Day 1 Masters Snooker Extra

And what a match we have. Every match in this event, of course,

worthy of a final with a one-table set-up from the off. And this

opening match certainly felt like a final. Last year's champion, the

Australian against the 2011 winner, Ding Junhui. What a game it turned

out to be. Neil Robertson fourth. Always a possibility, but a little

bit unlucky there. Right-hand side, of course, through the coup ball a

little wider. Just asking there whether it's a free ball. Yeah, it

doesn't look like a free ball to me. I'm certain it's a red. In fact,

the one he was pointing to. The thing is, you can't be snookered by

another red. And if we just circle that red... We just circle that red,

it's other reds that's stopping it in the right-hand side of that red

as we look. So there's no way that's a free ball. There's an

argument here if he could get past the pink on the extremitys. He It

doesn't look like a free ball it me. What's the referee's explaining,

which he shouldn't have to, he's basically saying if the other reds

weren't there - he could hit both sides of the reds. The argument is

he doesn't think he can get past the pink. Trust me, he's saying,

"Trust me." He's looking into the commentary box. He's a bit baffleed.

He thinks he's right here. Well, just using my commentator's eye, I

definitely don't think it's a free obviously thinks the pink's

stopping him hitting the red on the immediate right. The one that's

sticking out. He's saying the pink is stopping him from hitting the

outside of the red. He's not having it. And I don't blame him. I can't

believe the pink is stopping him hitting the other side of the red.

I don't think you have to have the cue ball that close to the yellow

to stop him hitting both sides. Three minutes we're coming up to

now. The referee's got to be strong here. He's made his decision. He

needs to stick to it. This is also one of those instances where you

have to play a safety here, and be careful yourself. Because you know

you're going to open the pack a little. So he's accepted the

situation. He's proved his point. S' got to be careful here with the

safety. Playing it well. He's left a possible red to the left corner.

But a because that cue ball's so close to the cushion, you wouldn't

think he would be tempted to take it on. Too risky. I think it was

the main feature of last year's performance when he was champion,

how good his tactical play was. I said last year, he didn't waste any

shots, everything had a purpose. It's another one of those top-class

shots, which he played last year. And it's forced an error. Poor

attempt that was. So back in. This is a very good chance now. Plenty

of lose reds. He'll be disappointed if he doesn't clinch the frame at

this level, I would suggest. pretty sure he'd like to put the

performance in the UK behind him. He was doing really well and for

some reason he collapsed. I've never seen that before from him. A

very strong character mentally. His game at the end of that match, he

was triching all over the place. I've never seen that before. I bet

he was disappointed with himself. Another opportunity in a big event

like this to put the record straight. Not quite as intended.

He'll be running into other balls. So it could go wrong, position-wise,

see what can be the other red. Play the screw shot out would be better,

I think. Play it with a bit of side and you have both colours you could

land on. More options, you couldn't be certain. At least playing it

that way, you give yourself more options. That would be more than

enough to clinch the first frame. Ding Junhui 4-2, he had the upper

hand in the last few years. Looking like a player already, very

confident. The prospect of this match, really does keep the play

the ball beautifully. Yes, and the applause from this knowledgeable

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audience. 67 points. Now, 70 points And we had a nearly four minute

discussion of whether it was a free ball. You can never say it's

unlucky, that middle pocket is always there. That was the only

chance that Ding Junhui had. Gravity took over. Still a chance

of a century. Now, does he stop behind this last red and try to

disturb it. He's trying to disturb it. Can he knock it on. You bet he

can. Great shot. Great start from the defending champion. He had a

chance and didn't take it. Neil Robertson looked very good as he I

takes the opening frame, 1-0. That's more like it from Ding

Junhui. Safety play hasn't really been the highest order this

afternoon, to try and find that ball discussion a little bit more.

Good return though. And that, of course, is the thing at this level

- you can play one good safety shot but you may have to play three or

four before you force your opponent into a mistake. So a good safety

shot needed here. Got to find that ball cushion if he can. Much too

thick. Leaves the yellow to come to his rescue. And it has. It just

about has. Yes, he's been quite fortunate there - Ding Junhui. It

seems to be today, the majority of the safety shots he's hitten are a

little on the thick side. They're just not reaching the area. But

where that's finished, that's a right result. Again, a bit too

thick. You can see Neil Robertson come to the table praying the cue

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ball doesn't go in front of the You know you'll be down in the

baulk area. You got yourself out of trouble for that particular shot.

It was a colour to go, may be tempted to play the pot. But

there's no black available. It's out of commission. So just to

safety, it's imper tich that you find a place on the ball cushion

tight. And that makes any safety shot for your opponent more

difficult. Well, not bad. But should have been right against that

ball cushion. Even so, it's a mistake from Neil Robertson. This

red will definitely pass the black to this right corner. It's a big

shot though, if you go for it, you feel as though you've got to get it.

Yes, there's a lot of angle on that shot. It's not one you can hold. I

don't blame him for refusing that one. Well, he's got to catch this

just right. Otherwise he could be leaving something on. Pretty good.

Pretty good. But not absolutely dead safe. Got to be careful with

these. Got to get this very thin. Well, he played around the angles,

which was an even better shot. Pretty good effort. There is a shot

back but you have to be absolutely perfect to avoid hitting into the

other red. It's the black spot that you have to avoid. Well there's two

reds onto the other two. I don't know what he thinks is going to

happen there. He's had a look, I don't know whether he thinks he has

a chance of potting one of those, the bottom one or something, but

he's had a look at that plan for quite a while. The most important

thing is to avoid that red at the I think those two reds just went to

the join of the two reds and that's what's knocked it in. He didn't hit

the red that went in first. that was a bit careless. Should

have been trite behind the brown and then he'd have Neill robs robs

in all kind of trouble. But he hit it much too hard for the snooker.

Yes, he wasted a shot there - ding young young didn't he. The red went

in and he was completely in the driver's seat. He should have had

it tight behind the brown. Would you believe it, not for the first

time we've seen somebody make a mistake and the next thing they do,

they come to the table with a chance, and this is a decent one.

We always say it's a little more difficult to judge how the cue ball

comes out. If you can get on the black, the chance this would be.

Cushion first he's playing. Couldn't have played it better.

Excellent shot and beautifully controlled. One of those shots that

the cue ball could make contact and run away. The cue ball ends up on

the other side cushion. But this was really well played. Lovely

touch. I think the only downside with potting the black, it's now

not available in either pocket. So you have to concentrate on the blue

for the time being. That was handy that red potted. The fact that it

went and was useful and of course it opened up the path for the other

red after it was potted so he thought he'd take it. But wrong

side of the blue. Imperative he got a good angle of the blue. The wrong

side. If he had a nice angle on the whether you, every chance of

bringing the pink into play. He's not going to be too close to the

next intended red. He's trying to swing it around the angles. Used to

say in the snooker club, crew him back. But at least he made the

effort. Now he's going to get back for the blue. Good cueing needed.

Struck it absolutely beautifully. In fact, if anything, too well.

Look at that. Cue straight through. Head rock solid. Look at the action

he got on the cue ball. He's just struggling for absolute perfection

at the moment with the cue ball. And there's the point again. Well,

if he's landed on that red, he's had a right result. In fact, he's

just put his hand up to say sorry about that. That little flick off

the pink. He's landed up on a red here. He had no right to be on.

Needs a good angle inon the blue, sooner rather than later. And that

could be it. I'll tell you what, that was beautifully struck. One of

those shots you can certainly get wrong. He hit that beautifully.

playing a little not too hard. Into the pink. Bring the pink into play.

Well, I'm amazed. I don't know the value in that shot whatsoever.

He'll do well to win this frame just chipping away on the blue and

possibly green or brown. A good chance they'll try and get the pink

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sure he played on the bottom red on that cluster of three on the pink.

But this will do. Cue ball again, I thought it was going to be a little

worse than that. So it's not absolute perfection at the moment

but he's keeping ongoing. Well you see a very high standard pot

success. And that needs to run on, or this could be on the break. Oh,

he's just about made it! He's just about made it. And he may just

about have the perfect angle. Now, this time I'm not suggesting he

plays into the pink. Because there's a couple of reds either

side of the black that may be available. But that was a bonus

doing fantasticly well. He's been on the wrong side of the blue at

least three times in this break. He's coming down and going to be on

this red. That cue ball much, much too close to the cushion for

comfort. A little scratch of the head. The only thing s I say end of

break, I can't see a safety. surely this red to the right of the

black. You could just drop it in death weight. Wouldn't want to be

playing with any pace. I think you automatically run in the red just

below it. And the 54-point lead, still a possibility 67 remaining. I

mean, you'd like to see a colour near the cushion and maybe he's

thinking he can nudge the pink to the cushion off this but can he get

it safe. Ding Junhui 53. Well, that was half an idea. Isle a' be

disappointed. It looked as if it was always going to come. When you

only have that blue to play with and you just can't find the right

angle init, it will make the next shot more difficult. Quite a few

points to play with here, Neil Robertson. 59 remaining. It's not

an easy chance this, obviously. Those three reds, very close to the

top cushion. And this one has to be inch-perfect of the yellow.

doesn't want to be close to the cushion. A tough pot here. 51-

points behind, 59 remaining. Yes, this will test your cueing. Hitting

the ball well if you knock these in. What that score equates to, Ding

Junhui is going to need to get it. He played it well. It wasn't the

right angle to develop the black. The potting angle had sab a little

thicker on the red he could have nudged the black towards the same

pocket but, he just couldn't catch the black fully enough. So the pink,

but he's got it coming in and out. As we can see, these last three

reds are in very awkward positions. Oh, he's asking a lot to get back

for a red there. The main priority was to get the six points. You've

got a very difficult safety shot. At least you still have a chance in

the frame. Neil Robertson, 10. that time, I don't blame him for

not leaving the pot on. Because Ding Junhui is just looking for one

more red to clinch this fourth frame. Mid session we're into after

this one. It's the best part of the last shot for Neill was forcing to

move one of those two reds off the cushion interest there. So the fact

that he covered the lose one with a pink is a big help. There's now two

reds in play. If he likes it, get on the black. The one that's on the

top cushion would be a lot easier for him to play. He's certainry not

out of this frame. Needs the colour here. At the moment, he stands 43-

points behind. And after his next shot, there will only be 43 left on

the table. If he can't get through to the blue, he either plays the

yellow or he plays a snucker. He can't get through to the blue. If

he plays a nuker, Ding Junhui hits it, he can only tie. He's been

desperately unlucky there - Neil Robertson. He's on the blue. It's a

great chance. I don't blame him taking it on. He had to play it

with that little bit of extra pace and it just puts more pressure on

the pot and in all honesty missed it. So Ding Junhui needed to level

at the session break. So even though the defending races away

with the first two frames, you would think it would be Ding Junhui

going into that mid session interval feeling very good about it.

Of the two, I would say Ding Junhui looks a little bit edgier. But he

will he he be happier with the scoreline. And that I think will be

the scoreline, Neil Robertson having a look at the score 50-

points behind, 35 remaining. He'll carry on. But for snookers, it

looks as if Ding Junhui will get the fourth frame. That's a good hit

but it's not a snooker. He'll keep this red on the table. As we always

say, while the red's on the table, there's always the chance of a free

ball. And if you can get a free ball, then just a couple of

snookers needed. Did you carry on John, 50 behind? No, I don't think

I would have done, to be perfectly honest with you. As a percentage,

it must be exceptionally low for anybody. You never know, it might

be that day. It does happen, of course. And we have seen of it

happen. But at the moment, it's four snookers needed, unless we're

talking about that free ball. think even Neill is half-hearted

attempt to get the snookers. So if Ding Junhui just rolls this red in,

we go to the mid session interval all square. The poing wasn't as it

would be. If you can put him off, he deserves to go in 2-2. A couple

of times he suggested he could have brought them into play, he was

determined to just get what he could without taking any undue

risks. In other words, he's up for the fight. It doesn't matter about

the blue. This was over quite a time ago. So Neil Robertson,

defending champion, led 2-0 but it's Ding Junhui who wins the next

two. They go to the mid session interval all square, nothing to

choose between them. There may be a chance here. This left to the red

corner. If he could avoid a kiss on another red, he would be thinking

about taking it on. He may be able to get through to the right corner.

Not the best of safety shots. He can't get through to the one to the

right corner. But this left one is OK, if he can avoid a kiss on

another red. If he can't, it's a dangerous shot to take on. Played

too slowly. You wouldn't believe you could play that slowly and not

come on the black. That is very, very careless. The only thing you

have to do is guard against the bump on the middle pocket. And to

get down and do that is a huge mistake. The shot being played.

It's amaidsing that he didn't get on the black there. What an

opportunity this is for Neil Robertson, the balls are lovely

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here. I think into a couple of days play here that might not have

happened. These cloth have no sheen on them. They tend to slide quite a

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bit. The black certainly hit a fair way up the cushion. I was having a

chat and he was pretty adamant that that was definitely a free ball.

Funny how the players are. Incidents like that, they don't

like to let them go. It hasn't made a great deal of difference in the

context of the match. But thought he was right. Poor positionnal shot

by Neill's standards there. Showing us that he's the wrong side of the

blue. The most neglected shot in the game of snooker that is. It's

so important, just to get that cue ball just the other side. He played

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Just wondering if that pink is pottable. He could play the red and

cannon into the cluster. A little screwback and he could be on the

pink. Sorting a few balls out here, how he's going to play the run

through and open a few out. great. Yeah, I know everybody has a

different opinion. I always prefer the skew shot myself. And

particular in that instance, when it was obvious it was going to hit

the pink and the pink was going to run through. Now, this pink will

pot. If you see it clearly passes the black, it's a difficult pot.

Yes, it's not very often I'd question Neil Robertson's shot

choice but I'll do it with that one. I thought it was virtually

impossible not to play a screw shot off the pack. So it's just the

safety. Neil Robertson, 46. (APPLAUSE)

Tkheer cheer. He's got to catch this just right, if he catches it

too thick, he will a' run into the pink or black. If anything so far

in that match, that's been his Achille's heel. He's looked at the

red on the left-hand side of the table and the one close to the

cushion. But it's that close that he's definitely got a chance of a

double kiss. So this is it. He's going to catch this just right.

Just missed the pink. And the red's gone in. That's a bonus. He was

more interested in getting the cue ball back to the end. Now, can he

nestal uptight behind the brown? Ding Junhui, one. He's back in the

frame. He played it very well. Just got that a little bit too thin. But

when you're snookered, try and leave as much distance as you can

between cue ball and object ball, that's what he'sdown. I do think

that's one of the shots that the modians players lay play so well.

Very high standard for that shot. Obviously trying to manoeuvre that

red from the side cushion to give himself a better chance of making a

counter-clearance but not a great cue ball. Well, there is he' no

problem whatsoever. He's just sublime. Right in the heart of the

pocket. 91% success. Such an advantage. To be able to cue as

well as he does on those long balls in. Rather like a colleague Stephen

Hendry who is sitting there in the bubble this afternoon, his long

game used to be superb. You can get yourself out of trouble and get

yourself a great opportunity when you can cue those long shots like

that. So just this red needed to go 56-points in front with just 51

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remaining. Well, it didn't matter. The frame

was over, Ding Junhui made a careless early on in that and that

was the Catholic on the break and always kept Neil Robertson in

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After a shot like that, he goes and misses a simple black. How many

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times do we see it though. Just Junhui could play the red that's

closer to him through the gap. So be careful that he doesn't hit one

rather than the other here and knock the black in. This isn't

straightforward. As you said, he's got to be careful here, he could

knock the black in. He's got to have another look at it. I suggest

thinner and more side if you're going to play that one. I don't

think he can visuallise the red going past the black into the

corner. Or red just above the pink. That doesn't look on. Must have

played a good safety shot. There you go. Somebody can remember me.

Makes a change from where's the cue ball going anyway. As if by magic.

He was worried about knocking the reds onto the black before. This

time he just potted the black direct. Amazing. Thinking he may

have rolled off. A possible plant. There's quite a distance between

these two. It isn't a certainity by any means. He has an exceptional

player for this type of shot. (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Well, the form book stood you in good steed there - JP. What a

chance he's got now! Black's only available into one corner pocket.

But that won't bother him at the moment. It's available, that's the

main thing. If he can get on the black, it's now available into both

corners. Perfect. (APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Maybe he has a touch of angle to turn it around. Has to make sure he

doesn't stay straight. This is where he's at his best, Ding Junhui.

He is a' got to play a little cannon here onto the main cluster.

Just don't particular your eyes off the ballline.

And they've spread open nicely. Just slightly hampered on the one

that you would have liked to have been on, get an alternative to the

left middle. He's settling for this. Knew, as long as he's not hampered

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world. Great competitors. Just nice angle on the black. He could

hold nicely for the red in the same pocket as the black. Red corner red

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points in front. Just 67 remaining. it has proven to me, this match,

all players can became a will of scoring. That always puts pressure

to see the shot that your Robertson played. -- Neil Robertson. He

completely missed the black. Both players looking in very good

scoring form. That is going to make for a very good match. This is it.

The way he threw his arms up. You only have to put a little trace a

sidearm. Already made a break of Why does it always finish like

quality snooker. Expected. I always expect that when he is a dangerous

opponent, this break is a lot more fluent than the first century break

he made. He is probably gaining in mistakes. He took it well. He

levelled the match once again. Binge on the app looking a little

more confident in my eyes. -- a line, being 4-3 in front. But there

does seem to be a psychological aspect in front. But players can

make mistakes. That could have worked out better. He could be

hampered by the blue. You will not even think about it. He does not

shot than it looked. He is guarding himself behind the blue there. We

know there is no problem with the the pocket. He wanted to come

straight, obviously. This is tricky. It needs a good shot to get on the

red. You assume he is going to play for the red that is just near the

top cushion. But Kenny hold for that? -- can he. He went for it,

but he did not get the pink. tried to play that in a way that

was going to leave the paint in the pocket and coverage. -- leave the

pink in the pocket and coverage. Never easy when you're so close.

he can just get this red and still have an angle to be able to get the

pink, he may be able to carry on into that cluster. He has got to

get this one back off the cushion for that shot. Beautifully played.

Absolutely beautiful. This could be the key to the frame. He has left

himself the angle on the pen. -- pink. On the left-hand side he can

get the cue and ball running into the punch on the table. -- bunch. A

was just about to say it was not the greatest pattern to go into,

that one. You can run into the dock area. It was unlucky to finish

there, but it was on the cards. Taking a close look here, is it a

plant? There is a bit of a gap between the two. It has got to be

made. It is there. That is an absolute cracker. You said it in

the last frame, he is very good. It was enough of a gap that made him

mess. -- miss. It went right into the lower one, he could go for the

paint in the left middle. -- pink. He could be set up for the blue.

But when you play for the blue, you have got to get the right angle.

Otherwise it gives you big problems. He has decided to play up for the

blue. That leaves a lot. I do not blame him for refusing the red.

Definitely understandable he played around the angle. Made light of a

very difficult charred. -- shot. Dear me. Mr that by the proverbial.

-- missed that. Did not get that shot at all. He just quit on it. At

the moment, Neil Robertson has gone off the boil slightly. Looks as

though he is going to fluke it. The green has come to his rescue. Dinge

many -- with a problem at the moment. Now he can do that. -- Ding

Junhui. Maybe he can play the part here. The worst thing happened. He

missed it and brought the EU prattle away from the side cushion.

The last thing he needed. -- have games, I would fancy the Purple

very strongly, but -- and see the red. He has established himself in

angle. If he drops the blue men, he can pocket the red and get outside

on the three and get the other two up. He decided to take the chance

and open them up. Has it worked out? Cannae get through the gap? --

canny. If he can't, he is very unlucky. The only way he could get

through to pot that red is to play a swerve using a lot of the right-

hand side. But would he be on a colour? I am not certain. He will

have to play the swerve. He cannot get through direct. I think he had

an alternative safety shot, he would play it. He may be forced

into having to play this part. Unless he can find somewhere in the

area to hide the cue ball. Maybe he just has to play safe. But if he

tries to get up to the end, he is looking to see if he can hit the

red on to the paint and the pink on to the red. -- red on to the pink.

At least they have moved the red away from the corner. He was

unlucky there, it had to be said. was just about to say what a good

pot that was. He got into it too much. Just a bit too much backspin

on the cue ball. No real harm done. But you would have liked to see the

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of four red. He needs to drop on oar and side cushion. I do not

blame him for that. -- that are positional play. The plaque is

likely to remain. -- are black. Where has the cue ball gone?

Careless enough, you would have to say. Used to get three for that at

billiards. Is that the new catchphrase, then, where has the

cue ball gone? Particularly if you are slow off the mark. That is a

state for your opponent. He will He'll have to change that shirt now

- "Where's the cue ball gone?" think reason he's considering this

red - he doesn't really want to bring those four reds into play. He

could play the pot on this, and even if he didn't get it, he

Decided to try to get back to the baulk end. It's not a bad effort,

particularly with that little flick Who's he remind you of? He reminds

me of Neil Robertson! It must be APPLAUSE

He'll be looking a lot happier now that Neil shot that terrific long

We're getting a smile out of him now. It might be something the old

lady said to him...? What a pot that was. Absolutely fabulous. Just

wondering if any of those reds are He's missed it. He thought the top

one of the four would go. But how many times do we say it and how

many times do we see it? You just think about position, and forget

about the shot in front of you. Never expect him to miss a green

like that. But he's not really on this red. I don't think Ding Junhui

will be taking a chance. Looks like Don't know whether he is tempted by

Certainly a very awkward shot into a blind pocket. A very tight pocket

as well. One of those shots that's do-or-die. Yeah. I could understand

him playing it off the right-hand side of the two together going into

this corner. But it's only the left-hand one - that's too risky.

Putting all your eggs in the one So far, the longest frame in the

It mightn't last much longer if Ding Junhui can knock this long red

in. Not the best from Neil Robertson. One good bit of cuing

Didn't fully connect, but he got the red. He hedged his bets by

I don't blame him. But it just makes the pot more difficult the

more pace you put into it. He'll be happy now. Always knew, of course,

he'd be on the green - just about due to the pace to get that red in

the middle of the table. Yes, and the most awkward aspect of this is

the two reds on the top cushion, because neither of them are

Can he play a cannon into one of those reds and take the chance? The

pink is there. He'd be unlucky to snooker himself. I don't know

whether the angle is on. He could He did try it... I'll tell you what

- he's not come out too bad. He's flicked the black and finished

absolutely ideal on the blue to What a flick off the black that was.

If this goes right, it's a frame- It could have gone better. It could

have gone a lot better. A choice of 12 points the lead... Decision time

- which would you prefer, the one in the left middle, or the one in

the left corner? I think I'd prefer I would. Take a little bit of

pressure off, doesn't it? Could be the middle. Might even be the

yellow pocket - just a choice of how you see it. It's certainly

Perfect on the blue! The blue will put him 18 points in front. After

the blue, red, colour, yellow would Wouldn't expect him to miss this,

but it's a little more awkward than it should have been. Nothing Neil

Robertson can do now. He's played a few loose safety shots in this

frame. If this goes in, it could This yellow to go 26 points in

If he pots the green, two snookers Neil Robertson won the first two

frames. Ding Junhui pulled him back - two apiece at the midsession

interval. Neil Robertson came out gin form to win the frame after the

interval but, since then, he's gone In goes the pink. Ding Junhui -

who's always trailed in this match - he goes in front, now leading

Excellent break. Puts a little bit of pressure on this return to baulk

for Ding Junhui. That's if he decides to return to baulk,

particularly with that red ball being adjacent to the right middle

pocket. If he's playing to baulk, he's got to make certain he doesn't

Coming off two cushions. Feel that's a safe spot. Played it well.

There may not even be a return to baulk for Neil here, where they

Can't get across the that red and back into the baulk area without

bringing the blue or loose red on the right-hand side into play.

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Has he spotted a red that goes to That's very careless if he's left a

chance for this red just to the right of the black - a chance of

That's very careless. Only thing about this, John - the way the

table has been going today, will it APPLAUSE

No, it wouldn't. Great shot. Careless from Ding, though, to

Amazing. You play a shot like that, you think, "There's no way I can't

be on the right middle." Then it just rolls on a fraction or two,

This red, the alternative red, is a APPLAUSE

He played that probably as well as When he played that red, he knew it

was difficult full stretch. He didn't want to play it at the side.

That's why he's got the contact on the black. If he'd been more

confident to pot, he'd have played Too thin.

CROWD GROANS Has he got away with it? Has he

left a red to the middle? I think he's left a red to the right middle.

Well, touching ball. Does that mean I think he can get through to it.

Good shot. I think he can get He'd have loved to have been on the

blue. Angle on the blue, split the That was a clever shot.

APPLAUSE What's what we talk about - playing

the positive shot, the right shot to play. That certainly was an

opportunity. OK, he could have played for the one loose red and

thought, "If I get on that, roll that in, pot the blue," that will

put him up. He knew that red would always be there as a reserve.

That's why he took the opportunity to open the reds. He's given

himself a frame and matchwinning Would you believe it? How careless

was that?! Not in the top three worst shots today... All you've

gotta do is land on a ball colour or the blue, and he's overscrewed

it with a bit of side on it. He's left himself far more awkward than

He's eyeing up the shot on this green. When you know you should

have been eyeing up a lot easier shot than this, it's a lot harder

to take on. The obvious shot would Very well played.

APPLAUSE It was one of those - if he'd have

missed it, you'd have said, "Maybe he shouldn't have done that. A bit

of desperation there." He would have been annoyed not having

anything easier than that. Yep. But he's showing here that he's in a

positive frame of mind. We saw it with a pink in the last frame, and

a that green once again. He's winning this match, it's not being

given to him: Every credit to him. As I say, you don't doubt his

ability, his technical ability is You just sometimes wonder whether

he's up for the fight, but he It's good to see, because it's not

all about this game when you're playing at your best. It's what you

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 53 seconds

Not a bad angle to play for on these two loose reds. He'd be

looking for an angle on the black. The choice of these two reds on the

right-hand side of the table is the Love to leave an angle here off the

into nnon into the black. The red on the

right-hand side he may get on as an Hmm. The way he's played that, he's

just going to play for the loose red on the right-hand side of the

table. I thought he would have run through and left himself an angle

to go straight into the red. Very It's not even going to be that easy

to get on the one loose red near Release surprised at the way he let

this shot. If it goes well for Ding Junhui, he will be through. He just

needs to get into the pack of the red. If you land on something

simple, he will be home and hosed. You have really got to trust this.

You do not want to hit it too hard, under the lock. Is he on it? Not

quite. He may be able to turn it thought he played it perfect.

many times does that happen? The match would be all over and he

would get ready to shake hands and now you have got this. A lot of

always say that the difference between practice play and matchplay,

in practice you do not hesitate. He knows how important it is and he

does not want to make the mistake. He is going to have to wait for

shot. If you look at it for that long, the degree of difficulty is

too difficult. A very good one indeed. He has put Robinson in a

bit of trouble here. Hard to see a point behind. Still a possible 75

left on the table. That leaves Ding Junhui a pot at the red. He is now

the favourite. I do not see how you even Neil R even Neil Rcannot put all

of his eggs in one basket and go for this red down the left-hand

side cushion. But is there an got so close to the pot. Safe as he

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 53 seconds

unlucky. He has been so unlucky. Looked certain he was going to be

on the black or possibly the blue. But that gives him a pressure pot

here. You feel he has got to take are almost shot. A great part.

fabulous pot, that was. The one thing besides getting the shot safe

before it was when he played that long screw. All of the balls were

in positions. If he can manage to negotiate his positional play here.

a double fist pump. I do not know if he clears up here. -- what he

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 53 seconds

he will not play it. This is an leaves the cue ball high. That is

where he is going to leave it now. What an opportunity this is. He

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 53 seconds

could level the match 5-5 into a would have been over now. They

would be shaking hands and doing press interviews. Neil Robertson,

wrong side of the blue. I had gone on about it earlier in the match on

been the correct side of the blue all the time. He might just be able

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 53 seconds

a lifeline. He is putting Ding Junhui under pressure. The title he

holds e is still within his grasp. break. There is nothing like a

deciding frame. Ding Junhui is holding his breath here. Has he

left it possible red to the left to meddle with that Bray Cockshutt? --

melting pot like this, you're akin to get a lot of final frame

deciders. There have been a lot of more. I thought it might just leave

me on the brand. He is nicely on the yellow. First chance, Neil

getting excited. It is was watching them playing sometimes, isn't it? -

- worse. He is certainly doing better now than he has done for

quite a spell in this match. The past couple of frames he has been

excellent. 62 in the last one to get a decider. Looking like he

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 53 seconds

could not score. He is now looking has got to go into the cluster and

more. Just trying to chip away at an. -- them. I am pretty certain he

was playing for the angle, but he was playing the cue ball too much.

He has overdone it. That is the problem. If you have a good angle

once, you are never certain to get it again. Of course, this red going

into the middle releases the red just above it. Just above it to the

left corner pocket. It is not all available in to the right middle.

It depends on which pocket he prefers. That has absolutely amazed

me. That really has. He has got the loose red to play for. Coming off

the top cushion, it is in a flat backpack as a long-time colleague

used to say. It was always going to be awkward. Get yourself off the

loose red and weed yourself off the black. You can get straight into

them. It is one good pop up into agree with you entirely. A few

shots he could have played to open the pack up. That is the one. He

has recovered the situation with a brilliant pot. It is the way he

played it that makes you feel as though he is not going to wilt in

fright of the winning line. -- site. It is hard to see Ding Junhui

getting back into the table in this match. He is now 2-0 behind. 5-3 in

front. It looks as though the defending champion is getting very

off the top rail. He played the shot and was walking down. He

really got off at top cushion. Nearly double the speed. I would

have to say under these circumstances, why has he been

positive. All of the shops have gone into the centre of the pocket.

has been a few mistakes, but that was what makes it more exciting.

There have been quality breaks, mainly from the cue of Ding Junhui.

But every credit to Neil Robertson. Ding Junhui could have won this

match 6-3. But that is not going to be the case. Neil Robertson is now

just a couple of pots away from a defending champion looks as though

he has got over this very big first out what he is going to do instead

thatk at imagine the relief. There were

times, particularly when he was behind that he thought that was his

master's reign over. But it was not to be. Everything is going in now.

He even got perfect on the black. It was a terrific match. Neil

Robertson. Ding Junhui waves to the crowd. Nothing to be upset about.

Just a fraction. Look at the delight on the Australian.

Absolutely over the moon. He is in the quarterfinal of the title he is

defending. Ding Junhui is defeated defending. Ding Junhui is defeated

defending. Ding Junhui is defeated by 6-5.