Day 3, Part 2 Snooker: World Championship

Good afternoon. I am poring over an avalanche of newspaper cuttings in

the Crucible and they centre on this any shook in yesterday pot

microsecond day of the Betfred.com championship, specifically Mark

Allen and his dramatic defeat to the world No. 81, Yupeng, but more

specifically to the comment in the wake of that defeat in the press

conference. Basically Allen has accused his opponent at a key

moment in that match of cheating, and then widened his aim of

accusing other Chinese players of cheating. Having law -- accused, he

wished a pleasant summer and left. Mark Allen is no stranger to

controversy. Already this season a dispute with Barry Hearn and

disparaging comments about China have brought unwelcome attention.

Now he looks set to face a disciplinary hearing. I thought he

fouled that. Did he hit the white twice? The referee is having a good

close look. Maybe it is one of those things. The referee was

looking down the shot, he didn't give it, for me, no foul. From what

I have seen, looking at it up to 10 times, it is in conclusive really.

The referee can't call something he does not seek so obviously he did

not see it. On the reviews of the camera angles I looked at, I could

not call a push shot or a double hit. The referee missed a blatant

push, it was massive. It seems to be a trait of the Chinese players -

there seems to be some instances in the past of cheating going on and

it needs to be corrected. He is a good enough player, he does not

have to do it. Mark has made some comments in his press conference, a

full transcript will be taken to consider really. He has been known

lately to make some comments in press conferences and we laugh at

them sometimes but I don't really a laugh at them. I am not a believer

in those things, I have never done it in my career. I don't think he

misbehaved in any way on the table and it was an exceptional

performance. You have got to remember it was probably the best

day of his life so criticism is not the direction I would go.

everybody was pretty shocked by the manner of Mark Allen's defeat and

flabbergasted by his comments afterwards. He also volunteered

that Yupeng had outplayed him, but what you make it his all the more

serious accusations? To it is very strong indeed. He is entitled to

express his opinion in that match, but other things that were said

later on, you can't have a broader generalisation as that and not end

up in hot water. Describe this moment. Cao Yupeng is

trying to play a stun shot. It is difficult to see. You can see the

white ball jumping in the air, and if it gets trapped between the red

and the to put the cue, it will jump in the air. It is fascinating

to see from the referee's perspective, how he would judge

that. It is very tight for a two table set-up so it is not always

perfect to get in the right position. Let's have a look at what

a push shot is. There are two types. The first one - if the tip of the

cue stays in contact with the white ball for an inordinate amount of

time, that is a push. The other type is when the tip of the cue,

the white ball and the red ball are hitting each other at the same time.

This would be a push shot. Then they get trapped together. For a

split-second they are together. The other type a foul is effectively a

double hit. This can happen - you can hit the ball, the momentum of

the tip goes forward, and then you hit it again. This is what would

happen. A push would be something along these lines... The white ball

goes forward afterwards. Even if you are playing backspin, but you

hit the ball and you push it, and it goes for words. If you are

jacking the cue in the air and you play a double hit, what may happen,

you send the red ball off and the white ball jumps in the air because

it is double hit. I didn't do that one very well. One more time, it is

quite tough to do. The cue ball hits it again. Looking at the

footage, it is difficult to see what happened. It happened so

quickly, and it also makes a different sound. Generally, the

player himself will know if it has happened. Clearly Cao Yupeng came

into the press conference after Mark Allen, the biggest day of his

life, and he is flummoxed by accusations of cheating. And he is

still in the tournament so how does it affect him coming into the next

round? He is going to have to be very strong mentally. More broadly,

Allen accused the Chinese players in general of blatant cheating. In

fact he did name individuals, which we will not do now, but we have

admired his candour, we have said it is refreshing in the past but

surely he has overstepped the Mark this time. Suddenly it is dawning

on people how serious this might be. There will be a lot of people very

upset with what he said, and obviously the Chinese Snooker

Association will be very upset indeed. I don't suppose he will get

the best of Wellcome's when he goes back, and he has five tournaments

there next year. Cao Yupeng marches on, but shall we focus on what we

are all about this afternoon? There is another hot issue on the way in

the biggest first round match, it is Ronnie O'Sullivan against Peter

Ebdon coming up live this afternoon. After surviving a decider, John

Stephen Hendry for the first time ever at the Crucible. Graeme Dott

Stephen Lee will be on parade this evening. A long wait for Ali Carter,

not playing until Wednesday night. Mark Williams' relationship with

the Crucible is complicated. Dave Gilbert's first win is rewarded

Mark Selby can rest his ailing neck until tomorrow. what more stories

might we get a day, on this, the first of three Mondays. Here is

what is to come. Top break of 54 in the opening session but it was

experience that gave Stephen Maguire a healthy 6-3 lead over

Luca Brecel. The boy wonder finally found his feet yesterday and he is

still very much in it. This afternoon, stand by for Rocket

launch number 20 at the Crucible. When he plays somewhere near the

way he is capable of playing, it is magical stuff. It is flawless and

just unbelievable. Stand by to unleash the force for the 21st

consecutive time here. On his day, he is so tough to beat. It should

be tense and potentially combustible stuff in that one, so

to relieve that, a few laughs in the quiz. We hope you will be a

part of the action as well. Give us your thoughts on the Mark Allen

story. A reminder that the Peter Ebdon and Ronnie O'Sullivan match

starts at 2:30pm, and we will give our fullest attention in the build

up. Business here began as usual at 10 am with the first of three

sessions, featuring the youngest player ever to qualify at the

Crucible - Luca Brecel, and Stephen Maguire who is fancied for a good

run this year. Here are his special memories of a special event in this

town. The first memory is probably when we joined the young players of

distinction. The World Snooker took us down there just to feel the

atmosphere. It was a lot smaller than I was expecting. The

atmosphere was pretty electric. The first time I qualified, I had to

play Ronnie O'Sullivan which was a dampener but in a way it was a good

thing. You can never really prepare for the feeling when you have to go

out and play. Pure adrenaline and butterflies, and I still get that

to this day, especially at the Crucible. Maybe it is because it

was the World Championship as well so you are trying your hardest, but

it was so enclosed and warm. The crowd can touch you if you are

sitting in your seat so that is hard to get used to. You can see a

lot of players when they go there, and I have done it before, you just

for old. The weather is usually good as well and the whole city is

buzzing. It is actually quite good when you go outside in the square

and everybody is sitting with their autograph books, looking forward to

watching the matches so it is a good time to be there. The best

part is probably walking out at the start of the match. In 2007 it was

exciting, I was in my first World final, so that was quite painful

really but I think because it was John Higgins that beat me, it was

better that way because if anyone was going to beat me I would want

it to be him. The World Championship is the one they all

play for. I M31 and it is not going to get any easier so I need to get

my name on the trophy in the next couple of years or it will not be

there. Stephen says the weather is usually good here, it is raining

right now. Luca Brecel was the more impressive scorer yesterday, but

still found himself 6-3 down. At one point he had been 6-1 behind.

We are going into frame 10, the first of the morning, and it is

Willie Thorne and Dennis Taylor who Not only is it a bad mistake, it

could prove very costly. Like you, Willie, I thought he would have

dropped it in but he stormed it in to leave the green. He can get away

with hitting not necessarily the centre of the ball... Goodness me.

That is the easiest shot I have Luckily for Stephen Maguire, he has

not left an easy chance. A red will pot but he has got to cannon

another red. That one goes, so he could find there is a possible gap

to get through on the black but he doesn't fancy it. That is not the

best, so both players looking a little tense here in the opening

frame. There was a little doubt I thought he might be able to storm

through. -- stun through. That one wiped its feet, and it was an

excellent shot. This is an excellent chance now, black

available in both corners. When you are tense, as we have seen with

that shot, you don't go through the He has got one to the middle to get

him out of trouble. He didn't get the cannon, as he intended. At the

moment they are not going in the middle of the pocket, but as long

as they keep dropping. He has got a beautiful cueing action - smooth, a

long pause before he delivers the cue. He looks the same left-handed

as he does right handed. Do you remember years ago, I used to play

left-handed and I was all right uncertain shots, I used to get a

big round of applause. Now they don't even notice it, some of these

players switch hands. He has a If he wins the first frame, he will

We have had an interesting message, Mark Selby at home watching the

snooker and he said John Higgins sometimes chalks the cue left-

handed as we have just seen Luca Brecel doing. Ray Reardon used to

do that but he kept his chalk in his waistcoat pocket. I never

thought we would get into a debate about how you chalk you're cute!

This young man has got off to the best possible start. Very shortly,

Obviously the run-through is not quite on to get through to the

He still needs to avoid the cannon on the blue, and this time it is

perfect. One more red after this is needed, and we will take that

opening frame. I think the viewers at home will really enjoy watching

this young player. Very fluent, he doesn't hang about when he gets in

the balls. OK, he will still be behind, but the first time at the

Crucible and he has made breaks of He is also prone to play the odd

exhibition shot at the end of a frame, there is nothing wrong with

that. So the game is looking very healthy at the moment and we have

Judd Trump coming up, who was a sensation here last year. I have

never seen potting like it from any player in the game. Judd Trump for

me is probably the greatest potter I have ever seen. Be careful with

your exhibition shots, you could knock your tip off. He has cleared

up with a break of 86, and he is now only two behind. 6-4.

Inching closer, but Stephen Maguire restored his three frame advantage

There is a sign of frustration from Stephen Maguire, and this young man

wants to jump on this chance here because Stephen Maguire never even

looked at an escape there. He is a little bit frustrated. I can't

believe he has just on Mark. That makes two of us, and probably the

viewers watching. That is something I have never seen from Stephen

Maguire. Why would he be frustrated? He is 7-4 in front. OK,

he has missed a couple of shots but you don't get yourself playing well

doing that. I think that is what has annoyed him, missing the shots.

We know that Stephen is fiery, and he will ban the cue every now and

again, but I have never seen him do that before. It is so important for

this young Belgian player to take full advantage of that. If he

doesn't, he has got to win this frame. If he was 8-4 behind, he

The black is blocked into both corners, the pink is not ideally

placed and the blue is awkward. Even though the reds are spread

nicely, the positional side of it Looking at this angle, he can only

play for a baulk colour off the red. He has got to be careful he doesn't

go into the middle pocket. That is not bad. He plays a lot of shots

where he is just relying on good luck. He has played a couple in

The pink and black are both covered at the moment. I'm not sure if he

has a straight path to get back on to the blue so he may be able to

play on the pink. It is a tricky I know they pot the blues like this

for fun in practice, but the way Stephen Maguire is feeling at the

minute you don't want to take the blue on, missed it, and leave him

uneasy shot. -- an easy shot. was awkward cueing, and he made it

look so easy. This time in the centre of the pocket. Amazing.

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Potted a cracking blue, and missed The way he is playing, this pink is

no gimme. I think he has got something in his throat at the

moment. He just tried to cough, and nearly choked! He has got quite a

sense of humour, but sometimes the way he looks at the balls he scares

the life out of them. He's such a The way the reds are coming you

would think it is a certainty, but it is hard work at the moment,

We were just speaking off the microphone a few seconds ago,

saying we were wondering if Luca Brecel will miss the boat. If he

goes 2-1 behind in this session, the way Maguire is playing, he may

He will now have the black available into at least one pocket.

That is another very poor shot. Unbelievable. With frustration, you

It is now! Like you, Willie, I thought after playing a poor

positional shot he might miss the blue but that shows the

determination. There is nothing more dangerous than a determined

score and that is what he is at the moment. He has been struggling with

He looks like going 8-4 in front now, and his highest break is still

54. How did you make frames at this standard? I suppose if you made

eight breaks of 54, then...! But he must be feeling a little more

comfortable inside. I know he was frustrated earlier in this frame,

but probably just the inexperience of young Luca Brecel prevented him

from punishing Stephen Maguire in this frame. The four frame

advantage, there was a long way back for this very talented young

This is now his highest break of the match so far. It is a pretty

good time to get it, just to settle him down again. As we have seen

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this morning, he is very frustrated It is a funny old game. He

scattered the balls all over the table in frustration and fury is

It tikka and potted the pink and black that is another �200 for the

Haven House hospice for children. - - if he can pass another pink and

Well done Stephen Maguire. He was very frustrated at the beginning of

that frame, but didn't he finished it in the style? -- finish.

His momentum continued. 94 in the next Token 9-4 in front. Luca

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Whatever happens in this match, Luca has proved he will be around

for a long time. 30 behind with a few more points to come. This could

be the chance that Stephen Maguire is looking for. He just needs

another 20 or 30 points to make the frame safe. Betwixt and between. He

is on the red in the corner and the red in the middle. Playing a

That flew off the cushion again. If you knock the blue in, that is the

end of the break. -- if he knocks the blue in. I think you'll knock a

I do not blame him for having a shot at the red. But do not hit it

that hard. That shot Mac tells me that Luca thinks his time at the

Crucible is coming to an end. You have got to give the Popat a chance

at that pace. Very little chance of going in. -- the pocket. Once again

Stephen over of running his position. -- overrunning. He only

needs one more rowed mack -- red. That is that the one. -- that is

the one. Great to see young Luca at the Crucible. Youngest player ever.

Two months younger than Stephen Hendry was when he made his debut.

Barring snookers, Stephen Maguire sales comfortably through to the

next round. -- moves comfortably It looks like the red will pass the

pink. In it goes. Stephen Maguire now knows he will be playing in the

next round against either Graeme Dott or Joe Perry. He has to be a

little more careful in his next game. He has taken some liberties

today. Luca is carrying on. He has adapted himself very well in his

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The first Belgian player ever to play at the Crucible. What an

impressive debut from this young man. He will be here for many years

A win is a win. I cannot mourn it too much. Obviously there was a

little hype about that match for a Luca, which is fair enough. It was

great what he did to get here. It is definitely not the last time

you'll see him. But performance wise, I just was not there. Lots of

chances. The missing easy balls. My long potting I seem to be missing

by afford sometimes. I could not get my head around. I have got

three days off now. I have to get to the practice table and try to

rectify it. He will now play either Graeme Dott

or Joe Perry. From Luca Brecel's perspective, of what had you seen

that intrigues you? Potential. 17 years old. First time. I spoke to

somebody yesterday the works of them. He felt the first session was

new to him. It will stand him in good stead. His cue ball was not

brilliant yesterday. Listen, he was a -- he is 17. Well done. He was a

four frames behind. A lesser player could have crumbled. There he was

making a century and four all the very decent not thereafter to show

us what he can do? Yes. That is typical of how a lot of great

players have played in their first ever performance at the World

Championships. Showing a lot of promise. It looked very dangerous.

Did not convert to many frames. Last quite easily against another

great player. When you look back at the record books, you see a couple

of dodgy games to start before they take off. That is what will happen

with Luca Brecel. You'll see a different kind of animal then.

was the most important thing that you learned on your respective

debuts? My safety was not good enough. I got Dennis Taylor first

round and he tied me up all day. I was as green as Corporation paid

when I turned up clear! -- paint. Dennis had me all Ms up. The other

thing is you do it want to lose. In the end you go, actually, I might

try the opposite, it might be nice. A bit of stage craft to be learned.

Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the match. Everybody in Belgium has

been thrilled. How enthusiastic are the people of Belgium about this

game? They were the first country to really watch BBC snooker on the

coastline. We went there in the Eighties. You realise there was a

lot of enjoyment their early on. It has been a long time for them

having a player that can go the distance. One of the countries I

managed to win in was Belgium. I like mayonnaise with chips!

Congratulations to Stephen Maguire. There was even more business this

morning. The second match featured twice runner-up in the Crucible,

Matthew Stevens, against Marco Fu. Mark of Cain into the Crucible this

morning -- this morning against the backdrop of the comments made by

Mark Allen on Chinese players. We did ask for interview with Mark

Allen this morning. Marco, one of the true gentleman in the game, had

to put that at the back of his mind as he prepared to face a very

Great talent. Probably should have done more in the game. He will say

that himself. He should have been at the top of the rankings is whole

career and won so many more tournaments. He rises to the big

occasion. He is better with a confident and he is getting that

under his belt. People enjoy watching him play. Ferry fluent, a

very attacking. He is such a lovely feller. Every time we see each

other we always talk about our kids. Great guy. Always has a laugh.

has been in all sorts of finals. Under-achiever. If he wanted enough,

he can win the title. If he was more serious, he would win more

tournaments. Stevens made a fast start, roaring

into a 2-0 lead. Neal Foulds and I think he has realised that one of

the two reds is a clear path. The left-hand one of the two. Just

about! There was not a lot of room to hit it cushion first. Just

He has still got to play another good shot. He put all his attention

on to the pot and did not think too much about getting on to a colour.

He has had a good hard look at the pink to the left middle. He did

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give it a good look but it still Nicely played. Never easy when

you're using the spider. The pace of the cue ball was perfect. That

puts him 11 points behind. It will be a big ask to win the frame at

this visit. The way the Balls are. One more easy red. It looks like he

Leaving himself this red and the yellow will make it awkward honey

is trying to reach over. -- when he is trying to reach over. I forgot,

he is so thin! It still may be just affected his line. It went close.

He has reduced the arrears to three points. This frame well and truly

in the balance. Matthew has just had a glance at the two reds to see

if one will pot past the other. I do not think he will worry too much

about the two reds now. I just wonder if you might want to get the

blue out into play, maybe get it behind the black. Yes, that is

certainly an option. He thought best to make certain of the snooker.

If Marco can get fat line -- can get that line it to the both

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It might make him feel better, knocking back in. But even then

that there is not a colour available to him. He is having a

look at the low. -- the yellow. How much confidence does he have? He

has not played well today. That is why he is playing a different shot.

It is hard to see somebody clearing up and winning the frame in one

visit. He is back on the yellow again. He may not be going for the

pot. Not the best shot I have ever seen. I suppose he has given

Matthew something to think about Marco Fu had a chance to Snooker

Matthew on that red. But he did not. Even at that distance, these

players are capable of knocking anything in. If he gets this one

right, that could be the winner of the frame. Well, I'm surprised he

did not make more of an effort to get closer to the yellow. This

yellow is pretty difficult. Seven points in front. He will need up to

and including the blue. He has cubit to well. -- he has cubit to

well. He struck that well. What would that be in the CMS --

centimetres? Have by thrown you a good leap? I have no idea. He got a

little extra top spin on it. Maybe that is why it went too far.

looks pretty safe. He may be in a spot of bother. I can see a snooker

He has left him a chance with this. It was an agonising wait to see

where the Balls finished there. It He is straight enough on the brown.

A quick glance at the scoreboard. 6 points behind. If the pot the brown

and blue, both players will need the pink. That pink is very

difficult. It is the kind of frame he needs, just to scramble a frame

under his belt and get started. It has not been a good frame. He just

That brown was close. That is amazing. Another ball that has just

hung on the lip. It is not easy. It is difficult to control the cue

ball for your next shot when they are that close to the pocket. Good

effort, this. A good effort because he is ten points in front. He needs

the Bluetooth go 15 points in front, with 13 remaining. -- the blue to

Just send it towards the gap in the cushions and let gravity takeover.

Gravity came into operation that Marco Fu now meets a snooker.

he did not get it. At 80 Ephraim won in the end by the Stevens. -- a

You just get the feeling at the moment that that queue is not

accelerating through the ball smoothly. At that distance it is

exaggerated. He looks decidedly uncomfortable today, Marco. He is

not an emotional player anywhere. When he plays well, that deadpan

look is good for him. Sometimes you wish you would show some annoyance,

get the frustration out of this system. It looks to me like he is

not would be there this morning at all. -- not really there. Although

these matches are the best of 19, this first session is so important,

particularly the first few frames. We have seen it so many times. Mark

Allen lost the first three frames. When he got back to 5-4, all his

supporters thought he was OK. But you give somebody a nice

comfortable start, and there is nothing to say that they will not

start to play well the next day. It gives you a nice little bit of a

caution. If Matthew can win this frame, the cup of tea would taste

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He has got the red near the right metal. That is the one you would

He feels quite comfortable playing to this want in the right corner.

Good shut. -- shot. Probably a sign of confidence. There was not much

margin for error. He is right back in amongst them now, were every

player likes to be. Plenty of reds available. He has not got a great

angle on this black. It is the wrong side of straight. He has got

the back operate in the middle. -- It must be very tight. He has got

to play it with a touch of right hand side. Of course, he has still

got my planned to the left corner. You had forgotten about that,

Haddin Ku? I had not forgotten Pot -- it possibly is not a plant,

had you thought of that? It does not look like much of a planned any

more. No, he could still turn that Anyway, the way these reds are now

beginning to open up, there is no need to start thinking about

anything but straightforward plots. Couldn't wish for a better start

than this, to take the first four This black, one more red and the

colour and I must say, that it did spring a little bit of the

crashmacro. -- off the cushion. I think he thinks those reds in the

middle of the table are a plant. If you hit the first one on their own

left-hand side, it will push the In it went and now he is looking

The Blackwell put him 73 points in front with just 67 remind him --

I think Matthew has fed a little bit off the way Marco has looked

out there. It was a match that was very tight, Matthew Stevens was the

small favourite against someone who he knew he would have to play well

to beat. He is a good match player, Marco, but not today so far.

Disappointing that the break didn't amount to more but it is enough, a

good morning's work so far for good morning's work so far for

Matthew season -- Matthew Stevens. Yes, worrying times for the former

grocer bourse semi-final -- Chris also be finalist Marco Fu, because

There is no easing up when you are in front in this game. Not

intentionally, but sometimes you just mentally struggle to really

get that advantage. He misted by a That was a surprise. Marco with a

It may be a long match but it is almost an hour or never, I would

say. He needs to getting -- get in and get a 40 Ora 50, get some

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If he has got a nice angle for this REFEREE: Can you switch your

He has not played that very well. He can still part this red but he

should have been on it better than No. It was the positional shot off

the black which caused him to miss that red. Still struggling.

Everything is a struggle. It looked a very easy pot. You can always

misjudge those, but as John said, the shop before made it more

difficult than he would have wanted. I didn't really think he would miss

it though. Matthew needs to regain his concentration because I think

he lost it on the previous black That is just the way it seems to be

going. URL nice comfort zone, you miss a black and you think it might

cost to the frame and the next time he comes to the table, only ten

points behind and denies -- nice This is an excellent opportunity

and he is now have three points in the lead. -- he is now three points

The red immediately above the black Just playing the run round of two-

cushions. Just a fraction short of pace. Imparting this, he will be

running off another red. -- Ind It is little bit tricky now, he

will be hampered by the pink. just overscrewed it. The blue will

no longer part to the top left, so this just has to go in -- pot to

the top left. If this goes in, you would fancy another frame on the

Well played. It was made a little bit easier, they are never easy,

but if he parted it, you would be certain he would be on a red. It

just about dropped. He played it slowly enough to give the pocket

As I say, he has played well. I have seen him play better, he has

missed one or two, which will give Marco a little bit of hope in the

Once again, he has come a little bit too straight on the black. But

he has got the red near the left middle and the one in the middle of

the table which also goes to the 35 points is the League now.

Basically looking at three of these I am not certain about these two

It has worked out absolutely inch- perfect. It is a shot worth seeing

again. He can't get up to the blue, so if he does play the red that he

got the cannon arm then he goes up He doesn't need to disturb the red

with the lead he has in the frame. Matthew is getting right away from

Marco Fu in a match where it didn't Very surprising scoreline, this.

Everybody I spoke to yesterday said this match was going to be very

close. Marco has not performed I am not sure whether that red will

It certainly goes into the same pocket he knocked the green in two.

He won't be too concerned that the red has not gone in. There was

enough there. A really good break of 66 and Matthew Stevens marches

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on. He leads by six frames to zero, Steven Stephen has a moved well

ahead. This is for a mate and Matthew Stevens is leading by 25 --

Certainly advantage Matthew Stevens in this tactical exchange at the

moment. Yes, you kind of sense he hasn't got to take too many big

risks, Matthew. He hasn't got to go for things like the double he could

have played a moment ago, because I don't think I have ever seen

Marco play as badly as this. That is what I mean, he has played the

safety shot and Marco's response was a terrible shock, I'm afraid. -

- terrible shot. He has got the red to the right middle. Just pot the

red and cannon. By would be playing the cannon here. -- I would. It is

But sometimes when it is easy, you can just relax and lose your form.

But I think he is to have experienced a campaigner, Matthew,

and he will be delighted it is working out so comfortably. If he

was a rookie, he might be thinking he doesn't have to do anything to

win this match but he won't take It has looked like on two occasions

before that he is going to wear the championship crown and he lost in

close-fought finals against Mark Williams and Shaun Murphy. So he

knows what it takes to go the That this sum up the match a little

bit. He has played well but not stunning snooker. I didn't think he

would miss that one, though. He doesn't like to get the rest out

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 46 seconds

and play left-handed or stretch or He played that one pretty well. He

didn't have much of an angle on the black but he managed to make one by

You do sometimes wonder whether a player goes this far behind, is the

pressure off him or does it, on even more? You do tend to get a

little bit of sympathy from spectators, you get applause or

eight shot that you wouldn't normally, that sort of thing. --

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 46 seconds

I think those three reds all go into the pocket he is potting the

Just a quick glance at the scoreboard as he walks around the

To be certain of winning the frame, he is probably going to need all of

the remaining reds. The reason I say that is that the three reds at

the baulk end, he will not be So it is imperative that he gets up

to the red nearest the baulk It does not pass the green, so that

is not a red to play for. So it is not straightforward. Nothing is 21

siphoned high-up -- nothing is when you are 7-0 behind and you are

He decided to play a pink and play He need the bounce off the baulk

cushion. -- needs. I think he would have liked to have played off the

Oh, dear. Or maybe he was thinking about the cannon. His highest break

of the match but not enough in the Surely not another frame is going

to go against him here? This is I thought it was a natural angle to

move that red and I think Matthew thought that as well but it has not

Mind you, but was a good positional shot. -- That Was. Matthew has

missed one into that pocket with the rest already so he may consider

playing this left-handed, if he can He just caught the knuckle of the

middle pocket, otherwise he would Not bad. Once again, I am not

certain of the availability of this red. He did have a look to see

whether it past the yellow into the far right corner. He has had

another look. If it does, he can Just about in the circle would be

perfect. Is it too hard? It is It was a really good shot to get on

that last red the way he did. He had a long look, perhaps wondering

If he plays the yellow, I don't know if it will go past the green.

That is a clever shot. The yellow into the same middle pocket.

Playing the cannon on the green just to hold for it. He is thinking

clearly, and to be fair, why So just four points behind, up to

Having gone behind and with Marco getting a break of 55, things

That is absolutely perfect and Marco knows full well this is

another frame gone, especially after that last shop on the brown.

What a score line Mrs. -- this is. A remarkable game of snooker, at

Matthew Stevens marches on. 8-0 is Matthew Stevens marches on. 8-0 is

the scoreline. Marco Fu did manage to avoid a

session whitewash, or knocking in a break of 51 to take the last frame

of the session, Matthew Gleave two more this evening. A very quick

turnaround, they will be coming back at 7pm to finish it off. A

very out of sorts Marco Fu. But now, it is the one we have been waiting

for, ever since the draw was made last Monday, it is Ronnie

O'Sullivan against Peter Ebdon. John Parrott made the point that if

this match had been paid three months ago, it wouldn't have

attracted half the attention that it is right now, and that is

because they have both respectively come roaring back to form in the

last few weeks. They have both won a major ranking events in Germany

and in China. Obviously, it is a terrible draw for both of them and

it is a fantastic draw for us who are going to be watching it.

Obviously, as you may remember, the shadow of their infamous 2007

Crucible quarter-final looms very It was the first order that I had

one for three years and these ranking events are not easy to win

these days -- first tournament. I was thrilled, it was great to be a

tournament win again and I need that motivation of playing the top

players in the world, knowing I am going to have to try extra hard and

sometimes, thankfully, it seems to bring the best out of May. Although

I have worked hard this season at my game and my fitness, things

didn't really seem to start coming right and 10 I did the research

into diet and nutrition -- until. My dad passed away last year with

cancer and that was aged huge motivation for me to take my diet

seriously for the first time and I am glad I did, because I feel

fantastic. This season is maybe the first year for 16 or 17 seasons

that I have not been in the top 16 and perhaps I had become accustomed

to that, but I am working very hard now and I would love to get back in

the top 16. I would rather be in the top 16 and if you are, you

cannot draw people like Ronnie O'Sullivan in the first round. I

thoroughly enjoy playing Ronnie because it is a great challenge and

I really look forward to it. He is a brilliant player and he is great

for the game. He has millions of Having come back from 8-2 down to

win 13-11, I was expecting people to say well done and there were

complaints about me playing slowly. I just didn't play very well and I

think not just myself but other players, when they are playing

players like Ronnie O'Sullivan, the naturally gifted players, you are

very conscious of not wanting to get caught up into their rhythm.

Subsequently, you can end up playing slower than you mean to,

which knocks yourself out of your own rhythm, so I will be trying to

avoid that at all costs, because I am happy with my game, the

preparations have gone really well and I want to play at my rhythm. I

certainly would be deliberately trying to slow money down and

hopefully I can win. If I don't, I won't, but there will be nobody

A fantastic match in prospect. If you were Peter Ebdon, but yourself

in his shoes, how would you approached this match? How should I

or how have I been thinking about it? Both. How should he approach

it? Take every frame as it comes, don't have a preconceived idea, one

ball at the time. But what could have happened since the draw, he

may be thinking back to the match they had, that it was a bad

experience and he got a lot of stick for it and in some ways

trying to change that so it doesn't happen again. That would be foolish,

because it wouldn't be playing his natural game. He has had the

confidence and has done really well recently and I think from his

perspective, he has to take that on. Ronnie O'Sullivan will have a look

that the draw and said, oh, no, but when he looks at it in the cold

light of day. Since that game a few years ago when he played very

slowly, they have paid four more times and Ronnie has won every one.

-- played. I think that this is just the two session match rather

than a three session that makes a big difference. I think that is

exactly right, it was a good point she made the other day about it and

I think we are in for a cracker. How it is going to go, I don't know,

but great to watch. Over to Rob Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

What an atmosphere we have got this afternoon. We have two superb

matches for you, eagerly awaited. Let's get the boy is on the baize!

Please welcome as a young player making a memorable Crucible debut.

He reached the Sheffield PTC final in 2010. Two centuries yesterday

have kept him in the match. The Welsh warrior, Jenny Jones. --

And his opponent, a player making his 10th appearance here. One of

the most consistent players in recent years. Winner of a four

ranking event titles, including the UK Chaabi jette and the World

Championships as Mack the UK Championship and the World

And here on a table number two, please welcome a player returning

to form at just the right time. He won his 9th ranking event title

earlier this month at the China Open. Making his 21st consecutive

appearance at the Crucible, the winner 10 years ago, here comes the

force, here comes Peter Ebdon. And finally, the most naturally

gifted player ever to grace the modern game. Winner of 23 ranking

event titles. Earlier this season he was beginning to be written off

in some quarters and he's silenced his critics in style, winning the

German matters. Three-times world Red button and online from Murphy

Jones. -- from Murphy against Jones. Dennis Taylor, we could have the

makings of a snooker foxtrot here? What is it going to be? That is the

question. Peter said he is going to play it the way he feels he asked

to to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan. -- he has to. Ronnie breaking off in this

opening frame. Left-handed. It really is going to be fascinating

to see how this one pans out. It is the tie that everybody has been

talking about, John. Looking forward to this? Yes, absolutely.

That is one of the duties of snooker. When you get a contrast in

styles, it makes for a good contest. Peter Ebdon coming in on a high.

And we know that Reilly is a tough opponent for anybody. He has got

much more hair this time than the last time he played period. --

Peter here. Ronnie had shaved his Terrific opening red. He is just

about on the black. A good way to open your account at the Crucible,

no matter how many times you have been here. Always nice to knock a

long one in. He is a fierce competitor, Peter Ebdon. That was

quite a win in China. 10-9 against I think there is just enough room

for the red to the right of the pink to pass into the corner.

I do not think this was the red he was hoping to be on. He did not

judge the cannon Wright. It he's a little bit tricky. -- it's a little

bit tricky. He has to do a little A little unfortunate. Played it

well. Played with little trace of He had a shot at the yellow but he

did not even entered pen that. -- He has purposely blocked the escape

route into the left side of the reds. He will have to go twice

across the table to do that. That is what he is attempting. Bad

misjudgment there from Reilly. It was a clever little shot in behind

the blue from Peter Ebdon. Straight away he has got a chance with the

black in the open after he pots this red. Although these matches

are the best of 19, we have seen so many times were the thing is to get

an early lead. These first few frames are very important. It is a

matter of settling herself down. -- The black at the moment only

available into the left corner. I think he will concentrate on this

red to the right corner. He felt he would take a chance, play on the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 46 seconds

red just above the black. He seems Not a good bunch to go into for the

black. But he will have to do so on this occasion. Only one more

possible red left after this one. That is why he has headed up for

the blue. Much easier to get into the bonds and split them up. He has

gone too far. It is more difficult shot to get from the yellow into

the bunch. But I do not blame him for a plane for the blue because of

the way the pack were situated. -- Ball was takes a while to get used

to the pace of the table in the opening frame. -- it always takes a

while. Now he really needs a good pot and a good angle on the blue.

He decided that the pink was available. Not a bad ankle. --

He might just be able to get through a gap for this one. There

He did not quite get the touch of side that he needed there. Now he

has got to negotiate a cannon and leave himself on a coma macro. --,

That is what he was concentrating on. It is amazing the number of

times that happens. It is. He is that concerned about getting the

case on the second red for position on the pink, he forgot about the

red in front of him. Careless. That could be costly. No chance to see

how Ronnie is cueing. -- now at This clears the path for another

red to the opposite corner. Just a little shake of the head from

Ronnie. He has run a fraction too He has such a silky smooth cue

action. He made that Chuck looks simple. -- shot chrome look simple.

He has got the cannon. Could have worked out a little better. He

I noticed as he was cueing there that he had but made his mind up.

It looked as if he changed his mind while he was cueing. Yes, careless.

You're better off in those situations to stand up and give

yourself an overview of the shot. That mistake from Peter Ebdon has

not been as costly as I thought it It is easy for Peter Ebdon to play

a safety Sharp. But I do not think it is easy to get over behind the

green. He can get the white up near the brown. To the right of the

brown. That would not cause too That was about the best he could do.

Ronnie needs to return the safety That was a little bit strong. I

think Peter can get through to the A little bit of screw would take

A little bit further up the table he would have been perfect on the

green to try to pot it and developed the reds. He is 33 points

in front. Green, 36. If he did get the red behind the black, and the

black, and Ronnie would need a snooker. -- rally. He has

overscrewed that. You can only assume he tried the cannon on at

the two reds. When you consider he only needed that red and one more

black, maybe the wrong choice of shot. Still not a bad lead. This

frame is far from over yet. Yes, he looked at the scoreboard so he

would have known he only needed That was a difficult shot. But he

has come out very nicely from it. This is tricky if he is thinking of

taking the pot into the right corner. I would be amazed if he

He was fortunate there because he He did not want the red to go and E

were near the corner pocket. -- He could not do much else but that.

You have got to get a good length with the cue ball. Make-up tight on

the question if you can. Once again he has overhit it. It makes it

easier for your opponent to play a safety shot. It is first frame. You

have to get used to the pace of the He could have done without the

cannon on of the green. It has been noticeable in this first frame, you

get the feeling that Peter Ebdon is not going to push the boat out too

often. Normally you would expect him to take this red on. He is

giving it plenty of thought. Normally you don't we have a game

plan. But I think Peter Adem has a This is a chance for running.

hedged his bets on it that pot, The green is not on its spot, but

brown is a little bit awkward. Good positional play is needed. Yes, the

green is not too badly placed. Ronnie will already have figured

The problem is going to be getting from brown to blue. And we were

straight on the yellow after this shot would be good. -- anywhere. I

am sure the Queen passes the brown. -- the green. Then it is leaving an

angle on the brown to get to the If he was to get nicely on the

green and leave the white whether green is, he would have an angle to

get up. That is what he just looked at. You need the perfect angle on

the brown. You do not want to play the brown with too much pace. Accy

shot coming up. Ade points behind. -- eight.. -- points. He has

He is coming up a little bit short. This is not easy. This is a

delicate shot he is faced with. That was not easy. Has he got the

snooker? I think the black has come to his rescue. Ronnie O'Sullivan

knows he should have clinched this opening frame. It was one of those,

you try to hold for the black. By the time the cue ball reached the

object ball, it had slid off line. Lucky to get the snooker. He is one

That was unlucky. Mind you, he has got to get the black as well,

He is seven points in front. He will get another chance. He might

have to play this left-handed. He Can you believe it? We could start

this first round match with a re- Who would have thought at the start

of this match we would have a re- spotted black in the opening frame?

That is the case. Now you want to win the toss. Ronnie has won the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 46 seconds

Ronnie might be tempted. He has not quite got the angle. That was a

pretty good shot. This is much more difficult now because of the

distance between the balls. We try a similar shot? -- will he try? He

has played it well. This will finish in the middle of the side

cushion. Ronnie can get this black behind the black spot if he judges

it. That was pretty good. Yes, a few good safety shot have been

played. -- shops. This could be the up and down. But players are

He is pushing it towards the side cushion. If the cue ball does not

go near the cushion, it is an easy safety shot. He has over hated. By

a long way. What was that? That was it terrible shot. Peter Ebdon has a

similar shot to the one that he plotted to force the re-spotted

Early tension and it is only the first frame! Both players feeling

the pressure out there. possibility that he can knock the

Should be safe enough. Ronnie has had a let-off here and that is

absolutely inch-perfect. Peter He will play a similar shot to the

previous one, double it up and down and try and get it on the side

And he has played it beautifully again. What a shot this is, by the

Exciting stuff! And it is only the Whereas the cue ball? -- wherries.

-- Where is. This is a thin one and this time the white will go near

He almost missed the black There Ronnie has got to be careful

with and in-off the to the middle He has played it with side to avoid

going in-off, but that is very careless. A little bit of side can

throw the ball off at a different angle but he should have knocked

Where is the black going? It is Another 18 frames like this, both

This is excellent. That is a From a psychological point of view,

with all that has happened here, taking the opening frame is going

to give the player quite a boost. True, but it seems that they want

He played that a bandana and played it well once again. Excellent shot.

It needs to pull up. That was the 17th shot on this black. How often

That is pretty good again if it keeps on running. It might cut.

Wouldn't it be ironic that he puts this after missing a sitter? --

He did go for the pot, but obviously hedging his bets. It

seems whenever he plays with a bit of Saigon, the cue ball is not

going where he has a bit. -- side on. Peter Ebdon could have a go at

And if you do have a go at it, as he did, make certain you hit it too

thin, that way there is a chance of getting it safe. This has got to be

some sort of record. I have never seen so many shots played on a

And can you believe it? After all have -- all we have watched, he

cuts a fantastic black into the corner pocket. What a fantastic

frame, you can't get better than a re-spotted black. Ronnie O'Sullivan

re-spotted black. Ronnie O'Sullivan is in the lead.

HAZEL IRVINE: if they are all going to be like that, it looks like it

will be fascinating. Incredible. Your impressions of the way both

men have started and how important it was for Varnik to clinch that

frame? The first frame is always important, but I am upset with

these lads. We have had a couple of days of controversy and Twitter and

both of these guys are trying to claim the limelight by plane

descends lucre that is exciting. They have to get back to doing

other things that by playing a decent snooker. It was brilliant,

it was like the 1985 final, on the black. I have never seen 21 shots

on the black. A great frame of. There was a moment. 8, D commentary

moment. A was at the Beverly cent - - was at the Beverley Sisters?

BOTH: Where is the cue ball? Is that Dennis Taylor stealing

Is that Dennis Taylor stealing John's line? Unacceptable. A great

start to the match, and it is back DENNIS TAYLOR: The Beverly boys?

You know who I met at the other week in Rotherham, speaking at a

dinner? The Chuckle Brothers. Twenty-five years they have been

entertaining people and they might be coming up this year to have a

look at the snooker, they are big A delicate shot from Ronnie. He has

left one to the right corner. It is hampered, and I think there is an

Dead straight, as you can see, but it doesn't really matter on this

occasion because of the way the Just debating whether to go into

Not a good bunch to go into. He He has just over Rod it a fraction

for the red into the right middle. -- overrun. A little bit of work to

do with the cue ball here to retain He felt he could hold it and he was

right. Now, where does the next red There is one loose red, I am not

I have seen him previously in the opening frame from this sort of

position played for the blue, because it is a better position to

go from. The normal shot is to roll this in and get on the black and

Once again, he has gone for the blue. The last time, he went too

hard and he has done it again. He will have to go for the yellow but

at least he has a better angle this That is the sort of angle that will

take him into the bunch, left hand There is one to the middle, he is

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 46 seconds

A nice clean up pot and the perfect angle on the blue. -- clean up pot.

He has got there want those red. -- he has got the one a loose red.

From where we are sitting, there doesn't seem to be much, but I

would say it is imperative after potting the next blue and the next

bed, to get a good angle on the colour to bring something inter

Now, will he go back up on the blue? It is obviously a lot easier

but the cue ball travelling that little bit further, if he plays for

the black, you would think he would be bound to get the right angle.

Yes, still not a great bunch but he has tried it a few times and hasn't

got the correct angle on the blue, so maybe this time just play for

the black and they are not too badly placed if he gets that

correct contact on the red, he can He looks to be mighty straight on

this black to me. That is not one of his best shots. Maybe the end

red is available into the far left corner but I would have been

looking for an angle to bring the The fact that he let himself

straight was the only option 45, but I expected him to knock

that in. As John said, it wasn't begging me, but it was a free shot,

he wasn't going to leave anything - It is a little bit awkward now with

the red up the other end of the table and the one to the left of

It looks as though he is going to nestle on that one that is up near

the cushioned. Cash cushion. -- Even if he can't get on the colour,

it might not be and -- a bad idea to pop biz and roll up behind the

yellow and the brand and Snooker Peter -- to pot this and roll up

He has tried to force it to get position on the yellow. He wanted

to give himself a chance but the harder you hit that type of shot,

He has over done that slightly, but with a 49. Lead and the balls where

they are, I would be very surprised if he didn't clinch the frame -- 49

Just about OK. He is going for his extension. Not easy this red, to

stun a cross for the black in the So the black will put him 62 points

in front. So this black and one Just shows you the mental strength

of Peter Ebdon. When we used to talk about weaknesses and strengths,

this man is so determined and mentally very strong. He has

already wiped that opening frame that he lost on the rain spotted

black strayed from his memory bank. -- straight from. He is a very

focused player. You can see that in And before that China tournament, I

wouldn't really have given him much chance against Ronnie but the fact

that he has won a ranking title, I think he has regained his

confidence and we know that that is what this game is mostly about,

confident. It was Judd Trump who won the China opened last year and

certainly had the confidence here to go all the way to the final. The

only thing about this frame, Peter has needed to chances and in all

honesty, he has been gifted them -- two. Ronnie playing the red along

the question with too much pace, and that left the red on which got

him going to clinched the second him going to clinched the second

frame. Ronnie doesn't look bad comfortable at the moment.

HAZEL IRVINE: do have to pay credit to Peter Ebdon. This season, he

hadn't won at televised match at the ranking stage of the tournament

until he went to China and won it. It was an extraordinary achievement.

Phenomenal and that 41 years of age, which is quite old in the modern

game -- at. His performances in China were incredible, a lot up --

a lot of final frame deciders. He is obviously very fit at the moment,

mentally he is in tune. He qualified by winning 10-0, let's

not forget, so his game is in good nick. As for this vegan diet, he is

eulogising about it to everybody and its benefits, but something has

clicked with him in the last 18 months. He was pretty fanatical

about his fitness before and but it is almost like he needs a cause,

isn't it? He said it -- he was hoping it would work and it did,

hoping it would work and it did, but make that mistake, Peter Ebdon

is one of the most talented players out there -- make no mistake. We

always seem to focus on how slow he plays and people pick up on that

and they are blinded to some degree about how talented he is. Everybody

pales into insignificance against Ronnie O'Sullivan but this guy has

got bundles of talent. He just may not show it. He can be too

controlled in matches. He can do anything with a cue ball. He is not

as flamboyant in his style but still an extremely talented player.

In exhibition, he can be. He plays different charts to other people,

thinks about the game and that the character he has, that gives people

a perception of what he is like. I am with Steve, I think he is a

am with Steve, I think he is a am with Steve, I think he is a

DENNIS TAYLOR: If Ronnie O'Sullivan keeps on breaking off like that, he

may well be sitting in his seat for I am with you, John, I don't think

Ronnie is too comfortable at the moment and that was a terrible

Ronnie is going to have to be really focused for this match and I

am sure he must have thought about it before, John, he does Peter is

in good form. Mentally, he is going to be have do -- he is going to

have to be up for this game. As the boy is alluded to, Peter is a

If he can get to the middle of the cue ball, this black is not too

difficult. If he can't, it is a And that is why he missed it, for

me. If he could have got to the middle of the cue ball comfortably,

there is no way he would have missed that. So a bad break off

from Ronnie O'Sullivan, but it has This is a chance for Ronnie. The

only thing with Ronnie, I noticed in the first frame when he missed

an easy black and you were saying he had to avoid the middle pocket,

but every time he plays with a bit of side, it is like he hasn't got

much of a clue where the cue ball is going to go. I don't know if he

has a new cue, or renewed tip, and you can put that down to the break-

up shop. He was using right hand side, he hit the second from the

end of red. He should concentrate on playing balls fall in the face

He was supposed to hit at the end of red and he hit the second end

red. That lifted full and leaves it His previous shot to that one was a

poor positional shot, that is why he has had to run away up the table.

Still trying to get the pace of How is this going to finish? At

first glance, unless there is a red in the middle of the bunch that

goes, he is not on anything. And The way they are sitting, this is

the way you throw the balls on the table to have a practice session, a

great chance. And it might not take We were saying that the beginning

about contrasting styles and we have heard it so many times over

the years. The great battles Alex Higgins had with Ray Reardon and

Steve Davis, and Jimmy, of course. It just adds to the atmosphere.

This looks as if it could be a tremendous match and even though

Ronnie would have been a big favourite coming into it, you just

know that Peter Ebdon, if he is in good form, it will take the world

to beat him. Sir Ronnie will have A quick glance at this or board. --

at the scoreboard. The Bulls could not be better situated. He makes it

Just a few more pots away from A little shake of the head, a

little bit more straight on the pink than he would want to be. If

he had the perfect angle, he could have got close to this red, and

this is frame ball, to go 49 ahead Just coming up to 4.5 minutes for

this effort, so it has been a very It would be nice if he could get a

century here. That would be another �200 for the Haven House Children's

Hospice, our associations have chosen charity -- our Association's

chosen charity. They are donating �200 for every century made here

This genius at the table has made over 600 century breaks in his

professional career. He made 106 This will be the 18th and we are

Well done, Ronnie O'Sullivan. That was a terrific effort. He made that

century break in just over six minutes and he gets himself back

into the lead. 2-1-Ronnie O'Sullivan. Run the O'Sullivan for

me play is the most brilliant snooker I have ever seen in my life.

He is the best player I have ever played in my career. He makes the

game look ridiculously easy. If he could apply a himself the way some

other players have, he would break every single record in the book.

Left, right handed, doesn't care. Ronnie, fast. There best I have

seen by far, but off the table strange. He tries his best. Ronnie

O'Sullivan, which one do you want? I have always respected him as a

player, and as a man. Not many players I would pay to watch but he

would be one of them. Today we are getting some brilliant play from

him. We talked about Peter in his pedigree this season. Let's talk

about Ronnie because the German Masters victory was tractor up from

his boots and it came at a crucial time, knowing that if he had not

stun one of those events he might not be coming to the Crucible. --

if he had not won one of those events. He is one of the players

who can afford to take a few of those matches out and still be in

the top 16. It will be tough in the future for him to do that but at

the moment he is just about doing it. He has had to take a couple of

weeks off because he was diagnosed in December with glandular fever,

clearly a very debilitating condition. He has had to take some

weeks off to try and recover. A worrying time from that perspective.

We have seen him around, he looks very relaxed, and he is coming here

very refreshed. One thing you don't want to do is to be in the semi-

finals of everything and have nothing left. It feels like to

weeks already but it is certainly an engrossing!

Sounds like Hazel and the boys are in a crash! We can see children

shouting in the background. -- a They have looked at one another and

decided to have a re-rack. Premature you may think, but good

to see both players agreed. They don't want any more tip tapping

about. The referee, Eirian Williams, in short order sets them up again.

The mid-session interval after this frame. In the context of it, it

could be all square or Ronnie could have a two frame advantage, so an

important frame. Peter has made a mess of the break off shot. I am

waiting for you to tell us what he shouldn't do with the break. When

breaking off, whatever you do, don't hit the blue. Not only has he

hit the blue, he has left a He has potted both balls and he has

finished on the black. In a way, he would have liked the second red to

stay in the jaws. What has he finished on? He has got one to the

left corner, but he does not have a lot of control of the cue ball. I

am wondering if it is advantageous to play one to the far left corner.

At least he can cue better on the white. But it is a tough shot. He

is bound to be on the black if it goes in. That kicked. The red

jumped, and the white hasn't come back either so that was very

unfortunate. Watch the red here. Amazing. That took it completely

off line. Ronnie opened up the reds, but now in favour of Peter Ebdon.

This is the red Ronnie could have played but he didn't have the

position Peter has got. He can just drop it in and play for the pink

into the middle. Ronnie didn't have that option. His bridging was a lot

Just noticed Peter's tip, it is hanging over the cue by quite a

margin. It is a mushroom type effect. Most players have the tip

flushed to the metal piece on the end of the cue, but you can see as

he chalks, it is a little bit bigger than the tip of the cue. I

remember the first player I ever saw playing with the tip like that,

a great amateur from Bolton wait. know who you mean, Douggie French.

I think the professional game, the first one I ever saw was John

Parrott, formerly enough. Maybe when we go back to the studio, he

will explain the advantage of an overlapping tip. Meanwhile that has

gone wrong. You always need that bit of luck when you go into the

cluster. When they breaker open and you are on a nice easy red, it

looks simple, but he just got that bit of extra spin on the cue ball

and he is on nothing easy. A possibility of a red to the far

left corner, but would you want to play that? If it missed, it would

cost the frame. The safety end of the table now is behind the black.

I think Peter might have been trying to block this red, looking

at the way he played that. I am going back to the tip you were

talking about John. He has mishit that completely. It may still be

safe, but I would like to try and find out in the mid-session

interval if that is a fairly new cue because when he plays with side

he is not getting the reaction he is expecting. Couldn't agree with

you more. As I say, that break off shot in the last frame has given me

half a clue, but when he missed the easy black in the first frame

trying to avoid the middle pocket, to miss the black like that shows

me that when he is playing with side, he is not allowing or he is

There is a possibility of the red to the right middle here but it is

very risky, and more so because it is a very easy safety shot off

these two reds that are together. Correct shot, but you just get the

feeling that Peter has got the slight advantage in this tactical

exchange. He might have after the next shot, John. If he can get the

white back to near enough where it is now and cover the three reds

near the pink, it will be difficult The red you mentioned to the middle

pocket, still a possibility. Where would the colour Caen? If the blue

was on its spot, he might risk that. He could leave a red on if he

misses this. A great shot, a terrific shot. I will tell you why

it was such a great shot - he had left a red on if it didn't go in.

That shows you how Ronnie O'Sullivan was thinking there. That

is the shot of the match so far. Those reds near the left middle, I

have the feeling they are a plant so that is something that he can

bear in mind later on. He is just having a look at them now. It is

something if you got in trouble, that could be something to fall

back on. Peter will have been disappointed. That was a terrific

opening red but he will be disappointed he left him that

chance. That is why we always say it is so important, it you are

playing a safety, you need to leave the cue ball near the cushion to

make every shot difficult. And he didn't, he left the cue ball near

the black. A player with the ability of Ronnie O'Sullivan,

Look at his average shot time - 14 seconds. Probably because he made

that 60 yawed break in four minutes. He has played it beautifully.

Considering he played it with his Where is that cue ball going? The

crowd gasping, they thought it was That was a bit careless. That is

what he thinks of that shot. The only thing in his favour here is

the red is safe near the cushion. The one near the pink looks awkward,

and the one near the baulk cushion he will not score many points with

The one thing you have got to do if your opponent makes a mistake like

Ronnie did, you have got to punish them at this level. A chance for

Ronnie to cut this red in. He has hit it too thick, and once again

played with a little trace of side. He is just pushing, it seems,

although you would expect a player of his class to make the allowance

for it, make a slight minor adjustment that is needed. Just a

bit edgy this match at the moment. The players realise it is a big

match. Of course, Peter, he has more respect for Ronnie than most

Maybe just in the early stages the occasion becomes a bit more

important than the match. It can It wouldn't be a big ask, the

thought of winning the frame at this visit. I wouldn't think it had

entered Peter's head at the moment. He will be more concerned with

I think Peter might have played to nudge that red out that is on the

cushion. I think with the blue situated as it was... Let's have a

look. He tried to flick the red out because he knew he was guaranteed

position, and missed the cannon. He He's striking the cue ball plain

ball, right in the middle. That was an edgy one. He seemed to move the

cue ball to the right slightly after he delivered it. Let's have a

look at this. He has delivered the cue, and that was a little bit of

the -- a jabby one, as we say. is a good safety shot now. I think

he has snookered Peter on the four The only red he could possibly land

on is the one nearest the cushion. He has big problems here, Peter

Ebdon. I suppose if you were hoping to get some advantage out of this,

playing the one just below the pink, hit it dead weight, you could get

the snooker behind the pink but you would have to hit it absolutely

inch perfect. Is it worth the risk? This is where the miss rule can

really come into play, when you are trying to play a delicate shot.

don't blame him for thinking about this one for over a minute. As John

mentioned, this is so delicate he would have to be absolutely spot-on

It did reach, and it is not touching, which will be a big

advantage to Ronnie. He can still maybe get back behind the black. I

don't think he can get in behind the yellow. He has hit it too hard.

It is not bad. Peter can't role in behind the pink here, hasn't got

That was a good pot Ronnie pulled out. Initially I thought it was

difficult to get behind the pink. With these matches at the Crucible,

you're always play them in a little sessions, four frames, and your

target is try to win them 3-1. Most players approach it that way.

the blue and one more red. Let me put it this way - the colour, one

more red, and another colour, and you wouldn't think Peter Ebdon

would bother coming back to the That is what you want to do really.

I see so many times people on the, what we call the ball that will

stop your opponent playing snookers and they casually play it. We have

seen it so many times. This ball to go 39 points in front with 35

remaining. What Ronnie should do here, just roll this red in. No

heroics. That will make certain that he has won the frame. It will

be 3-1 at the mid-session interval. Not been a classic match we

expected, but it is bubbling up nicely. Booked for four snookers,

Ronnie O'Sullivan will be 3-1 in front but Peter is perfectly

entitled to carry on. Probably the way the colours are situated, he

feels he can get snookers. Brown and blue and not too badly placed.

As you say, it has happened before when a player has needed for

snookers but not very often. -- four snookers. There is one of them.

In theory he will lead 9 or 10 snookers because he will escape

Watch the cue ball. He tried to spin that with loads of side into

the blue. Ronnie just might played A good shot. A tap on the table

from Ronnie. And tough to hit this come on the green been in the

middle the table. A lot of room to go around it. Beautifully played,

could not have hit it better. Peter, you will have to make them a bit

Something like this, John? Yes, that is a bit tougher, and

particularly with it going near the black. There is always the case of

Surely he has not hit the green? nearly did, but it was a 7 point

penalty. That was the case. He called a foul, he did hit the black.

Well done, referee. So now only two snookers needed. It just shows you,

this is why he has carried on. If the blue have not been in that

position, I don't think he would have carried on. I would have been

tempted to keep the green on the table. I'm like you, I like to keep

as many balls on the table as you can because you have got more to

He has got the snooker. It is basically like playing a safety

shot. He may even get a snooker back here. Not hitting it like that,

a book easy, as I say. He didn't want to push the pink. That is in a

better position now for Peter Ebdon. Much better to get snookers behind.

Sitting on its own spot, you can't get a good snooker from this

Almost sneak it in behind the pink. That is the end of frame. I don't

think Peter Ebdon will continue any more. As I say, it has not been

vintage but you know when you get Ronnie and Peter at the table you

will have all kinds of unusual things happening. I think we are in

for a great match. It doesn't matter about that, that is enough

for Peter Ebdon. He has got his equipment together. The first mid-

session interval, could have gone either way but Ronnie will be

pleased. It is so important for Ronnie to play with momentum, but

it could have been different. There were some shots in there from

Ronnie which were superb. One to the top corner in the last frame.

Yes, brilliant cueing, long potting. You would be leaving balls on so

there is more pressure on this. He cued that beautifully, straight in

there and back on the black. deep, give your assessment of this

match. So much talk of it potentially being slow, but it has

been a good watch so far. Yes, very entertaining, quality snooker, and

what more can you ask from a game of snooker than some tactics and