PTC5 Day 5 - Higginson's Won First Pro Title Of 16-year Career

Well done to Andrew Higginson who won his first professional title in his 16-year career by beating John Higgins 4-1 in the final of PTC5.

Andrew Higginson won PTC5, his first pro title in 16-year career

The biggest achievements of Higginson before winning this PTC5 title would be back to 2007 - he reached the final of Welsh Open and knocking his first maximum break in the quarter-finals against Ali Carter. Higginson beaten Higgins, Maguire and indeed Carter on his road to final. However Higginson lost to Robertson 8-9 despite being 8-6 up. PTC5 is Higginson's first pro title in his 16-year career.

Higginson on Welsh Open 2007

The 33-year-old from Widnes said he is thrilled to bits: "Even though it's not one of the big ranking tournaments, there were 200 players in it including all the big names, so to be the last man standing is a great achievement. Especially to beat John, the World Champion and best all round player in the game, in the final. He wasn't at his best but I'll still take it.


Higginson was rewarded 2000 ranking points for the first prize as well as 10000 pounds. This puts his provisional ranking closer to the top 16. The next cut-off points which will be after PTC6 in Poland which held next week. Top 16 Players can be seeded to play the two of the biggest tournaments in the year, UK Championship and The Masters.


"Getting into the top 16 is one of my main goals," added Higginson. "There are six or seven other players fighting for it and I had to win this to give myself a chance. I'm in the mix now and we'll see how it goes next week. But if I don't make it this time then at least I'm getting close to it."

Runner-up John Higgins

Higginson defeated Higgins by 4-1 with 78 and 63 after ending thrilling run of Jack Lisowski in the semi-finals. Lisowski won four consecutive deciders to move to the semi-finals before losing 1-4 to Higginson. The runner-up Higgins convincingly defeated Ryan Day in last 16 and Neil Robertson in quarter-finals. The big victories will help to push Higgins play better in the coming tournaments.

PTC5 Results on Sunday, September 25

10am

Round four

113. Jack Lisowski 4-3 David Gilbert
114. Jamie Burnett 4-2 Anthony Hamilton
115. Joe Perry 2-4 Dave Harold
116. Ian McCulloch 0-4 Andrew Higginson
117. Li Yan 3-4 Neil Robertson
118. John Higgins 4-2 Ryan Day
119. Michael White 3-4 Barry Hawkins
120. Martin Gould 1-4 Michael Holt

Not before 1pm

Quarter-finals

121. Jack Lisowski 4-3 Jamie Burnett
122. Dave Harold 2-4 Andrew Higginson
123. Neil Robertson 1-4 John Higgins
124. Barry Hawkins 4-2 Michael Holt

Not before 4pm

Semi-

125. Jack Lisowski 1-4 Andrew Higginson
126. John Higgins 4-1 Barry Hawkins

Finals

Not before 7pm

127. John Higgins 1-4 Andrew Higginson

PTC5 Day 4 - Higgins and Robertson Proceeded to Last 16

Finally we have a few Top 16 memebers proceeded today to the Last 16 of PTC5 in Sheffield.

Neil Robertson

Neil Robertson had a great day today after his victory over Ding Junhui on Thursday night on the week 3 of Premier League. Robertson started off the day with whitewashing Eden Sharv before facing the real challenge from Aditya Metha. Metha beaten Ali Carter 4-0 to set up a meeting with Robertson.  Metha threatened Robertson on his way to last 32 and Robertson eventually saw him off in the decider. Robertson defeated Scott Mackenzie 4-2 to proceed. Robertson is facing the Chinese Boy Li Yan who saw off Judd Trump 4-1 in last 16.

John Higgins v Ryan Day on Sunday morning

Higgins had an easy to win and made last 16 by three comfortable wins, 4-0 over David Grace in first round, 4-2 over Michael Wasley in the second and his fellow countryman Alan McManus 4-1 in the last 32. Higgins will have an interesting clash with Ryan Day in last 16, who beaten Kyren Wilison and Kurt Maflin previously.

Michael White on PTC4 in Germany

Legends Steve Davis and Jimmy White both could not go further to last 16. They were stopped by Michael Holt and Martin Gould respectively. Michael White and Barry Hawkins were last two men who are through at about 2am. M. White had an impressive victory over Shaun Murphy on the last PTC4 in Germany. Hope he will continue his good run on Sunday.

Last 16 line-up:
Jack Lisowski v David Gilbert
Jamie Burnett v Anthony Hamilton
Joe Perry v Dave Harold
Ian Mcculloch v Andrew Higginson
Li Yan v Neil Robertson
John Higgins v Ryan Day
Michael White v Barry Hawkins
Martin Gould v Michael Holt

Results of PTC5, Saturday September 24

Round one

9am

33. Judd Trump 4-2 Marco Fu
34. Mark King 4-1 Adrian Gunnell
35. Tony Drago 1-4 Liu Chuang
36. Li Yan 4-0 Kacper Filipiak
45. Mark Allen 4-3 Tian Pengfei
46. Rory McLeod 2-4 Rod Lawler
47. Matthew Stevens 1-4 Kyren Wilson
48. Ryan Day 4-0 Kurt Maflin

Not before 11am

37. Craig Steadman 2-4 Scott MacKenzie
38. Dominic Dale 3-4 Joe Swail
39. Ali Carter 0-4 Aditya Mehta
40. Neil Robertson 4-0 Eden Sharav
49. Michael White 4-3 John Sutton
50. Anthony McGill 4-1 James McGouran
51. Dechewat Poomjaeng 4-3 Daniel Wells
52. Sam Baird 4-3 Zhang Anda

Not before 1pm

41. John Higgins 4-0 David Grace
42. Ken Doherty 2-4 Michael Wasley
43. Liam Highfield 3-4 Mitchell Travis
44. Alan McManus 4-2 Alfie Burden
57. Jimmy White 4-2 Andrew Pagett
58. Jamie Jones 2-4 Matthew Couch
59. Luca Brecel 4-1 Mitchell Mann
60. Martin Gould 4-2 Ashley Wright

Not before 3pm

53. Fergal O'Brien 4-1 Allan Taylor
54. Stuart Bingham 4-0 Stuart Carrington
55. Barry Hawkins 4-1 Douglas Hogan
56. Matthew Selt 3-4 Liang Wenbo
61. Steve Davis 4-1 Sean O'Sullivan
62. Adam Duffy 4-3 David Morris
63. Michael Holt 4-1 Christopher Keogan
64. Mark Selby 2-4 Rob Milkins

Not before 5pm

Round two

81. Judd Trump 4-1 Mark King
82. Liu Chuang 3-4 Li Yan
83. Scott MacKenzie 4-1 Joe Swail
84. Aditya Mehta 3-4 Neil Robertson
85. John Higgins 4-2 Michael Wasley
86. Mitchell Travis 0-4 Alan McManus
87. Mark Allen 2-4 Rod Lawler 
88. Kyren Wilson 1-4 Ryan Day

Not before 7pm

89. Michael White 4-2 Anthony McGill
90. Dechawat Poomjaeng 4-2 Sam Baird
91. Fergal O'Brien 1-4 Stuart Bingham
92. Barry Hawkins 4-2 Liang Wenbo
93. Jimmy White 4-3 Matt Couch
94. Luca Brecel 1-4 Martin Gould
95. Steve Davis 4-0 Adam Duffy
96. Michael Holt 4-2 Robert Milkins

Not before 9pm

Round three

105. Judd Trump 1-4 Li Yan
106. Scott Mackenzie 2-4 Neil Robertson
107. John Higgins 4-1 Alan McManus
108. Rod Lawler 0-4 Ryan Day
109. Michael White 4-1 Dechawat Poomjaeng
110. Stuart Bingham 3-4 Barry Hawkins
111. Jimmy White 0-4 Martin Gould

112. Steve Davis 1-4 Michael Holt

PTC5 Day 3 - None of Top 16 players Survived Today

Day 3 of PTC5 (Main Rounds) started officially today. However none of the top16 players survived in the last 32 today.

Williams was edged out by O'Sullivan 

Pick of the first round match between Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Williams and the winner was Ronnie. Ronnie won comfortably 4-1 over Williams but he lost to Peter Lines in the next round. Jack Lisowski helped Ronnie for the revenge to beat Lines 4-3 to seal a place of last 16 on Sunday.

Ding Junhui and Shaun Murphy on their PL match on Thursday night

Ding Junhui and Shaun Murphy needed to play in the morning right after playing Premier League in Mortherwell on Thursday night. Ding and Murphy won their first round matches in the deciders but lost to David Gilbert in last 64 and Anthony Hamilton in last 32. Gilbert and Hamilton are through to last 16.

Stephen Maguire and Peter Ebdon was another interesting match but Ebdon won 4-0. Maguire looked in a bad mood in the match. He conceded last frame and the match while there were eight reds on the table. I am not sure if he will be penalised.

Jamie Burnett, Joe Perry, Dave Harold, Ian Mcculloch and Andrew Higginson are the men who are through to last 16 on Sunday.

Results of PTC5, Friday September 23

Round One (last 128)

9am

6. David Gilbert 4-1 Mike Hallett
7. Sam Craigie 4-1 Cao Yupeng
8. James Wattana 2-4 Ian Burns
17. Joe Perry 4-0 Kishan Hirani
18. Stephen Maguire 2-4 Peter Ebdon
19. Mike Dunn 3-4 Gerard Greene
20. Ricky Walden 4-0 Duane Jones

Not before 11am

5. Ding Junhui 4-3 David Gray
9. Passakorn Suwannawat 4-3 Paul Davison
10. Robbie Williams w/o Lucky Vatnani
11. Jamie Cope 0-4 Antony Parsons
12. Jamie Burnett 4-1 Martin O'Donnell
13. Mark Joyce 1-4 Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon
14. Gary Wilson 3-4 Shaun Murphy
15. Simon Bedford 4-3 Barry Pinches
16. Stephen Hendry 3-4 Anthony Hamilton

Not before 1pm

1. Ronnie O'Sullivan 4-1 Mark Williams
2. Peter Lines 4-1 Sam Harvey
3. Andy Hicks 2-4 Jack Lisowski
4. Mark Davis 0-4 Andrew Norman
29. Xiao Guodong 4-1 Rob James
30. Andrew Higginson 4-0 Joe Meara
31. Ben Woollaston 4-0 Patrick Wallace
32. Yu Delu 2-4 Liu Song

Not before 3pm

21. Graeme Dott 4-0 Stephen Craigie
22. Joe Jogia w/o Robin Hull
23. Dave Harold 4-3 Chris Norbury
24. Stephen Lee 4-1 Adam Wicheard
25. Marcus Campbell 1-4 Ian McCulloch
26. Nigel Bond 4-0 Les Dodd
27. Tom Ford 4-2 David Hogan
28. Jimmy Robertson 4-2 Jak Jones

Not before 5pm

Round two

65. Ronnie O'Sullivan 2-4 Peter Lines
66. Jack Lisowski 4-3 Andrew Norman
67. Ding Junhui 3-4 David Gilbert
68. Sam Craigie 1-4 Ian Burns
69. Passakorn Suwannawat 3-4 Robbie Williams
70. Antony Parsons 0-4 Jamie Burnett
73. Joe Perry 4-0 Peter Ebdon
74. Gerard Greene 1-4 Ricky Walden

Not before 7pm

71. Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon 3-4 Shaun Murphy

72. Simon Bedford 0-4 Anthony Hamilton
75. Graeme Dott 4-3 Joe Jogia
76. Dave Harold 4-3 Stephen Lee
77. Ian McCulloch 4-1 Nigel Bond
78. Tom Ford 4-3 Jimmy Robertson
79. Xiao Guodong 0-4 Andrew Higginson
80. Ben Woollaston 4-0 Liu Song

Not before 9pm

Round 3

97. Peter Lines 3-4 Jack Lisowski
98. David Gilbert 4-1 Ian Burns
99. Robbie Williams 2-4 Jamie Burnett
100. Shaun Murphy 2-4 Anthony Hamilton
101. Joe Perry 4-3 Ricky Walden
102. Graeme Dott 0-4 Dave Harold
103. Ian Mcculloch 4-2 Tom Ford
104. Andrew Higginson 4-1 Ben Wollaston

Brazil Masters 2011 Day 4 - Murphy Won First Ever Brazil Masters

Shaun Murphy had written his name on history of snooker development in South America as he won the first Brazil Masters title by beating Graeme Dott 5-0.

Shaun Murphy won Brazil Masters 2011

Shaun Murphy won the title convincingly. Murphy defeated Stephen Hendry in the semi-finals earlier the day by 5-1. Hendry played well in the tournament because his victory over Ali Carter in quarter-finals boosted his confidence. Hendry took the opening frame with 84 before Murphy made 111 in the following frame. Murphy was holding a 3-1 lead over Hendry before mid session. 

Hendry missed a chance to win his first title in 5 years

Murphy got the match point 4-1 by winning the scrappy fifth frame. Vigor of Hendry was gone afterwards and Murphy booked his place in final with 64 in the final frame. It is a pity for Hendry missing the chance to win a title in 5 years. He will be able to find back his confidence and the winning form to help him maintain a better performance in ranking events if he wins it. The next ranking event will be UK Championship in December. If Hendry wants to be seeded in World Championship, he must grab the points to get back to top16 again.

Graeme Dott

Runner-up Graeme Dott came through from 5-2 win over Peter Ebdon in the semis but he lost 0-5 to Murphy in the final. Dotty was somehow playing poorly in both matches. His highest break today was 38 but still managed to capture a final place.


The final started with 81 from Murphy to lead 1-0. Dott missed the final red as well as a good chance to level 1-1. This frame locked his defeat in the final. Murphy took 4-0 advantage with 79 and 52 to go 4-0 up on Dott. Murphy just required one more to win the title. The mid session did not cool down Murphy. Murphy made 139 in the last frame of the tournament to break the highest break record holding by Igor Fugueiredo (114). 


Shaun Murphy pocketed US $40000 and $2000 for the highest break while Graeme Dott won $20000. Murphy is extremely satisfied with his performance today: "I got better with each match through the tournament, and played my best in the final," "This is a great time for snooker and it's very exciting to be part of it, with so many new formats and new locations." 

Brazil Masters Trophy - Does it look alike to Wembley Masters One? :-)

I am happy to see the first ever professional snooker tournament held in South America although it is not a ranking one. I love the Brazilian fans. They are polite and enthusiastic. I would not describe Brazil Masters is a big success but the development is forging. The promoters may need to work on the marketing of the event. There were not too much audience in the venue despite of the day for the final.  Brazil Masters has room to improve as it is the first year to be held. 


Now every player escpecially the top 16 players have a busy scheulde like Murphy. We have weekly tournament in Septemeber - Shanghai last week, invitational Brazil and 2 PTCs next weeks. Additionally Murphy is playing on the week 3 of Premier League this Thursday against Ding Junhui. You can see how busy the professionals are, flying from one place to another. Indeed it is duty of players. :-) Good luck to Big Shaun.

Click here for Brazil Masters 2011 Results

Brazil Masters 2011 Day 3 - Four World Champions Reunion in Semi-Finals

Time flies and we are at the quarter-final stage of Brazil Masters today! Four World Champions will join hands to have reunion in semi-finals :-)

Ebdon ended Selby's run in Brazil

The first one we have is Peter Ebdon. Ebdon ended Selby's run in Brazil by 4-3. The two players did not play that well at the beginning, especially Selby did not show what type of snooker he had played in Shanghai last week. Selby came back from 1-3 behind again to force a decider but this time he did not win it. Selby was 41-3 up in the decider but Ebdon caught a mistake to make break of 70 to edge out Selby.

The Pocket Dynamo

Second quarter-finals was set between Graeme Dott and Igor Fugueiredo. Fugueiredo beaten Jamie Cope in the previous round which boosted his confidence. Fugueiredo held a 2-1 lead over Dott but Dott came from behind to win 4-2 with 79 and 77. The Scotsman will face Ebdon in the semi-finals.

In the lower quarter of draw, Shaun Murphy defeated Ricky Walden 4-1. Murphy took the scrappy first frame with 32 and 35 before Walden levelled 1-1 with 73. Murphy won the following three frames with runs of 67, 54, 47 to lock his place in semi-finals.

Come on Stephen

Stephen Hendry was the last man enter the semi-finals with a very fine whitewash over Ali Carter. The seven-times world champion saw off Carter with 78. His opponent only got 35 points over the four frames. Very well done Hendry. He was interviewed and said: Not at my best, but good enough to win. I wish he can win the tournament to find back his top form and indeed confidence :-)

Click here for Brazil Masters 2011 Draw/Results, Format & TV/Match Schedule

Brazil Masters 2011 Day 2 - Hendry Made Quarter-Finals with Missed Maximum

At the end of Day 2 of Brazil Masters, complete quarter-finals would be revealed. Unfortuantely no wildcard made to quarter-finals today.

Hendry missed Maximum in Brazil

World Rankings of Stephen Hendry dropped out of Top 16 for the first time in 23 years due to his struggle in recent seasons and his first round defeat in Shanghai Masters last week. Hendry won 4-1 his first round match in Brazil against Brazilian wildcard Noel Rodrigues. Rodrigues took the opening frame with 44 but he did not win any more frame afterwards. Hendry took four frames in a row to victory 4-1 with 60, 54 and missed maximum in the last frame. 

Hendry missed the 15th black for 147

Hendry attempted 147 in the fifth frame but only finished on the 15th red. The cueball ran out of position when he was trying pot the 15th black. He cut it too thin and the break ended at 113. Hendry missed the chance to share the record with Ronnie O'Sullivan, who made his eleventh 147 on PTC4 last month.

The Nugget

Ali Carter saw off Legend Steve Davis 4-2 with 70 and 65. It is a shame that we are not able to see a match between Hendry and Davis in the quarter-finals but Hendry v Carter is still a good match.


Shaun Murphy whitwashed Sobradinho de Dues with breaks of 81, 72 and 49. Ricky Walden set up a clash with Murphy as he moved to quarter-finals by beating Gould 4-1 with 52 and 51. 

Click here for Brazil Masters 2011 Draw/Results, Format & TV/Match Schedule

Brazil Masters 2011 Day 1 - Selby Recovered to Beat Bingham

Day 1 of the first ever Brazil Masters - I am not surprised by the poor size of the crowd due to the absence of top players like O'Sullivan, Williams, Higgins and Trump.

The New World Number 1 continued his good run

Bingham was not lucky

The tournament opened with Mark Selby versus Stuart Bingham - competition between the last two ranking winners. Bingham won the first two frames to lead 2-0 before Selby managed to recover with 82 to lead 3-2. Bingham levelled 3-3 to force a decider. However, Selby was still the eventual winner of the match. He won the decider with 41 and 31. What a comeback from the new world number 1. Bingham wrote on Twitter: What a wally! That what happens when you dont take your chances against the worlds best! Great to be invited, would've been nice winning though! 

It was an exciting match but shame that many seats were empty. There was an issue that once worried the players - the match table finished set up just a few hours before the first match Selby v Bingham was up. The players were panic about they would have no where to play on. The problem was solved fortunately.

Selby v Bingham match was filled by empty seats :-(

I am not sure if Selby's next match will be welcomed by the fans. Because The Jester is going to play Peter Ebdon who saw off Stephen Lee 4-1 with 41 and 31.

Figueiredo impressed the crowd

The crowd was better when their local man Igor Figueiredo was playing. And the Brazilian did not disappoint the crowds. Igor Figueiredo beaten Jamie Cope 4-2. Fugueiredo lead 2-0 up with 56 and 41 before Cope pull one back. Fugueiredo made 74 to lead 3-1 before Cope won one more. Fugueiredo ended the match with beautiful 114 to win 4-2. Great win for Igor the only pro player from Brazil. I would love to see him going back to play in England next season with sponsor.

Graeme Dott was the last match winner in the first day of Brazil Masters. Dott took the victory 4-1 over Mark Davis with 73. Dott will play Igor Fugueiredo in the quarter-finals.

Click here for Brazil Masters 2011 Draw/Results, Format & TV/Match Schedule

Brazil Masters 2011 Draw/Results, Format & TV/Match Schedule

Brazil Masters 2011: (15-18 September, Costão do Santinho resort, Santa Catarina)

Defending Champion: N/A

Champion: Shaun Murphy (Beaten Graeme Dott 5-0 in the final)

LIVE SCORES

Blog entries:

• Day 1 - Selby Recovered to Beat Bingham

• Day 2 - Hendry Made Quarter-Finals with Missed Maximum

• Day 3 - Four World Champions Reunion in Semi-Finals

• Day 4 - Murphy Won First Ever Brazil Masters

Draw/Results:

Last 16	Quarter-Finals	Semi-Finals	Final
Mark Selby 4-3  Stuart Bingham	Mark Selby 3-4  Peter Ebdon	Peter Ebdon 2-5 Graeme Dott	Graeme Dott 0-5 Shaun Murphy
Peter Ebdon 4-1   Stephen Lee
Jamie Cope 2-4  Igor Figueriedo	Igor Figueriedo 2-4 Graeme Dott
Graeme Dott 4-1 Mark Davis
Shaun Murphy 4-0 Sobradinho de Dues	Shaun Murphy 4-1 Ricky Walden	Shaun Murphy 5-1 Stephen Hendry
Martin Gould 1-4   Ricky Walden
Stephen Hendry 4-1 Noel Rodrigues	Stephen Hendry 4-0 Ali Carter
Ali Carter 4-2  Steve Davis

Match Schedule/Order of play:

NOTE: All Time are corrected to BST (CET: BST +1)

Thursday, September 15

6pm: Mark Selby 4-3 Stuart Bingham

8pm: Peter Ebdon 4-1 Stephen Lee

Friday, September 16

12am: Jamie Cope 2-4 Igor Figueiredo

2am: Graeme Dott 4-1 Mark Davis

6pm: Shaun Murphy 4-0 Sobradinho de Dues

8pm: Martin Gould 1-4 Ricky Walden

Saturday, September 17

12am: Stephen Hendry 4-1 Noel Rodrigues

2am: Ali Carter 4-2 Steve Davis

4pm: QF1 - Mark Selby 3-4 Peter Ebdon

7.30pm: QF2 - Igor Fugueiredo 2-4 Graeme Dott 

11.30pm: QF3 - Shaun Murphy 4-1 Ricky Walden

Sunday, September 18

1.30am: QF4 - Stephen Hendry 4-0 Ali Carter

2pm: SF1 - Peter Ebdon 2-5 Graeme Dott

6pm: SF2 - Shaun Murphy 5-1 Stephen Hendry

11.30pm: Final - Graeme Dott 0-5 Shaun Murphy

Format: 

Last 16 and QFs: Best of 7 (NO Intervals)
Semi-Finals and Final: Best of 9

TV Schedule: 

British Eurosport

Thursday, 15 September


1800-2000 LIVE on British Eurosport 2
2000-2300 LIVE on British Eurosport

Friday, 16 September 

1900-2300 LIVE on British Eurosport 2

Saturday, 17 September 


1615-2000 LIVE quarter-finals on British Eurosport

Sunday, 18 September 


1800-2100 LIVE semi-finals on British Eurosport

Monday, 19 September


1045-1230 Final on British Eurosport 

Eurosport International (times in CET)

Thursday, 15 September

1900-2100 LIVE on Eurosport 2
2100-0000 LIVE on Eurosport International

Friday, 16 September

1900-2000 LIVE on Eurosport 2
2000-0000 LIVE on Eurosport International

Saturday, 17 September

1600-2100 LIVE quarter-finals on Eurosport International

Sunday, 18 September

1130-1230 Quarter-finals on Eurosport International
1500-1800 LIVE semi-finals on Eurosport International
1900-2200 LIVE semi-finals on Eurosport International

Monday, 19 September

1145-1330 Final on Eurosport International

Additional live coverage and VOD available online via Eurosport Player: www.eurosportplayer.co.uk