Well it just gets better and better for Stephen Lee, who today contests his fourth world ranking event semi-final from the last five tournaments.
That silky smooth cue action everyone raves about was again in evidence yesterday as he made two successive centuries to hit back from 2-0 down to Judd Trump and level at 2-2.
Tension came into the match thereafter and mistakes were made, but Lee eventually finished off his 5-3 win with a 96.
His turnaround in fortunes is remarkable and he has been the best player of 2012 thus far. Lee didn't forget how to play snooker. All he needed were more opportunities and confidence, both of which he now has in great abundance.
Stephen Maguire pulled off the narrowest possible victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan, 5-4 on a re-spotted black, which he fluked by missing the double and landing the treble.
O'Sullivan took it better than most but must have been disappointed to have missed his own golden chance to win the match, when he lost ideal position from blue to last red and failed to pot it.
Ding Junhui, to the delight of course of his home fans, reached the semi-finals with a 5-2 win over Ali Carter.
Ding turns 25 tomorrow. A second China Open title would be an ideal way to celebrate but he first has to contend with the brutally methodical Peter Ebdon, whose powers of focus and determination were in full display during his 5-3 win over Neil Robertson.
This was not a pretty match to watch. Robertson failed to make the most of his chances and Ebdon gradually wore him down.
The game's hard men deserve special recognition. Top level sport is supposed to be about driving yourself on, pushing your barriers, bettering yourself and achieving excellence. It's about refusing to give up.
So even though Ebdon's playing style may not be to everyone's taste he should at least receive credit for the immense effort he puts in.
Consider his last three victims: Matthew Stevens, John Higgins and Neil Robertson.
Not a bad hat-trick of wins.
15 comments:
Stephen Lee is obviously making the most of his opportunities, but it brings its own curse really. If he's this good at 37 with regular play, then surely he would have been a serious world title contender—not that he wasn't, but you know what I mean—in the first half of the decade given the same opportunities. He's finally realising his full potential, but he must be wonder if it has come too late for him to land one of the big titles.
Dave with the Q School deadline before the world championship what happens if you finish outside of the top 64? Are players who drop off still allowed to enter?
Yes the deadline doesn't apply to them
You say that Stephen Lee has been the player of the 2012 thus far, but this is just an opinion not a fact. Ronnie has also done well in 2012, considering he hasn't played as many tournaments as Lee this year, IMO Ronnie has been the better player thus far. I would certainly fancy Ronnie to go further than Lee in the World Championship and I believe most bookies would agree.
What rubbish
You can't really like Ebdon but it will be a sad day when he does retire.
He provides a different kind of dimension to matches.
LOL, we all know it's you Jamie! But no it's not just an opinion, it's an observation and the ranking points accumulated from this year so far bear it out. The only player that is possibly misrepresented is Neil Robertson who won the Masters.
Jamie I've always been a huge fan of Ebdon from the early days.
Ding has blown a golden opportunity to win in China. woolaston, a bye, carter, ebdon, and mcguire in the final. He couldnt have had an easier run to a title
I have also liked Ebdon from the start, still do today .. To quote Peter himself: "Come on!"
Lee has been one of the players of the season thusfar, but to say he has a serious chance at the Worlds .. I doubt it. Trump, Selby or Robertson more likely.
Anonymous said...
You say that Stephen Lee has been the player of the 2012 thus far, but this is just an opinion not a fact. Ronnie has also done well in 2012, considering he hasn't played as many tournaments as Lee this year, IMO Ronnie has been the better player thus far. I would certainly fancy Ronnie to go further than Lee in the World Championship and I believe most bookies would agree.
10:28 AM
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what a pile of poo, that is
your facts are wrong because ronnie WOULD have been better IF hed played more.
his facts are correct.
shame on you, ronnie police!
jamie brannon said...
You can't really like Ebdon but it will be a sad day when he does retire.
He provides a different kind of dimension to matches.
1:51 PM
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ive know peter for the best part of 20 years.
hes not everyones cup of team, but just because you dont like him doesnt mean other people CANT.
stop being so narrow minded. the world doesnt revolve around you are your opinions.
peter is a great player. his record is much better than 99.9999% of people who play this sport.
hes a very nice guy too!
unlike some!!!
Anonymous said...
Ding has blown a golden opportunity to win in China. woolaston, a bye, carter, ebdon, and mcguire in the final. He couldnt have had an easier run to a title
8:01 PM
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actually, he could have, but thanks for your 'input'.
I admit using the word can't was misplaced, I should have said it is hard to like him, but my admiration for him has never wavered.
I actually echo what Dave says about Ebdon being needed to provide a clash of styles. My worry is that in ten years time we will have a one-dimensional sport.
Ebdon is an eccentric, but I'm not sure he is that nice a guy. Clive Everton and Matthew Syed certainly wouldn't echo those sentiments.
well, thats different to what you said.
so, now youve changed your mind, ill agree,
ive met peter and clive several times. peter is a fantastic human being!
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