First Round: Mark Selby v Mark Williams Masters Snooker

HAZEL IRVINE: Good afternoon, three days, three deciders, that is what

this Dafabet has produced at Alexandra Palace. It has been a

fantastic tournament to date, with thrilling afternoon drama and

compelling theatre in the evening as well.

Here are the stats, 15 centuries have been made in only six matches

so far. Five of them in that memorable showpiece yesterday when

Judd Trump fell to a very cool and classy Marco Fu.

It seemed like he hit that harder than he needed.

A massive steel, so much more than the last frame.

That's 3-0. Possibly tempted with the double

here. What a shot that is.

Judd Trump will be sitting in his chair thinking that Marco Fu's away

with this. What another cracking frame of

snooker. He is only one behind now, 4-3.

Well, there's a bit of naughty snooker from Judd Trump, a beautiful

century break. What a fabulous response. It's 5-4.

He's missed it. He missed everything in that.

Kick, and he has still got the pot. What a way that would have been to

have lost a match in the Masters. Where's the red going? Wow... what a

fluke that is. It just doesn't get any better than

this. Absolutely brilliant from Marco Fu.

Both players at the top of their form, one has made two century

breaks, the other has made three. They are getting a standing ovation,

and don't they deserve it. He is going for the black. Oh! What

a good pot that was. Another solid pot from the

Australian. Didn't he strike that well.

Pretty impressive display, this, tonight from Robertson. A brick of a

century here. It's there and there is no way back

now for Ali Carter. What a great match and what a performer, Neil

Robertson is absolutely delighted, and has booked a date in the

quarterfinal. HAZEL IRVINE: A watchable

quarterfinal draw is shaping up. Ronnie O'Sullivan is safely through,

only just. He will now play Neil Robertson, who defeated Ali Carter

last night. It might have been Judd Trump against John Higgins, that

Marco Fu won the day against Judd Trump, and he will play Mark Allen.

Joe Perry is through to his second quarterfinal, taking on Ding Junhui,

who finally won a game at Ally Pally. And we will sort this out,

Shaun Murphy against Barry Hawkins this evening. This afternoon, it is

Mark Selby against Mark Williams. Everyone is still abuzz with that

match yesterday featuring Marco Fu and Judd Trump. Five centuries,

eight 100 school breaks. Marco Fu is now playing the best snooker of his

career. I think he is. He has reinvented himself. It was not

unfair to call him a journeyman, but now he is a winning machine. It

looks like he has got a leaf will stop I know another man with great

belief, Mark Selby. He has been world number one, at the

top of the rankings, for 100 weeks, almost two years. In some respects,

does he remind you of a certain someone like Steve Davis? You were

the Rumford robot, the winning machine. You were teased and derided

about that, do you see a resemblance in that regard? I think so.

He is a great match player. There is nothing he does wrong in the game.

He does great interviews, he turns up when he needs to do. He is a

winning machine, but there is always an element of people that watch that

don't want to see that relentless winner. They prefer to see the

vulnerable entertainer. But long-term, I think people come

around to valuing his commodity, and also liking the person.

So by the end of his reign, I think he will be much more liked than at

the moment. It is interesting. You talk about popularity contests,

you never saw it like that, yet you won one. You have the most top three

nominations of anybody in sports personality of the year. Is that a

career path for him outside snooker somehow?

I think it will be in the end. People accept gestures of champions,

and great triers. But the most important thing is, true snooker

fans like Mark Selby. The people that I don't care about are the ones

that don't like Mark Selby. They only like certain types of players.

The proper snooker fan likes all types of snooker players and what

they bring to the table. We will be watching this match with

tap in Steve Davis. You are one of the few people that have won all

three majors, the triple Crown, the World Championship, the Masters and

the UK Silver Vase. And held all three simultaneously. It is a

difficult thing to do. Mark Selby can complete a Selby Slam if he wins

the trophy this week. He would join this group of players. Only Steve

Davis and Stephen Hendry have done it twice, together with John Higgins

and Mark Williams, owning all three at the same time. Now, that is a

club. To win the triple Crown, I think, is

a fantastic feeling of satisfaction that you have truly dominated. But

the type of person that is likely to win the Triple Crown is the type of

player that has a relentlessness to their game.

In order, I would place the World Championship first, then the

Masters, then the UK. If I went through a season without winning any

of them, it would be a huge disappointment, it even if I won

three or four others. Those are the three that you'd grow up watching on

TV, and you associate with being the best player in the world.

Very few players have done it, Ronnie has not done it, amazingly,

and such a great player he is. It must be difficult if someone like

Ronnie O'Sullivan has never done it, and there are only four players that

have ever done it. It tells you how hard it is.

It lends itself to a John Higgins style player that day in, day out,

plays a bread winning game under all conditions. But as they go through a

tournament, can move through the gears as well. That is the vein that

Mark Selby is in. Coming here, knowing that I am in a

chance to join that elite group that you mentioned to hold all three

titles at the same time, it is going to be tough.

If anybody could do it and make it look not easy, but look like he was

in control, Mark Selby is the animal, the ultimate animal. The

predator. HAZEL IRVINE: Only four men have so

far done it. Steve Davis, what does it feel like to have these beautiful

things in your possession? Your own personal trophy cabinet at one time?

You have all the keys to the sweet box, you are a superhero and you

have an invincibility shield around you that lasts a bit longer for the

rest of the season. And perhaps the season after that.

Is it even harder to achieve now than it was in your day? It is 14

years since this was actually done? I think I would have to say it must

be. To do it it's hard enough. To always be on your best form, or good

enough form to get through all of the matches that you had to play

even on a bad day, is tough. But when you look at the standard of

players you come up against now, it is harder than it has ever been,

definitely. The irony is, the last man to do it,

Mark Williams, is the man that Mark Selby is playing today. It is worth

reminding you of Mark Williams's incredible invincibility back then.

He reigned supreme, 2002- 03 season in particular.

He had the code to winning matches back then. He had the formula for

getting over the line, the tightrope walk of brinkmanship with Mark,

potting pressure balls to get out of trouble. The trouble is, that bubble

at some stage bursts, and it is tough to get it back. Mark Williams

is somebody that is a potential banana skin for any player in the

game, because he is a great match player.

Let's look at the head-to-head series between the two, it is

interesting. Williams, making his 19th appearance at the Masters, he

comes with a stronger record. Selby won their most recent contest at the

Welsh last year. This is the first time they have met in a major for

four years. So John Parrott, pick the bones out of all of that. I

would do, but I don't have too. I have commentators in my midst.

Stephen, I know you don't like saying nice things about Mark

Williams, but it is his credit that he is in the last 16.

He is still winning matches, but if you look at the Golden generation,

Higgins and O'Sullivan are still winning. Mark it on. I worry if he

has given up on winning. When I speak to him, he says he does not

care if he wins or loses, he turned up, he likes his life, he doesn't

bother. That is a worrying attitude for me, but that is the way he is.

How important is it for him to school today? It is tough to play

Mark Selby. You had to compete in all departments. -- score. You don't

get many chances. If there is a weakness, he hasn't scored heavily

enough. He is up against somebody that is

brilliant with ring craft in Mark Selby, but Mark Williams's own ring

craft has given him bob runs in the past.

It would give any player problems. But Mark Selby is on a high. He is

number one in the world. -- problems. Saying about the Grand

Slam, he has the pressure of that. Maybe that could work to Mark

Williams's advantage, to keep the pressure on.

But I think Mark Selby at the moment is head and shoulders. He is

confident and everything else. He has an unerring habit of winning

not at his best, and that is a fantastic thing to have in your

armour. You could say the same thing about

Mark Williams at his best. I agree with Stephen, Mark Williams is

reinventing himself, but he needs a bit of silverware, or you lose the

will to play, if you like. Looking forward to listening to you

this afternoon. More of the same from these players, please. It has

been a fantastic week. Rob Walker, take it away.

Today, we complete the line-up for the quarterfinals of this year 's

Dafabet Masters, which so far has been a brilliant tournament. Now to

a match to be two men that have lifted this title five times between

them. Could be a lot of fun here this afternoon at Alexandra Palace.

Please welcome a player who first appeared at the Masters 22 years

ago, twice a winner of this once, twice a world champion stop he

jokingly refers to himself as the Welsh Has Been, but we know there is

a touch of magic or two left in the cue, please welcome Mark Williams.

And his opponent, a player of immense composure on the big

occasion, five times a Masters finalist, three times a champion. He

has just passed his 100th consecutive week as well number one.

Reigning UK champion, reigning world champion, he's The Jester From

Leicester hummer Mark Selby. HAZEL IRVINE: Here we go, Steve and

John, all yours. JOHN VIRGO: Thank you, Hazel, good

afternoon, everybody. This could be a very interesting match.

REFEREE: Thank you, the first frame, Mark Williams to break.

Mark Williams gets the match underway.

And a good break-off shot it is. APPLAUSE

An excellent return from Mark. Look at that. Good shot.

Two fantastic tactical brains up against each other today.

Snub you see a return back to walk here, so you'll have UK. -- it's not

easy to see. I am not sure whether the right to the left bank goes to

the right middle. No, it doesn't. So safe enough.

-- the red the left of the pink. A little bit loose there, and his

opponent with his hand on the table. You should have played a better fate

than that. I could say the same about Mark

Williams there. That was a poor shot.

The worst thing that has happened there, he has opened the black up to

the left corner. He may have two just swerve this a

touch. Should be able to hold forth black mud playing it with swerve.

He certainly didn't want to hit the red that full. OK, it has gone in,

but he wanted it a bit more on the left. He will be straight on the

black. He can still pot the black, but he has had a look at the blue.

Although the blue is an easier pot, he will be struggling to get back

amongst the reds, so he's playing the black. It's a bit high.

-- high. I don't know if the pink goes. It obviously does. Not a

problem to be on the side cushion. APPLAUSE

As we were saying before, he has got to school today from these

opportunities, winning frames in one visit.

A little bit awkward, this position of shot. Two reds beside the pink

Dodd pot. I don't think he would play for a red. Not straightforward

to get nicely on the next red. He's played that well. He now has

the natural angle just to drop on the pink.

Now, can you put this red and avoid the kiss on the pink? I am not

certain he can. He would love to... if he was

straight on the red, he could screw back for the pink on the same

pocket. But if you can't avoid the kiss on the pink, he won't be on it.

He didn't want to take the risk, so played it firmer. Always knew he

would have the blue in the far right corner, but he doesn't really want

to be playing the blue. So he's just run out of perfect

position now. I think you can pot black and screw

back for the red to the right middle. I don't think the will do

anything like going into the bunch from this shot.

That's OK. APPLAUSE I think the one thing that could

suit him two days, Stephen, because he's not really a power player, he

likes floating bubbles in, a quick table suits his type of game down to

the ground. So that could lead to his advantage. But having said that,

on the table, he's just been a bit unlucky there. I don't think he's on

anything. You could have done with another

couple of ounces of power going into the pack there. I agree with you,

John, he's a touch player. Walking to the baulk end. That tells

you he's going to play safe with his next shot. It is not a

straightforward return to baulk, though. He has got to be careful. He

has the red near the right corner. Normally, he could glance of a red

quite easily, but I don't think that is the case here. He thinks he's

found a path. Just a touch short of pace. 38.

APPLAUSE A little unlucky.

As you can see, you can get past the brown to play a thin safety back to

ball. He is not guaranteed to get this safe. He also has another

opportunity on the left-hand side of the table. It could win him the

frame, or lose him the frame. It is decision time.

He just tried to hedge his bets slightly there. Well, he's not left

anything easy, let's put it that way. He didn't fully commit on the

pot. Yeah, there's a bit of pressure on

the spot. If he misses it, it could cost him the frame.

No, a mile away. So, that should cost in this first frame. -- cost

him. Ever since I have been covering the

snooker, John, sorry, the last two, three, four years, watching Mark

Selby, it is amazing how we first round he doesn't play well in and

goes through. Then wins the tournament. He is definitely

vulnerable in the first round of tournaments. As we said, chasing

this Triple Crown, joining the elite club, that is putting a little bit

of pressure on him as well. There are no easy matches nowadays.

I think if he has a weakness, Mark Selby, sometimes I don't think he

believes in himself as much as he should. He is a tremendous player,

and a man to beat at the moment, for me. Sometimes he doubts his own

ability. He certainly does, but a chance for Mark Williams to get a

good start you felt he needed. He should win the frame at this visit.

Obviously came very straight on the yellow, and couldn't do much with

the cue ball. So you would think, just make certain of this red, and

play the blue. I wonder if we will see one of Mark

Williams putted shops where he puts you under his arm. He wants to make

sure of the pot. -- Mark Williams's shots.

He doesn't want to make contact with a baulk colour.

You almost missed the putt there. That is why the cue ball ended up

there. He is on nothing. So that frame-winning chance now has gone.

53 points the lead, but still 75 remaining.

He will be very disappointed. Had to win the free from that visit. When

you are playing against Mark Selby, he will punish mistakes. That is

what has been happening in all the other matches in this Masters so far

this week. The standard has been incredible so far.

Touching the red, so there is not a lot Selby could do there. He is not

going to gain any advantage. Mark Williams should still the upper hand

in this tactical battle. Mark Selby is in a lot of trouble

here. He will have a play off one condition that is on the black

commission. Also Mark Williams has a 53 point

lead, the way the red Star, if Mark Selby is to get the next

opportunity, he could quickly be favourite for the frame.

He has left a red. As John said, there is pressure on it now. Look at

the way the raids are situated, if he misses it could cost him the

freedom. He is taking a while getting down to it.

I am sure Mark Williams will take this first freedom. Oh dear. I think

he has been a bit fortunate. That now puts on 60 points in front. He

played to come past the green, not come into it. He has needed three

chances to win this first frame, as Mark. He won't be counting on

getting that in most of the frames. You have got to take your hat off to

him. There was a time only a cute seasons ago when he dropped out of

the top 32. He has got the talent. We were talking about John Higgins

who turned professional at the same time. He is as talented as him. It

is strange to me that he seems to have this attitude that he is not

bothered about winning any more. Maybe in a way that it takes a bit

of pressure off. It is a get out, if you lose you have not put any

pressure on yourself. For me, he should still be competing for

tournaments and titles. Giving every shot the right care and

attention. This is the free and well and truly over, he just wants to

make sure he keeps getting the queue through straight.

So in those of the black. He reduced the world champion to only scoring

one point there. Mark Williams is 1-0 in front. A nice little emphatic

statement. How dangerous is Mark Williams? Very. I think it was

important for him to clear this up because even though he was a key

point in front, he still looked nervous, had a couple of chances to

get the points in front. That will settle down even more by the fact he

cleared the table. Steven Smith at that point, he feeds, and he knows

Markwell, perhaps he is not as bothered by women is often now. Is

that a product of age or a protection on his pot? It could be.

It could be the fact that you are getting older and you go softer in

the middle. It could also be the case that Mark has always been like

that. He has always been the most laid back, even when he was the

ultimate winning machine. It is in his nature can not put so much

emphasis on the importance of winning or losing. Perhaps a

statement that he has another life. You wonder if you have to pay the

price, but it has to hurt and if it doesn't hurt when you lose, then you

are past your best and that is what Stephen is talking about. Is he

still a player that strikes nervousness into the heart of

someone like Mark Selby? Everyone respects his game. John Baird the

point, we were talking before and I said Selby has a habit of winning

when he was not in his best. When you get too scrappy frames at the

end, he was one of the best I ever played. Very clever. They all

respect. That is why I mentioned the scoring, if he can ally that with

his ring craft, that will make in a match for anyone. The point John was

making about the fact Selby is going for the slam, how much pressure did

you feel that will exert? It could inflict pressure. But Selby doesn't

necessarily put pressure on at the start, it is when the stakes rise at

the end. That is when Mark Selby asks a lot of questions. He asked

some questions at the start of this. The boys have been answering them.

It is an interesting matchup with the two players. I am certain the

bookmakers have made Mark Selby the big favourite for this match. As

John was saying, you can never discount Mark Williams. Snooker for

the connoisseur, this is. Sit back and enjoy.

We always say, if you are going to miss that type of shot, miss it

saying, if it is too thick, the cue ball will never get past the blue

spot. First opportunity to Mark Selby. A chance for him to get his

hand on the table and partly few balls.

Well, that just shows you when you have not had any table time. If he

had the black in the middle, he looks like he has a second prize

here. Just off straight. It looked for a moment as if he had nothing to

go out. Fortunate to be on it, but a good

pop nonetheless. It goes without saying, they wanted

to get rid of is the one to the right of the black. He will be able

to do that now. He won't be going into the punch

from this shot. He will be starting to think about it in the back of his

mind. It is nice to leave that shot when there are one or two nice

reference. He might choose to play for the open

and to go into the bunch. That was the first black of the

fifth red. He will not be playing for the black now. He is hampered.

He will have two wrote this in play for pink or blue. There is a ?10,000

prize for the highest break. Held at the moment by Stuart Bingham who

made a 13 break. -- in 132 break. It was in the only match 30 one.

He is not going to hit the blue, he is just thinking about where he

wants to leave the cue ball. Maybe thinking about trying to hold the

spot. He decided to play the screw shot in the end. He felt if he did

stun run through, he would be at full stretch. Back in prime

position. He mentioned Mark Williams always

missed that long ball by a long way. It looks like it will cost him the

frame. Another possible reason why Mark

doesn't get those long pause as regularly as he would like. Applause

as that puts Mark Selby in the position where his opponent needs

snookers. You don't have to do a lot wrong to lose a frame. Still the

possibility of beating the 132 break. ?10,000 is not to be sniffed

at. Missed the cannon, but he will be on the red. Still a chance.

This had been pretty impressive except for the shot of the first

black where he was fortunate to leave a red at the pocket. He has

been flawless since then. Cleverley and purposefully potted

that. Now, I don't know if he knows what the hybrid is. We might see him

ask the referee. I think someone like Mark Selby will know. On the

right-hand side of the cue ball here. Beautifully constructed brick.

With the red and black, a possible 139 on. You would think to win the

prize you would want 142 plus. Absolutely. I was chatting to

someone about the pot of a maximum break and it is only about 8- one.

We have talked about how good the playing conditions are. The top

players love that for brick building. They never have to hit the

ball a. -- that hard. There will be many big breaks this week.

Just about perfect. He might have to just stun one of the top cushion.

Like most shots in this break, inch perfect.

That equals the hybrid. This lack to set the bar that little bit higher.

Wonderful. This is why he is the world champion and world number one.

That was exquisite. Well, that is Mark Selby's track

record at the moment. It is one each and I am really enjoying this match

from the point of view, can Mark Williams somehow get a result here?

I think the first frame took him three opportunities. That does not

bode well for me for the rest of the match. He has two step that up. If

he doesn't he will lose the match. One chance for Mark Selby and that

was it, frame over. Can he get past the green to the

right corner? I think you can just about get through to the potting

angle. We played the cannon on the red to the black.

Green looks the obvious colour to take here. If he brought the cue

ball back to where it is now it would be ideal.

A little bit more of an angle on this pot than he would have liked.

It makes it missable. Sometimes you miss these. It could hit the right

job of the pocket. Safely in. Mark Williams looked on for most of

the last frame. He will be hoping he doesn't gain. If this cannon goes

right, he could. He is on the black. A little bit thinner than he would

like. If he can get the cannon from the black, this little cannon on the

red. That was careless. Didn't get into the cue ball at all. It was a

very comfortable shot in the end. He will be very disappointed that the

break has ended this quickly. In the last frame he would have been

looking to win this frame in one visit again. He will go back to his

chair a bit frustrated. Mark Williams is playing off the

main bunch. Looks too sick. And a little bit harder and the red would

have dropped. He played the safety much too sick. Without having to do

much, Mark Selby is back at the table. Another chance to take the

frame. I can only assume the pink doesn't

go to left centre because I thought he might have played for that.

He has hit this one very well. He got into the cue ball so well there.

It goes in between the green and brown and it picks up pace.

Nice control of the cue ball, which he will need to win the frame on

this visit. The red balls are spread, but there is maybe only two

that are easy to get on. To red balls to the left of the

black, I am not certain if one or both of those are available.

As he puts one, he brings another one into the open. He still needs

three of these remaining reds to clinch the frame.

Maybe trying to play the black here. There was a little gap and he has

played it absolutely inch perfect. And after this black, he is looking

for one more red, that is why he played for the black.

Losing with confidence. -- oozing. As I say, by playing on the black,

he was able to nudge the red into the open. He is now 65 ahead, with

67 remaining. Yeah, he's beginning to make my

comment in the first round that he is vulnerable, seem like nonsense.

Yeah, he's really looking on top of his game, here.

Well, the frame was over before he missed that red. Mark Williams

concedes, and Mark Selby leads to- one.

HAZEL IRVINE: We talk about fine margins, and a safety shot from Mark

Williams went awry, and the rest is history.

There are shotguns to go where you think you can afford to hit them a

bit thick -- shots in snooker. It looks like there is no danger, he is

playing towards the left-hand side, but somehow, a bald orchestrate its

way toward a pocket that was never in that direction. But as an

experienced snooker player, that happens a lot.

The players will have a tendency to hit it thin with a bit of side. Near

a cushion, you cannot put aside on. From the sublime to the ridiculous,

there is a fair bit of chat on social media about Mark Selby's

hair. He is rocking the great Gatsby look.

It is like his cue action, it is rocket straight. A bit of hair

product has been squashed over that. Not that we should analyse it. I

can't talk! Nothing wrong with a bit of product

in your head, that is what I am saying. Back we go.

REFEREE: Frame four. Mark Selby to break.

JOHN VIRGO: Mark Selby get the frame, the one before the

mid-session interval underway. As always for the man behind, it's a

big frame. You don't want to be two frames behind calm the mid-session

interval. -- come the mid-session interval. Decent line and length.

Yeah, talking about how well Selby has played in the last two frames,

he should come to this event with the best 16 players in the ward. I

loved it as World War I, competing against the other best players, and

proving why you were the number one. -- as world number one.

You can't get much closer. And he was forced into playing it.

But that, as we say, is the advantage of getting the cue ball

tight to the cushion. It makes cueing that much more difficult. And

so close, and the fact he got so close, he got the double-kiss. He

has left a nice and easy start on for his opponent.

Just about stopping short of the baulk line.

You always feel it is a good chance when the black is in the open,

available and to both corners. And a nice angle on the yellow. Now

he will be thinking about making a sizeable contribution.

Not the best angle on this black. Just coming around to see it. He

would love a red, so you can follow through to both cushions. The line

of three to the left of the bunch, the middle one may pot to the right

corner. Excellent positional shot there.

Absolutely perfect. There you see the shaking of heads

on the shot. It is almost like a swing, John, not a shake.

Yeah, I suppose it is an unnatural position that snooker players get

themselves in. But it doesn't seem to affect him.

He is pushing the cue through straight as they die.

It is almost the whole body moving from side to side, but as you say,

it does not affect him one bit. That is just the way he plays. Nice angle

to go into the bunch here. He is not going to do it this time, playing

with top skin. -- top spin. I think he will play for and angle

this time for the black. Yes, and he has got that perfect

angle now. Always knew he would have this red

to the left corner. It is just an awkward positional shot. I thought

he may have played more of a stump. He comes back he is playing now, he

could have had to the right corner. That is the problem when you are

running into another red, where is the cue ball going to finish? He has

not finished too well. If the blue is the natural angle to

miss a baulk colour, that is what he will play. If he doesn't, he could

have a problem here. Doesn't look as though he can roll

the blue in and avoid the kiss on the green. He is looking at the

black, which is eight shot. But as I say, so far, he has looked full of

confidence when he has got in. So I can't see him refusing the pot.

You have to forget that you are in perfect position, and you have a

really tough shot to play. He is so full of confidence.

Immediately pointing his cue, so he's going to play the cannon from

the blue, hit a pink fall in the face. He doesn't have to play it too

hard. The reds are loose. He would be unlucky not to be on one here.

That was the intention. Whatever, he has a nice, easy red to continue the

break with. Yeah, I think the reason he missed

was because he wanted the pink and the line landed a touch.

Fair comment. He didn't want to risk anything going wrong, because he

knew that he needed a red to carry on, and he would win the frame from

this. I think Mark Williams is resigned to that fact now.

Only potted one ball, did Mark Selby, in the first frame. But as we

say, mark needed three chances, and it's now up to 281 points without

reply. APPLAUSE 70 points the lead, 67 remaining. It

looks like a two frame advantage going into the mid-session interval.

Those two reds together to the left of the pink, one is available to the

opposite corner to this lack. -- to this black. You have to say, he has

really settled in now. He has the cue ball on a piece of string at the

moment. And that is the key to this game. If you get good cue ball

control, then you more or less make every shot that much easier.

Yeah, this is as good as I have seen Mark Selby play in a first round

match. Well, since my camera member. Still possible, this red, to the

left middle. -- since I can remember.

Yes, nicely played. A second century now looks a formality. He can't

better the 139. Lots of left-hand side here. APPLAUSE

I have to say, Stephen, at the moment, he is making the game look

ridiculously easy. Yeah, there's no better feeling than

when you are out there, and the pockets must look three feet wide at

the moment to Mark Selby. Just a little shake of the head

there. He will be disappointed with that positional shot.

And in the and, he missed the yellow. -- and. Mark Williams won

the first frame, but since then, Mark Selby has replied with some big

breaks. He goes into the mid-session interval leading 3-1.

HAZEL IRVINE: We saw Mark Williams in frame on, but not much sense. You

used the word surgical to describe what we have just seen.

That is what we have seen from Mark Selby, and that is why he's on the

brink of doing the triple Crown. Two centuries and a 62 in four

friends. Yeah, what was really impressive was

that he lost the cue ball for the one and only time in the last half

hour. He left himself tight on the cushion with a horrible black. He

got down and stroked it in. Stephen said it was the best shot of the

session. It looks like he will not everything in.

When you are winning, you enjoy the challenge of that shot. When you are

struggling, you don't want those types of shots. It is the optimism

of enjoying the challenges set for you. If you are in that vein, you

are a dangerous player. There are loads of time you come to the table

and you are at your worst, the one at the side cushion is a dangerous

one. If you can enjoy those moments, you are so strong.

It looks like it was going Selby's way at the moment. One more first

round match to complete this evening, Shaun Murphy will come

bounding into night to Disco Inferno, taking on Barry Hawkins.

That will be live online and on the red button this evening. Every ball

is live with us at the Masters on the BBC. It will certainly be well

worth watching. As you might remember, Barry Hawkins hadn't gone

past the first round of the Masters in ten years of trying until he went

on that run to the final last year. And recently, he embarked on a run

that was arguably even more risky. In the car with Steve Davis.

Hi. How are you doing? Not bad. Do I need a crash helmet? I haven't

driven a gear changed since I last had a big accident before I started

driving. You had an accident? A big one. Really? Reversed instead of

forward. I drive automatics now. I wouldn't go back, to be honest

with you. You passed your test? I have passed a test. I passed first

time. The best drivers always passed second, apparently!

Any accidents? A couple of close ones. I had a

little one in a retail car park. That's not bad.

Oh! Nearly had another accident then, that would have been funny.

Do you know your blood type? No, I don't, actually, that's

terrible, isn't it. You are in a car with me. Why don't you know your

blood type? Have you got it on your phone?

I might ring my mum. I don't know if she will know, even.

Her son... you were adopted, you never knew.

Mum, I am in the car with Steve Davis, what blood group and my, do

you know? It's not important. She hasn't got a clue. He nearly had an

accident, it was in case I needed some blood!

She doesn't even know what her owners, that's handy as well! Oh, my

God! Thanks, mum. Speak to you later. By, ma'am!

If you were going to go on, what show would you go on, a reality

show? Probably the jungle, I would say.

Strictly? No, I have got some sheds. Me and Joe Perry can throw some

shapes on the dance floor. What's the favourite style?

Wants the beat gets going, we are. The leg starts twitching. We must

look like old men on the dance floor, but we don't care. We are

having a good time. It doesn't happen so often, we so busy now. But

we make sure we enjoy ourselves when we go out.

Like any cooking programmes? Not much of a cook, to be honest with

you. What about gardening? I like it. Would you get somebody in? No.

Would you sweep up the leaves in the winter time? We tidy up a little

bit, Tara sweeps. Tara? The other half. She doesn't doom nothing else,

we have to get are doing something. Sorry!

I don't mind doing things that. It's all I enjoy that.

No, I'm lost. You have come past it. Have I gone past it? It is only a

small tent... ! I might have to do another U-turn.

Do a right at that building. It is down there. That's it. Do a U-turn.

You are good at them. I am getting used to them.

Thanks for taking me to work, Steve. Good luck in the next part of your

career. Yeah, thank you.

HAZEL IRVINE: Yes, U-turn Steve Davis and Mr Hawkins in the car.

Tara, the freight is domestic engineer, that's what it is. Don't

let them tell you different. We have been joined by Stephen Hendry.

Rumour reaches us, not about the shapes on the dance floor with you,

which I am sure are fantastic, but you are picking up the cue again

cost is this the start of a comeback? I don't think so. I will

play in the world seniors, there is a revamp, and that is in March. I

will take part. John Parrott might be dabbling as well. It is certainly

not a Faure back into the full-time arena, but I am looking forward to

it. It is a revamp, John, and you are a

former senior world chaplain as well. Can you believe he is not

playing? There is a banging techno evening I

am going to! You are so 2010, you really are. In

terms of this revamp, we are not getting any professional players

over 39 now, and that is a big change. It is open to amateurs.

It is a fantastic story for someone. Anyone that is an amateur, it opens

on Monday, anyone amateur over 40 that plays a decent standard could

qualify, beat John Parrott or myself. However wins gets to the

World Championships. Exactly. Whoever wins this one will

join in where the world another 17 will be, with three qualifying

matches. A great storing in the offing for you John, and indeed use

Stephen, getting back to the Crucible.

Luckily we are seeded for the quarterfinals. Is that a proper

incentive for you? Is that what is driving it or not?

I would have to win the thing first, both of us, to even start thinking

about that. But I look forward to it. I miss playing, it is what I am

best at. Do you think he will be trying?!

It is also a fantastic opportunity for people that have never come into

the professional game to play the likes of U2. It is a brilliant

chance. That is the biggest story of the

whole event. Some other plays do a good standard, perhaps local league.

It is best three, isn't it, so a chance to beat anybody.

Anyone over the age of 40 that is a lunatic can enter, and you could get

a complete loon in the first round. Two up against each other.

If you want to take part, it is on the website on Monday. Good luck

with that. Stephen, we are talking about the main man, Mark Selby, you

had 420 odd weeks at number one, he has reached 100, and we will hear

your thoughts on Mark Selby in a short while, because you know what

it is like to be at the top of the pile. It doesn't happen very often.

There have not been that many world number ones, but what does it look

and feel like at the top of the pile looking down on the rest of this

move is seen? Mark Selby has been talking to Ken Doherty about that

very feeling. The Masters, one of the big three

tournaments and one of the majors, of course, but this is a tournament

that you absolutely excel in and love. You have won it three times

and been in the final another couple of times.

It is a fantastic tournament, and the history of the Masters is really

special. Going out there, just one table, so every time you go out, you

feel like you are playing in the final. I love that occasion.

What is it, is it the atmosphere? Is it the history of the tournament, or

you just like the one-table set-up? The one-table set-up, because the

eyes are on you and your opponent. No other distractions, no tables

either side of you, so you can focus on the job in hand, which is to win

the match and get it won. What about this venue, the Alexandra

Palace, how does it compared to the venues you play in? It is the home

of the Masters now, it has created its own home. But do you like it?

I do. I prefer it to the Masters arena, where I won a couple of

times. It held about 15,000. The venue was 2500.

This one, I am not sure how many it holds, but it is more compact, and

the atmosphere is better. You beat me in the semifinal there,

I vaguely remember, it set you on its way. I got all my confidence

after that! You are one of the few players that

can hold all three majors at the same time, along with Steve Davis,

Stephen Hendry, John Higgins and Mark Williams. That would be very

special, wouldn't it? It would be. I still have a tough

four matches if that is the case. Just to even be in this position to

try to join that elite group that you have mentioned is a fantastic

feeling. I will go out confident, looking forward to it, and who

knows, thinkers crossed at the end of the week I can join these people.

Hopefully I will. Does it make you try harder? Do you

want to be part of that history? I think so. Winning in general, once

you have won one tournament, and you have the feeling of the winning

mentality, you want to repeat that all the while. I want to try to

repeat my one win so far. If it is winning another Masters, that is

what I entered it. You have had a few peaks and troughs

through your career, but you are on the crest of a wave at the moment,

what is the difference this season? I think a few years ago, beating

Ronnie in the world final to win my first world final. From then, I have

doubted myself before that, people said I shouldn't do that, but I have

always been that kind of person, doubting myself about my game. But

to beat Bony world final in the biggest Ford would we play in live

on the BBC, and the way I won it, coming from behind. I told lies, if

I do not get confidence on that, I will. From then, I have been

confident and believed in my own ability.

Winning the UK as well, just before Christmas, that was a nice notch on

the board as well. That will give you tremendous confidence coming

into this one. I played well. It was a great final

in the end, especially the second session, me and Ronnie both played

well. Sometimes coming back, the wave he wasn't coming back winning

frames, one visit, one visit, for 4-5 frames, to stand up and do the

same bag of him, I was proud of it. Your relationship has simmered a

little bit over the last year, it seems that way looking from the

outside in. A little bit, to be fair, I would

see him at tournaments and say hello, not knowing him as a person.

But over the last few years, we have spoken more, and seen eye to eye a

bit more, doing a few exhibitions together, and spending time

together, and we are getting better, which is good. The media seem to

hype it up a little bit. But I don't hate anybody, hate is a big word.

Playing Ronnie, one of the greats of the game, it is a great feeling

here. You are also playing another great

over the last number of years as well, Mark Williams. He has won this

tournament, the world and the UK, always a tough opponent as well. How

is your history with him? I'm not too sure. I have played him

quite a few times. I played him many is ago on my first year on the tour,

and he beat me 9-0, which he reminds the opt out! He was world number one

at the time. Mark is one of the all-time greats of the game as well,

like you say. In the last few years, he has struggled, but in practice

this year he has played some great snigger. You sometimes looks back to

his best. I know it will be tough, he will not go out and freeze,

because he has been out there and done it. It will be a tough match.

That is the beauty of the tournament. The top 16, any match

could grace the final. That is why someone like Stephen

Hendry puts this in front of the UK tournament, because it is the cream

of the crop, the top 16 in the world, and every match is capable of

being the final. What would it mean to Mark Selby to

lift the Masters trophy on Sunday night?

Yeah, it would be amazing. Holding or three tournament at the same time

would be a fantastic feeling. To win it for a fourth time, and join the

group United before. Better than Leicester winning the

premiership? Yeah, I have two be selfish.

He traded number one spot with Neil Roberts. There was Judd Trump and, I

forget actually, Ding Junhui. He wasn't comfortable with the mantle

of the first time. What is it that hard to get used to about being

number one? You put massive expectation on yourself to prove

what you are number one. You come to events, you are introduced as that.

Sometimes players feel they have to live up to it. When Stuart Bingham

became world champion, the season after, he put himself under huge

pressure. Some players, when it first happens, it maybe takes you a

while to get used to. Not Mark Selby is completely comfortable. He wears

it well. It might be why some players who win the world champion

don't do well at the Crucible. When he completed the win over Ronnie in

the UK final, that was in effect a triple Crown final against Ronnie.

He has done the plot against Ronnie. That is a massive thing. And beating

him as well. He is as good as you have ever seen. I don't say that

lightly. O'Sullivan is as good as you have seen. For him to beat him

in those finals, if that isn't a boost, nothing is. We talked about

his popularity. He is greatly appreciated. He went through the

period where is the game was all he was producing. Clearly, that has

been wiped away and we are seeing more great stuff from him. He has

looked vulnerable in first rounds of Germans, but today, when you come

here as a top 16 player, you are with number one, world champion, you

want to enjoy this venue and prove what you are the best. He is loving

every minute. As the standard gets ever higher and the players bunch up

in what is achievable, it becomes a psychological game. It becomes which

player believes the most. Mark Selby has the ultimate belief. It is

amazing to think, he was sending text messages saying do you think I

played well? I am thinking, you have just played as good as anyone could

possibly play. That has stopped happening and he is not asking the

opinion from other people. Let's get back. These men have won the Masters

between them five times between them. Three for Mark Selby and two

for Mark Williams. Well, Mark Selby is playing brilliantly so far in

this match. He will not be scoring off this one. That is the break from

Mark Williams. He is not guaranteed to get this safe. He is going to

have to come off two cushions, nestle into the cluster just below

the pink, avoided the blue. As he judged it? He has. Perfect. Very

well played. He may have left a pot on to the red

corner, but with the cue ball tied to the Kishan, it is a tough pot.

The black isn't available into the opposite corner. Is there any value

in taking it on? Playing the containing safely. I the

road to the left of the black is not going be available.

Looking for a position to leave the cue ball where you would not like it

to be. There is the view from behind the

pocket, so to speak. It is always difficult, cueing when you are right

in the job like this. Not much room to bring the Chewbacca. No attempt

at a pot, just trying to play the containing safely.

Caught the red to sin. He just avoided the double-kiss.

When it here, he courted too soon. Just avoided the double-kiss. Had he

got the double-kiss and left the cue ball by the blue it would have been

a good chance. Nothing that will tempt marquee. He is playing safe.

Cat that much too sick. But he has left nothing. When you're playing

well, you always seem to get the run of the balls. Mark Williams would

like to have that one occasion. -- that one occasion.

It is not a straightforward return to the baulk end. At least with his

hand on the table he can venue for the cue ball better than he could

have done had it been paid to the baulk cushion.

You could save Mark Selby certainly did not want but interval. He was

absolutely flying. He was more concerned with getting

the cue ball back to the baulk end. Had it gone in it would have been a

bonus. More than 40 minutes since Mark

Williams last pot of a ball. -- potted a ball.

They were good shots, but just thinking, is there a gap, is there a

red that might be pottable into the red corner here. He can just get to

the potting and. He might have a chance at this. There was no easy

safely. He was so close to the cushion so he

had to just put the blue in. He would have liked to court the red

ball a bit harder to catch the cue ball. It is a little bit awkward,

this. That was really well controlled.

Very well played. He has got an angle if he wanted to go into the

black and the red. With the pink being in the open, he does not have

complained that shot. The way he was going in the last

three frames, I would have to say, there is a strong possibility of 4-1

from this visit. He has not scored a point since winning the first frame,

Mark Williams. Of course, that is one of the things

that is unique to snooker. When your opponent is at the table, all you

Kunduz sit and watch. You have no right of reply. You have to sit

there and suffer. He has a problem with this right

corner pocket. There are five Red Bull is all covering each other.

He would like to finish high on the pink to give him the angle to

stumble across. He is going for the blue. If he finished high on the

pink he could stun off the black cushion and go into the five reds.

He can still do it offer this glue. Brilliant. If he had another 50

shots, he would not do that again. How has he not made contact with a

red. That is amazing. If the cue ball had gone another couple of

inches he would have snookered himself. The balloon would have gone

back on its spot. He held the blue spot and the brown spot was

available. Had to bite the bullet and put every

effort into playing a good safety, which he has done.

That was a bit careless. I think he has left this red on. If he has left

the red, that is as bad a shock as you will see Mark Selby play. He has

an angle to go into these five reds as well. The first ball he has

partnered since the first frame. Gifted it, you could say. There is

pressure on this pink, I will tell you. Good shot. It is not easy when

you have been frozen out. This was the gift. He just caught the red

little bit too thick. Mark their needs to screw back. He was playing

to hit a bit thinner. When you're flying in a match and everything is

going well, the thing you battle against is a lack of concentration.

He is on the pink in a fashion. He might be able to pot the pink and

carried the two reds on the right-hand side of the table.

Stunned across. The one on the extreme left, he must feel he can

get through to that. A good shot on the pink. The only thing he doesn't

want to become too straight on the pink. He has. He might have the

angle to play top spin and cannon into the two reds on the side

cushion. He won't have angle to force into the black, will he? This

is tough. He will have to play with a bit of Pierce to get the cue ball

out. He will probably just play for the

pink it was always going to be tough. That was a pretty good

contribution. Remember he hadn't potted a ball for three frames. Then

he had the mid-session interval. He got some good balls there. He got

himself right back in this frame. Just 11 points behind.

Excellent safety. I don't know if he can play the pot on this red and

avoid the case and the two reds. In the end, I don't think he even

played the pot, he just had the city. He could not afford the colour

on the baulk line. It is never going to be that good a safety. It is

quite a big target now. Green, brown, blue, to try to hide behind.

It is going to be a bits and pieces end to this frame. You wouldn't

expect the next mistake will cost the frame. I just get the feeling

that this is the type of frame that Mark Williams has got to win.

That is probably the recent Mark Selby has taken that red on. He

knows it would not have cost them the frame. In fact, it hasn't. It

won't cost anything. Even if he left the red on, you could safely say,

Mark Williams would not have cleared up.

It is going to be a game of cat and mouse.

Why was he looking at the pot on this red?

I thought the only red he could leave was the one he was playing. He

got close, but he has not left that one. That was a sort of half-hearted

attempt at the double. As you say, Stephen, Mark Selby

looks to me, and the opportunity he will go for it. If he knocked the

red in, it could build on his 11 point advantage. He got close, but

once again, I think, looking at Mark Selby's facial expression, that Mark

Williams can just get past the yellow. As we said, the chances of

winning the frame on this visit, practically impossible.

That was a lovely little shot. A beautiful touch.

That one was as bad as the last one was good. Just got into the cue ball

a little too much. The little flick on the green ruined his position.

There are only five points in it now.

That was a good head. Excellent shot.

Well, Wilma pink stop or drop? It stopped. He was a bit fortunate

there because the red knocked the pink out of the way because it might

have run into the pink. Believe it or not, I'm sure that was

an attempt at up pot, when you play that sort of shot, you always error

on the side of hitting it to sin. -- seven. Quite easy to play safe now

with the pink in the left corner. I wonder if he'll play the shot we

saw Ali Carter play, the red tape to the cushion, fitted full ball and

get the double-kiss to get the cue ball back to the baulk end. That's

what he's played. But the problem is with that shot you're never certain

how much the cue ball's going to go back on the red is going to come out

and he's left the pot on for his opponent.

APPLAUSE Good pot. Didn't overhit it. Stroked

it in nicely. That was a good shot. That's

unlikely. -- unlucky. Slowly but surely he's got a two

advantage in this frame. The reason he wanted to play safe

from the red, he feels he can get in behind the yellow, blue or brown but

he doesn't feel he can get it with this red at the top cushion. He

didn't hit that one at all. Norway she should be leaving pot on.

Misjudgement. I think he oversaw tip, really. -- over thought it.

Mark Selby has definitely been knocked out of the rhythm he was in

before the interval. Long way away from that pot.

APPLAUSE Good pot there from Mark Williams.

Here's a short maker. And he pulled one out there. -- shot maker. But

didn't play that position will shot very well but is a good opportunity

to get the cue ball back to the old cushion and get the snooker behind

the yellow, blue or brown to give them a real good advantage. I

wouldn't be concerned by the red finishes, just get the cue ball down

in that area. He's got the snooker. To take it to the frame now, ten

points in the lead. Mark Selby faced with the age-old problem, got to hit

the red and somehow get it safe. So here's a chance. But he cannot

this red in and get on a colour, it should be a free man. A frame he

needs badly. -- should be a frame-winner.

Yes, you can almost see it was like a typical Mark Williams winning

frame. Always been so good at winning this type of frame. He's

just left a tricky angle where he cannot avoid the cannon on the blue,

can he? He could, comfortably. Don't know what the problem was there.

It should be all over now. Just the brown needed to go 24 ahead with 18

remaining. Battled hard to get this frame on the scoreboard. And that's

why I thought it was an important frame for Mark. If you can't win

scrappy once he's not going to get anything out of this match. As you

alluded to, Stephen, knocked Mark Selby out of his stride here a

little bit with this type of frame. But they all count. There are no

pictures on score boards, Mark Williams is back in the match, just

one behind, 3-2 to the World Championship. STUDIO: It's not a bad

effort considering that half an hour of playing time he didn't pot the

ball and then had the interval, so almost on our he's had to wait

before getting himself right back into the thick of this match. I hate

seeing vintage Williams because he's obviously a scoring machine as well

at his big but that frame is why he's been a champion he's been

because I don't know many players who can play and quite horrible type

of frame better than he can play. Mark Selby's good at it but Mark

Williams was absolutely superb. Individual pot, lost position a

couple of times. Individual potting, Aqua charts, leaving his opponent in

awkward positions, that was a fabulous frame for Mark Williams to

win. Stephen put it, potting the champion out of his stride, the

world number one actually looking slightly uncomfortable for a minute.

Possibly, the interval changes thing sometimes, one of those types of

frames. Mark Williams had a chance with the second to last red and

potted the black and failed to get position. He's not clinching but

he's scrapping and would be very unfair to criticise him because he's

3-1 behind and playing against one of the greatest players of the

modern-day game. Every credit in that respect for him to win this

match, somewhere down the line he has the stamp his authority more in

the match and win a bit more comfortably in frame. Job done. He's

got his way back. He dollar Mark, you're looking at 4-1 and probably

all over. Very much so, very much with Mark Selby in the form he's in.

In the context of the match, a very important frame. Vintage Williams,

it was a nightmare playing against them when you had things like that,

so you think it's a clever shot, I'm in trouble here, clever shot. He's

very adept at it. Makes you think, that's the mark of a champion. Two

great champions out there. It's getting close, only one frame

between them now as we head into the sixth.

Fees on the green. Doesn't look to have the perfect angle.

Just dropping in, that will ease himself that long straight red. The

black is available to the opposite corner, soulful concentration on

this one. Got to fully commit to these. And dead and played it

superbly. APPLAUSE Yes, good confident pot. That was a

valid point that Steve Davis made in the studio,. You can hang on in the

match in those scrappy frames but when he gets opportunities like that

he's got to start winning frames in one visit.

Needs to run. He's on the red but hampered. It's amazing how many

times Mark Williams gets out of position. He still on this red...

Again, didn't play that with the power a lot of players would have

played with. It's end of break. So, again, not able to win the frame in

the first scoring visit. Much too thin and very fortunate.

He's cannoned into the green but the blues covering the red to the left

corner. As you can see. Typical Mark Williams. One of the

best ball putters the game has ever seen. -- potters. I was gone to say

that but I never understood really what it meant. I think what it means

and I remember Ray Reardon, they always seemed to be able to pot

these balls with an element of safety, they always aimed to see it

as shot to nothing. There's no doubt, he has started to knock the

long ones in. Four in a row the last of frames. I think a lot of players,

when they actually play to pot a ball, they're determined to get

position on the next one but I think Mark has bat that he thinks it's a

difficult shot, you can just put all concentration into the red and not

be too bothered about position. Sometimes it's hard to tell yourself

to do that. Yeah, I suppose, it's like when you bring a pot and you

know you possibly not going to get anything from it, just making sure

of the pot so you're playing the next shot. So close, just the pace

kept it out but fortunately he missed the cannon.

APPLAUSE Was only the pace that kept it out.

Rattle, rattle, rattle. APPLAUSE

Good length. Asking a question of Mark

Williams, 32 point advantage in this frame. We'll have to be a good

safety year. -- will have to be a good safety here. That's the

player's view. He could hit the red on the

left-hand side of the table but you'd try to get back to baulk of

that, you could easily get a double-kiss. Just nudging into it.

Feels as though that's going to be safe enough. He didn't want to risk

playing off the main bunch because he could have knocked one over the

corner pocket, so just played a containing safety.

Struck it beautifully. Struck the right side of the blue but couldn't

have played that much better. Trace of right-hand side. Not enough

right-hand side. That's careless. I mean, that was so

obvious that red was going to go to the right corner. He's just lost his

focus, it appears, at the moment. I did see. That's a shocker from Mark

Williams. I did say the only thing that Mark Selby is going to battle

against this lack of concentration when everything is coming so easy

for you. This is a tough black that Mark Williams has left himself.

Lovely shot. At first glance I don't know how the next red is coming

from. Typical Mark Williams pot this. Dropping it in dead weight. I

think he's on this one along the black cushion. How will he play it?

As a shock to nothing so he comes away from the pocket? He's gone all

out and it's a great pot. Looks like he might have the natural

angle just to miss the yellow of two cushions for a choice of raids to

the right corner -- reds. Just picked a lovely time to leave the

arena. Hard enough, is it? Maybe he can

just get through to the bottom red. He do it and it was commonly easier.

Only the red required that 55 points in front with one remaining.

Comeback complete. Highly unlikely that Mark Williams

will be asked to play on here. Mark having a look. 62 points difference,

51 remaining. That equates three, four point snooker is

required. Where's the blue ball going? Only a half-hearted attempt,

so unbelievably of the mid-session interval Mark Williams is now all

square. 3-3. And would you believe it, Mark

Williams is mopping them up again? He's been in float mode.

I disagree with you. You don't have to win in one visit, he are

uselessly at this level but is 12 things with 36 and 59 breaks. In a

perfect world is one of the few. Full of shots raising heavily saying

that Mark Williams Bilis 's office says that once again. Yes,

Featherweight frothing device if this affect positional shot. Potting

along the top position to commit to the positional shot. Nothing wrong

with his bottle, perhaps he just needed a bit more confidence and we

all need that. Fascinating the first four frames, saying we have the best

-- the best we've seen absolutely. You can play well for the two is a

different contracts. Mark Selby can graft as well and a great match

played at the end of matches. A strike rate winning the last rate

was important. I think Mark Williams's style, definitely

contracting the world number one. Real test of nerve for them both

coming up. COMMENTATOR: All look so good at

3-1, 3-3 now. We're going to show you a shot year. Playing the blue

into the five reds in the corner, if he makes contact with a red dirt on

its 4-1 and it could be a completely different match. In the late lost

concentration and focus. But now that shot the opening long red Sea

life of the mission. Unless he's lining up an angle on this thread to

make a cannon on the black. It's very risky. -- lining up an angle on

this red. Olly tempted to play the cannon on

the black. It might bring one of those players well. In the cannon

and got the cannon. Might just have one of the wrecked it is just that

it out. When that black move, just like a red and black is available

into the same pocket. When it's free spotted.

Just watch the black it just nudges this red. Was that enough to make

the black available? He can play the cannon you possibly.

The red to the left corner of the cushion. To the right of the black.

Can he do that without missing the black? He didn't get anywhere near

enough side on the cue ball. He got no reaction.

Make the best of that opportunity. -- didn't make the best.

Missed it. And left it. One of those reviewed play date shot and think

the only red you are leaving is the one you are playing. You don't want

the red to come back to the baulk with the cue ball.

Not the best positional shot from Mark Selby. Clear

From here onwards, the best it is going to be tough match snooker of

these two. Yeah. And this type of frame, as we have alluded to a few

times, suits Mark Williams more than Mark Selby. It is probably the only

time we would say that, that this sort of friends sued someone over

Mark Selby. -- this sort of frame suits someone better. A better way

of explaining it is to say someone is comfortable playing this type of

frame as Mark Selby. A mistake. The green is not coming

to his rescue. He is certainly rolling back the

years now. Well, I say that, and he misses it.

But he may have just about got away with that. That was pressure. It was

like he had seen a chance to go 4-3 ahead. That was a much easier shot

than the peak he just ported. But the black and pink have come to his

rescue. I thought it was a bit too thick,

but such is the pace of this table that he has played it perfectly.

That is a bit thick. Mark Williams can't get through to the red.

Is he forced into playing the plant here? I don't know if the red that

is nearest the black goes past. It is one of those situations where the

safety is as difficult as the pot. Very difficult, the plant.

Sometimes, when you're in this type of situation where you can't see a

safety, you try and put your way out of trouble. -- pot your way out of

trouble. But he can't even do that, I don't think.

Coming up to one and a half minutes of thinking time.

He thought he could find a safety, and boy, that's a good shot. That is

an absolute cracker. It's funny how the run of the ball

is just turning slightly. Not like that good safety shot from Mark

Selby. The blue this time comes to Mark Williams' rescue. That is more

like the Mark Williams of old. I think he used to say the same thing

about you, Stephen! Has he got away with that again? I

think he was half-heartedly playing the plant and then he was saying he

thought it rolled off, but he has not left the easy read. There are

couple of other reds that are pottable, but they are very awkward.

Funnily enough, Mark has put his hand up and apologise. But I just

looked at Mark Selby's face, and he was getting a bit frustrated it all.

As we said before, bar for the cannon, he probably would have been

4-1 up. When things start running against you, there have been three

occasions here were Mark Williams was entitled to leave with a pot on.

You think, is it not my day? Well, he has got the plant. He is on the

brown, so a chance. Let's see if he can get back to focusing on where he

was before the mid-session interval. This brown is not as easy as it

looks on the screen. Before the interval, you said this

was frame over. He needs to be straight on the blue

than this. Just over two hours of playing time.

Still not back in prime position. The pot on the red is easy enough,

but he has a bit of work to do with the cue ball. He has got to Matt

Angle on the red. -- too much angle on the red.

The two reds to the left of the pink, at least one of them is

available into the opposite corner. Would you believe it? He kept slowly

but surely running out of position and in the end, it caught him out. I

didn't see him missing that, but of course, when you have to do a little

bit with the cue ball, you can always just take your eye off the

pot. And got one. Excellent shot. He

would love to be open to play the red below the black for the right

corner. It is a good shot, but he never had

the perfect angle to screw a bit further across to be on the red.

He's not going to win the frame at this visit.

Just one red left on the table, easy to hit. But you have got to get it

safe. The lead that Mark Selby has no count for nothing if he leaves

the red on. Would you believe it? He has left

the red now. Boy, this game sometimes will have you tearing your

hair out. He looked to have hit the red

absolutely perfect. The yellow must have been too

straight. He is just the wrong side of this green. I don't think he can

drop it in dead weight, he will have to come in up and off the table.

He has thought about playing it into the corner pocket.

We have seen him so many times drop these types of shots in dead weight,

but he would still be living a distance between himself and the

brown if he played it that way. He has gone for the corner pocket. Oh,

so close! But not there. A great effort at the pot, but he

has missed a fantastic opportunity to win the seventh frame. This isn't

easy. Never easy to judge when the object

ball is right in the jaws of the pocket. Still needs brown and blue.

Well, it's wobbled its way in and the blue is all he needs.

Mark Williams missed a golden chance and he won't be getting another one.

Mark Selby led 3-1. He was pulled back to 3-3 and looked to be

wobbling a bit. Mark Williams let him off the hook there.

HAZEL IRVINE: and stopped the rot after the last couple of frames,

having won by Mark Williams. There was a really good opportunity for

Mark to close that out and make it three in a row. What was the

situation you are about to refer to? Mark Selby has knocked the red

towards the bolt and unluckily gone off in the corner pocket and he

leaves Mark Williams with the cue ball-in-hand. Here is the situation.

I might have been tempted, the yellow into the green might be the

awkward position of shot. I might have been tempted to drop that in

and leave myself virtually straight on the green. I pot the green with

the rest, I'm on the yellow and the rest of the break is easy. The

difference between a player who is confident and absolutely on former

is that they make clear decisions under pressure. He plays the shot,

he's got a bit of an angle. He gets on the blue, he gets back on the

green. He probably thinks he will be able to play yellow to green well,

but he misjudges the pace of deep positional shot, which he has done a

couple of times already. But putting the green on its spot is so much

easier. So this is the pressure manifesting itself when you are out

there. To think clearly is easier said than done. Of course it is. It

is a lot easier sitting up here in judging it, but if you showed that

to Mark Williams again, he would go, you're right. But there is such a

dramatic change in the rhythm of this match. This is the key thing to

it. I haven't been in the seat that long, but I can't remember playing

Mark Williams. It gets bitty and awkward. The frames become horrible.

And to score when all of that is going on is why Mark Williams is

brilliant at winning these friends and other people find it more

difficult. Mark Selby is one of those that can do that, but it is

difficult to play. It is the world number one who is on top again.

They just had to play a slight swerve. There was a possibility he

could have parted the red, but that was the last thing on his mind. Just

wanted to contain the situation, which he has done well enough.

He needs a bit of luck here. Is he on one? The one to the left of the

black is available, but is the one above the black? He thinks he can.

A difficult pot, but a good one. Wrong side of the blue.

Every time Mark Williams gets to the table, you sense that he is battling

the whole time to keep the break going. He is eyeing up this red to

the right of the bunch. Excellent reply there. We have seen

some very good safety. What we are seeing here is the fact

that Mark Selby and everyone saying he is the number one player and has

been now for nearly two years, and he is the man that everybody has got

to beat. But fair play to Mark Williams, he is certainly bring the

game to him. Absolutely. He is maybe not winning frames in one visit, but

he is in this match. Another excellent safety shot their,

and I can't see another path back to the baulk at first glance.

Touching ball, which means that Mark Selby can now fire away.

Steady hand needed. He has not managed to do it.

These players are both excellent at playing Finn glances -- thin

glances. not as thin as that. But again, no

damage done, I don't think. Looking at this plant but it's the

safety shot that's the most important part of this. He'll be on

the green if he gets it. That cue ball travel.

If you could easily get black and played. But he can't. He's just

playing the safety. They clapped in the wilderness. But

that's the only thing he could do, of course. That's the danger ball to

the right corner, got to cover that. Needs to. Have done. Good shot, that

was a more attacking safety. Having replaced because he can get

through to this red to the right corner.

And that's where it was, that's for it is now. Looks pretty good to me.

Had to catch it didn't, he caught it too sick. -- caught it too sick. It

might be Mark Selby's turned to be fortunate.

Unless someone does something drastically wrong, which you

wouldn't expect or these two players were in for a long frame. The red

just below the pink might be available to the right corner. And

it is. There's up path back to baulk, so he can play this. Caught

it two Extra seven. He's not got a bad cue ball, not bad at all.

Well, better to miss them than them on the way down. There is a red left

of the black spot that is portable to the left corner.

Surely he can't refuse it. He is, he's having it put back. Surprises

me a little. Me to. The way the balls are situated on the way this

frame is going, it's half chances that you've got to take.

That looked almost all. Mark Williams missed a trick there.

The red he's looking at, he could come off

Is hoping to force a mistake from Mark Selby but could be a long time

waiting for that. Did well to take on that red there. Good pot from

Mark and just a little bit too far. We'll just add to his frustration.

Not certain how much she can get on this. Might have to play a little

bit site. That's one way. Just don't want to

put too much side on it and hit the reds on the way down. Follow the

white line all the way down. Brilliant.

Now this is top quality. Tactical smoker. -- tactical snooker.

Looks like just another containing safety here. Get the ball up to

these riots. -- these reds. Is it going to reach? That's so careless.

Left with choice of three reds. Just trying to drop on the red and as

soon as he hit it he knew he didn't hit it hard enough.

The cue ball. He's got three reds near this right corner. , the

right-hand one will go to the right corner pocket, got to be closer to

control the cue ball. Yes, this moment in time, and

definitely getting two marks. 34 points is the lead. Four reds by

slit open. But as it would be enough to get because at that stage.

And he does win the frame at this minute, it would become the best of

these. Red and colour. He's on the pink.

That will put him 62 points in front with just 59 remaining. Mark Selby

has caught about along here. Bart Williams is potting Mark Selby

under a lot of pressure. STUDIO: He seems to be unsettling him. Doesn't

matter how well you've been playing in the past. Number one in the

world, well ahead as number one. You have to keep proving it every time

you go on the table you can turn this around. You really want the

entry, top quality and safety we're watching. Paramedic or Stephen

Hendry in the commentary box! He's absolutely right. It happens in the

Gimelstob and Mark Williams at the moment is playing a brand of sticker

that's very difficult to play against. Done that everything gets

petty, look at the scoreboard, 139, 69 and 100 and since then Mark

Selby's biggest break is 39. Mark Selby is used to playing a lot

more open, aggressive Snooker amongst the players he is bumping

into often, so he is not getting so much of the style.

As it is, it has become an old-fashioned style game and that is

more to Mark Williams' likely than Mark Selby, who is becoming pretty

free amongst this scoring department. It is fascinating. 100%.

I think they are matched up in that department. Ring craft is a massive

part of the game. Maybe is not as much as it used to be, but both

these players have tonnes of it. So when you get these two players,

where it is going, Mark might even be favourite. Best-of-3, boys.

They were talking about winning frames in one visit and since the

interval, that break from Mark Williams has been the highest break

on offer. They say there are no two friends alike in snooker. But the

last four frames have been very tactical. Any idea what Mark Selby

could do to change the flow? I was about to say, maybe play a more

aggressive safety shot, get the reds opened up early, force Mark Williams

into scoring again. At the moment, Mark Williams is outSelbying Selby!

He thought he could play that as a shock for nothing. Has he got away

with it? Has he covered it? Mark Selby must be thinking, what has

happened here? You can't take away from Mark Williams to get back into

this match. He has scrapped so hard. The boy has had a tremendous run of

the ball since the interval. The strange thing about this one is that

if he could hit the right-hand side of the cue ball, he could maybe

swerve this slightly to pot this red, but he can't because the yellow

is in the way. It is a double whammy. Look at the opportunity if

he can get the black in the open. If you tempted by a double here?

A puff of the cheeks. It is hard work at the moment.

Come on, JV. In all honesty, I can't see one. I can see how you could hit

a red, but to cover or not leave a pot on is nigh on impossible for me.

It is one of those situations where you just hit in hope.

You would think he could flick on. But he is so tight to the green.

He would love to nestle on the red that is near the corner pocket.

Looks like this red just goes past the red that is closest to the

pocket. He doesn't have to do anything with the cue ball to get

position on the pink. He let that cue ball run three

inches too far. Still shouldn't be a problem, but he has had to think

about it. I think the red immediately below

the pink is available. Those two reds to the left of the

red he has just put it look as though they are almost set for a

plant. He is just having a look at it now. It certainly could be made.

If he does have to squeeze it, he will not be playing for the black.

He's going to have to hit the right-hand side. The positional side

of this is not straightforward now. It is not a formality to get

position on the pink. He could play the red to the left of the two

together and stun up for the pink or blue.

He is on the pink, but not as he would like.

Hmm, not there. He was taking full advantage of those types of

opportunities. He has dried up since the interval.

He was automatic before the interval. Didn't have to think about

any shot. Almost every single shot in that break, he had to get up and

down, look at the situation. And remember, that plant is still

there. He could play it. I can see no reason why he wouldn't. He is

nice and high with the cue ball, so he can play this comfortably. I

understand why he is not playing it already. From where the cue ball is,

it looks unmissable. He had a huge margin for error to

finish on a red there. This was where he thinks he had a big bounce.

Poor shot. It is situations like that that might just make Mark Selby

settle a little bit. When he missed the pink, he thought it could have

cost him the frame. It hasn't done. In fact, it didn't cost him much at

all. A chance for Mark Williams. It is

getting tough out there for both of them.

15 points behind. That will equate to taking the remaining reds with

colours to get to snooker's required stage.

This pink to just go one point behind.

That wasn't a clean pot, but in it went. The red that is close to the

blue, I think he can get on that to the left middle.

It was a bit careless to leave himself short.

Not the best positional shot, but this gives him another opportunity.

The only problem with leaving the red behind the black till last is

that now he will have to play a decent positional shot to get on

that. And it is not going to be easy from there.

You see the disappointment on Mark's face that he didn't win the frame on

that visit. He is a big favourite now.

Good hit, and a double-kiss. Mark Selby suddenly put his hand up to

apologise. I don't think I would have been apologising. He has been

favouring his opponent for the last couple of frames. But even though he

has left this red safe, there is every chance that Mark Williams can

lay another snooker here. That wasn't the best shot for me. He

has not put Mark Selby in any trouble here. So any advantage he

had in this tactical exchange has gone now. Mark Selby is brilliant at

digging himself out of holes in matches, and he is going to need

that. He is in one here. He is scratching his head now. I know he

can't hit the right-hand side of the wreck, but he could try answering

around behind the angles. Normally, he wouldn't think twice

about it. I think he has left this red.

Certainly, he has left a pot one. That does surprise me a little bit.

I thought he might have been tempted by the pot there.

You wouldn't believe there was a gap around the back of that read. You'll

have it replaced. The fact he's got this natural two

cushion escape. He is looking to hit the red full in the face, leave the

cue ball at this end. Just a minor adjustment required. But misjudged

it again and now this time we will be taking this red one. This is a

test, this first red. He's not been comfortable, not comfortable at all,

since the interval, certainly since that break he was on in the fifth

frame. There is pressure on this. Good shot. Here, Mark Williams will

be fearing the worst now. Still a little bit to do of course.

Particularly with the Brown not being on its box, makes it a little

bit more awkward. The blue will be going back on its spot after this.

Couple of key shots coming up now. Position from yellow to green, then

green to brown, if he can cope with those three, then the frame's at his

mercy. Yeah, he needs to be closer to this yellow. The shot from green

to brown is the deciding shot in this frame but because he's left

himself a tough shot just to get on the green... Even tougher to get the

right angle on the green. He's up there saying it's a bad

contact. It certainly looked heavy. The cue ball seemed to jump. That's

the thing, if you're striking down slightly. Unless he's got the

perfect angle to roll this green in and can the Brown... It's a tough

pot. Tough to get good position. Good pot, where is the cue ball?

Flicks off the Brown. Nearly went in the middle. The other downside,

knocked the Brown safe. The difference, three points. Both

players now needing brown, blue and pink.

Good line. Isn't length, the only problem with this is if Mark

Williams can come off the top cushion and hit this brown full in

the face, he could get a snooker back here. Not beyond the realms of

possibility. Didn't hit it full in the face, though. So Mark Selby gets

another chance. He looks very much under pressure,

to me, at the moment, the world number one.

This is a tough shot. But he's had a look at the potting angle, so you

feel as if he's going to take it on. So close. He hit that good, didn't

he? He's left a very awkward Brown. It's difficult to say from our

commentary position whether it's easier to cut it in the right,

Middle or... Looks like the right middle. He's played it well, where

is the cue ball going? Where is the cue ball going? Four. Still needs

blue and pink. Whatever happens with blue, it'll be a pressure pink from

distance. That cue ball is a little bit closer to the side cushion than

he would have liked. Big shot. Right into the heart of the pocket,

puts his cue down. You storming off to the dressing room. He's a mighty

relieved man just one frame away from a place in the quarterfinal.

He is, really having to work hard for this, a fight on the Brown, then

the difficult cue ball went over the pink. There was a situation early on

in the frame, Mark Williams possibly could have passed on from here. This

different from Mark Williams in his prime and now, perhaps the thinking

process isn't as good. He's in full control of the table. You don't

leave the last red on the top cushion, as Stephen Hendry said,

until last, it can go wrong positionally. He gets himself a bit

in trouble and has to play the safety shot. It was good, but let

his opponent back to the table. Mark Williams of old would have

identified it quicker, made sure he got on the last red, second to last

red, then all of a sudden it makes it easier. In that break we were

talking about it, he only had two reds left, what next the blue

committee should have made sure he was high the other side so he didn't

have to play the cannon on the blue, making the top red easier. You sit

here watching but in the pit it's a lot more difficult. Mark Williams

still sitting out there. Is there one last gasp left in him in this

match? He played a good shot with the rest, could have gone in, he

played it to the far jaw, the right place to play it. Still skin of the

cheap stuff. Not easy to predict the outcome because both players are

looking slightly wobbly, no one has quite got control of the game.

Williams has to take confidence the way he's come back into this match,

the way Mark Selby was flying before the interval. The old craft has come

back. I don't subscribe to him not caring about winning or losing, it's

a mechanism for taking pressure off. If somebody was like that he

wouldn't be trying as hard as he is this afternoon. He is still in

there. I agree with Stephen in commentary, he's had a good run of

the balls as well. People may expect me to go out, nothing to lose, I'll

keep plugging away. Mark Williams is still in the top 16, hasn't been

winning events. It's a step back up the ladder to beat Mark Selby in the

Masters. It's an OK win for Mark Selby if he gets over the line but

it would be an excellent win for Mark Williams, the position he's in

in the game, players struggling a fraction. I read some very funny

quotes from him the other day, he said he had to laugh at himself, the

fact he's still in the top 16. He's very self-deprecating, does himself

down, that could be a mechanism. No danger of that, Hazel, he's too good

a player, he knows deep down. His game still stands up to as close

scrutiny. If Mark Selby comes through this, this will have been a