Day 11, Part 3 Snooker: World Championship

mid-session interval all square. That is the case. So building up

nicely. Two apiece. HAZEL IRVINE: Building up nicely but

building up curiously and you would think that Ronnie O'Sullivan must be

delighted to get out of that one 2-2. He looks like out of sorts, he

missed two blacks he wouldn't have expected him to miss. Here is one of

them. Coming across the table. Far jaw, not really close. Very strange,

doesn't look like he is with it at the moment. But Shaun Murphy should

and could have dominated that session, Steve.

He has missed a trick. You use a football analogy when the people is

all over the other one, he has had a tremendous chance, it is one of the

reasons I think Ronnie is a certainty. No-one seems to be able

to take advantage even when he is playing bad. You think it is the

inability to grasp the nettle. Shaun should have been 3-1 up. It is an

opportunity missed. It is not just the blacks he has missed. The fist

black he missed he left Shaun perfect on the red and the blue and

within two shots he lost a cue ball. He was in plum position to make a

break. It seems like, I don't know, that is a moment where the top

players like Steven or Robertson they would be on it like a shot. He

has just failed to do that so far. To be fair, you guys know what it is

like to play the whole duration this World Championship. You won't be

able to produce your best in every single session, is this a case of

that? Is it possible nerves? You should be getting better as the

tournament goes on, we are talking about these are the top players in

the world. The standard has not been great so far in this match. It will

get better because they are too good for it not to. You have to be able

to pounce on mistake, you have to sense when he is vulnerable. He is

playing Ronnie O'Sullivan. He will look and go "I'm going to get

going." You have to make the most of when the chances come up. He should

be 3-1. He will be kicking himself, it is two each. Most of us thought

that clueless might have been a more appropriate time for our interval

quiz but potless it is. The stakes are high. Richard is asking us a

very large question and you can play along too.

Welcome back to Potless, here is the question. We gave our 100 people 147

seconds to name anyone who has had 200 or more career centuries. There

is a pointless answer on this list so very best of luck.

Ooh! Right. OK. They will have forgotten about me. I will go for

me. There are a few in the hundreds. John Parr are the. Steven. Has

Hendry made more? Mark Williams has. As Marco made more? That is a good

shot. Marco. John Higgins. I know he has made 300 but Marco Fu is one, he

comes round without anybody noticing him. Dominic Dale? No, I don't think

that many. Don't think. Maybe I am doing a terrible disservice, sorry

Dominic. Marco. You think he is obscure enough? Has he made more? I

think that is a great shout. We will go with Marco Fu? Sounds great. Let

us hope he has. He has. Let us go for Higgins then. We haven't said

him yet. We will have a crack at John Higgins.

Me? OK, John Parrott. It is hard to believe, I know, but we might...

LAUGHTER. I love you too! I wouldn't have got

that one. What do you think? We know there is

a pointless answer on the list, have they got that. Why don't you tweet

us. I will give all the answers and the scores just before the end of

the interval. Thank you very much. We are going to

get to the battle of the lefties that is going on on the other table.

It is the world number one Neil Robertson against Judd Trump. They

have had nine previous meetings and Judd Trump won a tasty one Hoare

three years ago, when Neil Robertson was coming back to defend his word

title and lost to Trump none round one. That hurt! The Englishman has

the superior record in previous games, he has won five of them

compared to Neil's four but this has the makings of a terrific match up.

What a shot that is! I guess it is nice to be playing these kind of

matches, you want to play the top players and they are playing open

scoring games, you can enjoy the matches and the challenge.

Nicely played. Throughout the week I can't fault my performance at all.

Get in, superb. Neil Robertson is one more century near to that record

century of centuries. I think it will happen naturally. I

am on 99 and I have the best out of 25 to play. There will be plenty of

opportunities to make a sent. I am more than happy with how I am

playing. He has won a lot of tournament, a lot of game, he is

playing really good snooker so he will start off big favourite. Neil

is negative so I pecks egt him to go out and be negative and try and

control the game. I am going the try and control my own game and not get

frustrated. I know that I can match him with tactics. I truly believe in

myself that I can win this tournament. Look at this. And don't

the crowd love it. If I play like I know I can I will be a match for

anyone. So in we go. Robertson's opening contribution of 45 game him

the first frame. We will join them in frame two. Robertson 17 points

ahead and it is Terry Griffiths and Willie Thorne watching this for us:

He didn't hit it very well. This is Judd Trump's first opportunity in

this match, really. That was really well played. Had to

get the back since on that perfectly otherwise he would have been out of

position. -- back spin.

You see the line he was coming on, if he was short he would be near the

cushion, if he is too far he wouldn't have been able to pot the

pink. He has found the gap between pink

and red. He is not going to clear up here but

he will be glad of the table time. He potted just a few balls before

this visit. He spent quite a bit of time in his chair.

Judd's all round game has certainly improved. He works very hard. Still

in the learning process, as I said earlier. Aren't we all?

Yes, there is never a day goes by at snooker where you can't learn some

sort of new shot. A certain pace to play different shots.

Judd Trump tends to like to stun everything into pockets. Very rarely

do you see him play a slow roll, especially in the middle pockets, he

likes to stun them in. Just the way he has been brought up.

19 points in front. Somebody is going to have to get three more reds

and colours from here, after this pink, as you can see with the

position of the last four reds, that won't be easy.

No problem with the red but getting out into open play nicely on the

pinlike be slightly tougher. That has worked out to be perfect.

What a good shot that is. Very good. Another look at the score board

there. Two reds, two colours and it will level at one all.

That certainly finished the frame off. Good positive stuff from Judd

Trump. This is a clear-cut opportunity in the match.

Barring snookers it will be one frame each. HAZEL IRVINE: And that

is the chunkiest break of the match so far. No sign of the century to

date. Into frame three we go and Robertson behind by 31 this time.

Excellent single ball pot from Judd. As you can see there is only the red

on the pink spot available. We will get an example of whether the cue

ball is heavy. Trying to screw past the face of blue to get on to that

loose red on the pink spot. He got into that one. That tells me

there is nothing wrong with the white.

You can see the immediate back spin there, once the cue ball has stopped

its forward motion it spun back very quickly. The black back on its spot

now. You don't want to be straight on

this. You would play a canon if you get it, you are on the second of two

reds on the cushion. Not sure if he has enough angle to play that shot

now. Couple more inches needed but he can

still get round the back of the black.

Could have held for the black but decided to go for the blue. No

problem with that. Can only presume having another look

at the screen that the black doesn't pot in the left-hand side corner,

that is why he has played for the blue. You can see clearly not, from

our commentary position it looks like it may.

That is a clever shot. He had to push that red out of the way. If he

played it slowly the red wouldn't have moved out of the way and he

probably would have snookered himself. Looks at the score board.

He is 58 in front. He only needs one more red.

He needs the cue ball to be back where it is, but he is playing for

the red. This is frame ball. Obviously would like to pot at least

one more red, to stop Neil Robertson come back to the table. He will

carry on if he only needs a couple of snookers.

I can't believe he good he hits that particular shot. He played one the

other day and rammed it in. The pace he has generated, not far off

straight. Amazing, looking for a canon.

That puts the frame beyond reasonable doubt.

Request If he manages to pot this black and kiss the two reds into

play, I will give up. That is why he has taken an

exhibition shot on the brown to bring the two reds into play.

Effort. Effort. So no fireworks from these players

yet. Neil Robertson made 45 in the first frame and Judd Trump replies

and takes a 2-1 lead. HAZEL IRVINE: And no fireworks to speak of in the

last before the interval. Judd Trump won't be complaining, because

despite the lack of fireworks he has gone 3-1 in front. This is a

significant lead. It was Mark Allen who after his defeat by Neil

Robertson said it was the best everyone had played against him at

any time. It is difficult to replicate that form, Judd Trump

looking very cool and comfortable. Neil Robertson with some work to do.

3-1 at their interval. OK, you have had time to mull over your answers,

in today's Potless quiz and maybe check Wikipedia. I know you don't

you that! Here is the answer from Richard.

Welcome back to Potless. Three of our teams went for Marco Fu, Hazel

and Jason went for John Higgins and John Parrott nominated himself. Let

us look at the scores. John, 16 points for you. Beats Hazel and

Jason's answer. That would have scored you 49. The best answer among

our legends was Marco Fu with five points. How have you been doing at

home? Five points also for Matt Stevens, but three points for Steven

Maguire and Antony Hamilton three points. Two Stuart Bingham and Judd

Trump. One point for Mark Allen and there is a pointless answer. Give

yourself a pat on the back if you said Ryan Day.

Didn't get Ryan. Should have gone with Antony Hamilton. Never wins

Pointless. St Andrew's is not a city still. You are never going to let me

forget that! We had four pointless answers.

You are ahead, you are beating us hands down, well done guys, we are

going back in to live play now. Intriguing quarter-finals, the first

sessions developing here at the Crucible. In what was promised,

fireworks this afternoon but they haven't really taken off yet. It is

all very nip and tuck. Two all and it is Steve and John in the box.

Yes, thank you Hazel. Not the best break off shot from Ronnie but he is

saved by the brown. Match time just over one hour 21

minutes. Shaun Murphy had a flying start winning with the first frame

with a century break but they have both made mistakes since. There is

the high breaking Ronnie, as low as 37.

That is not the best safety from Shaun. He has underhit it, and

Ronnie has a path past the yellow to this red. Could play it into the

right middle. Should be able to control the cue

ball. Nicely played.

And the cue ball just pulled up in time and we know Ronnie. First

opportunity will try and go into the cluster. That does surprise me,

playing for the loose red. Felt certain there he would... And

that flick on the blue, although it will make it awkward cueing helped a

bit. I feel if it had run past it, he might not have been on the red.

Inspirational, you said -- inspirational use of the rest. It is

wobbling. It is not ideal this. Very nicely played.

Clever shot. Don't try that at home. You have to jam the cue under your

finger, jam the rest under your fingers.

He could have gone into the pack from the blue. It was a fraction

closer to the cushion than he wanted. But maybe he whereas

realised as we have been suggesting he has not settled yet and given

himself a chance, if you have great ability don't abuse it sometimes,

just give it a chance to come, rather than force it. We have

noticed Ronnie O'Sullivan not going into the pack as much as he may, he

used to have done, and could only assume it was a fraction closer to

the cushion than he wanted, to guarantee to get the perfect split.

Good line. Excellent length. Not as straightforward return back

to baulk, this isn't. To catch the red just right if he is trying to

get back to the baulk end, looks like he is playing a containing

safety. Where is the cue ball going? Ooh!

Well, if that had gone in, Ronnie from the D would have had an easy

start. It was on the brink. Ronnie can't get to the red in the

other half of the table because of the jaw of the pocket, so having to

come thin, he will have to be careful he doesn't go in-off: He

didn't risk it. So no real advantage gained there. It was awkward. Cueing

in the jaws of the pocket he was. It hasn't been fireworks but it has

been fascinating. Shaun Murphy has the ideal start if he is going to

beat Ronnie O'Sullivan. He needs to keep him under wraps. Did that

successfully, but towards the end of the session, the mini session, he

let him who off the hook. -- he let him off the hook. Very

aggressive opening red and he has missed it. Element of safety.

Jtsds does this red go through the gap? Would you believe it, he can

get through the gap. May have to use a little trace of right-hand side

but wouldn't expect Ronnie to miss this.

You have to say he is a bit unfortunate to leave that gap, but

that's snooker. He is in danger of letting a very big fish off the

hook. This afternoon. He has very sharp teeth this fish!

He got the canon, but this red just about on to the left middle. He will

play a bit of pace, so he needs to be accurate. And he was!

That has not worked out too good. He has a red this end, and he wanted

to, well, the ark, if he had hit the red he skimmed off, it would have

opened practically all the reds, he has this one to the left corner, I

don't think it is straightforward to drop it not behind the black. He may

have to do a bit with the cue ball. Found the gap. Settle for any

colour, including the yellow. Straight on the blue, shouldn't

cause him a problem. Ooh. He stole the pocket there.

The pack of reds, not ideal for going into from one of the high

value colour, certainly not the blue any way.

The black is not so bad. Quickly Ronnie O'Sullivan sees that he needs

to get on the black and have a chance to perhaps open the pack up.

It is not ideal either. So back down the table. Of course he can go in

off the baulk colour, perhaps off the green. And come into the side of

the cluster. It is funny when he played that

black, most people think, well in practise you put a tracer right hand

side, you come off the top cushion and you can canon in the cluster but

you don't want to be playing with side on these superfine cloths

unless you have to. That is why he choose the option to play down for

the reds in the other half of the table.

So this next shot could be key. Can go into the pack off the blue,

but no hard. So he is up for the black again, to get the right angle.

Doesn't want to be straight. He has a big bounce off the cushion

and it is straight enough I would imagine it has caused him big

problems. Just having a look to see if there

is a red available to the right middle.

That helps if it does go, he is a bit short of pace. Does that middle

one go. Must do. No, it didn't, as you say it was short of pace. To be

fair it went into the reds a couple of time, and it didn't come out as

he would have liked. So it was a scrambling 42. Think he could have

possibly used the green. Rather than risked that last red.

And missing the position of black, but, not that a question -- not.

Shaun is giving this plenty of thought. It looks a natural thin off

this red, on the right-hand side of the table, played across double,

but... Is there a plant on there? It looks like there could be a plant to

the right corner. That's OK. In fact that is very good. It is a good

shot. He judged that to perfection. An

excellent shot. A lot more difficult than it looks, believe me.

This red in the chants. -- is a chance. A fantastic shot to nothing

bearer. He has got the snooker on the black with the green. You cannot

really argue. Just trickling up, I thought he was considering a swerve,

but that is a decent enough snooker. He is not guaranteed to get this

safe. It lists will cluster of four in the middle would be his target.

-- this little cluster of four. Unlucky for Ronnie not to be on the

black, of course. Excellent pot. Very much advantage Ronnie in this

frame. Shaun has got to get to that black cluster again, John? He cannot

come off the left cushion, because he would leave a red to the middle

full ball. The pink isn't the way of the shot that I would be thinking

coming off three cushions, but he is trying it.

A good shot! Playing for the loose red, then you get into that cluster

of four. The problem is, if he plays for the blue, the pink is a bit of a

blocker, but he only needs the red now to go 68 points ahead with 59

remaining. This frame is well and truly in the

bag. I do feel that with the rest of this

session, Ronnie well play a lot stronger. -- with a. -- will say.

I'm not saying that Shaun will not be careful, but he needs to regroup

here. He knows the momentum and initiative is now with the Ronnie

O'Sullivan in this match and in this session, he doesn't want to change

his game completely. He knows full well that his opponent, once he gets

going, he is a flying machine. Well, that was without doubt,

Ronnie's best frame of this match so far, and the first chance he had of

making that 42, and he now leads 3-T. -- 3-2. It is interesting,

snooker, you can never drop your guard for a second. Shaun played in

the belief that if it didn't go in, the red he could use was the one he

was playing. Yes, it was aggressive, he could not see a

better safety shot. He decided to go for it full-blooded Lee, but that

gap that he left, he probably wished he had plays that a different way.

-- go for it full-blooded. You could not leave a gap like that. But I

suppose it was a risky venture and think that he was going to leave

that gap. Yes. He led 2-0, Shaun, and has lost the last three frames,

and that last frame was Ronnie O'Sullivan at his best.

He refused the long red because he thought it was dangerous and decided

to play the safety. He has missed it. Has he got away

with it? The run of the ball that time,

favouring Shaun. Looks like another one he is taking

on. More controlled. Beautiful shot. I think he can just see enough

of the cue ball to make this black easy.

So, this is a decent chance at the start of this frame.

I suppose you could argue, if fractionally loose safety shot from

Ronnie O'Sullivan. You cant take your eye off the ball

for a second. A chance to do some damage to the

pack with that loose red as an insurance policy.

Wonderful cueing. Could not played it better. Not as much pace as he

could have, but he was concerned that the cue ball would get buried

in the cluster and not on the red. Could play the same shot again. A

repeat performance. A funny contact, but finished nicely

on the red. Ideally placed to have a frame-winning break. Playing for the

pink perhaps in the middle pocket. You would have to think is going to

get over the line here. I know it is early in the break, but...

He is still striking the ball nicely, a good pace around the

table. Well, amazing. At this level, if you

miss a black off the spot... It can cost you a frame in the blink of a

knife. -- the blink of an eye. This was Shaun Murphy's Achilles'

heel in his last match against Marco Fu. He just did not clinch the win

that he should have done. He got away with it with Marco Fu, I say,

get away with it, he won the match and he played well. But he cannot

afford to be making those mistakes against Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Considering Shaun Murphy was on the brink of 3-0 up on this match, but

for a brilliant snooker from Ronnie O'Sullivan, the tables have

completely turned. It is now Ronnie O'Sullivan with chants to force the

initiative. -- with the opportunity to force the initiative. It is not

guaranteed with that red undertook cushion on the black not on the

spot, it is moral rhythmical. -- with that red on the top cushion and

the black not on the spot. Just four points behind now.

He will not need the black, of course, if he can get these

remaining reds with colours. And a few of the other colours. But as

Steve suggested, the hurdle, and it was quite a big one, there is that

red close to the top cushion, because with the black not being on

its spot, he will have to play with a little bit of pace and we know

that playing them with pace, they are very miscible. -- missable.

He under scrutiny that shot, so now he will have to make it to that last

red. -- underscrewed. Yes, sometimes you get the extension and you do not

get the same feel of the cue, so this is the key shot. Four.

It is all about this red. 15 ahead now. But this is tough. The more

pace that you play it, the more chance of missing it. Well, he could

have played a shaft with less pace for the pink in the middle. --

played a shot. He wanted to guarantee position.

Shaun trying to figure out if he can win this frame. And he can.

Ten points behind, too including the pink for the frame. -- up to and

including. He has come too far with this, he

needs to use the rest. A great pot. He has twisted and

turned this frame. He has not been totally in control

of the cue ball in this break, but he has shown great character.

Well, he was quickly. It was like he got a heavy and thick contact and I

think he thought for a moment that he had missed the blue. Funnily

enough, if you look at that against super slow, the cue ball was

bouncing before it got to the blue. All he needs is the pink, but he

wanted something easier than this. See the cue ball. Just left it at

the head of the table. The pink for the frame. That has cost him that

chance. When he gets another? -- when he gets?

It is over the middle. This is unlikely to bring the black into

play. Surely, Ronnie only needs to pot the pink and then the black and

the frame is at his mercy. Four. Another frame that Ronnie has

stolen, really Axel Ronnie, from being 2-0 behind, he is for-2 in

front! -- 4-2 in front. What a present to Ronnie! He only

needed the pink, why is the hitting at that speed? He came around and

caught the black, everything else could have gone wrong, no need to go

that hired. Such a surprisingly match. Yes, I expect him to kick

on, he is missing blacks from the spot. Shaun had another golden

chance. It is a great feeling. I have had that before, it is a great

feeling when you know that someday cannot beat you and Ronnie has that

with most players. This is a marathon, Shaun had a late one last

night, Ronnie had some time to rest, you would have thought this has a

bearing on this match. I wouldn't have thought so, it is the

quarterfinals. Shaun has just taken his foot off the pedal,

unfortunately you cannot do that. Now Ronnie is in front. How do you

explain it? I just think the players are not play their natural game.

They are scared of him basically. Is he that inhibiting, physically, when

you are in the same arena, and you are going to to toe. The top player

always is in any sport. Still holding the two frame advantage.

When we look back at the match, how important was that snooker from

Ronnie O'Sullivan on the brown in frame three?

Red at the back of the pack. Lovely screw back. Perhaps a fraction too

far. There will be read is going everywhere here. -- there will be

reds going everywhere. The wheels have fallen off for Shaun

in this session. At some stage, John, you would

expect Ronnie to hit full gear. Yes, like all great champions, if you see

a sign of weakness from your opponent, it does spur you on. And

Ronnie Wilson is that, particularly with Shaun, having the last frame

and not taking it. -- and Ronnie will sense that. No need to disturb

much here, just a soft little cannon. Nobody plays this type of

game better than Ronnie. Just little stunned and screws. -- stuns.

He wants to be on this red so he can play for the black.

Who do not usually go in when they catch that near draw. -- jaw. As a

result, he missed his intended cannon.

He needs one good positional charge to get him on the red. Macro

positional shot. Full. Mentally, this will be very damaging

for Shaun Murphy. He has got one frame left, his opponent has started

to hit his form, he needs to somehow try to win it. I think I would

advise a quick trip outside to regroup.

There have been one or two little scares, a couple of blacks that he

There have been one or two little played very used all of the pocket.

But they went in. Just missed that cannon. Can he get

this in? Plenty of left-hand side, get on the black. That was a pity.

No century, but that mistake from Shaun Murphy playing the power red,

trying to open them up, he missed the pot and opened them up for

Ronnie and now he has fallen three frames behind. He is a bit careless.

He has lost the cue ball a couple of time, he has taken the adventurous

shot and missed it. It is not so much that, I wouldn't blame him for

that one. Occasionally, when he has had good Chancellors the cue ball

had gone a bit. Ronnie will be delighted with 5-2. It should never

have been 4-2 ahead. He has been below par. Shaun hasn't got on top.

The observation has been Shaun has hit the ball too hard, is that as a

result of pressure, adrenaline when you are out there? In his positional

play generally, if he gets out of position is overhiting the ball. He

hits the ball so well, if he is not concentrating he is going to overhit

a lot of shots. So many times we see him play fantastic to get in but

then he has lost position two or three shots later. Ronnie probably

can't believe his luck. He has been pretty much gifted a lead. As you

say every time that Shaun has got in, within two to three balls he has

lost the white ball. It is out of position. He is putting him straight

back in without having to do any work. That the most fluent Ronnie

has looked. For him, it has been a bit of a struggle. This is a worry

for Shaun Murphy. He cannot afford to let Ronnie O'Sullivan go out into

the distance. If he goes 6-2 he has put himself under for the rest of

the match. Of course with only one frame to

play now, in this first session, Ronnie can't be behind, but will it

be two frames advantage or four? Ronnie turning down the red. And I

think on another day he might have gone for that, but he may sense that

he wants to leave Shaun Murphy the chance to effectively do the damage

for him. Even though Shaun is not in the best frame of mind. Is Shaun

going to be going for all out attack? Don't say he can do it with

this one but... Well, not too sure what the lads are

going to say about ta in the studio! That is a very low value shot to go

for. Perhaps he could have got back down

the table. But he is gifting Ronnie O'Sullivan chances.

He just about got the angle on this red and he can stun down for the

black, that is the intention. Didn't have the best agile. That is

why he is short on this black. . Can use the red to the right of the

black, to haul the cue ball. That is what happens at this game,

all of a sudden, and Ronnie really beginning to gather pace now, as you

can see, 15 seconds a shot he is at now.

Now he is 90% and remember earlier on in the match? Shaun Murphy was at

97%. How things have turned round, I,

like you, Steve, when I look at this session, I will remember that third

frame. When Shaun Murphy was strolling

round the table, without seemingly a care in the world. Looked certain to

go 3-0 in front. An unbelievable snooker from Ronnie. It really was

on the brown. And it's just changed round

completely. They say some frames can turn round

matches. That third frame certainly turned round this session.

And possibly at the end of the day, the match. It is too early to say

that. But if Ronnie can make the most of

this opportunity, and win this first session six frames to two, Shaun

Murphy, you feel then, has got to win the next two sessions. Otherwise

he will just be too far behind. Just over two hours.

The average frame time just over 16-and-a-half minutes.

So, 62 ahead. 83 remaining. Two reds, two colours is what is

needed. I think there maybe, he obviously

has this one and there is another red on the other side of the cluster

available. So he didn't have to disturb

anything. Might just have enough points to

play with. To steal the highest break of the tournament here.

He needs a 141. Neil Robertson holds the high break.

140. That's it. Snookers required.

There you see it, 74 ahead. 67 remaining. What a turn round.

But still a beautiful break. This should open things up very nicely.

It should well be on the black now. Judged the kiss off the second red

to perfection. And very risky red that Shaun Murphy

decided to take on and Ronnie's nestled on the red, so can he pot

it? Without pushing it? A bit too much side on the cue ball.

He needs to drift past the pink. Just about OK.

Shaun Murphy let Ronnie in for this chance when he played a very

adventurous pot, and that's the problem. You do that against a

player like Ronnie O'Sullivan, when he is starting to gain momentum,

then you are asking for trouble. Highest break so far in the

tournament is 124. If he clears up here it will be 136.

Credit Ronnie, he has not played that well but he has dug in, hasn't

he? Has to be said that Ronnie O'Sullivan is such a fantastic

character himself in this match. From a bad start he has turn it

round, you can do no more than that. In goes the black for a tremendous

clearance, they will shake hands, so the first session well and truly in

Ronnie O'Sullivan's control. Shaun Murphy, he will be kicking himself.

How is it 6-2? I don't know. But that is what the score line says.

HAZEL IRVINE: It sure does, that is Ronnie's sixth century of the

tournament so far. How is it 6-2? I don't know how it was 4-2. The last

two frames he was class, that is what he does, he should have within

for Shaun Murphy's point of view he shouldn't have been 4-2 ahead. He

smelled blood. That is difference between the two. The ones who can

win, as soon as that opportunity showed itself he was on to it. Two

significant breaks, 6-2 lead. The match is over as far as I'm concern.

You have to win the first session to have any chance. Joe Perry stayed in

front of him, had a great chance, this match is over. You offer no

hope to Shaun Murphy? None at all? I don't know. He doesn't seem to be,

you know he has missed a chance, Ronnie won't play that bad again for

the rest of the match. Do you agree? He is not absolutely out of it. I

might not be as blunt has the but he is probably right. That is where you

paid your money guys. Punditry. Let us see what is happening on the

other side of the arena, this was billed as high scoring affair and

there wasn't much of that until we came to the fifth frame. Because as

you saw, it was forum Trump with a 3-1 advantage e here he is after

best of 72 in his fist match and 78 in his sec. Hadn't made a century,

here he is on the way to one right now. One of the big concerns in this

match for Judd Trump fans, he has nod been in big break building form.

He has only made seven 50 plus breaks. To this point, Neil

Robertson top knock 45, he really is just not at the races now, a top

break of 107 for Judd Trump. That took him four frames to one ahead.

He has just gone 5-1 in front as well. So, this one is looking very

dodgy for Neil Robertson and this is a rather surprising state of

affairs. Absolutely, but the only thing I will say sometimes it is

after a Lord Mayor's Show, what we saw from Robertson was a peak

performance, as good as he could play. Sometimes coming back the next

day you are nowhere near as good. Judd Trump is getting gradually

better as this tournament goes on. He has come under the radar a bit,

he has not had the best of seasons but he looks as if he is coming into

his game at the perfect time of the season. If the timing is correct, he

is certain will giving it his best at the Crucible quarter-final. It is

Terry Griffiths and Willie Thorne live in the commentary box. Good

afternoon gents. He has mishit another one.

Things not going right for Neil Robertson at the moment.

Got the jaws of the pocket, one mistake after another. He is four

frames behind. He needs to win the last two,

really. One of them would be helpful but two would do. He would be

pleased with it at this stage, because Trump is all over him.

He doesn't have to play into the pack this time. Perfect pace.

Well, he is hampered but the black will pot. Unfortunately, now he is

cueing over a ball, the white will be going very close to the side

cushion. He will be hampered again.

Now this is tricky this black. Unlucky, to have finished hampered

twice, but these are key moments in my sort of match, you have a chance

to kick off. Two more frames of this session, if

he can win at least one of them, it is a tough ask for Neil Robertson to

come back. On the other hand if Neil wins them both he will have been

delighted to get out of this session 5-3.

You wouldn't be surprised if Neil Robertson won the next of frames, he

is a great match player, he has played tremendous snooker here so

far in this year's World Championships. Robbie Williams 10-2

in the first round, and Mark Allen 13-7 in the second round, with some

excellent snooker. Top quality. It hasn't been his day here so far.

A little bit of both. Some of his poor play today, but also Judd

Trump's played very well, especially in the last two games. Breaks of 107

and 60. Probably leave this black so he can play half-ball into the

bunch, but it is lookings a if the red at the back will pot. Neil

Robertson not one of those players that goes into them as early as

possible, like most of the players do now.

Usually a very aggressive break builder. Can't get the amount of

sents he has got without going into the pack early.

That hasn't worked. He will be very disappointed with that.

Just needed he was trying to ah accuseround the red. The why skids

through before it ah s. Can't imagine he meant to hit that

there. -- arcs. If he played it with stun I could understand it.

It looks like end of break, he will be disappointed to be only 20 in

front. A little awkward here for Judd

Trump. I wouldn't be playing that shot. He

is going to find the gap between the two reds on the left cushion. Now he

is looking at... Well a plant that is nowhere near.

He is playing the safety of this, and he took the plant on.

Unless he just misjudged the throw off the white off the red.

There was no value in that shot. He played to get the white back in

baulk, that is how badly he hit it. Trump, he has been safety first,

that is the first loose shot he has played in the whole match.

Think he played the safety but he got it too thick.

Looks as if he may only cost him one point, if the pink doesn't go.

That was unfortunate there for Neil Robertson.

As it turns out, that red down the bottom of the table is no

straightforward safety op either. They although he has a wonderful

temperament, but he has been tested here. Slipping a few errors in, the

ball is not quite running for him. Pretty good.

Yes, was able to play that because the red up in baulk stopping Judd at

that end of the table. The fact he is so close to the cushion, he can't

get back to this cushion. Could do off the red on the left-hand side,

maybe able to dig down and get the cue ball back where it is now, off

the left-hand side cushion. That is what he is looking at. If he

gets this right under the cushion, it will be Neil Robertson who hardly

has a shot he the play. He has got near that cushion. A good shot.

He will try and get back on this cushion.

His caught it thicker than he intended. That is where he is not

tight on the cushion. So he has given Judd Trump the opportunity mow

to play a safety and be tight on this cushion.

That is nicely played and the red are starting to drift down the

table. There is four there now, behind the

baulk line. He has coffered the red into the left centre, that is the

nearest to the pocket. There is one into the right centre but none of

them are shots they would normally take on at this stage.

If you look down the table, the red next to the yellow, he could just

play that, knock it back up the table and leave the cue ball on the

baulk cushion, the red doesn't go into the corner because the green is

there. If he plays that he would like to cover that red with a brown,

otherwise it would be easy to play the red and snooker him in behind

the green. He needs the position where it is snookered.

Judd might be tempted at one of these.

Cue ball has come off the cushion. He is looking for a safety shot. I

think he can see the red, straight into the bottom corner, but that is

high risk. There you see it. Even by Judd's

standards that would be high risk, and he would go for most things.

. That was just as risky as the pot you were thinking of. It is an easy

opportunity now for Neil to lay the snooker.

He is looking at that shot, it maybe difficult from there. Have to cut it

very thin, for the red. But what are the choices there? The balls are

pretty much all in, in open play, apart from that red by the green.

They must be able to hit the red thin, even if he doesn't get the

snooker, it is going to be a containing safety shot?

I suppose he is worried if the white is not tight on the cushion it would

be easy for Judd to get in behind the green himself. Maybe that is

what is stopping him taking the shot on.

What about, Terry, playing the red into the green half-ball, at pace,

sending the red up this table and leaving the white down that Southend

Yes, that is an option, possibly if he had the angle of screw behind the

brown as well. But he is taking a bit of time. We are ensure from here

what angle he has got on the red. He is looking at that. He is hoping he

doesn't plant it off the green. Yes, he is going to play the one we

suggested here. So he will be playing it at pace, but the red

comes back the baulk line, hopefully past the middle pocket. He won't

know where the green is going to end up.

Not too bad, is it, that? There is a possibility that Judd could roll off

the two cushions on to that red circled there.

That is the easiest way out, get out of trouble and wait for a better

opportunity, possibly. Just wonder who is going to be

tempted first. You know Neil would be reluctant to take it on, very

virtually got to win this frame if he can, it would be a bit too risky.

Unless he can guarantee of getting the gap between the blue and those

reds, then he might take it on, but if he hits this thick he will kiss

one of the reds up the table. You just feel at moment, any

mistakes here and the other player is going to go on the win the frame,

the way the balls are set. He is having a look at it.

Pretty brave. What a great shot. He still has to

play the shot and get it in. Played it fraction harder it would

have thrown the white to the left, that is why he played it at that

pace. That was the shot of the match so far and he is 5-1 behind.

What a time to pull that out! He is on the red at the middle, but

not as he I would have liked. He would like to be straight on it.

There is a chance here in the centre pocket, if he can get his cue here.

The brown, he was perfect on the brown to make sure this red was

easier than that. Now, this will hurt. She 26 points behind. A chance

of pinching a frame that will really really hurt Neil Robertson.

That wasn't his best. Every shot at this moment seems so

important. You can see he is not pleased with the position he has

left himself on black. He has the wrong angle to come up for the reds

at this end of the table. If he plays to get on to red in the

middle, he needs to make sure he gets past the brown. He is playing

to the one next the pink, off two cushion, he is still playing for the

one next to the pink. -- cushions.

An easier pot on the red to the left, but he wanted to bring the

pink into play. He is looking very confident today.

This is -- he started a little shaky but since the first frame he has

been pretty dominant in this match. Once again bringing in another red,

into play, off a pot in the red. Full of confidence.

He won't be playing to the red behind, he will be playing for the

red in open play. He will leave that to last.

Back Tim Yeo's shot when he was perfect on the brown, he still

should have potted that. -- back to Neil Robertson's shot.

Needs to play perfect position. Anything but straight.

You cannot slam them all in. With those kind of shots, when you hit

them that hard, you can bend the red up before it reaches the pocket. It

helps the ball into the pocket. Once again, Neil has not been given

the opportunity. He is struggling out there. It is

easy to be critical of these players, but when you are

struggling, you can play some very poor shots. We have said this many,

many times about Judd Trump, he is the first to stun them in, a lot of

players will run them in, but he always wants to stun them in. Temp

-- Neil is watching on, if he goes straight on this red, it is perfect.

Well played. It is almost like Neil has hit a

brick wall at the moment. I am not quite sure if he's feeling slightly

unwell, because he was coughing earlier on, he was wiping his

forehead, he looks as if he may have more than a heavy cold. When you're

struggling out there, any thing can affect you out there. He looks pale

at the best of times, Neil, he has got that kind of complexion any way,

but he could be out of sorts. One good pot and a good positional

shot here, and things could look better.

He got the red, needs a good case. It could have been better. No real

control of that cue ball. He had to play with outside. The blue is

available. He could, quite rightly, go for something easier.

He may play this dead weight in case he misses it, because the ball could

stop on the pocket. That is what he did, and he did it pretty well. He

needs to hold it all together, and this is a massive, massive frame for

Neil Robertson. Five behind or three behind. Well done.

He needs the black, otherwise, Judd Trump will be able to tie.

He has been given a second chance by Judd Trump, having missed that red

in the middle. Usually, 33 breaks don't make a lot, but in this

context, it is a massive break. The time he took on the black shows how

much that meant. He has closed the gap, he still trails 5-2.

We're all scratching our heads, what is the problem? E is clearly

struggling today. Difference state, different opponent, he had a big

performance yesterday where you could not say any better, it was

flawless, but you have to go back to work the next day, and sometimes it

is a downer after having done something so well the day before.

You want to play somebody the day after, because it is difficult to

recreate that. You talk about spilling blood on the table, you

feel the same way from Judd Trump's perspective, this is so important,

this final frame for him. He will realise that Neil is not at his best

and he can try to get a lead. You will always have bad sessions, but

it is about limiting the damage. It is a particularly bad session, it

has been six centuries, 1350 plus breaks, and there must be something

fundamentally wrong, Terry Griffiths thought that he is perhaps not

letting his best, he has been coughing, these things might all

contribute. Yes, but let us not take anything from Judd Trump, he is a

very talented lad and he has been gradually improving as the

tournament has gone on, so he is obviously put a gun pressure, and

sometimes, the play can be unorthodox. It is not always an

orthodox game. We expected a really open, attacking game, Stephen. Yes,

I think that is why it is another reason he would love to have got his

century out of the way yesterday, there was so much publicity in the

newspapers. He really wants to concentrate on this match. A massive

frame coming up. If he can get out of this 5-3, you will be delighted.

Yes, here we go. Here we go. Thank you, Hazel. Caught that one a

little thin. This is a Neil Robertson special.

Normally very good at these shots and coming back for a blue or baulk

colour. He is coughing again. I do not think

he is right. But a tremendous shot. A little 33 break to pinch the frame

at that last visit is giving him his confidence back. He will be doing

cartwheels if he gets out of this session 5-3.

This a few things happening out there that you don't expect and I'm

sure Neil Robertson is not expecting them either.

The cue ball is far enough off the cushion to put some sort of stun and

deviate the cue ball for the next red.

We don't really know if Neil Robertson is not feeling well here,

but the truth of it is, with this championship now, you play every

day, so you do not really have any chance to recover.

If he gets nicely on the black, you expect him to score heavily.

Judd Trump sees the shot very early, he is down there and he is very

quick. He must be very difficult to play when he is at his best. He can

be very destructive. He can pot from anywhere. We have just seen some

flashing of his billions. There has been no consistency in his game this

season. We know what a talent he is, but to do it at the biggest

stage, that is what everyone strives for, to do it here at Sheffield.

Maybe he is saving his best for these next two weeks, well, this

next week that his remaining. -- that he has remaining.

The kick is not too bad, but just taking the cue ball out of position.

Can just about hold for these reds at dead weight of the back. Another

contribution of above 50. His fourth of the afternoon session as follows

breaks of 46 and 37 as well. Mort reds and colours to be

absolutely certain. -- two more reds.

This red, goes writing off the far jaw.

Did not risk going into them. He played it to the inch, this is inch

perfect. That is the important red. Part the

black as well. -- pot the black. That would be the end of the

session. He likes to entertain, Judd Trump. Checking the score, he is 65

in front with just 51 left. Neil Robertson, obviously resigned

to the fact he will be 6-2 behind. He has got it to do now. He has two

win the next session to get back into the match. He needs to win the

next session. It is really nice to see Judd Trump playing the way that

we know that he can. Here's certainly been the most impressive

of the two today. I am sure we all thought at the

start of this match it would be a cracker and would go all the way,

and it could still do, but nobody expected a 6-2 result for either

player. If you exhibition shots here and now

after reaching the century. Those in the front row had better watch out!

Not quite, but it has been a wonderful potting and break-building

exercise served from Judd Trump and he leads overnight by 6-2.

We were lauding the break-building abilities of Neil Robertson this

time yesterday, but it is Judd Trump getting all of the plaudits this

afternoon. And the right score line, we have been keeping an eye on

that, and 6-2 is a good reflection of what has been going on. A great

final frame. Neil Robertson needed to win it to keep in touching

distance, but he has pressed on. You have written off Shaun Murphy

against Ronnie O'Sullivan, how do you assess Neil Robertson and Judd

Trump? Sometimes you have bad sessions, this match is not over by

any stretch. Ian Robertson is capable of winning that session

tomorrow, but Judd Trump is very impressive. He has got all of the

talent and that additional play, that break that sometimes lets him

down, that was a great performance. The other quarterfinals, Mark Selby,

4-3 up on Alan McManus, they play nine frames this evening. If you

look at the draw, Barry Hawkins, he is 6-2 up on Dominic Dale, that is

three scoreline is after the opening sessions. Who has looked the most

impressive? I would have to say Judd Trump, Ronnie O'Sullivan, superb.

Judd Trump has been very good. And you will be commentating on Barry

Hawkins on Dominic Dale, how do you view that one? Very close to

O'Sullivan and Murphy, Dale will struggle to beat Barry. Ding Junhui

going out, you would have fancied Ding Junhui to beat Dale in the

second round, but I fancy Barry Hawkins, he would like to get back

to that one-table situation that he had last year. Thank you. It

fascinating afternoon. Jason Mohammad is back in the chair at 7pm

at the second sessions this evening, but for now, from everyone in

Sheffield, goodbye for now. Ted, I... I'm not interested in

coming to see Lady Gaga, sir. Part of the Big Bumper Comedy

50th Birthday Weekend.