World Snooker Championship 2011 - Day 14 Williams ahead, Ding & Trump all-square

29.4.2011 Day 14

Morning Session

SF1 - Judd Trump v Ding Junhui

Trump holds a 5-3 lead before second session starts. Ding takes the opening frame of the session with 91, trails 4-5.Trump usually catches early chances in each frame but failed to carry on later. Trump takes back two frames advantage by winning the second, 6-4. With the help of a fluke, Trump extends his lead to 7-4 before Ding pulls one back. Trump leads 7-5 before mid session. Both players struggule this morning. Ding do better after mid session, takes five in a row to lead 9-7 with 75, 60. In the 14th frame, Ding wins on the final black. Ding wins the session 6-2, brilliant comeback. :-) Bad session for Trump, becomes falling behind of Ding...

Afternoon Session

SF2 - John Higgins v Mark Williams

Williams takes a 5-3 lead after first session. Williams takes the first frame of second session, Higgins makes a great respons 84 afterwards. Williams hits a 115 to lead 7-4 but Higgins steals the next frame from 62 points behind. Williams still leads 7-5 before mid session.
Williams knocks another century 103 to take back three frames advantage 8-5. Williams moves on to lead 9-5 to keep four frames advantage for the first time in the match. Higgins wins the last two tight frames to trail 7-9 down. Mark Williams did well in this session but only leads 9-7. He should have led John Higgins 10-6 instead. Will it be a turning point for the match? We'll see...

Evening Session

SF1 - Ding Junhui v Judd Trump

Ding cameback to lead Trump 9-7 before third session starts. Ding and Trump shared the first four frames before mid session, Ding hits 64 and 77 while Trump makes 61 and  71. Ding goes 11-9 up on Trump. After mid session, Trump starts to play crazy attacking snooker, knocking 61, 102 and 103 to lead 12-11. Luckily Ding pulls one back to level the match with 87 in the last frame of the session. They sticks at 12-12 before last session comes.
The last session now will be in best of 9, first to 17 frames will enter the FINAL of WC. We have an amazing session tonight, tomorrow will be more intense. Who will win to become a finalist?

Match Schedule for Day 15, Saturday April 30

10am

SF2 -  Mark Williams v John Higgins  (Third Session, Williams leads 9-7)

2.30pm

SF1 - Judd Trump v Ding Junhui   (Last Session, Trump 12-12 Ding)

7pm

SF2 - Mark Williams v John Higgins  (Last session)

SF scores are updated in Drawsheet...

Which two of them will be the Finalists of World Snooker Championship 2011?

World Snooker Championship 2011 - Day 13 - Trump & Williams hold advantage after first session

28.4.2011 Day 13

Great semi-final line up we have got this year! Stephen Hendry announced he would not retire next season! Great news for fans!!! :-)

Afternoon Session

SF1 - Judd Trump v Ding Junhui

Ding is 3-5 behind Trump after first session

Two young men meet at the semi-final. Ding Junhui wins the opening frame with 102, great start for Ding! Trump makes a brilliant reply with 110 to level 1-1. In the third frame, crazy clearance by Trump takes him lead for the first time, 2-1. Trump wins another frame and lead Ding 3-1 before mid session. Ding pulls one back after mid session before Judd Trump extends his lead to 4-2. Ding trials 3-4. Judd Trump ends the first session with a 5-3 lead. We have a great first session, well played Judd. :-)

We saw some amazing exhitibition shots from Trump after crossing the winning line. I agree what BBC commentary said yesterday, we can see some shawdon of Jimmy White on Judd. Judd played many crazy shots or some shots that elder players would not choose, Ding definitely wants to stop him today. Trump does not have very good cueball control and do poorly in safety. Ding should put more safety into his game to score more frames.

Evening Session

SF2 - John Higgins v Mark Williams

Not a good start for John

A rematch of 2010 UK Championship Final. At that time, Higgins beats Williams 10-9 cameback from 5-6. Williams would like to take revenge of it ;-) Williams wins the first  frames before Higgins takes the following with 135. Williams leads 3-1 up on Higgins before mid session. After mid session, Higgins levels the match with 127, 3-3. Williams wins the last two frames of the session with 74. Mark Williams holds a 5-3 lead, two frames advantage over John Higgins. 

There are a lot of tight frames in this session, more safety battle is played. Although John contributed two centuries in the session but he is 3-5 behind Williams. Both players do not get use to play on the new table. I wish they can raise their performance tomorrow.

Match Scdeule for Day 14, Friday April 29

William & Kate or SNOOKER today? :-)

10am

SF1 -  Judd Trump v Ding Junhui    (Second Session, Trump leads 5-3)

2.30pm

SF2 - Mark Williams v John Higgins  (Second Session, Williams leads 5-3)

7pm

SF1 - Judd Trump v Ding Junhui      (Third Session)

SF scores are updated in Drawsheet...

World Snooker Championship 2011 - Day 12 - QFs in conclusion

27.4.2011 Day 12

Morning Session

QF2 - Mark Selby v Ding Junhui 

Selby did not perform well yesterday, making some errors in safety and scoring, Ding leads 5-3. They have a re-rack in the first frame of the session. Ding grabbed a chance to pot a beautiful long red. Mark Selby paid a cost for missing the double. Ding Junhui extends to lead 6-3 with 121. Mark Selby pulls one back and trails two frames behind Ding. Ding Junhui leads 7-4 with a break of 87. Selby is lost during the match, keeps making mistakes. Selby pulls one back and Ding keeps 7-5 ahead before mid session. Mark Selby is disappointed to lose the 13th frame but feels lucky to win the 14th. Ding still leads 8-6. Ding takes his tenth frame by one visit, 76 to go 9-6. 16th frame is another long frame, Ding eventually takes it. Ding Junhui ends the four-hour second session with 10-6 lead.

QF3 - Mark Williams v Mark Allen    

Too easy for Williams :-)

Mark Williams leads Allen 11-5 before last session kicks off. Allen does not catch the chance to pull one back. It turns out to be a frame for Williams, he extends his lead to 12-5 with 61. Williams is only one frame from victory. Several mistakes from both players in the 18th frame but Williams clears up to win! Mark Williams sets a early finish for the match, he beats Mark Allen 13-5. He is now a semi-finalist for the first time in 8 years! Congrats!

Result: Mark Williams 13-5 Mark Allen

Afternoon Session

QF1 - Judd Trump v Graeme Dott       

What a month for Juddy!

Here comes the last session of their match. Dott won back  some frames but Trump still leads 11-5.

Trump wins the opening frame of the last session, 12-5. Judd Trump wins the match 13-5, a convicing win for Trump. He is now a semi-finalist of WC! Congrats!

Result: Judd Trump 13-5 Graeme Dott

QF4 - Ronnie O'Sullivan v John Higgins   

The two snooker biggest stars stuck at 4-4 before second session starts. Ronnie leads for the first time in the match after winning the first frame of the session. Ronnie takes the following frame with 82, he is looking very sharp :-) Ronnie takes five in a row to lead 7-4. John Higgins pulls one back before mid session. Ronnie takes the first frame after mid session, 8-5. Higgins steals the 15th frame from Ronnie, he is only one frame behind Ronnie. Ronnie has a very good chance to lead four frames but at the end he levels the match. The match stops at 8-8.

Evening Session

QF2 - Mark Selby v Ding Junhui 

Can he move one step further?

Ding has a great lead 10-6 after second session. However, Selby is so strong to pull four back before mid session. Selby hits breaks of 55, 66, 89, 92. Ding is under pressure to be level 10-10. Ding does not give up and win the match 13-10. In the 23th frame, both players suddenly quit and left referee Brendan there, it is very funny ;-) Congrats Ding Junhui reaches semi-final of WC, he levels the record of best result of Asian players on WC (Marco Eu, James Wattana) to reach the semi-final. Can Ding go on to win the World Champion? We'll see. :-)

Result: Ding Junhui 13-10 Mark Selby

QF4 - Ronnie O'Sullivan v John Higgins   

I am sad for Ronnie :'-(

It must be a mistake for Ronnie fail to extends his lead before second session.

Higgins takes the opening frame of the session before Ronnie levels 9-9 with a break of 116. Higgins leads Ronnie 11-9 with 63, 65 before mid session begins. Higgins takes the very important frame to lead 12-9, he is only one frame away from victory. Ronnie pulls one back with 94 before Higgins makes 79 to end the match. John Higgins wins 13-10 over Ronnie O'Sullivan to head semi-final. He faces Mark Williams in semi-final

Result: Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-13 John Higgins

Match Schedule for Day 13, Thursday April 28

1pm

SF1 - Judd Trump v Ding Junhui

7pm

SF2 - Mark Williams v John Higgins

Start from tomorrow, there is only one table in the Crucible and no morning sessopn :-) See you!

QF results are updated in Drawsheet...

World Snooker Championship 2011 - Day 11 - QFs are under way!

26.4.2011 Day 11

Four QFs start today! :-)

Morning Session

QF1 - Judd Trump v Graeme Dott

Poor Dotty :-(

Trump takes the first two frames. Dott struggules at the beginning, he misses a chance to get his first frame, he is 0-3 down on Trump.

Dott steals the frame from Trump, Trump still leads 3-1 before mid session. Trump extends his lead to 7-1 with 86, 64, 58, 69 at the end of first session.

Dott has a terrible session, still a long way to go for him at the second session...

QF3 - Mark Williams v Mark Allen

It already shows some tension in the first frame between Marks, Williams forces a respot black while he needs one snooker. Williams wins the respotted black and enjoy a good start, 1-0. Mark Allen missed the tricky red to the middle, he was punished by losing another frame. Allen pulls one back with 78. Williams is 3-1 ahead of Allen with 119 before mid session. Williams leads 4-1 with another 78. Allen misses frame balls in key moments, he starts to misbelief himself. Williams steals another frame from Allen. 5-1. Allen comes through from the shawdow, winning the last two frames with 100, 102. Williams leads Allen 5-3 after the first session. A high quality session :-) Really enjoy it!

Afternoon Session

QF2 - Mark Selby v Ding Junhui

Where is the Selby we saw yesterday?

Selby starts off the match with 124, he takes the first frame 1-0 up on Ding. Ding takes a 3-1 lead over Selby before mid session. Selby made several mistakes in safety which is not seldomly seen from him, he feels pressure competiting with top players. Ding takes advantage in both safety and scoring. Ding goes 5-2 with 77 before last frame in the session comes. Selby wins the last frame of the session and trails 3-5 on Ding Junhui.

QF4 - John Higgins v Ronnie O'Sullivan

 

A classic just started

 Higgins takes the opening frame after a safety battle, follows with the second. Ronnie pulls one back with table clearance. Ronnie levels the match before mid-session, long pots of Ronnie are improved today. Higgins steals the frame from Ronnie, back into lead 3-2. Higgins hit a 121 to extend his lead 4-2. Ronnie catches a mistake by Higgins, plays black out of position and pulls one back with 89. Ronnie successfully levels the match before mid session. All square for the first session, 4-4.

Evening Session

QF1 - Judd Trump v Graeme Dott

In the last session, Dott was not in the match and Trump leads 7-1. Trump moves forward to lead 10-2 with 50, 104, 79 before mid session. I guess Dott is about to cry... After mid session, Dott really makes a comeback. He takes three in a row after Trump takes another frame. In the last three frames, his scorings are really heavy, 72, 120, 122. He missed the maximum in the 15th frame, running out of position when he plays the last black, fail to go on with the yello. Dott trials 5-11 behind Judd Trump. Dotty needs eight frames tomorrow to win while Trump only needs two more.

QF3 - Mark Williams v Mark Allen

Williams looks relaxed

Williams has two frames advantage before the second session starts. Williams takes the opening frame with 80 to lead 6-3. Allen wins a scrappy frame but then Williams wins the other two before mid session. Williams enjoys a 7-4 lead before mid session.

Allen takes the first frame after mid-session, Williams does not leave any chance for Allen anymore. He extends his lead to 11-5 with 104, 113 at the end of second session. Williams is unstoppable and not far away from a semi-final seat tomorrow...

Match Schedule for Day 12, Wednesday April 27

10am

QF2 - Mark Selby v Ding Junhui       (Second Session, Ding leads 5-3)
QF3 - Mark Williams v Mark Allen     (Last Session, Williams leads 11-5)

2.30pm

QF1 - Judd Trump v Graeme Dott          (Last Session, Trump leads 11-5)

QF4 - Ronnie O'Sullivan v John Higgins  (Second Session, level at 4-4)

7pm

QF2 - Mark Selby v Ding Junhui               (Last session)
QF4 - Ronnie O'Sullivan v John Higgins   (Last session)

A great day today... Loads of brilliant snooker :-) We will know which four of them can play on the one table manner by the end of tomorrow...

QF Scores are updated in Drawsheet...

Venue changes for Masters & UK Championship next season

Two of the biggest tournaments in the year, UK Championship and Masters will move to other venues start from the next season.

The Last man to win Masters in Wembley?

The biggest invitational non-ranking event on the calender, Masters may no longer called Wembley Masters next year. Because it will move to Alexandra Palace which is very near to London. Alexandra Palace is a bigger venue compare to Wembley Arena, hopefully it can attract more fans to witness the new being Masters Champion.

Ding Junhui is the defending Master Champion, possibly the last Masters champion trumped in Wembley Arena. Masters 2012 which only features world's elite top 16 players, will run from January 15 to 22, 2012. BBC and Eurosport will televise the biggest invitational event as usual. 

Snooker returns to York Barbican Centre

UK Championship which is currently hold in Telford, will return to stage in Barbican Centre, York. UK CHampionship was staged in Barbican Centre between 2001 to 2006, starts from 2007 it moves to Telford. It is a good news for both York Snooker Fans and players. It will run from December 3 to 11, 2011, wide live coverages by BBC and Eurosport.

China's Ding Junhui, who beat Steve Davis in the 2005 UK Championship final in York, added: 'I'm really pleased that we are going back to York for the UK Championship. It's one of our biggest tournaments and winning it in 2005 was one of the best moments of my career. I've got great memories of playing at the Barbican Centre as the atmosphere is special. While we played there I made a lot of friends in York, especially among the Chinese community, so I'm looking forward to meeting them again and hopefully having their support in the tournament.'
(Source: UK Championship to return to York Barbican on worldsnooker.com)

I am looking forward to see Masters move to a new venue and we are back to a familiar venue in York! :-)

World Snooker Championship 2011 - Quarter-Final Preview

After some late night drama yesterday, the four QF matches line-up are confirmed. It is a very strong line-up and hard to pick a winner among them...Every match can turn out to be a classic!

Upper half:

QF1 - Judd Trump v Graeme Dott

Trump continues his marvellous run after China Open; Graeme Dott won the tough match against Ali Carter. Trump is good at long pots while Dott is expereienced with safety and patient. But Trump will adjust his strategy in a match against different players. From the China Open Final, we know that Selby is very good at saftey, it maybe consider as a weakness of Trump. But Trump successfully won over Selby by his potting. Dott is a player similar to Selby, good at safety and comebacks. But I still fancy Trump to reach semi-final of WC this year.

Perdiction: Judd Trump  to win 13-10

QF2 - Ding Junhui v Mark Selby

The Jester

They met recently early this month with Selby wins the match 6-3. Ding proves us that he can make comebacks like what he did last night, he is now more mature to cope with pressure. Selby won comfortably in the two previous round, I will say Mark has not yet encountered the real opponent. However, Mark did really well in the previous two rounds, setting a new record in the Crucible - for making six centuires in a single match. I predict Mark to win the match as he is more experienced compare to Ding in WC.

Prediction: Mark Selby to win 13-9

Possilbe SF line-up in Upper Half Draw: Judd Trump v Mark Selby

Lower half:

QF3 - Mark Williams v Mark Allen

Two Marks meet in the QF, really looking forward to this match. Both Marks are good potters, I expect there is fewer safety battle and a fast match. Allen won another decider to come through to the QF while Williams nearly have a session to spare. I believe both players are really confident at the moment. Allen struggules in the early session of the previous matches, I think Williams can take advantage of it. I back Williams to reach the semi-final this year (13-9).

Prediction: Mark Williams to win 13-8

QF4 - Ronnie O'Sullivan v John Higgins

Blast Off!!

This maybe the most tasty QF match for fans among the four. Ronnie and John met in several tournament last year and John won most of them. The Rocket does not have a good record against The Wizard of Wishaw recently, can he win it this time? Ronnie shows his form in Round 1 but strugguled with his long pots in Round 2. Higgins does not play well in the last round against Rory McLeod, and he showed a little tired in the match. I hope Ronnie can do well with his long pots like in Round 1, meeting Williams in the semi-final.Can they creat another classic, e.g. 2009 UK semi-final?

Prediction: Ronnie O'Sullivan to win 13-12

Possilbe SF line-up in Lower Half Draw: Mark Williams v Ronnie O'Sullivan

Can't wait to watch the four QFs!! :-)

World Snooker Championship 2011 - Day 10 - Four big names are through to QF

25.4.2011 Day 10

Only a few Round 2 matches are left today...

Afternoon session

Match 20 - Mark Selby v Stephen Hendry

Hendry fans relieve

Last session of the match, Selby leads Hendry 12-4. Selby uses only 11 minutes to beat Hendry 13-4. Selby faces Ding Junhui/Stuart Bingham in QF. Before the match, many people was talking about if Hendry would retired after he lost. ( For futher details please refer to my article: End of the career for Stephen Hendry? ) And the answer is NO. Hendry admitted he longer enjoys playing snooke after the match but he would decide his future in the summer. Hendry has not yet made up his mind about retirement at the moment, fans of Hendry can relieve for a while.

Result: Mark Selby 13-4 Stephen Hendry

Match 24 - John Higgins v Rory McLeod

They played two long and slow sessions, Higgins holds a 10-5 lead over McLeod. After the session begins, Higgins takes the first two with 51, 72 before McLeod pulls two back. McLeod drags Higgins to play after mid session, he is 7-12 down on Higgins. Higgins struggules in the 20th frame but he wins on the final black. John Higgins beat Rory McLeod 13-7 in nearly 8.5 hours. He faces Ronnie O'Sullivan/Shaun Murphy in QF. Another exciting match it will be.

Result: John Higgins 13-7 Rory McLeod

Evening Session

Match 19 - Ding Junhui v Stuart Bingham

Tremendous Comeback from Ding

Bingham takes two frames advantage over Ding, leading 9-7 before last session starts.Ding takes the opening frame, he is only one frame behind Bingham, 8-9. Bingham leads 11-8 with 101, Stuart looks very good at the moment. Ding goes 9-11 before mid session, not too bad for the Chinese Hero. The Ballrun extends his lead to 12-9 with 134, his second century in the session. Ding Junhui keep himself stays in the competition, nicks another one with 92. There is some drama in the 24th frame, Bingham is unlucky to have whiteball off twice. Ding forces a decider from 9-12 down. In the decider, we see some brilliant snooker and snooker escapes, Ding eventually wins it 13-12. Congrats for Ding reaching the QF of WC in his career for the first time - a breakthrough!

Result: Ding Junhui 13-12 Stuart Bingham

Match 23 - Shaun Murphy v Ronnie O'Sullivan

Rocket enter the QF

O'Sullivan did not do well yesterday but still leads Murphy 9-7 before last session kicks off. Ronnie takes the scrappy opening frame of the session, 10-7 up on Murphy. Ronnie knocks 128, the first century in the match to hold a four frames advantage. Murphy pulls one back, a very important frame to trail 8-11. The Rocket is fired and 119 put him 12-8 ahead of Murphy before mid session. Murphy survives and wins two frames before Ronnie ends the match with a break of 71. The Rocket meets John Higgins in QF! A Cracking match!

Result: Ronnie O'Sullivan 13-10 Shaun Murphy

QF Line-up: Too strong to pick up a winner

Upper half: Judd Trump v Graeme Dott, Ding Junhui v Mark Selby
Lower half: Mark Williams v Mark Allen, Ronnie O'Sullivan v John Higgins

My QF Preview: World Snooker Championship 2011 - Qaurter-Final Preview

Match Schedule for Day 11, Tuesday April 26

10am

QF1 -  Judd Trump v Graeme Dott   (First Session)

QF3 -  Mark Williams v Mark Allen    (First Session)

2.30pm

QF2 -  Mark Selby v Ding Junhui            (First Session)

QF4 - Ronnie O'Sullivan v John Higgins (First Session)

7pm

QF1 -  Judd Trump v Graeme Dott   (Second Session)

QF3 -  Mark Williams v Mark Allen    (Second Session)

Round 2 Reusult are updated in Drawsheet...

End of the career for Stephen Hendry?

The seven-time World Champion, Stephen Hendry may announce retirement today after finishing his match against Mark Selby.

The King of Crucible won a decider against Joe Perry in the first round, and now 4-12 down on Mark Selby after second session. Selby only needs one more frame to defeat Hendry today. Recntly Hendry made a comment on his performance, he said he was not satisified with his performance, and he was going to make an important decision at the end of this season. Does the decision mean his retirement?

Last  ranking tournament victory for Hendry was 2006 Malta Cup, since then he has not won any tournament. His ranking also slipped drastically, he also faces a risk of dropping out of top 16 for the first time if he loses the match against Selby or Bingham wins the match against Ding today. If Hendry really drop out of top 16, he needs to play qualifying rounds to qualify for a tournament. Will the man who has won everything willing to do so?

Hendry knocked his 10th maximum break in Welsh Open this year, levelled the record of Ronnie O'Sullivan who made his 10th 147 in 2010 World Open. It proves that Hendry can archieve records but fans doubt if he is capable to win a title now. He struggules to find his form in the matches, that's why he makes early exits in the tournaments.

Selby will feel guilty if Hendry announce retirement today, but he is very likely to win the match. For the man who has won everything, including seven world titles and 36 ranking titles, holds the most maximum breaks record along with O'Sullivan, it will be  definitely a loss to the game if he retires.

Best wishes to Stephen today, it maybe his last appearance in the Crucible. Enjoy the match Stephen, you are still one of the best snooker players in the history. We all love you Stephen!

World Snooker Championship 2011 - Day 9 - Selby sets a new record in the Crucible

24.4.2011 Day 9
Happy Easter! We have a nice Sunday ;-)

Morning Session

Match 19 - Ding Junhui v Stuart Bingham

Bingham steals the first frame from Ding. Ding makes some good snooker but Bingham escape very well. Bingham leads 3-1 before the interval. Ding pulls another back after mid interval, but Ballrun still leads 3-2. Bingham extends his lead to two frames difference again before Ding wins his last frame in the session. Stuart Bingham leads Ding Junhui 5-3 after the first session. Performance of Ding today is not brilliant, he needs some hard work in the next session.

Match 24 - John Higgins v Rory McLeod

The Wizard of Wishaw needs some magic to speed up the match

McLeod has a brilliant start for winning the first two frames but he loses all five afterwards. The session is shorten due to the slow action of their match. Higgins is not stunning today, but he plays much better after the mid session. I wish Higgins can do better tonight. John Higgins leads McLeod 5-2 after the first session.

Afternoon session

Match 20 - Mark Selby v Stephen Hendry

Last Crucible appearance for Hendry?

Selby leads Hendry 7-1 after the first session, he hits several big breaks. Selby starts off the session with 100, extends his lead to 8-1.Hendry pulls one back before Selby knocks a 127. Awesome Selby leads Hendry 10-2 with 87 before mid session. Hendry wins his third frame in the match with 75. Selby hits his sixth century in the 
match 117 to lead 11-4.
 
In the last frame of the session, Selby takes this big frame when four snooker is required. It is an incredible frame for Selby. He now only needs one more frame for victory tomorrow. Selby also created a new record in the Crucible for knocking six centuires in a single match. Class act and outstanding performance from Selby today! ;-)

Match 23 - Shaun Murphy v Ronnie O'Sullivan

Murphy is ready for his fight back

Both players do not play very well yesterday but Ronnie still leads 6-2. Murphy wins the first frame of the session, trials 3-6. When Ronnie requires two snookers to win back the frame, Ronnie do comes back and it is very impressive. Usually Ronnie will concede the frame if it needs one/two snooker. Murphy wins two in a row, reduce the gap to 4-6.

Ronnie found himself lucky to win the frame by a wrong judegement on safty, he gets back a 7-4 lead over Murphy. Murphy trials 5-7 behind Ronnie before mid-session. Ronnie extends his lead to 9-5 with 95, 59. Murphy wins the last two to be 7-9 behind after the second session. Ronnie struggules today, especially with his long pots... He is lucky to secure a lead over Murphy after this session. Tight session we will have tomorrow!

Evening Session

Match 19 - Ding Junhui v Stuart Bingham

 

Can Ding reach QF this year?

Ding does not satisfy with his performance in the morning,  of course he wants a fightback in this session. Ding wins the opening frame before Bingham takes three in a row. Bingham is 8-4 up on Ding with 56 and 87 before mid session. After mid session, Ding starts to fight back to take three frames with 93, 75, 91 while Bingham only gets one. Stuart Bingham still keeps two frames advanatge over Ding Junhui after second session, leading 9-7.

Can Ding break his best result in the Crucible, reaching QF this year? We'll see tomorrow :-)

Match 24 - John Higgins v Rory McLeod

John Higgins leads McLeod 5-2 before it starts, they only played seven frames in the last session. McLeod  has a good start, taking the first two frames in the session which lasts 40 and 41 minutes respectively. Higgins only leads McLeod 6-5 before mid session. Their match really takes (grinds) so long, somebody on Twitter gives Rory some interesting nicknames: 'Rory McCrawl', 'Snory McLeod' Haha ;-) Towards the end, Higgins wins all four frames after mid session, 10-5 goes to John Higgins. They may play 10 frames in the last session tomorrow, I wish they will not grind for a day, fans will ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.... ;-)

Match Arrangements for Day 10, Monday April 25

All the matches will be finished by the end of today :-) Remember we have no morning session today, fans need not to wake up so early today!

No morning session :-)

1pm

Match 20 - Stephen Hendry v Mark Selby   (Last Session, Selby leads 12-4)

Match 24 - Rory McLeod v John Higgins      (Last Session, Higgins leads 10-5)

7pm

Match 19 - Ding Junhui v Stuart Bingham          (Last Session, Bingham leads 9-7)

Match 23 - Shaun Murphy v Ronnie O'Sullivan  (Last Session, O'Sullivan leads 9-7)

Scores are continously updated in Drawsheet...

World Snooker Championship 2011 - Day 8 - Trump, Allen, Dott reached QF

23.4.2011 Day 8

We have some cracking matches today, including Ronnie O'Sullivan v Shaun Murphy, Mark Selby v Stephen Hendry. What a great weekend we have! ;-)

Morning Session

Match 17 - Judd Trump v Martin Gould

Gould lost in Round 2 again!

Last session was a fantasic session, showing brilliant    attacking snooker to fans. Trump widely leads 11-5, he just needs two more frames to win. Both players have chance in the first frame, but Gould eventually wins the scrappy frame. Trump holds the match point by knocks a 69 in the second frame, leads 12-6. Trump goes on to win the match 13-6 with 53.

Trump take advantages in safety in the match, Gould usually leaves him good chances. Gould is a good player but still needs to improve his safety and consititency. Congrats Trump for entering the quarter-final of WC!

Result: Judd Trump 13-6 Martin Gould

Match 22 - Mark Allen v Barry Hawkins

Hawkins played solidly yesterday, leads Allen 5-3. He also opens the second session quite well, winning the first two frames to lead 7-3. In the 11th frame, Allen wins on the black, 4-7 behind Hawkins. Allen once again narrows the gap to two frames difference 5-7 before mid session. After mid session, he knocks a 79 and 114 to level the match, 7-7. Allen is on fired! Allen ends the session to lead 9-7 from 3-7 down.

Afternoon Session

Match 18 - Ali Carter v Graeme Dott

Pride of Scotland

The match tighted at 8-8 before last session starts. Carter wins the opening frame but Dotty wins the next three to lead 11-9 with 95, 93 before mid-interval. 

After mid-interval, Carter levels the match 11-11 with 78, 104. Dott shakes off Carter to lead 12-11 with 70. In the last frame, Carter was 52-20 up but great cleareance by Dott helps him to win the match, Dott wins on the final black and punches in the air to celebrity his victory! Every moment of this match was tight and full of tension. Congrats Dott to set up a clash against Judd Trump in QF! :-)

Result: Ali Carter 11-13 Graeme Dott

Match 23 - Ronnie O'Sullivan v Shaun Murphy

Handshake before the match

Fans maybe disappointed by performances of both players today. Murphy changes his game, adds a lot of safety try to tackle O'Sullivan. However it does not work. Ronnie takes the first three scrappy frames, leads 3-0. Murphy pulls one back at a very important moment, he is 1-3 behind O'Sullivan before mid-interval. O'Sullivan takes all three in a row after Murphy wins his second frame in the match. O'Sullivan leads Murphy 6-2 after the first session. Although O'Sullivan is not at his best, he still knocks 76, 75 and 86. Hopefully the standard of this match will be raised tomorrow :-)

Evening Session

Match 22 - Mark Allen v Barry Hawkins

No birthday gift for the man :-(

Allen completed a full comeback in the morning, leads Hawkins 9-7. Each of them wins two more frames before mid session, Allen still keeps a 11-9 lead over Hawkins. After the interval, Allen wins the bery important frame to lead 12-9, he is just one frame away from victory.

However, Hawkins pulls three in a row with 80, 97, 113  and force a decider. In the deciding frame, Allen attempts maximum break but he failed because of a kick on black, then misses a difficult red :-( Anyway Allen ends the thriller with 96. He meets Mark Williams in Quarter-Final! :-)

 Result: Mark Allen 13-12 Barry Hawkins

Match 20 - Stephen Hendry v Mark Selby

I feel so sorry for Stephen, only wins a frame and then loses all seven afterwards :-( Hendry wins the second frame with 114 after Selby knocks a 125... Selby is superb tonight, having breaks of 125, 108, 98, 129 and 51 to hold a 7-1 lead over Hendry. It is not a big suprise for Hendry fans because Hendry lost to Selby in the same round of WC last year... Can Stephen make a comeback?

Match Scedule for Day 8, Sunday April 24

Ding and Higgins will play today, as well as O'Sullivan & Murphy will continue their second session! Happy Easter Everyone :-) Enjoy your holiday and of course snooker! ;-)

10am

19. Ding Junhui v Stuart Bingham       (First Session)

24. Rory McLeod v John Higgins         (First Session)

2.30pm

20. Stephen Hendry v Mark Selby   (Second session, Selby leads 7-1)
                       23. Shaun Murphy v Ronnnie O'Sullivan (Second session, O'Sullivan leads 6-2)

                                     7pm

                                     19. Ding Junhui  v Stuart Bingham    (Second session)

                                      24. Rory McLeod v John Higgins       (Second session)

Round 2 result continously update in Drawsheet...

World Snooker Championship 2011 - Day 7 - Williams booked a seat in Quarter-Final

22.4.2011 Day 7

Morning Session

Match 21 - Mark Williams v Jamie Cope

Welsh Potting Machine v The Shotgun

Cope takes the opening frame with 96, he has a good start. In the tenth frame, Williams steals the frame. Cope should win the frame but a fluked red helps Williams to get this key frame. Williams holds a 11-2 lead before mid-session. After mid-session, Williams even enlarges his lead to 12-2 with 106, 109. He is only one frame away from victory. Cope secures to stay into the match by winning the last two frames of the session. Williams looks absolutely determinating through out the match. The match is dragged to the last session which will be played tonight. Mark Williams leads 12-4 against Jamie Cope.

Match 18 - Ali Carter v Graeme Dott

This session is very dramatic and entertainig. Carter leads Dott 3-1 before mid session. However after the mid session, the situation is turned over. Dotty wins four frames in a row with 111. Three frames out of four he won is on the final back. Carter is gutted to lose the three important frames, otherwise he will be in leads 6-2 after the first session. Graeme Dott holds a 5-3 lead over the Captain Ali Carter

Afternoon Session

Match 17 - Judd Trump v Martin Gould

Juddy enjoys a great lead

Haircut 100 leads Pinner Potter 5-3 before second session begins. Each of them has a good beginning. Trump hits a 108 in the second frame, 69 while Gould knocks 76, 72. Each of them takes two frames before interval. Trump leads 7-5. A great match so far with great breaks. Drama is going on in the 13th frame. Martin Gould should have won the frame but he left a chance for Trump to force a black respot. Once again Gould makes a mistake to leave black over left corner pocket and Trump pots it. Trump takes the big frame and extends his lead to three frames differences for the first time. 8-5. 61, 67, 84 put him forward to lead 11-5 over Martin Gould at the end of session. Judd Trump leads Martin Gould 11-5 and needs two more to enter quarter-final.

Match 22 - Mark Allen v Barry Hawkins

In the previous round, both players won in the decider. Allen's comeback to win 10-9 from 9-6 down is amazing. Hawkins's victory over Stephen Maguire is also brilliant. Allen and Hawkins go 2-2 before mid session. Hawkins steals the fifth frame from Allen, once again 3-2 ahead. Allen levels the match 3-3. Barry Hawkins takes the last two frames of the session, leads 5-3 against Mark Allen.

Evening Session

Match 21 - Mark Williams v Jamie Cope

It is expected a short session. In fact, Williams just used 17 minutes to beat Cope in this session. The 13-4 victory over Jamie Cope is great for Williams because he reaches the quarter final of World Championship for the first time since 2006. Mark Williams will play Barry Hawkins/Mark Allen in the quarter-final.

Result: Mark Williams 13-4 Jamie Cope

Match 18 - Ali Carter v Graeme Dott

It is the second session of their match. In the morning session, Graeme Dott took last four frames in a row and leads Carter 5-3. At the beginning, Dotty leads Carter 6-4 by winning a very tight frame. Carter then starts his fightback, levels the match with 86 before mid session. Back-to-back centuries for the Captain, 112 and 115 put him 8-6 ahead the Pocket Dynamo. Dott doesn not give up, pulls 66 and 70 to level the match under great pressure. It ends the mid session 8-8. Carter is much more improved. A great and enjoyable session.

Match Schedule of Day 8, Saturday April 23

10am

17. Judd Trump v Martin Gould  (Last Session, Trump leads 11-5)
22. Mark Allen  v Barry Hawkins (Second Session, Hawkins leads 5-3)

2.30pm

18. Graeme Dott  v Ali Carter               (Last Session, tighted at 8-8)
23. Shaun Murphy v Ronnie O'Sullivan  (First Session)

7pm

20. Stephen Hendry v Mark Selby (First Session)
22. Mark Allen v Barry Hawkins     (Last Session)

World Snooker Championship 2011 - Day 6 Selby is through

21.4.2011 Day 6

Afternoon Session

Match 8 - Mark Selby v Jimmy Robertson

Early graduation fot the debutant J. Robertson

Selby leads widely 8-1 after the first session. Selby gets a very great chance after Robertson miss a red. He hits a 107 to extend his lead to 9-1. In the second frame, some good safeties are from both players. Selby gets a very good chance by making a snooker in the last frame. Selby wins the match by 10-1. Mark Selby had a comfortable win, he meets Stephen Hendry in next round.

Result: Mark Selby 10-1 Jimmy Robertson

Match 21 - Mark Williams v Jamie Cope

It is the first Round 2 match to play today. Few chances for both players in the opening frame, but Williams takes the opening frame. Williams takes the second frame with 51.  Williams holds a 4-0 lead before mid-interval. After mid-session, Cope pulls one back 1-4 down on Williams. Williams trials 7-1 lead over Jamie Cope after the first session. Mark Williams is not at his best so far today, but I think Jamie Cope is too easy for him, always gives him big chances. It is a speedy session for snooker fans, only spent about two hours to complete eight frames! ;-)

Evening Session

Match 16 - John Higgins v Stephen Lee

Lee's new haircut didn't bring him luck

Higgins leads Lee 6-3 before the second session begins. Shortly after the first session begins, Higgins knocks a 124 to go 8-3 ahead. Lee then pulls two back along with 101. But Higgins ended the match with 74, 81 in the last two frames. Higgins wins the match 10-5, he meets Rory McLeod in the next round.

Result: John Higgins 10-5 Stephen Lee

Match 17 - Judd Trump v Martin Gould

Another Round 2 match to be played today. Both players won 10-8 over their opponents in the previous round. Trump takes the first three frames with 54, 92 but Gould pulls one back before the mid session. Gould levels the match 3-3 but Trump goes on to lead 5-3 at the end of first session.

Match Arrangement for Day 7 (22.4.2011)

Round 1 Match all over, All matches are Round 2

10am

18. Graeme Dott v Ali Carter
21. Mark Williams v Jamie Cope (Second Session, Williams leads Cope 7-1)

2.30pm

17. Judd Trump v Martin Gould  (Second Session, Trump leads Gould 5-3)
22. Mark Allen  v  Barry Hawkins

7pm

18. Graeme Dott v Ali Carter     (Second Session)
21. Mark Williams v Jamie Cope (Last Session)