Sunday, Final, Afternoon Snooker: World Championship

Good afternoon. Since 1977, snooker's old masters abilities new

have created moments of supporting artistry in this very theatre.

Captured beautifully by Sheffield painter Brian Smith, but who will be

the subject of his next work over the next couple of days? 2,345

frames have already been played in this year's betFred World

Championship, from the qualifying round until the end of the

semifinals. 35 more over the next two days will tell us who will be

champion in 2016. Will it once again be the Englishman, Mark Selby, or

will China's Ding Junhui finally win it at last?

COMMENTATOR: This is fabulous stuff from Ding Junhui. Tonne up again.

COMMENTATOR: Tremendous pot. Well, you can't hit a ball much better

than that. You can't strike a ball better than

that. He looks full of confidence now.

He's played it absolutely perfect. Great shot. The match nous, if you

like, of Mark Selby, came to the fore.

We maybe have a new favourite for the tournament, and he is definitely

a major contender. Excellent stuff from Mark Selby. He

is the world number one and he is showing how good he is.

A record-breaking seven centuries from the Chinese sensation and he

gets himself into his first ever final.

What a player and what a competitor Mark Selby is. He has got himself

into his second final in three years.

Ultimately it is not about how you get to the final, it is as long as

you do but looking at the form guide of the two players to get here, you

have to say Ding Junhui has been in better scoring mode. Without a

doubt, the form player and of the four semifinalists he played the

most impressive snooker, although Mark Selby was brilliant in the last

session last night. He has cracked the code of how to be a top class

match I player a long time ago and you know you are up for a top match.

He has been able to come to this tournament winning ugly before, not

playing well but he has that mentality, he doesn't want to lose,

you don't get it number one without having that. He has been in three

times. This is the first one for Ding. I know Ding has experience

winning the UK and the Masters. But this is different. It is a different

occasion. I remember my first time in the final. You have to enjoy T

Ding will come out. He will be thrilled with atmosphere. He needs

to keep Mark Selby on the table. If he gets to the table, he will clear

up every time. -- Mark Selby needs to keep him off

the table. Here are the views of the players. Everybody wants to win. It

was a really bad feeling the year I lost. This time I did it, I played

simple snooker and went for the shots. Didn't think a lot and tried

to play quick. I wasn't performing well. I had to dig deep and try to

find something from within. The last session was probably the most

relaxed I felt. I felt I was in control of my game and emotions. I

probably played the best in that match, towards the end, when I

needed to. Never give up. You just keep scoring. It doesn't matter how

much, eight or ten or 20, it doesn't matter, everything he could do. That

is a tough, tough guy to play. He is playing well at the moment. A

great all-round game. Scores as well as anyone. A great technique. Not

that many weaknesses but I need to be on the top of my game. Two years

ago I won it for the first time which was a fantastic feeling and a

dream come true. If I am to win it again for a second time it'll be

even more special. Everybody is dreaming to win the world titles. I

just want to join one of them, to lift that trophy. And for it to stay

with me for a whole year. So, the 2014 Mark champion Mark

Selby against former UK and Masters winner, Ding unwi. The 32-year-old

Englishman's third Crucible final. The first for Ding and any Asian

player. He was watched by many across China yesterday. He will have

millions tuning in support him right now, 9.00pm Beijing-time. There is

nothing between these players in the matches, ten wins each but the book

bhakers can't separate them. But something has to give in the next

two days in four sessions of play. We cannot wait to get started. Are

you ready for the 2016 BetFred Championship final. MC Rob Walker

sure is. Thanks, Hazel. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,

after 15 fabulous days of action, this is it. It is the big one.

Welcome to the final of the 2016 BetFred World Snooker Championship.

Another chapter of sporting history is about to be written in this

marvellous arena. This one could be an absolute cracker. Let's get the

boys on the baize. CHEERING AND

APPLAUSE Here comes yesterday's

record-century breaker. He is today's history maker. The first

Asian player ever to contest a World Championship final. He has been in

sensational form here in Sheffield. 11 times a ranking event winner but

this is the match that will define a lifetime's work. An entire nation

are on the edge of their seats on the other side of the world. So

enter, the Chinese Dragon, Ding Junhui.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

And his opponent, a player who is already regarded as one of the

game's greats. He has incredible mental strength, even under the most

extreme pressure as he proved once again late last night against Marco

fu. Already a Masters' champion, already a UK champion. Here he is,

bidding to join an illustrious list of multiple world champions. Here he

is, he is the Jester from Leicester. Here is Mark Selby.

So, a completely new and special feeling for Ding Junhui. He first

came here as a 20-year-old in 2007. Incredibly he was ranked second

favourite before he even played a match in this arena. It took him ten

attempts to make it to the final. He is playing with a man with great

experience. 31 years after the most famous Crucible final of them all,

Steve Davis and Denis Taylor are together again, this time for the

opening commentary station. Bring it on, guys.

DENIS TAYLOR: WE CERTAINLY WILL, HAZEL. WELCOME EVERYONE TO FINALS

DAY. WHAT AN ATMOSPHERE as both players were introduced into this

magnificent arena. The first frame, Ding Junhui to break.

Every player's ambition when they turn professional, is to become

World Snooker champion. Mark Selby achieved that a couple of years ago,

can the Chinese sensation, Ding Junhui win his first World

Championship? Late last night after his semifinal

strike Mark Selby had a new tip put on his cue. A brand new tip, it has

it be said. It'll be interesting to see how he starts off this session.

Not the best safety shot from Mark. But it does take a bit of getting

used to, the new tip, Steve. STEVE DAVIS: I have to say, that

must have been that he felt that he couldn't play at all with the tip he

had on. It is a night mayor scenario to have to change the tip at such

late notice in the tournament. Well, that was a nervy shot from

Ding Junhui, there. But he hasn't left anything.

A great air of anticipation in the crowd before the start of this match

and a fantastic reception for both players. Yes, it is England verses

China but I think the Crucible crowd have taken Ding Junhui to their

hearts over the last few years. Arguably as much support for him as

for Mark Selby. Something to pick between the two

players. They have played each other on 20 occasions. It is 10-10. But

one of the significant no I have can't wins was Ding in the 2011

quarterfinal of the World Championship. He defeated Mark,

13-10. Now those four colours now are in

perfect positions to try to get in behind.

The fascinating think about this match-up, Denis, in the final is

nobody has a clue what will happen. Nobody has an I think cling. There

is no track record as such that is sticking out there. -- nobody has an

incling. You could pick a winner but that could go horribly wrong. Well

this will test the new tip. The type of shot he goes for, punches it in

around the back of the black. This will give him a bit of

He has flicked the other red over the pocket. It was a got pot but as

we show you it again. Just flicking that red and...

Now, an early chance for Mark Selby Picking up where he left off last

night. He was in absolutely superb form by the end of the match with

Marco Fu. The tip looks to be played in. Put

that camera away, please. It has a light on the front of it.

He knocked a few balls in last night, if he had the chance, but not

ideal. I think we are assuming it is a new

tip he has put on, as opposed to an old one played in, that he had sort

of stored up already for emergencies. He didn't have one.

Bobby his good friend who was with him said it was a brand new tip that

was going on. The way he has controlled that cue

ball there is certainly nothing wrong with this new tip. Of course

we have a brand new cloth on the table as well. As play finished last

evening, they were dismantling it to put a brand new cloth on. I suppose

towards the end of that session, played beautifully, it was starting

to ping a little bit off the cushions but I'm sure this table

will play superbly well over the next two days.

Impressive start. A bit closer to the cushion than he would have

liked, though. And because of that t made it a bit

more difficult to get the power on that and guarantee the shot and also

perhaps because the cushion covers have been renewed, a little bit of a

cushioning effect with the brand new cloth. Just slowed that cue ball up

more than perhaps he expected. No easy path for Ding Junhui back to

the safety zone. So, he might have to leave the white up this end of

the table. That's what he has done. That's what

we call the dump shot, introduced by Cliff Thorbourne. There he is, he

hasn't changed. He looks the same. I played him in 1972 when he came

over. We have been best buddies ever since. He has his name on that

beautiful trophy. . Dangerously close to that green

pocket. That would have been a mistake. I assume you played the a

bit thinner than that, or attempting a bit thinner than that.

The problem for Ding Junhui here is that it is unavoidable, playing the

safety shot, to keep the pack time. You can see what he is looking at.

It is a very aggressive opener but he might think it is worth the risk.

I think he has mentally turned it down.

Well, that would be some shot to take on, it would scatter the reds

everywhere and not guaranteed. The plant, you would probably maybe get

it twice out of ten. Well, is he having a go? Very aare grossive

this, if he is going for this plant. No - yes. Wow. Well, that was. I

don't know, surely you could have seen a containing safety. I mean

that is presenting your opponent a chance to win the first frame and

whilst it is the best of 35, question marks about the choices

there. He had a straight-forward safety

shot down the right-side of the table, as we look at it. But elected

to take on - well, I said I thought it was two out of ten. The chance of

getting it. He is OK. He has dropped the shot.

Has it gone right underneath the table - the chalk. He really didn't

hit that very well at all. He completely messed the shot up and

end of break. Could have got lucky, possibly and held the pink spot. It

wasn't what he played. So Ding Junhui let off the hook.

He tried to get that cue ball to go wider.

A strange position with that red by the yellow. Not sure if it goes into

the green pocket. He will attempt to try to get back

up the table with the cue ball and push the red up the table. He is a

bit wide. Just got it past the pink. He will be very happy with that.

That was a clever safety shot he played there. Look at the black.

Totally out of the game now, a red either side of it.

He might just take the chance it free the black here. Play the red

next to it. Eight frames to be played this

afternoon. There will be nine this evening. Playing the outside red at

the bottom here. I don't think he is playing the one by the pink. Could

knock the black into play, possibly. Tried that. That was quite an

attacking safety shot and he's got a good white ball.

I'm right down the line of the shot. I think he might be able to get past

the yellow and the pink to clip the red. It would have been in all sorts

of trouble, and he may be in all sorts of trouble if he can't. That's

tight. A little bit of right-hand spin A new tip. Not easy to judge.

Perhaps he can just get to the middle of the cue ball. Yes. But a

mistake. And a chance. A chance for Ding, although, if that yellow is in

the way, it is more awkward and also the positional play is even more

awkward. I think if he pots this, he might

double-kiss that red and he could head up and leave the pink on. Well,

he could polyit slow and try and see if he could hold for the black. That

would be a shot -- play it slow. Trundle in there, the cannon on the

red and leave yourself on the black. Perhaps not? A slow drag shot or a

power screw-back? Well, he has left himself a very

tricky black. He didn't get the double-kiss. But this is a key shot

early in this final. He can roll it slow and if he misses

the black stays over the pocket. So a bit of insurance, perhaps.

Well, it did touch the cushion on the way across, as you see here, but

the pace let it drop into the pocket.

The brand new cloth helps no end. With the pocket swallowing the ball

up, regardless of the size of the pocket.

So first realistic chance now, with the balls open for Ding Junhui.

This is now a good chance for Mark Selby.

You could tell straightaway, as it caught the near jaw, it was never

going to go in. A pretty tense opening frame.

Neither player really settled down. Of course the first frame of every

one of these four sessions important. It can dictate the

pattern of that particular session. I think he is just OK, a little gap

to screw between. I think he can hold for the pink again if he can...

I'm not sure if he can hold it or - no, he has had to go through the

gap. It there wasn't quite the angle to hold for the pink. That means he

has an awful long way to travel now with the cue ball for those three

reds between the pink and black, that are available. Well, certainly

two of them are. A bit straight on the green, so he

has had to come down the left side of the table.

He is looking for his 68 points, as you can see there, to leave Ding

Junhui needing a snooker. That's useful. Just a bit shy of

pace but he's OK. Perhaps that top cushion playing a

little bit slower than it has done. It'll be stored in the memory banks

of not just Mark Selby but Ding Junhui will have noticed as W

-- as well. Yes, even with a new cloth on, the tables play slightly

different. But within a frame you know what is happening, you get used

to the pace of the cloth and the cushions within one frame.

Already 52 in front. Another couple of pots from securing this opening

frame. Mark Selby hasn't been in blistering

form. He did up the pace in the semi-final. Timing is everything.

Has he timed his run to perfection? Well, he missed a few tournaments,

so he is fresh coming into this year's world championship.

You see him moving around a bit. Not as much as he used to. It is just a

mannerism he has had for a number of years.

But he seems much better than two or three seasons ago. He is just a

terrific player to watch. He can become very machine-like, as

can Ding Junhui. Bit concerned about the aggressive plant that Ding

played. I hope he hasn't got a game mrap to attack -- plan to attack too

much. To get stuck in a tactical game. The trouble with that mind set

is the balls dictate a lot of the shots.

Well that kicked and the red still flew in the pocket. Let's have a

look at this. This will be a great shot if he can

swing this round and get on to the green.

He would like to clear them all up. That is what he is attempting.

Superbly played. I suggest while he didn't win the

frame in his first couple of chances, that is a good

confidence-builder with a new tip on.

He would have been concerned. But when he had a practice session he

would have known if the tip was good or not. Sometimes you can get a bad

tip and there is certainly nothing wrong with that.

Well, Mark Selby needed a couple of chances. Ding took a risky plant on

at the beginning and he looks on fine form. The world No 1 takes the

opening frame. What a start for Mark Selby and you have got to ask how

big a gamble is putting a brand-new tip on your cue after a semi-final.

Massive. The feel is affected. He has played half an hour after last

night when he must have been tired. He had half an hour's practice. He

had an hour and a half this morning. He seems happy with it. The way he

has played, I'm surprised how well he has played. He is trying to get a

fast start and Ding Junhui has been desperate to try and get a fast

start. That is a plant even you would not have attempted. Even I

wouldn't have played this. You have the cue ball on the baulk line and

you can screw it back for safety. But that was a crazy shot. That is

more of a gamble than Mark putting a tip on. You can see he had a red on

the left-hand side. If he plays that full ball, he can't leave anything.

A couple of nervy shots from diveng. Ding. He missed a comfortable red.

It will be interesting to see how long it takes h imto settle down.

Mark is a very different character. Ding would have fancied winning that

match no, disrespect to Alan. He knows he must make a fast start. And

one tweet says Ding must score, otherwise Selby will dictate. Back

we go. As all great champions do, Mark

Selby won that opening frame with a break of 90. 91 to be precise. That

is the start that he was after. All about wheth Ding can settle in

sooner than later. Nice break off from Selby. Don't know if he played

to get that red back or whether it just happened.

This is going to slide off the edge of pack. But I think it is going to

be OK. Might have given Ding a sniff just past the black. Not an easy one

though. There was a few occasions in the semi-final where the ball was

sliding off the cushions between Mark Selby and Marco Fu. That one

did slide a bit. He would settle for that. He played

to come across the face of the black and leave it for the other corner.

But that will do nicely. Last evening's semi-final the number

of times off the break-off shots where the black was being tide up

and a red was going either side. He has not got too many reds to work

with. Before he is just left with the pack.

He would like to split the pack and keep on the black. Not ideally

placed on this situation. He decided to play it. He didn't

catch the right part of the pack. He was hoping to play as we look on to

the right through that gap. That would have sent the cue ball out to

the right. He caught the other side of the red and had to trust to luck

and he got none. Not nice to come to the table

presented with an ideal opening and only score 16.

Cue ball creeping past the brown has made this shot a problem for Ding

Junhui. Mark Selby's safety at the end of the match with Marco Fu was

incredible. Ding forced to play to the black

cushion. He has caught this a bit wide and he didn't want to hit the

black. So far, he has not settled down at all here. Wasn't a wrong

shot. He just mishit it. One questionable decision in the first

frame. And he is on the back foot already. Mark Selby would love to

capitalise. Just about perfect on the blue. Just

looking at the reds. They're all covering each other. A few are

pottable. Just having a little look to see if he could play a cannon and

bring a few more into play. I doubt he will go into these that hard.

He may stay clear of the pack. That is a good choice if the cue ball

comes around for enough to be past the pink. A bit shy of pace. Perhaps

that top rail playing a bit slower. Has he got a slight angle on the

brown here? He can play for the red that is near the black spot. There

is one to the right of the pink that is available. To the left middle

pocket. If he has got an angle and there you see it he clearly has, he

can get up to the are reds. Now he has played that such a way he

had a choice of the reds, one to the left middle, one to the left corner.

He would love to get on the black and get it back on the spot. Not nol

-- not until this red is removed that is to the right of the black.

Very little to do with the cue ball here for position.

Just spotted something on the cue ball there. He will have to play for

the blue here and possibly down to the red near the black spot. He is

already thinking about it. He didn't go into the reds the last

time. It will be interesting to see if he plays for that loose red and

tries to get the black back on its spot. He can play the cannon this

time. He refused it previously. Depends how he feels. The red to the

right of the pink he hoped will open things up here.

Flicked the pink, didn't want that - a misjudgment. And for all the good

hits he has put on the cue ball, that would have been the one he

would have liked to have gone right. It will take a good shot to keep

this break going. I would like to play a safety shot down the table.

He has got his opponent in a bit of early trouble. So keep it tight is

perhaps the order of the day. I think he can play a thin one off

that red and get the white somewhere off the cushion. He will want to

make it as difficult as possible. He is thinking about leaving it in the

jaws of pocket. You don't always have to get the snooker. And so

early in the match, Mark Selby 1-0 in front and only a few points in

front. It wouldn't appear like he has got Ding Junhui in trouble. But

Ding has not settled down. That is pure experience from Mark

Selby. He did look at another shot, a difficult pot and he could have

got on the black. But he decided on keeping things tight.

Needs to miss the green here. UMPIRE: Make sure the phones are on

silent please. Paul collier, just telling the, well some of the

audience to keep your phones on silent. I think one of these days we

should ban the phones from coming into the Crucible. Like the Masters

golf in Augusta - you can't take your phone in there. Mark Selby

revving up for thbig long red. That is what he thought. He had an

easy safety shot and this time Mark decided to... He has got away with

it! Well... What a result he has had here. There weren't many reds that

were pottable up at the top of the table. He didn't expect that the cue

ball wouz going to be -- was going to be shoved back up that end with

the double-kiss. But Ding would have hoped for better.

Can he cut this back into the right corner? Oh, well... Well... I think

that is one each in the luck department. I think Ding Junhui

was... He was a long way out with the cut. There was some frustration

the fact that Mark got away with it that forced him to take that on. But

he has had a slice of good fortune. Misjudgment. This is advantage Mark

Selby, although it is very early in the session.

Ding just needs to get a few points on the board and settle down.

He may have got away with this again. I think at first glance he

has. Once he missed the pot and cannoned into the reds he could

quite easily have left quite a few on, but then he is probably getting

anxious. I know it is only the second frame. But he wants to get in

and get settled. Sometimes you're better off waiting. Playing a few

good safety shots and wait for that chance.

Without doubt this is the biggest match of Ding Junhui's life and he

just needs a clear head. Not easy to have a clear head if you're on the

bottom cushion all the time. It is like playing you, Steve, you used to

play most of the match striking from the baulk cushion. This doesn't look

easy. He has got reds, but it is pretty crowded.

Can he get past that black for the cut? He will settle for that. Great

shot. APPLAUSE. I know this is the best of 35, but

these are quite tense moments. Mark Selby will realise the scenario.

But he has got to keep Ding under pressure and he has got a difficult

safety shot here. Well, he made that difficult safety

shot look very easy. That is a clever shot.

Ding just well you could say maybe psyching himself up a bit there. He

is in for a tough final. He knows that.

He has caught the green and this time he hasn't got away with it. Up

against Mark Selby, you have got to be so precise with your safety game

to try to give yourself an opening. It is going to be tough, because he

is a master tactician. You play these longer matches in

little sessions of four. Try to get a 3-1 advantage before the interval.

If you get all four, that is a bonus. Mark Selby is a true

predator. If he gets his teeth into you, he doesn't let go.

A little like Ray rear don in the 70s. Oh, and all of a sudden...

Well, no one saw that coming. He had them at his mercy there. They were

all sitting pretty and then all of a sudden he puts it on the far jaw.

Now this the first real chance for Ding Junhui.

Controlled that well, could have been forgiven for choosing pink or

blue there. He could have hit the cue ball harder. But played the

correct shot. He will be pleased to see that go

in. It looked like an unmissable shot, but as yet not settled down.

A couple of reds, a couple of colours before he gets his cue arm

going. You can see he is still not settled. Badly placed now on the

pink. Did well to go in. There is a big blue to take on and the pink is

not that good for positional reasons. Might be able to take the

pink on and play a cannon on the second red.

Must make sure of the pot and that is exactly what he did. But the pink

is blocking the path, but using that second red as a stopper there. There

is still one between the pink and black that is on.

Still got the problem of the two reds on the top cushion to resolve

at some stage. If Ding Junhui can make Mark Selby

play for that sitter of a red he missed, it will give him a big

confidence-boost. But as Steve mentioned, it is all

about those two reds near the cushion.

If he gets nicely on the blue, he can get an angle to come up and

cannon to the left of the reds. The pink slightly in the way, that is

the only problem. He might have to come off the side

cushion and try to cannon the left of the two reds. Let's have a look

at the angle. He can play this with top spin. It is a bit of a chance

this. He can't aFahd to hit it too --

afford to hit it too hard. Has he cannoned that red out. Oh, he is

unlucky. A little bit less pace. Just a little less pace to guarantee

being at the top of the table should he get an unfavourable flick, which

he did get. If he had hit the cushion first... It was perfect.

Another tricky one. Very missible. Superb. Well, it looked a similarle

shot, but that was the best shot of the match so far. That was a little

beauty he has played there. So a red and a black and Mark Selby

will need a snooker and he will rue that missed red into the right

middle pocket. Mark Selby had his opponent on the

ropes early in round one. But he couldn't seal the deal. Ding Junhui

fights back. He would love to get on the yellow,

but it is all about making sure the black goes in to make sure Mark

needs that snooker. And it is there. As you say, he sacrificed a little

bit of position there. Only that one snooker needed. We know what Mark

Selby is like when it comes to requiring snookers. This looks good.

There is just enough room for a Mark Selby to go around the back of this

yellow. Off the right side-cushion. He will be hoping to send the yellow

back up the table with the possibility of getting a snooker

back. He could slip around the back of the yellow. Now Ding has every

chance of getting a snooker here behind the brand. He could play to

clip the yellow aim. -- in. An easy chance to get in behind the brand.

-- brown. That will do nicely. Well, a big swerve shot from Mark Selby.

Coming off the side-cushion. The White could go in the pocket.

Nearly. He cannot leave the green on, Ding Junhui, look at the Green

sitting. If he was to leave the yellow on and Mark was to pot it,

look where the green is sitting. This frame is far from over. He has

got him snooker again. Maybe not. If he can pot this, he is heading back

up towards the green. All of a sudden when Ding made sure of the

black and did not get onto the yellow, the frame is not safe. This

is a key shot coming up here. He would prefer the green below the

pink but it is still possible. I thought he could see enough of the

yellow to take the pot on. If he pots the yellow with the green...

Still well-placed for snookers. He has found the gap. How did he

find that gap between the green and the pink? If Mark Selby could get a

full ball hit, he could get a snooker back. Shows you what I know.

This is a great effort. That horrific effort from Ding Junhui.

What a shot faces. He is certainly testing Mark Selby's and knowledge

of the angles here. Another thin snake. I think you can

get to this with the rest. The blue is a slight distraction. I was

speaking with one of the referees, Alan McManus had a shot similar to

this. It was even more awkward. If he was to pot the yellow, he will

not call two until the rest is removed. That is the rule. Just in

case you foul with the rest. It is the player's responsibility to

get the best out of the way in an awkward situation like that.

He is playing on the yellow. And this time it is a snooker. He may be

able to swerve this. Yes. There you can see it. Just watch the cue ball

as it bends around the brown. Probably forced to pot the yellow

now. The green is not as ideally placed as it was.

Very well judged. Especially with a brand-new tip on the cue. That was

first class. Now it is a must hit for Ding. He is now thinking, when I

potted the black, I should have played for the yellow. This is when

he potted the black. He wanted to pot the black vote hit it too hard.

Otherwise the frame would have been well and truly over.

REFEREE: foul. Mark Selby, four. He had to play

with an element of insurance that if he did miss the green he was not

leaving Mark and easy pot at the green. Sometimes when you play slow

onto a cushion, it is harder to judge.

He is back in it. Really it is what we call a green ball fight. Whoever

gets the first chance to pot the green, you would think, will win the

frame. There was no miss called because the player needed snookers.

He seems to be looking at the potting angle of the green into the

right middle pocket to take the white all the way around the table

to get on the brown. That is what he has looked at. What a shot that

would be. He has tried it. It was risky. Is he lucky? Is he lucky? I

think he has got away with it as best he can. Yes, Ding Junhui has

got a couple of options of corner pockets or a thin edge. He can play

it thin. He is playing a thin green. It is a chance for Mark Selby. Well,

that was committing. I thought he was going to play a thin green and

snooker behind the black. The second thing shot he hit thick. This would

be a body shot for Ding Junhui. He must have felt the green was more

or less a certainty. Otherwise, if it was risky, he should have played

the green into the corner, screwed back for safety. He played it with

running side. Strange choice. You would expect Mark Selby to clear up

but it is still not certain. This time the pace is perfect. An early

steel. This would keep Ding John Howell under severe pressure very

early in the final. -- Ding Junhui. It looked for all the world as if it

was going to be one frame in each. Mark Selby needed a snooker. He got

it and he has pinched the frame. He now leads by 2-0.

If ever there was a lesson in having to kill off the frame, that was it.

Why is Mark Selby so tough to play? I think he is becoming the ultimate

long session match player. He can get through sessions playing

terribly and still not be losing. And when he plays well, EU is still

going to win. If Ding was to win this final I would be so impressed.

O'Sullivan could not beat him in the final. He got to O'Sullivan. He is

so tough to play against, Mark Selby. That will really hurt him. He

is desperate for a first frame in the final and yet he has not managed

to do it. Some of these shot selections, how much concern will

they be to Ding fans? I think they will be very concerned. Why was he

playing all around the table? Sometimes you come to the table and

there is nothing on. You try to force the issues. It is difficult

when you play Mark. But he committed the ultimate sin against Mark Selby

near the end, not playing position on the yellow. You have got to win

frames. This is a really difficult moment for Ding Junhui in this final

already and we're only two frames in? Yes, very much so. If you cannot

play some good snooker, it will put him in a negative frame of mind. He

will have his work cut back out. So far in this tournament, his attitude

has been the best I have seen. This will be a major test. I have read

this final wrong. I thought he was going to come out and score heavily.

Mark Selby is making sure there are no chances. It is what he does. He

is the boa constrictor. I would take Mark Selby in long session matches.

If you do not get into it early, it will be torture. It is the same

arena, the same place where he made the most number of centuries by any

player in the world Championships. You do not usually get much

expression from Ding. But as he walked out of the arena, he gave the

table a little knock. He knew he threw that frame away. There will be

a few hundred million fans in China biting their fingernails at the

moment. They know Mark Selby. They know what a tough match player he

is. I think the thing is, for every part of the fact that Ding Junhui

has played great in this tournament, when his boils down to it on a

snooker table, it is the right shot at the right time that usually wins

the day. He has got a couple of reds he can

take on here. He looks to be marching around the table, so he is

certainly trying to get himself thinking positively. It is not

straightforward as regards position. He did not even get the red in the

jaws of the pocket. I do not think he has left anything easy. He must

not start panicking so early on. He made the record number of century

breaks. Nothing on for Mark Selby. I think

he is going to risk this into the right corner past the blue. He did

speculate. Once again, with an element of safety. Clever matchplay.

It is the modern-day game. If you can see a red, it is worth going

for. Even if it looks a risk. Excellent shot from Ding Junhui. And

whilst Mark Selby did not sacrifice a pot there, he TAG sacrificed a

tactical exchange. At first glance it is going to be tough to guarantee

this one is safe. Yes, with the reds open, nothing easy to land on.

Two-cushions. Flick the red and try to get back down the table. Not

easy. The first time you would rather miss it. He hit it too thick.

That was like his feeler shot, if he is put back in. Perhaps you can just

eat closer. I do not know exactly what Ding is looking at. Surely he

has got to put him back in? You would expect Mark Selby to get close

with this. But I think he is still likely to miss it.

Nowhere near at the moment. Of course he can have as many attempts

as he once. -- wants. Ding back looking to see. This is a slightly

easier chance. But if you are not guaranteed a colour, keep putting it

back. It is a tough situation for Mark Selby. He is sacrificing loads

of points to get that situation right.

Ding is currently desperate to try to pot a ball. That is why he is

taking so much time. But really he has got to put him back in. Unless

he suspects that eventually Mark Selby will play this shot correctly.

A little bit like that. So he sacrificed eight points. But old

Saturn of Selby got it right that time. He certainly knows his way

around the snooker table. -- Saturn have.

He has pushed the red on and he has not got the snooker. The blue is

over the pocket. If you can get this around the back of the red, just

behind the black, he will be powering this in.

He has played the cannon. And it has all gone wrong. He tried a delicate

pot to leave himself on the black. I thought he was going to punch it in

because the blue was over the corner pocket. What a chance this is for

Ding Junhui. The best chance by far. How many can he make? That is the

question. The first shot he has got right. He

can pot the black and clear the black spot. Could have come out

better. I do not think he is the right side of this red. He has to be

careful he does not pot the red slide past the one to the left of it

and nine -- and then not be on a colour. He needs a bit of resolving

here. A horrible angle. That is a terrible shot. He thought

he was going to miss that red. He could have screwed into that red. As

soon as you hit it with pace, he accidentally hit the red. He potted

it wide. Another cut. He has missed two already. He has lost position.

And once again from an ideal position, unless he is going to

really go for it, it is end of break. To play this yellow, good

shot. I think it goes past the blue. I cannot believe it is the right

shot to play. But here we go. Is he playing it?

He did well to get position at all. Yes, he is having to work really

hard. He has not been in an ideal position for the last three shot.

That is better. Back where he once it. -- wants it. A big shot, the

red. The yellow was a big shot, but that consolidated things. It has

given him a chance to get his cue arm going.

Does that red go through the gap? Yes. His body language to look --

his body language looked as if it was OK.

If he can get himself out of this mini road early on and come out with

a reasonable scoreline at the end of the session,, that yellow could be a

big turning point for him. That was a little lapse in

concentration because he knew he had to power it in to get on the black.

And all of a sudden a chance for Mark Selby to get right back into

this third frame. HNC did not think he was going to get. Ding was

starting to look good until he hit that one a little bit hard.

The way Ding John Hahn has started this match is nothing to do with how

Mark Selby has been playing. Mark Selby has just done his job. What a

great shot that is. Back spin. Mark Selby is just doing his job. It is

not ideal here by any means. He really opens the reds. He could have

finished absolutely perfect. It is there.

That seems to come off quite quick. This is not the red he played for

but they were so nicely placed when he opened them, he has options

there. The table is very responsive. Perhaps Mark Selby's tip is

responsible as well. Sometimes you can get more screw back on. This

would hurt Ding Junhui. The last frame really hard him, didn't finish

it off. They all hurt. Every frame you lose. Sometimes it is the way

you lose them. He was in here again, Ding.

Mark Selby looks in good shape. He has had the most table time. You

would expect him to clear these. That is like a practice line-up

across the table! That is the line-up would do quite often. Five

either side of the pink. So used to this position. Of course, when you

are out there in the final of a world championship, it is a bit

different to a practice session, that is for sure. We always say, you

never settle until you get the first frame on the board, no matter how

long the match is. He let a golden chance slip by there. This was it.

The pockets have been considered a little on the big side this week.

But with pace, you still have to be accurate. Mark Selby a bit out of

position here. Back. And if Mark Selby does go on

to win this game -- frame, the next one becomes a massive frame. And as

was mentioned in the studio, some work for Terry Griffiths. Coach to

Dean John I. -- Ding Junhui. Opened with a break of 91, Mark

Selby. This things and we had a break of 52

in the second frame. -- Ding Junhui had a break.

And he knows that this frame is slipping away by the shot. 24 the

difference. It doesn't matter, the fact that the blue is blocking the

path for the green into its natural pocket because the frame would be

over by then. He just needs the pink.

APPLAUSE You just cannot afford to miss when

you get a chance against Mark Selby because this is what he will do to

you. And the way he closed out that semifinal, it looks like he had got

his a game together just when he needed it most. He looks a different

animal out there today. He has not potted every ball but he is in

control, more so than Ding Junhui at the moment. It doesn't matter about

the green. Ding is coming to the table but barring a lot of snookers

it is 3-0 to Mark Selby. 33 the difference so two snookers to tie.

Great try. I'm not too sure he's going to get any points out of it

but I suppose there is the possibility, if Mark Selby cannot

get through to the green, he would be going off the side cushion and

there is the possibility of an in-off into the pocket. I would be

surprised if Mark Selby falls for that but it is a possibility,

swerving around the green, he could get too much swerve and go in-off.

It wasn't far off the enough that Steve predicted. The blue is in a

great spot to get snookers behind. He couldn't get it thick enough to

play up behind the blue that time but what a good effort to get behind

the black. Brilliant effort. Can he get in behind that blue now?

Unlikely that he is going to get these foul points. He can get in

behind the blue quite nicely but just needs to get the top spin

right. Through the gap? A little bit of

swerve just needed, he might even go close to potting this. Look at this

shot. He thought he had potted that. I'd tell you what, Dennis, this next

frame is going to be a massive test of character for Ding Junhui. I

don't really want to go on about it but the worst we have ever seen Ding

was when he was playing Ronnie and he got outplayed and it all

unravelled. And whilst you cannot win the final in the first session,

as we always say, you can go a long way to losing it. He has got to dig

in here. He knows this frame is a forlorn

hope really, but he is correct to give every shot juke and

consideration. -- every shot due consideration. He has got to try to

keep the green safe, which he hasn't done. This will cut into the middle.

I don't think the brown passes the blue, maybe it's just squeezes in.

Just about. Not making many mistakes, the world

number one, that is for sure. And he hammers the pink into the middle

pocket. It is the earlier break of 76 that did the damage and what a

start for Mark Selby who has won another frame and is now leading

3-0. Ding's every shot under pressure and

he is not the only one because 1997 champion Ken Doherty has his cue

out. The famous demonstrations. What a

particular shot that it could turn out, this red along the cushion will

stop he is a bit straight so he has to power it in and force the cue

ball out for the black. This is the shot he has played, playing it off

two cushions and forcing it out. It is said that the pockets were quite

generous and that will show you. But if he is a little higher with the

cue ball with a bit more angle, he just asked to drop it in and he is

on the black. It just shows, that little fraction of the cue ball

closer or more of an angle, how much easier the red would have been and

he would have gone on to win the frame but he had to force it and

missed it and subsequently Mark Selby steals it. It could be a very

important red. Very important, and the next frame, as we said, so how

disconcerting is this for Ding who was so fluid yesterday? We said in

that third frame, this is the opportunity, against McManus you

could say that the frame was over, but he got it back through an

excellent yellow. But that shot Ken was describing, we thought he might

follow through and not play it so hard. It wasn't the wrong shot

because if it goes in, nobody pays any attention. But he is desperate

for a flame. He needed to win that frame and to have it stolen and now

3-0 behind, he has got himself in a terrible situation. And I don't

suppose history is any consolation but last year Shaun Murphy was 3-0

up on Stuart Bingham and the year before, Ronnie was 3-0 up on Mark

Selby. Early days but worrying times for Ding Junhui. COMMENTATOR: It

certainly is worrying for Ding Junhui and his army of fans around

the world. The mid-session interval coming

after this frame. The brown has just come to his rescue somewhat rare.

There was a red into the right corner but he is hampered. This will

just be a safety shot, you feel. Playing somebody like Mark Selby,

your safety has to be so good, to try to force him into making a

mistake. And not only one good safety shot, you have to play a

series of them until your opponent makes a mistake.

I think that is one of the tough things about playing someone like

Mark Selby or John Higgins. It is a tough enough game at the best of

times without playing somebody who is such a strong match player. You

know you have a tough day ahead of you. It can make the job seem even

harder. And if Ding Junhui is in that frame of mind, that he thinks

it is a more difficult job than it was previously, in rounds before,

you put yourself under that bit more pressure.

The cue ball is going to pull up short of the pocket. And that is a

good shot from Ding Junhui. He gets to play it with lots of side so he

did not career in the the reds. This is an awkward shot and surely he

will not knock this in? I didn't think so! But what a good shot he

has played. APPLAUSE Currently Mark Selby does not need

to take any risks. He is hoping that Ding Junhui will just still be in

panic mode, trying to force the issue a fraction too much. Ding

Junhui needs lots of patience for the rest of this session, just to

try to play his way into the game naturally.

He really is relentless with his tactical play, Mark Selby. That is

another perfectly played safety shot. Mark is ahead in the safety

success department as you can see, and as you would expect.

He looks to have Ding Junhui in all sorts of trouble. Ding just coming

off the top cushion to lay on the red on the side. That's all he could

do. Nicely played. APPLAUSE Touching ball. That is typical, it

makes it so much easier for Mark Selby. It is amazing, for the cue

ball to travel the distance that it did and just land touching the red.

I think all Mark Cann do is try to put the cue ball back in exactly the

same place -- all he can do. He might get a repeat performance from

Ding Junhui. Deja vu. You're absolutely right, Steve, that

is all has available to him. Is it going to reach? I don't think so.

And is there a red at the back of the bunch that will go? Maybe the

black is not available. The red will not go because Mark had a look at

it. He can hit other red is so interesting to see if he plays the

same shot again because if he comes up short this time, he will be

warned, because three misses from this situation and you lose the

frame. He can't afford to hit this too hard because any separation

between white and red will leave Mark Selby a sniff into the green

corner pocket. This is harder. It's going to reach. APPLAUSE

But once again he will be back in the same position, the off the red

and off the side cushion and up towards the baulk cushion somewhere

behind the yellow. Tight to the cushion is what he is after. Not

quite this time. There is an escape route for Ding Junhui taking him

down the left side of the table. He could even come down off the red

that is near the right side cushion. He has had a look at that and he is

back looking at it again. As long as he avoid the double-kiss, the White

will head up towards the green. It's a bit short of pace. He may

have left one on here. Or maybe not. Certainly a long-range tempter for

Mark Selby on the left of the table. Screw back into the bottom half of

the table. APPLAUSE I tell you what, there is not a lot

wrong with that new tip when you are knocking that type of shot in. It's

fantastic. How to keep the heat on your opponent in one easy lesson.

And that was not defensive, that was taking it by the scruff of the neck.

While plenty of people at home think that Mark Selby is a defensive,

destructive player on the table by dragging his opponent on the table

into drawn-out, tactical play, innocent he is the ultimate match

player. -- in essence he is. He has got them nicely placed now

with at least four red is available before he would have to go into the

bunch. Look at the number of points, 305 against 119. And every chance

now that it could be 4-0. There is an awful long way to go but Mark

Selby is in the mood. The second frame was so important. For Ding

Junhui to have won. He let Mark Selby back in. And he smells blood.

There is a long way to go. But he is looking like a machine at the

moment. I keep harping on about it but what a decision to take the tip

off after winning the semifinal against Marco Fu. His friend was

saying it was too hard and he was not comfortable with it but it is a

brave decision and it has paid off, by the looks of things. There is

always a risk. The pack looks relatively tight but

there are a couple of reds at the top as we look, that go.

She has won to the right of the pink spot that goes into the right corner

-- he has one. That will probably be the one he plays on.

It looked as if they were all covering each other but the one

closest to the pink is available. He has just played for that loose

red and he has an angle here to bring more reds into play. And the

number of balls spotted in the tournament, that is incredible, all

square. But not any more. That is a beautiful shot. The red next to the

black might be a little awkward but he took the opportunity to bring

more reds into play. He is already 47 in front and looking good for

4-0. I'm not sure if he knew that would be the outcome but he decided

to play as a screw back rather than running through for the black. If he

did read that screw back exactly as he played it, it is fantastic. The

Jester. The cannon didn't work out, he was

hoping to push the pink on so now he has a medium-range blue required to

clinch the frame. APPLAUSE And he is right on the red next to

the black. He really is in fine form in this final, probably the best he

has played. He had a terrific final session against Marco Fu.

He didn't quite get the side on that so he needs one more good shot, a

delicate little cannon, that can clinch the frame. Just a little

delicate one. He has hit the other one but that is fine, any cannon

will do. Ding Junhui has shown weakness here

in this opening session. Mark Selby has done his job and has shown great

strength. I don't think anybody thought it would be a 4-0 scoreline.

We thought Ding Junhui would continue in the same vein, he has

looked very comfortable in this tournament so far but you never know

what is going to happen, especially at the start of a match. He has just

got that. I thought it was drifting towards the near jaw. Damage

limitation for Ding Junhui for the rest of this session.

Mark Selby has had seven centuries in this year's World Championship.

There have been 81 so far and the record is 86. That was set last

year. But this has been superb. From the world number one.

He has made 45 century breaks this season. 416 in his career.

A little smile on his face, he is enjoying himself. He is totally at

ease with his game. What a start. Beautifully played, the way he

nudged that red passed the pink spot. He is going to take some

stopping here, in this year's final, it has to be said. Winner here two

years ago with that magnificent victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan. An

awfully long way to go but here is another magnificent century break

from Mark Selby. I think Ding Junhui is going to have

to head to the practice table and have a chat with his mentor, Terry

Griffiths. We know that the mid-session interval can change

things around. Will it? That is the question. Kyren Wilson still holds

the high break, of 143. ?10,000 for the high break. Kyren is getting

married in six weeks' time and he might be hoping to use that towards

his wedding. But it could go in this final. It is a lot of Marassi pan,

isn't it! -- marzipan. An exhibition type positional shot

there with loads of side. Doesn't matter about the pink. What a start

for the world number one, Mark Selby has played four and won four and he

goes to the mid-session interval 4-0 in front.

STUDIO: This is a turn-up, many expected this man to be hanging onto

Ding Junhui today but it is not how it has worked out. A complete

contrast to the last I Mark Selby with in the final in 2014 when he

was down against Ronnie O'Sullivan. That was the 82nd century of the

championship this year and we are only four away from the record which

was achieved last year in what was Stuart Bingham's year. It has been a

very interesting start and I hope you are enjoying it. A long way to

go about how positive has Mark Selby looked in himself and his form

compared to the last few rounds? He is an absolutely wonderful match

player. He seized the opportunity in the second frame and he knows how

much that would hurt Ding and he has been exemplary since. He has given

him nothing. He has upped his game considerably from what he has showed

so far in the scoring department and the fact he is doing it with a

brand-new tip, that's just exceptional. We always knew while he

-- right he was world number one. He has been on and off since 2011. If

he wins the title he will remain at world number one. But Terry

Griffiths is going to add to weave his magic again.

Ding will go straight to the practice table. He will be there.

Having been with Terry, he will not be saying too much. He will be

talking about general things, not even snooker. He will try to lighten

the mood. Ding will be feeling heavy. He is under extreme pressure.

Until he gets that first frame, it is desperate. You do not see too

many balls when you play against Mark. He needs to knock some balls

in. He has got himself under pressure by his own mistakes. He has

not been anywhere near. This is a test of character than his snooker

ability. There were a couple of dodgy shot selections. That put him

under the pressure from the off. You can possibly explain those because

of the occasion. He has been punished so severely? He maybe sees

that he does not want to get involved in Mark Selby's game, his

tactical game. Maybe the plan was to go for anything and put Mark Selby

on the back foot. Do something that he does not expect. Mark Selby is in

a lovely position. You are so relaxed now. You 4-0 ahead. He can

just relax and play his game. He is not under any pressure. It is a

great place to be in the final. He is a bit like the Floyd Mayweather

of snooker. All sorts Kraupp, he finds a way through. He has got

everything. Does Ding attack? He has tried that. Does he go tactical?

That ain't going to happen. Ding has to try to get in first in every

frame. He has to go back to how he played against McManus. If not, this

could be an early finish. Much to ponder. Let's lighten the

mood a little bit. Over the last couple of weeks we have been royally

entertained and no little informed by the quizmaster supreme, Stephen

Fry. Here he is once again with the snooker version of July.

-- cue light. Hello again. This week we have unearthed some interesting

facts about our favourite game, snooker. Today's teaser falls into

the category of general ignorance. You will think you know the answer.

Fingers on buzzers, joining on social media. Which player has won

the most world snooker titles? We will talk more in a short while.

Easy, surely. Or is it. -- cue Mac we are going to talk about the match

referee, Paul Collier, the Welshman, in charge for the second time at the

Crucible. He last did did the 2004 final between Ronnie and Graeme

Dott. There are many strings to this man's bow. He did some cue surgery

on Marco Fu's cue in the semifinal. He plays a large part in running the

scenes -- running the game behind the scenes as well.

This is the one you always want to be at. I have been lucky. I have

refereed all over the world. You see history get made in that arena. It

is just a wonderful place. They call it the Theatre of dreams, which is

what it is. It is very special. The youngest man

ever to officiate at a world final, Paul Collier.

It is a bit like Stewart Bingham said last year, his name is on the

trophy now and nobody can take that away. That was pretty much how I

felt. It was a proud time. I am 45 years old. I have been watching the

game over many years and it all started at the Crucible.

Almost showtime, please welcome your referee, Paul Collier. If you

concentrate, you have cracked it. If you can interpret the shots. If you

can interact with the players and make them respect you, it is easier.

There are some players who like to be a little bit involved, they like

a laugh. There are other players who will not even look at you. You deal

with people in different ways. People have said they watch us at

the black end of the table. You have two players there. You are almost

dancing with them. You do not even notice you are doing it. I do not

think there will ever make Strictly Come Dancing! It is nice. Bullying

-- being a player myself, I watched the players techniques. It helps you

concentrate. I did not really say I wanted to be

a referee. I wanted to play the game. We have a great circuit in

Wales. You travel every weekend. I suppose phrase hotbed is the right

phrase. I remember doing matches years ago in the clubs, doing

quarterfinals of the Welsh Championships, things like that.

Maybe 60 or 70 people crammed around a table, drinking beer. That is when

you learn your trade, it is difficult. You have to tell people

to be quiet, you have two tread on people's feed. You have gone through

that. When you get to a place like the Crucible, it should be easier.

The first stint of professional refereeing I did was in 1992 in

Blackpool. Mark Williams, Ronnie and John Higgins had turned

professional. There was a company that filmed pot black. That was

played in Blackpool. I stayed up there and worked with them on that.

That led to them offering me a job. I spent nine years with them. I did

not see a way back. I did think the game's days were numbered. When

Barry took over, he said he had an offer for me. I have learnt a lot,

being a tournament director. There are things you do not appreciate as

a referee. You turn up at events and you think it just happens. You have

got tables all over Europe. The boys come and put them in, we do the

administration. Job done. Quite satisfying. A good time to be

involved in the job, definitely. It is nice that we can find enough good

referees for what we want. Tournaments like the Welsh are a

good grounding for people. You can give them experience among the best

players. The concentration is the big thing. When you put them in a

room where there are ten other tables, you can see other players,

you can see the audience. It is learning to concentrate in that

environment. I was... What was I, 2122 when I

started? I was by far the youngest. Nobody came along for years after.

There are so many now in that age group. They are there for the right

reasons. Seeing them come through it is great. The improvement in some of

these referees is brilliant. If I see one of those people that I have

been able to help bring along, that would be awesome if I saw them do a

final. I am probably a slightly better

referee than I was the last time because I have learned more as the

years have gone by. I probably thought I would never work the

Crucible again in any format. Going upper-level NOW is go to be

special. He is doing a fine job, as he always does. He is a terrific

person and a very good referee. He is class. He has been around a long

time. Nearly all the referees. They are good lads and good ladies. They

are fantastic. He has been around a long time. It is encouraging to see.

There are over 150 referees now. That really does show you the growth

of the game around the world. The age of the referee, I do not

personally understand why they would want to be a snooker ref! But

obviously 150 is incredible. Could you do that? I could do that. I

actually enjoy watching the game. I do not fancy picking all the balls

out for him, again! But I think so. You have to have focus and

concentration. You can occasionally miss things. Imagine being a referee

in that frame yesterday? The long one? Yes! That is where focus and

concentration comes in. And good bladder control! Let's not go there!

He is a very handy man to know as well. He was the guy who did the

surgery on Marco's cue when the tip fell off. Good job he was there.

Speaking of good job, that is exactly what he did. Difficult with

the superglue. When you have a tip flush to the clue, he had a

difficult job and he did a really good job. He has got another day and

a half of work in this final. Stephen Fry has set you another

interesting question today. Did he get it right to -- did you get it

right? Let's find out. We are deep into the second week at

the Crucible in this year's World Championship. Our brains are by now

perhaps a little adult after countless days of snooker. Here is

the apparently easy question today. Which player has won the most world

titles? Surely these guys will know that. Is this a trick question? Is

it a lady or a gentle man? Jo Davis won the most to start with. 20 times

undefeated. Rhiannon Evans has won 11. And I have won seven. It ain't

me. How many of you won? Six. You cannot talk about the modern era. Jo

Davis. Jo Davis. Jo Davis. It has got to be a catch question. It is

too obvious. Where is the catch? -10 points to you if you set Stephen

Hendry. It is Davis. The owner of seven titles, Stephen Hendry. Steve

Davis only got six, didn't teach are Guia Stephen Hendry you may have the

monopoly of success here at the Crucible, but the world Championship

has been going for a lot longer than we have been coming to Sheffield.

There was no fooling our great champions. The answer is Jo Davis.

He won 15 world titles in a row. That was between 1927 and 1946. Joe,

along with his brilliantly talented and rather chemical -- comical

brother Fred, was born in Derbyshire. They were sons of a

miner turned Republican. The premises of the pub contained a

full-size billiards table. The rest is history and legend. Joel became a

genius of the game, despite the fact he could not focus with his right

eye. He was the driving force in setting up the very first

professional World Championship in 1927 in Birmingham. Ten players

signed up. Each came with five guineas entry fee. They purchased a

trophy. The little lady at the top. It is still play for today. Joel

retired in 1976 from competitive snooker. His older brother Fred won

the world title eight times and played well into old age. He was 70

when he appeared in 1984 for the last time at the Crucible. Do not

forget John Poolman, mothering this man, who won the last of his eight

world titles in 1968. Stephen Hendry owns the modern-day Crucible era

record of seven, which may never be beaten. Whisper it, he is actually

the fourth on the snooker all-time list of World Championship winners.

Just do not tell me -- tell him I said that or he will come out of

retirement. What do you think, out of

retirement? I am not happy. Fourth! The question remains, John, how many

will Mark Selby get and will this be number two? At the moment the way

the opening session has gone, I would have disabling and that yes.

-- I would have to say a big emphatic yes. He is bossing the

table. This is really a test of character for doing in this session.

It is. By the way, if you are Steve Ashfield, Nathan Brooks, and so many

more, congratulations, 150 points each. You got the question right.

Now settle down for the second part of this session. John Virgo and Ken

Doherty in the box. Thank you, Hazel. You have got to

say, ten, a big four frames for Dean John high. Absolutely. He would have

been in the practice room with Terry. -- Ding Junhui. In situations

like this you have to forget about the previous four frames. You have

got another four frames ahead. If Ding can come out of the next four

frames 3-1, he is back in the game. Of course the pressure builds. Until

you get that first frame on the board, the pressure is going to

build on being -- Ding. Mark Selby is a master in this situation. He

will keep the pressure on. Absolutely. He will thrive on this.

The second frame that Ding Junhui last, when he made a 52 break and

Mark needed a snooker, apparently he walked out of the arena and punched

his dressing room door. Frames like that really hurt you. Frames like

that that you win, give you a big boost. You do not see a lot of

emotion from Ding Junhui. He punched the table as well. He was really

annoyed. They really do annoy you, those types of frames. Let's not

underestimate the fact this is the biggest match of his life. He has

the hopes of a country resting on those narrow shoulders. He has to

relax and get himself in the match. He will not really relax until he

gets the first frame on the scoreboard. He wanted sooner rather

than Later. -- he wants it sooner. Excellent safety from Selby. There

has been talk about the fact he put a new tip on last night. So far he

must be very pleased with how it is reacting. I saw him in the practice

room before the match started. He said he had half an hour of it last

night after his match. He probably would have been very tired. He

seemed very happy with it practising. Not just playing the

pots, but sometimes playing the safety, that particular shot where

you're trying to swing it around four cushions. If a new tip is not

gripping, those shots macro can go very wrong. He seems to be OK. Dean

John hi has another problem. -- Ding Junhui has another problem. I cannot

see him play this shot. In the end he went for the pot. Thinking if it

rattled the jaws, he would not be leaving much. Nothing that easy. He

has left something. One of those situations where he could not get

back to baulk. Thought you might be able to pot is way out of trouble.

This red that Mark is going to take on, just cannon the red above it. It

is right in the heart of the pocket. Could not have played it better.

Beautiful shot. He has a slight angle but may not

attempt to go into the pack of reds. Well, he decided to and he played it

very well. Just had a slight angle but managed to force it. Look at the

cue ball. He has forced the angle. That was a brilliant shot. He has to

go for the black now. Sorry, for the clue. -- blue.

There will be a few disappointed in the arena. The sponsors are laying

40-1 for a maximum break in this session.

They get excited when a few reds and blacks go in. Getting

down, he is just seeing if he can reach it. The problem with this is

the yellow ball. That will be is concerned. Can he get down properly

on the shot and not touch the yellow? The referee, Paul Collier,

having a keen eye on Mark Selby's waistcoat. That is a good pot. Very

nicely played. Nicely on the black as well. He judged it perfectly.

Some right-hand side. Checking the cue ball.

There is a surprise. He was not doing a lot for the cue ball. That

is a bad miss. Now, Ding needs to take advantage of these

opportunities. Wide. You can see the red on the pink

spot. It stops the pink from being re-spotted.

The pink will go to the yellow spot and the red Le Tis on the pink spot

clearly putts -- pots into the bottom right-hand corner.

If you get to 68 points, there will be snooker is required. -- if he

gets to 68 points, there will be snookers required.

Nicely on this red. He was nice -- need a nice split off. He has

purposely left himself long on this black.

He stuck to the red. Can he get this red to the left middle? It is touch

and go. He is just on it. This pink would put him 65 points in

front. Just another red and a colour and there will be another frame on

the scoreboard. He got a heavy contact there. He is still on the

red. Let's look at the cue ball. The blue just bouncing slightly, taking

some of the pace out of the cue ball. Still OK. Ding, with that

missed red, will be looking to get this frame on the board as quickly

as possible. At the moment it is all Mark Selby. The longer it goes on,

the more difficult it becomes. After his victory last night, I saw

Mark Selby and he said that the last session he played against Marco Fu

was the best he felt all tournament. When he started off this final, he

is carrying it in today. New tip or not, he looks good, very confident.

Like all champions, when they get their noses in front, they are not

going to keep looking behind for dangers. They are going to look

ahead at the winning line. This early in the match, worrying times

for Ding Junhui. I do not think he has played his

best at all throughout the tournament, Mark Selby. Compares to

a couple of years ago when he did win this championship with that

wonderful comeback against Ronnie O'Sullivan in the final. But he has

got one of those type of games, John, that even when he is not

playing at his best, the second part of his game is still so good, so

consistent. It makes it so difficult for his opponents. He does not give

you anything very easily. If he is going to make a century he needs a

good shot here. Very solid. Nice angle on the black. The problem is,

he needs a good positional shot. He played it with a tonne of

left-hander side. Once again he wins the frame. Ding Junhui did not score

a point again. And so Mark Selby is racing away with this at the moment.

5-0. He is. What can Dean John hi -- Ding Junhui do about it? His coach,

Terry Griffiths, is with Steve. You went into the interval on the

table with Ding. Worrying times? Very much so. He has not really

settled down. Mark has taken full advantage of his mistakes. It is a

awful place. Typical of professional snooker, one day you are open and

the next you are down. You have had plenty of experience of coaching the

top players. More of a mind coach these days. What do you say to Ding?

How long have you known in? In the end, when he finishes his

practice, because he likes to come in and have a little bit of

practice, so I have five minutes with him, little bit of chat, try to

calm him down a bit. Obviously he is very disappointed with his

performance, to date. And then I will try to get him going out there

in a little bit more positive mind. It is very difficult to get from

where he was too a positive mind in a few minutes, I can tell you. But

have a go, and sometimes I shout at him, sometimes I coaxed him around!

Obviously, it is damage limitation for the rest of this session, but

what would you say to him regardless in the interval before tonight? I

haven't really thought about that yet, I would like to see the score

first before I make the decision. I am the flexible, because I have done

it so many times. So I have got a lot of things I can use, it is just

a matter of the player and how he absorbs the information I give him,

to be honest with you. I am no genius. Ding is the genius, I am

just there to prepare a little bit better to get him out to play. We

won't keep you, get you back to the thanks. -- get you back to the

agony! Thanks. COMMENTATOR: That is the key, trying to keep Ding in a

positive frame of mind. Very difficult. Now, OK, here's your

chance, Ding. You feel he just needs an easy chance like this, just to

get his arm going, get a view points on the board, give himself a bit of

confidence. Usually trying to get the black back on its spot.

Nice angle into the pack, he can screw into it and still be on to the

loose thread. That is pretty good. That is more like it. Great positive

shot, so easy to do when you are struggling to get your first score

on the board, but it was the right shot and played it well. Just got to

be a little bit careful here. It is a delicate shot, this. He was OK. A

little bit thinner, but he played it nicely. I wouldn't say he is

perfect, black. May just be able to force the angle. A little bit short

on the Redd, but that is understandable, when you are trying

to force the angle, the last thing you need to do is go too far up the

table. Hopeful the blue. Needs a good angle on the blue. Played it

nicely. He played a positive shot, into the

left-centre. Cue ball straight into the pink at the top of the pack. He

has played it very nicely indeed. He didn't have to hit it with a lot of

pace. Just very nicely controlled. Brought a few more reds into play,

and nicely on this red into the corner pocket. That was a lovely

shot, John, wasn't it? Didn't have to play it with a loss of face. And

the fact he didn't, we believe he was going to hit it right. Sometimes

if you are in a stage of a match where you have not got a frame on

the board, you just feel you want to hit it hard and hope you will be on

something, but it was a controlled cannon. He would have liked to have

been a little straighter on this black though. He didn't need to play

another cannon. I'm afraid he's going to have to do, the angle he

has got on the black. That was the problem. If he had been

straighter on the black, there were enough loose reds to win the frame.

He wasn't. That this angle, had to go into him again, and it can always

go wrong, and it has. A little bit tentative, that one, that was the

one where he needed to inject a bit more pace into the cue ball.

Understandably, the more tentative, he could have made sure of the

black. That is the end of break. Now he needs a good cue ball here, tight

OmniBook cushion. -- tight on the ball cushion.

Doesn't want to catch the bumper on the middle pocket here. He judged it

well. Good cue ball. He will be disappointed. Should have made more

there. Just coming up to the two-hour mark. Ding Junhui at the

moment, nothing to show for his efforts.

This is a decent safety, but not quite the line. Another inch or two

over and he could have got that cue ball tight in behind the green. That

think somewhat blocking the path now to the left corner pocket.

This looks a better line. Just a fraction out. If somebody could get

that cue ball in behind the green, certainly have the advantage in this

frame. Very important tactical battle, this. With Ding already

having a 38 point advantage. Of course Ding knows if he gives Mark

the next chance, it could count for nothing. Swinging it around. Off two

cushions. Good links with the cue ball. That red in the middle of the

table next to the blue put a lot of pressure now on Ding Junhui to get

this cue ball safe. Yes, the fact that the is so close

with the cue ball to this baulk cushion, so he can't play the

four-cushion escape route back to baulk.

That was a very strange shot indeed. I'll tell you what, I don't think

the red closest to the cue ball passes. The red behind the black

would have been a little easier than it is now. Does this read past the

pink? It is tight, isn't it? Maybe half the pocket available. If you

were right behind it, you would fancy it, knocking it in.

This may be worth having a go. There seems to be a little high-pitched

noise in the arena. It is worth hamming a go at this.

Good shot. Though, he has got a nice bump off the middle pocket as well,

just to keep the cue ball out in the middle of the table and nicely on

the yellow. That was a nice little bonus. Just

Vela get the cue ball here. Good pot. A knock off the middle pocket.

Still would have been on the green. A lot easier, of course. Perfect.

Could not have hit that much better. He would love to get that pink away

from the bottom left-hand corner pocket. Maybe not from this red,

maybe take the blue and one other red, but he needs that think out of

the way, back on its spot. Pot the blue. The red at the bottom of the

pack will go into this bottom right-hand corner pocket.

This red he is potting now, OK, it is the only ball that was on, but...

Playing for the pink, as Ken suggested, is just a little bit more

difficult, because the rates that are now available all go to the left

corner pocket, which he is clearing peeping from, but he has got a

little bit to do with the cue ball. You wouldn't think it would be a

problem, but it will be at full stretch. Using the extended

extension on his cue. Got to be careful with this one.

Played it nicely. Still 22 points behind. You will need the awkward

red from the side cushion to clinch the frame at this visit.

The bottom one of the three reds almost in line will go to the right

corner, I think. Forced it in. Six points behind. It

would put him 26.1 with 35 remaining, so that read on the side

cushion, he needs. That could be Ding Junhui's only hope here. Could

be a big stumbling block for Mark. He is blessed with tremendous cue

power, but didn't strike the cue ball that well. Didn't look like he

got a proper strike on the cue ball there. Running away from the reds

now. Is he looking at that awkward red

that he needs? The can get the cannon and the pots. No, it wasn't

on. There is no value, really, in taking

on the grounds. The odds against potting it and getting back up for

the red, so typical match player that he is, he will keep the

pressure on his opponent. That looks pretty good. Excellent shot.

APPLAUSE Sort of forcing Ding into, well, the

easy escape is the red onto the cushion, but of course Ding very

reluctant to bring that out into play.

We know how costly the miss rule can be, if you keep missing it. Hit and

hope, do you think Machan, for one of those two reds, left of the pink?

At least he has that insurance of the red on the left cushion. One I

think you are right. There is one possible escape. Just trying to put

a line-up. This is such a delicate shot, and you have almost got to

play it dead weight, and if he doesn't hit it right, he will

possibly leave a red to the left centre but that is a possible

escape. He could pay this with a bit of space and hit it with the reds

and tried to trust a little bit of luck. But again, never certain of

where the reds will finish up. That is the way to hit the red.

Personally I would come down the other side, swerve around the yellow

and coming to them with pace from the left-hand side of the table. You

never know, you might knock the pink on the cushion. You might knock a

red on the cushion. Just trying to run up to this red near the cushion.

As you say, that is a nothing shot, I don't know why he has played that.

That it's a show of notes, if ever I saw them. I am not quite sure what

he was trying to lay into the red on the left-hand side cushion or

whether he was time to come off to side cushions and maybe come off the

back of these reds? Yes, I think that was maybe his plan. He has

underhit that by quite a considerable margin. I think he has

got to try the two-cushion escape and maybe hit and hope for the best

here. Harder this time. Now, has he got the line? It looks pretty good

to me, looks very good... Brilliant! Brilliant! APPLAUSE

Super shot. Not only did he hit the red, but Mark Selby can't pots this

red. Thinking about the possibility of

playing the awkward red that he will have two contenders if he gets the

chance to win the frame. Doesn't feel like he could get a good safety

of this red, I think mainly because he is hampered.

A good safety, and Ding Junhui with a problem here. He doesn't really

want to bring this red away from the left-hand side cushion. But of your

sleeve he feels that the only guaranteed safety, but, even playing

this one coming has got to get round the back of the black. If he plays

one of the raids that is near the pink, he has got to be careful, if

he catches it to the key could run into the red on the side cushion. --

if he catches it too thick. Nothing will look easy to Ding Junhui at the

moment. Decided just to play the containing

shot. Well, he has left it saved, but that is all. -- left it safe.

Not going to get any advantage, but sometimes the balls dictate what

shops you play. Good shot from Mark covering the two

reds at the table. Leaving Ding no other option here but to play this

red. Played it the other side and the

kiss on the blue has ruined it. He may have found the baulk cushion.

But here is a chance for Mark Selby. The three reds now are in the open.

He has a 7-point advantage. APPLAUSE

Good pot. The red just left of the pink. The one just beside it will

pop into the left-hand corner pocket. He can stay on the pink,

just look this down. Two reds, two colours. Just having a little look.

Obviously having another close look. It looks like it won't spot on its

own spot. It will go on the blue spot. Just wants to make sure. Yes,

and of course you can't ask the referee to get a ball and try and

put it on. You have got to judge it with your own eyes. I didn't know

about you, Ken, I don't think it will go back on its own spot.

Well, there is plenty of room, and that is why he has come around the

same side. The way he was looking, yes, he had to play with the red in

the same pocket. Just red, pink or black required. APPLAUSE

This black to go 30 points in front with 27 remaining. Just make certain

of the pots, that is what he will be thinking.

APPLAUSE Another excellent long pot. 32

points ahead. He will want to make sure of this green. Looks good. I

think after the performances from both players in their respective

semifinals, nobody would have expected a session like this. Mark

Selby, 6-0 now. He doesn't bother, and Ding Junhui

goes. He has a mountain to climb, just two friends left in this

session, and it is all Mark Selby at the moment. He leads Ding 6-0.

It is a bit of a shocking scoreline, you have to say, this is the man who

has scored more points than anyone has ever done in a Crucible

semifinal yesterday, and today look at it. He has been completely kept

off the table, the quality of Mark's matchplay, even when he loses

position, come up to the table, next minute you are snookered, he gives

you absolutely nothing. He is sitting there watching it, Ding,

getting continually sickened by what is happening to stop just not his

type of gamer, Stephen. Years at a couple of chances where he would,

just the desperation he is to get a frame, he has not been as positive

as he normally is. Everything is a struggle. He needs to win these two

frames, I feel, because Mark Selby has almost broke the back of this

match. It will be tough for Ding to come back. Can you feel the

uncertainty, the blind panic, your first final come you have waited all

your life for this. I was on the end of it from Steve. You are just

getting drilled, and playing someone playing much better than you, you

get nothing given to you, as you'd expect in a world final. You are

just sitting there watching one after another. You have had it done

to you, you have done it! Ding has history, that final against

O'Sullivan in the final, when he lost 10-1. That was his first big

occasion final, this is a much bigger one. He has history. 2007, he

was 19 years of age when he met Ronnie, he was walloped, and got

very emotional. He was just a young man. Ten years later, four years

after that he came back and won the Masters. You do think his game is

much more mature, he is much Masters. You do think his game is

mature as a man, as a person. But he has not had many bigger character

tests than this one. COMMENTATOR: This is Mark Selby's

100th frame of the Championship. Ding Junhui, of course, had three

qualifying matches to get through, and he has played, this is his 129th

frame. APPLAUSE Excellent safety there from Mark

Selby. It should be easy enough to hit.

He has left the red. I say he has left the red, can mark hit enough of

this red to pot it? It looks like he can? --.

He judged it nicely. Could have been higher with the cue ball.

No. A mistake. Looking at it quickly, no harm done. Just try to

pinch a little bit of the pocket there. He will be disappointed to

have missed it. He will not be too disappointed with the fact he has

not left anything on for Ding Junhui. Of course, with that red

being adjacent to the left corner, he cannot really play safe. He

played it well. That is what he has got to do. He has got to hang in

there. Not despair. This is a long match. The best of 35 frames. The

first to 18. You cannot lose your cool.

A bit thick on that safety. He will certainly be having a go at this red

to the corner pocket. Wonderful shot. Played that

delightfully. Right in the heart of The Pocket.

He had first chance in the last frame. It was just a loose

positional shot that cost him. He would like to have been a little

straighter on this red. He managed to force it in. Just about on the

blue. Will he play the cannon in between the yellow and brown? Do not

miss the blue! Miss the pack now! Well, another chance gone begging.

He has got away with it. No problem. Ding Junhui got away

with leaving the easy starter. Fine caught. -- fine cut. The problem is

with that, you are never certain to be on a colour Mac. -- colour. He

will be throwing a lot of cue out from his bridge hand. Almost a dead

straight pot. Well played. Nice pot. Pot the black, pot the lose red. Get

a nice angle on the black after this red. He needs to be low on the black

with the cue ball. A nice angle to storm into the pack. -- stun. He is

usually very good at this shot. Watch how this cue ball will arc.

Lots of bottom. It is not too bad. He would like to

have been straighter on the red. Just watch the cue ball. He just

caught that red a little bit too full. It was almost coming across

the edge of the pack rather than going into them. He has got this

red. Left middle. It just shows you, he went into the

pack was left with a tough red. Ding Junhui has got to make the best of

this opportunity and win the frame here and now. He was not get a

better chance than this. A couple of easy starters to get his cue arm

going. He needs to get back up from his

next red, back towards the pink and black.

He does not want to be straight on this red. He wants a nice angle to

get up for the pink. He has got a couple of reds either side of the

pink. Makes it a lot easier. He has just got a slight angle.

He is ten points behind. You see him just glance at the scoreboard. He is

going to need the red on the right-hand side and the right -- red

on the left. As well as the four reds below the pink, if he is going

to win from this position. It is not a straightforward run to the line.

I always feel you come to the table with more purpose thinking your

opponent was going to win the frame. And it looked like that until Mark

missed a red to the middle. Clearly the two reds below the pink are

available into the right corner. He has played a poor shot there. That

is not good. If he is going to play for the pink... It looked like he

did not know which ball to play for, pink or black. He was sort of

betwixt and between. It puts more pressure on this red. He wanted to

clear the two reds below the pink before he tackled any of these more

difficult reds. He has got to go for a book colour here. Once again the

positional side of his game is letting down. That was a golden

opportunity. Played a poor positional shot. It seemed as if he

was undecided whether to play for pink or black. Left himself a tricky