Quarter-Final: Selby v O'Sullivan Masters Snooker

We are heading into deep freeze territory outside where the weather

is concerned but here in north London things are just beginning to

heat up from the quarterfinals onwards of the Masters. Let me give

you a quick tour because that is the entrance. Some 2000 people for every

single session since last Sunday have been making their way in here

into the darkness for a good view of one table. That is the special thing

about the Masters. With one one table. That is the special thing

every match as a look and feel of the final. Last night we completed

our third round and what a four days we have in front of us now from

our third round and what a four days quarterfinals on word. Take a look

our third round and what a four days at this for our line-up.

In it goes. Barry Hawkins has won a match at the Masters for the first

time. It has been a fantastic match. Judd Trump beat Steve Maguire

success four. A nice easy evening for Neil Robertson. He runs out a

winner, 6-0. It has been a fabulous match. O'Sullivan is back and he

takes the match 6-5. What a fantastic game of snooker. A

fantastic result for John Higgins. 6-4. Get in there, get in. Stuart

Bingham will be over the moon having won his first match here in the

Masters. Down to the quarterfinal won his first match here in the

stages and before we talk about the match this afternoon, tonight we

have Mark Allen against Barry Hawkins.

have Mark Allen against Barry Robertson. The Masters does throw up

mouthwatering matches. All the matches are at great quality. We

have had plenty of plumage with peacocks strutting round the table.

Robertson's matchplay is bullet-proof. If anyone can turn him

over it is Judd Trump. Then we have taken is against Bingham.

over it is Judd Trump. Then we have experience. I was 9-6 down and I

clawed my way back. It is right in the middle of the pocket. Ronnie

must be in total shock but he will have to admire what his opponent has

done here. I would rather play badly and lose than play... Play well and

lose rather than play badly and win. That is just the player I am.

In past matches when I have played I have not played fantastically and

have doubted a bit. He beat me eight years ago and he played

fantastically. Ronnie O'Sullivan playing some of the best snooker of

his career. What I noticed about Mark is that

you never get a good opportunity amongst the balls, you have to fight

your way to get a chance. He leaves you in awkward situations. You'd

never have a straightforward opening. He is tough for anyone to

play. He has been absolutely awesome.

He plays really quick and is such a natural player. I am so -- fire from

natural. I enjoy a challenge when I play him and I will do the same this

time. He is the hardest match player on the circuit and the only player

who doesn't have to play his best to win tournaments. They were

practically drawing lots to see who would get the commentary gig today.

Dennis, when these to play one another why is it so special? They

are so evenly matched and such a complete contrast of styles. Mark as

it were Ronnie a little bit. I think Ronnie himself knows how tough it is

against Mark Selby. Your players talking about their game and Mark

Selby has a great plan B. I didn't see any rust in Ronnie's game. He

made two centuries, that doesn't look nasty to me. The last time they

played was the Crucible final, become before that was the Masters

played was the Crucible final, final, but this is the 50th match of

the season for Mark and Ronnie's 11th. He ready? Ronnie has brushed

away the cobwebs. He was down on himself even though it was a great

performance coming back. As he brushed away the cobwebs? As the

rust gone? Were behind the scenes is that he is really up for this match

and that is a good sign. That is the question, is running up for it after

such a long time out. We can't wait for it. We hope it will be close.

Ronnie referred to mark as the torturer. He has got into his head.

Did you think he enjoys playing him as a consequence or not? You enjoy

playing anybody? He is the greatest player, so you will enjoy your

opponent is. He knows Mark is one of the toughest match players in the

game and he will have to be playing well or he could go out. He looked

good in the last round. For you, what is the deciding factor? I think

Ronnie has two score a bit more heavily and get off to a good start

and start knocking in the long balls. The safety you would expect

Mark Selby to come out on top, but Mark Selby, the way he plays, he is

scoring heavily. The two legends of this Masters event. 2000 people here

ready for this sure you are as well. Thanks. Good afternoon ladies and

gentlemen. What a match in prospect. This is good enough to be the final

of the Masters and on three occasions it has been. We are about

to introduce two men who have dominated this tournament for a

decade. Yet they do again. The crowd cannot wait. This could be

sensational. Please welcome arguably the greatest

player in the modern game has ever seen. He won the first of his five

Masters titles 21 years ago and he is still going strong. Five times a

champion of the world. Blink and you will miss him. Ronnie was a loving.

-- Ronnie O'Sullivan. His opponent, a player who has

thrived in this tournament. He completed the triple crown when he

won the world title two years ago. He is the current world number one,

Mark Selby. I don't know whether you are

watching this fantastically in work or do it at home. It is good to have

you with us. -- clandestinely. That is the beautiful trophy that is for

the winner on Sunday night. It would be fascinating to see how this

starts off. Ronnie has won the toss. He is going to get this opening

frame under way. That is a better break-off shot. He hit the blue on a

couple of occasions. Of course, it was Mark Williams I

meant to refer to when Ronnie, the blue on a couple of occasions. This

is a tough half chance, it has to be said. The key, of course, and key

question, is has Ronnie shaken off the cobwebs against Mark Williams.

He has been out of the game since the World Championship and that is

not the greatest safety shot he has played. He has refused the pot on

the red which is a surprise in itself. They have a chance now for

Mark Selby. The black may look as if it is tied

up and there is one shot and Mark may have seen that. If you can get

on the red above the black decompile it and move the other one out of the

way. I am not sure if he can get up to that letter from the brown. He

might just be able to miss the yellow. In fact, he has changed his

mind. No, he has got the angle and he has dropped on that perfectly. He

can pot this red and freed the black with a little cannon. The yellow

wasn't in the way. Should he execute this shot it will open things up. He

doesn't want the red to cover the black. The thing will come to his

rescue. Will the pink spot. If the big spots it will certainly block

the red to the left corner pocket. The first sign of nerves. A little

bit concerned with the not. We used to wear a normal type many

moons ago and changed it to bow ties because some of the matches were

played in the afternoon, but sure in the evening and that was the reason

we wore bowties. I don't know when they changed back to this, a couple

of seasons ago, normal ties. He started off slow against Mark

Williams, but in the middle of the game he found his form. We will see

what sort of form he is in here. Important for both players to stamp

their authority early on in this match.

Just came back a little further than he wanted. When you played that shot

with a cannon it is hard to judge the face. It has gone a little

further than he wanted. I'd just be OK. Can get to the one at the back

of the triangle of reference. He will be brushing off the bottom of

the pack hopefully bringing another one into play. Nothing goes into the

left centre. He is coming around to have a look. Only the bottom red.

That is pretty good. Excellent, in fact. That was the only red he could

get on, the one directly above the black. He couldn't have played that

much better. That was a lovely shot. The only

part in the red blood watch the red he kissed off, it brought it into

play and notched another one into play as well. This is the key

shortcoming appear. He has got to can be read again. -- cannon the

red. If the yellow goes past the green he is OK. I think the blue

will still pass that read, but he may elect the yellow.

We know that Ronnie is doing very well. Mark missing a pink in the

middle pocket. Looks as if it is going to cost in this opening frame.

He was unlucky not to be on the black when he freed it. There is a

gentleman who knows a little bit about the game of snooker. Jimmy

White has been here from the start. Great pals with Ronnie.

He has just come short of the blue. He is 52 points ahead. Blue will be

57. 59 left on the table so he will need one more table. -- one more

red. Red to security first frame. There is a bit of pressure on this.

Bit of pressure on that one. Where will the red finish?

It was just a little bit more pressure than he wanted. This red

does cut in. It is a thin one. Up until that the break was superb. He

can put the red in but he will need a pink or higher. That is why he is

having a link to see if there is a pink passed the yellow into the

corner pocket. He may even have to try, if he does go past the yellow,

which it does, he may try to get into that yellow pocket. He is on it

nicely. He is going to need this pink and three raids and three

blacks. It is a tall order. What an opening frame this could be. Ronnie

was just one part away from securing it. -- one pot.

This looks pretty good. He would like to be a bit straighter on this

red but he can drop it in, miss the two reference. He can get on the

black. I think you can part the red and miss the raids, hip of the

condition. He will still be on the black. He needs three reds and three

blacks. He has got a tricky little shot but he can get to the two reds

that are available into the left-hand corner. He needs a little

bit of side to pot this black and drop in beside them. Just change

your plan. Maybe he would need too much on the shot. He needs to get

over to the right side of those two reds, that is for sure. He hasn't

got the required side and he didn't seem to hit it hard enough. A little

bit tentative. He was making sure the black wedding, that was his

primary concern. Just didn't quite hit it enough and get enough side

spin to get it by those reds and have the two reds into the left-hand

corner pocket. No reprieve for Ronnie O'Sullivan. 42 behind.

You can see his tie there. He has had to pull it to decide and it was

putting him off. Mark Selby is usually immaculate.

That was an excellent shot. A lot of club players would have tried to put

that into the Balkan area. He knew anywhere around the yellow pocket,

the group was a cover for the two reds. A very good shot. Ronnie

O'Sullivan must hit those reds. He has the advantage that Mark Selby 82

reds and to blacks. He doesn't want to give the four points away. It

will be interesting to see what pacey plays the site. He chose the

right shot, but that ain't quite a difference. He doesn't have to take

two reds and to blacks now. All of a sudden, it is only one possible crew

frame here. Ronnie's I feel was right. -- idea.

He has left a free ball. It could put him back, Mark Selby, because

the yellow is not straight forward into the right centre. These points

are added up and it is going to make Mark Selby's job a lot easier should

he get a chance at a part of the red. -- part. You can see what he is

trying to do. It is a tough shot. He has got to just glance of the reds

and once he missed the first escape it turned the whole frame around

really and all of the sudden you it turned the whole frame around

would have to say that Mark Selby is it turned the whole frame around

favourite for the first frame. Can he get enough side to just click the

reds on the way back? No, even further away this time. This could

play an important part in this match because Ronnie lived in terrific

form. If he knocks that one read in, week could be halfway through the

second frame. Mark Selby is happy to keep having this bike. He has got to

get closer. This looks a bit better. It is getting closer. He has almost

got to swerve around the blue and get close to this bottom right-hand

corner pocket. He is just not getting enough side on the ball. If

he hits this food ball he is handing the frame to mark. That is why he

he hits this food ball he is handing shot. He just got the side required

but not too bad. It has left Mark Selby a half chance. I am just

looking to see if he has an angle to part this. This could be a free

winner. I think he may have to play it that way. I am not sure.

winner. I think he may have to play have pinched. It is a frame that

would have really hurt Ronnie. Brown has got out of that, but what a part

on the red. -- part. It is worth another look. The screw and

controlled he had on that was magnificent. We want a lot more of

this. He almost lost the frame but he will be delighted he leads a 1-0.

This is the earliest these two have ever faced one another at the

Masters. A career head to head. Ronnie ahead.

There have been seven major finals between these two. And it is Selby

who has the edge. Ronnie, however, just in front in terms of the

head-to-heads. You cannot guarantee to clear up the balls every time

head-to-heads. You cannot guarantee go to the table, so there was some

tactical play. Ronnie was prepared to sacrifice a lot of points to make

sure that he did not just to sacrifice a lot of points to make

the Reds willy-nilly, and it paid off in the end. Although he did not

get ideally on the black. And that last red which Ronnie potted was a

real test of his cueing. You cannot hit this any better. Pot it on that

angle, and to hold the cue ball for the black was a magnificent shot. It

has everything, this matchup. Until now they have always happened in the

latter end of Championships. What do you think we are in for, in terms of

performance levels from both of them today? The only thing we can

guarantee from this much today is that it would be a draw. Anything

else could happen. You that it would be a draw. Anything

if Ronnie is going to fly, Mark will pull him back. Honestly, this is so

hard to predict break after Ronnie's match, he was talking quite a bit

about the fact that he is a different animal to Mark Selby. It

could have been construed that he was laying the foundations for an

excuse should it all go wrong, that that is the type of player, who

might be able to find him out. Perhaps he was trying to make

himself a bit more the underdog for this match. Indeed, that could very

himself a bit more the underdog for well be the case. Mark Selby this

season has not got a title yet. But his long potting was described by

Stephen Hendry against Ricky Walden as incredible. So, he has come here

on a hot streak. Let's see how this one goes.

DENNIS TAYLOR: You never want to catch the blue from the break-off

shot. But he has not left anything. Yes, there was a little gesture,

when Ronnie knocked in the last red, and Mark Selby was in his seat. And

this was his gesture. As if to say, what a shot that was. That was nice

to see. KEN DOHERTY: Yes, because a lot of

players would have played that red just with topspin and come back down

to the baulk. Trying to stay on the black there... Well, he is very

unlucky. He would have expect could to be on Adobe colour at least. But

just look where that red has come, blocking the path down to the baulk

colours. So, just a safety shot now. You can see it here. He could have

made that a lot easier by going back up to one of the baulk colours. It

was magnificent. Does not want this to bounce too

high of this cushion. Because I think the red just below the

black... Certainly the one above it, will go. It is quite tight, but it

will go. Bit unlucky. You are never sure

where they are going to go when you cannon into the red is like that.

So, it has made it a difficult table now. There is no safety zone, with

the two reds at the other end of the table. I think a re-rack would be in

order, Dennis. The players will not like this. We might see a nod to the

referee in a couple of shots' time. I think that has solved it now. He

can possibly get in behind the black here and put Ronnie in a spot of

bother. Well, has he left the red to the

left-centre? Ronnie having a look. He might be able to play it with

swerve. Good pot. That is a very

uncharacteristic mistake from Mark Selby, it has to be said. One of

uncharacteristic mistake from Mark best safety players in the game. But

a big mistake. What will it cost him? Yes, I think the fact that Mark

had the bot of the cue up in the area, it was difficult to control.

This was it. Just hit it a little harder. On these lively costs this

and that can happen. -- on these lively cloths, that can happen.

There is Patsy Fagan. He is always at the Masters. In fact, he was

doing a bit of coaching with Jimmy a couple of seasons ago. Former UK

Champion. Kevin Kelly next to him, who looks after Jimmy.

He played that cannon very nicely. Back up for a baulk colour now. As

you can see, those reds around the pink are now all open. He has taken

these very, very nicely. He looks to be on better form and a lot sharper

already this afternoon than he was against Mark Williams. Found a bit

of form in the middle of that match, when he was 4-2 down. Produced a

couple of centuries. He is looking pretty good. He was not happy with

his performance, of course. He never is! But he certainly looks a lot at

this afternoon, Dennis. Yes, I did not think he did a lot wrong against

Mark. In the end I thought Ronnie's performance was fantastic. To make a

couple of centuries and a 60-odd, you have got to be cueing well.

Wiped its feet! It looked like it was going to hit the near jaw. So,

just this red panned another colour. -- justice red and another colour.

Isn't it amazing, Kenlooked around at the scoreboard and saw that he

only needed a red panned a colour. I think it took his concentration

away. What a miss. Now, similar to the opening frame, Mark Selby has a

chance. He is giving himself a good telling-off there, Ronnie. Guess

that will really annoy him. Especially frame ball. He nearly

missed the previous red into the opposite middle pocket. Looked like

he just chewed it a bit. Just like in the last frame, missing the frame

ball. This could work out just nice. What

a shot that is! There is one red which will not be

straightforward - the one which is closest to the cue ball. So he has

got quite a lot to do here. But just a minute or so ago, he would have

been in his seat getting himself ready for the third frame. He did

not expect Ronnie to miss a sitter into the middle pocket. But this is

not a straightforward clearance, by any means. Yes, go up for the red

near the green... The problem ball as you say is the one closest to the

left-hand side cushion. But if he gets a nice angle on green or brown

here, in putting this red, he will get right up close to that red. So,

important that he does not come to straight on the brown or the

Greenhill. Looks like he is screwing back up for the pink... I thought it

might have been better to go for a baulk colour. And he has now ended

up too straight on the pink. Yes, in an ideal world, he would love to get

the white somewhere around there. He might be able to do that from the

pink. But anywhere over the side of the table. He is not sure if he can

do it from the pink but I think he can just about do this. That is

still OK. As long as he got over that side. It is a little more

difficult now - he will need the extension on the rest and on the

cue. This could be a big moment in the match already, Dennis. He does

not have to do much with the cue ball, he knows he will be on the

black. So, give the red a chance to get into the pocket, just play it

dead weight. He now has the angle on the black.

It is not the best angle in the world. Yes, that's why he had a

quick glance at the pink. Now, he has got tremendous cue power. Watch

this, with topspin and side to try and get round for the yellow... !

Fantastic shot, it really is. From that angle, it is

fantastic. Did not play that too well. Wanted to get away from the

cushion. This is a key shot. The brown, swing

it around the angles. Anywhere close to this blue and he will have it

into the corner pocket. Big shot, this.

Needs to pull up a little bit. That has gone a little bit too far for

the middle pocket. He can still put it, but had he been straight on

this, it would have been no problem. Now, he has to go in and out of the

baulk. Well, that easy red which Ronnie

missed, as you said, Ken, this could be quite turning point in this

match. Yes, he had a chance in the first frame to steal it. Oh, he has

got a... Well, I thought the cue ball was going to be up against the

cushion. So, Blackford brilliant steel...

-- so, black for a brilliant steal. Two fantastic frames, and both

following a similar pattern. , but Ronnie, well, I don't know what that

will do for his focus. He took his concentration of this red, and

looked at the scoreboard beforehand. How many times would you miss a shot

like this? He only needed this and the black and he was 2-0 up. He just

lost that little bit of focus, Ken. He did indeed. The previous red he

almost missed as well. Should have taken a bit more time. Just seemed

to rush it a bit. It was frame ball. As in the previous frame, he missed

frame ball. That will really annoy him and what it does to him remains

to be seen. Look at Mark Selby. His focus is always there. He is a

tremendous competitor, unbelievable determination and dedication. He has

worked so hard on his game over the years. And now, probably the

toughest player in the game. Yes, what he has, Dennis, he has got

tremendous bottle, tremendous character. And that was shown in

abundance with that clearance. Absolutely top-quality. Great match

so far. REFEREE: Third frame, Ronnie

O'Sullivan to break. That is a pretty good break-off

shot. He frees up four or five reds. You are looking to try and get the

white tight on the cushion. That kiss on the red has left Ronnie with

a chance to this into the middle pocket. OK, he is almost tight on

the cushion, but... In fact he is refusing it listen playing the

safety shot. So, decided on that occasion not to

risk that red. We will find out if it was a good choice, because this

is what he is looking at. One of those reds would pot, but he is

coming off the side of the pack for his safety. Same thing, just playing

off the loose red. Yes, not the best safety shot from Mark Selby. Ronnie

has a chance into this left corner pocket.

has a chance into this left corner and open the black up. Especially

those two reds above the black as well.

those two reds above the black as this red to stay on the black.

He has got this easy red, but there might be another one available at

the back of the bunch. He has looked at it a few times to see if it would

go. I don't think the two reds Ira plant. Yes, you can see clearly,

there is enough room there. DENNIS TAYLOR: He has looked a few

times at this red here. It looks as if it goes. He has had two or three

looks at it. He is back looking at it again. He is not quite sure. From

this side it looks as if it goes. But from the other side, you can see

much better. KEN DOHERTY: It is one of those, you

need to be almost dead straight behind it. Now, the problem with

this is, you are looking away from the pocket. It is tight enough, this

red. He is looking at the plant now as well. I don't think the plant

goes. He could squeeze the plant into the pocket if he hits the first

red correctly. And he did. Yes, played it lovely. Did not look

on from that angle. As you said, Dennis, kind of squeezed it. It was

almost like a reverse plant, wasn't it?

Again, beautifully cued. As you said, Dennis, no better way to

eradicate the bad memories of the last frame. If he could win it with

one visit... It has been good stuff, great response so far.

Yes, you just sense that this is going to go very close, this match,

because they are both cueing well. They have both made a couple of

Little mistakes, but not that many. And look at pot success rate of

Ronnie. Does not matter about the blue. He has made more than enough.

Mark comes to the table, but barring snookers, Ronnie has gone into the

lead again. At the moment, he needs three four point snookers. I can

tell you one thing - Mark Selby has won a few frames with needing three

snookers. But it is a tall order. Yes, I suppose when you come to the

table in this sort of situation, one snooker, and possibly if you can

leave the red on the table, maybe a free ball, that was as a possible

eight points. One snooker and a free ball would be enough. And that red

next to the pink, he could get in behind that red and get tight in

behind the pink. And he could make the first snooker very, very

difficult indeed. Because he could hide that red up the table and get

tight in behind the pink in a couple of shots' time. Can't do that now.

He is not on the black to be able to leave that shot.

He has played that very well. Now, if he can try and knock the red off

the side cushion, try and get it close to the blue, and try and get

that cue ball in behind the pink. Not only does he have to try to get

the snooker, but put red in a difficult position. Oh, just

decelerated on the backswing there. And did not get anywhere near where

he wanted! That cue ball was supposed to go behind the pink! He

is having a little smile to himself. He has finished up getting the

snooker behind the brown, which was the last thing he felt would happen.

Just took the paint off it. Yes, he played it that way, Ronnie, he did

not want to miss the red and leave a free ball.

Maybe not a bad ploy from marquee. Ronnie was in terrific form and

rather than conceded he thought maybe I will try to get the sneakers

but get him out of his rhythm a bit. It is energy that Ronnie did not

want to be using. He would have loved to part the blue and win the

frame and get on with it. He will not be enjoying this.

We have the situation where both players will be trying to get

sneakers. Ronnie will be trying to get one here. That has put the pink

in a better position, next to the black, for the sneakers that market

needs. I don't think he can see enough of the road to screw a cross

of the cushion into the pink and black. He would have avoided the

pink with the red. He might just be able to do that. Just played the

delicate one. He has still got the snooker though. Is there a little

gap? There is always a gap, for some reason.

That has knocked the green into a better position for the sneakers

that market needs. A bit surprised from Ronnie there. I thought he

might have played the red into the black and tried to split the red and

black away from each other. Now a chance for him to knock this red

into the left centre. We all have one more frame before

the mid-session interval. It is an intriguing encounter already. Both

players cueing very well. Both just making the odd mistake.

A little bit of power needed here if you want to get on the pink. Doesn't

matter about missing the blue. So, it was the early break that paved

the way for Ronnie O'Sullivan to take this third frame and he now

leads 2-1. Mark Selby inflicted the wind in the second frame to level

things. The opening red told us a lot about how he is feeling. You can

hit this any better. His actual action with the cue and how he

delivers it threw the ball, but was superb. Will he be concerned that

that is two frames where he has had in the palm of his hand and he

missed the penultimate ball? Players don't like that to happen but with

missed the penultimate ball? Players positional play being so critical,

you have got to expect that it will go that way. It was interesting when

Ronnie came in after his first match since he didn't play great, whereas

we were saying he was hitting the ball beautifully. He is such a hard

task master on himself. If anyone can have a lay-off and come back, he

is the person. He has proved it before. It is astonishing how he can

do it. In our day, in the modern-day game, very few players take that

much time off. It was as if you lost ground on everyone. At the World Cup

it is the best of 19. Here it is the best of 11 and the best player is

right off the bat. He makes it difficult for himself sometimes. To

come straight in under the microscope of the Masters, it is a

huge ask. Perhaps that gives him the challenge he needs. If you played

the whole season he would be bored or he would be flat. Therefore, he

is putting himself right on it and that is how he likes to perform.

These are the greatest events. These are the ones people want to win. It

is living up to its billing. This is the last frame before the interval.

That is the wonderful Waterford Crystal trophy they are playing for

this week. Beautiful, isn't it? That is the second time markers hit the

blue from Dibrugarh. -- from the break off. It could be costly.

What ever you do, don't hit the blue, as John Virgo would always

say. Maybe in the past, Ronnie O'Sullivan has let himself down with

his long game. At first glance, in this match, it has been top-quality.

He has knocked in a couple of quarters in this match already. Very

short indeed now. -- very sharp indeed now. If you questions are

posed about his rustiness. After not playing for almost eight months,

coming back into the cauldron here against the best players in the

world, but it is a great setting, great crowd, great atmosphere. He

has been practising on match tables. If you were just playing exhibitions

on club tables it would be much more difficult that he has put the time

in on the title pocketed tables. -- tight pocketed. The matter how long

you have been out, it is the matchplay, the competition you miss.

No matter how much competition you do, it is no substitute for playing

matches against top-quality opposition and those with questions

everybody wanted answers to and he is answering them so far.

I go along with Steve Davis. He does get a little bit bored at times and

the fact that he hasn't been playing, he relishes this. It was

difficult to spit the reds there. They were not a good bunch to go

into. Very difficult to develop them when they are like that. Once again,

he has got to 50 in front. It happened in the two opening frames,

so they are following a similar pattern. That has put a red safe as

a little bit of insurance. They have had some great battles in

the Masters, these two players. Ronnie leads to -1 in their

encounters at the Masters. When Mark one in 2010 on the deciding frame

was very special. Ronnie's two wins were also special. Quite comfortable

in 2014. 10-4. The other was 10-8 in 2009. All the matches have come in

the final, haven't they? Quite incredible. It Masters titles

between the two of them. Another test for a long part from Ronnie. --

pot. Something on the tip just distracted him. Beautiful. He has

hit if you like that and he makes it look so easy. His long play has been

good so far. He just accuse them in absolutely beautifully. He needs one

more red after the black. That road next to the bank looks as if it goes

into the corner, or does one at the back? There must be one. Yes, the

one next to the point. This will give him a 3-1 lead if it goes in.

I thought when Mark Selby won the second frame it might have unnerved

Ronnie O'Sullivan, but in fact he has actually gone up a gear. As all

great champions do, he has responded superbly well in these couple of

frames. Winning the third frame virtually with one visit, eradicated

that frame before. He does look very focused now. It is the best of 11,

so 3-1 is a nice lady to have but there is an awful long way to go. --

a nice lead. You know what Mark Selby is like, he can come storming

back. It is good all round snooker we are watching from both players.

There is an all round positional shot.

He says it is enough for me. They go off for a mid session interval. The

O'Sullivan goes the lead and leads 3-1. He really

O'Sullivan goes the lead and leads 17 frames. With this best of 11 you

really need a good start because there isn't that breathing room to

come back. You have more breathing space is done in a best of them. One

you are really under it. From my angle, the white that Mark Selby

gets back into the game, he has the ability to forget about the standard

of the first half, regardless of what it was to be optimistic, to

look forward. They Ronnie O'Sullivan, if he got off to a poor

start would be dwelling more on it. Mark Selby is in the vein of John

Higgins who can turn a match around. How will he go about this? Would he

change tactics? Is there anything he can do? No. He hasn't had a lot of

table time. His break off need to get better. He has put himself

behind the 8-ball in almost every frame. He needs to tighten up a

little bit and hope Ronnie misses one or two because at the minute

O'Sullivan looks like the winner. He has started off beautifully. Mark

Selby has shown a love for this event since he turned up at the

Wembley Arena in 2008, won it on his debut, it is the final the next two

years, played Ronnie O'Sullivan and lost in 2009 and beat him in a final

frame decider in 2010. He came back in 2013 and won it again. He loves

this event. The world number one hasn't won a title this season yet.

He would love to start here and Ken has been giving him the treatment in

the big interview. First of all, welcome. A fantastic venue. Since we

moved to the Wembley Arena, what are your thoughts on the Alexander

Palace because you like I think it is the better venue. At 12 times at

Wembley Arena and it is a great venue but I thought it was too big.

The atmosphere got lost, where is it is more compact here. I prefer it

here, I think. Great crowds. They have increased capacity as well

which brings the whole arena into an amphitheatre. They have increased it

by 500 seats. As you say, you watch it every much and video are playing

a final with the one-table set-up. It is like watching into a lion's

ten. Up to now, a couple of semifinals, not what you would

expect from a champion, you have won the triumvirate. It has been

disappointed not to win anything this year, but the standard is high.

Nobody has a divine right to win anything. It is not like I have

played drastically bad. John Higgins played great. I lost to need and

they think is the best player on the tour at the moment. I am not too bad

but it would be nice to turn a semifinal into a win. Ronnie

O'Sullivan, you have played many times, she called you a torture.

What did you think of that? I think it's how he sees me. In past matches

when I played him I have not played fantastically and doubted myself a

little bit and slowed my game now and on playing the way he does he

plays really quick and is such a natural player. I am far from

natural, I think. I enjoyed the challenge planktonic and I will do

the same this time. I remembered the final when you were 9-6 down and

came back to beat him. I have had great matches. He has beaten the

year before. Even the year I beat him was a great final.

year before. Even the year I beat that he beat me 10-8 and I played

well in that. As good as I can and compiled on the losing side. I

always enjoy playing him. It is different playing him here compared

to London. 20% of the crowd were against you before. -- 90%. It is a

great feeling to beat him in front of that crowd but I remember I was

9-6 down and a couple of people in the crowd, 95% were for him, some

were calling a taxi for me. It was good banter. How about your life

away from the table? You have a little girl. Has that changed you,

can you don't work giving you more perspective and drive as regards

snigger? It has in a way. Over the years I had a tough upbringing with

my father passed away when I was really young and a lot of things of

the table which I have not been happy with but getting with Vicky

was a good thing and she is a great person and having my daughter which

gives me a different look at snigger. I was playing as if it was

life and death and now I go home and she runs up to me and it makes it

all worthwhile. It is nice to go back to the atmosphere away from the

travelling that you can relax and be yourself and forget about the

snooker circuit. That is right. Family comes first. It should come

first in anything. Snigger, I have done well in my career. If anything,

it gives me more of a motivation, to give Sofia a better life as well.

Are we likely to see them down at the final? I think so. With the

tournament as big as what it is they don't think it is the right decision

to bring her that early and put too much pressure on myself. We may see

her at the end of the week. Your record here is very impressive. You

won three times. It is almost like a second home to you now. I can't

complain. A lot of it is because it is one-table set-up you get more

assumed in. Every time I got out my focus is on the match, nothing else

matters because there are no other cables around you to distract you.

It is tunnel vision on one game. You want to talk about your team as

well. They are above my team in the late. Leicester City are doing so

well. They have started this season they were the finished. 11 games to

go, nine points behind, looked dead and buried, turned it around, stayed

in the league and Ranieri has done a fantastic job. A lot of credit has

to go to Nigel Pearson because the team we have now is similar to what

Nigel left. We are playing great, playing good attacking football and

it is the first time we have ever been above your team. Hopefully just

for this season. Wouldn't it be nice, taking the Masters and

Leicester City in front? It would. I want to parade the trophy the first

game of the lake. If I could do that with a masters as well, as well as

finishing top four, it would be a great feeling.

He is a triple Crown member, he has done all the big events, what is

next for Selby? I suppose it is longevity. In a way, that becomes

the game, the long-time game. It requires a different mindset from

getting there in the first place. You have to be prepared to graft

very hard and keep you focus and motivation firmly placed on the

practice table to not be involved in such activities, I am not talking

about family, but business interests that might excite you more. You have

to be focused and be excited by the game. You have to have the raw

talent, which Mark Selby does have. Is it a harder phase of your career

to do that than getting there in the first place? Arguably, yes. When you

look at the players you have won the championship only once, it is more

likely that that happens. Multiple winners of the World Championship,

you could argue, are a different breed, but I would put Mark Selby in

that breed. The only trouble is breed, but I would put Mark Selby in

timing is everything. If you look at certain people within a game who

have won multiple World Championships like me, Stephen

Hendry, perhaps we had the best that. I am not saying the players at

that time were mass of but we perhaps worked head and shoulders,

37. Now a days, it is hard to be head and shoulders above anything,

because the standard is bunched up. Look at the people who have won it

once, they are desperate to do it again, not for validation because

they are already validated, but it is the next stepping stone in their

career. Snooker players are unfairly judged because we have won the

championship as opposed to the majors in golf or tennis. You get

one crack per year. Think about some players who are desperate to get

their name on a trophy once and think they are running out of time.

At least people like Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy have won it. It is a

great generation. We are enjoying it. Anything could happen. We picked

out a couple of shots from this opening session. People ask

out a couple of shots from this a reverse planned? If we watch the

situation with Ronnie O'Sullivan plan, you can see he has a plant in

the pack. It is just slightly off straight. You know what a plan is.

If we won the cue through the centre of both reds. You will get down no

problem, in who is your plan. What happens when you run the cue through

the centre of the two beds and in a line taught before John, you have to

do the opposite. He actually hit the right-hand side of this and it

depends how much angle you have, how thin you had the first poll. This is

just off slightly. Play to the right-hand side, straighten it up

and bingo goes in. I don't know right-hand side, straighten it up

quite that works. Physics was my first subject. You can be a long way

off from the pocket sometimes. The more the angle is off the pocket,

the thinner you hit the first red. The second one, Mark Selby played a

fantastic black with top spin to get onto the yellow. Watch this. OK,

what do you have to do to play a shot like that. We will play it the

other way round. Make sure you have plenty of cue. Raise the pot and

slightly and your bridge and which would be there, pictured and raise

it to the top of the table. He want to make sure you have a nice bridge

length. Let the cue to the work. Slack off. Top of the ball, back,

miss the black and come round the angles and go down there. I have to

have another go, it was that bad. I am doing it. She has put me off.

Here we go. Top spin again. Top of the white. Both concentrate. Through

the ball. I told you anything could happen. It is all very educational

on this programme. We will talk about the quarterfinal this evening

and it features two men, the only two, who have not won yet. As you

know, Mark Allen and Hawkins have both come close.

They also happen to be the lowest ranked players left in the draw this

year. Now, both of them have the same coach, Terry Griffiths. It is

going to be a very busy night for the 1979 World Champion, I suspect.

I have started again now, and I have got six players who are with me this

year, which I am really enjoying. Of course, Mark was always going to be

one of them. He said to me, is there any chance of me joining up? I said,

you are number one. You will be the first on the list. And I meant it.

We have a good bond. We get on very well together. We have a similar

sense of humour and we know when to be funny and when to be serious. It

has always worked very well. We did a bit over the summer. I had not

seen him in a year and I got a few bad habits which I always seem to

fall back into and I had to iron them out. Even though I have had a

decent start to the season, however, I feel my technique is as bad as

ever. You can only do so much over the phone. Getting on the table is

good. Hopefully we can learn a few things out come Thursday. The two

players playing each other, I suppose people will say, at least

one of them will be in the semifinal. But I hate it when any of

my players lose. We have been working the last week or so and we

will try and get a lot of hours in. Try to get the right attitude in,

like I had a couple of years ago. It will be really tough, but I know I

have got a chance if I can play well. I just want them both to play

well. But what I know all the way through is, one of them is going to

be hurting at the end. So, it is not the same as when one of my players

beats a player who is not in the stable. I am pleased for the one

that wins, but I get the devastation when one of them loses. I always get

it. That must be really tough. Well, it is interesting. There are coaches

within the game, and in general sport, who have a professional

attitude but do not get emotionally involved with their players. But

Terry has always been such a lovely guy. If I think about myself being a

coach, or Stephen Hendry, we are a lot of nasty, I believe. We could

not have done that. But Terry is such a nice guy, he really feels for

them. He is out there playing every ball with them. From that to he is

the ideal person to have in your corner. He has studied the game, the

technique as well as the mental side. You could not wish for a

better person. That is for tonight, but back to the present. It is

O'Sullivan 3-1 in front. First to six goes into the semis.

DENNIS TAYLOR: Yes, first to six. It is going to be so interesting to see

how this first frame pans out. Mark was in the practice room brushing up

on his cue action. He did not get a lot of table time. The players just

getting their drinks together. Ronnie just making sure the hands

are nice and dry, otherwise the cue would be sticking in them.

So, it is Ronnie who is going to get this first frame after the interval

under way. And it has to be said, his break-off shot has been much

better than Mark Selby's. Mark has caught the blue on two

occasions, which is unlike him. KEN DOHERTY: This is a massive frame

for Mark Selby. To be 4-1 down, should he lose this frame, would be

a big deficit to claw-back. It has not been his potting which has let

him down so far. If anything, it has been the safety, something normally

he is very good at. It has been a bit loose. A couple of break-offs, a

couple of safety shots, allowing O'Sullivan to get his hand on the

table. Is pot success is 94%. Ronnie O'Sullivan's is 95%. So it is not

like he has missed a lot of balls. Ronnie's long ball game has been...

There you see it. And straightaway here with the red

up to the right of the green, it has made it a little bit of couple

awkward frame. Mark is just looking to see, he has got to be a wee bit

careful here. If he just goes up into the corner with a safety shot,

Ronnie cannot red back up the table. So, let's see where he puts this cue

ball. So, a chance to get the frame back

to normal here. Well, not sure if he attempted the

double there or just the safety. Because there was very little chance

of finishing on a colour. That tells me that maybe he was just playing

the safety shot. Anyway, we are back to normal with the frame - all the

Reds up at this end of the table. Now, these have to be hit correctly.

So easy to hit it too thin or too thick when you are tight on the

cushion. But that one was just right. He could not have hit that

much better. That is a bit more like it from Mark Selby.

He has booked everything down the left-hand side. He can have a go at

this red into the right-hand corner pocket, but very difficult and very

dangerous. Trying to lay on the red which is

closest to this black cushion. Well... That is not very good. He

has left Mark Selby a chance now. He has got a nice angle to run into

those reds around the black spot. Hopefully try and clear the black

spot this time. Is there enough room? Yes. Oh, is there a? Just

about. Otherwise the black would have had to go up on the green spot.

He is just OK here. It has been awhile since Mark has

had a chance in amongst the balls. You are always after a chance in and

around the black spot area. He is You are always after a chance in and

quite tall lad, Mark, about 6ft to, 6ft 3. But the extension will make

it more comfortable. The balls are very nicely situated

for him. He has got about four or five reds

Well, what a camera angle that was, watching the cue action of Mark

Selby. I like that shot. Well, you could hear up in drop at

the moment in Alexandra Palace. Big house here, and it looks as if they

are going to have a classic here. The way Mark has set off after the

mid-session interval... Oh, what has he done here? Needs to keep going.

And if the green doesn't go... Can he just get past the red? Just.

Now, was that a kick? I am not quite sure. , but you would think Mark

would not miss a shot like that when he was flying along. Yes, the red

straightened up. He was only a few more pots away from taking this

fifth frame. Yes, he only needed red and black. Shaking his head - very

disappointed. It just sort of went straight, didn't it?

He is reluctant to play a safety shot of the pack. The only other

alternative is to try and clip the red which is close to the bottom

corner pocket. But it is dangerous and could go wrong. He has caught

that quarter ball, and he has left Ronnie. OK, this is a difficult red

into the corner pocket. But the way he has been playing, you would have

to fancy he is going to get this. And the red at the bottom of those

four reds goes into the corner pocket. And he is perfect on the

blue. Well, this could be a huge turning point in this match, because

Mark Selby, without that heavy contact, would certainly have taken

the frame. Now, he has got to sit and wait and see what this man can

do. One good cannon here can open everything up.

Hasn't worked out unless there is a plant there. You could play that

nine times out of ten and they would split better than that. It was only

the green which seemed to move. He is trying to force the plant... And

he has got it! Path of the cheeks after pulling

that one off. But the red and green are awkward. Now, that was not a

kick. That was a lapse in concentration. I think he was way

ahead of himself. Up until that shot, Ronnie's focus

has been superb. Just took his eye off the pot.

Yes, you did not see that one coming.

Yes, I think Ronnie was way ahead of himself, thinking about red and the

green and bringing them into play, and then gets down and misses a

sitter. That's one way of ringing the

difficult red and green into play! Yellow only available into one

corner because of the pink. Doesn't really matter about the

yellow. Ronnie stays in his seat. He had a bit of a chance there are, but

what a sitter he missed. Mark Selby might be relieved that Ronnie did

not pinch that frame and he is only one behind now.

And some of the shots Mark is striking, it is breathtaking at

times. Yes, it is a slugfest, in a class way. And Ronnie O'Sullivan,

the first sign of bad cueing. You could see afterwards, his reaction,

as if his elbow had gone one way compared to where he wanted it to

go. And that is never nice, to missable when you feel the technique

has let you down. You know you can missable with pressure and things

like that. Being a hard task master on himself, it might play on his

mind, whereas another player would just get on with it. Who looked all

set to do a Selby in that particular frame, didn't he? There is a lot of

pressure, we forget that. It is massive. And it has become really

difficult. The higher you go up, the more important those clearances are.

I am not surprised he broke down. How did you read that missed pink?

He is in two minds for he plays the shot. He has got in between two

shots without actually stepping back, which my friend here used to

do quite a lot of, stand up, step back and prepare again, which is

what you have to do sometimes. When you are in doubt, stand back and

start again. The gap is now one as we head into frame six.

DENNIS TAYLOR: That is a better break-off this time from Mark. But

that was a good point. Remember Ronnie jumped over the black against

Mark Williams. He was in two minds there as well. And he did not do

what you guys were just saying, get up and step away and come back.

KEN DOHERTY: Absolutely. Another test here. He has not missed one of

these yet. And he has not missed that one. He

has been superb. 100%. 100% from both players, which is unusual after

five frames. I just said it was a better break-off shot from Mark

Selby because he did not hit the blue! The way Ronnie is going...!

Nicely positioned to get down on this red immediately and get around

by the black. It might be an idea to try and get

on the pink office red, to clear the path to the red to the left of the

black. -- off this red. He has played a lovely cannon there. He had

a beautiful angle to play that delicate little cannon.

Again, a wonderful little shot, very nicely controlled.

He is going to need one more good split on the reds if he is to win

the frame from this position. Yes, he lost the second frame after

making a 50-odd break, but he bounced straight back with a six T9

in the frame after. You can see him just practising his back on. Yes, he

is obviously contemplating putting the red. He is going to have to go

into them at some stage, and he is absolutely perfect on the blue in

order to do that. Got to be careful he does not hit them too hard and

send a red in. Well, it could finished a little better than that.

I'm not sure if one of the two reds goes. He is OK, just about.

Gravity took over there, Dennis! Yes, we will show you that one

again. Just over four minutes to get to this stage. We always give it a

mention, when he made that maximum break way back in 1997 - five

minutes and 20 seconds. He is just the wrong side of the blue line, as

you can see. But he has already got a substantial lead. So it did not

really matter all that much. He is 69 ahead, with 67 remaining. It

looks like, from the break-off shot, as I said, and he is sat in his

chair. He has made a 70 break in over five

minutes. He must be slowing down, Dennis! He has been superb. When you

think about that maximum, how did he do it in five minutes and 20

seconds?! It was just out of this world. It may never be beaten, that

record. It used to take Terry Griffiths that amount of time just

to break off, didn't it? Well, a nice little kiss on the red.

The only thing that has been missing here is a century break. Black for

it... A wonderful, magnificent century

from O'Sullivan secures the sixth frame.

And that century is yet another milestone, it is his 60th he has

ever made in the Masters. Once again, he continues to push those

records. As Dennis was saying, the 805th of his career. He went past

800 last week in the Championship league. And he just keeps producing.

Your impressions of Masters century number 60? Just completely fluent,

and what you would expect. Unfortunately for Mark Selby, he

looks like he is flooring his way back into the match, and there it is

again, a two frame gap. To be honest, it just looks so simple.

That is the class of the man. Everybody watching that break would

think, I could pop that one, I could pop that one, because the

positioning is so good. And importantly, it is a response once

again to Selby winning a frame, Steve? Yes, and Ronnie O'Sullivan

has never been short of bottle, from in front or from behind. One of the

greatest pressure players we have ever seen. He let's his talents do

the talking. Does not get his brain in the way of shots. He plays with

fluency. If there was any tip to the club player, don't doublethink

yourself, in a way, let your natural ability shine through. But don't

play too quickly that you are rushing the shots. Fine balance.

Ronnie O'Sullivan is not fast as much as he is clear thinking and

plays with rhythm. You think he needs the challenge of a Selby,

something we have been talking about, to bring out the best in him?

Yes, I do. The trouble is, we say that and he will come in here and

say, no, not really. You know what he will be like, sometimes he comes

in and says he has not played well. But I do, especially when he has won

as much as he has. He relished it coming back. He absolutely did. As

soon as some body says, he cannot do it, that is another hurdle to get

over, for him. And I think he has done the same this week. But he

really puts himself through it, in order to get himself up for a match.

It is operating at a pretty high-level, isn't it? It is, but he

is such a talented player that he is going to push the boundaries back in

many ways. I do feel he is the first player who could possibly, should he

so wished, when major events at the age of 50. Seriously, you think he

can go that long? If he should so wish, because he has got the talent.

This is a massive frame, by the way. I cannot see Mark winning this match

unless he wins this frame. Back we go...

DENNIS TAYLOR: Could not agree more. Great length with the break-off, but

the black is out of commission. It is unusual from Ronnie's break-off

to send that red next to the black and tie it up. We see it happen

quite a bit, but very rarely with the way Ronnie breaks off.

It seems pretty straightforward just to run up between the green and

brown off this red. Well, he is going to hit the green, which he did

not intend to. This red into the right corner, with the black tied

up, is very difficult indeed. He is just having a look to see if he

could find a if he took that pot on. And if he did find a gap, he would

finish on blue or a baulk colour. That is what he is look at. But the

more important part of this shot is the pot.

He has got away with it. He's been rather fortunate, once he missed the

pot, he could have put Ronnie Wright in amongst the balls, look at the

outcome here... He's got too much on that, but with all of those series

of kisses, he left it safe. You can just see the white glove and

the finger waving, telling someone to put their camera away. Let's have

a look, suddenly it appears! The Now, that is not his best safety

shot. If the router next to the green goes... Well, then maybe it

doesn't. He has a couple of other roads in the corner. One good pot

here, you can see how the reds are, and the pink and blue is available.

I wondered when he got down, I thought it looked tight. Why did he

cut one in if he wasn't sure? Take one into the corner. The shot

before, when he can a red intentionally, put it across it. You

can see from that angle, it looks very tight. Maybe he

can see from that angle, it looks enough room. He just did not cue it

well. He was well away from it, without

that extension. He would have been on top of that red.

He's a little short of pace, that was a poor shot. He could easily

have come off the side of the cushion. He's a little annoyed with

himself there, those three reds, nearly potted into the right-hand

corner pocket. Now, he has two negotiate the cue ball off of those

rights. Back-up for a pink or blue. Such a poor shot commit

-- such a poor shot, disappointing for Mark Selby. He needs a couple of

lies on those errors, from O'Sullivan. He will be kicking

himself inside. Look at this, there are two options

commit you can have it in, or off the cushion. Those three reds,

though. It is a no man's land. It's quite a clever shot, he took

the double on, he knew he would not leave anything. He could be in a

little spot of bother here. The risk he took on the double was worth it,

if it had not come off, she could have finished on the brown.

I would not go too far away, Ronnie, you will be right back there again!

Cannot see the red this time. That is a little risky, to come off

the side cushion and nestle into the red, he has two B spot on here. That

is spot on! This is a first in snooker, I've

never seen a player play this before, safety shots of three close

balls together like that. It is before, safety shots of three close

quite unusual, to pay a delicate little shops... He's not scared of

the per shot here. He would love to be able to push the red in towards

the brown. He could easily push it, he does not want to leave a touching

ball here. Not to the red. It is not touching. A very unusual pattern of

play, like watching them play little cannons in billiards.

Never have I seen this before, it is quite amazing!

Can he pot this? That is the question. Is the red available? I'm

not sure. Maybe just enough of a gap now, if the road is unavailable, he

could just put it past the green, move the cue ball closer to the

green. -- red. I looked at move the cue ball closer to the

of the red, he is In close, making sure there is no

push, there is not one there. The per shot is where the tip of the

cue, and the cue ball and object ball are all close together

cue, and the cue ball and object contact at the same time. Playing

that nicely. The only problem is he has left

Ronnie a red just above the pink spot. He can have a go at this...

That was a nice kiss on the blue with the rate, it was gone towards

the green pocket, it certainly would have been on for Mark Selby, he's

covered the red, it is in the Diaz Wheeler, into the top pocket,

perhaps nipping the red onto the top cushion. It makes it more difficult.

Just going a little awkward, this frame. Both players missing attempt

at long pots here. Ronnie, I cannot remember him missing a long pot.

Because of the safety, you get out of your rhythm slightly.

But, these games are just fascinating, when it is like this.

It is nice to see a player running a frame with one break. That, I think

people also enjoy watching a good tactical battle at times.

The great John Pullman, the BBC commentator, he used to say that

sometimes this game was like chess with balls.

Just talking about multiple world champions, Ronnie, a a few years

back, was working with the great Riordan, I'm sure he learned a lot

from him in the tactical Department of the game. This man is as good a

safety player as any, when he needs it.

That's OK, it has just cost him four points. Everything is safe. Catching

him a bit on the thick side. Just talking about Ray Reardon, he

still plays. He has turned 80. He looks just the same, he never seems

to age! He plays snooker still, he likes his golf.

I'm sure that he is glued to the television this afternoon as well.

Yes, he's down in a nice part of the world, Torquay.

He probably does not get enough credit, Ronnie O'Sullivan. I've

noticed quite a bit, between his breaks and fluency, the safety game

is up there with the best. I'm not sure, someone said something in the

crowd as Mark was getting down to the shot. He did not have... He

looked around, at whoever it was. The audience are fantastic here,

packed houses, it is just... Well, whatever it was, it may be

just distracted Mark slightly. Look where the black and the pink

ears. -- and the pink is. It could

eventually get the pink and those two reds into play, in a few shots

time. That is as well as he could have finished. Having to power that

tend to get back around the table. He does not want to nestle on this

road... He's just about OK -- red. This is where switching hands is so

useful. I don't know how he plays those

shots, I really don't. Always the red. Where is the red?

Just hit that too hard. He did not quite get into that, Mark. He is the

wrong side of the blue, make that rednecks to the pink, he is going to

have two power it right around the table. Look at the top spin, is he

going to miss that green? No. A scrappy frame. An awkward frame, but

as the boys in the studio said, you expect so much from these but there

is a lot of pressure on the top players in the world. It is a huge

frame, as we mentioned, at the start, 5-2. Mark, with very little

chance. At 4-3, and it is game back on again.

The other thing about this kind of frame is that it will help Mark

Selby. It slows down Ronnie's rhythm at the moment. It gives Mark Selby a

chance, to get his arm going a little, playing some decent safety

shots, that has let him down so far this afternoon. This game is top

quality. This man's longbow game has been top-quality this afternoon as

quality. This man's longbow game has well. If you leave the ball short

from that, you are going to be in trouble.

The fact that there was so much safety played, when he got the

chance, he has knocked a long one in. That is key in being able to do

that, sometimes, having long putts at safety, then when you get the

chance, get a long one in. There is one where it might just go here...

That is why he is playing the pink left-handed again. I mean... He

measured it too well. This will certainly open things up, what a key

shot. Not an easy pot, he could free a few more here.

Now, what a shot he has played here. That is an absolute gem. Good shot.

Look at the position. He has potted most of these balls with his

opposite hand in this effort. Another left-hander coming up. That

is not what he intended, it was tough to get into the black and reds

from the blue, he decided to leave a nice brown, but there is still

enough for him to pot the blue, and come up past the pink, if he gets a

good angle on the brown, he could get to the red, but he cannot now.

A free ball. What a careless mistake that is. He was just taking the four

points, and going to play a safety shot. To screw into the middle

pocket, and leave a free ball... That was amazing. He was not doing

anything with the white, he was going to play a safety shot. He

could have put it anywhere. Every chance for Mark Selby and a

couple of shots in, he could get those reds interplay. -- in to play.

He has got an angle on the brown to come off the side cushion, straight

into thereds. That is the kind of line he would be looking at if he

could part the brown with a little right-hand side, he could bring the

red and the black interplay. -- into play. Did he try to screw directly

into them? It looked like that. Trying to go around the blue here.

He did not get enough on it. He tried to mark the cue ball around

the blue. He has left himself with the blue here, he is going to use

the spider. He has to be very careful here. Trying to keep the red

beside the black. Always difficult, he does not want

to leave the free ball here as well, that is what he has done.

Quite an incredible frame, what an important frame, just one point is

the difference. As we mentioned a few times, a huge frame.

I think both players know that, that is why we are having a few mistakes

here. They know the importance of this frame. Vicky certainly knows

the importance, she knows the game as well as Mark does. A great pool

player, is Vicky. The pink is going to come to mark's rescue here.

Ronnie has to bring the red tide into this black

Ronnie has to bring the red tide He has to be careful with this

safety shot. Not the first red on the way down,

but certainly the second one. It is a bit of a guide to get to the

potting angle here. I think he can definitely save enough of it, and

you would think, if he misses the blue and red, he would go close to

cutting their sin. You can just about see the edge of

this brown here. That is a beauty. An excellent shot. A nice gesture.

From Mark Selby, tapping the table. In appreciation, a great safety

shot. A gesture from the Jester. That's easy for you to say! It

really is such a tense affair, this frame.

Well played, I say that, but... A good escape, but we've seen Ronnie

not quite a few long balls in. Can good escape, but we've seen Ronnie

he get another one? -- knock. It wobbled a few times,

but he had another cracking long part, by far the longest frame of

the match. 27 minutes. This is not easy -- pot. But he made it look

easy. That was a much better shot than his previous. That was good,

but that was better. A lot more pressure on it.

but that was better. A lot more to take on the mid range yellow.

Putting the greenback on its part. Making life a bit easier, but this

is a virtual, you would say, shot for the frame.

has seen by quite a way. He has raised his performance by some level

for the match against Mark Williams -- cueist. There was clearly every

mission from both of them, as to how important the frame was, an

interesting tactical tussle, particularly that three balls

situation? He over thought himself, it was awkward, if the pink was off

the spot, it would not have been a problem, but because it was, it was

awkward. A stray shot to leave himself on the brown. It was more

awkward. Obviously, there is the possibility that when your back is

against a wall, you aren't thinking clearly. His choice was to play off

the brown. But he is not looking as comfortable as he has done at the

moment, here, Mark. He's up against it now. Ronnie is in the set.

KEN DOHERTY: Another possible long red to get on the black here.

Similar to the previous frame. Oh! OK, not on the black, but it is

another great pot. When your opponent is knocking these long

balls in, it puts so much pressure on you, safety-wise. It is very

unnerving. DENNIS TAYLOR: He was just looking

to see if he could get to the potting angle, but because it is

touching, he can't. Twice across the table and down to the baulk cushion

is possible. If there is anyone in the game who

could come back against qualy O'Sullivan in this situation, it is

this man here, Mark Selby, because he will never, ever give up. He has

done it so many times. Yes, and he has done it so many times to his

opponent, and Ronnie will be aware of that he is and wide he is trying

to keep the pressure on. REFEREE: Touching ball. He will go

back to the memories of the great matches he has had with O'Sullivan,

where he has been in similar positions. Or other matches he might

have played. You try to give yourself a bit of confidence. You

say to yourself, you have done it before and you can do it again.

That is just OK. He is coming up short with some of his safety,

leaving it near the baulk colours rather than the other cushion. And

Ronnie was playing to get on the cushion here, but this might be a

bonus, coming up behind the brown... When you get in behind a colour like

that, it is a bonus. And the fact that there is reds either side of

the bunch gives Mark something to think about, to try not to leave

anything on. That's why he is having to think of another escape route. If

anybody can find it, it is Mark Selby. He is just looking to see, if

he was to leave it in the reds, it would be awkward cueing but he would

still be leaving the red on for the middle pocket. He will do well to

judge this and keep them safe. He will have to have another go at

that. REFEREE: Foul, and a miss. . It

looked as if he was just trying to land on the red to the right of the

black. He does not want to slip past this

red. He has played it well. I say that, but there is still a

possible pot on. He was in quite a spot of bother there, was Mark

Selby. That was a wonderful shot. Purposely

screwing back and bringing the pink towards that right centre.

He just did not hit that last shot as he intended. But there looks to

be a nice plant here. It is right in line for the pocket.

It is amazing the number of times you play a plant and seem to forget

about the cue ball. He has got a long way to travel here he is and he

has got to be very precise in and out of the baulk area. How is your

luck, Ronnie? Not very good. The frames have all been very open,

but just the last two frames, the high-value colours have got tied up.

And that is the case here. Think and black are very awkward. Yes, in

fact, I don't think the referee would have seen that. We could see

it, and Ronnie knew he had touched the ball and he immediately declared

a foul. He just brushed the brown. That is the great thing about our

sport. Players will own up to it. Yes, a great bit of sportsmanship.

But one has gone astray. Well, will he risk putting this and cannoning

into the pink and black? He might just do, because it will certainly

open things up. What a shot this would be if he could... Well, he is

taking the other red. He is coming round for the blue.

And he has got a lovely angle on the blue. He could play that little

cannon, as you said. Bring the pink and black into play. Oh, he has not

played it well. He just wanted to nudge into that pink. Well, he will

get another opportunity. The only problem, if he does it this time off

this red which is near the pocket, it is not a certainty as to whether

he would not one of those colours into play. -- not.

He has come off a long way short this time. But there are still reds

available, even though he has got to avoid the baulk colours. Those two

reds just above the pink avoid the baulk colours. Those two

open to the corner pocket. And he has played that very, very well. He

needs a good angle on the blue. That sounded like a little bit of a

kick. I'm not sure. Yes. And that's why he is the wrong

side of the blue. He is blessed with a lot of cue

power, and he is going to have to call on it here to get back up to

the other side of the blue. Yes, that is better. Lovely. Perfect

on the blue. Now a real chance. And it is a bigger target this time.

He might just be OK. He can drop this in and get on the black. It is

there. And he is on the back. Never any doubt! The crowd really

get involved here and the Ally Pally. And that's the beauty of this

venue. We used to go to the Wembley conference on to, which held up to

nearly 3000 people, but they are a long way from the table, a lot of

the spectators. Here, they are so close.

You would not think he was 5-2 behind. No. Nice positional shot.

So, the black puts him 30 points ahead. Two reds, two blacks, he is

going to need one of those reds on the left-hand side cushion. He will

have a quick look at the scores if he has not already done so.

He is just having a look at the furthest one out. I think it does

pot, so he will not have to disturb any reds. This is typical Mark Selby

- back right against the wall and all of a sudden, he produces this.

He is going to need the extended rest and the extension on his cue,

but he is 46 ahead. So, just make sure of the red and he has got one

frame back. Still a long way to go. But he is on the first rung of the

ladder. That puts the frame beyond doubt.

Nicely developing that red. If he could just drop this one in... It is

tight to the side cushion, which makes it a bit easier.

Ronnie having a look at the scores. He is 54 behind with 43 remaining.

He says that is enough to the referee. That was a wonderful 68

from Mark Selby. It is a long way back, but you can

usually rely on Mark Selby at least to take you part of the way there in

this situation, can't you, John? He can't do it again! He just cannot,

it is just impossible. He can't, can he? If anybody can... But he has

pulled the something out there. From probably not feeling great about his

game, he has produced an excellent break? That is one of his strengths,

as we said at the start. I have detected, and it may just be that I

have not noticed it, fractionally he is getting off the shot a bit more

than normal. Just a bit of head movement afterwards, hitting up a

bit quick. As if he is not finishing the shot completely. Just from what

I have seen in this match. I am splitting hairs. He is getting up

for the next shot marginally quicker than I remember from watching him

previously. But the climb has begun. DENNIS TAYLOR: And it is Ronnie's

turn to make a poor break-off shot. But he has not left anything. And

now, the blue has finished up down there, giving a big target to get in

behind. Well, let's keep an eye on Mark

Selby's head. Steve Davis was talking about it, maybe just letting

up a little bit sooner than he normally does.

He always moves around a little bit on the shot when he is addressing

the ball. It is something he has always done. Not as much as he used

to. Now, this would be a confidence booster if he could punch this one

in. This was a superb shot, at that

pace. He is quite remarkable when he is so

far behind. You can see his head just moving

around slightly - but he has always done that.

What an opening red. He has done it so many times from this position

that it almost becomes second nature to him. If he could somehow win this

framing one visit, well... That would certainly put a few doubts

into Ronnie's mind. He has not done much wrong.

Yes, he is sitting there and just thinking, all I want is one chance,

the way I am playing, and I am in the semifinal. But you cannot pop

balls if you are sitting in that seat.

That is five reds, five blacks already. But I'm sure Mark Selby

will just be thinking about winning the frame

will just be thinking about winning playing for the pink there. The pink

will go on the blue spot. He will be back up for the pink with a nice

angle, hopefully, to split the reds. One good split off this, Dennis, and

we may be looking at 5-4. Yes, you would think he was leading 5-3, the

way he is playing would think he was leading 5-3, the

has been a bit unfortunate for the white to go tight on the side

cushion. This one needs good cueing. He is only a couple of pots away

from getting another frame back. And he is coming across the nap as

well. Oh, he didn't quite get the cannon,

and he is not safe just yet. He is a strong, strong favourite in this

frame now. But if that cannon had worked, it was in the frame. -- it

was end of frame. This was the one. He just caught it a bit thinner than

he wanted. But as I mentioned, those colours with a blue up there, it is

quite good target to try and get in behind.

Well, look how the reds are now. So, Ronnie O'Sullivan is not quite out

of this frame just yet. One mistake from Mark and there is a

counterattack on. There is not a ball safe on the table at the

moment. He may be able to have a go at this red into the corner pocket.

There is a gap between the black and red to get back down the other end.

He needs a bit of luck here... Well, he has not so many long balls

in, because he is so far behind, he will take this on. If it goes in, he

What a shot that is. has got a bit of a chance.

Just look at the kiss he got on the red as well. Purposely played.

Freeing up the pink. That one close to the side cushion will not be a

problem for Ronnie O'Sullivan, because he is so good that handed.

Surely Mark Selby can't make a 70 break and lose a frame? And of

course, not only the frame, it would be the match. But you would not put

it past Ronnie O'Sullivan. He relishes this sort of situation.

Oh, didn't want the kiss on the black - but he is OK. He can drop

the pink in. Oh, that is a great shot. Fantastic

shot. Well, what a climax we could have to this match. Because the red

is OK. Ronnie can switch hands if he drops in behind it - and he has got

the perfect angle to do that. Well, what a finish this could be...! Mark

knows that this has finished a little awkward, however.

The blue, which was knocked up there at the start of the frame, could be

a little awkward. This next shot. He has got to make sure he does not

snooker himself with the blue. Oh, this has been absolutely sublime so

far. This could be one of the best frames

ever seen. Having said that, he has not got on the brown as he wanted.

He has got to go all the way around the table now. Where is the cue

ball...? Keep your eye on the cue ball!

Where does he play at, in the middle? Into the corner? -- where

does he play it? It is there. He still has a little to do. Another

good shots needed. Mark made a 70 break.

Can you believe it? Ronnie O'Sullivan has pulled off one of the

finest clearest says you could ever wish to see. Mark Selby made a

magnificent 70 break, that brilliant clearance, Ronnie O'Sullivan takes

the match, a fantastic match, 6-3. STUDIO: Absolutely pulsating finish

to a quite brilliant match, I'm sure you enjoyed its just as thoroughly

as we have. What a clearance to end a match like that, at 73?

Unbelievable, the opening red, that he potted, sublime. He has cued it

so well. He landed on the pink, but the rest, superb. 11 points to play

with, he had to move it around. I would say that is one of the

greatest clearances of all time. I know that we've seen some amazing

ones. He lost the position a fraction, but the way he knocked

those balls in, that striking, if ever there was a doubt about his

pressure plate... Congratulations, we were saying that was one of the

best clearances we've ever seen in all time, how did you rate it? It

was there, a good first red, but under pressure, it was all right. I

would never refuse the shot, I thought, there was a chance. You

look and seem a lot happier about that performance than what we saw

the other day against Mark? I don't feel great, to be honest, but I'm

trying to kid myself that I'm confident, you know? I'm trying to

play with confidence, even though I'm not confident... It shows! Just,

unbelievable. I could sit here and lie, but I won't. You aren't

unbelievable. I could sit here and to win this tournament by playing

negative, playing bad... Digging yourself in a whole, I had to try to

find something. Unless I start playing as if I'm confident,. Just

look down there, we have a scoresheet, those blue numbers are

what you scored. Including your 60th Masters century since 1994, the

milestones keep coming. 5-2 up, did you expect the Selby onslaught?

Where you prepared? Absolutely, it was weird. I did not play in the UK,

I was working on it, I watched a lot of snooker. I watched every one of

his games, he plays like run it against everybody. I stopped taking

it personal after that! He never gives you an easy opening. He is the

hardest match player on the circuit. I thought, you know, keep trying to

pot balls and see what happens at the end. Was it easier to get up to

face mark than it is to face anyone else because you know what he is

capable of? Not really, anyone in this tournament is capable of doing

unbelievable things on the table. There are no easy matches in

unbelievable things on the table. tournament. I might have to play

John. He's on fire! John Higgins play Stuart Bingham on Friday night

comedy window until late on Friday night who would will be, where you

prepared for this one, compared to Mark Williams the other day, did you

feel more comfortable today? I felt a bit more relaxed. I felt a bit

more comfortable out there. That standard you produced, you are

more comfortable out there. That that most of the players in the game

come into the studio and said that was one of the best matches they

played, you are a hard task master, what we saw was brilliant. Not

really, you know when you are playing well and you try to squeeze

past the title, when you play well, you're flying, but when you are

struggling... What were you most happy with today? My attitude, it

was fantastic. For five years ago, I would have been out at 6-1, 6-2.

Thinking about how rubbish I felt at the table. But today, keep... Keep

your foot to the pedal, see what happens. It can turn around, I know

that. I tried to hang in there. How far away from you at playing? Essex

is not that far! I feel like I'm struggling with my technique, I'm so

off-line in my shots, it is the occasion and competitive instinct

that makes me try and find something from somewhere. I'm not cruising,

where you are flicking through the gears. I'm at the well every time,

giving everything I've got. A nice want to win though, if you can do it

in that respect... Of course, but it is nice to cruise through! A match

like that, it has really entertained us and bought us thrills, brought

out great form in you, your decision to come back, you talked about not

being able to defend a couple of titles, does it indicate your

decision to come back and keep playing? Do you get a buzz out of a

day like today? It's fantastic, a great occasion and tournament, if

you cannot enjoy this, you should not be playing the game, really.

There are hundreds outside of the window here, all waving! It is

unbelievable! They loved it, as did we. A fantastic afternoon.

Rest up and we will see you in the semifinals.

Barry Hawkins has waited a long time to get to the quarterfinals, but

Mark Allen has been around the block in this championship. He turns 30 in

a few weeks, he is the lowest ranked player left in the draw. Mark

Parrott has had a word with him. If you were doing a school report

for the season so far, what would it say?

Probably satisfactory! But could do better. I think the results have

been decent. I don't feel like I'm anywhere near my best yet, exciting

times ahead. You've mentioned that you had a win. That was in Sofia? It

was. Just as well that you remembered it! Brilliant to be back

in the winner 's circle, good for your confidence? Nothing gives you

confidence like winning does. You think you are playing well in later

stages of the event, but if you keep losing, you will be doubting

yourself. Winning is great, backing it up, into the champion of

champions. I played my best in the tournament. I did pretty well. A

sign of good things to come, hopefully. You got through to play

Neil Robertson. He's been man of the season so far. It is taking the best

to beat you? I think it is taking really good performances to beat me

at the European Championships, Martin Gould played like a man

possessed. He played brilliant against me, I was not overly

disappointed, my safety was one downside, but I don't think I

disappointed, my safety was one bad. I know my game is in good shape

all in all, it takes monumental performances to beat me. Terry

Griffiths is back in the camp. Why? I feel I need him. I had a season

without him. Obviously, for contract issues, I was not able to work with

him. I had a good season, it sounds strange to say I needed him, but I

needed him for big events more than anything else. In the tournaments,

the later stages. I felt I was not quite right in myself, the mindset

was not quite right, Terry is good at saying the right things at the

right time, getting you at saying the right things at the

prepared. He is a good man to have in the corner, definitely good to be

back working with him. Are you happy with what you've achieved in the

game? Do you think you have more to offer? More to offer. I say that

every time I do an interview. I'm not happy just winning PDC is, I

want to win the big events -- PDCs. A particular quote in the bank, but

I want to win the majors, I want to be the world champion.

They are the ones that I aspire to be. I feel I have the game to do it,

it is just producing them at the right times consistently. You have a

decent record, some semifinals, you've never quite got to the

finals. There is no one in the game I have not beat. Why would I be

afraid? If I play well, I expect to win. I probably know the answer but

if you don't win, who will? I don't care! Exactly right! I don't care, I

if you don't win, who will? I don't don't watch a lot of snooker when

I'm beaten, especially if I've just don't watch a lot of snooker when

tournament. They are all good players. Thank you.

He knocked out the defending champion, Mark Allen, up against

Barry Hawkins this evening. These are the head to heads. In the

major matches, Mark Allen has a 4-3 advantage, it is more emphatic when

you think about the exhibitions, 9-3 he leads. A considerable advantage

in all matches played against Barry Hawkins. How do you see this one

going to night? These are two fellows who are yet to

make it in terms of winning one of snooker's big three. It's the last

thing they want to achieve? I think probably, like a lot of these

matches, it is best of 11, they have more meat on the bone. It is so

close to call, we know full well the top players are so tightly bunched,

it seems to be who happens to hit form on the night, on the day. Barry

Hawkins is interesting, three years ago at the Crucible, he'd never been

past the last 16, but suddenly, passed that hurdle, he's in the

final. Three semifinals, bang, bang, one after the next, this is the

first time he's passed the last six? He's not played particularly well

here, and he wins his first match... Who knows? It was an incredibly

tough match to pick the winner, both players have good qualities. Hawkins

is a good match player. You say 9-3, the last few matches have been very

close, even Stevens. I thought out of all the matches, this was the

hardest to pick the winner. There is a recent memory they have at the

Crucible last year, in the last 16 they faced one another. Allen had an

11-8 frames lead. Hawkins came and won the last five. A stinging

memory? Yes, Mark Allen has some attitude around the table. That

counts. Bling. Barry Hawkins is quite unassuming, and quiet,

assuming he is too nice to be a winner. There are many ways to play

this game of snooker. Barry goes about his business, he can be very

effective. He can indeed, I should remind you that Jason and John will

be in the studio at 7pm for the start of the match. You will see it

via the BBC sport app and on the red button after 8pm.

We will leave you with a couple more thoughts about what we've seen

today. Surely, one of the greatest clearances we've ever seen in the