10.9.11

ON YOUR MARKS (AND NEIL)

Mark King hasn’t appeared in a ranking tournament semi-final since the 2006 Grand Prix but his dogged, determined style has paid dividends at the Shanghai Masters this week.

He kept his head yesterday while Anthony Hamilton lost his, clashing with a TV cameramen as King beat him 5-2.

It’s seven years since King reached his second ranking event final at the 2004 Irish Masters, which was seven years after his first at the 1997 Welsh Open.

He has beaten his opponent today, Mark Selby, at the 2008 World Championship and in last season’s Masters.

Selby will start favourite but like all the players this week has been affected by the sticky conditions that has made fluency difficult.

Nevertheless, his recovery from 4-2 down to Shaun Murphy yesterday was a trademark demonstration of his poise under pressure, growing stronger as the pressure came on and finishing off with a century.

Neil Robertson looked really up for his match with John Higgins and the Australian impressed with his general attitude and performance.

Higgins was loose, though, and his safety game wasn’t as strong as normal. China, for whatever reason, just doesn’t seem to inspire him.

Mark Williams has coasted through for the loss of only one frame but is yet to be put under any real pressure.

Robertson will do that for sure, but Williams has plenty left in the tank.

5 comments:

jim mc ilhemmon said...

have been watching all the asia and australia tournaments. so well done to eurosport for finally showing one of the finals LIVE. wot time of day will Brazilian tournament be broadcast at?

Dave H said...

They are, I believe, four hours behind so it'll be late afternoon/evening

By the way, the Australian Open final was shown live on Eurosport

jamie brannon said...

The coverage seems to be airing in the 8pm-11pm slot (approx) on the first two days at least.

Despite the absentees it remains a strong field where Mark Selby already looking a good order to win it.

Partly because Selby gives every event he enters maximum respect.

Anonymous said...

....unlike your favourite player jamie. he treats everyone as 2nd class.

the final has been excellent so far. both players are class and great value to watch.

Dave H said...

Problem is that it's the 21st and final stage of the Vuelta, which is a huge event