who was now entering into the third session more confident.


A break of 66 was extending Ding’s dominancy at ten frames to seven, while Trump succeeded to win the next two and reduced the gap at just one point, 9-10. However, Ding knew what a dangerous opponent Trump is that it is for the best to keep him at distance so he hit a break of 77 to restore the two points gap.

The man to play the game of snooker, Mark Williams
But one must never mess with the Juddernaut, as the Bristol boy started potting more of those balls to level the match at 11-11 and to the lead with a break of 123. Still, Ding is not to be underestimated so an 87 was bringing back the equality in the match as the third session came to an end 12-12.


If Mark Williams was the one who dominated the first part of the match he’s played with John Higgins, the second part was going to respect the pattern.


It all started with the Welshman in the lead 5-3 and the first frame was going to extend that lead at 6-3 after just a few minutes. A break of 84 from Higgins was restoring the two points difference, but a strategically 115 hit by Williams was making him fly three points ahead. Still, at the interval, the situation was a bit more stabile as Higgins won the next frame on the black to trail 5-7.


Can the Wizard do some magic to win the match?
After the break, Williams stormed in as to hit a 103 and a tiny 32 to take two consecutive frames and go 9-5 ahead of Higgins. This was bad....this was really bad for the Scotsman. He had to do something! And he did. He uses breaks of 40 and 42 to bring back that “two frame apart” pattern from the beginning of this session, 9-7.


Today we shall find out who are going to be our two finalists and I dare in saying is not going to be an easy task to discover them. They need all the support they can get so you better follow their performance! :-))


10:00 (UK time)
SF2. Mark Williams v. John Higgins


14:30 (UK time)
SF1. Judd Trump v. Ding Junhui*


19:00 (UK time)
SF2. Mark Williams v. John Higgins*
* the final session


TV coverage:
10:00-13:00 (British EuroSport)
13:00-16:30 (BBC 1)
14:30-17:30 (British EuroSport)
16:30-17:30 (BBC 2)
19:00-21:30 (BBC 2)
19:00-22:00 (British EuroSport)

So who is ready to reach the big final? Leave your answers in the comments section below :-)

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World Championship 2011 - Day 13

11:35:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Juddy takes the lead
The first session of the semis is over and we already have our leading champions. It’s true that are subject to change because we’ve seen comebacks in snooker, but until this moment, Judd Trump is leading Ding Junhui 5-3, the same scoreline being practiced by Mark Williams over John Higgins.
And now let’s see what happened, shall we?


The little but powerful Chinese Sensation was the first to break the ice and hit a beautiful 102 break in order to take over the first frame of the session, but at the interval, Trump was leading 3-1. An outstanding response to Ding’s century break was Trump’s 110, the Bristol boy taking plenty advantage of the Chinese poor safety shots and potting some amazing balls to put his nose in front.


After the break Ding succeeded to pull one back by being only seven points ahead Judd (57-50), but the next one was going to be cashed by the Englishman with a break of 51. One more try for a complete comeback was made by Ding as he won the 7th frame, only to see stubborn Trump take the last one with a top break of 59 in order to set the partial scoreline at 5-3.
A long way to go, but Ding needs to pull back some frame, try and take control of the match if he wants to be considered for the big final. In Judd’s case, things are pretty simple; he just has to keep up what he’s been doing until now ;-)


The mighty Welshman is in business
The second semi-final is the one between the Welshman Mark Williams and the Scot John Higgins as we may have noticed and it seemed like that snooker table was a Welshman lover last night.
The one who opened the scoreline was Williams, but Higgins replayed with an amazing 135 to level the match at 1-1. However the next two frames were being cashed by Mark with a top break of 71 to go at the interval leading his Scottish opponent by three frames to one.


15 minutes later the boys were back in the arena and Higgins was ready to pull back some frames and start from “zero”. Runs of 36 and 120 were made in order to make the scoreline go 3-3, but Williams was the man of the day as he easily (because that’s how it looks when he’s out there playing) took the last two frames for a 5-3 lead.


Today the road to reach the final continues with two more sessions for Trump v. Ding and one more for Williams v. Higgins. It’s written in the starts, for believe I know how to read and interpret them that we shall witness a very interesting snooker today, so you better leave weddings and bells and keep an eye on snooker! :-))


10:00 (UK time)
SF1. Judd Trump v. Ding Junhui


14:30 (UK time)
SF2. Mark Williams v. John Higgins


19:00 (UK time)
SF1. Judd Trump v. Ding Junhui


TV coverage:
10:00-12:30 (British EuroSport)
12:30-18:00 (BBC 2)
14:30-17:30 (British EuroSport)
19:00-21:00 (BBC 2)
19:15-22:00 (British EuroSport)
00:55-01:50 (BBC 2)

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Campionatul Mondial de Snooker 2011 - Ziua 13

11:33:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Juddy preia fraiele meciului
Prima sesiune a semifinalelor a luat sfarsit si deja aveam "conducatorii" de trupa gata de start pentru a doua runda unde isi vor incerca tacurile pe masa de joc. Judd Trump nu a intampinat mari greutati in a se impune in fata chinezutului Ding Junhui cu scorul de 5-3, scor practicat de altfel si de Mark Williams in fata lui John Higgins.


Ding si-a inceput in mod explemplar prestatia de ieri dupa-amiaza, deschizand scorul cu un frumos break de 102 puncte. Insa nici Juddy nu s-a lasat mai prejos, asa ca a raspuns cu unul ceva mai mare, mai precis in valoare de 110 puncte pentru a egala 1-1. Totusi la interval Trump il conducea deja pe Dingushor cu 3-1, profitand din plin de loviturile de siguranta destul de salbe ale chinezutului pentru a-si inscrie bilele intr-un mod de-a dreptul uluitor.


Dupa pauza, Ding a reusit sa mai castige un frame, la diferenta de doar sapte puncte (57-50), insa Trump raspundea imediat preluand frame-ul urmator cu un break de 51. Inca o incercare a mai avut sorti de izbanda pentru chinez, acesta castigand frame-ul cu numarul sapte, insa Trump nu s-a lasat pana nu a incheiat sesiunea fiind la conducere cu 5-3.


Ei, si daca pana acum ne-am delectat cu tinereii ramasi in competitie, ne-au ramas "veteranii", Mark Williams si John Higgins. :-P


Galezul Williams la conducere
Desi Williams a reusit sa preia primul frame al serii, Higgins avea sa egaleze imediat cu ajutorul unui fabulos 135. Insa pe cand pauza si-a facut simtita prezenta galezul era deja in fata scotianului cu doua puncte, Williams impunandu-se cu un top break de 71.

Dupa sfertul de ora, Higgins a parut ca vine cu forte proaspete pentru a reveni in joc. Si chiar asa a si fost. Break-uri de 36 si 120 ii garantau scotianului ca va porni de la "zero", scorul devenind acum 3-3. Dar Williams avea alte planuri pe rol, asa ca extrem de usor (pentru ca asa pare atunci ca Mark joaca) si-a adjudecat ultimele doua frame-uri pentru 5-3.


Lupta din semifinale continua si astazi, Trump v. Ding urmand sa-si dispute doua sesiuni, in timp ce Williams v. Higgins doar una. Insa se anunta snooker de calitate, asa ca sper sa lasati Nunta Regala si sa va uitati la snooker :-))


12:00 (ora RO)
SF1. Judd Trump vs. Ding Junhui


16:30 (ora RO)
SF2. Mark Williams vs. John Higgins


21:00 (ora RO)
SF1. Judd Trump vs. Ding Junhui


Program TV:
12:00-15:00 (EuroSport)
16:30-19:30 (EuroSport)
21:00-00:00 (EuroSport)

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World Championship 2011 - Day 12 - Ding Junhui too strong for Selby

12:44:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Ding Dong reaches the semis
The last match to send its player to the semis was the one where Ding Junhui and Mark Selby were the main actors, the little Chinese taking control of the battle and defeating his opponent with a 13-10 final scoreline.


It seems like the match he played against Stuart Bingham spurred Ding to take another victory, this time Mark Selby not being able to do anything to stop the Chinese from his way. With a first session ended 5-3 in favor of Ding, continuing with 10-6 still in favor of Ding and ending with 13-10 in favor of...well, Ding...you can figure it out who dominated the battle of cues.


The second session started with the boys sharing frames as the scoreline was reaching 8-6 in favor of Ding, the next two however, having the Chinese’s name written all over them for a partial scoreline of 10-6.
The last session saw a very determined Selby on his way to level the match and he did it! From being down 6-10, he managed to win one frame at a time, with breaks of 55, 66, 89 and 92 as to make the scoreline go 10-10. It was the perfect time to start playing snooker!


Mark Selby didn`t see his dream come true this year
But unfortunately for Selby he didn’t win any more frames after that beautiful and amazing comeback, for Ding took care of that. The 2011 Masters champions took advantage of Selby missing the frame ball (twice) and hit a 53 to lead 11-10 and also won the following next frames with runs of 40 and 42 for a place in the semis.


Ding will face a dangerous player, Judd Trump being unbeatable until now. But can the little Chinese chance that? Who knows...


Day 13 means that the semi-finals are kicking off and below you have the programme:


13:00 (UK time)
SF1. Judd Trump v. Ding Junhui


19:00 (UK time)
SF2. Mark Williams v. John Higgins


Please note that the rule at hand is "the best of 33".


TV coverage:
13:00-14:30 (British EuroSport 2)
13:00-17:15 (BBC 2)
14:30-16:00 (British EuroSport)
19:00-21:00 (BBC 2)
19:00-22:00 (British EuroSport)
23:20-00:10 (BBC 2)

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Campionatul Mondial de Snooker 2011 - Ziua 12 - Ding prea puternic pentru Selby

12:43:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Ding Dong se califica pentru semifinala
Ultimul nume ce a atins absolutul numit semifinalele din acest an ale campionatului mondial, este unul strain, Ding Junhui impunandu-se in fata lui Mark Selby cu scorul de 13-10.


Un meci destul de greu, insa in care micutul chinezut a dominat de la inceput pana la sfarsit, in ciuda eforturilor superbe ale lui Selby de a reveni in meci. Prima sesiune s-a incheiat in favoarea lui Ding, acesta conducand cu scorul de 5-3, ce-a de-a doua a mers pe acelas fagas cu 10-6, in timp ce ultima stabiliza dominatia chineza la 13-10.


Pornita cu 5-3 in favoarea lui Ding, sesiunea secunda a debutat si continuat cu impartirea de frame-uri pana cand scorul a ajuns la 8-6 in favoarea chinezutului. Insa acesta nu avea sa ramana asa pentru mult timp, castigarea urmatoarelor doua frame-uri propulsandu-l pe Dingushor la 10-6.

Mark Selby nu si-a vazut visul indeplinit anul acesta
De cum s-a dat startul pentru sesiunea finala, Selby a si pornit la atac. Era hotarat sa revina in meci...si a reusit! Break-uri fantastice de 55, 66, 89 si 92 ii garantau un scor de 10-10 si speranta ca de acum inainte lucrurile vor sta putin altfel.
Din pacate insa, dupa ploaia de break-uri Selby nu a si-a mai putut adjudeca niciun frame, Ding profitand de greseala acestuia (ratarea bilei de frame, de 2 ori) pentru a se situa din nou la conducere 11-10. Urmatoarele doua frame-uri aveau a fi incasate tot de Ding acesta realizand un set de 40, 23 si 42 de puncte pentru un loc in semifinala.


Ding Junhui il va intalni pe magnificul Judd Trump, un jucator ce pana acum nu a experimentat nicio infrangere. Oare sa schimbe Dingushor traditia? Cine stie...


Ziua cu numarul 13 marcheaza startul semifinalelor, mai jos putand fi consultat programul:


15:00 (ora RO)
SF1. Judd Trump vs. Ding Junhui


21:00 (ora RO)
SF2. Mark Williams vs. John Higgins


Nota: regula de joc va fi "cel mai bun din 33".


Program TV:
15:00-16:30 (EuroSport 2)
16:30-18:00 (EuroSport)
21:00-00:00 (EuroSport)

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World Championship 2011 - Day 12 - Wizard Higgins takes down Rocket Ronnie

11:54:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Wizard Higgins takes down Rocket Ronnie
A genuine battle of snooker gladiators was given yesterday in the Crucible arena as John Higgins and Ronnie O`Sullivan were fighting for a place in the semi-finals, the Scotsman being the one who proved to be stronger and finished the match on a 13-10 scoreline.


Unlike other matches that have been played in the Crucible this year, the one between Higgins and O`Sullivan started as a very tight one, the first session being ended on a 4-4 result, continued in the same way, the second session being set on a 8-8 result, but ended (logically!) with the victory of only one of the players, John Higgins defeating Ronnie O`Sullivan 13-10.


Although the second session saw Higgins struggling to keep up with O`Sullivan good form of playing, the session ended on a tight 8-8 scoreline. O`Sullivan hit in runs of 82 and 77 as to go 7-4 up against Higgins, but the Scotsman succeeded in winning his first frame of the afternoon just before the interval, with a break of 61.
After the 15 minute break time, O`Sullivan was the one who extended his lead as to go 8-5, this marking the moment of "Wizard of Wishaw`s" comeback. He used breaks of 66 and 80 to set the second session’s scoreline on 8-8.


Unfortunately Rocket Ronnie exits the tournament
In the last session, Higgins seems a bit more sure of his playing style taking the lead 9-8 after cashing the first frame, only to see O`Sullivan level the match with a beautiful 116 break. Still, the following three frames were going to be won by the Scotsman with runs of 63, 65 and 73 to get closer to victory at 12-9.
One more try was going to be made by the mighty Ronnie, as he took the 22nd frame with a 94 break, but Higgins` 79, from the next one, was the break that put an end to the match.


John Higgins will face Mark Williams in the semis, a player that he defeated in the 2010 UK Championship final although the Welshman was leading him 9-6. Will the history repeat itself, or the Welsh Potting Machine will overcome the mighty Wizard of Wishaw? No matter what the result will be, we are in for quite a snooker treat :-)

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Campionatul Mondial de Snooker 2011 - Ziua 12 - Wizard Higgins il doboara pe Rocket Ronnie

11:53:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Wizard Higgins doboara Racheta snooker-ului
Doi gladiatori ai postavului verde si-au ascutit tacurile ieri in arena de la Crucible, John Higgins reusind sa iasa invingator din disputa purtat in fata lui Ronnie O`Sullivan cu scorul de 13-10.


Spre deosebire de celelalte meciuri disputate in acest an in cadrul Campionatului Mondial, cel dintre scotian si englez a inceput cu un scor extrem de strans, 4-4 dupa prima seisune, a continuat intr-o maniera asemanatoare 8-8, pentru ca in final doar unul dintre cei doi sa ajunga in semifinalele mult dorite, Higgins incheind disputa cu 13-10.


Cea de-a doua sesiune ne-a prezentat un Higgins destul de nervos si incapabil sa tina pasul cu stilul rapid de joc a lui O`Sullivan, in final insa scotinaul reusind sa il prinda din urma pe englez. Break-uri de 82 si 77 in aduceau lui Ronnie fraiele meciului, scorul de 7-4 favorizandu-l, insa Higgins a reusit sa inscrie un 61 pentru a prinde primul frame al dupa-amiezii chiar inante de intrarea in pauza. Dupa cele 15 minute, O`Sullivan a venit la masa pentru a-si extinde dominatia la 8-4, moment ce a marcat insa si revenirea lui Higgins in joc, acesta folosindu-se de break-uri de 66 si 80 pentru a inceia sesiune secunda la egalitate 8-8.


Pe inserat pare-se ca forma de joc a lui Higgins avea sa fie una mai buna, acesta preluand conducerea cu 9-8 dupa adjudecarea primul frame al ultimei sesiuni. Totusi, nici "Racheta" nu s-a lasat, un break de 116 aducand din nou egalitatea pe tabela de marcaj.

O`Sullivan este invins la Crucible
Un set strategic si puternic format din break-uri de 63, 65 si 73 ii aduceau insa lui "The Wizard of Wishaw" trei frame-uri la rand pentru un scorul de 12-9 ce ii dadea speranta pentru locul din semi-finala. Ronnie avea sa mai faca un "mic" efort de 94 de puncte pentru mai reduce din dezavantaj, dar break-ul de 79 de puncte inscris de Higgins in frame-ul imediat urmator inchidea disputa la 13-10.


John Higgins il va intalni pe Mark Williams in semi-finala, un vechi "rival" pe care a reusit sa il invinga in editia de UK Champonship din 2010, desi galezul conducea cu scorul de 9-6. Oare istoria se va repeta, sau Williams va avea un cuvant greu de spus? Indiferent de rezultat avem in fata noastra o ciocnire demna de toata atentia noastra. ;-)

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World Championship 2011 - Day 12 - Trump makes another victim

11:09:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Judd Trump is above all his oppinents
The youngster Judd Trump makes yet another victim in his way through the semi-finals, defeating the Scotsman Graeme Dott with a glorious 13-5 final result.


The match between Judd Trump and Graeme Dott can be easily described as a one-way traffic round of snooker, as the Bristol boy won one frame after another, ending the first session on as 7-1 lead and the second one on an 11-5 one. 

It’s true that Dotty was a bit more active in the second one, as he hit a marvelous series of 72, 120 and 122 to take over three consecutive frames and maybe if the session didn’t end that time he could have won some more.

Sadly for Dott he has to leave the competition


Sadly for the Scotsman he wasn’t going to be let to do too much in the last session, Trump winning the remaining two frames to go13-5 up and finish the match with his head held high and his confidence ready for the semi-final he’ll play against Ding Junhui.

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Campionatul Mondial de Snooker 2011 - Ziua 12 - Trump mai face o victima

11:08:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Judd Trump este desupra tuturor oponentilor sai
Tanarul jucator Judd Trump a reusit sa mai faca o victima la Crucible, acesta trecand cu scorul de 13-5 de scotianul si fostul campion mondial din 2006, Graeme Dott.


Am putea foarte usor descrie meciul sutinut de Judd Trump si Graeme Dott ca fiind un meci ce a decurs in sens "aproape" unic, tinand seama de faptul ca baiatul din Bristol a incasat frame dupa frame pentru a seta scorul primei sesiuni la 7-1, apoi la 11-5, iar pe ultimul la 13-5.
Insa la fel de adevarat este si faptul ca Dott a fost ceva mai activ in sesiunea cu numarul doi, acesta inscriind o serie superba de 72, 120 si 122 pentru a castiga trei frame-uri la rand. Poate ca daca sesiune nu se incheia atunci ar mai fi castigat cateva pentru a spera la o revenire totala in meci, insa din pacate regurile sunt reguli.
Din pacate Dott va trebui sa paraseasca competitia


 In ultima sesiune, scotianul a cam stat pe tusa, Judd grabindu-se sa isi adjudece ultimele doua frame-uri de care avea nevoie pentru a incheia meciul cu 13-5 si a se pregati pentru semifinala ce va trebui sa o sustina impotriva chinezutului Ding Junhui.

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World Championship 2011 - Day 12 - The Welsh Potting Machine reaches semis

10:47:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

The Welsh Potting Machine" is unstoppable
The first name to reach this year’s Betfred.com World Championship is a Welsh one: Mark Williams. He’s proved he can keep up that brilliant form that made him win against Ryan Day and Jamie Cope and defeat one more dangerous opponent, Mark Allen 13-5.


We can honestly say that Allen’s form wasn’t the best in town, as he has struggled in both of his previous matches to win, but he did it. I always say that a win it’s a win and more since the man had the strength to comeback in the game. However, this didn’t repeat yesterday, when Williams put an end of his Crucible dream with a devastating 13-5 result.


The last session started with the Welshman leading 10-5 and it was impossible for Allen to win himself at least one more frame. Williams ruled the beginning of the session with a 113 break. Allen  missed a red on 22, the Welshman coming for a 61 that was bringing him the second frame of the day and for the next one, although he could have made a difference, his concentration was all gone.


Mark Allen`s run ends in the quarter-finals
One again Allen started pretty determined but stopped his break on 25, Williams returning only for a 17, due to missing a black. A chance! A chance for the North-Ireland’s man! But unfortunately he didn’t use it right and Williams had the opportunity to get back in the game and hit a 58 for a victory of a 13-5 final scoreline.


Williams will now meet an "old rival", John Higgins in the semis and that it’s going to be a typical clash of titans. Both players have played great throughout the tournament and the whole season, so it’s going to be interesting to see what will happen. One thing is for sure, "The Welsh Potting Machine" is back in business! :-)

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Campionatul Mondial de Snooker 2011 - Ziua 12 - The Welsh Potting Machine in semifinala

10:46:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

"The Welsh Potting Machine" merge mai departe
Primul jucator ce a pasit in semifinalele Campionatului Mondial de Snooker, editia 2011, este nimeni altul decat galezul Mark Williams. Acesta a dovedit ca poate face fata unor oponenti periculosi, ca Ryan Day si Jamie Cope, pentru ca in final sa il invinga pe Mark Allen cu scorul de 13-5.


Forma de joc a lui Allen nu a fost una dintre cele mai stralucite pe parcursul acestui turneu, de cele mai multe ori reusind pe ultima suta de metrii sa-si castige meciurile, insa o victorie este o victorie. Mai ales cand reusesti sa revi in meci, dupa o prima jumatate in care ai fost aproape absent. Insa istoria a refuzat sa se repete in meciul jucat impotriva lui Williams, nord-irlandezul fiind invins cu un rasunator 13-5.

Sfeturile de finala: Capat de linie pentru Mark Allen
Ultima sesiune a inceput cu "The Welsh Potting Machine" conducand cu 10-5, Allen neputand sa faca mai nimic pentru a-si adjudeca macar un frame. Un break maret de 113 puncte avea a fi incasat de Williams chiar la inceputul sesiunii, pentru cel de-al doilea frame galezul profitand de greseala lui Allen, care a ratat o rosioara pe cand ajungea la 22, si revenind la masa pentru un break de 61 de puncte ce il propulsa la doua un pas de semifinale.
Allen a mai avut o ocazie in frame-ul imediat urmator, insa nu a reusit sa profite din plin de o greseala a galezului, acesta din urma folosindu-se de un 58 pentru a incheia sesiunea si meciul cu scorul final de 13-5.


Mark Williams il va intalni pe John Higgins in semifinala, o semifinala ce se anunta cu scantei avand in vedere "rivalitatea" celor doi si forma de joc extrem de buna a amandurora. ;-)

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World Championship 2011 - Day 11 - Williams and Trump take the lead

11:44:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Williams takes control of the game
As the quarter-finals are being played, the Welshman Mark Williams succeeded in taking the lead over Mark Allen 11-5 (after two sessions), while the same has happened for Judd Trump who’s leading the Scotsman Graeme Dott 11-5.
John Higgins and Ronnie O`Sullivan ended their first session on a tight result 4-4, while Ding Junhui is leading Mark Selby 5-3 after their first snooker encounter.


The first session disputed between Mark Williams and Mark Allen was a good opportunity to see who has to say more in this match and it was pretty clear that the "Welsh Potting Machine" has had a lot on his mind. He ended the first session with a 5-3 advantage over the North-Ireland’s man, while the second one was finished 11-5.


Although Allen seemed to be the one who was going to take the first frame of the match, him hitting a 66 break and Williams needing a snooker, the Welshman succeeded in obtaining that snooker to draw at 66-66 and due to a re-spotted black he was the one to break the ice.

Mark Allen
A tricky red missed by Allen was giving Williams a 73 break opportunity and the second frame but the next one was going to be (finally!) cashed by Allen with a break of 78.


The mid-session interval found Williams in the lead 3-1, due to making a beautiful 125 and after the break the Welshman was going to win two more due to hitting in runs of 78 and 86.
However Allen’s 100 and 102 breaks were enough to win him two frames as the first session was coming to an end. He was now 3-5 behind Williams.


"The Welsh Potting Machine" extended his advantage to 6-3 as the second session was in order by making an 80 break, but this time Allen replayed by taking the next frame under his belt. Two consecutive frames were making the scoreline to go in Williams` favor 8-4, until his opponent succeeded to take one more .... and the last one of that session.
The night was ended with breaks of 104 and 113, breaks that secured Williams an 11-5 lead over Allen.


The unstoppable Judd Trump
Another match that consumed his first two sessions was the one given between Judd Trump and Graeme Dott, by the end of it, the Bristol-boy leading 11-5.


The first session saw Trump taking the first three frames, before Dott had the chance to win himself a single one and unfortunately that was going to be his only opportunity in that session. Breaks of 64, 58 and 55 and Trump was leading the Scotsman 7-1 as the first session was through.


Minutes after the second one started, the youngster cashed two more frames as to go 9-1 up by hitting in runs of 50 and 104, only to see Dott pulling one back. Still, Trump proved to be a tougher opponent and by using a break of 79 he extended his dominancy at 11-2.
A great effort from Dott`s part as the Scotsman put quite a fight in the next minutes to win three consecutive frames with breaks of 72, 120 and 122 in order to reduce the gap at just six frames, 11-5.


Can Graeme Dott make a full comeback?
That 120 break was a 147 attempt, but unfortunately for Dott a horrible kick left him short on the yellow and he missed it. However it was a very nice touch to see Williams and Allen stop their match to watch their colleague trying to make a maximum. :-)


John Higgins and Ronnie O`Sullivan ended their first session on a 4-4 result, the Scotsman taking over the first two frames with runs of 53 and 66 and Ronnie responding by hitting a 69 and a 51 to draw at 2-2. Another series of two frames were going to be won by Higgins after the 15 minute break was over with a top break of 121, while O`Sullivan was taking the next two with 89 and 105.

Ding Junhui proves he deserves to be in the QF
Ding Junhui seemed to be having more confidence in his playing style after the victory he had two days ago taking the lead over Mark Selby 5-3 after a first session where the little Chinese clearly dominated.


The first part of the session found Ding leading 3-1, due to hitting in breaks of 58, 53, 63 and 65, Selby succeeding in only making a 124 at the beginning of the match. The fifth frame was also going to be cashed by Ding, while Selby took the following one with a set of 51 and 57 as to reduce the gap at 2-4.
A break of 77 was bringing the Chinese Sensation one more frame, but Selby succeeded in responding with a 74 as to set the partial scoreline at 3-5 in Ding’s favor.


Day 12 of the Betfred.com World Championship will bring the names of the semi-finalists:


10:00 (UK time)
QF2. Mark Selby v. Ding Junhui
QF3. Mark Williams v. Mark Allen*


14:30 (UK time)
QF1. Judd Trump v. Graeme Dott*
QF4. Ronnie O'Sullivan v. John Higgins


19:00 (UK time)
QF2. Mark Selby v. Ding Junhui*
QF4. Ronnie O'Sullivan v. John Higgins*
* the last session


TV coverage:
10:00-13:00 (British EuroSport)
10:00-13:00 (British EuroSport 2)
13:30-17:15 (BBC 2)
14:30-17:30 (British EuroSport)
19:00-20:00 (BBC 2)
19:00-22:00 (British EuroSport 2)
20:00-22:00 (British EuroSport)
23:20-00:10 (BBC 2)
00:10-02:10 (BBC 2)

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World Championship 2011 - Day 10 - Ding comes back for victory

14:22:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Ding Junhui puts quite a comeback fight
Ding Junhui proved once more that he isn’t to be underestimated, as the little but powerful Chinese boy defeated Stuart Bingham, who clearly dominated the entire match, 13-12. It was one of the most exciting snooker encounters that Crucible has seen this year.


As the last session was starting, Stu was 9-7 up, but Ding was careful enough as to have a good start and won the opening frame to go just one point behind his opponent. However, Bingham was flying around the table, so runs of 45 and 101 were bringing him two consecutive frames for an 11-8 lead.
A strategically 88 break and Ding was once again getting closer to the Englishman, only to see Stuart hitting a marvelous 134 break to almost smell the victory from a 12-9 lead.

A bit unlucky, Stu Bingham`s run ends here
From that moment on, the arena was Ding’s all the way through the end, as the little Chinese hit in breaks of 92, 114 and 58 to level the match and a 55 to win it 13-12. It was a terrific victory for Ding, who’s going to meet Mark Selby in the quarter-finals.



Today`s programme is:


10:00 (UK time)
QF1. Judd Trump v. Graeme Dott
QF3. Mark Williams v. Mark Allen


14:30 (UK time)
QF2. Mark Selby v. Ding Junhui
QF4. Ronnie O'Sullivan v. John Higgins


19:00 (UK time)
QF1. Judd Trump v. Graeme Dott
QF3. Mark Williams v. Mark Allen


TV coverage:
10:00-12:30 (British EuroSport)
10:00-13:00 (British EuroSport 2)
14:30-17:30 (British EuroSport 2)
15:00-17:15 (BBC 2)
17:30-19:00 (British EuroSport)
19:00-20:00 (BBC 2)
19:00-22:00 (British EuroSport)
19:00-22:00 (British EuroSport 2)
00:00-00:50 (BBC 2)
00:50-02:50 (BBC 2)

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Campionatul Mondial de Snooker 2011 - Ziua 10 - Ding revine pentru victorie

14:20:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Ding Junhui revine in meci pentru victorie
Ding Junhui a demonstrat inca o data ca nu este un jucator ce trebuie subestimat, mai ales dupa revenirea pe care a reusit sa o obtina in meciul jucat contra lui Stuart Bingham. Mereu in umbra, mereu in urma, insa mereu incercand sa isi castige dreptul de a juca si a incerca sa revina pe pozitii. In final, asa cum ii sade bine unui adevarate "ciocniri", Ding a castigat meciul in frame decisiv, cu 13-12.


Ultima sesiune a inceput cu englezul Bingham la carma, acesta conducand cu scorul de 9-7, insa Dingushor a fost destul de atent pentru a lua un start bun si a se situa la distanta de doar un punct de adversarul sau. Totusi o serie formata dinte-un break de 45 si unul de 101 ii asigurau lui Stu urmatoarele doua frame-uri pentru un scor de 11-8.


Un joc bun facut de Stu, insa nu suficient de puternic
Un strategic 88 inscris de Ding ii pietruia drumul spre revenirea in meci, in timp de un magic 134 il aducea pe Bingham la doar un pas de victorie, 12-9.

Din acest moment insa arena a apartinut in totalitate micutului chinezut, acesta inscriind break-uri de 92, 114 si 58 pentru a egala si un 55 pentru a acapara si ultimul frame ramas pe "masa". Cu un rasunator 13-12, Ding se indreapta sigur pe stilu-i de joc catre meciul pe care il are de disputat cu Mark Selby in sferturile de finala.


Programul zilei de azi:


12:00 (ora RO)
Judd Trump vs. Graeme Dott
Mark Williams vs. Mark Allen


16:30 (ora RO)
Mark Selby vs. Ding Junhui
Ronnie O'Sullivan vs. John Higgins


21:00 (ora RO)
Judd Trump vs. Graeme Dott
Mark Williams vs. Mark Allen


TV:
12:00-15:00 (EuroSport)
12:00-15:00 (EuroSport 2)
16:30-19:30 (EuroSport)
16:30-19:30 (EuroSport 2)
21:00-00:00 (EuroSport)
21:00-00:00 (EuroSport 2)

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World Championship 2011 - Day 10 - Rocket Ronnie too fast for Magician Murphy

11:45:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Ronnie is cool with the situation, he knows he`ll win the match
"The black sheep" of snooker, the "Prodigal Son" of snooker, is back in business, Ronnie O`Sullivan defeating Shaun Murphy in a match that even if it didn’t have the fireworks required when two great names clash, it ended on a 13-10 scoreline and kept us glued to the television’s screen until the end.


As the third and last session was starting, O`Sullivan was in the lead 9-7 but that partial scoreline was soon about to change as he hit a top break of 128 points to make it 11-7. Murphy had to do something and quick, but he only managed to pull one back as to go three points behind his old time rival.


As much as Shaun tried, he couldn`t defeat Ronnie
Another century break was going to be made by Ronnie, this time a beautiful 119 and now the victory was something he could almost touch, 12-8.
Still, Murphy was going to put up a fight and he succeeded in winning two more frames until de inevitable happened. The last frame saw "The Magician" ending his break on 56 due to missing a red, this time Rocket Ronnie clearing the table with a 71 collection of points for a 13-10 final result and a place into the quarter-finals. Top class snooker by "The Rocket"!

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Campionatul Mondial de Snooker 2011 - Ziua 10 - O`Sullivan prea rapid pentru Murphy

11:45:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Ronnie este linistit, stie ca va castiga meciul
"Oaia neagra" a snooker-ului, "Fiul Risipitor" din Essex, s-a intors pentru a face spectacol si a juca asa cum trebuie sportul care l-a facut celebru. Ronnie O`Sullivan s-a dovedit a fi mult prea rapid pentru rivalul sau, Shaun Murphy, pe care l-a invins cu scorul de 13-10.


Desi nu a fost un meci spectaculos, finalul ne-a tinut pe jar, mai ales cand Murphy parea ca va incerca sa revina in joc si sa forteze meciul sa intre in frame decisiv. In final insa, acest lucru nu s-a petrecut.

Pornita de la scorul de 9-7 in favoarea "Rachetei", sesiunea ce avea sa incheie disputa dintre cei doi gladiatori ai arenei Crucible, a debutat cu doua frame-uri impuscate de Ronnie, unul dintre ele cu un break de 128 de puncte. Murphy stia ca trebuie sa se miste repede si sa inscrie cat mai multe bile, insa nu a reusit sa castige decat un frame, scorul de 11-8 neavantajandu-l prea tare.

Oricat de mult a incercat Shaun, nu a reusit sa invinga
Un break de 119 il punea pe O`Sullivan la doar un pas de victorie, in timp ce Murphy incerca din rasputeri sa schimbe soarta meciului. A reusit sa castige doua frame-uri la rand pentru a mai reduce din diferenta, insa in timpul frame-ului cu numarul 23, a ratat o bila rosie pe cand atingea 56 de puncte, O`Sullivan venind la masa pentru un 71 fara cusur ce ii garanta un loc in runda urmatoare. Frumos jucat!

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World Championship 2011 - Day 10 - Higgins ends slow McLeod`s run

11:18:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

John Higgins secures a place into the next round
The longest battle that the Crucible has seen this year so far was given between John Higgins and Rory McLeod, the Scotsman succeeding after a tremendous effort to end slow McLeod’s run with a 13-7 scoreline.


After Rory McLeod defeated Ricky Walden in a match that didn’t seem to be ending this year, another match was following the same pattern. Still, the fact that the mighty John Higgins was now part of the equation should have changed things, right? Well, if Higgins would have been playing at his beat, yes....but he wasn’t in a glorious form, with all do respect, so the match against McLeod was more a battle of strong nerves and patience, rather than a battle of cues.


The man that makes slow go slower - Rory McLeod
The last session started from a 10-5 score, in favor of the Scotsman, and runs of 51 and 72 were bringing him the opening two frames. He was now with one foot and four toes in the quarter-finals, but Rory decided it is for the best to try his luck and cashed the following two frames to reduce the gap at 7-12.
The last frame was going to be a very tense one as Higgins won it just by being five points ahead of McLeod (64-59), but the match was over, thank God!
With a final result of 13-7, Higgins will face an "old" opponent of his, Ronnie O`Sullivan. It will be interesting to see if he can cope with speed, after all that "slowliness" .

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Campionatul Mondial de Snooker 2011 - Ziua 10 - Higgins paseste incet spre sferturi

11:18:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

John Higgins isi rezerva un loc in sferturile de finala
Cel mai lung meci pe care Crucible-ul l-a experimentat in acest an a fost cu siguranta cel dintre John Higgins si Rory McLeod, meci pe care scotianul a reusit cu chiu, cu vai sa il castige cu scorul de 13-7.


Dupa ce meciul dintre Rory McLeod si Ricky Walden a parut ca va dura o vesnicie, iata ca si cel dintre acelasi Rory, insa avandu-l acum ca adversar pe John Higgins, urma acelasi model prestabilit parca. Totusi ne-am putea gandi ca daca il avem pe puternicul scotian ca parte integranta meciul va merge ceva mai rapid...pai da, daca Higgins ar fi fost in forma buna. Insa nu a fost! S-a lasat contaminat de "incetineala" caracteristica lui Rory si nici nu prea a excelat in "ale loviturilor", toate acestea generand o batalie a nervilor tari si a rabdarii mai degraba, decat o batalie a tacurilor.


Ultima sesiune il gasea pe Higgins la conducere cu scorul de 10-5, scor transformat relativ "rapid" in 12-5, datorita break-urilor de 51 si 72 de puncte, inscrise de scotian. Desi era cu un picior si patru degete in sferturile de finala, Rory s-a gandit sa-si incerce norocul de revenire in meci castigand urmatoarele doua frame-uri pentru a mai minimiza diferenta dintre el si oponent.

McLeod, jucatorul care face "incetul" sa devina si mai incet
Ultimul frame avea sa fie unul destul de 
tensionat, fiind adjudecat de Higgins cu doar 5 puncte avans (64-59), insa Slava Domnului, asta punea capat meciului "fara sfarsit"!

Pe Higgins il asteapta acum o intalnire clasica, cu un vechi rival, Ronnie O`Sullivan si va fi interesant sa vedem cum va face fata rapiditatii "Rachetei" dupa lentoarea cu care s-a confruntat in ultimele doua zile. :-P

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World Championship 2011 - Day 10 - Selby defeats the Crucible King

10:49:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Selby is through the quarter-finals
Mark Selby didn’t prolong too much the suspense and finished the match he played against Stephen Hendry minutes after it started, ending the Scotsman misery with as 13-4 scoreline.


Selby v. Hendry match had an amazing start, both player hitting a century break in the opening frames, but very soon after that happened it was becoming clear who will dominate this encounter. "The Jester from Leicester" ended the first session on 7-1 lead and the second one by being just one step away from victory, on 12-4.

The second session saw a more powerful Hendry, the seven-time world champion trying to win himself some frames, but unfortunately he only succeeded in cashing three of them. In the last session, Selby hit a 81 break as to win him the 13th frame for securing a place into the quarter-finals. With six century breaks in only one match and with a wonderful cueing action, he’ll meet Ding Junhui for a battle of snooker.


Hendry`s not the same player, but he`s the same champ
After the match was over, Hendry declared that he’s seriously considering retiring from professional snooker because he’s not as confident as before when it comes to winning and he doesn’t enjoy playing snooker like he once did. Over the summer, that was the term he gave us in order to make a decision, because it’s not something very easy to do.
Hopefully he will decide not to quit on snooker....as Steve Davis said on Twitter" Whatever you do...don’t retire!" :-)

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Campionatul Mondial de Snooker 2011 - Ziua 10 - Selby trece de Regele Crucible-ului

10:48:00 Ramona Dragomir 1 Comments

Mark Selby in sferturile de finala
Mark Selby nu a mai prelungit suspansul pentru cea de-a treia sesiune de joc si a pus punct cosmarului trait de Stephen Hendry cu scorul de 13-4.


Intalnirea dintre Selby si Hendry a debutat cum nu se poate mai bine, ambii jucatori lovind cate un break de peste 100 de puncte in primele doua frame-uri, insa la scurt timp dupa aceasta a inceput sa devina clar ca buna-ziua cine va domina jocul. "The Jester from Leicester" a incheiat prima sesiune la 7-1, pe cea de-a doua cu 12-4, in timp ce sesiunea ultima avea sa "cunoasca" un break de 81 de puncte pentru rezultatul final de 13-4. Cu sase break-uri minune de peste 100 de puncte, Selby are un loc asigurat in sferturile de finala, unde il va intalni pe Ding Junhui.


Hendry nu mai joaca ca pe vremuri, dar ramane un campion
Imediat dupa terminarea meciului, Stephen Hendry a declarat ca ia foarte serios in considerare varianta retragerii din snooker-ul profesionist, tinand seama de rezultatul de ieri dar si ce cele din ultimii ani. A mentionat ca nu mai pleaca la drum cu increderea pe care o avea acum ceva timp, incredere ce se demonstreaza a fi cruciala in fata unui meci pe care il ai de disputat si a adaugat ca nici nu mai simte placerea de alta data in a juca. Termenul de anuntare a deciziei finale este "dupa vara" ce urmeaza a se instala, pentru ca nu va fi o hotarare prea usor de luat.

Totusi speram sa nu lase snooker-ul si asa cum a spus Steve Davis pe contul sau privat de Twitter: "Orice ai face...nu te retrage!" :-)

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World Championship 2011 - Day 9

13:44:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Higgins must put up with McLeod`s slow playing style
More than half of this year’s Betfred.com World Championship has been consumed and we are getting closer and closer to that final that will see a new or an old champion lifting the shiny trophy.
Sunday was partially a slow day for snooker played in Sheffield, partially a thrill to watch.


John Higgins and Rory McLeod had to play their first and second session, and it took ages to complete...well, it was almost completed, because they only played 15 frames, Higgins taking the lead 10-5.
Stuart Bingham fought pretty well in front of his Chinese opponent, leading Ding Junhui 9-7 after their two sessions, O`Sullivan v. Murphy match continued just like the day before (with no fireworks), the Rocket maintaining his lead 9-7, while Selby was writing history hitting one ton after another as to lead Hendry 12-4.


John Higgins was unfortunate enough to face Rory McLeod for a place into the quarter-finals, so their first and second session was a genuine nightmare! By the end of the day, Higgins succeeded in putting his nose in front with 10 frames to five, but that wasn’t an easy task for the Scotsman.


Rory McLeod taking ages on the shot
It all started slow, very slow...too slow for anyone’s patience and it’s truly amazing to see how comfortable feels Rory playing the way he does. I really do respect his style, but I truly hate the way he tends to contaminate his opponents with his “slowliness” :-)) Horrible! Anyway, in all do honesty, Higgins wasn’t at his beat either.


The mid session interval was finding the boys all square at 2-2, although Higgins had a pretty good chance to lead 3-1 considering that Rory won the second frame of the match with a two points difference (65-67).
A top break of 53 was enough for Higgins to take control of the match, as he was leading McLeod 5-2 after their first session. Yes! Only seven frames were played instead of eight! And yes, that’s the second time it happens here at the Crucible, this year, when Rory plays.


The evening session was started with McLeod’s 47 top break, a break that was bringing him two frames in a row, enough to go just one point behind Higgins 4-5, but the Scot hit a 72 to make that gap bigger. Still, Rory wasn’t giving up that easily so a break of 57 was putting him (again!) one point distance of his rival.
From that moment on, although it wasn’t a bed of roses, Higgins managed to win all the remaining frames and set the partial scoreline at 10-5. Phew! That was a real marathon of strong nerves and determination!


Bingham seems a bit too strong for Ding
Ding Junhui and Stuart Bingham were also playing their first and second session, the Englishman being a bit too strong for the little Chinese and leading him 9-7 as the last ball was sent to a pocket.


The battle started with Stu taking the first three frames with runs of 59 and another 59, but the mid-session interval was kicking off as the scoreline reached 3-1, Ding winning his first frame with a break of 67.
After a quarter of an hour, Ding pulled back another frame as to go just one point behind Stu 2-3, but the Englishman extended his lead and took the following frame. One more try was going to be made by this year’s Masters` champion to level the match, but the 8th frame was cashed by Bingham, the first session ending on a 5-3 result.


The evening session saw Ding taking the first frame and Bingham the next three to set the scoreline at 8-4 in his favor.
However, we all knew it was a matter of time to see a comeback made by Ding Junhui and breaks of 93, 75 and 91 were a living proof of that. Still, the 15th frame was won by Bingham who’s 72 break was more powerful that Ding’s 61. And so the scoreline ended up 9-7 in favor of Stu Bingham, but watch out for the last session! :-)


O`Sullivan is maintaining his lead over Murphy
Murphy and O`Sullivan were having their second meeting of snooker, starting from a 6-2 result in favor of "The Rocket". The session continued about the same way as the day before, with no fireworks and quite a few mistakes from both players.


Although Murphy seemed pretty determined to put together a full comeback, he only succeeded in winning the first two frames of the second session for a 4-6 scoreline. He would have won the next one also, but he made the mistake of going and missing an easy ball as he was on a 44 break, O`Sullivan taking plenty advantage of that and winning himself a new frame for a 7-4 lead.


Still, Murphy managed to win another frame to reduce the gap, only to see O`Sullivan hitting in breaks of 95 and 56 for a 9-5 lead. It wasn’t too much of a doubt that although none of the players was at their best, I`Sullivan was playing way batter than Murphy.
However the next two frames were going to be cashed by 'The Magician" with runs of 83 and 45, ending the second session on a 9-7 result, in favor of Ronnie.


Selby`s writing history at the Crucible
One of the best matches of these last two days was also disputing its second session, Mark Selby leading Stephen Hendry 12-4. This is an actual case of "raining century breaks" match, as Selby hit no more than four of then during the first session and three more were going to be made in the next one.


Started with Selby leading Hendry 7-1, a break of 100 was being hit by the Leicester man in order to extend his lead. Hendry responded pretty well, with a 62 break to be more precise, but a beautiful 127 and a steady 87 made by Selby were restoring the gap with a 10-2 score.


The Crucible King wasn’t giving up yet, so runs of 75 and 74 were bringing him the next two frames, while a 117 was winning Selby the 15th frame for a 11-4 lead.
The last frame of the day would have had Hendry’s name written all over it, if the Scotsman would have been more persistent. A break of 51 and some more points scored were letting Selby in need of four snooker, snookers that he earn fair and square in order to win him that frame and set him just one step away from victory.


Today’s snooker programme is the following one:


13:00 (UK time)
Stephen Hendry (4) v. (12) Mark Selby*
Rory McLeod (5) v. (10) John Higgins*


19:00 (UK time)
Ding Junhui (7) v. (9) Stuart Bingham*
Shaun Murphy (7) v. (9) Ronnie O'Sullivan*
* the last session


TV coverage:
14:30-16:30 (British EuroSport)
15:00-17:15 (BBC 2)
17:30-19:00 (British EuroSport)
19:00-20:00 (BBC 2)
19:00-22:00 (British EuroSport)
19:00-22:00 (British EuroSport)
00:00-00:50 (BBC 2)
00:50-02:50 (BBC 2)

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