World Championship Qualifiers.

zack01

This week sees the final qualifying rounds for all players outside the top 16 to try and reach the final stages at the Cruicble Theatre.
With the members round played on Thursday and Friday, Saturday saw the first round proper commence. The qualifying stages will run until next Sunday with the draw for the first round proper made next Monday.

As its only the first few days not many shocks have been made except prehaps Belgian wonderkid Luca Brecel losing in the first today to Fraser Patrick 10-6. Joe Swail has won 3 matches and is currently 5-4 up on Pankai Advani. Fergal O'Brien & Ken Doherty begin their matches on Friday & Saturday.

I'm heading over to the qualifiers myself on Friday for Ken's match, he could play Mike Dunn or Matt Selt for a place in the Cruicble.

The draw for the qualifiers can be found here.......

http://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/RoundList/Draw/13298


Also a piece on the qualifiers from the Snooker HQ site is here........

http://snookerhq.com/2013/04/03/fins-fables-sheffield-calling/

zack01

Swail wins 10-8 and plays Adam Duffy next.

Jimmy White starts out today, he needs to win three matches to qualify for Sheffield.

Oasis_Dublin

I fear greatly for Ken's chances in his match. His form recently has dipped right back down, and he is notoriously a confidence player. Would he retire if he didn't qualify, to concentrate on his other ventures?

zack01

Personally i feel he has a great chance of qualifying for Sheffield, his form has actually been quite good recently bar the result against Walden last week in China. He recently reached the quater finals of the Welsh Open and is currently ranked number 26, thats the highest he's been for a few years now.

With the way the game will be reshaped next season with only 128 players on tne tour i doubt we'll see him retire too soon either.

Oasis_Dublin

zack01 wrote: »

Personally i feel he has a great chance of qualifying for Sheffield, his form has actually been quite good recently bar the result against Walden last week in China. He recently reached the quater finals of the Welsh Open and is currently ranked number 26, thats the highest he's been for a few years now.

With the way the game will be reshaped next season with only 128 players on tne tour i doubt we'll see him retire too soon either.

He lost to Bingham in Wales, and other than the second frame (or possibly the 1st, I'm open to correction), in which he knocked in an 80 odd break, he was poor in that match. He missed numerous chances, and definitely should have brought it to a decider, at least.

He beat John Higgins, which seemed to be a great result at the time, but seems less so in light of Higgins' recent poor form. He lost to the lowest ranked player in Galway, and then the result you mentioned. As such, I fear Ken's form from December and January is gone.

I really hope I'm wrong though. It would be great to see Ken and Fergal in the finals. Remember the glory days of Ken, Fergal, Michael Judge, Swail, Wallace and Gerard Greene qualifying for the same World Championships.

Maybe the most disappointing part of the whole piece is that Davey Morris did not become the player that many people thought he would. We are depending on two players in their 40s to carry the flag for Irish snooker. Not surprising, given how many clubs have closed down over the last decade, but still hugely disappointing.

zack01

Oasis_Dublin wrote: »

He lost to Bingham in Wales, and other than the second frame (or possibly the 1st, I'm open to correction), in which he knocked in an 80 odd break, he was poor in that match. He missed numerous chances, and definitely should have brought it to a decider, at least.

He beat John Higgins, which seemed to be a great result at the time, but seems less so in light of Higgins' recent poor form. He lost to the lowest ranked player in Galway, and then the result you mentioned. As such, I fear Ken's form from December and January is gone.

I really hope I'm wrong though. It would be great to see Ken and Fergal in the finals. Remember the glory days of Ken, Fergal, Michael Judge, Swail, Wallace and Gerard Greene qualifying for the same World Championships.

Maybe the most disappointing part of the whole piece is that Davey Morris did not become the player that many people thought he would. We are depending on two players in their 40s to carry the flag for Irish snooker. Not surprising, given how many clubs have closed down over the last decade, but still hugely disappointing.

I was speaking to several ex Irish pros recently such as Michael Judge, Joe Delaney and Davy Morris. They estimate it costs in the region of £32K to travel and play on the tour each season, unless your earning it really isn't worth your while playing as far as they were concerned. A big pity as I agree with you 100% that Davy Morris is a fantastic player.

Spiderpig92

To be fair to Ken, in Galway, although Maflin was the lowest ranked players, he is one of the most talented on tour, it hasnt happened for him yet but having seen him live in Galway i can say that Kurt is top 16 material, it was no shame in Ken losing. If you remember Ken started with a tonne but Maflin simply outplayed him after that. I think Ken has a very favourable draw actually!! With regards to Davey Morris, you have to remember how close he came to making the crucible last year, losing in the final qualifier to Hawkins who turned into one of the players of the year. Morris has played in front of the TV before too so i wouldnt write him off making a return if all goes well. I know that things havent gone his way results wise on the Irish circuit but he's still probably the most talented player in the country, so he can easily bounce back.
Also well done to the legend, the Whirlwind, Jimmy White on winning his first qualifier today!!

cherryghost

Sorry, but I don't agree n Maflin. He's a terrible player. He stumbled his way through the rounds against players off form and he was almost unbearable to watch.

Spiderpig92

Maflin is easily one of the best breakbuilders in the game with a solid cue action, could see him beating Davis and Ebdon

zack01

Spiderpig92 wrote: »

Maflin is easily one of the best breakbuilders in the game with a solid cue action, could see him beating Davis and Ebdon

I wouldn't say he's one of the best break builders in the game but I certainly give him every chance beating Davis anyway.

Nice to see James Wattana winning also.

zack01

Joe Swail wins again beating Adam Duffy 10-6, he plays Mark Joyce next with the winner playing Michael Holt for a place at the Cruicble.

Glenman

All the legends are doing well, Swail, Wattana, Drago, White & McManus and with Davis and Doherty to come...it would be great to see a few of the above mentioned players at the crucible!

Oasis_Dublin

The Selt match seems to be a bit scrappy so far. Jimmy has made a good start in his match (I really hope I'm not jinxing it!).

It would be great if Morris could find some form and move back up the rankings. The tour is bigger next year, isn't it? I mean more players. So he should have a better chance. Does anyone know how he makes a living outside of snooker?

zack01

Oasis_Dublin wrote: »

The Selt match seems to be a bit scrappy so far. Jimmy has made a good start in his match (I really hope I'm not jinxing it!).

It would be great if Morris could find some form and move back up the rankings. The tour is bigger next year, isn't it? I mean more players. So he should have a better chance. Does anyone know how he makes a living outside of snooker?

Davy will have to rejoin the tour via the Q School if he wants to compete next season, he can however enter the PTC events as an amateur and try and regain his tour card that way, Joe Swail rejoins the main tour next season courtesy of his performance in the PTC events.

Spiderpig92

Jack Lisowski and Jimmy White make great starts, 4 and 3-0 up respectively

Glenman

Davis 5-4 down and White 6-3 up at the intervals so things not going too bad for the legends!

Oasis_Dublin

Great clearance from Tony Drago to go 2-1. He took on some very tricky shots and knocked them in without a thought. Would like to see him qualify.

As an aside, what's up with Jimmy White's head. He seems to have had new hair stitched in! Tony Drago's hair has been died very badly also :cool:

donfers

Fob will do well to beat Lisowski, can't see it myself


ken against selt will be close, my money would be selt to edge it

zack01

White 9-4 up Davis 7-6 Down

zack01

cherryghost wrote: »

Sorry, but I don't agree n Maflin. He's a terrible player. He stumbled his way through the rounds against players off form and he was almost unbearable to watch.

He didn't look too bad tonight Cherryghost !!

Spiderpig92

Maflin lads, ye heard it here first!!!

Spiderpig92

Alfie Burden doing well, 5-3 up currently, would like to see him do well, one of the best players to watch when in full flow, also a bit of an irish connection, former UK champion Patsy Fagan coached Alfie when he won the world ameteurs in 09

StephenHendry

great win for jimmy , he faces robert milkins now in r4 , it would be a great story together with ronnie returning to defend the wc if jimmy were to qualify

Oasis_Dublin

Drago nearly nicked the last frame but missed a nearly straight pink off its spot. He was visibly annoyed at himself and lost the ensuing safety battle before Gilbert cleard up. It's now a best of 6, but it'll surely be difficult for Drago to recover mentally from such a terrible mistake.

zack01

StephenHendry wrote: »

great win for jimmy , he faces robert milkins now in r4 , it would be a great story together with ronnie returning to defend the wc if jimmy were to qualify

Both sponsored by the same vodka company too, they'll be happy sponsors !!

zack01

All over for Swail losing 10-7 to Mark Joyce, a great run by the Outlaw all the same.

Oasis_Dublin

So then folks, the big ones begin later today. Who thinks King Ken and (Queen) Fergal can get to the Crucible?

zack01

Oasis_Dublin wrote: »

So then folks, the big ones begin later today. Who thinks King Ken and (Queen) Fergal can get to the Crucible?

No play today, it's a rest day for the qualifiers as the tables are recovered for the weekends final round. Fergal plays tomorrow morn & tomorrow eve whilst Ken plays tomorrow afternoon & Sunday afternoon.

Oasis_Dublin

Right you are. Bookies have Ken as a slight favourite in his match, while Fergal is not.

What about the other interesting matches? White against Milkins? The greatest young (ie 29 year old) player in the history of the game, Kurt Maflin against former champion Peter Ebdon?

zack01

Oasis_Dublin wrote: »

Right you are. Bookies have Ken as a slight favourite in his match, while Fergal is not.

What about the other interesting matches? White against Milkins? The greatest young (ie 29 year old) player in the history of the game, Kurt Maflin against former champion Peter Ebdon?

The bookies may just have that right, Selt has shown a lack of bottle in some of his recent big matches whilst bottle has never been a problem with Ken. He's had a decent season and qualifying for the Cruicble would just round it off nicely for Ken.

Regarding Fergal, i'm as patriotic as the next Irishman out there but i really hope Lisowski qualifies, he's another up and coming name and would be a great addition to the final line up.

White against Milkins is all about the start Jimmy makes, Milkins has had a good season and is a strong front runner, i do hope Jimmy wins but if i was having a punt i'd go Milkins.

Another player i'd love to see qualyfying is Liam Highfield, he's an exciting prospect, he plays Marcus Campbell another tough nut who knows how to grind out results.

I fancy Ebdon to beat Maflin but only just, I'd go 10-8.
In fact the majority of the w'ends games will no doubt go to the wire, there's a lot at stake and everyone wants to be in that draw on Monday.

I'm heading over to Sheffield tomorrow morning for Kens match, and if it's anything like last years 10-9 win over Anthony Hamilton i would'nt expect my fingernails to last long !

Oasis_Dublin

I'd love to head over to Sheffield eventually. Enjoy it!

I'd love to see Jimmy get in, nearly as much as Ken. As I said before, I have a slightly bad feeling for Ken. He trajectory, in terms of form, is definitely downwards. Hopefully, if he does get to the finals, he gets a nice draw than his last three!

califano

Zack any Sheffield nuggets of info? Someone lost their cue?, someone on the soup?(although when has that stopped anyone!).

Spiderpig92

zack01 wrote: »

The bookies may just have that right, Selt has shown a lack of bottle in some of his recent big matches whilst bottle has never been a problem with Ken. He's had a decent season and qualifying for the Cruicble would just round it off nicely for Ken.

Regarding Fergal, i'm as patriotic as the next Irishman out there but i really hope Lisowski qualifies, he's another up and coming name and would be a great addition to the final line up.

White against Milkins is all about the start Jimmy makes, Milkins has had a good season and is a strong front runner, i do hope Jimmy wins but if i was having a punt i'd go Milkins.

Another player i'd love to see qualyfying is Liam Highfield, he's an exciting prospect, he plays Marcus Campbell another tough nut who knows how to grind out results.

I fancy Ebdon to beat Maflin but only just, I'd go 10-8.
In fact the majority of the w'ends games will no doubt go to the wire, there's a lot at stake and everyone wants to be in that draw on Monday.

I'm heading over to Sheffield tomorrow morning for Kens match, and if it's anything like last years 10-9 win over Anthony Hamilton i would'nt expect my fingernails to last long !

Going to go with wins for Ken, Lisowski, and more controversially Maflin and Jimmy, the last 2 may be because they are 2 of my favourite players but Jimmy is playing well and to be honest Milkins is no world beater, don't get me wrong, Jimmy will have to play well to win but i think this is his year to get back. Ebdon isint having the best of seasons and doesent score as heavily as he once did, Maflin as ive discussed is a excellent break builder and has the temperment to deal with Ebdon as he proved in Galway when he ground out a win over Rod Lawler. Really hope these 4 get through, would make for a brilliant championship in my opinion!!!

wonderfullife

Predicted Winner in Bold:

RYAN DAY v BEN WOOLLASTON
ANDREW HIGGINSON v MICHAEL WHITE
KEN DOHERTY v MATTHEW SELT
FERGAL O'BRIEN v JACK LISOWSKI
JAMIE COPE v DECHAWAT POOMJAENG
MICHAEL HOLT v MARK JOYCE
MARCO FU v DAVID GILBERT
TOM FORD v ALAN MCMANUS
MARTIN GOULD v ROD LAWLER
MARK DAVIS v LIANG WENBO
MARK KING v YU DE LU
MARCUS CAMPBELL v LIAM HIGHFIELD
JOE PERRY v SAM BAIRD
DOMINIC DALE v ALFIE BURDEN
PETER EBDON v KURT MAFLIN
ROBERT MILKINS v JIMMY WHITE

Would love to be wrong about Milkins v Jimmy.

Anybody looking for a bet i would recommend at the odds Dechawat Poomejang is great value, Jamie Cope is having a shocking season and Dechawat is match sharp.

wonderfullife

wonderfullife wrote: »

Anybody looking for a bet i would recommend at the odds Dechawat Poomejang is great value, Jamie Cope is having a shocking season and Dechawat is match sharp.

Hope some of you took my advice, looking good for Dechawat 7-1 up great odds too

messinkiapina

Christ. Just saw that Jimmy has a chance of qualifying. When is he playing Milkins? Is it on TV?

Oasis_Dublin

What I feared for is happening. Ken is being well beaten

wonderfullife

Oasis_Dublin wrote: »

What I feared for is happening. Ken is being well beaten

6-3 down is not good clearly but it could easily have been worse, should have been 7-2 to Selt at least.

The good news is Ken can't play any worse than today and 6-3 isn't really capitalising on that.

So i wouldn't write him off just yet. Can see this going the distance 10-9 either way.

messinkiapina

Anyone know when Jimmy is playing?

messinkiapina

messinkiapina wrote: »

Anyone know when Jimmy is playing?

Okay, looks like he's on at 10am tomorrow. Now the next and more important question, where can I watch it?

wonderfullife

messinkiapina wrote: »

Okay, looks like he's on at 10am tomorrow. Now the next and more important question, where can I watch it?

i will send you a link over PM for where to watch it for free

oneillMan999

C'MON JIMMY!!

zack01

Jimmy looking like going 2 down after only 20 mins, Milkins on fire, I knew he was a good starter but he's playing out of his skin, this session could be a disaster for the Wind.

wonderfullife

zack01 wrote: »

Jimmy looking like going 2 down after only 20 mins, Milkins on fire, I knew he was a good starter but he's playing out of his skin, this session could be a disaster for the Wind.

watching it here too this could easily run away from him and be 6-3 or 7-2 to Milkins are 1st session.

Having said that, Mark Joyce showed yesterday what is possible. 8-0 down and only lost 10-7. If Jimmy can get out of this no worse than 6-3 he has a chance.

messinkiapina

Cmon Jimmy...very scrappy but a frame on the board, good stuff.

zack01

2-2 c'mon jimbo

cherryghost

Aye good 4th frame from Jimmy and a decent start on the 5th so far.

wonderfullife

this is going to be a pretty tense, close encounter - with so much at stake i dont think we'll see too much in the way of flowing snooker, maybe the odd century, but it's a massive game for Jimmy to get back to the Crucible so he won't be pushing the boat out too much.

wonderfullife

very unlike Jimmy there! slammed his cue into ground after a Milkins fluke and had to be warned by the ref over his conduct!! :eek:

cherryghost

Looking difficult now. Jimmy really needs the next frame.

zack01

6-2 on the cards here, big big last frame of the session coming up