Day Two - Part 1 Snooker: Welsh Open

... Bit stupid really, a long way away, but he's one of the players

that looks for it from the start. This will tell us whether he's

thinking of the 147. There's your answer.

He's looking at me in the commentary box there, thinking, should I go for

the max or not? ! He's played it. How's the cue ball?

It's not too bad. Well played. Couldn't believe he's asking how

much it is for the max. I can tell Ronnie that it's ?10,000

plus ?2,000 highest break. He's just had a look in the

commentary box. I've put ten fingers up to say it's ?10,000. Sometimes he

doesn't try hard enough if it's not enough. I think he might try this

time. Didn't look too impressed when you said it was only ?10,000 as

well. Such a genius, he really is. He's not even going for it now. He

felt it's not enough money. Amazing. I thought it was absolutely

disgraceful. People play good money to watch sportsmen give it their

best at all times. Ronnie O'Sullivan didn't give it his best in not

making a 147. There must have been lots of people in the crowd that had

never seen a 147 and he had every opportunity to make the 147 for them

and he should have given them, he should have given them their money

back. He's just looked at the commentary

box and smiled. Bless him, you have to love him, I have to be honest.

Could have given me that ?10,000. Could have done something decent

with it, you know, charity or something, you know.

?10,000 is a lot of money. Most players, I'm sure, 99.9% would be

trying for a maximum there, but he's probably done too many. He's just

giving somebody else a chance. I don't think it's disrespectful. It's

genius. He doesn't have to go for it, he is not compelled. He was

trying to make a point I think. I myself would go for it, of course I

would, ?10,000 to anybody is quite a lot of money.

He's pleased with it and sometimes it's nice to have a 146 instead of a

147. Probably a bit mischievous, but I can't help it, I get a little

buzz. It's like when you watch a film, it's a sequel, you've had the

first, is it a better ending at the next one?

Always a sequel with Ronnie. He's box office whatever you think of

this. A very good afternoon to Willie Thorn, you were commentating

on this one yesterday, we heard you telling Ronnie there was only

?10,000 in it for that 147 and we all had a chuckle at the time but in

the cold light of day this morning did your tone change, did you think,

he might have been out of order? I got involved in the emotion when the

game was going on. I've made a few notes here, a lot of the players

have made 147s but not on the TV, Judd Trump never on TV, Hawkins,

Alan, perry, Gold, Ebdon, Docherty, Davis only made one on TV back in 8

#2rks John Parrot never, Alex Higgins. That's how difficulties.

I'm sitting on the fence because from the players' point of view and

the public. Obviously the public will feel cheated, one joining man

had a ?4 bet at 25-1 that he'd make a 147 in that match so he's been

cheated. Until he got to 64, he wasn't aware of what the prize money

was and played a couple of shots there that are just exhibition shots

and he just loves making the 147. He feels a 147 sometimes means more to

him than a tournament win. It was a difficult one, taking apart the

argument, the spirit of whether he should have been saying how much,

how much, ?10,000 is not enough, but it was a difficult pot though wasn't

it, let's be honest? Difficult to get on that black? Well, the 14th

red, he would have left himself a quarter or half ball black, he could

haven't got close to the black so the black would have been missable.

Ronnie used the word mischievous and that's what he is and he wanted to

make a point. Plenty of people having their say on this today.

Earlier on, the chairman of world snooker, Barry Herarne spoke on BBC

Five Live. They say there's a thin borderline between genius and

madness and Ronnie seems to have lived that life. What did I think of

it, I thought it was thoroughly entertaining as usual with Ronnie. I

think it was a shame because, 147 is a wonderful achievement but let's

not get carried away, there is quite a lot of them these days. World

snooker have a ?5,000 every ewent roll-up if you like, so that if it

does take a long time to make one, there's a significant amount of

money, but these days, with the standard of play, it doesn't take

very long. Neil Robertson won ?40,000 in the UK Championships

because that was the role-up 147 prize, if you like. There hassenn't

been one for one event and this is the second, so the prize is ?10,000.

-- hasn't been won. We used to pay a prize for darts. Currently on the

European Tour there is no prize money at all for a nine-darter

because there are so many of them. So it's a statement of the prize

fund that it's out of our hands, the players are just very good, but I

think the bigger issue is the paying public and the millions watching on

TV, some of them perhaps have never seen a 147 and if you are a

youngster going to your first tournament it's a thrill that it's

very special within the sport. He also said that there is no such

thing as bad publicity. What do you think of what Barry had to say? I

agree. The fact that obviously he doesn't realise quite how hard it is

to make it. Of the 50 or so that have been made on TV, about 25 have

been made by the same three players and a lot of players have never had

one in tournament play. A lot have never had one in practise. It's easy

to get that, but it's not as easy as Barry is trying to make out it is.

He's got form on this as well Ronnie. Six years back, this was

2010 and the world Open in Glasgow where he has a chance here to get a

147 maximum. So he takes the pink. He's not going to go for the black

until the referee says pot it. He says, you are perfect on the black,

the audience have never seen it so pot it. He was making a stand.

Because there was no money for a 147, ?4,000 for the highst break in

that tournament. But do you subscribe to that theory that all

publicity is good or has this damaged the sport to an extent?

I don't think so, geniuses have flaws and we can look at the

McEnroes, the George Bests or the Bothams or whatever. They do

something sill write. Ronnie made a stand, has it backfired, remains to

be seen -- they do something silly. He'll probably do a 147 in the next

game to make us happy. Interesting chat with Ronnie later if he wins

his second round match. Before the rocket returns, quietly going about

his business, is the man they call the ace in the pack, Judd Trump.

# Feel my heartbeating # You make me feel

# Like I'm alive again... # This is the man he's up against,

Rory McLeod in round two, the 44-year-old who turned professional

in 1991, 58th in the world at the moment, he's recorded 70 clear

centuries and did make a 147 break in 2010 in Prague, though I can't

confirm whether that was on TV or not!

Certainly was. And Judd Trump hasn't made one on TV so maybe today they

will! OK. We'll find out whether Judd

Trump can possibly take a step closer to his first world ranking

title in a couple of years. Here they come out on to the table. How

do you feel that Judd is looking right now, Willie? In fairness, he's

kind of waiting to happen isn't he, we all expect him to do great

things, he's won tournaments, what I like about him, is he tries to

please the crowd, no way he would have refused a 147 because he loves

them. Judd will be too strong for Rory this afternoon I think.

Judd trump v Rory McLeod in round two of the 2016 Wales Open. Let's

join the commentary team, Darren Morgan and Dominic Dale.

Welcome all to this very intriguing encounter between, you would have to

say, probably the second most exciting player at the moment in the

game Judd Trump. I think the only one you would maybe put in front of

him would be Ronnie O'Sullivan which obviously there's a lot of debate

going on about what he did yesterday with his 146, playing someone that

seems to be come into his prime at the ripe old age of 44, Rory McLeod.

Won his first ranking event this year very late, most people's career

is earlier, but he seems to be playing his best snooker. I don't

think Judd Trump will have it all his on way this afternoon but it's

imperative Rory gets off to a good start. Which way are you going with

this, Dominic? It's only a short sprint, best of seven.

I think from Rory's point of view, he'd be happy to share the first two

frames and get a foothold into the match. If Judd Trump starts well,

he's one of those players who can win three or four frames very

quickly. He'll be looking to do that.

He will be well aware of Rory's ability as a snooker player. Rory's

beaten Judd twice in the seven meetings.

So Rory will know that Judd is far from invincible.

I concur. By Judd's standards, it's been a quiet season for him. He has

reached a couple of finals, but last season I think he reached half a

dozen or so. He looked like he was in much better form.

When he's in full flow, very exciting to watch.

Good shot from Judd. Tried to get in behind the brown, very nearly did.

He's tried to assemblitering in what his aggressive shot selection and

become more of an all-round player. But he does give you chances, Judd.

Probably gives players more opportunities than he'd like to

himself, but every now and again, he will come up against somebody who

takes those opportunities and he does lose, but, as you say, a very

exciting player to watch. Certainly one of my favourites to watch, sad

Ronnie and other players as well, but you never know what you are

going to get with Judd. That's what makes him exciting.

Must have thought he potted that one. He done everything for it to

find its way into the pocket. Not the best he's played. Could have

done another three or four inches there.

He's looking, this is going to be tight, whether he can get through

the potting angle. It's going to be very, very close.

Indeed. Especially given the margin of error he had to play with there.

He could have been six or eight inches further up the table and

would have been nicely on the black. Just having to look to see if he can

bend the cue ball and straighten the red up a bit and make the potting

angle. Look at that angle, it doesn't look on. The problem here

for Rory is, when he plays a safety shot, there is a red in balk

virtually and that will cause him problems. If he can just leave the

cue ball in the yellow pocket jaws, he'll be OK here. Good shot but of

course he'll be desperately disappointed not to have made a good

break from there and even maybe won the frame from that sort of chance.

Well controlled shot. His main priority was to get up to the cue

ball. Left the pink. A couple of shots he can play, the

two below the pink to the left corner. Again, it's all about the

cue ball. Too good now. The green is on to the

centre but it's a very thin snick. Just shows how Judd Trump has

changed. Showed restraint there, he'd have been dieing to go for one

of these reds and a couple of years ago he wouldn't have hesitated,

would have been straight down, bang. To win at this level now, can't pot

all the balls on the table. No matter how well you play, you have

got to have a second game. Caught that too thinly, Rory, can't

help but think that must have drifted a little bit, the player

wants to hit a shot four ball, he's going to hit it four ball and he's

led Judd into the centre which he's potted very well. Choice of green or

brown here, probably the green. Brown's a bit thin.

Knowing Judd as I do, he would have purposely played to cannon the blue

out there. This is the sort of position Judd's so very dangerous

in. His mentality is to win the frame from this and he'll be harsh

if he doesn't. There are a few reds in awkward positions.

He'll be very disappointed with that last one. Got into the cue ball a

little too much. Speaking about a foot, there we are

with a perfect example of the strangest pair of shoes you've ever

seen! I don't think I'd want to be kicked

with them. I don't think they'd be any good for

playing football in, would they? Does like the old shoes, doesn't he,

remember he was playing last year similar to shoes like that, they

were flatter but more diamond-crystal looking. I don't

even know what we'd call them, but he does like the old footwear to say

the least. It's the way he expresses himself out at the table. Everybody

to their own. Rory's in a spot of bother there.

Had to play the spot carefully. This for Judd is a good opportunity.

Hasn't found his range or timing. He's gotten away with one there.

A little disappointed with that. Into the middle his previous shot.

Just didn't cue that smooth at all. Great opening red from Judd that's

afforded him this opportunity and that little cannon on the black's

served him well as well. He can get through to the red, I believe. Very

tight. Thought he was in prime position for a moment but obviously

not. Useful lead in this frame.

Particularly given the position of the reds.

He was unfortunate there, he just caught the middle knuckle, otherwise

he'd have been a lot closer to this red.

What a terrific shot this was, especially after the previous red,

he missed by a very long way. Didn't hold back with that one

either. Used the cue ball to slow down. Still on the brown. Couple of

reds out in the open. As Dominic said, he's building a nice little

lead in this open frame. Very well played.

Swapped hands to the right hand, showing Ronnie anything he can do,

he can do as well. It is a good thing tapping your

armoury, that you can swap hands. More players are doing it these days

as well, instead of using the rest. You can't blame them. I couldn't put

a ball with my other hand. I wasn't that good with the rest! That was

very quick, awkward cueing. An unusual miss, but it was awkward

cueing, just push the cue ball to the right. It made him hit the black

bit thick. But you would have to say he has been a bit edgy, Judd Trump.

He has had a couple of chances. What a pot that was from Rory,

played other shot-to-nothing but it was very thin. One of the shots of

the tournament so far, surely. You would expect a pot one out of ten of

those. A helpful bomb of the middle pocket jaw has given him position on

the pink. -- a helpful bump. The lead that Judd Trump has will be

an advantage, it will be difficult for glory to make inroads to that.

-- full Rory. Oh, you cannot miss that. Oh, Rory. That should have

been rudimentary. Will it cost him the frame? Judd need read, colour,

red, colour. Pushed the red into the cushion

first. Always play those to the far jaw.

The pink will leave of all re-leading a stupid.

Again, that is the Mitchell Judd Trump for you, playing a good

safety. -- the match Judd Trump. Shows he means business, he will not

give any easy opportunities. A good long red. Definitely the end

of the first frame now, even if Judd was to miss.

Identity it has been the start that joke was looking for, he will be

happy that he has got the first frame on the board but I don't think

you will be too happy with the way he has cued it.

Showing everybody it is all there, waiting to come out. That was an

unbelievable strike of the brown, a real exhibitionist, Judd Trump. Very

exciting to watch. The pink haven't gone in, tried a couple of

exhibition shots to try to please the crowd here in Cardiff. Rory

McLeod have had a lot to think about, had his chances, they didn't

materialise, Judd Trump leads 1-4 you read.

Great finish by Judd Trump there. Another start, though. He has got to

be careful he does not get involved in the wake Rory plays, he is one of

the slowest players, not the quickest, and Judd can get bogged

down. Rory has beaten Judd on some of the six occasions they have met.

A straightforward ring in the first round last night, 4-0 --

straightforward win. Where is he right now? We spoke about this

before the match, it has been a couple of years since he won the

world ranking title, about time we saw something special? I'm a big

Judd fan, it surprises me he is not dominating the game. The standard is

so good, there is a nucleus of ten or 12 players capable of winning

every tournament, and another set of players who could pinch anything. I

have commentated on Judd so many times and I cannot quite pin what is

wrong with him. He is one of the best part is, one of the best

break-builders, safety play was not as good as it should have been but

he has improved. I have to presume there is something in his

temperament, he must get nervous, without showing in his face that he

is nervous. He must miss easy shots under pressure. When that brain, he

was getting a bit annoyed with himself -- that frame. Like Ronnie,

he does not realise how difficult the game is, if he's not making a 70

break every time he thinks he is not doing well. I think Ronnie and Judd

have got to realise it is a tough game and now want then you have to

struggle. Stuart Bingham yesterday struggled terribly. He was awful,

and it happens, you get under pressure sometimes. Ronnie even

creeping into this conversation! What about Rory McLeod, we have seen

him practising a lot here in the last few days. If you are Rory

McLeod and you have seen lower ranked players beat the likes of

Maguire and Bingham, you have to think, that could be me? He has won

a PTC event, he is capable of winning anything, and he used to

practice with Peter Ebdon who told us that in practice he is

unbelievable. When it comes to the match table, he tries to be too

careful. Sometimes he tries not to lose, rather than to win. I'm a fan

of Rory McLeod, not a fan of the pace he tries not to lose, rather

than to win. I'm a fan of Rory McLeod, not a fan of the pacey

plays, and he has gone for a comfort break here and it will be on his

mind, I will slow Judd down. If you played Judd Trump or Ronnie

O'Sullivan, you have got is there than down, that is what he is doing.

A bit of psychology? Judd Trump wondering where he is, their years,

back out, Rory McLeod, ready to try to take this back to 1-4. Judd Trump

as the lead, let's see what happens in frame two.

COMMENTATOR: Thank you, some interesting comments from Willie.

These two are vastly contrasted in their styles of play, and there is

no way that Judd Trump will want to be in failed into a tactical bout

with Rory McLeod. He will want to spoil or blunt Judd Trump's potting

ability, if he can. He is having a good look at the

reds, see if he can find a safety. Normally you can drop the cue ball

onto the back question but he will be leaving the reds to the right

corner. Nearly pulled out a terrific pot.

Add a similar shot in the first frame, did everything but go in.

Found the gap, very well played shot. Unfortunately, he has left

Judd the red to the right corner. I think he played to go into the

pack. He has hit the red team meant to miss on the stops the cue ball

dead, nicely on the black. I'm amazed to see Judd miss such an

easy black, by his standards. He had one eye on the cannon to the red.

This is easily Rory's best opportunity, though he had one

similar to this in the first frame, didn't rebound the cue ball far

enough off the top cushion for the position on the black.

I think we might see him try to storm into the pink.

He could try to find the gap, there is not much of a gap there.

He will be happy with that. For a minute it looked like he would knock

the red into the corner pocket. Played it with a lot more pace than

I thought you would. If he had not got the double-kiss there with the

reds, one would have found its way into that pocket. The balls are now

placed perfectly. This is similar to what he would be setting up in

practice. I'm really amazed to see he is not

playing the red to the right-centre for easy position on the blue to the

same pocket. I don't know why he is hell-bent on playing the one over

the corner pocket. Maybe he wants to clear the black pocket, I can

understand that, but he has to get on a corner from this and it go

wrong. -- get on a colour. It has. Why did he want to play that red? I

can't understand that. There are players that reads the

game very quickly, and Judd is one of those, as is Ronnie O'Sullivan,

Jimmy White, the natural players, they read the game quickly and see

the shot. For me, Rory didn't see the way forward there. Plenty of

time and opportunity to pop that red, and he could have got on the,

very easily. -- got on the colour. Wasn't easy, the pink into the

left-centre. Rory McLeod knows he had a fantastic chance in the first

frame, it didn't take it. Had one great chance in the second brain,

made 15, and he has been gifted another one.

You can normally count on one hand in a match the amount of chances you

would get off the likes of Judd Trump.

At the moment, he is not to settle out there. -- not too settled.

He must take the opportunity to level this match. The only way you

can beat the top players is to keep them under pressure, make it

difficult for them. We have not seen Judd Trump come out

so poorly for a while, it is a great opportunity for Rory to put some

pressure on him. That was a very well struck shot,

back in position. The main thing if he is still going.

Getting ever closer to the winning line in this second frame.

Short match, really important to win a frame and get yourself on the

board. He goes to 52 points, so just this

green, red, colour, red to open his account in the match.

Just the red and a colour will be enough for Rory.

Rory will have eyes on making a century break now. Possibility of

106 on. Break ends at 55, rather prematurely

from Rory's point of view, but he has done more than enough, get his

first frame on the board and level the match at one frame all.

STUDIO: All square now, let's bring you up-to-date with some of the

results from earlier today in Cardiff. Good news for Wales with

Michael White, the Welshman, through to round three with a 4-3 win over

Tom Ford. Shaun Murphy through, the world number four. Went out early

last year but said through after a 4-3 win over Mitchell Mann. You do

Luhansk beaten Ricky Walden. Liang Wenbo also through to round three,

Ken Doherty three after a 4-3 win over David Gilbert. Dechawat

Poomjaeng, 43rd in the world, beating Robert Milkins, a top 20

race -- top 25 player will. We spoke earlier about Judd making a

nervous start. He will be feeling jittery now, won't he? The problem

is he played the most awful safety shot you have ever seen. This is the

first mistake he made and I can't understand quite white Rory played

this shot, as Dominic alluded to in commentary. Only Rory will know why

he played this shot. But the key was, but it got to the safety shot,

he played a dreadful safety shot which let Rory window frame. He

letting them, it is 1-1, back to the commentary team -- he let him in.

COMMENTATOR: Yes, I agree, it was a poor safety and it cost him the

second frame. Rory McLeod will be feeling so much better, and nice

effort of 55, lost possession a couple of times but soon we gained

it. -- soon regained it. Players much prefer longer

distances, gives them a bit more chance to settle down. The short

formats, keeps it exciting and keeps everything on edge. Another very,

very poor safety shot from Judd Trump. If he can get past the green,

which I suspect he can, it is an easy starter again.

He was dead straight down the line, Judd, way off the pot, which is

quite unbelievable really. Looked like he was way off line with it. I

see that a lot when I'm watching snooker on TV. I wonder whether it's

the trick of the camera or actually, whether it's real truth where the

player looks like they are missing something. Looks like it's going to

hit that thin to the top cushion. You're absolutely right, I didn't

spot that, Darren. So, in other words, it would appear that Judd

sort of cues around the corner, as Steve Davis terms it. Cue backwards

and forwards in a straight line, but more rather in a curved ark, comes

through straight on impact. Got a couple of loose reds before

he's got to look at the pack. It's all about this next shot now.

Probably preferred to be low on the black to swing the cue ball into the

cluster. Six or seven inches into that. The

red has gone in. I think he's just OK on this.

Little bit thinner. Hits it too hard.

I don't think he thought he could get into that. Going to be a safety

now. Right down the line of this, I think

Rory can see the edge of this pack of reds. Just got to be careful he

doesn't knock a Road on into the left corner.

And Judd's left this right-to-left corner. Just off straight so he can

choose to run through with pink or blue or he can just stop the white.

Doesn't come much better than that. If anything, probably a little too

good. Left himself slightly hampered.

Really got hold of the cue ball to control it for the black. Just had a

look to see if there are any plants, Rory did there.

Probably one into the left centre. To the left of that little group of

four. Absolute bonus for him. In potting

this, he'll open the three reds. I don't quite know why he hit it as

hard as he's done. As long as the black goes the left corner, he's OK.

That was a close call. He blocked both pockets.

But now, you would have to say it's an absolute gifting opportunity.

He's got one awkward red on his back cushion and the yellow on the side

cushion. Good effort by Rory McLeod.

Takes his time on every shot. Does the same drill.

Oh, dear. Didn't really get ideally on the red.

Let's do well to hold it for one of the balk colours. Disappointed there

not to have gone on to have won the frame from that opportunity.

Tried to cut the red in there, Judd. He's left a similar cut back on his

opponent here. Sure Roy will be taking this on. Ought to be playing

for a choice of green or brown from this, I would imagine. He'll be

lucky to pot it on for his opponent. What a great shot that was. Played

that down the right hand side. Check the cue ball. Very clever.

At the moment you would have to say it's Rory McLeod getting the upper

hand in this safety bout. Just not with it at the moment Judd

Trump. Played that as a pot to nothing, last couple of shots he's

had, he's missed them bay long way. The balk colours on the way down.

Safety putt. Massive frame now. In the context of this match,

massive frame. Judd avoiding playing the two reds

together because he knows the right hand one of those two would find its

way very near the corner pocket. Tricky shots to execute, but it's

played very well if that yellow stops. This is a shot Rory has to be

very careful with. Very easy to knock a red on to the corner here.

Would have gone but there wasn't much room there at all.

It's amazing in this format. So many of them at it. Another good pot.

He's landed very straight. Could have done with being half ball to

disturb the reds. He's not going to be doing much there. Maybe just pop

the black and take the seven. He has the option with the yellow on the

pocket. He could try a fancy shot off the yellow to disturb the two

reds, but... Very unlikely he's going to play

that. He's going to take the seven and a

good safety. Great chance here for Rory to swing

the cue ball round. Difficult shot, you might think, but he'll be

disappointed here if he can snooker Judd. Just depends where the red

goes after he's played the shot. Controlled this really well. Surely

that's a snooker. Left Rory an attempt at left corner.

He's winning the safety battle at the minute.

He always knew the yellow was the saving grace on the pocket and he's

finished nicely on green. Turning into a very good performance from

Rory McLeod. Commentator's curse there!

Needed to miss the blue with the cue ball.

This is certainly a different Judd Trump from last night. Commentating

on my match earlier, he was on the table next door flying around the

table and potting everything. Not quite the snooker that Rory was

intending it to be. It's right what you say Darren about Judd, he only

managed to break a 39 so far. Rory himself only managed a #45 40 and a

55. Where's this red going? Is it going in? What a fluke that is.

Would have been a good safety shot anyway.

Don't mean to be disparaging in any way, but he's known for a good run

of ball, probably because he plays such an attacking game and that

could win him the frame if he's careful here.

To be fair, he had a good cue ball, so if the yellow, the red I should

say, hadn't gone in, looks like Rory would have been foul ball snookered

anyway. Rory would have obviously preferred that option. This will

hurt because McLeod's been in total control of this frame. He's

outplayed Judd in all departments. We were on about turning points. In

the context of this frame and match, this is massive.

The only solace Rory McLeod's going to have I think. Getting on to it

from a dead straight pink. I can't see him potting the black from

there. Great effort. Cue power, Judd Trump. Probably a

little disappointed. Got to be a good safety. Surely he

can't be thinking about the double. Can't be thinking.

That's the right shot and he's played it very, very well.

That's about as good as he could have played that. Very good indeed.

Most players like sticking the black in the white, obviously you just

leave your opponent if you don't do it quite right.

Going for the double on black. Hit the black hard enough that if it

misses the pocket, it travels back up the table. Always a chance, all

depends on how you feel, really. Straight up and down shot. That's

the thing of the past now. Super fine cloth, cue ball always seems to

swing in and you double kiss. And it hasn't paid off and he's left

this black over the middle so you would have to say it's going to be a

very disappointed Rory McLeod, Judd Trump's had a bit of a run and he

will go 2-1 behind. As it happens, he's taken his chances, trump now

leads 2-1. Judd Trump is sat there. He doesn't

look too happy does he, looks bewildered. He'll be thinking,

what's gone wrong in the first three frames even though he's 2-1 up.

He had a bit of good fortune after that frame. 2-1 ahead.

Struggled in this match. In this studio earlier, can't always play at

your best. Might just become very scrap pill

and sometimes you have to win when you're not at your best.

Of all the disappointment, Rory McLeod will be thinking about this

pot in. Judd will take it. Wasn't an easy

pot. Can't play well all the time. The

most successful players in the game are the ones that have learnt to win

when they are not at their very best.

When they are all good and playing at their best, they can all win.

It's when they're bad and who's got the best bad. That makes the big

difference. Potted the blue. Just a frustration

shot in going for that red. That was the thinnest, the thinnest of cuts.

You do well to play that and pot that in practise, never mind in an

event live on the TV. That's what makes him so exciting. That's why we

love him. We'll see Rory pot this red. He

looks like he's dead straight. Obviously to get back up for either

the blue or a balk colour. Hasn't come out too badly this for

Rory. He is suffering a bit of confidence. Not as straightforward

as they sometimes are. Creating chances for himself, Rory,

just doesn't seem to be able to get in perfect control.

Played it well. Lot of movement there in the top half of his body.

Bit of a snatch there. Forcing the cue ball. Just watch and see the

movement there. Trying to help it into the pocket.

The main thing is, it's gone in, still nicely in position.

This is also shaping up to be another friend that Rory McLeod

would be disappointed to lose, and lead of 13 points, still two more

loose threads he can play on. He will need one or both of those two

remaining difficult reds. Depends what colours he takes as to whether

he gets the opportunity of putting them. -- potting them.

Sometimes when you play a shot with your cue, it can rip off your logo!

They don't add here as well as some of the players would like. That was

a good effort from Rory, tried to Cannes and read off the question

while he had the opportunity. -- tried to cannon the red.

It was difficult cueing but he will be relieved that the red did not

rebound off the cushion. The good thing from Judd point of view is

that he could develop one of the reds.

Again, made a mistake with his 60. Fortunate that he hasn't left this

any easier than it is the back row one -- made a mistake with his

safety. He has played by far the better

snooker out of the two players, even though he is currently one frame

behind. Should have definitely won the last frame.

Like Willie said during his interview in the studio, sometimes

Rory find problems that are not there and tries to make sure of

everything. You can be a bit too careful sometimes.

He is a very capable player, having the best year of his career.

He put all of his eggs in Mombasa get there. Won't be enough Judd

Trump to pinch this frame -- put all of his eggs in one basket. If he

does go on to pinch the frame, it would be a massive body blow for

Rory McLeod. Like all great players, when they need to step up to the

mark and not in something a bit special, they normally find

something from somewhere. The reds are not in a great

position, the yellows and -- the yellow and green not in a great

position, but he has a chance. This is a very acute angle for the

red in the right to centre. I think it may be on but he would

automatically be the wrong side of the blue, which could cause

problems. Didn't go in. I still thought, in

spite of clipping the mere jaw, it would fall in. That is a reprieve

for Rory, who finds himself coming to the table 21 points ahead. Just a

red and high value colour to leave his opponent needing a snooker.

Just catches the mere jaw, I still thought it was going in.

Barring a snooker from Judd Trump, that will be two frames all.

Rory will need to be careful, Judd would only need one snooker. The

colours are favourably placed for Judd.

I get quite know what Rory played there but he has put itself in

trouble. -- I don't quite know. Rory is in a little bit of trouble

here, I don't know if he can get high enough on the side cushion to

get directly to the yellow. He might have to pay this off two questions.

Most players would prefer to play this off two questions. -- cushions.

He has slipped past. I don't like the one cushion escape. I think he

is in trouble. REFEREE: Frame ball.

It was a free ball, he has tried to play a harder snooker than Rory was

in and I think you have achieved that. -- I think he has achieved

that. Judd was lucky to obtain the snooker previously, tried to stun in

behind the blue, overheated by 45 inches but the yellow landed right

in front of the brown, where it is now -- overhit it by four or five

in front of the brown, where it is inches. Rory ought not to have left

a free ball. It is not going to be easy to hit this yellow, he will

have to play off probably two cautions. He has to play with side

spin and Mr Cannon on the black. He is lucky. It is not on, that is

what Rory was concerned about. He went further yellow, which would

have been a frame-winner, and he missed it by a long way. He has been

a bit fortunate but Rory McLeod will be happy.

The smallest of gaps. I think he has you could Rory. That is absolutely

incredible. -- I think he has snookered Rory. If the green was a

quarter of an inch to the left, Rory could pop the yellow. I think he has

just snookered it. Cannot see him getting the yellow from there, and

if he can it will be the thinnest of edges.

Played it well, now he needs to be lucky. You cannot begrudge him a bit

of run. As the frame has gone on I have

wondered whether Rory McLeod is fated to lose this as he did in the

last. He did get through. What bravery to

play such a speed. If that cue ball had drifted just a fraction it would

have left the yellow over the pocket.

Surely Rory will not lose this frame like you did the last? Again, the

black ball is a problem for Judd like it was in the previous frame.

Exciting stuff! I think Judd has landed in the only place he did not

want to be. He has done it off one! Oh, how good

was that?! That would have been the shot of the championship, the shot

of the year! That is why we all love watching

Judd Trump, he play shots you would not consider risking. What a

wonderful shot that was, so unlucky. How much pressure now on Rory McLeod

in these safety exchanges? Played that well.

You must not leave on a double in the middle pocket when you play this

type of shot. I think this is an instance where

you would attempt the double. Rory could not have played that much

better, excellent effort. He has potted it, a great Sport Prom

Judd. Rory McLeod made the biggest break, but it wasn't enough and Judd

Trump pulls clear at 3-1. That is why we love snooker, because

things can change in an instant. Rory McLeod is not smiling, he has

thrown away the frame and possibly the match. He will be kicking

himself, the frame previously which was a black ball game, he played the

long 22 hard and it left Judd and easy part. He played that double

perfectly but unfortunately left a fine coat on. Going back to the

safety shot on the yellow, he played a cross double when he was 29 in

front, Judd needed a snookered. He played it far too hard again, so he

is trying to get over the line sometimes too quick. Rory McLeod

should be leading 3-1 and he is 3-1 behind. You say he is trying to play

certain shots too quickly but you made the point earlier, as did

Darren in commentary, that he is to conservative? Once he gets a

frame-winning opportunity he tries to just go for it, but early on in

the frame he plays shot-to-nothings all the time, he is good in the

balls but gets tangled up in safety and tries to make things look more

difficult than it should be. Rory McLeod has been around a long time

and is capable of beating any player in the world, but to beat people

like Judd you have to compete in all departments. He has competed in the

safety but not necessarily the break-building, albeit having the

highest break in that frame. He is just not clinching the frame, he

should be 3-1 in front but he is 3-1 behind. Earlier we saw Rory McLeod

going out for a long comfort break, now it is Judd Trump's turned to do

it. I think a lot of players do that when it is one friend to go. You go

into the toilet and look at yourself in the mirror and say, just one more

frame. Self belief, that is what it is about. We'll Judd Trump see this

one out or has MacLeod still got it within him to get himself back in?

Trump leads 3-1. COMMENTATOR: Judd Trump breaking

off, hoping this will be the final frame that he will have to play.

Rory McLeod knows, three frames left, if he wants to continue in

this year's Welsh Open, he will have to win all three. I agree, Willie,

he should be 3-1 up, he is 3-1 behind. He has been ever so lucky.

But he has just knocked in a great long red so he is not going to give

up just yet. I wouldn't necessarily say he has

been outplayed in the last two frames he had lost, just had a bit

of a run go against him. Trump flipped the ball in the previous

frame that cost him -- fluked. But Rory has had his chances. If he

was to lose this match, I think he will go away and ponder on a couple

of loose shots that he played that he maybe should have elected to play

different ones. Good pot from Rory but, as we said

in the studio, he does tend to hit the ball much harder than other

players. You really have to be cueing well to not miss pots because

of that. Judd is 3-1 ahead with the highest breaks of 35 and 39, his

opponent has made a 40, 51, and 50 five. -- 55. From Rory's point of

view, he should be holding the 3-1 advantage. I wonder how losing those

last two frames in the manner he has will affect in? He has certainly

come out in a positive manner in this frame. Easily done when you

feel you are out of the match, nothing to lose.

Just overrun by a couple of inches for the blue.

But plenty of loose threads before things get difficult. -- loose reds.

REFEREE: Touching ball. That wasn't a great positional shot from Rory,

he will be disappointed with that, awkward giving. Over the reds,

striking down on the cue ball. Good job the pot was easy otherwise that

would have been a real miscalculation.

Just having a look to see if the pink will spot on its own spot.

A nice angle here to push through the pack of reds. He hasn't really

given it enough on that shot. He needed to play that with a lot more

top, he played it like a done run-through, really. I think that'll

be the end of break. Again, putting yourself in a good position in this

frame but still nowhere near safe. -- put himself.

Bad miss from Rory just at the wrong time for him. Just the sort of

chance he likes to close out a match with.

Judd will be ordinarily expecting to win frame and match from here, but

he hasn't made a break up of 0 in this match so far.

A very well struck, well controlled shot that Judd played then at the

bottom right hand side. He had a little bit of a kick on that last

shot. As long as this red goes past the

other one, he's still in business. If it doesn't... Things could come

to an abrupt end. That's really tight.

He has pots that are not easy, they are all in-between.

He did play that with a little bit of ease.

This is now becoming a frame-winning opportunity. This will be a very

relieved Judd Trump if he does go on to win it with this effort. Rory

McLeod's played very well. He just hasn't made enough of his chances

when he's got in. He's had four breaks over 40, but he's managed to

lose two of the frames and this could be his third.

Just checking if he can finish this match with this effort. He has time

to prepare before his next round. You do feel if he wants to win this

event, he's going to have to play a lot better than what he's done this

afternoon. The main thing is to play your best

snooker towards the end of the tournament.

By far his biggest break. Just a couple of pots away now.

This will be a very relieved Judd Trump. He'll be first to say this

was a bit of struggle and Rory's led him off a little bit. Last three

frames, to be fair, Judd Trump should have lost. Like all true

champions, he's found a which to win. Rory McLeod is going to be very

disappointed with the way this match has gone and he's played well but

not good enough. Judd Trump will be over the moon, he moves to the next

round with a comfortable 4-1 win. You get the sense that neither of

those two players will be particularly happy after that. Of

course, Trump pleased to be through to round three, but by no means a

perfect match for him. Very disappointing for Rory McLeod. How

do you sum that up? Is it the mark of a champion or a top player to go

through when you are not playing near your best? You have to have a B

game and Judd Trump is finding his, albeit Rory McLeod will be

horrified, he should have won the last three frames soit should be a

4-1 victory. This happens in top class sport. You can sometimes miss

the odd one or two balls. I was disappointed with Rory's safety

shots when it came to the colours, but overall, Rory was the best

player and he lost 4-1, that is sport for you. In terms of Rory, you

said he'll be disappointed tonight, what does he learn from that? The

thing is, if he can get a tape of that game and study two or three of

the shots he played, that match was there for him to win, he was about

outplayed by Trump in any department. In the last frame, Judd

made his highest break of the match so far but Rory competed early on.

He was favoured to win both the frames and he was in with a lead and

Judd did that amazing clearance to pinch it.

And Trump goes through to round three and perhaps for him a little

bit of a wake-up call? I think so. Now he's had his scare, he'll

probably realise he didn't play at his best today but still won. That's

the beauty of being a top class player, you have to win with your B

game and Judd joins us now. Nice to see you. Well done.

Congratulations, you are through to round three. A wake-up call for you,

not at your best today but you are through? Yes, so many games in these

tournaments now that you are not going to play well every game.

Anyone in the tournament seems to have a bad game, anyone who seen

Ronnie play bad yesterday in would have been frame and everyone is

talking to him because he seems to have played amazing but Ronnie

played and just scraped through. I've played brilliant a few times

this year and the next game come unstuck. It's just about getting

through when you are playing badly. Rumour has it you put a lot of work

in, still practising as much as you do normally? Yes. I'm playing a lot

more. My whole practise sequence is more dedicated to what I'm not good

at and it's all about my concentration levels. What do you

feel you are not good at and what do you feel you have to improve on?

It's hard now because I think I'm good at everything and it's just

inconsistency. Yesterday I played on table TV, which isn't the TV table

and it's so easy playing on that table, and then whereas Ronnie's

used to playing on table one every single time, when you're moving

around, it's so hard to keep getting back straight to it on the TV

because the light and everything is so different. So unless you have

that consistency which only Ronnie has, it's much harder for the other

players and I think it kind of shows when you get on to the TV table. A

couple of years since you won a world ranking title, does the

pressure build? No, no, not at all. I know my game is up there with

anyone and it's just about consistency. I'm losing these games

5-4, 4-3, and if that wasn't happening, I would be winning the

title. I think it proved it against Martin Gold. You just need that

little bit of luck and everyone gets it, Ronnie had it at the Masters,

got luck twroi win six fave and goes on to storm the tournament. Are you

a fan of the best of seven format or do you think the game should be best

of 11s, things like that, which normally the better players will

come through those? I think everyone's probably happier with the

longer distance, but I looked at the winners of this event the other day

and it seems to be a top class player every time so I don't really

think it does make a difference. Obviously you would like a longer

run but I think the best mayer does come through in any best of five,

best of seven, they still seem to win it. You mentioned Ronnie, we

have asked everyone else, what do you make of yesterday and him not

going for the 147? From my point of view, he wasn't perfect at all in

the second last red and rather than trying to force his way down, he

just took the easier shot. He would have taken a good -- it would have

take an good shot to get on the red so from where I was looking, I don't

think it was as easy as he made out. The best he could have done would

have been to leave one up? Yes, the white above the red which is a hard

shot and then rather than miss, he'd rather put debate on and pretend

that he was perfect. So good for snooker. The first time I've seen

snooker in the headlines! And whether you would have turned down

?10,000, that is another question. See you in round three, thank you

very much for joining us. There is at least one Welshman joining Judd

in round three, let's show you how Michael White, the 24-year-old from

Neath made it through against Tom Ford. Ford was leading 43-17 here in

the deciding frame. What a good shot. He was all going

to go for that shot. He knew he'd be on the black and he wasn't so

certain it would beat the red on if he missed it, but still...

Great pot. Bit of pressure out there, but Michael White is one of

the better ones under pressure. He gets inspired when he gets to

these positions. Just raises his game another notch.

That long red from Michael White was absolutely fantastic. Just the sort

of thing that champions do. I can show you the black he potted

afterwards, fantastic shot also because it had to go in. It would

have left Tom Ford the match if it didn't and now he's giving himself a

chance to go through to the last 32. Never been more than one frame

between these two. In a tight match, never a certain winner. At the

moment though, there is. Just the brown to be safe then in

this deciding frame. This match has swayed back-and-forth throughout

really. Lots of quality. And quite a number of mistakes from both

players. Excellent match to watch. I'm sure the crowd's enjoyed it. A

lot of them are Welsh, so they'll be pleased that Michael White has won,

but Tom Ford played his part in this match as well.

Michael White's finally gotten through and beaten Tom Ford 4-3. At

3-3 in the last frame, I thought, he was about 20-odd points in front.

I'd one chance and I took it so over the moon, yes. I was very pleased

with my form. It's only going to give me confidence for the rest of

the tournament. So one match at a time, one shot at a time and see how

it goes. Quite relaxed. Good day for Michael White and he plays Q enbo

who is just above him in the world rankings in round three. He had a

breakthrough year last year, won the shoot-out then got his title, the

Indian Open? Whatever tournaments you win, it kicks you on. The same

happened with Barry Hawkins. The same happened with Michael White

there, he's been very good for a long time. Obviously it's 1-0 to the

Welsh as far as they're concerned. He can beat anybody on day, like

Judd. His shot selection would need to be improving if he wants to be a

regular tour winner. His ability is very, very good. He said it was

about time a Welshman won this competition. Realistic chance?

Absolutely. Best of seven format. We saw Ben get to the final last year

and Higgins reasonably close but anyone can win over this format and

Michael's a contender. Michael and Judd going through to round three

then. Coming up shortly it will be a certain Ronnie O'Sullivan coming out

for his second round match. Now, he is facing Pengfei who he hasn't ever

beaten. It's a 2-0 lead for the Chinaman? That shows you the

strength and depth of the game. People coming here to watch the

match probably wouldn't have heard of him and now you mention the fact

he's beaten him twice. Will he be favourite today, certainly not.

Ronnie will be strong favourite and I expect Ronnie to come through.

Yes. Obviously the whole furore yesterday over the 147 that he

didn't go for, that's not going to affect him is it? Ronnie would not

look at the press today, he'll be switched off, he gets himself in the

zone, arrives at the venue very late, doesn't mix with the players,

keeps himself to himself, normally has his friends with him all the

time and keeps himself to himself. He'll get himself up for this match

and he'll know in fairness what he is more likely to do is to try and

make a 147 today. Barry Hearn had a few things to say. Ronnie hasn't

bitten, he's stayed away from im. This is how he is, he's got about

150,000 followers or something and he's not following anybody he

wouldn't know about what Barry Hearn is saying. How do you see this

going? He'll win 4-1 at least I think. Time to find out whether

Ronnie makes it through to round three, he's been in the Spotlight

over the past 24 hours. Here he is back under the lites once more for

his second round match Benns Tian Pengfai.

Darren Morgan and Terry Griffiths in the commentary box.

Ronnie O'Sullivan back on. Looked in good spirits when he was upstairs

earlier on. His opponent, of course, is Tian Pengfei. Hasn't really

fulfilled his early promise, but still a strong competitor. Beat

Ronnie twice. Plenty to look forward to.

He struck it well. It was only the pace I think that kept that one out.

Very close. He hasn't quite got the angle he was

looking for there. He always brings something different

into the arena when he plays. One thing you're going to get is ball

strike, you know, of the very highest standard.

I don't know whether I'm liking the hair clip that he's got. My

daughters stick a couple of those in, but they are normally not seen.

You can't help but admire Ronnie O'Sullivan. He is an absolute

special one-off. He has had some right hair styles over the years, it

has to be said. I can't have too much of a pop because I've got no

hair. I'm just jealous I can't stick a hair clip in mine!

Not a ripple of applause for that shot but he did very well. Nice

angle there. There wasn't much to go for here with O'Sullivan, just had

the skill to bring balls into play. His position and may is so gad. --

position and play is so good. Hold on, he's missed position. Going

for the green. Doesn't mess about. Absolute pleasure to watch.

Tell you what, if he wins this frame from this opening, they should just

give him the toe frill! -- trophy. Playing the slow roll into the

yellow pocket. Well, he did. He's carrying on the way he finished

off. That's gone a little bit astray for him. No problem. Perfect

control. On fire. One of the boys in the studio was

saying, will it effect him what happened yesterday when he comes out

to play today. Well, there you go. Ronnie's had a little bit of

criticism over his 147. But the truth of it is, how much pleasure's

this man giving to millions of people around the world. And

continues to do so. He's one of the very special sportsmen that people

like watching. Another BAFTA drop! Wonderful start

from Ronnie O'Sullivan. Tian Pengfei sitting there thinking, what is

happening here? Terry was absolutely right, daft question would he be

affected by the whole 147, 146 few rowry, absolutely not. When you

consider pink or black, virtually past the winning post, his

positional play there, he got the right side all the time. His

position there was probably one of the best breaks we have ever seen,

at this Welsh Open. That is what he brings to the table. The fact that

Terry said would it affect him certainly we know it's not affected

him. In complete contrast to yesterday when we saw him come out

and make a slow start in round one, and as you said in commentary, he

looked indifferent, disinterested, he looks like he wants this one over

with as soon as possible? He's not the most attacking player in the

world and Rory said in his post-match interview the fact that

he wanted to play quickly, he didn't want to get involved in a four-hour

match, the same can be said about Tian Pengfei, because he's not the

biggest player in the world, very big cuist, beaten Ronnie twice, but

as we see, Ronnie is up for it today and every player will be getting a

couple of hair grips now, that must be the key to making a century

break. Interesting hair style today greased back. Ronnie 1-0 up.

So, Tian Pengfei knows what he's up against this afternoon. He knew it

obviously before he came in but he has a 100% record against Ronnie,

two out of two. Something is telling me that might change this afternoon,

I would not want to write him off too soon. But he will have to pull

out something special, I don't think he will get much help from Ronnie.

He is on absolute fire. Saying that... He really gave that

brown is back -- a whack. He would have expected to pop

that, he was playing with a lot of force.

Let's see how much the last frame has affected Tien.

He had no side on that. Should have been playing with left-hand side.

REFEREE: Green ball. Having a look about. I think there

is something on there. Goes easily. I'm afraid, Tian, one thing you

cannot do, when you lose position in the balls, when you don't get any

pot to go for, you have got to play a good safety. So important to keep

your opponent off the table. I am asked so many times by people,

wide of the top players get intimidated by playing against

Ronnie O'Sullivan? I hope they watched the first frame! They won't

ask again! If Ronnie was to go on and clear

work here, he could make another century. Long way to go, mind. But

it would be three on the trot -- and clear up here.

He is now in full flow. In his previous match there was a little

time against Barry Pinches in the third frame, should have gone 2-1

behind, but managed to take the frame and go 2-1 up, played a couple

of wild whacks. Looked a bit disinterested. Had a big kick there,

that is why he is short on position. But take that away from his first

two matches and he has played absolutely flawless snooker.

One thing you notice about Ronnie O'Sullivan, a bad kick their left

him a slightly awkward shot. He doesn't flinch if he gets a kick or

about or somebody has a fluke, doesn't show anything. No emotions,

no nothing, no movement. That in itself gets his opponents down a

little bit. A good thing to do, though.

You feel the only ball that. Him making a century in this game will

be the green. -- that will stop him. Tried to move the green and missed

it, so he will have to play the yellow. He parted the yellow, I

should say he will have to play the double. It wasn't to be. That was by

his third century on the trot but he will not be too worried. Tian

Pengfei has a real task now. Ronnie O'Sullivan leads 2-0.

Well, Ronnie is sitting there, I'm sure he will be quite happy with the

way things have gone so far this afternoon. Love him or hate him, you

would have to say he is such an exciting player to watch. Off the

table he has a certain way about him, some people love it, other

people don't. Ronnie just gets on with what he wants to do. Knows what

he wants, and when you are as good as him, I suppose he has earned the

right to call the shots and a bit. -- a little bit. But you do feel

that, without him the snooker world would be a poorer place.

I think Ronnie can sneak this end, as in cut but I think he can get the

potting angle. -- snick this one in. A poor shot that Tian Pengfei

played. Kept good control of the cue ball. The only thing Tian can hope

for is Ronnie missing the green. If he pots the green, two reds on the

right centre, everything out in the open, in five minutes he could be

3-0 down. That is the thing with Ronnie, doesn't taking long. 8.5

minutes for the first frame, nine for the second, doesn't hang about.

There are two reasons for that, one is that he sees the shot very

quickly, and secondly his positioning is so good that he is

not walking that far, he's always close to the next ball. Very

difficult to play against when he is at his best.

Many times he has forced his opponent to go for too many shots

that he didn't want to play to try to get back into the game, and that

in itself is playing against the grain for a lot of players. But you

feel when you get a chance you have to go with Ronnie otherwise you're

going to lose. And most people do. We have only played two friends,

already 200 points ahead in the scoring. -- two frames. As Tammy

said, always in total control of the cue ball, nice and tight. -- as

Henry said. A big crowd in here today, it is

like watching an artist at his best. This is really special stuff. The

people viewing at home, please don't think this game is very easy,

because it is not. Oh, well! It is wonderful, wonderful

stuff will -- wonderful stuff. Burn thing at the crowd, so many people

smiling. -- glancing at the crowd. REFEREE: Foul. Absolutely wonderful

stuff from Ronnie O'Sullivan! Two centuries and 90.

Says it all that he has won three frames in less than an hour. The

beauty there was his cue ball control. He only went in and out of

baulk once in those three frames such was his positioning with the

cue ball. He played that exhibition shot, trying to pot the pink, catch

the jaws of the middle pocket and come back for the black. Tian

Pengfei must be wondering what has hit him. It is like shooting

practice, it is amazing how good he is playing. It is. Does it come down

to playing on television, the lack of experience? Playing the man, not

the table? He has not had a chance to show us otherwise. Ronnie get the

buzz from playing on television. Whenever Ronnie O'Sullivan plays, it

is a packed audience. The only thing that worries me, now and again, like

against Barry Pinches, he can go into his shell. When he is playing

like this, he is unbeatable, but he does not play like this all the

time. Frame four, one frame away from a whitewash.

COMMENTATOR: Tian Pengfei breaking off, he will be hoping this. The

onslaught from Ronnie O'Sullivan. As Willie said, he has only really had

one opportunity. Ronnie has played absolutely faultless this afternoon.

He just lost the cue ball there, pot it a bit thin, the red to the right

corner. Showing us he is still quite

positive. All he can do is pot what is in front of him at play-the-ball

's that are there. -- and play the balls.

It is tough out there for him, he has not had much table time,

obviously, sitting down watching a O'Sullivan give an exhibition of

matchplay. The red has gone near to the black

spot but he is on the black of course. Ronnie O'Sullivan always

looking to get that black spot clear.

That is handy, he has bought the pink interplay, or a bit looser, at

least, away from the reds -- bought the pink into play.

Not as good as normal, tried to avoid the green, obviously.

A couple of options, read to the right centre, read to the left

centre. -- red. If this goes on, you feel the end is very near four Tian

Pengfei. He has not done a lot wrong, his chances have been very

few and far between. Just come up against the Rocket. Full power.

break. Interesting hair style today greased back. Ronnie 1-0 up.

Remember Stephen Hendry telling me once that he had many battles with

Ronnie O'Sullivan and the difference between winning and losing was who

had the good splits because both players were excellent at moving the

balls about and going into the pack. If you had a bad split and the other

player was having a good split, that was the difference, not much between

them. Hendry was dominating the game at that time.

Missed the cannon on the green. Needs another good pot. It's coming

very easy to him. Very comfortable out there. Unbelievable performance.

I'm sure this crowd would love him to get 20100. He's moved the red and

needs one good shot. And in goes the red. This is quite

unbelievable. If he clears up for another century here, it will be in

the last five frames he's played in this year's Welsh Open, four

centuries made. Obviously, that controversial 146 included in those.

Ronnie would be the first to say it doesn't get much better than this.

Absolutely flawless. What an unbelievable performance.

Tian Pengfei will be very disappointed, just didn't get into

the match. But Ronnie O'Sullivan, 100, 110, 112, he must have his eyes

on this Welsh Open prize once again. That crowd inside the Motorpoint

Arena may have been denied a 17 yesterday from Ronnie but they were

treated to an absolute master class this afternoon. Darren said it in

commentary there, unbelievable stuff. Very straightforward? All the

players usually play like that, well sometimes, but Ronnie does it so

often. His opponent had one chance in four frame there is to put

something on the board. That is as good a performance I've seen from

Ronnie for a few years. He won the Masters, he didn't play great in

that but still won it. Virtually unbeatable. 38 minutes in total.

that but still won it. Virtually mentioned previous tournaments. It's

almost the kind mentioned previous tournaments. It's

which he won this tournament two years ago in sensational style? .

Made a maximum in the last frame. He goes into his shell sometimes and

gets involved and things like that and I think he's been very quiet

coming into this tournament. He didn't play in another tournament

before the Masters, he's come into this tournament very quietly, played

great towards the end and that last four frames there, you just can't

get better than that, you really can't. His poor opponent? Any

consolation? When you consider he beat Ronnie twice, once was on the

European Tour event that doesn't really count but he beat him on the

China Open so he is a play they're can do the business. Here he comes,

the man who is through to round three. Just a bit lax today, Ron?

Was it? All the players are going to wear a hair clip now. Do you want to

borrow one? He hasn't stopped talking about your hair clip this

afternoon. You looked like you had a plane to catch or something, I don't

know, that was what, 38 minutes straightforward for you today. You

must have enjoyed that? I don't know, did you enjoy it, was it all

right? Yes. Did you? Yes, it was good, yes.

You've lost the last two against Tian Pengfei. Did he play that well

against you or were you struck until the last two matches? No. I rate him

as a player, he's tidy, compact, but he had chances against me but just

didn't make the most of them, you know. Did you feel better today,

more relaxed, confident than yesterday? I was fantastic

yesterday, I'm fantastic today, I've been fantastic every day for quite a

while really. I don't know what the furore is about. Looked at any

social media lately? You get told about a few bits and pieces, but,

you know, I don't know what to say. They started ringing me at 7

o'clock, I've done 11 radio interviews. I'm looking out from

both sides, the player and the public. I agree the prize money

should be more but I'm sure you've got your own opinionsen that anyway?

I was just having a bit of fun. When you get to 40 and have been doing

this 25 years, you have to start to enjoy it at some point and I just,

you know, wasn't taking it seriously, it was a bit of fun, a

bit of a laugh and I hope everybody sees it in that way, I don't see why

we have to take everything so seriously. Barry Hearn said it was

disrespectful and unacceptable to the paying public who came here to

gate 147? Told me I was going to make a 146, they would have probably

bought the ticket off the back of that. If it's disrespectful, if

anyone else can put in a performance like that, there's my chalk, my cue,

waistcoat, go and do it. Absolutely. If you'd won the ?10,000 and could

have given to it charity, what about that statement? When you are out

there playing, you don't think about what everybody is going to say, when

I go out there, it's the only time in my whole life that you drop all

your problems at the door, whatever you have got going on in your life,

you go into it, a wonderful zone-out, and I don't know what it's

like for most players, but I start to, you know, thing goes through

your head that make you want to kind of do things, you know. You go into

a bit of a showman-type thing. I was trying to explain to people, getting

the buzz from the 147, it's almost as big a buzz as winning a

tournament and it excites you when doing it? Yes, there's nothing like

it. It's the ultimate, like the nine-darter. It's a great feeling.

But I just, you know, I used to make 140s in practise and deliberately

not pot the black because I just, you know, it was like more

impressive to do that than it was to make a 147 because everybody's used

to people making maxes and I was only 16 and Stephen Hendry was

watching, he was the man at the time and I thought, how do I impress this

guy and he was watching me and I made a 140 and started setting the

balls up. So you just kind of do little things just for a laugh and a

kick and I got a kick out of doing it in practise when Stephen was

watching. I'm sorry for getting a kick out of something like that. How

can you turn down ?10,000 though, even for a man like yourself who's

done it so many time? It's not about the money, it's about having fun and

a laugh and I hope everybody sees it as that. If I'd have been out there,

like when I woke up this morning, I thought it would have been a

marvellous thing to go for the max and give it to charity, but I wasn't

thinking. I'll try and not have fun next time. You certainly did today,

you never missed a ball. I played all right. But, you know, it's just

like an exhibition. Playing so many exhibitions, I feel like every time

I go to the table I want to clear up so I think I need to start doing

some more exhibitions if it's going to make me play like that. You are

living proof that you can have an eight-month break, go away and do

what it is that you enjoy dog away from snooker and you can come back,

like at the Masters and appear to be doing here and be on top form? I

love playing, practises and we do some exhibitions, me and Willie and

JV and I enjoy them more than I do playing competitions, but I realised

I couldn't just do exhibition ands and no competitions because the

snooker fans, they want to see you play on TV, they want to root for

you so I've got to get the balance right to play in enough competitions

where I get sharp and the motivation to practise, but really I prefer

playing my exhibitions. I don't want to be playing John Higgins, Neil

Roberts and Selby every week, you're having a laugh! These tournaments,

they're really tough. I don't really want to do that, it can be

gruelling. Do you put the practise in or use the exhibitions? I do

practise. We do the picketions as well. You did one with me, it's

great. The pocket's a bit Joan rows, knocking in six, seven eight tonnes

in eight frames. Playing guys that can't really play but that's what

they come to see. I feel like I've wandered into Ronnie O'Sullivan's

kitchen a bit. Take over then! I can do a 147! In terms of not wanting to

play John Higgins and this type of thing... I don't mind, but I don't

want to do it every day, I want to chill out, have fun on the road,

have good food, chill out it's relaxed, come to the tournaments,

it's pressurised very intense, you pick up on the energy around,

everybody's feeling that thing, so I just want to dip in and dip out of

it and just come and see if I've still got it and if I have then

good. Do you find your enthusiasm's improved because you are choosing

and picking tournaments? I don't know, it's about getting the balance

of enjoying stuff. It's been fantastic. Next year they are going

to co-do five or six tournaments, I'll be playing in those. I've been

up since 8 o'clock waiting to play snooker. Killing time is a difficult

thing. It's like, if you have something to do while you are at the

tournament you can take your mind off it. If you can go into all the

matches, whoever match it is, if you can treat it like any normal day,

going down the club having a practise, you would play better. I

didn't practise before today because I thought what's the point, ten

minutes, you know, you ain't going to become a better player in ten

minutes, have faith and trust, if you get beat so what, I wasn't going

to go home until I had my Chinese though. Happy Gathering, it's great.

Fantastic. Other Chinese restaurants are available. Ronnie, see you in

round three, thank you very much, well done today. Smoothly through.

Thank you. We are going to take you to table two, right now, where

Matthew Stevens is hoping to join fellow Welshman Michael White in

round three, along with Ronnie as well of course, playing Martin

O'Connell who put out the world number 18 -- Martin O'Donnell.

Matthew Stevens having been 2-0 down is now 3-2 up.

He was looking very worried when he was 2-0 down at one stage, but to be

fair, he's done well to get right back into this match. It did look

like there was a chance him going two to three frames behind. He

managed to pinch the frame and has played very well since. So Martin

O'Donnell now. He's got a lot to ponder whilst sitting in his seat

waiting for Matthew to come back into the arena. Very good young

player. Had a couple of good wins last couple of weeks. Qualifies for

China and had a very good win yesterday. What Communications

Workers' Unioning, Terry? What do you think, Terry? He's been

earning enough money to get by and doing different things. Matthew

Stevens is back into the arena. One frame in front.

I alwaysth always find it's better to be one frame in front when you

are out for the match. It helps. A few good wins and scoring a lot

better. Cushion for safety. You want the

white to go in-off, obviously. Terrific shot. He knew if he missed

he was going to leave a nice easy opportunity to the left corner.

Very good chance. 30-40 points sitting here.

Good to see Matthew Stevens back playing somewhere near his best. Too

good a player to be in the doldrums like he has been the last couple of

seasons. He hasn't really competed at the business end of tournaments.

I thought he was certainty to become world champion a few years ago, lost

in a couple of finals. Never say never. As the years roll

past, it gets that much harder. Yes. Also had a few personal problems

over the years and that doesn't help when you are on the circuits and

things. So much talent. His two lads are with him today.

They've grown a bit. Time goes by, as they say. They're handsome, the

pair of them! They won't be struggling to find a wife when they

get older, I can tell you! He's got the class to win

tournaments still. Bringing a few reds into play.

Didn't want to remove the reds. Into the balk now off the blue.

Amazing when you lose your position on the blue, it plays tricks on your

Palestined. -- on your mind. Doesn't put you off a great deal.

Very well played. That could be a clincher there. Go into the pack

here and it could be all over. Clash he's been a little unfortunate

here. Looking to see if he could get through to the left centre red. That

wasnd kind, the split on the red was good but the cue ball is stuck to

one of them. He thinks he can get through to it. Well, he could and

he's made the pot. Great shot. Very close. Couple more

reds and colours. One more good shot. Good positional play.

Needs this red to go in. Probably off two cushions for the black.

A lot higher on this black than he would have liked, but just got to

make sure of the pot. I think he can just about miss this

red. No problem there. This is it, frame ball.

Good time to start playing well, isn't it? He's looked very

impressive here, Matthew. Wasn't a great chance to play, few awkward

positioned shots that he got himself into. He'll be delighted. He hasn't

been at his best. Matthew Stevens wins this match

against Martin O'Donnell by 4-3. What a comeback from Matthew

Stevens, 2-0 down at one point if that game ah 4-2 win to take him

into round three, so he joins Michael White in making it through

to the last 32 tomorrow and we'll grab a quick word, we hope, with

Matthew Stevens very shortly before we go off air here on BBC Two Wales

this afternoon. That, Willie, is the sort of thing that'll give you that

extra bit of confidence when you are 2-0 down and wrap it up like that?

Matthew is undoubtedly a great, great player. Anyone who's won the

Masters is a very, very good player. He's been missing for four or five

years, looks like he's slimmed himself down, he's been a bit more

dedicated now. I don't know how much he's practising but to come back

through that match, as you say, from 2-0 behind, then make the wonderful

break shows you he's somewhere near his best again. At his age, he's not

going to play the snooker he did ten years ago but he can be a match for

anyone on his day. We are seeing Ronnie, John Higgins of course who

is doing very, very well, and Mark Williams, albeit playing poorly

yesterday doing well at the age of 40, do you think we can see Matthew

getting back to where he was ten years ago? Absolutely. If thing is

with this game, you cannot take the game lightly. If you don't practise,

you won't get the results. Even two or three hours a day, keep yourself

cueing well, making 100s. Don't be frightened of a shot. If you don't

practise, you play shots that sometimes you are anxious on and

you've got to put the work in. Mark Selby is here again now, he's not

playing until 8 o'clock tonight but he's been there all day. If you want

to be in the top 16 of the world, you have to practise and hopefully

Matthew is doing that now. Different approaches isn't it, we have Mr

Selby practising behind us and Ronnie O'Sullivan admitting he

didn't practise at all before his whitewash earlier on. Matthew

Stevens will come in in a second, he's through to the third round,

we've got Michael White as well through to round three, so it's a

good tournament. You meventioned the older ones, Michael White is going

through and it's nice to see him playing well again. Where've you

been? Just praying. -- playing. That is a question that

Willie was asking, where have you been over the last few years, do you

feel you are getting back to somewhere near your best kind of

form? I've been really inconsistent. I play a good match, like in

Sheffield last year, I played Mark Williams, won 10-2, then I go

missing for a bit. But I've been working hard on my training and

obviously playing a lot of snrooker, but I'm feeling good so hopefully I

can keep playing like that. You look like you've lost a bit of weight?

Yes, I've been training for the last eight or nine months, four or five

times a week. And you are enjoying playing again because that's the key

with this game isn't it? We saw Stuart Bingham yesterday, the world

was on his shoulders for some reason, you have got to enjoy it

haven't you? Yes, Danny Wells has just moved to

the club and got me motivated again, we're on a level par now so

hopefully he can do well week as well. Yes, I'm enjoying it. Jamie

another Welshman, says he is doing yoga and running, you said you are

training, what sort of things are you doing to keep in shape? A of

everything, running, I've got a personal trainer as well, so I'm

enjoying that. Just a bit of everything. Keeping me fit and I

feel a lot better for it as well. When you say you have gone missing,

what do you put it down to, those little lapses? It doesn't take much

these days, you lose a few matches, close ones, then you are fighting

for the win again. Hopefully this week now, I was 2-0 down there, I

played great the last three frames. A few good long ones as well to get

in. The confidence is there, so hopefully I can keep it going. As

you know, Matthew is one of the game's great players, came along

with the late great Paul Hunter, they were unbelievable young

players. You don't lose knowing how to play but it is just finding it

sometimes. As Matthew said, sometimes it is the frame of mind,

if you are in a bad frame of mind like Stuart Bingham yesterday, you

will not win. It is unpredictable right now, the whole thing? Yes,

especially best-of-7s, it is tough. The European Tour as well, bests. It

doesn't take much for your confidence to be low -- best-of-7s.

You look at the ranking something, what is happening here? It is more

mental than anything, I think. My fitness will hopefully keep my

mental strength good, so I'm enjoying it again. You had a good

win over Ronnie O'Sullivan last year in the Welsh Open to get through to

the last 16. I hope I'm not playing him again, the way you played today!

Were you on the next table? Yes! He played four frames, never went in

and out of baulk in those, that is how good he was. I saw him play at

blue in baulk. That was probably the exhibition shot at the end! Well

done today, we will see you in the next round.

Let's update you with a few selected round two results.

Anthony Hamilton put out the world champion Stuart Bingham, and he has

also beaten Allan Taylor. John Higgins is having a good tournament

so far. Luca Brecel, the surprise package of last year's tournament,

one of them, a 4-3 this afternoon over Mark King.

We saw Matthew Stevens there, we have another Welshman for you

tonight, Mark Williams against Rod Lawler. We will see whether Mark

Karren Brady 's game to get through to round three and joined Matthew

Stevens and Michael White, who are already three.

Let's get some expert views on Mark Williams from Messer 's mercy,

Hendry and Doherty with their views on the world number one -- Messers

Murphy. Twice a Masters champion, UK

Champion, world champion. While spotting machine, Mark Williams,

went through a phase of being the Welsh wobbling in the jaws machine,

then did something about it, went back to the practice table and has

gone back to form. Great potter, supremely confident, looks like he

could not give a monkeys when he comes around the table! Never looks

under pressure at any time, and that would wind you up! You would think

you have him at one stage then he would dribble in a long ball, and

other frame gone. You could pull him in all sorts of positions and he

would find a way out or a great long pot and drop it in most of the time

dead weight. You can get 100%. If you missed it, it could have been

game over, but more times than not he got the bigshot and that is why

he has been at the top of the game for so long. A wonderful player over

many, many years and one of the still remaining standing order

generation of players, if you know what I mean. In his prime, I reckon

he was as good as it got under pressure. Nobody, I think, was as

good as him from in front and behind, didn't seem to make a

difference where he was. He could still pot the frame ball and he's

doing a good job of keeping those pressure shots together even now. It

gets harder as you get older, he is doing a great job of that. When his

back is against the wall and he has his opponent in trouble. And he is

not afraid to turn down at Digby thinks it is dangerous. As a poker

player, he would know when there was a chance it could go wrong. I'm

going to look forward to this bit, lets rip him to pieces! What is

wrong with him, apart from the haircut now? I've got more than him!

No, what is it about him that could be better now? Messed around with

his cue is a bit, I didn't like that. I think it was in vogue for

players to start messing with their cues. The problem with Smart is he

still thinks and plays the way he played 15 years ago. Every now and

then the balls don't go in like they did, he still hangs his hat on going

for the long red, leaving the white in the balls, but now sometimes they

don't go in with the frequency that they used to, perhaps takes on a bit

more damage than he ever did. But when he is on, he is one of the most

dangerous players we have got. The only thing I think you made a bad

decision on was messing around with cues. Other than that, he has been

fantastic in his career. Does anyone know why he did it? No!

That is the experts' view on Mark Williams, and he will certainly need

to be on because I think you said Willie that you have not seen him

play as bad as last night? He is one of my top five all-time players, but

he had a bad day at the office yesterday and still won. Sometimes

your B game has to come through, I would make it his Obama game

yesterday but he got through, his opponent did not punish -- I would

make it his gene that G game. Rod Lawler, you would have to say he is

a journeyman, but he will be a hard man to beat, though Mark Williams

should come through. It has been quite an afternoon with

one thing then another, we have seen Judd Trump go through, a snooker

masterclass from Ronnie O'Sullivan. I wonder what is in store to night?

Can Mark Williams raise his game to join Matthew Stevens and Michael

White in round three? We will see later on. See it live with us at 7pm

on BBC Two Wales. For now, thank you for your company, goodbye for now.