Quarter-Final 3 Masters Snooker


Quarter-Final 3

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Hello. A very warm afternoon to you.

Welcome back to Alexandra Palace. It

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is the quarter final day of the 2018

Defabet Masters and after a dramatic

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day yesterday, it's very much a case

of two down and two to go.

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DRAMATIC MUSIC

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so, two former winners in Ronnie

O'Sullivan and Mark Williams crash

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out. This afternoon our live match

these Shaun Murphy, one of only ten

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players to complete snooker's treble

cramp, taking on Judd Trump, who for

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many people is a good bet to add the

roll of honour.

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The 2015 Masters winner Shaun Murphy

knocked out at least Carter in fine

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style to make the quarterfinals. --

knocked out Ali Carter. But Judd

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Trump has never gone beyond the

semifinals here. Could this be his

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year?

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year? And Mark Allan, yesterday's

hero of Alexandra Palace, will be

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here to answer your questions in the

interval of today's quarterfinal.

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Their man from Northern Ireland

destroyed the defending champion

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Ronnie O'Sullivan to book his third

Masters semifinal. He will play

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either John Higgins or Ryan Day,

that is our live match tonight. We

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are very excited about Judd Trump

and Shaun Murphy this afternoon. The

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winner will play Kyle Wilson, who

knocked out Mark Williams 6-1 last

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night. It really has been a

brilliant Masters so far. Ken

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Doherty and Steve Davis with me here

on BBC Two. Let's get some reaction

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from you, as predicted last night

Ronnie O'Sullivan making all the

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back pages today.

Yes, disappointing

really, never really showed up

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yesterday. It's strange. Every day

in sport, one day to the next, it's

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never always the same. He played so

well against Marco Fu. Fair play to

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Mark Allen, he played really well.

Any chance he got, one visit and

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winning the frames, fantastic

performance.

Mark Allen will join

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this during the interval so if you

have any questions for Mark get in

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touch and use the hashtag on social

media. You will be speaking to Mark

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Allen.

A great display yesterday. He

knew he had Ronnie on the ropes and

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he did the job on him. It would be

easy to fall at the finish line that

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he didn't. He's as well-placed to

win a major as he's ever been.

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Fairplay to Ken Doherty, you called

it yesterday. This time you stay you

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said Mark might have too much

Bahrami.

Not just that. Mark Allen

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is one of those players, he's not

afraid of the big stage. He likes

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the big stage, the big crowd than

the big events. He's not someone who

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would be like a rabbit in the

headlights against Ronnie

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O'Sullivan. All the talk was about

Ronnie O'Sullivan and how well he

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played against Marco Fu but Mark

Allen loves that atmosphere, loves

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the crowd being against him and he

played fantastic snooker yesterday.

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One of the big things we spotted

yesterday was Mark Williams came out

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to rapturous applause, Ronnie

O'Sullivan, home turf, rapturous

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applause. What does that say about

the state of snooker when two of the

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old-timers, if they don't mind me

using that phrase, get a massive

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round of applause, big cheers and

yet the young guys don't get that?

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Is it a bit of the changing of the

old guard?

I think the snooker fans

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who come and flock to see the

Masters, and a full house here, only

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a four day week in the London area

at the moment!

LAUGHTER

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I think they appreciate what those

players have given to the game. The

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older players, John Higgins, Ronnie

O'Sullivan and Mark Williams.

The

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fact Kyle Wilson beat Mark Williams

and Mark Allen be Ronnie O'Sullivan,

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do you get the feeling things will

change?

There's a new guard, new

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blood coming through all the time.

Kyren Wilson is one of those new

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kids on the block, ready to topple

the big names and win majors like

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this beautiful trophy. There are

still a lot of great players left in

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this tournament and still the old

guard are taking it to topple the

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big names and win majors like this

beautiful trophy.

There are still a

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lot of great players left in this

tournament and still the old guard

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are taking it the young ones.

Looking forward to this, how do you

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see it going this wrap I'm not

necessarily sure it's guaranteed to

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be long potting all over the place

because you can't ever guaranteed

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those balls going.

But such is the

standard of these two players, I

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think any chance they get they will

be going for it.

A big day for Judd

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Trump?

Yes, Murphy on current form

is favourite but Judd Trump is such

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an explosive player, great

entertainer and it's going to be a

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great match, really looking forward

to it.

They played each other an

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awful lot. Back in your day

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to it.

They played each other an

awful lot. Back in your day did you

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want to place the money was

familiar?

I think both these players

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know each other well enough. I think

the dark horses Kyle Wilson. Maybe

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wants to play a player coming up and

very enthusiastic and perhaps that

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was a problem for Mark Williams

yesterday. After a great win, then

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all of a sudden he is

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yesterday. After a great win, then

all of a sudden he is opposed to

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beat Kyle Wilson. These two players,

they know each other's games and

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styles, in some respects they are

pretty similar.

Ken, you called it

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yesterday?

I think it'll be close,

6-4, Murphy.

There we go. He's on a

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roll! LAUGHTER

Can he get two out of two? More from

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Steve and Ken later. The players are

standing by. This is going to be a

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cracker, let's join Rob Walker.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

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The great thing the Defabet Masters

is every match is good enough to be

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a major spinal and that is exactly

the case this afternoon. This is a

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rivalry that dates back 11 years. 15

ranking titles between them,

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impossible to pick a winner and a

huge sense of anticipation from a

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packed house here at Ally Pally!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

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Please welcome first of all a class

act on and off the baize, winner of

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the Masters in 2015, one of his

finest moments in the sport so far.

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He is here bidding for a fifth

Masters semifinal, looking to

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continue his best season so far.

Four big finals and the reigning

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Champion of Champions, Shaun The

Magician Murphy!

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APPLAUSE

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And here's opponent, arguably the

most exciting player of his

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generation, Winnie of eight ranking

titles in and successfully defended

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his European Masters crown earlier

this season. Bidding for a hat-trick

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of titles at Ally Pally, and with

his own brand of naughty snooker,

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the ace of the pack, Judd Trump!

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APPLAUSE

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welcome to what will be a fantastic

game of snooker live on BBC Two. A

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very good afternoon to Stephen

Hendry and John Virgo. COMMENTATOR:

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Good afternoon everybody. What a

great match we have in store here.

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Both tremendous players. We could be

in for a classic.

Shaun Murphy to

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break.

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Yes, John, this could be, it could

almost be like watching an

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exhibition match, this today. I just

can't see any frames lasting longer

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than 20 minutes. I can't see many

safety shots being played. This

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could be the match of the

tournament, this one, if both

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players play to their ability.

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Judd decided to turn that long pot

down, the main reason being he

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thought it was a risky pot and

wasn't guaranteed position on the

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colour.

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Yeah, I mean I think it will be a

terrific encounter if both players

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play well. If I could give an edge

in one department, and this might

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seem a strange thing to say, Judd's

safety play has improved over the

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last couple of seasons and Shaun to

me always struggles a bit on the

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safety side. But it will be all

about when you get your chances,

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taking them.

Yes, and I think when

you watch Shaun Murphy, no matter

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how well he plays, you always sense

he's going to give you chances,

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there will always be a careless shot

in there somewhere where you

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think...

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He's very good at that safety shot,

Judd Trump, using three or four

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sides and cushions. OK, a little bit

short in breaching the baulk

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cushion, but negotiated the path of

the cue ball very well. Oh... John,

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there is an example. Sometimes Shaun

Murphy's careless safety play.

Miss

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hit back by a long way. Kissed the

black. Unbelievable.

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Not the best shot from Judd, wrong

side of the blue. Ferries on loose

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red. Don't know if he feels he has

enough angle to force this cue ball

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in between green go to the cluster.

No, playing for the on loose red.

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Needed to have a little more pace on

it. But there's always bound to be a

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little bit of tension in the arm

first frame.

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Scurrying off the bunch here,

hopefully land on black, may be up

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for blue.

Beautiful.

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Just a very aggressive shot. You

have to have such confidence in your

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ability to play those.

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And obviously, with Ronnie

O'Sullivan losing yesterday, he is

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virtually owned this tournament in

the last few years, all these top

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players will be sensing an

opportunity.

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Nice touch.

Yes, played that really

well. These two players still left

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in it who have won this Masters

title, Shaun Murphy being one of

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them, of course, and John Higgins.

But Kyle Wilson, Mark Allen, Judd

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Trump, still to add to this great

title to their CV.

Yes, and all very

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aggressive players left in the

tournament. Play the game the right

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way.

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Pretty impressive in his match, Judd

Trump. Without being at his absolute

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best. The key to winning these big

events is get better as the

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tournament goes on.

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This is a shot, such confidence. The

first frame, as you said John, you

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might be a bit edgy in the first

frame, but look at that. Incredible

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talent, Judd Trump.

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talent, Judd Trump.

Now it's very

important he gets a good angle on

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the blue here. That was the last of

the loose reds. Maybe a little too

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much angle. Now normally we'd say

run into the pink, he wants to avoid

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the pink here, just run past the

right-hand side of the pink as we

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look. But even then, it's gone

wrong.

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May be with slightly less pace...

But that's only being wise after the

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event.

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The easiest safety shot is off the

red on the right-hand cushion but no

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way he's going to play that.

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Take the cue ball somewhere behind

the green on the baulk cushion.

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Of course, Trump got 49 and opened

the reds, but now if Shaun Murphy

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was to get the next chance then he

wouldn't have a lot to do.

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wouldn't have a lot to do.

Yes, I

think the first shot Judd Trump

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played, perhaps a little weary of

Shaun Murphy's long game. Decided to

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play a bit more of a containing

safety today.

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safety today. Definitely in the top

two or three in the world, Shaun

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Murphy, consistently getting long

pot. Everyone on their day can be

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brilliant, that day in and day out,

so strong in that department.

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Well, that's worked out OK for Judd.

Possibly a red that will pot, the

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one immediately between the black

and pink, a thin cut. He's caught

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that much to send, not settled yet,

Shaun. -- he caught that much to

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thin.

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Played that with a lot of left-hand

side, just to check the cue ball up

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and couldn't have played it any

better. This red will cut back into

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the left corner.

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Well, he caught it much too thick

and this is a chance for Judd. If he

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knocks in this long red, you would

think it would be a frame clincher.

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Judd Trump is never as comfortable

when he's rolling balls in. Always

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prefers to be screwing the cue ball

up, punching the cue ball.

Yes, he

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missed that by a long way and he is

fortunate to have left the cue ball

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near the side cushion. You can see

the way the reds are now, if Shaun

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was to get the next opportunity, we

could well have a new favourite for

0:20:430:20:48

this frame. That 49 points will

count for nothing. Cushion first

0:20:480:20:52

probably here. Kicking the red up

the table. He's got a good cue ball.

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Wasn't guaranteed to have a good cue

ball, mind, but close to the cushion

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so nothing easy for Judd to go out.

He can pot this red to the corner...

0:21:140:21:20

Now, which is the more risky, the

pot or the safety? Taking the pot

0:21:200:21:28

on. Don't blame him.

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But once again, a long way away. And

now Shaun Murphy gets his

0:21:360:21:41

opportunity.

Come on, Shaun!

Won't

be playing the one to the left

0:21:410:21:49

corner, he's hampered, but he's got

on to the right middle and on to the

0:21:490:21:53

right corner.

0:21:530:22:00

It's amazing, this game, isn't it?

It's amazing. He's just not settled.

0:22:100:22:16

He's just not settled yet. He played

it at that pace because he didn't

0:22:160:22:21

expect to it the red in the

right-hand pocket.

0:22:210:22:33

Amazed at this, Stephen

Yes, this is

a very defensive shot. The shot

0:22:330:22:41

Shaun Murphy played, if it straight,

surely you play the one above the

0:22:410:22:44

black instead. Maybe the two long

balls that Judd missed by a long way

0:22:440:22:53

has put him of taking on another

one.

Fair comment, that can only be

0:22:530:22:59

the reason is because with the cue

ball-in-hand he could have elected

0:22:590:23:06

to go for the red, which you feel if

Judd pots the next red, he will win

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the frame. He's already had one

scare. I'm certain he went back to

0:23:110:23:19

his

0:23:190:23:26

his seat feeling that when he left

Shaun the chance.

0:23:260:23:35

I don't think he was too bothered

about getting the cue ball back to

0:23:380:23:42

baulk. The important thing was just

not getting the double-kiss on

0:23:420:23:45

leaving a red on.

0:23:450:23:52

leaving a red on. 53 point lead,

Judd Trump, but plenty of reds

0:23:520:23:56

available. A long way to go to the

winning post.

0:23:560:24:03

A bit disappointed with that one.

Now, Shaun's had a couple of goes,

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one with a safety and one with a cut

and has cut them too thin. If he

0:24:140:24:22

catches this just right... A chance

now to get right back in the frame.

0:24:220:24:26

APPLAUSE

Black looks to be the ball to play

0:24:260:24:32

and if you are going to play the

black, you might as well play the

0:24:320:24:35

cannon and try to bring these four

reds into play.

0:24:350:24:41

It was a big shot. It was the right

shot. He knew if he missed it it was

0:24:440:24:55

probably going to cost him the

frame. Sometimes they're the risks

0:24:550:25:00

you have to take at this level.

0:25:000:25:09

you have to take at this level.

He's

had two half chances, Shaun, to get

0:25:090:25:11

back into this frame, but he will be

lucky to get another one.

0:25:110:25:19

lucky to get another one. 59 points

the lead, so just looking for this

0:25:190:25:21

red. This red will put him 60 ahead

with 59 remaining. -- 67 ahead with

0:25:210:25:33

59 remaining.

0:25:330:25:36

He cute but nicely -- he cued that

nicely. A little bit of an

0:26:440:26:58

exhibition shot here, pot the black

and come off the cushion. Well, he

0:26:580:27:05

didn't play to cannon the yellow.

0:27:050:27:13

APPLAUSE

0:27:140:27:20

He's on the green, nicely for a

left-hander.

0:27:200:27:26

So you would say that Judd Trump has

certainly settled the better of the

0:27:320:27:36

two players, judging on this opening

frame. The only thing that will

0:27:360:27:41

concern Judd slightly if he had a

couple of long pots and missed them

0:27:410:27:48

by quite a distance. As I say, just

a few exhibition shots, which is

0:27:480:27:56

what you want... APPLAUSE

A little smile from both players,

0:27:560:28:02

nice to see. Shaun Murphy couldn't

settle at all in that first frame.

0:28:020:28:12

Judd Trump, in the end, got the job

done. He leads 1-0. We've

0:28:120:28:17

there before, that ping could have

ended up anywhere. Either way, if

0:28:180:28:21

you want to get in touch with us

this afternoon on social media, do

0:28:210:28:26

get in touch. A very special guest

at the interval, Mark Allen, will

0:28:260:28:30

come to talk to Steve. If you have

any questions or comments to Ken or

0:28:300:28:35

Steve, we'd love to hear from you.

Good start from Judd Trump?

Yes,

0:28:350:28:39

moved a couple of long balls which

will unnerve him a bit but he had

0:28:390:28:43

the tenacity to play, when he had

the ball-in-hand, to play good

0:28:430:28:46

telling safety shot. He settled of

the two. I don't think we will have

0:28:460:28:51

too many safety shots today. I think

there will be some fantastic

0:28:510:28:54

potting.

Important to get a good

start question that it is.

Perhaps

0:28:540:29:00

that's why Judd Trump turned down

the red the lads were talking about.

0:29:000:29:03

He could have Mr and Patsy was

trying to make Shaun Murphy make the

0:29:030:29:06

mistake from safety. As it turned

out, it was a mistake from the

0:29:060:29:10

black. This shot here from Judd

Trump, he could have played the long

0:29:100:29:14

red

0:29:140:29:14

Trump, he could have played the long

red and you would expect in tips,

0:29:140:29:15

but trying to keep the heat on Shaun

Murphy in the first frame with a

0:29:150:29:19

decent lead. Nothing wrong with that

at all.

We talk of his experience

0:29:190:29:24

now. A couple of years ago he would

have taken it on in the blink of an

0:29:240:29:27

eye.

Absolutely.

0:29:270:29:29

have taken it on in the blink of an

eye.

Absolutely.

He is learning all

0:29:290:29:31

the time, and that's what he has to

bring into his game. Sometimes he

0:29:310:29:34

goes for that one too many and it

has cost him a lot of frames, a lot

0:29:340:29:38

of matches over the years.

That's

the fascinating thing about snooker

0:29:380:29:43

opposed to some of the other games

out there like 9-ball or to demand.

0:29:430:29:52

Depending upon the scoreline in

snooker, there are different shots

0:29:520:29:55

to be played.

Judd Trump has a 1-0

lead. Back to Stephen Hendry and

0:29:550:30:02

John Virgo.

0:30:020:30:09

Decent break-off shot from Judd. Any

break-off shot nowadays where you

0:30:090:30:15

don't leave a pot on, you'd be happy

with.

0:30:150:30:20

Another example of that safety shot

that Judd likes to play around the

0:30:430:30:48

angles of the table.

I agree with you, he does like to

0:30:480:30:55

play it. But you play it with side.

If the cue ball is tight to the

0:30:550:31:00

cushion, it's not a shot you can

play.

0:31:000:31:02

That is why Shaun needs to get a

good length with the safety whenever

0:31:020:31:07

possible.

0:31:070:31:17

This is a careless one. OK. Shaun is

hampered by the yellow. That might

0:31:210:31:28

be a reason for not taking a red

tonne the right corner.

0:31:280:31:36

tonne the right corner.

He wouldn't

blink an eye on taking this on

0:31:370:31:40

normally. But he is still looking at

it, so he must have a free enough

0:31:400:31:51

cue action. Beautiful. Beautiful

cue.

0:31:510:31:54

And fully committed.

He didn't hit it too hard. Knew he

0:31:540:32:00

didn't have to do too much with the

cue ball to get a position on the

0:32:000:32:04

colour. So the careless safety from

Judd could cost him. It could cost

0:32:040:32:10

him the frame.

0:32:100:32:16

Just a case now of which he fancies.

0:32:430:32:55

It's risking for the black or coming

back for the pink or the blue.

0:32:550:33:04

I know he's only played one match

before this but he's yet to miss a

0:33:060:33:13

shot at 9 tournament with the rest.

-- shot at the tournament with the

0:33:130:33:25

rest.

0:33:250:33:32

He will really want to punish Judd

Trump for that poor safety shot. He

0:33:420:33:48

can win this frame if one visit.

Trying to... It's just so careless

0:33:480:34:00

to hit the yellow.

0:34:000:34:06

Still not in a position to play for

the black. It is the red to the

0:34:110:34:16

right of the black that's putting

him off.

0:34:160:34:25

He could not have put that better

with his hand. Inch-perfect.

0:34:250:34:31

It look as lovely angle to stun

across. He may not need to, he could

0:34:310:34:39

canon the red to the black. But low

into the black going into the bunch.

0:34:390:34:45

Not too much pace, he wantsdz to

leave the red to the right corner.

0:34:450:34:49

It's a small canon. But look at the

target now to hit if you get the

0:34:490:34:55

right angle on the black.

Possibly a couple of reds available

0:34:550:35:01

but it's a big target.

Two reds available to the right

0:35:010:35:08

corner. That's what he'll play for

this time.

0:35:080:35:12

There maybe one on the right-hand

edge of the cluster that goes to the

0:35:120:35:17

left corner.

It could be better and it certainly

0:35:170:35:21

looks as though he's settled in now.

He looked edgy in the first frame

0:35:210:35:28

but making this contribution now

with no problems whatsoever.

0:35:280:35:32

That was a lovely little shot on the

black there. It looked simple but

0:35:320:35:38

just a dab on the right-hand side to

put herself perfectly on the red.

0:35:380:35:42

He plays at a great pace, Shaun

Murphy. Although is that the end of

0:35:420:35:47

break? A thin cut.

.

A little bit unlucky, you would

0:35:470:35:54

have to say. But when he's on the

ball he plays at great pace.

0:35:540:36:08

Great recovery.

Probably not leaving

anything but he still needed potting

0:36:090:36:21

and he finished nicely on the black.

Nicely on the black! He misses it!

0:36:210:36:28

Well. Almost a mirror image of the

last frame. Judd Trump going first,

0:36:280:36:36

made a break of 49. And Shaun had

chances to pinch that frame. The

0:36:360:36:43

same applies here. Although that is

a bad decision, for me.

0:36:430:36:48

That's a shocker, it really is.

He shouldn't have left himself

0:36:480:36:53

hampered there.

I don't understand why he is

0:36:530:36:57

bringing the cue ball back the way.

A very strange shot. OK there is

0:36:570:37:04

every chance he can still pot this

black. But look where the cue ball

0:37:040:37:09

is now.

0:37:090:37:16

is now. He will be fuming inside,

Judd Trump.

0:37:160:37:19

He can pot the red but can he avoid

the kiss on the brown? He couldn't

0:37:190:37:26

avoid the kiss on the brown and he

couldn't pot the red, so. Boy, he

0:37:260:37:31

let a good chance there to pinch

frame, go. A shake of the head shows

0:37:310:37:40

you he's annoyed.

0:37:400:37:49

That

0:38:380:38:38

his intended there. Judd having a

look to the red immediately below

0:38:400:38:46

the pink.

This one does cut. It's a thin one.

0:38:460:38:57

He concentrated on getting a good

cue ball, which he's done.

0:38:570:39:11

This

0:39:260:39:27

good shot.

0:39:270:39:37

He needs to avoid the kiss on the

second red. That's probably why he

0:39:410:39:46

overcut it.

0:39:460:39:57

Using the cue power there. He was

hoping that the red would go in. But

0:40:430:40:49

the intention was to screw back to

the cushion. He made a good job of

0:40:490:40:53

that. But this red does pot.

0:40:530:41:05

This red goes on. Possibly finishing

on the pink. A little unlucky. He

0:41:200:41:27

didn't want the red in the middle of

the pocket, which is maybe why he's

0:41:270:41:33

not finished on the pink. Can he go

thin off the pink? Behind the brown?

0:41:330:41:40

That's the shot he'll play if he

can. Wafer thin on the pink...

0:41:400:41:55

It gives him the advantage in the

frame. OK he may be 43 points behind

0:41:560:42:03

but Shaun will do well here not to

leave a chance.

0:42:030:42:14

leave a chance. I'm thinking he can

come past the middle pocket and

0:42:140:42:18

nestle on the red to the corn

pocket.

0:42:180:42:25

Maybe the red is in the way.

Nice hit.

0:42:250:42:33

Nice hit but I think he may have

left something here.

0:42:330:42:47

Well if he did it didn't matter.

Yes, slowly but surely he is moving

0:42:580:43:07

the reds into open play. If he gets

an opportunity it will be a good

0:43:070:43:10

one.

0:43:100:43:15

It's a similar type of shot that he

played before. He flicked the red

0:43:250:43:28

thin, I thought he could have left

the red near the black specialty

0:43:280:43:32

he's playing it again but he needs

to nestle on this... He is playing

0:43:320:43:37

it with pace, trying to get back up

the table.

0:43:370:43:44

I don't know about that as a shot.

No. It was asking a lot. Well, if

0:43:440:43:50

Judd can pot the red and guide the

cue ball back to the middle of the

0:43:500:43:55

table, then I suggest he plays it

but if he can't, then he will have

0:43:550:44:03

it replaced. He thinks he can get on

the pink.

0:44:030:44:11

Well he found a path. It's not ideal

by any means. A tough yellow. It

0:44:110:44:18

looks to be the ball we are getting

back to this end of the table.

Yeah

0:44:180:44:25

it looked like he was making sure of

the pot, almost. Concentrating on

0:44:250:44:30

that, he didn't really think about

the cue ball. Surely he would have

0:44:300:44:35

played a lot harder to ensure he was

on the brown at least. But that's a

0:44:350:44:40

pretty good shot on the yellow. And

this is a nice red. The cue ball

0:44:400:44:47

just travelled an extra couple of

inches. I thought it would be on the

0:44:470:44:53

red to the left corner but a great

pot on the yellow from underneath

0:44:530:44:57

the cushion.

Second chance to pinch this frame.

0:44:570:45:07

Yes and this would hurt Shaun

Murphy. Whenever digging down you

0:45:070:45:11

really have to find the middle of

the cue ball. He did that there. Of

0:45:110:45:16

course this red closest to the left

corner is the one he wants to get

0:45:160:45:21

rid of, it makes the black

available.

0:45:210:45:28

available. . It is frames like this

that can really turn matches.

Yeah,

0:45:310:45:39

absolutely. When you have two top

players. It's hard to pick a winner.

0:45:390:45:45

It is the frames you win that you

shouldn't have that sometimes decide

0:45:450:45:51

the outcome of the match.

0:45:510:45:57

the outcome of the match. So much

action on the cue ball there and so

0:45:570:46:01

little effort.

0:46:010:46:11

Possibly watching the two players

that get more cue power on the ball

0:46:120:46:18

than anyone else. And possibly

Ronnie O'Sullivan. It is effortless

0:46:180:46:22

as well.

A nice hang on the red. Just a stun

0:46:220:46:33

to the top cushion.

0:46:330:46:38

A good shot that. He can bring the

cue ball out from the red.

0:46:500:46:56

A nice angle on the red. If he pots

it, it will be nicely on the black.

0:46:560:47:04

And now the frame is at his mercy.

You feel that a left-handed player,

0:47:040:47:09

and it's not easy to get on the

yellow. A lot more margin for error

0:47:090:47:14

for a left-hander.

0:47:140:47:22

Nearly finished up with the perfect

angle on the blue and now Shaun is

0:48:040:48:10

having to sit and suffer this one

out. And in goes the pink.

0:48:100:48:16

A break of 52.

Judd Trump got his chance and took

0:48:160:48:24

it. He now leads 2-0.

0:48:240:48:27

Judd Trump got his chance and took

it. He now leads 2-0.

0:48:270:48:29

A tremendous start by Judd Trump.

Thank you very much for the tweets

0:48:290:48:32

coming in.

0:48:320:48:38

coming in. Use the hashtag to tweet

to us.

0:48:380:48:40

If you want to shout out on

television, we don't want to get too

0:48:400:48:44

busy with them but we are going to

say hello to Nick Allett. He is in

0:48:440:48:50

hospital with his partner, she has

cystic fibrosis, and is in for ten

0:48:500:48:58

day, would you say hello to her,

Hannah, it would make her day. Hello

0:48:580:49:02

Hannah.

And the balls, we have seen

0:49:020:49:07

fantastic breaks in the tournament.

In that frame, though, the balls are

0:49:070:49:15

moving in mysterious ways?

They are.

You get action on the ball,

0:49:150:49:20

especially Judd Trump, he is such a

prolific talent. Great action on the

0:49:200:49:25

play. And Shaun Murphy as well. He

hits it softly but gets so much.

A

0:49:250:49:31

massive frame that. Shaun Murphy

looking like he was in full flow. A

0:49:310:49:36

great recovery red after being

unlucky with the split of the balls.

0:49:360:49:39

A great red. And this cue ball, he

would have loved to have seen it

0:49:390:49:45

come off the cushion another two or

three inches more and then the

0:49:450:49:48

plaque is unmissable. But playing

the black off the side cushion, the

0:49:480:49:53

cue ball is close enough it makes

the black not certain. A decent

0:49:530:49:57

effort but he wobbled it and then of

course Judd got back into the game.

0:49:570:50:01

It could easily have been 11-1.

And we -- 1-16789

0:50:010:50:11

And we have seen a few of them?

Yes.

Sometimes, you just have to be able

0:50:110:50:17

to pot them off the cushions. Shaun

a usually good at that but that was

0:50:170:50:22

a tricky one for him.

Here we go. You get the feeling that

0:50:220:50:26

Shaun Murphy needs to get this

frame. This is a crucial frame.

0:50:260:50:30

Shaun Murphy needs to get this

frame. This is a crucial frame.

0:50:300:50:36

I think the next two are crucial to

Shaun. You don't want to let someone

0:50:360:50:41

like Judd Trump get too far in

front. Then he will relax and could

0:50:410:50:47

really turn on turbo.

Very close. Now has he left it?

0:50:470:51:08

Very close. Now has he left it? I

think he can see enough of this to

0:51:080:51:11

cut it to the right middle.

0:51:110:51:22

If he could see the pot, I

understand why he played the cue

0:51:230:51:30

ball in and out of the bulk.

Again, interest's the example. He's

0:51:300:51:36

not played it well this time. But...

What a bones!

0:51:360:51:49

What a bones! -- bonus!

Yes, a hand

up to apologise, look looking at it

0:51:490:52:04

again but when you get a run of

ball, you have to take advantage of

0:52:040:52:09

it. It can soon change as we have

seen in many matches.

0:52:090:52:21

Very well played. It's a bounce yet

he's on it.

0:52:210:52:33

He can't play for the black now. Of

course the blue is blocking the

0:52:330:52:37

pocket for the green. Oh, well, and

he was thinking about everything but

0:52:370:52:42

the pot. Schoolboy error.

0:52:420:52:54

It's a similar type of shot that

Shaun had in the last frame. No that

0:53:000:53:05

close to the cushion but just enough

you don't get your hand on the

0:53:050:53:08

table. It just make it is a little

bit trickier but he should have

0:53:080:53:12

potted that.

Oh, that's great from Shaun.

0:53:120:53:19

But while it maybe a red, just

sticking out on the red of the

0:53:190:53:23

cluster that will go to the left

corner, he... There it is, he just

0:53:230:53:29

has to adjust the pace right. He's

got a good line. He's OK. He's on

0:53:290:53:34

the one below the black spot. He'll

settle for that.

0:53:340:53:40

Can he drop it in and hope for the

black?

0:53:400:53:53

I am like you, I thought he could

have played that dead weight for the

0:53:560:54:01

black. Maybe a touch of drag on the

cue ball.

0:54:010:54:08

It was almost slow motion, that,

wasn't?! I remember the first few

0:54:390:54:44

days when they had the flies on the

table they were gently trying to

0:54:440:54:49

pick them up by the wing. Not

anymore - it's the thump behind the

0:54:490:54:54

neck!

0:54:540:55:04

neck! Judd was fortunate no to leave

anything easy here. You can see he

0:55:040:55:10

has the red to the corner but where

the position on the colour comes

0:55:100:55:14

from, you wouldn't know. And after

such a poor safety, he could have

0:55:140:55:19

left something a lot easier than

this.

0:55:190:55:26

Can he get to this red in the left

middle? If he's going to go for it,

0:56:110:56:19

make sure you get the pot and play

the next shot.

0:56:190:56:31

He trusted to luck and he got none.

A good pot. But this game of snooker

0:56:420:56:50

has never been anything different.

Sometimes it like the balls never

0:56:500:56:54

forgive you. I think he can hit the

black but if he can't get back to

0:56:540:56:59

the ball, then where is the value in

it?

0:56:590:57:08

it? I suppose if he can get to the

edge of it and dropped cue ball near

0:57:080:57:15

the top cushion.

If he can put the cue ball somewhere

0:57:150:57:22

near that circle. If he nominates

another colour, he will have to be

0:57:220:57:28

playing it. It will be... I think he

can get through to the black.

0:57:280:57:45

It looks like he could hit an edge

of it. You never know. Anyway, he's

0:57:470:57:53

nominated brown. He might need

another go.

0:57:530:57:59

That's a long way away.

You wouldn't think it possible for

0:57:590:58:05

him not to be able to hit the black.

So a very delicate replacing of the

0:58:050:58:17

cue ball is required. Of course we

will check whether he had a path to

0:58:170:58:22

the black. If he can hit the edge of

the black I don't see why he can't

0:58:220:58:30

get this cue ball back to the top

cushion.

0:58:300:58:39

cushion. He has said he doesn't

think he can hit the black

0:58:390:58:44

fourball... Well, he's decided that

the line he took for the brown, hit

0:58:440:58:50

the yellow, can he play the same

shot again? No.

0:58:500:58:58

shot again? No.

It's putting the cue

ball somewhere near the right

0:59:000:59:04

pocket, is that safe?

It seems he

can do it. He said he couldn't hit

0:59:040:59:09

the black full ball. But if he can't

hit it full ball, he must be able to

0:59:090:59:15

hit half of it, surely? Then play

the cue ball back to the cushion. It

0:59:150:59:22

would be reasonably safe, you would

have thought? Well, he's had a go at

0:59:220:59:27

the brown and hit the yellow. Then

thought, the line he is going, he

0:59:270:59:32

will hit the yellow but nominated it

and then nearly hit the brown. It's

0:59:320:59:37

decision time. We're going back to

brown! Good line. A better line.

0:59:370:59:43

But not quite there.

These points are adding up.

0:59:431:00:02

What's going to be time, yellow?

Hang on...

And the other thing to

1:00:211:00:31

remember here, and he can hit the

black, but I think the point Shaun

1:00:311:00:36

was making, because he can't hit the

black fourball, if you could do

1:00:361:00:43

that, eventually he would have to

play the black, wouldn't he?

1:00:431:00:53

And again, just needs a little more

right-hand side.

1:00:531:01:00

right-hand side. No.

Foul and a

miss.

A bit of a groan from the

1:01:011:01:13

audience, but that's not going to

affect the referee's decision,

1:01:131:01:15

folks.

1:01:151:01:20

And nestles town to a little

indentation, where he is striking

1:01:391:01:43

down, hitting the cue ball.

1:01:431:01:48

down, hitting the cue ball.

It looks

definitely from that angle he can

1:01:501:01:54

hit it half ball. It's all happening

now!

1:01:541:02:02

A delicate job.

1:02:021:02:07

LAUGHTER

You've got to be having a laugh.

1:02:101:02:22

You've got to be having a laugh. It

is important for sure because he's

1:02:221:02:25

having to readjust slightly. At the

moment he's trying to play it with a

1:02:251:02:28

trace of right-hand side.

1:02:281:02:31

I just can't get it touching.

Obviously it was touching the red...

1:02:541:03:01

Because Shaun has been striking

down, there would be a little

1:03:011:03:05

indentation in the cloth, which the

cue ball keeps rocking back to. Of

1:03:051:03:18

course, if he's not touching, you'll

be able to see the black quite

1:03:181:03:20

comfortably.

Yes, you good?

CHUCKLES

APPLAUSE

1:03:201:03:33

One person who will be hoping Shaun

gets it this time is the referee!

1:03:331:03:44

Yellow ball.

Good choice. Good

choice! APPLAUSE

1:03:561:04:06

The referee will be over the moon,

and Shaun's not too disappointed,

1:04:061:04:13

either!

1:04:131:04:20

It could be another Judd Trump

special here.

LAUGHTER

1:04:281:04:41

Don't normally do that with flies! I

know you don't like them, Steven

1:04:431:04:49

Hendrick, that there was a wasp in

the arena the other day.

That is the

1:04:491:04:52

same one!

1:04:521:05:00

It's on the floor.

It's gone now!

APPLAUSE

1:05:031:05:11

Probably his brother! A little bit

off-putting for Judd fair, in all

1:05:111:05:18

honesty. Maybe Judd should have just

taken a step back. Yeah, there's

1:05:181:05:23

another one.

It's not that one any

more, I guarantee you that.

LAUGHTER

1:05:231:05:39

Yeah, it was a wasp.

1:05:401:05:48

Anyway, it's not the easiest of

chance, but... Using the rest. You

1:05:521:05:59

have do fancy him to pot it, he does

not miss many with the rest. Well...

1:05:591:06:06

Commentator's curse!

Yes, getting

out the snooker and then trying to

1:06:061:06:14

kill that wasp, I think the

concentration has gone.

1:06:141:06:18

He didn't intend for the red to run

into the blue and his left date pot

1:06:391:06:46

on this red. Tight onto the cushion,

hard to see where the colour comes

1:06:461:06:50

from.

1:06:501:06:58

What a wonderful shot!

1:06:581:07:07

Just got into it a bit too much. Is

there a gap between the red and the

1:07:351:07:41

black? Not quite. I can't see

anything else he can pot.

1:07:411:07:52

He's having a look.

1:07:531:07:58

No, can't see anything. Unless

there's a gap between and blue,

1:07:581:08:07

which gives him an edge of a red.

Doesn't look like it from here.

1:08:071:08:11

Well, there was the edge, but not

enough to pot it.

1:08:111:08:22

APPLAUSE

1:08:351:08:39

Knocked the red to the corner, needs

the cover, needs a cover. Got one. A

1:09:181:09:24

little bit fortunate. You could not

risk knocking for red towards the

1:09:241:09:31

corner pocket. As it happens, the

brown has come to his rescue.

1:09:311:09:42

And the green has come to Shaun's.

But this one is probably more

1:09:521:10:01

telling, this safety shot.

Particularly if he can't get past

1:10:011:10:05

the blue.

1:10:051:10:11

the blue. Well, he can, but can he

cover the path to the red near the

1:10:111:10:16

right corner? Cue ball needs to

travel.

1:10:161:10:25

Another trademark Judd Trump safety

round the angles. It's left this

1:10:271:10:34

red. A good chance the Rhodes are

pretty much out in the open now.

1:10:341:10:42

APPLAUSE

-- the reds are pretty much out in

1:10:421:10:48

the open now.

1:10:481:10:54

It's not been the type of frame I

expected in this match from these

1:10:541:10:59

two, but they all count. An

important one for Shaun Murphy to

1:10:591:11:08

get back into this match.

1:11:081:11:16

This red will make the points all

square.

1:11:161:11:22

square. No real tricky balls to stop

him. This is a great chance now. And

1:11:221:11:31

the way the first two friends, and

particularly the last one, you feel

1:11:311:11:36

he desperately needs this one. --

the first two frames.

1:11:361:11:46

Have to play for the pink to the

left middle now. When you play these

1:12:071:12:13

type of shots, you don't want to

leave yourself too straight. Decides

1:12:131:12:16

to play the run-through. With the

red being in the baulk end, he felt

1:12:161:12:22

he had a bit more margin of error on

the blue.

1:12:221:12:31

And now leaving himself on this red,

he can get the black back on its

1:12:311:12:37

spot.

1:12:371:12:41

Decided he'd played back for the

pink. I thought he'd played for the

1:13:151:13:22

black because the red that's just

left of the Blackwood, available.

1:13:221:13:29

The black would only have been

available to one corner, but that

1:13:291:13:31

shouldn't have been a problem.

Anyway, it's as he sees it.

1:13:311:13:42

He's got that cue ball running loose

at the moment, but it's OK, pot the

1:13:591:14:05

blue, as long as he avoids the kiss

on the yellow it should be OK.

1:14:051:14:15

32 points the lead. Still looking

for three more reds.

1:14:181:14:23

So not an absolute formality.

1:14:261:14:34

He played that quite nicely but he

can miss this red...

1:14:571:15:06

The cue ball just bounced off...

Just an inch too far to make that a

1:15:061:15:14

comfortable red.

And I will go back,

I know people have their choices to

1:15:141:15:18

make, but I don't understand why he

didn't play for the black earlier on

1:15:181:15:23

in fact break. Just get the black

back on its spot. It gives the frame

1:15:231:15:28

a bit more normality.

Yes, and when

he played the blue for the red I

1:15:281:15:34

thought he could have played pink

for the red he just missed. He had a

1:15:341:15:39

lovely angle for the pink to drop on

it. So, sometimes a sign of maybe

1:15:391:15:46

not completely relaxed or

concentrating properly when you play

1:15:461:15:49

the wrong shots. You don't see the

right shots. Sometimes you try and

1:15:491:15:56

take the easy way out.

Yeah, and it

caught up with him in the end. I

1:15:561:16:04

think you're absolutely right,

Stephen. But this is tricky, though.

1:16:041:16:11

APPLAUSE

1:16:111:16:18

Didn't pot the blue cleanly, that's

why the cue ball has come up about a

1:16:321:16:36

foot short.

Just going off the left

jaw there. Again, makes this red

1:16:361:16:48

missable. I don't expect him to...

Looks to have a nice angle to play

1:16:481:16:54

for the red into the same pocket,

off the black.

1:16:541:17:00

Just doesn't want to be straight.

Doesn't want to be straight. Might

1:17:011:17:08

just have an angle but this has to

be played at pace now to come off

1:17:081:17:11

three cushions.

Doesn't have to risk

it, could just roll it in and played

1:17:111:17:17

the snooker.

1:17:171:17:24

He's right back in the frame.

1:17:241:17:26

Good shot.

Paddon angle to drop some

are close to the yellow. Great pot

1:17:341:17:46

on the black, screw the cue ball in

behind the brown here.

1:17:461:17:53

The yellow made contact with the

blue.

Now, obviously, the snooker 's

1:18:001:18:05

may harbour because in the middle of

the table, so much more difficult to

1:18:051:18:11

get safe. -- the snookers may get

harder.

Just nine ahead now, Shaun.

1:18:111:18:23

When you think back to the points he

gave away early in this frame, they

1:18:231:18:31

all count up at the end. He missed

it. It was the pace that did it.

1:18:311:18:39

There's no way that Judd is not

going to have this replaced.

Yes?

I

1:18:391:18:49

think it's OK, he's laughing, but I

think the pink was on the spot. I

1:18:491:18:53

think the black was on its spot and

those are the only two balls that

1:18:531:18:58

moved. So quite an easy replacement

job for the referee. Now, let's have

1:18:581:19:05

a look where it was, that's where it

was, and that's where it is now.

1:19:051:19:10

That looks absolutely perfect.

1:19:101:19:14

Looks good to me.

OK?

1:19:161:19:25

There's a look at where was and

where is now. That absolutely

1:19:251:19:28

perfect. So, he's hitting and hoping

for the best that he can get it

1:19:281:19:36

safe.

1:19:361:19:38

Hoping for the best... Where's the

cue ball? The black got in the way.

1:19:421:19:47

That cue ball is going towards the

corner pocket but Shaun has got it

1:19:471:19:52

safe and that was the main thing as

far as he was concerned. Look at the

1:19:521:19:57

cue ball here. It was heading

straight for that corner pocket. But

1:19:571:20:01

the black intervened.

1:20:011:20:08

Poor safety from Judd, poor safety,

and that's probably going to cost

1:20:091:20:14

him the frame. So, Shaun Murphy gets

a chance to put his first frame on

1:20:141:20:22

the scoreboard.

1:20:221:20:31

LAUGHTER

Yes, three people decided to leave

1:20:351:20:41

the arena just as he gets on this

very important chance. APPLAUSE

1:20:411:20:55

Eight points, the lead. Just brown

and blue needed.

1:20:591:21:07

All three of these frames could have

gone either way, really.

Not what I

1:21:211:21:26

expected from these two. Yet to

catch fire, if you like. It's been

1:21:261:21:33

pretty nervy.

1:21:331:21:40

He will want to make certain of

this. Just one snooker needed at the

1:21:431:21:47

moment. He will be mightily

relieved, Shaun Murphy. It could

1:21:471:21:58

have been 3-0 but Shaun will be

delighted, he has a frame on the

1:21:581:22:02

scoreboard. Judd Trump leads to-

one. -- 2-1.

1:22:021:22:09

That was very much a vital frame for

Shaun Murphy as we said. We've had

1:23:031:23:07

the fly and Shaun just looked up to

our studio and are said to me, it's

1:23:071:23:10

a wasp that is flying around as

well. Obviously he will be buzzing

1:23:101:23:14

after winning that.

He certainly

will be. That's terrible, isn't it?!

1:23:141:23:20

He needed to get a frame on the

board and settle down. He hasn't

1:23:201:23:25

looked himself, not playing as well

as he did in his first match. A

1:23:251:23:28

chance to Judd to go 3-0 up but much

better from Shaun Murphy.

Yes, Judd

1:23:281:23:35

looked like he was clawing his way

back in. But

1:23:351:23:37

looked like he was clawing his way

back in. But for that clip on the

1:23:371:23:38

brown he would have been on the

yellow and in the end it was this

1:23:381:23:41

clip on the brown, again this time

the yellow that destroyed the safety

1:23:411:23:46

shot. He really shouldn't be hitting

the brown of that one vision but I

1:23:461:23:51

think it probably

1:23:511:23:51

the brown of that one vision but I

think it probably was hoping it

1:23:511:23:52

would go round the back of the

brown.

At the various championships

1:23:521:23:57

we've been out we say sometimes the

decision-making from Judd, a

1:23:571:24:02

especially at moments like that, can

be a bit rash.

He can count himself

1:24:021:24:06

a bit unlucky. He had Shaun Murphy

in trouble when he had an snookered

1:24:061:24:10

behind the brown, Shaun got out of

it, got safe and eventually led to

1:24:101:24:13

him making a mistake. He has shown a

lot more desire, Judd. He's

1:24:131:24:19

tightened up his safety a little bit

and can count himself a little

1:24:191:24:22

unlucky, because he made some

wonderful pots in that frame.

Just

1:24:221:24:27

before we hand back, don't want to

give them too much air time, but

1:24:271:24:31

three people deciding to leave the

arena at that crucial moment.

You

1:24:311:24:35

can only assume that they

1:24:351:24:36

arena at that crucial moment.

You

can only assume that they thought

1:24:361:24:37

that frame is over because Shaun was

looking like he was going to pot the

1:24:371:24:41

balls. But it's hardly what you

want. Bad etiquette, in some

1:24:411:24:45

respects. I don't suppose three of

them at the same time needed to go

1:24:451:24:49

to the toilet.

Shaun was not happy.

Never mind, Shaun won that frame.

1:24:491:24:54

Judd Trump leads to- one.

1:24:541:25:01

COMMENTATOR: Decent break off, from

Judd. Trying to come off two

1:25:031:25:08

cushions here. To nestle into.

Played it nicely. Could be a

1:25:081:25:18

touching ball, though.

Touching

ball.

Which makes it a nice easy

1:25:181:25:24

path back to the baulk end for Judd.

1:25:241:25:32

And he's made a good job of it.

1:25:321:25:36

Not an option to come off the right

side and nestling because there is

1:25:461:25:52

one sticking out. May have to play a

similar shot to the one before, side

1:25:521:25:57

cushion, top cushion and nestle it

into the back of the cluster.

1:25:571:26:08

Once again judged it well and once

again looks like touching ball.

1:26:141:26:17

Touching ball.

1:26:171:26:20

Needs to miss the brown. A bit

loose.

1:26:311:26:41

Decent, just a bit short of pace. It

shows you the

1:26:581:27:07

shows you the difference, how much

better the safety can be. Judd can

1:27:071:27:13

possibly get round the brown to this

red. I think he could but... Foul

1:27:131:27:19

and a miss. He missed it.

Shaun

Murphy, four.

This red on the

1:27:191:27:27

right-hand side of the table could

tempt Shaun. No, not doing. You

1:27:271:27:34

wouldn't expect Judd to miss it this

time round.

1:27:341:27:45

Can you bring it up, please?

1:27:481:27:57

The line is good?

1:27:571:28:06

Marcel is doing the guiding. As I

say, you wouldn't expect Judd to

1:28:221:28:28

miss it again.

1:28:281:28:33

APPLAUSE

Played it well.

1:28:331:28:44

Quite a decent target, that yellow

and brown, to getting behind. He

1:29:351:29:38

could play off four cushions or just

the two cushions.

1:29:381:29:48

That's pretty good.

1:29:511:29:58

The main thing was to cover this

right-hand side off the table, as we

1:30:011:30:06

look down.

1:30:061:30:14

P Well you think if he can just

nestle on the red. He doesn't want

1:30:271:30:32

to run across the face of it.

The only problem is, if he's left a

1:30:321:30:40

slight angle, he could be tempted to

roll this in and putically finish on

1:30:401:30:45

the black.

1:30:451:30:50

Keeping an eye out for the wwasp.

What happened to the old DDT, that

1:31:121:31:22

they used to have? The old spray

can? They didn't have that anymore.

1:31:221:31:30

I would be out of there, John.

I know you have a fear of wasps.

1:31:301:31:43

Mind you don't hit the table with

your cue, Shaun. Break the cue in

1:31:431:31:48

half.

I'm going to get it!

Go on, Shaun!

1:31:481:31:58

For those of you who have just

joined us, this isn't a baseball

1:31:581:32:03

match.

1:32:031:32:08

Someone had come out of the

audience, and thought he could do

1:32:261:32:30

the trick. But obviously not a wasp

expert!

1:32:301:32:47

On a more serious note, if the wasp

was to sting you...

I think we're

1:32:491:32:56

safe for the time being.

Are we? I don't know.

1:32:561:33:03

He's back!

Welcome to life at The

Masters.

1:33:031:33:19

Well I suggest he gets this red

along the top cushion. Shaun's had a

1:33:371:33:43

look at it. He doesn't think it is

too risky.

1:33:431:33:50

There's the cue ball going. Mighty

close to the corner.

1:33:501:34:02

Not putting any real pressure on

Judd Trump here to play a better

1:34:021:34:07

safety.

1:34:071:34:17

Not the best effort from Judd.

I think both players at the moment,

1:34:191:34:25

with all that's happening are losing

their focus, slightly.

1:34:251:34:37

Foul. Miss.

1:35:041:35:10

This looks a better safety.

APPLAUSE

1:35:331:35:37

And it certainly is. An easy escape

route off the left-hand side

1:35:371:35:42

cushion. Nestled on the red near the

top cushion. But we saw before when

1:35:421:35:49

Judd played a similar shot he left

half a chance for Shaun but he

1:35:491:35:54

refused. So you have to make this

red right otherwise you could leave

1:35:541:35:59

a possible pot-on. But just right.

1:35:591:36:11

I think the concentration level now

has really dropped.

1:36:391:36:43

I'm not quite certain was Judd was

traying there. This red possibly

1:36:431:36:48

past the blue into the far corner?

Whatever, he's missed it by a long

1:36:481:36:53

way.

1:36:531:37:03

Obviously this is not a chance to

score a lot of points. Possibly of

1:37:131:37:19

pots are available. Possibly to the

left corner.

1:37:191:37:32

It's sometimes hard to keep your

focus when you come to the table

1:37:431:37:48

with a chance like this. You know

there is no real future in the

1:37:481:37:52

break.

1:37:521:38:02

A little bit of luck there to be

fair. The blue is available to the

1:38:041:38:12

left corner.

1:38:121:38:19

Good shot.

1:38:211:38:26

You have to dig down on this cue

ball. It makes this red missable.

1:38:531:39:07

He could choose to take the cue ball

over the pink spot into the reds

1:39:101:39:15

here.

Possibly a little too much

angle on the blue. But it's on.

1:39:151:39:30

Good shot. Now he's slowly creating

chances. He's doing ever so well

1:39:331:39:38

here.

That was a bonus. I thought in the

1:39:381:39:45

red in the middle of the table was

stopping him getting close to the

1:39:451:39:47

pink. But he got past it and is near

to the pink.

1:39:471:39:54

I, like you, thought he would do

well to get 20 here, now, all of a

1:39:541:40:00

sudden, I'm not saying he can win

the frame at this visit but he's a

1:40:001:40:03

chance!

1:40:031:40:13

Well maybe give him the benefit of

the doubt and say that was possibly

1:40:151:40:19

a heavy contact. If not it's a poor

shot.

1:40:191:40:23

Let's see in the pink leaves the

table. It definitely does.

1:40:231:40:33

He is obviously still on the red. He

is coming around to look at the

1:40:331:40:38

potting angle.

Again, the three reds to the

1:40:381:40:54

Again, the three reds to the left of

the pink, that looks like a natural

1:40:541:40:57

anning toll go into those.

1:40:571:41:04

anning toll go into those. Those --

natural angle to go into those.

1:41:041:41:07

It's not a guaranteed position.

That's why he's not entirely happy

1:41:071:41:11

doing it.

1:41:111:41:21

I think he was hoping that something

went right there.

1:41:361:41:44

This red, obviously, cuts down the

left-hand side cushion.

1:41:441:41:51

And he just about held that for the

black.

1:41:581:42:02

Now is there value coming off the

top cushion? Will it release the

1:42:021:42:08

black spot? And will he still be on

the red? Decision time.

1:42:081:42:16

the red? Decision time.

No, he's

overcut the black. Like you, John, I

1:42:191:42:24

think he should have played a

positive shot and played at more

1:42:241:42:29

pace. Take the reds completeliway

from the black spot.

1:42:291:42:39

Amazingly, it's been 21 minutes

since Judd Trump has potted a ball.

1:42:391:42:53

It's there.

1:43:001:43:06

Now deciding if he prefers the

black. I'm not certain exactly where

1:43:191:43:24

the pink spot is.

He's played this well.

1:43:241:43:39

He's played this well. I'm surprised

he didn't play for the pink and then

1:43:391:43:42

this red. But obviously you see it a

lot better when you're down at the

1:43:421:43:49

floor. At the table. Newel of these

reds, once again, seem to be

1:43:491:43:56

covering one another. Unless the

right-hand one of the three goes. He

1:43:561:44:00

decided to play the canon. Perfect.

It worked out perfect.

1:44:001:44:07

Yet, Shaun Murphy had the

opportunity to play this shot and

1:44:071:44:09

refused it.

1:44:091:44:14

A choice of reds. I think he'd like

to play the one on the left corner

1:44:241:44:31

to release the pink.

But he thinks this is easier to get

1:44:311:44:35

into position.

Surely he played for the blue?

1:44:351:44:48

If he's dead straight on the black,

he'll play it off the cue ball.

1:44:531:44:59

To the left-hand corner. It wasn't

straight. But it's still OK.

1:44:591:45:07

He didn't get the best contact and

again potted the black in the

1:45:071:45:12

left-hand side of the pocket.

Again... They're not going in

1:45:121:45:19

cleanly but they're in.

I think this has been, or summed up

1:45:191:45:23

the match so far for me, both

players look a little bit edgy.

1:45:231:45:33

No fireworks by any stretch. It's

been disappointing, really, you

1:45:331:45:37

would have to say. With the two

players we've not here today,

1:45:371:45:42

disappointing.

Maybe there is that little thought

1:45:421:45:47

as we were talking earlier, Ronnie

going out...

The expectation, yes.

1:45:471:46:02

Yes, possibly both players thinking

if they can just win this match it

1:46:021:46:05

could be an opportunity.

You can't afford to think ahead,

1:46:051:46:09

though.

No. You have to stay in the moment.

1:46:091:46:18

But this is a golden opportunity for

Judd. Sieve points in front. These

1:46:181:46:25

reds with high-value colours, he

wouldn't need the awkward yellow.

1:46:251:46:38

I don't know why he played for the

pink on the last red before. He

1:47:191:47:24

looked as if he could a played for

the black. But he's playing that

1:47:241:47:29

nicely.

Perfectly, in fact. So this black

1:47:291:47:36

and the red to get to what He

requires.

1:47:361:47:48

It he is coming straight on it. A

bit careless. He should have had an

1:47:491:47:55

angle so he could have played on the

black.

1:47:551:48:07

APPLAUSE

He doesn't need to overthink this.

1:48:211:48:23

Just drop the black tonne the side

cushion.

1:48:231:48:36

This frame is not over yet.

1:48:491:49:01

He needs to cover. The only thing

about this, he is hampered by the

1:49:131:49:19

pink. It makes the pot on the yellow

more difficult. He could cue past

1:49:191:49:24

the pink.

1:49:241:49:34

It could have been a lot more

difficult.

1:49:351:49:46

Well, it's certainly not been

vintage.

1:49:461:49:49

But that was! That was! Look at the

cue ball coming back down for the

1:49:491:49:55

blue. Wonderful cueing.

I was going to say, it's not been

1:49:551:50:01

vintage but 3-1 in.front, the

mid-session interval, Judd Trump

1:50:011:50:05

will be happy.

Yeah, wasp-gate and everything.

1:50:051:50:15

Yes, and a 3-1 advantage is a good

one to take to the interval. A

1:50:151:50:21

little bit of naughty snooker here.

Oh! Very naughty! Where's the cue

1:50:211:50:32

ball gone? ! Judd Trump, he won't

mind that. He leads Shaun Murphy at

1:50:321:50:40

the mid-session interval by 3-1.

1:50:401:50:42

mind that. He leads Shaun Murphy at

the mid-session interval by 3-1.

1:50:421:50:44

As they head off to the interval,

the last two times they met it was

1:50:441:50:51

3-1, especially in the Hong Kong

Masters.

1:50:511:50:53

He went on to win that, Judd, 5-3.

What you have seen, is Judd the

1:50:531:50:58

favourite?

I would not say that. The

sweetest thing for him, he has not

1:50:581:51:03

played well and he is leading still.

Shaun Murphy, is a different player

1:51:031:51:08

than he was yesterday. He has not

got going. I know that the

1:51:081:51:13

concentration with the fly but his

concentration is not there today.

1:51:131:51:17

Weapon Ken is right. There is

something up with Shaun. It is all

1:51:171:51:20

very well to talk about the wasp but

he has not been himself, has he?

It

1:51:201:51:25

is how you get off to the start of

the match. Sometimes you settle down

1:51:251:51:30

quicker than others. That is why the

interval is the respite you need.

1:51:301:51:36

But we have different opinions, I

think that Judd is playing quite

1:51:361:51:40

sharp. But for one of the frames

where he nearly cleared up, then

1:51:401:51:46

with the yellow in the bottom

cushion, I thought he could have

1:51:461:51:51

nicked the last three flame frames,

he has nicked two of them. I know it

1:51:511:51:57

has not been hundred, hundred,

hundred but importantly, when you

1:51:571:52:01

get a chance to clear up, you do. He

has been effective. But we are

1:52:011:52:07

judging by high margins.

You are right. We have been treated

1:52:071:52:12

to a lot of fantastic

break-building. Maybe we have to

1:52:121:52:15

value what is at steak here. Do you

go along with Steven's assessment?

I

1:52:151:52:23

think he is right. It is more

match-play snooker than what you

1:52:231:52:28

expect from the two players. They

are such great builders and long put

1:52:281:52:33

success. It just hasn't, it is not

the fluid game we are used to seeing

1:52:331:52:38

with these two. But you must be able

to play both games.

It doesn't help

1:52:381:52:43

if there a things flying around. It

is off-putting. Bad enough people

1:52:431:52:49

walking about, opening packets of

crisps. But flies, it is unnerving.

1:52:491:52:56

If it is a wasp and you don't like

them, that is worse.

1:52:561:53:00

I was trying to match my brains with

an event where a fly or a wasp

1:53:001:53:08

invade the arena. Have you ever had

one of those stories?

Going back in

1:53:081:53:15

history, Dough Mountjoy, the old

player playing in the amateur Welsh

1:53:151:53:21

championships, I think it was Dough

Mountjoy's Fly. It put his opponent

1:53:211:53:29

off and he went on to win the Welsh

Professional.

1:53:291:53:33

If you know, get in touch. There

will be someone who knows about that

1:53:331:53:37

story.

I remember once, there was a leak in

1:53:371:53:40

the roof. The rain was dripping on

to the table. It stopped the play.

1:53:401:53:52

The wasp is thinking "what am I

doing in The Masters?"

Right, you

1:53:531:54:00

are talking to Mark Allen shortly.

If you want questions to Mark Allen,

1:54:001:54:05

put it in the queue and get in touch

with the hashtag BBC snooker. We are

1:54:051:54:13

looking forward to tonight's match.

Live at 7.00pm on BBC Two. It is

1:54:131:54:18

Ryan Day taking on John Higgins.

Four times world champion, four

1:54:181:54:25

times number one ranked player in

the world.

1:54:251:54:35

the world. Now into his 40s but

still winning snooker events. What a

1:54:351:54:39

legend.

That is what it is. He has given me

1:54:391:54:44

some serious beatings down the line.

He was always my nemesis when I was

1:54:441:54:50

creeping through the game. Every

time I got to a personal best, I

1:54:501:54:55

would run into John.

He is one of the greatest match

1:54:551:55:00

players of all time. Technically he

is brilliant. Perhaps one of the

1:55:001:55:04

best for all time for clearing up

under pressure when he needs to. If

1:55:041:55:07

you think of one player clearing up

under pressure, you automatically

1:55:071:55:12

think of John Higgins. He has done

it time and time again.

1:55:121:55:16

I'm still waiting for him to play

the wrong shot?! Are you? Before he

1:55:161:55:23

retires I hope he chucks one in. I

am still waiting.

1:55:231:55:28

He has a smooth cue action.

Sometimes he felt it long, so he

1:55:281:55:33

shortened things up a bit, a

slightly shorter cue and bridge but

1:55:331:55:39

I noticed he never messed with the

pace around the table. It is the

1:55:391:55:42

same. Not fast, not slow but looking

at the shot clocks, he is getting on

1:55:421:55:47

with it all the time.

I think he has a very finally tuned

1:55:471:55:52

snooker brain. He knows what to do

instinctively. He plays the right

1:55:521:55:57

shot all the time. He is never far

away from what he intended to play.

1:55:571:56:03

He makes the game look ridiculousy

straightforward and he can tie-up in

1:56:031:56:09

knots.

The incredible thing about John, he

1:56:091:56:14

has destroyed every other top player

in the game. Annihilated them. You

1:56:141:56:19

must be a special talent to do that

against one of the best in the

1:56:191:56:23

world. He has done it throughout his

career.

1:56:231:56:25

If you are critical, sometimes he

takes his finger off the pulse, not

1:56:251:56:31

practiced as hard but he is always

getting back on the treadmill.

He

1:56:311:56:36

has time to spend time with the

family. To enjoy his life as a

1:56:361:56:41

legendary sports person.

If you said can he win another World

1:56:411:56:45

Championship? I think he is capable

into his 40s.

1:56:451:56:49

Without question.

Without a doubt.

Yeah, incredibly, 12 years ago when

1:56:491:56:57

John Higgins last won the Masters?

Yes, against some Ronnie O'Sullivan.

1:56:571:57:06

I think that the guys are right. He

is a type of player, if the balls

1:57:061:57:10

are there for a pressure clearance,

you uncount on John to make it most

1:57:101:57:14

of the time. A fantastic player over

the years. Still going strong. One

1:57:141:57:21

of the hardest match players I've

played in the game and possibly one

1:57:211:57:25

of the best match players in the

game.

1:57:251:57:28

Given Ronnie's comments about the

three people he believe can close

1:57:281:57:37

the major tournaments, himself,

naturally, and Mark Selby and John

1:57:371:57:41

Higgins. Selby is out. Does that

make John the most feared player out

1:57:411:57:46

there?

I think he is the most

respected of them all. The amount of

1:57:461:57:51

tournaments he has won and he is

such a tough match player. He is one

1:57:511:57:56

of the favourites. But there are a

lot of players left in it. But he is

1:57:561:58:01

one of the hardest men to play. He

plays all the right shots. He plays

1:58:011:58:07

tactically and technically, and when

you are playing that type of an

1:58:071:58:11

animal, it is hard to break down.

Well, he is playing Ryan rareness

1:58:111:58:16

but tonight, will the Welsh dragon

roar?

1:58:161:58:23

roar? Ryan Day was porn on the 23rd

of March, Bridgend.

His nickname is

1:58:241:58:35

Dynamite Day.

His younger brother

has played for the Welsh team.

1:58:351:58:46

He made the first 147 of his career

in the 2014 Open.

Ryan is married to

1:58:461:58:55

Lindsey, they have two durings.

His first appearance in a ranking

1:58:551:59:01

final was at the 2007 Malta Cup.

The

first ranking this year came at the

1:59:011:59:10

Riga Masters, beating Steven McGuire

in the final.

1:59:101:59:13

It was his first win in five final

appearances.

Ryan has made over 300

1:59:131:59:18

cent rebreaks as a professional in

his career.

1:59:181:59:23

Well, it certainly would be a

beautiful day for Wales and for Ryan

1:59:231:59:27

if he can make it through.

Yeah, it will be a tough match for

1:59:271:59:30

him. But I think that Ryan Day, this

year, he has been a different

1:59:301:59:34

player. Since winning the first

ranking tournament in Riga at the

1:59:341:59:39

beginning of the season, it has

given him an extra air of confidence

1:59:391:59:44

it is important for playing here,

especially against someone like John

1:59:441:59:49

Higgins.

Join us here. We are live for an

1:59:491:59:52

hour at 7.00pm. Then on to the Red

Button and then catch up with the

1:59:521:59:58

day's play with the quarterfinal

highlights at 11.05pm. A big thank

1:59:582:00:04

you for getting in touch today. Lots

of questions for Mark Allen. He is

2:00:042:00:08

with us now, I'm delighted to say.

He is with Steve.

2:00:082:00:12

Down in the Cue Zone. This area is

fantastic for the snooker fans. It

2:00:122:00:17

is great to have Mark Allen here.

Congratulations on your third

2:00:172:00:21

semifinal. Looking forward to going

one or two further?

Yes, looking

2:00:212:00:26

forward to it on the back of two

wins. But not getting carried away,

2:00:262:00:34

there are still tough opponents

there for more.

2:00:342:00:38

And a question here. Was the TV

major better, or did a game top

2:00:382:00:47

that?

I would not say it was my

best. I played Steven Lee and played

2:00:472:00:53

as well as I could and beat him

10-1. That is what I will remember.

2:00:532:00:59

A question if David Purnell: If you

can play a frame of snooker with a

2:00:592:01:06

player, past or present, I presume

past, who would it be and why?

Are

2:01:062:01:12

being from Northern Ireland I would

say Higgins. He was a hero growing

2:01:122:01:16

up. He did wonneders for the

Northern Ireland snooker. I never

2:01:162:01:19

got to play him. That is something

that I will look back and regret.

2:01:192:01:23

I loved playing him. He was

fantastic. The crowd was great as

2:01:232:01:27

well.

He brought a different crowd with

2:01:272:01:30

him. He did wonders for the game.

2:01:302:01:37

Is there a shortage of snooker

2:01:372:01:39

Is there a shortage of snooker clubs

in Northern Ireland? Not many

2:01:392:01:41

players coming through from Northern

Ireland at the moment?

I completely

2:01:412:01:45

agree, just with the recession

really, clubs of close down over the

2:01:452:01:49

years, and getting slightly less

popular. But still a good foundation

2:01:492:01:52

for it. It's sort of skipped a

generation, there's too many

2:01:522:01:57

computer games and stuff for me now.

Kids don't have the same attention

2:01:572:02:01

span. There are some coming through,

but hopefully with myself and a few

2:02:012:02:07

others doing all right, more will be

interested in the next two years.

In

2:02:072:02:11

terms of potential, do you think you

have under or over achieved up until

2:02:112:02:15

now at this point in your career?

I

don't want to sound arrogant but I

2:02:152:02:19

think I've underachieved. There were

definitely a few years where I

2:02:192:02:24

didn't work hard enough on the table

and I think I got what I deserved.

2:02:242:02:28

You know yourself, you need to

dedicate yourself and I didn't for a

2:02:282:02:31

while. I feel I've still got plenty

more tournaments in me and if I

2:02:312:02:35

don't win more between now and the

end my career...

At tough one. And

2:02:352:02:39

who is your favourite player play

against?

Anyone that plays bad!

I

2:02:392:02:45

know!

A couple of players on tour, I

don't want to name them, but I've

2:02:452:02:51

never lost it. You know yourself,

the standard is so good, it's all on

2:02:512:02:55

the day.

When you're friendly with

players on tour, do you find that

2:02:552:03:01

tougher to play against them

question that year, it's not ideal.

2:03:012:03:04

I played Joe Swail a few times on

tour never really enjoyed that at

2:03:042:03:08

all. I didn't feel the way I wanted

to win the way I normally do.

What

2:03:082:03:16

do you think the latest possible age

to get into snooker is, to make it

2:03:162:03:20

professionally? Through Junior would

it be something like 15 or do you

2:03:202:03:25

have to be very young these days? It

seems to be the way, doesn't it?

I

2:03:252:03:30

think the younger you can start, the

better. Years of experience under

2:03:302:03:33

your belt. As you have seen, there's

a lot of longevity in this game

2:03:332:03:37

right now, like they're never used

to be. Players in their 40s. But you

2:03:372:03:41

need to start as young as possible.

You need to want to play, a parent

2:03:412:03:45

pushing your kid is wrong as well.

You need to enjoy your practice. If

2:03:452:03:49

you do enjoy it, there's no point.

Great question here from Jamie. Just

2:03:492:03:54

want to ask Mark, I love this, if he

could play against one of the

2:03:542:04:00

commentary team, who would he want

to play against? Put them in their

2:04:002:04:08

place... One that's criticised

today? One that thinks he knows more

2:04:082:04:11

than he does, who could it be?

I

think Stephen sometimes a bit

2:04:112:04:15

critical.

Stephen Hendry!

I suppose

he can be, but I never got to play

2:04:152:04:21

him at his peak and it's something I

regret. To put him in his place now

2:04:212:04:25

would be nice!

The last question,

how long did it take you to get used

2:04:252:04:30

to your new cue? Always a tough

thing, isn't it?

There's getting

2:04:302:04:36

used to it and being able to play

with it, I think that two different

2:04:362:04:39

things. I was produced it pretty

quick but in pressure situations,

2:04:392:04:46

that's completely different. You

have to trust the cue. Six months

2:04:462:04:51

and with a new cue, I think I'm

pretty close to being good with it

2:04:512:04:55

now.

Looked pretty good the other

day! You have the rest of the day

2:04:552:04:59

off. Good luck tomorrow, I hope you

enjoy the day and thanks very much

2:04:592:05:02

indeed. STUDIO: Thank you very much

indeed and thanks to Mark Allen.

2:05:022:05:10

Judd Trump leads Shaun Murphy three

have won at the interval, this is

2:05:102:05:13

the story of the match

2:05:132:05:14

have won at the interval, this is

the story of the match so far.

2:05:142:05:15

Breaks of 49 and 57 giving Judd an

early lead. He settled in very, very

2:05:152:05:22

nicely. Shaun, not so.

2:05:222:05:26

In frame two, this perfectly shows

what's going on out there with Shaun

2:05:312:05:34

Murphy, missing that black and then

Judd Trump capitalising with a break

2:05:342:05:39

of 60 to make it 2-0.

Frame three and we said it was a

2:05:392:05:46

crucial one for Shaun Murphy. A bit

rash from Judd Trump, Shaun

2:05:462:05:50

capitalising on the mistake to make

it 2-1.

2:05:502:06:00

And in frame four, Judd went 23

minutes without putting a ball. Got

2:06:012:06:09

a chance and Stephen Hendry

describing the catch as

2:06:092:06:14

disappointing. What has been quite

entertaining is the wasp that

2:06:142:06:18

appears to be in the arena today

giving Shaun in particular a bit

2:06:182:06:23

array headache. Channelling his in a

Luke Skywalker there! We had a nice

2:06:232:06:31

text from someone who remembers a

wasp or something happening at the

2:06:312:06:37

British Open in Derby's assembly

rooms. Thank you for getting in

2:06:372:06:41

touch with those snooker memories.

Here we go, let's get underway.

2:06:412:06:45

Shaun just looking to make sure the

wasp is not around or maybe just

2:06:452:06:49

waiting for a few of the fans to sit

down. Let's rejoin Stephen and John.

2:06:492:06:56

Frame number five, Shaun Murphy to

break.

This match now will be played

2:06:562:07:04

to the finish, no more intervals.

Shaun Murphy up against it slightly.

2:07:042:07:13

These snooker, it has to be said,

hasn't been the quality we expected.

2:07:132:07:21

But then, there's been a few things

happening on and around the table

2:07:212:07:25

that are unusual. Yes, I saw Shaun

at the interval and he said he's

2:07:252:07:34

absolutely terrified of wasps, as I

am.

It's not ideal, you're out there

2:07:342:07:39

concentrating on a massive match and

that's happening.

2:07:392:07:47

He's got to try and get those things

out of his mind, get back into this

2:07:472:07:52

match. As you say, John, hasn't

lived up to expectations so far.

2:07:522:08:03

Going to get the rattle of the

jewels of the pocket. -- the jaws of

2:08:072:08:15

the pocket.

2:08:152:08:17

Not the best safety shot from Judd.

At this level, you can't afford to

2:08:282:08:35

be leaving reds towards the pocket

and not giving a good cue ball.

2:08:352:08:47

Much too much. Only the black to go

for, and it would be risky to go to

2:08:472:08:55

the baulk end so I don't see how he

can play eight telling safety here.

2:08:552:09:02

-- are telling safety here.

2:09:022:09:04

Easy enough to play safe off the red

that's near the red corner.

2:09:242:09:36

Just contemplating the double on

this red to the corner pocket? He

2:09:392:09:45

has.

2:09:452:09:47

Thought that if it went in that he'd

be nicely on the yellow, which he

2:09:522:09:57

would have been. When you play at

that pace, not a chance of leaving

2:09:572:10:00

it.

Shaun and can be aggressive here

with the safety shot if he chooses.

2:10:002:10:07

Thicker contact, take the cue ball

off three cushions, possibly four,

2:10:072:10:13

in behind the yellow. He's chosen to

play the more orthodox way and he's

2:10:132:10:19

not played it well.

2:10:192:10:27

How thick did he hit that question

that if he's not let anything, he's

2:10:382:10:42

been very lucky. At first glance,

he's not left a lot.

2:10:422:10:53

The fact Shaun's getting beat rest

out, Judd very fortunate there. --

2:10:532:11:04

the rest out.

2:11:042:11:06

Not so bad shot but his target was

in behind the yellow.

2:11:092:11:21

This is tough cueing, the yellow

next to his hand, to skew this cue

2:11:292:11:34

ball back. He's got the desired

action on the cue ball. -- to screw

2:11:342:11:44

this cue ball back.

2:11:442:11:51

Well, that was adventurous, to say

the least. A bit of frustration.

2:12:182:12:31

Controlled that nicely. The sooner

he can get the black back on it on

2:12:362:12:43

the spot the better, as far as Judd

is concerned.

2:12:432:12:49

Yes, if you're in Judd's shoes, you

should be sensing the frustration

2:12:582:13:02

from your opponent. It's time to put

the hammer down in this match.

2:13:022:13:16

OK on the black, just play a cannon

into deep pink, hold the cue ball in

2:13:232:13:29

the middle of the table.

2:13:292:13:35

the middle of the table. Under

normal circumstances, you'd think

2:13:352:13:37

there's a pretty good chance... I

know there's a few reds he's got to

2:13:372:13:41

try and bring out but there may be

on red that's potable at some time,

2:13:412:13:48

he can pot it and bring other reds

into place. This is a good

2:13:482:13:51

opportunity, this.

2:13:512:13:59

Could have followed through for a

red to the middle... It would have

2:14:252:14:29

been a more comfortable positional

shot. Now again he's out of position

2:14:292:14:33

slightly and he has missed the red.

Judd Trump, 22.

He will be it was a

2:14:332:14:39

good chance for Judd Trump to really

put the pressure on Shaun Murphy.

2:14:392:14:47

Just, he always wants to place an

shots -- played Stan shots.

Yeah,

2:14:472:14:57

and the fact he left himself, you

could say to straight on the black.

2:14:572:15:03

The one to the middle would have

been a better choice, but you can

2:15:032:15:06

say that about both players when

they've been in amongst the balls

2:15:062:15:10

today. The shot selection's not been

a one, which is unusual for these

2:15:102:15:16

two players, because they are

usually very proficient when they

2:15:162:15:20

get opportunities.

2:15:202:15:29

Thinks he can cover the red near the

corner with the blue and pink. There

2:15:362:15:44

is nearly a gap.

2:15:442:15:51

So, Judd faced with the problem that

Shaun managed to solve. Got to cover

2:15:572:16:03

the path to that red near the right

corner.

2:16:032:16:10

Court that a little too thick. He's

left something here. Should have

2:16:102:16:16

found the ball question was only

just found the balkline. Usually so

2:16:162:16:25

strong that this type of shot,

Shaun. APPLAUSE

2:16:252:16:32

Can't afford to be leaving him

those. What will Shaun Murphy make

2:16:322:16:36

of this chance quest might just get

the feeling if either player kicks

2:16:362:16:39

into that top gear, it could win

them this match. Played the cannon.

2:16:392:16:50

Felt certain it couldn't go wrong

and it hasn't. In an ideal world, I

2:16:502:16:56

think you'd rather play the red near

the right corner, that will make the

2:16:562:17:01

black available to both corner

pocket. Had to play that with a lot

2:17:012:17:04

of pace -- didn't have to play that

with a lot of pace because the reds

2:17:042:17:09

were loose anyway.

2:17:092:17:16

were loose anyway. Shaun Murphy's

pot success at the moment 86%. That

2:17:162:17:19

is very low for him. Winning these

type matches, you have to be 90% or

2:17:192:17:27

above. Judd Trump fitting that

criteria at the moment, but not

2:17:272:17:31

Shaun.

2:17:312:17:38

A couple of incidents short with the

cue ball to make... -- a couple of

2:17:442:17:52

inches short. Just a little bit

awkward, because he has left the cue

2:17:522:18:00

ball short he's going to have to

play some sort of cannon, you would

2:18:002:18:03

feel. So very important not to take

your eye off the pot.

2:18:032:18:08

It's OK. It nearly went wrong.

2:18:192:18:24

We'll play for a choice of reds to

be right corner. A couple to the

2:18:452:18:53

left corner. Starting with one that

to the right corner. Just I believe

2:18:532:18:57

yourself straight on one of these

shots, leave yourself a nice angle

2:18:572:19:01

and all you have to do is pot the

ball and the cue ball will do the

2:19:012:19:06

rest. Perfect on the black, as you

can see.

2:19:062:19:15

This is exactly what he would have

been hoping for in the interval.

2:19:292:19:33

This frame, a nice easy

chance to

score some points, get back into the

2:19:332:19:41

match.

Just a quick glance at the

school -- scoreboard as he was

2:19:412:19:52

walking round. Still needs these

reds.

2:19:522:20:02

reds. 21 points, the lead.

2:20:022:20:07

Just changed my calculations there.

These reds with lacks and it would

2:20:102:20:17

get into the snookers required

stage. Just a quick check again, 29

2:20:172:20:24

points in front, 16 points would put

him 45 points in front, with 43

2:20:242:20:28

remaining. Oooh! DME, thinking so

much about the scoreboard and what

2:20:282:20:37

he had and not to do, don't miss the

red! -- dear me.

2:20:372:20:46

Judd had a good chance at the start

of this frame and had a chance to

2:21:072:21:14

get back in it there.

2:21:142:21:23

Played that in such a way, he's

trying to force Shaun to bring the

2:22:062:22:11

red away from the right-hand side

cushion. Shaun doesn't really want

2:22:112:22:15

to, having 829 point. But it looks

the easier safety shot to play. --

2:22:152:22:22

having a 29 point lead. And still

the one on the left-hand side the

2:22:222:22:28

brown, in a safe position.

2:22:282:22:32

Not certain about playing one of

these reds, not certain this is the

2:22:372:22:42

right shot.

2:22:422:22:43

Now a chance for Judd to play a more

telling safety shot found that.

I

2:22:552:23:05

wonder if he will play this at pace

and may disturb those two reds, the

2:23:052:23:11

one next to the brown. He has

flicked one away.

2:23:112:23:23

Can Shaun get through to it customer

if he can, it's a bit from Judd. And

2:23:232:23:30

he can get through to the potting

angle.

2:23:302:23:33

Much too thin.

2:23:392:23:50

But neither player consistently

potting balls at the moment.

2:24:042:24:12

The way the balls are, Shaun Murphy

favourite for the frame. The way

2:24:162:24:27

things stand.

2:24:272:24:34

But knocking the red towards the

corner was always a dangerous thing,

2:24:372:24:41

but looks like he's got the cover

with the pink. And he has.

2:24:412:24:52

Taking this on. Boy, this is a big

shot. And, to be honest with you, it

2:25:162:25:23

was only deep bass that kept it out

-- pace that kept out. He thought

2:25:232:25:29

hitting it at that

2:25:292:25:34

hitting it at that pace... It's

turned out to be a good shot now.

2:25:362:25:40

It might look like on the screen

that that red that's virtually

2:26:042:26:09

hanging over the left middle pocket

but it's not.

2:26:092:26:20

Not much Judd can do here but roll

into this red.

2:26:292:26:34

Yes, this is not the kind of snooker

I was expecting in this match today!

2:26:402:26:46

Me neither. And not the type of

frames that will suit either player.

2:26:462:26:52

They like, that the type of players

that like to get a rhythm going.

2:26:552:27:03

That is careless from Judd, if he's

left a pot with this red... Very,

2:27:032:27:09

very careless.

2:27:092:27:16

Yes, he's left the pot on.

2:27:162:27:21

Well, could have done without the

kiss on the blue but now Judd has to

2:27:362:27:40

sit there and suffer.

2:27:402:27:46

sit there and suffer. The

availability of the right-hand... On

2:27:462:27:48

playing this blue he could cannon

into those two reds here. At the

2:27:482:27:57

moment he still needs two more of

the reds to clinch the frame that

2:27:572:28:00

this visit. -- at this visit.

He's

got to play the blue, I think. As

2:28:002:28:09

you say, John, can and those two

reds.

He doesn't want to, and I

2:28:092:28:15

suppose that's the nature of the way

his game has been. He's not playing

2:28:152:28:19

with the great fluency and

confidence you'd usually expect from

2:28:192:28:21

Shaun.

I don't know whether it's

because he's hampered by the brown

2:28:212:28:26

and he can't get down to the shot as

he would normally like to. He knows

2:28:262:28:30

this is the shot to play.

2:28:302:28:37

And the fact he has the brown as an

insurance should it not go right...

2:28:372:28:43

I know he's very good with the rest

but the blue cannoning the two reds

2:28:432:28:48

on the side cushion has got to be

the right shot. For me, I don't care

2:28:482:28:52

how this works out, this is the

wrong shot.

Surely he's not looking

2:28:522:28:59

at playing the safety...

Wow.

2:28:592:29:03

Well, turning down the frame-winning

opportunity, very unlike Shaun

2:29:122:29:16

Murphy.

2:29:162:29:24

Well, he's been offered another

opportunity now. As I say, still

2:29:422:29:45

needs the two reds.

2:29:452:29:55

needs the two reds. That is a bad

kiss on the yellow, he's not on a

2:29:552:29:58

colour. 31 points the lead, still 43

remaining.

2:29:582:30:11

Blue ball.

2:30:222:30:29

Shaun Murphy, one.

2:30:292:30:31

He brought a different crowd with

him. He did wonders for the game.

2:31:082:31:10

Poor safety there from Judd. When

you consider that Shaun just needs

2:31:102:31:17

red and a... Well, he needs brown

and above, so it's not a formality.

2:31:172:31:28

He's on the pink. And the pink will

put him 38 points in front with 35

2:31:282:31:34

remaining.

Snooker required.

2:31:342:31:46

It's a good target. The problem is

trying to get to that area. He will

2:32:182:32:23

have to avoid the kiss on the pink.

Probably decided, probably quite

2:32:232:32:32

rightly, to make the red safe.

Realistically, if Shaun looks at the

2:32:322:32:42

scoreboard, if Judd was to pop the

red it is highly unlikely he would

2:32:422:32:46

be able to pot the black. So if he

potted the pink. He would have a

2:32:462:32:53

chance of a tie. He will have a

chance with that red here.

2:32:532:33:01

Why didn't he pot the red, pot the

pink and then play the snooker on

2:33:132:33:18

the yellow?

2:33:182:33:23

the yellow? I think ball play is

bemusing themselves at the moment.

2:33:242:33:37

This red is close. But not there.

2:33:432:33:49

He may be able to play the red up

and down the table and come across

2:33:512:33:57

but he has to avoid the double kiss

if he attempts that.

2:33:572:34:04

And he did do.

2:34:042:34:09

Now a chance.

You could not wish for an easier

2:34:332:34:39

opportunity than this. Oh! Hest hit

it so bad he got the double kiss.

2:34:392:34:46

I just get the feeling that both

players are just out of that I

2:34:462:34:52

comfort zone here.

Yep, you do get these days, when,

2:34:522:35:02

you know, one player starts playing

bad and it tags the other player

2:35:022:35:06

down. At the #340e789, both players

are finding it hard to play the

2:35:062:35:11

right shot and when they do, to pick

a shot and play it well.

2:35:112:35:20

-- At the moment both players are

finding it hard to play the right

2:35:202:35:25

shot and when they do, to pick a

shot and play it well.

2:35:252:35:29

A shake of the head.

The bump of the middle pocket can

2:35:292:35:35

always come into play here.

Yeah, off the top cushion.

2:35:352:35:40

Just to the left of the pocket. It

should hit the cushion before the

2:35:402:35:44

middle pocket and hit the red. The

danger is if you hit the side of the

2:35:442:35:55

cue ball.

No problem. One back here. Lovely.

2:35:552:36:03

Well, not quite.

If he watts red and a pink it will

2:36:032:36:12

be one snooker to tie.

2:36:122:36:23

Is there a gap? Don't think so.

2:36:412:36:52

Shaun up could had be in trouble

again here.

2:37:012:37:08

He didn't want the blue in!

2:37:122:37:24

That's the line he'll be looking at.

The reason, it takes the chance of

2:37:402:37:45

hitting the pink. If he comes off

two cushions, there is a chance he

2:37:452:37:50

could hit the pink.

The line is the way surely to go? He

2:37:502:38:00

thinks not. Got to avoid the middle

pocket this way as well. And you

2:38:002:38:06

have to avoid the pink. Nowhere

near... I say nowhere near! But that

2:38:062:38:12

wasn't the way to go.

He was nearly lucky. He missed the

2:38:122:38:22

red by a foot at first, then rattled

the jaws. Of course no miss could be

2:38:222:38:29

called.

We're at the snooker's required

2:38:292:38:36

stage. 35 points behind and 35

remaining.

2:38:362:38:49

You just have to drop the red in,

drop the pink in the middle. He is

2:38:492:38:56

looking at that safety again. Well

he ended up stunning, as I said

2:38:562:39:03

before, he doesn't like rolling

balls in, so he chose to stun it.

2:39:032:39:06

But he needs this pink to stay in

the frame.

2:39:062:39:19

He's playing the blue.

Where is the cue ball going? Close

2:39:192:39:26

to the middle but not there. I

suppose that the reason he played

2:39:262:39:30

it, was he thought it could be a

guaranteed snooker. But doesn't mean

2:39:302:39:35

to say because he gets a guaranteed

snooker that his opponent enwon't

2:39:352:39:39

hit it. It's 28 points of difference

now. That was a good snooker.

2:39:392:39:46

Yeah, a great shot.

Not only to get the snooker but to

2:39:462:39:51

get that cue ball so close to the

green.

2:39:512:40:03

There is a little bit of room at the

back of the yellow.

2:40:032:40:16

He played it well.

2:40:182:40:26

This would be a body blow for Shaun

Murphy if he was to loose that

2:40:262:40:33

frame.

The way that the green and brown

2:40:332:40:39

are, the snookers are comfortable to

get.

2:40:392:40:41

But now he is trying to get in

behind the green and the brown. But

2:40:412:40:46

don't leave the pot on. Well, that's

just poor. Sorry, you cannot leave

2:40:462:40:55

the possibility of just... And

that's all that Shaun needs.

2:40:552:41:03

And now two snookers are required.

So careless.

2:41:032:41:07

Before that, I was thinking he would

keep the yellow safe. Even if he had

2:41:072:41:12

a chance to pot the yellow and get

back. You could snooker behind the

2:41:122:41:17

brown and the black.

But that is rule one, isn't it. When

2:41:172:41:25

your opponent needs snookers, leave

the object ball on.

2:41:252:41:31

Now he's lost interest in this frame

now.

2:41:312:41:41

A strange match. And this has been

the strangest frame of the lot.

2:41:412:41:50

the strangest frame of the lot.

No

frames over 20 minutes.

And this is

2:41:532:41:56

the longest frame of the match so

far. Just coming up to 35 minutes.

2:41:562:42:10

In goes the pink.

Well, that was the longest frame of

2:42:202:42:25

the match and a strange one.

Both players getting chances. Shaun

2:42:252:42:30

Murphy will not mind. He's reduced

his arrears to what? He is 3-2

2:42:302:42:36

behind.

2:42:362:42:36

his arrears to what? He is 3-2

behind.

2:42:362:42:38

Let's talk about Shaun Murphy then

Judd Trump. Fair play to Shaun

2:42:382:42:44

Murphy, he held his nerve there?

He

will be delighted to have won a

2:42:442:42:49

frame but not so pleased in the way

he has won it. But at this stage,

2:42:492:42:53

the way that the game has panned

out, he will be pleased to be in the

2:42:532:42:58

game.

It is nice to win the scrappy frames

2:42:582:43:01

without excerpting so much pressure

on yourself. But both players, it

2:43:012:43:05

has not got going at all. I don't

know if it is concentration or what

2:43:052:43:09

has happened but they are not on for

it at all.

2:43:092:43:13

The bigger talking point of the

match so far, a few of the words we

2:43:132:43:18

used to describe Judd Trump, and not

just us, rash, careless and Stephen

2:43:182:43:24

says he seems to have lost interest,

especially in that frame?

Yeah,

2:43:242:43:29

well, sometimes we analyse how the

players are playing, it's a tough

2:43:292:43:33

game, snooker. You don't always make

the right decisions, you can't

2:43:332:43:37

always play brilliantly. I would say

about this match, that this shot

2:43:372:43:41

here, he played it, he overhit the

red carelessly from his perspective

2:43:412:43:46

but I would say that this match is

boiling down to who focuses at the

2:43:462:43:50

end of it. It will be a scramble to

that position.

2:43:502:43:54

Are we too hash on Judd?

No. At this

level we are here to criticise them.

2:43:542:44:04

There are so many small things but

they can cost you between winning

2:44:042:44:08

and losing a match.

And when you are 3-1 down, if you

2:44:082:44:14

are Shaun Murphy, how are you

feeling?

The way that a snooker

2:44:142:44:18

player should be thinking out there,

even if the game has been flat and

2:44:182:44:23

you have not played as well as you

would have liked to have done, be

2:44:232:44:27

optimistic. It is point lethes

worrying about how the match has

2:44:272:44:31

gone. The next frame could be the

start of something good. It could

2:44:312:44:34

spark. It is something you're aware

of by watching snooker and you know

2:44:342:44:39

how often it happens in a match. So

why not be optimistic? You have

2:44:392:44:44

practiced for the tournament. You

are probably in good form but as the

2:44:442:44:48

start has not gone well, it doesn't

mean it can't change.

2:44:482:44:52

And there is a lot of activity in

the crowd.

2:44:522:44:56

In that frame, and down to the fact

it was 35 minutes long. But

2:44:562:45:01

obviously the fans cannot come back

in during a frame. There were a lot

2:45:012:45:05

of empty seats now, now the fans are

coming back in. What does it do to

2:45:052:45:10

the mindset, Ken?

They just want to

get on with it.

2:45:102:45:15

As Steve says, every frame can be

different. They are looking for that

2:45:152:45:19

inspiration. It could happen in this

frame.

2:45:192:45:23

It's the first time we have seen

this?

It is a big crowd here. It is

2:45:232:45:28

tough to get them in and out in the

space of 15 minutes. If you are a

2:45:282:45:33

straggler, you are not allowed in

during a frame so have to wait

2:45:332:45:38

outside, it seems that a lot of

people could not get back in time.

2:45:382:45:44

It happened on Sunday in the Mark

Williams match but it seals to be

2:45:442:45:50

sorted and the officials are

superefficient and they have done

2:45:502:45:53

their job.

2:45:532:45:53

superefficient and they have done

their job.

2:45:532:45:55

It is important, in these types of

matches, when you think of six, the

2:45:552:45:59

number of frames to win the match.

Just keep thinking of that.

2:45:592:46:05

An excellent pot from Shaun Murphy.

2:46:052:46:16

Is Shaun Murphy going to be the

first of the two players to break

2:46:252:46:33

free from the standard of snooker we

have seen so far.

2:46:332:46:37

Could he win a frame in one visit?

The talent that we have on show

2:46:372:46:46

today, and there hasn't been one

yet.

2:46:462:46:58

Sometimes, John, in a match like

this, if one player starts playing

2:47:052:47:09

well it can spark the other player

into playing well.

2:47:092:47:13

As we have alluded to a few times,

that maybe the match has become too

2:47:132:47:19

important for both players with

Ronnie going out yesterday.

2:47:192:47:21

I think there is a lot of talk

around the Alexandra Palace that the

2:47:212:47:27

winner of this match would be the

favourite to win the tournament.

2:47:272:47:31

Maybe it is adding a little more

pressure to the match.

2:47:312:47:41

That's unusual for Shaun to miss a

blue like that. So, just when you

2:47:412:47:46

think that after a good long pot in

amongst the balls, a good chance to

2:47:462:47:51

score heavily and it comes to an

abrupt end.

2:47:512:48:04

When I said that Trump had lost

interest, all I meant was in that

2:48:072:48:12

frame. I think he is very much

interested in the match and going on

2:48:122:48:15

to win the Masters. It is just one

of those days. Both players are

2:48:152:48:21

struggling.

Trump, unbelievably so. To make a

2:48:212:48:31

century in this tournament, the

highest braining, 85.

2:48:312:48:38

Not the right angle on this pink.

2:48:442:48:55

He's not played for a specific red,

more with a bit of hit and hope. And

2:49:112:49:16

he's pretty happy with that result.

Well he has this red to the corner

2:49:162:49:20

that he feels he can pot and hold

for the pink. He could do

2:49:202:49:25

comfortably.

A bit of a problem with the cue at

2:49:252:49:29

the moment.

A little sticky.

2:49:292:49:34

The damp cloth usually does the

trick.

2:49:342:49:45

You can't do that with a maple cue,

you have to dry it after the damp

2:50:002:50:07

cloth.

I use an ash cue, so, you learn

2:50:072:50:13

something every day!

2:50:132:50:20

something every day!

For anyone that

doesn't know the difference between

2:50:202:50:22

the ash cue and the maple cue, the

ash cue has a grain running down the

2:50:222:50:29

wood as you can see there, the maple

cue has nothing.

2:50:292:50:39

The majority of the top players uses

the ash. I think it is a stronger

2:50:522:50:57

bit of wood.

Yes. The first two I had was a maple

2:50:572:51:03

but then I was given an ash cue and

used it all of my career. That was

2:51:032:51:11

the thing in those days you used the

same cue all of your career. But now

2:51:112:51:17

with the technology, you can get,

well, Ronnie O'Sullivan gets new

2:51:172:51:23

cues made it seems nearly every

season.

2:51:232:51:31

He goes to John Paris as a lot of

the top players do. He makes an

2:51:312:51:36

exact replica.

Although they always feel with the

2:51:362:51:42

ash because of the grain it

sometimes looks different when you

2:51:422:51:45

look down the cue.

2:51:452:51:56

Meanwhile, Judd Trump is taking

these well. The pink's out of

2:51:562:52:00

commission now. But he still has a

nice angle on either red to play

2:52:002:52:06

nicely on the black.

And this black will put him 40

2:52:062:52:11

points in front. 59 remaining.

So a couple of reds away from

2:52:112:52:19

extending his lead to two frames

once again.

2:52:192:52:30

I think he played left to right of

the pink. But he is on the one to

2:52:312:52:37

the left of the pink, to the

left/middle. Played it nicely.

2:52:372:52:46

Surely, and just the black and one

more red required.

2:52:462:52:58

That's his highest break.

The highest break of this match so

2:52:582:53:03

far. His previous was 61.

Just what he needed, Judd Trump, to

2:53:032:53:14

win a frame in one visit with one

scoring break.

2:53:142:53:22

He looked to be struggling with his

patience a bit in the last frame.

2:53:222:53:28

And it has to be said, of course,

that this opportunity came all

2:53:282:53:34

about, Shaun missing the blue to the

far corner pocket. He started off

2:53:342:53:39

with a good long opening red and

looked to have had a good chance but

2:53:392:53:42

this is what we expect. You make a

mistake when you're in and your

2:53:422:53:48

opponent takes full advantage.

It's not happened as much today. But

2:53:482:53:54

this could be a good sign for the

Judd Trump camp.

2:53:542:54:03

He looks to have played this nicely.

He needs to miss the yellow, creep

2:54:042:54:08

by it! Well, it didn't, so it is on

to the middle. We could have our

2:54:082:54:15

first century and Judd ates first of

the tournament.

2:54:152:54:21

-- jud's first of the tournament. We

have already had 21 centuries.

2:54:212:54:36

What a pity.

2:54:502:54:55

APPLAUSE

Shaun Murphy had a good chance. A

2:54:572:55:01

good long red.

But a nice break of 91 from Judd

2:55:012:55:12

Trump takes him in front again.

2:55:122:55:13

But a nice break of 91 from Judd

Trump takes him in front again.

2:55:132:55:15

We could have had a first century

for Judd Trump. So, from careless,

2:55:152:55:22

to utterly brilliant!

Well, he got a

chance, he made full use of it.

2:55:222:55:27

Including the start.

Yeah, this is a really good shot. It

2:55:272:55:31

looks straightforward. But he has to

make a contact on the two reds in

2:55:312:55:35

that picture there now. To hold for

the reds into the right-hand side

2:55:352:55:40

pocket. He played it perfect. That

sort of set him along the way. As we

2:55:402:55:44

said before that frame, you are just

looking for a little bit of

2:55:442:55:48

inspiration. Not every frame is the

same. Thankfully, he made a nice

2:55:482:55:53

break there and got himself going.

It is interesting, isn't it, we have

2:55:532:55:58

seen good performances in round one

for the players to get through. Then

2:55:582:56:02

Ronnie O'Sullivan flat, it didn't

happen on the day. Mark William, he

2:56:022:56:06

didn't turn last night and it looks

as if the same thing is happening to

2:56:062:56:11

Shaun Murphy? What's the reason?

Every day on the snooker table is

2:56:112:56:16

different.

And Ronnie O'Sullivan aside, he won

2:56:162:56:20

6-0 against Marco Fu. Then the hall

back by Ali Carter and Mark Selby

2:56:202:56:27

against Mark Williams, a fantastic

match. We are not talking about

2:56:272:56:31

energy-sapping, is it something

different?

No. Perhaps it is the

2:56:312:56:34

case that there is a lot of Kudos at

stake. Sometimes you try too hard.

2:56:342:56:47

Obviously, the opponents are tough.

And I think that break could have

2:56:472:56:52

sparked the match into life. It

could have given Shaun a G-up. When

2:56:522:56:58

one player starts playing badly it

becomes contagious. But if a player

2:56:582:57:02

starts to play well, it may inspire

the other.

It is stupid to say that

2:57:022:57:07

Shaun Murphy is a confidence player,

in a way all players are. They can

2:57:072:57:12

use confidence as a springboard. But

he does look flat. He is not

2:57:122:57:17

inspired by his own play. When Shaun

Murphy is missing mid-range balls it

2:57:172:57:23

is difficult to look confident

sitting in your chair with you are

2:57:232:57:26

not getting a flow on.

And remember, Judd Trump has beaten

2:57:262:57:32

Shaun Murphy already this season in

the Hong Kong quarterfinals, does it

2:57:322:57:37

make a difference?

No, this is about

can Shaun Murphy dig himself out of

2:57:372:57:42

a hole and get his action going and

get the points on the board and a

2:57:422:57:47

few frames on the board or it could

be that Judd Trump is the inevitable

2:57:472:57:53

winner.

2:57:532:57:55

be that Judd Trump is the inevitable

winner.

2:57:552:57:57

A decent break-off.

2:57:572:58:07

Unfortunate, or unwanted, I should

say, a flick on the green to leave

2:58:192:58:23

this red for Shaun Murphy. A big

frame for Shaun Murphy. He is 5-2

2:58:232:58:29

down.

APPLAUSE

2:58:292:58:34

He let the cue go there.

That made the pot easier. He could

2:58:342:58:43

play it was a much pace as he

wanted. Any bounce off the cushion,

2:58:432:58:49

he was bound to be nicely on the

green, which he is.

2:58:492:58:55

But he's got to make the most of

these opportunities. If you don't it

2:58:552:59:01

saps your confidence. He had a first

chance in the last frame. He didn't

2:59:012:59:10

make the best of it. I'll be amazed

if he didn't play for the blue

2:59:102:59:15

there. So he's overrun that.

2:59:152:59:22

Usually very good with the rest.

2:59:442:59:51

Around the back of the black. He

couldn't have played it better.

2:59:593:00:12

The thing is about this sort of

situation, especially because Shaun

3:00:143:00:19

is struggling somewhat, you don't

want to get ahead of yourself now.

3:00:193:00:22

Just try and get a nice rhythm

going. Don't go too quick, and on

3:00:223:00:30

the other hand, don't start looking

for problems that are not there.

3:00:303:00:35

This is a good chance, just

recognise it for being fat.

3:00:353:00:42

-- for being fat. He's played that

nicely, brought reds in two play. A

3:00:423:00:49

big moment in the match now for me,

for Shaun. We know what he's capable

3:00:493:00:59

of and so does he. And the fact he's

not produced is just adding that

3:00:593:01:04

pressure.

3:01:043:01:13

The reasons that was a struggle, but

this -- he put a trace of right-hand

3:02:093:02:18

side and the cue ball into the red.

Lucky to see it drop. That will

3:02:183:02:25

heighten his senses and make him

take nothing for granted. He nearly

3:02:253:02:32

broke down, there.

3:02:323:02:40

Took the easy way of getting

position, knew he would be

3:02:573:03:00

guaranteed to get on this red. Two

reds and two colours, that's what's

3:03:003:03:06

required.

3:03:063:03:14

Not played the best shot there, to

make it automatic to get on this

3:03:143:03:18

last open red.

3:03:183:03:21

But he played that well. Normally

you'd be pretty sure of this red

3:03:243:03:34

with the rest but frame ball, 4-2

down. A bit of pressure on it.

And a

3:03:343:03:42

little bit of work to do with the

cue ball. Still needs a colour after

3:03:423:03:46

the red.

3:03:463:03:49

Right in the heart of the pocket.

3:03:543:04:05

Better, better from Shaun Murphy,

apart from that on the red that he

3:04:103:04:16

wobbled in the left corner. He's

taken these very well.

3:04:163:04:23

APPLAUSE

3:04:233:04:26

Judd Trump winds of framing one

visit, Shaun Murphy follows him in

3:04:323:04:36

the next frame. -- wins a frame.

Judd didn't manage the century. A

3:04:363:04:45

chance to Shaun to get on here.

3:04:453:04:53

Would like to finish a little low on

this red so possibly could bring in

3:04:593:05:06

other red into play and roll onto

the pink. But he can't do it this

3:05:063:05:09

time.

3:05:093:05:12

But that time, absolutely perfect!

Certain century now, surely.

3:05:183:05:24

The blue for the data. Pink for the

22nd century of the tournament. Oh,

3:05:323:05:41

would you believe it?! Well, neither

do I! So, anyway... We won't get a

3:05:413:05:51

century but a marvellous brogue of

95 from Shaun Murphy. -- a

3:05:513:05:56

marvellous break of 95 from Shaun

Murphy.

3:05:563:05:59

marvellous break of 95 from Shaun

Murphy. We can't believe it either.

3:05:593:06:03

We had a 91 and 95. It looked

odds-on for another two centuries.

3:06:033:06:09

Yes, and these days the players

always tend to try and make them.

3:06:093:06:12

There was a time when people were

just happy to win the frame but

3:06:123:06:16

nowadays players are quite aware of

the starts in the game and their own

3:06:163:06:20

break-building stats so they like to

lock in a century. A smile but he

3:06:203:06:25

would still have liked to have done

it.

Amazing how the game has

3:06:253:06:29

changed. Like I said, one player

could inspire another and that's

3:06:293:06:31

what happened to Shaun. Judd Trump

won in one visit and so did Shaun

3:06:313:06:36

and it's kicked into life.

More like

the match we were expecting.

We just

3:06:363:06:41

need the wasps back now to ruin a!

LAUGHTER

3:06:413:06:43

It's gone.

Patter went out at the

interval was allowed back in.

It

3:06:433:06:50

reminds me of that moment in a

football match when all of a sudden

3:06:503:06:53

the other player puts in a bit of a

tackle and then the other player

3:06:533:06:56

responds

3:06:563:06:56

tackle and then the other player

responds and suddenly you have a

3:06:563:06:58

match on your hands.

Exactly like

that and hopefully there is more to

3:06:583:07:01

come.

3:07:013:07:04

COMMENTATOR: Decent break-off shot

from Judd. That will get the crowd

3:07:113:07:17

involved again. Long drawn-out

frames, people do sort of, not only

3:07:173:07:23

players lose a bit of concentration,

so do the audience. But the last two

3:07:233:07:30

frames have sparked everybody into

life. First to 6, remember, for a

3:07:303:07:36

place in the semifinal. Could be

touching ball. Well, no. If it

3:07:363:07:45

was... Jan Verhaas would have

declared it. It looks very close,

3:07:453:07:53

but as I say, no path back to baulk

for Judd. Just playing to this top

3:07:533:08:05

cushion. Gives short and easy shot

back to the baulk end.

3:08:053:08:13

Just a little bit short of pace.

Shaun having a look at the

3:08:373:08:42

possibility of a plant but he can't

get to it, it's covered by the

3:08:423:08:46

brown. These are the two reds he was

looking at. Could possibly be made

3:08:463:08:54

into a plant but looking at them

like he's done, he's given the game

3:08:543:09:00

away for his opponent! He won't want

to be leaving Judd a chance at that

3:09:003:09:04

plant.

3:09:043:09:10

That's not good from Shaun, underhit

that badly. This red is on to the

3:09:103:09:19

left corner. Disappointing.

3:09:193:09:26

Judd has had a look at the plant.

But there should be well within his

3:09:283:09:35

range.

3:09:353:09:39

Yes, nicely in. Bound to on green or

yellow, and he is and can play for

3:09:393:09:51

that plant now, if he fancies it.

Yeah, a choice of playing for the

3:09:513:09:58

plant or the red above the black

into the right corner, off one

3:09:583:10:02

cushion. Yellow or green will work.

3:10:023:10:12

Got very close to that middle pocket

there. His heart would have been in

3:10:153:10:20

his mouth. Anyway, it's OK now.

3:10:203:10:29

We'll have to go up for the blue. As

I say, that plant, it's not an

3:10:433:10:49

absolute dead set plant but because

they are close together it can be

3:10:493:10:53

reversed. It depends how he finishes

on the colours whether he plays it

3:10:533:10:57

or not. A bit thin on the blue to

play for it. Could he risk Canning

3:10:573:11:02

into the pink?

3:11:023:11:08

Into the pinky went... That knocked

in the plant, have a look again.

3:11:083:11:16

This had to be on, surely... He hits

the pink, the pink hits the red to

3:11:163:11:23

the right of it which has gone on to

those two reds. That was careless.

3:11:233:11:28

That was not unlucky.

3:11:283:11:36

Yes... That just reversed it and

down it went. Could have played for

3:11:493:11:57

the plant and probably would have

done if he had finished straight up

3:11:573:12:00

on the blue. Maybe a bit less pace

in the breaking of the reds. Anyway,

3:12:003:12:08

whatever, Shaun Murphy, after

playing a very poor safety, didn't

3:12:083:12:16

cost him a locked and he's got a

chance to level the match at this

3:12:163:12:19

visit. -- didn't cost him a lot.

3:12:193:12:29

Just OK.

3:13:503:13:59

He won't be happy with that one.

That's a mistake.

3:14:243:14:32

Played a stun but more of a screw on

it.

3:14:413:14:50

He's not out of the woods yet. He's

not out of the woods yet. Got a

3:14:503:15:01

feeling that pot was born out of

frustration.

Blue ball.

There is

3:15:013:15:08

pressure on this blue, but right in

the heart of the pocket. So, just

3:15:083:15:17

beginning to find his game. Still

looking for red, colour, red.

3:15:173:15:28

So, this red now will put him 47

points in front with just 43

3:15:553:16:02

remaining. Just checking Peace Corps

and making certain. I don't blame

3:16:023:16:07

him for that. This red, to level the

match.

3:16:073:16:14

Well, I wouldn't think or overthink

this. Just roll the blue in. 52

3:16:363:16:44

points in front, 43 remaining.

3:16:443:16:54

Now you see it. Three snookers

needed. Three four point snookers.

3:16:563:17:07

Judd may not even carry on.

Yeah, I

mean, I don't know. Sometimes you

3:17:073:17:14

find yourself over thinking these

shots, trying to be too clever.

3:17:143:17:23

shots, trying to be too clever.

59

and the frame, Shaun Murphy.

3:17:233:17:24

APPLAUSE

Shaun Murphy went 4-2 behind but is

3:17:243:17:31

now all square. We've got everything

to play for. Four apiece. Judd Trump

3:17:313:17:40

will be kicking himself. From 2-0 up

to 4-4.

It

3:17:403:17:46

will be kicking himself. From 2-0 up

to 4-4.

It all came from the plant,

3:17:463:17:47

when Steven said in the commentary,

the plant was obviously on. It's a

3:17:473:17:51

difficult one. He should have

really... It was a bit careless.

3:17:513:17:56

There's always the possibility of a

red

3:17:563:17:57

There's always the possibility of a

red is going to go over to that

3:17:573:17:59

side. Once it makes any sort of

connection with the other two reds

3:17:593:18:04

that were in the plant.

What were

the options?

He could have perhaps

3:18:043:18:10

played the shot softer but you don't

spread the ball is on risk sticking

3:18:103:18:12

played the shot softer but you don't

spread the ball is on risk sticking

3:18:123:18:13

on the pack.

3:18:133:18:23

It looked like he was out of

position and he decided to take the

3:18:473:18:49

bull by the horns. He played a very

aggressive red, from the side

3:18:493:18:52

cushion, to ram into the side pocket

was a brave and fantastic on those

3:18:523:18:57

shots.

That his philosophy. When he

gets the chance, will take them on.

3:18:573:19:01

It is a great philosophy to have. He

also has such great confidence in

3:19:013:19:05

his cue action, which is probably

one of the sweetest we have on the

3:19:053:19:10

tour. Those long balls are just part

of his game. He is very prolific

3:19:103:19:14

with them your strengths. Shaun is

not the and the confidence he got

3:19:143:19:23

from that, just slotted the blue in

an won frame.

This week we have seen

3:19:233:19:26

Shaun take on those shots.

That his

philosophy. When he gets the chance,

3:19:263:19:28

will take them on. It is a great

philosophy to have. He also has such

3:19:283:19:31

great confidence in his cue action,

which is probably one of the

3:19:313:19:34

sweetest we have on the tour. Those

long balls are just part of his

3:19:343:19:36

game. He is very prolific with them

stop your play to your strengths.

3:19:363:19:39

Shaun is not the best player when it

gets scrappy. That's not his game.

3:19:393:19:42

As we had

other players don't mind

it and it doesn't affect them but

3:19:423:19:45

Shaun doesn't like it, likes to be

flying around the table. In that

3:19:453:19:47

way, he is a confidence player. When

he's given a 50-50 ball and fancies

3:19:473:19:50

putting it, he will go for it.

His

long potting is looking so good.

3:19:503:19:53

Looking at the stats, Shaun's is 82%

at the moment. Roumat very and when

3:19:533:19:56

he gets in and easy, makes the game

are very to Judd Trump now. A

3:19:563:19:59

massive frame for both players,

he's

put it back up to Judd Trump now. A

3:19:593:20:02

massive frame for both players,

frame. I think that's why Shaun went

3:20:023:20:04

for we also said,breather.

We also

said, sometimes you look at Shaun

3:20:043:20:07

and sometimes his facial expressions

and how he is doesn't give much away

3:20:073:20:10

about how he's feeling. You could

see there was a bit of swagger in

3:20:103:20:13

that frame. Phil Mackie has his

confidence back. It is good snooker

3:20:133:20:17

now. Back to John and Stephen.

3:20:173:20:27

Best of three now, to get to the

semifinal. The standard has gone up

3:20:283:20:34

in the last two or three frames,

back to the snooker we expected from

3:20:343:20:37

these two.

3:20:373:20:46

Pressure, it will just keep ramping

up from now on in this match.

3:20:553:21:01

Sending the red towards the corner.

And, well, if Judd can avoid a kiss

3:22:073:22:16

on the second red, he'll be tempted

by this red into the right corner.

3:22:163:22:21

Although, he is looking at the

possibility of a plant. I think

3:22:213:22:27

that's more a case of trying not to

knock the red over the pocket. He

3:22:273:22:36

has hit this badly. He has hit this

badly. He will be lucky not to leave

3:22:363:22:39

this red. He's not left it. But it

looks a big pocket. If that Kubot

3:22:393:22:50

wasn't as close to the baulk

cushion, Shaun would take this on.

3:22:503:22:54

He might still take it on.

3:22:543:23:01

He might still take it on. And did.

Beautiful shot. Deserves to be on

3:23:013:23:03

the black.

Shot of the match there.

Any pot on the black is probably

3:23:033:23:15

acceptable. Look at this, he almost

never needed the red. Superb hit.

3:23:153:23:23

It's going to need another one here,

if he goes for this red. For

3:23:233:23:30

position on the black...

Looks very

straight and the more pace you put

3:23:303:23:38

into this type of shot, the more

difficult it is. You don't want to

3:23:383:23:42

try and pinch anything. Played it

beautifully.

3:23:423:23:50

This shot and the long red, I love

when Shaun gets down and plays a

3:23:503:23:58

shot. There's no doubt in his mind

once he's decided to play the shot.

3:23:583:24:05

It's when he gets up from the shot

sometimes,

3:24:053:24:12

sometimes, that's when he is least

likely to pot it. But that long red,

3:24:123:24:16

as soon as he saw it, just got down

and played it.

3:24:163:24:20

Shaun Murphy, 16.

APPLAUSE

3:24:313:24:39

Left a chance of a pot here for

Judd.

3:24:393:24:43

Judd has to start knocking in these

long ones as well, now. Well,

3:24:433:24:49

forgive him for that, you always

error on the side of hitting it too

3:24:493:24:55

thin. He probably thought if he hit

it thick he could run into the black

3:24:553:24:59

and it would have been a dangerous

shot. So maybe didn't even play the

3:24:593:25:03

pot there.

3:25:033:25:09

But as Ken said in the studio, this

is a big, big frame. Because whoever

3:25:093:25:17

wins it,

3:25:173:25:22

wins it, only two more chances to

win the match. Oooh, the

3:25:223:25:25

double-kiss! But it has run safe.

3:25:253:25:30

APPLAUSE

3:26:013:26:08

Another double-kiss.

3:26:273:26:36

Well, a tough red here. I think it

just passes the yellow. Can't afford

3:26:373:26:45

to miss it. Great shot. Got a good

kiss on the green, may even be able

3:26:453:26:57

to get through for the yellow, which

would be a bonus.

3:26:573:27:07

He needs to get through the gap of

the two reds closest to the black

3:27:273:27:32

into the main bunch. And he did do,

good shot.

3:27:323:27:41

The wrong side of the blue but that

red over the right corner is

3:27:533:28:00

available, so can drop the blue in,

unless he's got an angle to go round

3:28:003:28:03

the table, but I think just drop it

in.

Particularly with the yellow not

3:28:033:28:10

being on its spot, could run into

the yellow and ruin his position. I

3:28:103:28:14

don't know why, as you say, doesn't

run it in adjacent to the right

3:28:143:28:19

corner.

3:28:193:28:24

That was the wise choice.

Yet, at

this stage in the match, you don't

3:28:253:28:33

take risks unnecessarily.

3:28:333:28:39

A great view of the way Judd Trump

lines up. Looks like he's not aiming

3:28:393:28:46

to pot the ball but when he delivers

the cue, he brings the cube back on

3:28:463:28:50

line.

-- cube back online. I think

sometimes that is when it can go

3:28:503:28:57

wrong, when he starts hitting the

ball a bit too hard. Doesn't give a

3:28:573:29:01

chance for the cue to come back

online. He's in good shape now.

3:29:013:29:09

I think the end red of that little

cluster just the right of the pink,

3:29:133:29:20

I think it goes in the same pocket

as the black but maybe not often

3:29:203:29:25

this shot. Two straight on the black

but played that nicely for the red

3:29:253:29:29

to the right middle. Does that read

go? -- red go? It would be handy if

3:29:293:29:42

it did, but it looks tight.

3:29:423:29:48

it did, but it looks tight. Decision

time for Judd. Screw back off the

3:29:483:29:51

side cushion for the black will run

through and get a nice angle on the

3:29:513:29:54

blue?

3:29:543:29:59

blue? Nice angle on the blue. There

is a red just out of that little

3:29:593:30:04

cluster of five, sticking out. If

you play the cannon into the pink,

3:30:043:30:10

it could go wrong. Obviously this

red we were talking about a few

3:30:103:30:17

moments code does go, so that made

the choice an easy one.

3:30:173:30:29

It's an awkward red, he's thinking,

can he get rid of it now but that

3:30:333:30:38

was no problem playing that one.

He may have to play a canon this

3:30:383:30:44

time, though.

He's not straight on the black as he

3:30:443:30:49

would like. He doesn't have to play

it with a lot of pace. Always knew

3:30:493:30:54

he would be on the one to the

right/middle. He couldn't have

3:30:543:30:59

played it better. A lovely

controlled, positional shot there.

3:30:593:31:10

The fact he's given this a bit of

thought tells me he is straight on

3:31:103:31:15

the red to the right/middle. It's a

bit unfortunate, now you see it. It

3:31:153:31:19

couldn't be straighter.

Any sort of angle, he would be

3:31:193:31:24

nicely on the blue.

He's just had to bite the bullet. So

3:31:243:31:32

the next shot, pot the blue and get

a good line and length for one of

3:31:323:31:36

these reds to the right corner. He

was unlucky there.

3:31:363:31:50

This cue ball needs to slow up. Does

this red go into the right middle?

3:31:523:31:58

Not as played.

Not as played but, it's all about

3:31:583:32:03

the roll of the ball here and there.

And that roll of the ball favoured

3:32:033:32:10

him then.

APPLAUSE

3:32:103:32:19

But the thing you could say about

that shot, Steven, is that the line

3:32:193:32:24

he picked, gave him a chance of

being on all four reds in the middle

3:32:243:32:29

of the table, so, it was well

played.

3:32:293:32:32

He knows the importance of this

visit now.

3:32:323:32:41

visit now. Just the pink needed to

go 53 points in front with 51

3:32:413:32:47

remaining.

He's back in the lead!

3:32:473:32:52

APPLAUSE

It is Shaun Murphy who is playing

3:32:523:32:56

catch-up, it appear, once again.

Still not seen a century but the

3:32:563:33:07

last three frames, well, they've

really picked up.

3:33:073:33:14

It's great quality now.

3:33:143:33:20

It's great quality now. This time it

was a good double kiss.

3:33:243:33:37

APPLAUSE

Just a bit too straight on the blue.

3:33:533:33:56

He can't get close to the yellow.

But being left-handed, it makes this

3:33:563:34:01

yellow a little easier. Surely he

will see the century break through

3:34:013:34:08

the masses this time? He needs to

slow up this cue ball, though.

3:34:083:34:20

Green and brown for the time.

Surely, this time, first century of

3:34:203:34:32

the tournament for Judd. Yes!

3:34:323:34:41

the tournament for Judd. Yes! This

is quality now.

3:34:413:34:44

And at the business end, Judd Trump

produces his best break of the match

3:34:443:34:50

of the tournament.

3:34:503:34:58

of the tournament. Pick your pocket.

Pick your pocket.

3:34:583:35:03

Oh, we'll go for the easy one. Does

it drop? Does it drop?! Not quite

3:35:033:35:10

but it doesn't matter! 111. So,

Shaun Murphy, he has played catch-up

3:35:103:35:17

for most of the match, and he's

playing it again. But this time,

3:35:173:35:23

Judd Trump is one frame away for a

place in the semifinal. Leading

3:35:233:35:28

Judd Trump is one frame away for a

place in the semifinal. Leading

3:35:283:35:29

5-46789

And that's where we are. 22

3:35:293:35:34

centuries so far in the Defabet

Masters, the first in the tournament

3:35:343:35:37

for Judd Trump. That is his 44th

century this season. He is off the

3:35:373:35:44

mark and heading into the

semi-finals, would you say, Ken?

3:35:443:35:48

Yeah but there could be still a bit

of life left in the match. But a

3:35:483:35:53

great response from Judd Trump.

Shaun Murphy coming back, after

3:35:533:35:57

winning the two frames, he held his

bottle well there. It is what he

3:35:573:36:01

needed.

The adrenaline levels have kicked in

3:36:013:36:04

for the players. All of a sudden

they have focussed in and forgotten

3:36:043:36:09

the early part of the match. It will

be a fight. Expect a decent standard

3:36:093:36:14

from now on. You won't see anyone's

head dropping now, it is too

3:36:143:36:17

important.

We had that frame that was 35

3:36:173:36:21

minutes long, when Shaun Murphy got

the 54. Since then, look at the

3:36:213:36:27

breaks, 91, 95, and 111. Suddenly we

have the quality match we thought we

3:36:273:36:32

would have at the beginning?

The 91

kicked the match into life. Shaun

3:36:323:36:37

got inspiration from it. A great

break there from Trump, just what he

3:36:373:36:42

needed.

If you went back to the

Masters in the '80s and saw the

3:36:423:36:47

breaks throughout the whole match,

you would think that is a decent

3:36:473:36:49

match. Now we are saying it's not

been greatest of matches. We expect

3:36:493:36:55

lots of breaks now in top-class

snooker.

3:36:553:36:57

Absolutely. The last time Judd Trump

made the semi-finals, he lost to

3:36:573:37:04

Barry Hawkins in 2016. He is one

frame away for a place in the last

3:37:043:37:08

four.

3:37:083:37:10

frame away for a place in the last

four.

3:37:103:37:15

Well, probably not the best

break-off. That red was coming up

3:37:153:37:18

the table. But Shaun is taking this

on. He wants to avoid the double

3:37:183:37:23

kiss. But he got the double kiss but

no harm done.

3:37:233:37:36

Yes, it certainly appears that the

shackles have been shaken off.

3:37:403:37:52

shackles have been shaken off. That

was an aggressive safety there from

3:37:523:37:55

Judd. It's always a dangerous thing

to do against the long potter of

3:37:553:38:00

Shaun Murphy's class.

It was a pretty good one. Oh, that's

3:38:003:38:06

a poor one from Shaun.

So, it's Judd, he gets the chance.

3:38:063:38:11

He caught that much too then.

Could that be Shaun Murphy's last

3:38:113:38:22

match in this championship?

3:38:223:38:30

match in this championship? It was

well-played. He wanted to be low on

3:38:303:38:35

the black so he just nudged the red

away. You just have to be delicate

3:38:353:38:40

with this shot. Be careful not to

snooker yourself with one red in

3:38:403:38:44

front of the other. Oh, steady. He

decided to take that out of the

3:38:443:38:49

equation and there is lots of top

spin powering through.

3:38:493:38:58

The top spin takes effect... Now

this is exactly the kind of

3:38:583:39:03

opportunity that you want to win the

match. Going by how Judd Trump has

3:39:033:39:09

started to score, you have to fancy

him.

3:39:093:39:21

There's nothing Shaun can do now.

He's got to sit there now and wonder

3:39:243:39:29

if he will get another visit to the

table. This was it. Much too thin.

3:39:293:39:39

Catching the other red. Held the cue

ball at this half of the table.

3:39:393:39:49

Normally pretty reliable, Judd

Trump, when he gets the chance in

3:39:513:39:55

closing out a match.

3:39:553:40:01

closing out a match. Three reds,

three blacks.

3:40:053:40:15

I mean the maximum will be the last

thing on his mind but it keeps you

3:40:153:40:20

focussed.

3:40:203:40:30

Surprised if had plays for the black

off this red now. It's a lot easier

3:40:383:40:42

to play for the pink, you would have

thought but no, he's coming down for

3:40:423:40:46

the black.

Yeah, he doesn't want to

play the pink, when the pink goes

3:40:463:40:56

back in its spot it blocks up

another red. So he's staying on the

3:40:563:40:59

black. He needs the cue ball to stop

and quickly. He's going to play the

3:40:593:41:04

red next to the green spot now.

A little bit of adrenaline in that

3:41:043:41:08

shot.

He's lucky to have the alternative

3:41:083:41:13

red to go at. There was no bounce

off the cushion, just adrenaline,

3:41:133:41:18

really.

APPLAUSE

3:41:183:41:28

A good solid pot and nicely on the

brown.

3:41:283:41:40

A little grimace. Straighter on the

red. Looking for another 25 points

3:41:473:41:52

to get to the snooker required stage

on this visit from this position.

3:41:523:41:58

Opening them up.

He's OK.

3:41:583:42:05

APPLAUSE

This has worked out absolutely

3:42:053:42:08

beautifully. Stretching slightly,

being left-handed. He can play

3:42:083:42:13

right-handed. Obviously he doesn't

fancy using the rest. Is he prepared

3:42:133:42:19

to play it right-handed? It's the

most important moment of the match.

3:42:193:42:30

Yeah, right in the heart of the

pocket! The frame and match now at

3:42:303:42:36

his mercy.

3:42:363:42:46

Two red, two plaques and one more

red. That's all that's required.

3:42:493:43:03

The first half of the match was

scrappy.

Judd Trump found the form.

3:43:133:43:29

His race may well have been won but

not quite yet. Just the long angle

3:43:293:43:35

on the pink.

Oh, but he played that well! Played

3:43:353:43:42

that absolutely inch-perfect.

It puts him 68 points in front with

3:43:423:43:48

67 remaining.

APPLAUSE

3:43:483:43:57

You could see there, Judd Trump with

a slight intake of breath. He knew

3:43:573:44:00

what that meant. That pink was a

fantastic shot.

3:44:003:44:05

He had to hit it absolutely in the

centre of the pocket, otherwise he

3:44:053:44:09

would have got a canon, he may have

run the cue ball off. The judgment

3:44:093:44:14

after two cushions to finish on the

red, well, it was just absolutely

3:44:143:44:19

inch-perfect.

He made 111 in the last frame,

3:44:193:44:24

here's the pink. No margin for error

and the judgment of pace, brilliant.

3:44:243:44:35

I agree with you. Overall looking at

the match, even when both players

3:44:353:44:40

were beginning to struggle, you

always felt that Judd may have that

3:44:403:44:44

extra bit of edge.

It was his poor safety shot from

3:44:443:44:50

Shaun that caught him out. He has

sat down ever since. He won't be

3:44:503:44:54

getting up again until he has come

to shake Judd's hand.

3:44:543:45:07

Yeah, 139 is the highest break.

And it was made against, funnily

3:45:073:45:19

enough.

APPLAUSE

3:45:193:45:24

Back to back 20s.

He's got a possible 140 on. It would

3:45:243:45:37

give him £10,000 in the high break

for the Defabet Masters.

3:45:373:45:45

Miss the blue! Oh, can he get past

the blue?

3:45:453:45:55

What a match it turned out to be.

A fantastic opportunity. What a

3:46:033:46:11

match by Judd Trump, breaks of 111

and 113 to win the match.

3:46:113:46:18

He plays Kyle Wilson on Saturday. A

match to look forward to but Judd

3:46:183:46:24

Trump, a class above Shaun Murphy at

the end. He runs out a winner by

3:46:243:46:28

6-4.

3:46:283:46:28

the end. He runs out a winner by

6-4.

3:46:283:46:30

Real disappointment from Shaun

Murphy. But well done Judd Trump,

3:46:303:46:34

what a way to finish off.

It is always nice to promise in a

3:46:343:46:40

match to be playing well, and then

it can go wrong and then you get it

3:46:403:46:45

back together again. So I think even

though he may not be over the moon

3:46:453:46:50

at the standard, he will be secretly

pleased that he got his mind right.

3:46:503:46:54

That is probably the most important

thing. Sometimes Judd doesn't have

3:46:543:46:58

that. So he will be pleased about

that.

3:46:583:47:01

He got better as the match went on?

He responded well. Like in his first

3:47:013:47:08

match against Bo. Even though the

start of the match was not so good,

3:47:083:47:12

the back end of the match was top

quality.

3:47:123:47:15

We will concentrate on Judd in a

moment. He is on his way to our

3:47:153:47:21

studio but a disappointing

performance from Shaun?

I think he

3:47:213:47:25

will be disappointed. He has put in

good performances. But the best of

3:47:253:47:30

11 matches against a great player.

Sometimes it is not your day. But I

3:47:303:47:34

think he will be disappointed with

his overall standard.

3:47:343:47:38

He did not look the same sort of

player we saw earlier in the

3:47:383:47:42

weekend?

No, he didn't get going.

The back end of the match he started

3:47:423:47:47

to play better. The safety shots

cost him. But when the opponent is

3:47:473:47:52

winning the frames in a visit.

And

here he comes, Judd Trump, great

3:47:523:47:57

stuff. Fantastic a brilliant end to

that match?

It got going at 3-2.

3:47:573:48:04

We started to pot a few. The first

five frames, we were a bit bogged

3:48:043:48:10

down. A couple of things going on in

the auditorium. It was slow for us,

3:48:103:48:16

we both don't play like that. As

soon as one of us had a break, that

3:48:163:48:19

was it. Shaun was going for the

balls, I knew that I had to sort of

3:48:193:48:24

one-visit in the last two frames.

The boys were saying it got scrappy.

3:48:243:48:29

Was it down to what was going on

there, there were a few things what

3:48:293:48:33

the fans? Taking a while to settle

and the wasp that was buzzing,

3:48:333:48:40

causing all sorts of chaos.

I got to have a good start. I wanted

3:48:403:48:44

to get in front at the interval. But

things went slow. We both probably

3:48:443:48:49

didn't play our natural game at the

start. No-one wanted to give each

3:48:493:48:53

other a shot. In the end it got a

built careless from both of us. Then

3:48:533:48:59

towards the end you saw the real

Shaun Murphy and the real Judd

3:48:593:49:03

Trump.

I know it is one match at a time but

3:49:033:49:07

with a few big name going out it

races the stakes. We saw -- raises

3:49:073:49:13

the stakes. We saw Mark Williams, on

Twitter with a smiley face, you do

3:49:133:49:17

think you have a chance here?

Not

really! Whenever the draw goes up, I

3:49:173:49:24

go out. I would rather play the top

players. This is just the tournament

3:49:243:49:29

you want to be involved. You don't

want to go out. The crowd here, they

3:49:293:49:34

are always that extra bit special,

you want to be involved in the

3:49:343:49:38

tournament.

How is the table playing?

At the

3:49:383:49:43

beginning of the week so many

centuries were going in. Is it good?

3:49:433:49:48

I don't think it is great. A couple

of the safety shots, the sides are

3:49:483:49:53

reacting. The cushions have no

bounces. I think that the cloth is

3:49:533:49:59

old.

It will be changed for the

3:49:593:50:01

semifinal.

Looking at the Masters record, I

3:50:013:50:05

know you were disappointed to go out

to Marco Fu last year.

3:50:053:50:09

Do you feel differently coming into

the Masters this year? Do you feel

3:50:093:50:13

full of confidence?

Not really, no.

The results this season have been

3:50:133:50:21

pretty good but I haven't played a

great standard. My B game is a

3:50:213:50:25

little better. I'm a little more

patient. When I do miss balls I try

3:50:253:50:30

not to get so down about it. There

was a spell in the middle of the

3:50:303:50:34

season where we were travelling

around it all got on top of me. I

3:50:343:50:38

tried to ease on the practice a

little before this. Normally, this

3:50:383:50:42

one and the World's, I give it the

extra 10% but I haven't. I thought

3:50:423:50:48

just go in relaxed and play it like

it's another tournament. So far it

3:50:483:50:53

has paid off.

So feeling more relaxed. Have you

3:50:533:50:58

practiced as hard?

I have practiced

hard. Obviously you don't know how

3:50:583:51:04

others are practicing. I could be

practicing more than anyone else.

3:51:043:51:09

But I have had good practice. I have

been at the club. Ronnie has been in

3:51:093:51:16

practicing every day. I know what it

is about.

3:51:163:51:20

The boys were saying at the start

that perhaps the difference is that

3:51:203:51:24

your tactical game has come on,

whereas Shaun is not known for the

3:51:243:51:28

tactics. But it something that you

have to get the balance right, don't

3:51:283:51:33

you?

I think in the end my safety

was terrible. Shaun's was not that

3:51:333:51:38

much better.

Generally I have tried to improve. I

3:51:383:51:44

think Shaun went through a spell

concentrating too much on the safety

3:51:443:51:47

and he is back out of that now to

play the attacking game. I think at

3:51:473:51:53

4-4, I'm proud of the bottle that I

sthoed come up.

3:51:533:51:58

That's what you said. You said fair

play.

3:51:583:52:01

It was brought up, against the match

with Bo, you held it together and

3:52:013:52:08

then against that match with Shaun

and the balance sheet was there and

3:52:083:52:12

you came back fighting.

When it is 4-5, 5-4, you know you

3:52:123:52:19

have to go out there and take it by

the scruff of the neck. To make a

3:52:193:52:25

century in the quarterfinals, it is

always good.

3:52:253:52:30

And next?

Obviously the younger

players are probably... I would

3:52:303:52:37

prefer to play the older players.

There is more safety. Younger

3:52:373:52:41

players seem to go all out

attacking.

3:52:413:52:44

Well, that is the theme in our

opening chat, Steve. You said the

3:52:443:52:48

same thing?

To some degree. When you

are young and playing the older

3:52:483:52:53

players, you think they are

established, you will have a go. But

3:52:533:52:57

then you are now one of the more

established players in the game and

3:52:573:53:01

you will get younger players to play

against, some of the Chinese

3:53:013:53:05

players?

Yes. Kai goes for his

shots. Probably why he goes missing

3:53:053:53:12

during the season. He sticks to the

same game plan. The same with Shaun.

3:53:123:53:17

But on a hot spot, they will a get

to a final over and over again.

3:53:173:53:24

But that was you five, seven years

ago?

Yes, the same with me. Everyone

3:53:243:53:30

goes through the spell where you

have to transition. I have gone

3:53:303:53:34

through it and hopefully, there will

be a bad game tomorrow!

What

3:53:343:53:39

happened to the stripy shirt? That

got going on Twitter the other

3:53:393:53:45

night!

I can't wear it every day!

Good stuff. Top man, Judd. Thank you

3:53:453:53:52

very much for coming in. A brilliant

performance today. Thank you very

3:53:523:53:54

much.

Now to the match tonight it is live

3:53:543:53:59

at 7.00pm on BBC Two, John Higgins

takes on Wales' Ryan Day.

3:53:593:54:08

There you are, snooker's nearly man.

Bashing your head against a brick

3:54:083:54:12

wall to win an event. Finally win an

event, then all of a sudden, the

3:54:123:54:19

favourite cue breaks, that is where

he's up to. It is upsetting?

Yeah,

3:54:193:54:24

and we have had problems with cues

travelling around the world for

3:54:243:54:27

years. In the flight cases they go

missing. They get broke. This was at

3:54:273:54:33

a cue maker's. I'm not sure of the

exact circumstances. But if you give

3:54:333:54:38

your cue to someone in the trade and

it is broken halfway through, I

3:54:383:54:43

wouldn't be very happy. It is

testament to his skill he's managed

3:54:433:54:47

to find a replacement and push on. A

great player and definitely more in

3:54:473:54:52

the tank.

It can take a long time when

3:54:523:54:56

something like that happens to get

used to a new cue. Especially under

3:54:563:55:00

pressure. You can feel OK in

practice.

3:55:003:55:07

You resort to your old habits

Yes,

come under pressure, put on the

3:55:073:55:13

side, the cue is throwing

differently. You are going to miss,

3:55:133:55:15

it is as simple as that. It is

timing over distance if you are

3:55:153:55:20

using side. It will be tough for him

but not impossible. And he is

3:55:203:55:26

supremely talented. He really,

really is a very, very gifted

3:55:263:55:30

player. He times the ball so well.

He gets so much spin. You feel he

3:55:303:55:35

needs to go up in tip size almost as

he gets so much spin. He is

3:55:353:55:40

overscrewing everything all the

time. That is how well he times a

3:55:403:55:44

ball, even when he doesn't mean to.

The other area where there is a

3:55:443:55:48

problem is not knowing where there

is danger in a frame, and not

3:55:483:55:53

playing the right shot. I think he

has come to terms with that?

I'm not

3:55:533:56:00

sure, I bit like myself, that

criticism is levelled, you can't

3:56:003:56:03

play safe. I'm not sure that is

true, I don't think you achieve what

3:56:033:56:09

he has, and other players, without

having that string to your bow. But

3:56:093:56:12

I think he may just get them wrong.

You know, everyone has strengths and

3:56:123:56:18

weaknesses. He would not be strong

in that area of the game as he is in

3:56:183:56:24

scoring, potting and break-building,

nor as strong as other players in

3:56:243:56:26

other areas. But other players don't

have the ability he has. It is a

3:56:263:56:30

matter, it is not if for me but when

will he win again? I think he is an

3:56:303:56:38

exceptional dangerous player on his

day. The question is, when it's not

3:56:383:56:41

your day, you still have to find a

way to win, maybe that is where he

3:56:413:56:45

needs to look a little more.

Yep.

3:56:453:56:51

You can watch this live with us

tonight at.pm. We are on for an

3:56:513:56:56

hour. Then switching to the Red

Button.

3:56:563:57:00

John Higgins v Ryan Day.

Highlights tonight, 11.05pm. BBC

3:57:003:57:06

Two. Then the semi-finals are under

way. Judd Trump against Kyren

3:57:063:57:14

Wilson.

So, John Higgins is the most

3:57:143:57:18

experienced. But Ryan Day could beat

Higgins?

He could, without a doubt.

3:57:183:57:27

Winning the tournament in Riga has

given Ryan that confidence. With a

3:57:273:57:30

setting like this, a packed house,

one of the majors of the season.

3:57:303:57:35

Those memories come back to you.

They help in matches like this. He

3:57:353:57:39

could turn them over but he will

have to play at the top of his game.

3:57:393:57:44

John has beaten Ryan in some of the

biggest championships?

This is a big

3:57:443:57:48

test for Ryan. I don't think tactics

is his biggest, this will be a test.

3:57:483:57:59

Sometimes he wins tournaments John

Higgins by playing good tactics but

3:57:593:58:03

I haven't got a clue with this one

tonight. We could be seeing an

3:58:033:58:07

upset. You never know.

And on Shaun Murphy, Steve, he came

3:58:073:58:14

into the studio, positive he could

win the championship this year?

I

3:58:143:58:18

think a lot of people, after Ronnie

O'Sullivan and Mark Selby went out,

3:58:183:58:24

they fancied him. Now he is out. It

is tough at the top.

3:58:243:58:27

He was the form player. But every

day in sport is completely

3:58:273:58:30

different.

Wonderful stuff. Thank you very much

3:58:303:58:34

to Steve and Ken. I'm joined by John

Parrot this evening at 7.00pm. Thank

3:58:343:58:41

you very much for watching. Goodbye

for now.

3:58:413:58:53

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