Tuesday, 1st Round, Afternoon Snooker: World Championship

Good afternoon. A few gulps of fresh air before we head into the Crucible

to immerse ourselves in more drama and intrigue, and there has been

plenty of that this year. Die were as many qualifiers as top seeds to

get into rain two. Ronnie O'Sullivan, it has always been a bit

of a banana skin for the seeded player, this first round. We have

seen a few go by the wayside already. Excellent shot. Could not

have put it better. One away from victory. Right in the middle of the

pocket. Once again he has made it look easy. Perfect. Unluckily, David

Gilbert. You met a man on form. Looking forward to the climax of

this match. Two great world champions. A fund a sick shot.

Perfect. Probably the best that he has seen me hit the ball for a

while. The aim is to play like that again and if I can I am going to be

hard to beat. We did not see that. He is going to wrap things up with

his biggest break of the match. You have to play well and scrape through

that will fully act and play better and more consistently in the next

game. and more consistently in the next

time. And gradually should to Sam Beard who goes through to round two.

professional help me be the way forward. I am sure everybody would

wish Michael the best with his health and we hope you are back

soon. Clarification on the Ronnie of Sullivan situation. He did not want

to do any media requests or speak to the media after his victory over

David Gilbert yesterday. World smokers say that he has received a

formal warning -- snooker, World Snooker. In effect it is a yellow

card. Yes, the press have been having a field day. He always gives

the press plenty of copy. It is unlike unusual circumstance because

he did not play that bad. David Gilbert certainly played well. Most

people who have a problem with press conferences have lost. It is

unusual. A lot of the journalists have been picking up on this story

and someone has been claimed that had been banging, crashing and

swearing behind the doors of Ronnie O'Sullivan's dressing room. Clearly

there is a lot of mileage in this story. Hopefully he turns up for the

next match and does what he does best which is placed snooker. Then

speak to somebody for five minutes. Ronnie is through. Let us get some

clarity on the first round draw. Last year's champion Stewart Bingham

was the first name to go out on Saturday night. Stephen Maguire went

out to make banners. -- Alan McManus. John Higgins looks

rock-solid. Judd Trump starts tomorrow against Liang Wenbo. After

a four year wait we will be seeing Mark Williams. The world number 30

Anthony McGill made headlines with his win over Shaun Murphy. Barry

Hawkins has a great recent record here. Ronnie O'Sullivan kept Council

of his victory. The last of the first-round matches will get under

way tomorrow evening. Former champion Mark Selby does not look to

be in any danger yet. We have three matches to finish off and another

three to get going. Mark Selby was on equal more day yesterday but he

was still cleaning up. The deciding session to come. A 13th campaign for

Neil Robertson begins today and he is going for a double with the UK

and world crowns. John Higgins revealed the form yesterday that

could give him another title. We meet this year's only debutant,

Mitchell Mann has played at the Crucible before as a junior pot

black champion. We will have table talk. And a Welsh potting machine.

Very good. We have really seen the moves. 10am was the start time for

this morning's session and the first sighting this morning of Mark Selby

the world number one, up against world number 21 Robert Milkins. He

is a fast potting machine himself but he really needed to get up to

speed quickly because overnight he found himself 7-2 down to Mark

Selby. Mark had piled on the pressure. Rob came back this morning

and took the first four of the morning. We join them in frame 14.

Misses Milton this is the third attempt to escape from a snooker.

Back down the table this time, Robert. Just about to say it was

advantage Mark Selby on the safety exchange. He has to be careful you

does not not a read back over the left corner.

We will see if Mark Selby cannot in a long one here. Nice advantage

here. Where is the red going to finish?

I think all the tactical safety play has knocked Robert out of his stride

a little bit. He was getting that type of shot in. It was not an easy

shot. Not the longest frame of the match.

A couple of frames lasted just over 36 minutes.

One of these awkward reds and a colour to make this frame safe. He

could cannon into the two reds together. He will at least have the

one tight on the cushion to the right corner.

Well played. You would think that is the frame-winning shot. Mark Selby

to get his first frame on the board. We said the mid-session interval

might change things around. That has proven the case again.

Mark will be feeling a little bit more comfortable. He has started to

clear the ball very nicely indeed. That confidence is suddenly

restored. She had a kick in the opening frame of the session and

after that ain't ever really got much of a chance. It does not matter

about the brown. He might pot it anyway. It does not matter about the

blue. He lost all four before the mid-session interval. He badly

needed that. What a relief for Mark Selby to stop

the rot. Into the 15th, Milkins at the table.

An example of the cube power of Mark Selby. The red is dead straight.

Just screw that back up the table for the pink or blue. He obviously

thinks there is a path for the cue ball.

Judging by his facial expression he did not play the cannon. If the

black goes it is a bonus. Signs he is starting to dominate

this match again. Yes, the mid-session interval came at the

right time for Mark. He could get his thoughts together, regroup. He

is back looking good again. The eighth frame was the highlight

of this match, a magnificent break of 132. Looked edgy at the start of

the match. All of a sudden he is marching round

the table with a lot of authority. Just a quick glance at the

scoreboard. He can secure the frame without any of the difficult reds.

Just the black. Robert all of a sudden is right up

against it. Fantastic run from Robert to take all four frames

before the interval. The world number one looking very good.

The blue remove the red passed the yellow. Too much side. Unless he can

clip this red down the cushion. He has tried the double. He was not far

away. It will not be concerned about that because that was a fine break

of 60s evident from the world number one and he puts himself one frame

away. It has been a curious match. He

finds himself one away from a place in the second round. He is going to

have to work for it. Paul shot. Looking to play one of

the specials that he has knocked ten a times. Beautifully cued. Not

finished just yet in this year's bet Fred Ward championship, that is for

sure. He is still OK but he is going to have to run up for a baulk

colour. He wanted to be straight on this red.

Two reds and two high value colours will leave mark with snooker is

required. He might be OK. A little smile from

Robert. Mark having a look at the monitor to see if he is nicely on

the black. He is, but he might have to play over from the red on the

right side of the table. If he can drop this in and get pink or black

the frame is his. He has missed a fairly comfortable pot. A little bit

of noise from the other table just as he was about to strike. There is

enough left on the table. For Mark Selby to finish this frame.

See if Mark Selby can screw back and tried to get those four reds.

Terrific effort. I think he plays a screw shot as well as anybody in the

game. screw shot as well as anybody in the

is a chance to win the match. If he was to lose this frame, it is a

terrible way to looking at the table at the moment.

Only the blue that is off of its spot, everything else is

straightforward. He has a good angle on the black. Or for the left-hand

cushion or screw back, depending on the angle. He is going to have a

look at it. He could not have played it any better.

Steven mentioned, he is doing what world number ones do. Half a chance.

He senses victory, he grabs it with both hands. They always say the

hardest frame to win is the one that gets you over the line, but not so

for the very top players. They are used to it.

You can see there Robert's head bowed in his seat. He knows that

this year's Championship has gone. Very clinical. He has been in

perfect position all the way through this break.

Oh, only just, he thought he had missed that. Well, he got off to a

great start but Robert Milkins, to be fair, combatling back to be just

one behind at 7-6. In the end the world number one Mark Selby, you

would have to say he has won the match fairly comfortable, 10-6. Well

played to Robert Milkins. He is here with us, that was a funny old game,

you win six in a row, he wins four, you win another three, it was

topsy-turvy. It was, I played OK after the interval to get the lead

7-2. So I was going out today, I knew Robert would come back, let his

arm go and he played great stuff to get back to 7-6 and back in the

match. Was it frightening territory when he was be behind. Yes the

interval came at the right time for me. I regrouped. Went on the

practice table and got a bit of rhythm. John, and I were watching

you yesterday, he describes you as snooker's Hoover, tell him what you

said. I said he is in eco mode. He is doing enough. Then you chucked in

the century and it was all full tilt after that. When you think back to

last year, you came in as defending champion, round two, that was

farewell, but in an ironic and strange way, you come in more under

the radar. I have not had a fantastic season but that is not

through playing really bad. When I have lost matches my opponents

played a lot better and deserved to win. That is the standard of

snooker, you could go on all season and not win a tournament. That

doesn't mean to say you are no worse or bad than anyone else. In way, it

is probably a good thing coming with not so much expectations on me. Is

there ring rustiness, has it helped or hirnded your preparations? A bit

of positive and negative. Positive as if I am fresher, I feel more

better but as far as match practise, because I have missed the last two,

I don't feel as sharp, that showed in the first four frames. I said it

was like a horse race, you needed the run, you have had that now,

blown the cobwebs away, should kick on from there. The first four I was

relieved to get over. Once I got out, I felt more settled and I

played better. Sitting watching it the first couple of day, were you,

along with everybody else surprised to see Stuart and Shaun and Stephen

Maguire and so many others really under the cosh, and obviously four

seeds having gone out so far. Yes, I looked at the rankings, just shows

how tough it is. The players that have got beat, you would show it as

a shock, when you look at who they have got beat by it doesn't

surprise. McGill beating Shaun the way he played against me last year,

didn't surprise me. Ali Carter, nobody wanted to draw him first

round and Stuart, he struggled this year, probably put too much pressure

on himself, I did the year before, mine, obviously it is difficult to

do and you want to try and take everything on and not let anyone

down. Where do you stand on the qualifiers. Graeme Dott had

interesting points to make about what you want, saying some of the

younger fellows, winning one or two is major, but for Ali Carter and

Ding Junhui, they want to win, he doubts a qualifier will have the

stamina having gone through three matches to get to the final. Where

do you stand? Specially if they have won it 10-9. You could win three and

be drawn in the first round against someone like Stuart and you have had

only one or two days to get over it. It is difficult but on the other

hand if row win three and win them comfort Palestinian, you come here

confident, it is a tough one really. It is difficult It's a victory of

its own circumstances, there will be is no place in the calendar. You

would probably play and have a week's rest in between, so coming in

on the same level playing field. It is not like that. That. You are

going to have face one one of the guys who performed well. What do you

know about him? It was one of the greatest moments of his career to be

in last night. I played him a few times the and been impressed. He

scores really well, very natural. And it surprised me he took this

long to breakthrough, as I say I played him a few times, when did, he

performed to a accident level. It has been a tough game. I expect no

different at the weekend. Thank you for popping over to see us. I think

you should watch and learn from the master today, here, if you forgive

me. We have been running a quiz and John has been giving everyone grief.

Now the boot is on the other foot. Today's pot quid contestant is John

Parrott from Liverpool. Have you played the game before, do you like

snooc sner The last time I played Churchill was in shorts. Fair

enough. I have your five questions here, the rules are there is 15 red,

you will pot the remaining reds, every question you get right you

take a red off the table. You pot the 15 reds or as many as you have

left and you finish off with the black. Your first question, these

are tough. Who did you play in your first Crucible match and what was

the score? So hard. Denis Taylor? What was the score? He beat me 10-6?

Tony Noel, 10-7. I won my first match? Well done! But you don't get

a point for that. What was your highest Crucible century break? 140.

OK. Against? That is only for a bonus, it is not for a bonus point.

Against Cliff Thorburn. This is one you will probably get this. Name

three of the semifinalists at this year's Masters.

Three of the semifinalists. Judd Trump, Barry Hawkins and Ronnie

O'Sullivan. Do you want to name the fourth? Hawkins beat Trump and

Ronnie O'Sullivan beat, can't remember. Fantastic, Stuart Bingham

was the other one. Two you have so far. OK. Name the only year when the

two top seeds reached the Crucible final. Tough question this, really.

1998. No, it was 1987. Steve Davis, Joe Johnson. Right. I wouldn't have

got that any way. Your last question multiple choice, who won the world

title the year you play your ever last match at the Crucible. Was it

Graeme Dott, John Higgins, Ronnie O'Sullivan or Shaun Murphy? Go for

Ronnie. It was John Higgins. I got two. Take off two. Goodness me. Take

which ever. The two round ones. Here is the question.

I have seen people, yes, OK, like that one. I think I should have

taken that one, they are very clever ones, your time start whence you

true the could be. -- when you strike the cue ball.

Off you go. Fantastic cue action, you can't beat

talent. Nice if I had any! Nice control on

the super fine cloths. You got a big bounce off the cushion

there. So far this is exemplary from John

Parrott. He is going to the middle pockets now.

There is a few balls at the top of the table. He has overscrewed that

by a fraction and he played the little Dinky one.

He is looking good so far. Plenty of time yet. Not bad.

43 second this is very very good. 45 seconds now. So far he hasn't missed

a ball. Looking very good. Just this one down the bottom of the table.

Leave it can two up the top close toast the black, very good plan. One

minute now, doesn't attempt to get on the positional play. That was a

clever thinking shot. This is so clever. What he has done there, that

is superb. Oh, that is just so clever. And this could be a record.

Well it is going to be the winner so far, I think.

Just this black for a fantastic time. Oh, he has only dollied it.

Don't worry about that son. It's in. Fantastic.

APPLAUSE. One minute 29 seconds. That is

fantastic. How do you feel? If you want quick, I'm your man.

John Parrott sets the standards on the table. It is like old times.

Meanwhile setting San guard in the modern era is knob no, he has been

coming to the Crucible -- Neil Robertson, and he has been flying

the flag for Australia since 2005. We remember when it was draped round

his shoulder as champion five years later in 2010. So does he feel right

at home every time he turns up here in Sheffield now? I used to have to

wait for the video tape, you know, someone in the UK would be recording

the World Championships and then, Cully they would make their way over

to Australia, and it was always you know, the early 90s with the Stephen

Hendry and Jimmy White finals. That is what I grew up watching.

The first visit was when the first year I qualifieded for the Crucible,

you know, I went down there a day early to just watch a match a being

in there, watching it, I guess as a fan if you like, was amazing. I have

never been so nervous to walk down the stays because I was, don't trip

or fall. The whole City is buzzing. The first year wint it wasn't that

great. They made a lot of modern changes to the city, and you know

there is a tremendous buzz, you know, round the city when the

tournament is on. It is the best time and the best tournament to play

in. It it changes when it gets to a one table set up. That is when the

tournament really opens up. The crowd is knowledgeable and it's a

sell out. It creates a brilliant atmosphere, which in turn can create

a lot of pressure as well, but you know, that is what I love about

playing snooker, playing under pressure and your best stuff in

front of so many millions of people and in front after crowd. The World

Championship was a big dream for me. It a proud moment when I see myself

on the honour's list and see pictures of myself, lifting the

trophy. I have had some really good runs in the tournament as well, but

I am obviously really keen to get back to another final and hopefully

win it game. Robertson wears his Poker Face in

the arena but Michael Holt is much more extrovert. He has won one match

in his eight previous campaigns on his debut in 2005 when he beat the

late Paul Hunter. Michael has been waiting a long time for another win.

But he has made a positive start this morning, we left them earlier

with Holt 2-0 up on Neil Robertson, the top break 75 from Michael so

far. At the 2010 champion yet to get going. It is Peter Ebdon and John

very go in charge here. -- very go in charge here.

-- Virgo in charge here. Just at the moment Neil has a touch

of the nearlies. And without having to do much, it

was close but a risky one to take on. Michael Holt comes to the table,

with a good scoring opportunity here.

Just about OK. A bit more angle but I think he can

get this cue ball away from the cushion, yes, he just got in a

tangle. Couple of loose reds. If he goes into the cluster he may elect

not to play the cannon this time, he can play for the loose red.

He numbed it nicely -- judged it nicely. If you don't have the

natural angle you don't get the pace in the cue ball that is required. He

will be looking for an angle on a colour to open the bunch, sooner or

later. This type of situation, sometimes you prefer playing it, the

cannon into the cluster off the blue, but, you could play for the

plaque and if he doesn't get the right angle he could play for the

red near to top cushion. He has decided to go for the blue, that is

the correct shot, and now this is the chance. Pot the blue, cannon the

pink, thumb in the face, a bit of stun and open the reds up.

Couldn't have played it better, although having said that he didn't

hit the pink full in the face. It looks as though he has a red to

continue with. If he had hit the red full in the face, he had the right

amount of stun, a bit of back spinning, but it was a good shot. He

timed that very well indeed. Unfortunate to finish so close to

the right-hand side cushion. This is a tough position. Cued that

beautifully. Very very good shot. Now then, mind your work and you

will have a three frame advantage, perfect on the blue.

I was talking to Michael the other day and I said how did he feel the

three qualifying matches affected him. He said, the thing is, if you

don't make to it the Crucible you don't feel you are a snooker player,

do you? Absolutely. So winning the three qualifying

matches, you are just delighted to be here. I experienced that myself

this year and it was so difficult, these last couple of seasons not

qualifying for the Crucible. It is heartbreak, it is soul-destroying

for a player because it means so much to be here.

He has a slight angle on the black. Just going to make the right

decision here. There is enough loose reds, you

would be surprised if he you didn't land on one. Don't want to

overcomplicate the issue. Landed plumb on the blue. I think

the standard of rest play in the game has come on, leaps and bounds.

Absolutely. this year.

Won his first ranking vent this season, Shanghai master, outstanding

talent. A really nice lad as well. Back to Michael.

He is doing the job nicely here. Nice and focussed.

Bit straight on this black. Shouldn't be too

it. He was stood behind him. But of course, we are ask to give a

little bit of leeway to the referees, because it is a very tight

situation when you have got the two tables set up. And this is the

boutty of the sport yorn. You know if Michael fouled the yellow he

would have owned up immediately. -- the beauty of the sport.

Already made 159 cot pettive centuries.

-- competitive centuries. Sofrgets a quality player. As I say,

only been past the first round once. But that is no real disgrace, in

that first round you are playing the best players in the world. As he is

today, this is just the start he was looking for.

Looks a formality for the sent now. It will be the 16 o 0th of his

career -- 160th of his career. Well played.

Very well played indeed. Just carried on and getting stronger.

Oh tremendous shot. So that black going in, possible 140

on here. 138 is the highest break so far.

You a not saying it is garage teed to remain the highest break, the

thing is with a show, anything over 139 you need to start and get the 15

reds and 15 colours. Reak, the thing is with a show,

anything over 139 you need to start and get the 15 reds and 15

So this, for the highest break in the Bet Fred World Championship so

far. And it's there, absolutely superb

from Michael Holt. OK, Neil Robertson went for a risky red but

didn't he take them well? Never looked in any trouble, brought the

reds up when he needed to and he leads Neil Robertson, one of the

major contenders for the title by three frames to nil.

Highest in the Championship and it surpasses Marco Fu in his match

against Peter Ebdon. Stunning break from Michael Holt and as we rejoin

them, after that rather surprise start, Robertson has finally got out

of his blob, taking the next two with breaks of 62, a sent of his

own. His 50th at the Crucible, and he is only one behind as we head

into frame six. This is Robertson to play.

A missed opportunity for Michael. And Neil will be absolutely

delighted to be get back to the table.

It is not ideal here, straightish on the brown. I think he can cut the

yellow in as well. That cue ball will be running loose, so the brown

is theisiest pot but can get position off the blown. Playing a

deep screw, lots of bottom and follow threw. That is an excellent

shot. That was so missable playing it with that much power. Deep crew

right-hand side. Struck that beautifully.

And that is why he played the brown, he saw these two reds as being a

plant. Now, from behind the pocket as we are looking looks unmissable.

Look at the gap between the two reds, you have to hit the first one

right. This is definitely missable. Played it really well.

He played the stun run through and judged it to perfection.

Perhaps John that organic banana smoothie in the interval has worked

its magic. Is that what he had? Do you supply these smoothies, Peter?

For a small commission, yes! Another good shot. He's growing in

confidence. A little bit unhappy with the

contact. Thought the cue ball did not run through as well as he liked.

He does not want to be too straight on this black. Sounding a little bit

heavy. Not too bad. Not the perfect angle on the black but he has the

red near the middle. Neil has picked up the pace all of a

sudden. He looks as if he is growing in confidence. He was not walking

around the table like that at the start of the match. Now, he

certainly was not. Maybe the Crucible nerves have settled down.

Every credit to Michael Holt for keeping him off of the table.

Michael has seen that three frame advantage disappear to one, and it

could be all square after this contribution. You would not bet

against him. He is looking for two reds with colours, possibly three

reds still to get. He has played that well, cued that lovely. He has

a nice angle on the blue. Play the cannon here. He might try to avoid

the pink. Do not have to play this too hard. It is OK. Not perfect but

it is all right. He is looking a completely different

player. Yes, more purpose, looking at different options. It is easily

done sometimes, if you just have a little bit of tension, you do not

approach the table in the same manner. Sometimes that is one of

Neal's problems. He gets bogged down, the type of play that he

produces, starts looking for problems and things to go wrong, but

such a good break-builder. He is down quickly so you must have

landed on it quickly. No problem. This black will put him 64 points in

front with 51 remaining. Sorry, 59 remaining.

Nice shot. Made a century break in the last frame. Can he double up

here? Good pot. From struggling early on

and being put under pressure from some very good play from Michael

Holt, all of a sudden Neil Robertson has phoned his timing, he is

striding purposefully around the table, and he does not look as if he

is going to miss. Nun. You can was tell that when the balls are going

in the middle of the pocket. Played it nicely. You would not bet against

back-to-back centuries. Tremendous response. I think coupled with all

his great ability is that Australian mentality. They are tough

competitors. Absolutely, true fighting grit. Well played.

It goes to prove that you can never underestimate the restorative powers

of an organic banana smoothie. I will have to try one. That is a

tremendous positional shot. Slow down. Just trying to play a couple

of exhibition shots. A fantastic frame from Neil Robertson. Michael

Holt had the first chance. Back-to-back centuries for Neil

Robertson to level the match. What a match this is because in the

very next three Michael Holt made another century. That is three in a

row. Extraordinary session of snooker. 4-3 to Nottingham's

charismatic hit man. He said at the start of this frame

if he was to win this one he would hold an advantage going into the

final session this evening, so a big chance, a big moment in this match.

If you're looking ahead, obviously the yellow is going to be a problem.

You do not want to get too far ahead of yourself in these situations. I

suppose it would be the perfect opportunity to get a lead and lay a

very difficult behind the green in playing the yellow. Yes, you could

do that. That pink takes him one point in front. The yellow does go

into the green pocket, thinking ahead, but it would require a very

precise positional shot. Yes, and I think, I am not a great lover of

this rule, but the rule encourages you to play the snooker rather than

to get on the difficult yellow. I could not agree more. Very close to

touching the red. With his shirt. The referee was right on spot. Just

a few millimetres away. He was very close to that. Very good player,

Michael, very confidently struck. If he can land straight on the green,

then he would have a great trance. He needs to land straight on the

green. Then he can roll the green end and then he would have the

yellow and the greenback on it spot. It is all about judging the pace of

this shot. That looks about perfect. Great shot. Just looking at his body

language, his face, he has gone round to have a look at the angle of

the yellow, so it looks good. It looks good. A little stubborn run

through here. As to judge this right. Played it perfectly. It was

all to do with that good position on the green. The frame at his mercy.

Guaranteed a lead into tonight's final session.

Lovely shot on the green. Very little margin for error. Judge did

absolutely to perfection. This is really impressive from Michael Holt.

The brown to go 19 points in front with the team remaining. When he

pots the brown he will be on the blow. We have had centuries in the

last three frames but this frame has been as good as any of them. It has

been a very exciting frame. A really classy clearance from Michael Holt.

To see like this frame to take the lead. Very impressive. Neil

Robertson will be very disappointed. He had the chance but that not play

the right positional shot. Michael Holt that the rest. He is guaranteed

a lead going into the final session. Will it be one frame or three?

Michael Holt in front. Many of us talking about how we have rarely

seen Michael play so well on BBC television. This next frame could be

extremely significant. He has a lead and how many frames will the gap be?

Let us find out. Neil has a bit of side on that and

missed it by a mile. Yes. It shows you how it can turn round is that

little bit. From the fourth framework might he made 62, Neal

made 101, the next 107, Michael came back and made 115 and Neil looks

wobbly again. Could not agree more. It has been Michael Holt's strength

that has kept Neil Robertson under pressure. Just when he looked as if

he was getting a foothold back into this game. Another beautiful shot.

Avoided the cannon on the reds, controlled the cue ball beautifully

to give himself options. Yellow, brown, pink. I thought you were

going to sing a song for a moment. I would not do that to you. Thank you.

It all depends where the black is available. Is it available into any

of the corner pockets? It is available into this one. He is

playing the ground. He does not have to play any cannons, just a prison

ice positional shot. Used up all the pocket. He did, didn't he? Very

straight on this red. The reason it is a little bit of a disadvantage he

might not get the right angle on the blue and might finish too close to

the cushion. That was heavy contact. Really disappointed.

the cushion. That was heavy contact. thought that if you do not fit it

cleanly, you get the bounce. Perhaps he did not hit it as cleanly as he

normally would. It has cost him position. Very good recovery shot.

Unfortunately I do not think he is in

Unfortunately I do not think he is did not fully commit for that

because even if he runs a fraction too high with you all have a choice

of reds. He will have to play for the pink in the middle probably. The

only reason I say that is you feel you have more control of the cue

ball. He has decided to go up for the blue. Played it perfectly. Just

enough angle. Just got it. That was a risk playing it like that. Toss to

the right side of the blue line. Always stay the right side of the

blue line. Neil Robertson is looking quite tense. He knows he is playing

a player in very good form. Yes, and of course when you know your

opponent is in good form you are sat there thinking, am I going to get a

chance back at the table? If he finishes good on this pink, he

has a great chance. He has not. There was the red to the right of

the black that he has had a few chances to play on. If he had been

straight on the pinky could have played for it. He has been playing

shots that have caught up with him because he has to play a little

cannon and normally when you play that it could go wrong. He would be

unlucky not to finish on a red if he plays a follow-through shot through

the reds. Do not forget to pot the pink? How many times do we see it?

Thinking about everything but the pot. Never take anything for granted

in this game. Anguish. We have seen it many times in the

World Championship, claims that look as if they are going in favour of

one man and all of a sudden a mess can turn a match on its head. It is

just that one ball. Michael Holt has been so strong in this match so far

will stop he has competed in every department, played some excellent

safety, scored well. Just that one lapse of concentration could be the

difference between 6-3 and 5-4, and that is huge. Yes, did not have to

do anything, just took the pink for granted. This is a lifeline that

Neil Robertson did not expect to be getting. The class player and

champion that he is you would have to think there is every chance of

him taking this opportunity with both hands. He realises the

importance of this frame, it is massive.

He will not be too happy with that. I assume he played for the blue, but

too Street. The pink is a bit more difficult. From being in perfect

position, just the wrong side of the blue line. From being perfect he is

out of position. I would not be surprised if he took on the brown.

It is a big shot that I think it is the right shot. He is looking at

where to leave the white if he takes the brown. Big shot coming up.

Somewhere near that circle is where he would like to be. That is

brilliant. Is he too hard? He is OK. That is one thing you can rely on

him doing normally, pot. He would like to have been a little bit

straighter on the pink to play for the red back to the right of the

black. He will have to play for the red to the left of the black as we

look. He could just roll it through. This red to the right of the black

that has caused problems most of this frame, once it is out of the

way he has a chance. Three reds and three high value colours and there

will be snookers required. That red on the left-hand side of the table

not in too bad a position for a left-hander.

What a high-quality match we have had. This has been superb. Yes, and

apart from the high-quality, the drama, we have had an unexpected

miss. This pink will put him 21 points in front so she needs this

awkward red Andy colour. Could not have played better. Red, pink, red,

black, and it will be snookers required. Michael Holt will be

devastated. What a chance he had. I known. He is not perfect on this

pink. He only needs the pink. He can roll it in the middle. He does not

have to play for the yellow. This is miserable. He has missed it. Why do

you not roll it? Unbelievable. Michael Holt missed the pink, real

Robertson missed the pink which was frame ball. Can he clear the colours

for a three frame advantage? He has a chance from nowhere. Solid. Needs

the cue ball to slow up. A bit of adrenaline in that one. Yes. Tough

green, this. Could not have cued that better.

Wonderful shot. Fantastic shot. Beautiful cueing from Michael.

Normally say one of the keys on the situation is getting position from

brown to blue but that does not matter where the pink is. This is

not straightforward because he is pretty straight and this requires

pretty good cueing and he has to play it with pace as well. It

wriggled, but it went in. Blue, pink and black for a 6-3 lead going into

the final session this evening. A little puff of the cheeks from

Michael as he walked round the table.

I think you have to play the ball into the middle. It is only looking

more difficult because of the circumstances.

Although this pink is near the middle pocket he needs to finish on

the right angle because he does not want to have to play that with pace.

Do not forget to pot the blue. Very good shot. As he have the angle on

the pink? Perfect. Excellent shot. When Michael Holt missed the pink

into the corner they must have thought he had thrown away a

gilt-edged chance. Neil Robertson missed frame ball pink. It looks as

if he is going into the final session so three frames behind. If

Michael Holt can pot this black. What a marvellous nine frames we

have had. Drama, everything. The black for 6-3. Well played, Michael

Holt. Absolutely sensational nine frames. What a session that was.

Four centuries. Neil Robertson will be very disappointed. He only needed

the pink to close the gap to one but it is three. The final session as

this evening. In Michael Holt N Michael Holt. In

Michael Holt. There will be plenty of interest later tonight with Neil

Robertson up against it. Against Michael Holt who is playing

beautifully. Live snooker is very much on our radar for the rest of

afternoon, let us show do you what is on the menu. We have John

Higgins, aiming to complete the job against Ryan Day, he starts 7-2 in

front. It is beginning for Malky Mackay who comes to Sheffield in

excellent form after taking the players championship in Manchester

last month. He is up against the only debutante. Mitchell Mann, he is

the lowest ranked play here, world 74 but this is not his first time he

has played at the Crucible. Because Mitchell became onxxxx junior pot

black champion here. His astonishry, won the European amateur

Championship 2014 an event which automatically guaranteed him a crack

at the professional rank, in his second attempt to qualify he is

here. He has beaten two good campaigners, ten years on he is back

at a pro-. He is setting some records before he even strikes a

ball in there. For only the second time since we have been coming here,

he is one of, one debutante in the draw that, has only happened once

before in 2006, and the man in question was a certain baulk, and

what has he ever done in this game? Apart from make the final and at

least the semis for the last three years in a row. So perhaps great

things beckon for Mitchell as they have done for Barry Hawkins. But let

us get into the auditorium, and I think John and Steven might be in

reminiscing mode. Honestly it is come flooding back in these chairs,

you remember the first time you came here? It was over there I was

playing Willie Thorne, I had a nice brown suit and mullet. Did you win?

I lost 10-8. I got a nice round of applause. The audience are very

close on the front row. At the moment it looks expansive but the

dividing wall will come down and it is different. It can become

claustrophobic, I have seen some debutantes like a rabbit in the

headlight, it is different to anything they have experienced. You

have in your pan over there, we have the cameras up close, they. Co-up

against you, you have those to put up with, and you can almost forget

to play snooker because of the atmosphere. It might take Mitchell

two, three frames to realise he is here to play a match, not to be at

the Crucible. We wish him all the best, he is up there against Mark

Allen. We are going to concentrate on this one, John Higgins kicked off

his campaign yesterday against Ryan Day.

A terrific shot. Fantastic start John Higgins got one

chance and he made a century break. He leads 1-0.

First the easy ball jig jg has missed in this match. Manufacture --

John Higgins has missed in this match.

A little drag shot. Day takes the fourth frame. Two

frames all. He has come out after the

mid-session interval and made another century break. Three frames

to two. John Higgins gets the last frame of

this session, under way. Knocking the red off the cushion.

That is his third century, and what a... The Wizard of Wishaw has waved

his wand. He takes an overnight lead, 7-2. Here is the scene

backstage, day and Mark Allen they know the drill, they have learned

how to handle the nerves and the wait. It is all down to Mitchell

Mann. He has only played Mark Allen once an he beat him, so all the best

to Mitchell and to our three other players this afternoon, as they get

the call now from MC Rob Walker. Thank you, good afternoon, ladies

and gentlemen. Nine players have now booked their place in the second

round of this year 's Bet Fred World Snooker Championship and every

single match so far has been fascinating. Here at the Crucible,

we are ready to go again. APPLAUSE.

Please welcome the only debutante in this year's World Championship and

how he has had to earn it. 10-9 against Matthew sell. He has played

55 frames of snooker to get here, so come on Sheffield, raise the roof,

for Birmingham's Mitchell Mann. L. He has played 55 frames of snooker

to get here, so come on Sheffield, raise the roof, for Birmingham's

Mitchell Mann. -- Mitchell "the Iron Man" Mann.

APPLAUSE And his opponent, one of the most

exciting talents in the modern game, men he in the balls his

break-building is brilliant to watch. Twice a ranking event winner

in China, he won his big event in England last month. Ilding is

brilliant to watch. Twice a ranking event winner in China, he won his

big event in England last month. Here comes Mark "the Pistol" Allen.

And on table one, please welcome a proud Welshman who came through

qualifying to book an 11th appearance at the Crucible. Three

times a ranking event finalist he is closing in on a return to the

world's top 16. He will give it absolutely everything this

afternoon, ree times a ranking event finalist he is closing in on a

return to the world's top 16. He will give it absolutely everything

this afternoon, because he is Ryan "Dine mitt" Day.

'S top 16. He will give it absolutely everything this

afternoon, because he is Ryan "Dine mitt" Day.

'S top 16. He will give it absolutely everything this

afternoon, because he is Ryan "Dine mitt" Day.

-- "Dynamite". And finally, one of the finest

sports men his country has produced. Some said he was past his best at

start of last years then followed three ranking event titles to take

his tally to 28 in all. Four times a champion of the world, he is the

Wizard of Wishaw he is John Higgins. Haze and you can follow the early

exchanges in the Mitchell Mann match on the red Button. For now, we will

focus on the deciding session on table one, and we will hand you into

the great care and attention of two former world champs. Peter Ebdon and

Denis Taylor. Afternoon everybody. So Ryan Day gets this final session,

and this match under way, and is it going to be another Masterclass from

John Higgins? I did the first session and he was awesome. Three

century breaks and every possibility of it being four or even five, that

is how good he was from two each. He was awesome, Peter.

One of the greatest match players of all time. Absolutely rock solid in

every single department. Ryan Day really could do with this

opening frame. Such a talented player, Ryan.

Possesses amazing cue power, doesn't he Denis, times the ball so sweetly.

That is the opening frame of the session, he has the pace of the

table straightaway because the white is almost touching that baulk

cushion. John just, I think three or four very easy pots he missed, he

just lost concentration, for a few moment, but other than that, this is

superb. APPLAUSE.

I don't know if day was watching the snooker this morning and seen Robert

Milkins win the first four frames against Mark Selby to take it to one

behind, if he was, he will have that in the back of his mind, but there

is going to be a tall order do that against John Higgins,

is going to be a tall order do that doesn't have a great angle on the

blue here but he could choose to use that wonderful cue power he has to

go into the reds, top-spin, right-hand side.

Very goods attempt. Very unlucky. He got a bit too much on it. He is

blessed with an abundance of cue power, is the Welshman.

In fact he started the match so well, because John Higgins never

gave him a shot in the two opening frame, he has braked of 105, 79.

-- breaks. Ryan comes straight back with breaks

of 73 and 55 to level at two all, but after that, it was, it was all

John. Might have a free shot here, but if he doesn't catch it right he

will cannon into the black, if he pots it, he feels he will go round

the back of the black here. Yes, den nirks if anything you would

rather be slightly thin on this rather than too thick.

And that is exactly what he has done.

-- Denis. I don't think he has quite got the

angle to screw this into the left corner and avoid the cannon on the

pinks and get on the black: If the white was slightly to the right he

would be able to have a go at that, because he wouldn't leave a great

deal. Took that on, because knew the only

red he could leave was the one he was having a go at.

John needs to be a bit careful here. Not push a red over the corner

pocket. Good chance to get the cue ball behind the yes low. He has

played it thicker to get behind the green, bun fortunately he has pushed

a red over the corner. He has to the a bit with the cue

ball, it will go into the reds or the pink there.

And that will do nicely. That was a natural, and it couldn't

have worked out better. If he can get enough screw on this,

the other one is guaranteed here, so he doesn't have to hit them that

hard if he doesn't want to. That was a nice cannon because he

could have easily ended upwith cue ball behind the red, Africanening

the pink out of the way. -- cannoning the pink out of the

way. It is not straightforward. Played it well. Just gone too far

for the blue. Had he been nicely on the blue he could have potted it and

gone into the reds and opened a few and freed the pink but it just ran

on so he has to concentrate on the brown now. Watch the cue action,

look where he is striking the cue ball.

How, hardly hit that, and... Was never going to be easy to get any

better angle on the red than this. But this is a bit of a tester,

medium length pot, a test of your cue action, the red looks almost

straight. Straight.ing slight angle would be better. He has a slight

angle here. Cued across that one slightly. Just,

zel rated slightly on it. -- accelerated slightly on it. John

Higgins a shade fortunate there. Not to leave an easier red. Into the

centre. This is a tough pot into the green

pocket but ruin will take this on, playing it with top-spin.

This needs to go in. He is wide.

Yes, it was as if he didn't fully commit on that shot.

The reason I say that is look where the cue ball has finished.

He was thinking to himself, if I can get a decent white, but that is not

the way to be thinking when you are 7-2 behind, you have to be so

positive. John still might knock this red in.

Cannoning into the reds here so trusting to luck to a degree, where

the cue ball ends up. He played that very well.

This is a tough pot. That is excellent cue, well played.

Nice cappen on the red. Cannon on the red to hold the cue

ball. A bit straight on this red.

Means he can't do too much with the cue ball, a slightest of anles, --

angles. He needs to be careful though, because you can't force

these balls too much into the middle pockets.

That is why threated that with the respect it warranted.

-- treated that. Should be be able to fogs an angle

here. Played the cannon. It has gone

wrong. 14.

Played it well enough, just didn't get the correct contact on the red

there. A bit unlucky. You have to be careful here, if you

are sending red round, he could send it into a colour here.

And the pink is in an awkward position for the safety shot down

the right side of the table. Have to make sure you don't cannon into

that. There is a possible cut on, if he took it on he would go close to

hitting the pink on the way back down.

Ryan is blessed with a lot of cue power, this is a screw shot with

left-hand side. What a shot. Played that beautifully. There was a lot of

danger with that shot. Could easily have cannoned into the two reds next

together next to the black. Look at that. Wow. Timed it perfectly.

Superb shot. Think Ryan was trying to make the

pocket a bit bigger with that shot, Denis. Once again, he has to force

that yellow in to get round for the reds.

It is not an easy run to the winning post, in this opening frame of this

session. In fact, there is only one easy red

available. If he has the correct angle on this he could pot this,

screw back, nudge the two reds, and bring them into play, because he

would certainly finish on black, I don't think he has quite got the

angle do that. But with his cue power you never

know. In fact he had and he played it perfectly.

Times the ball so well, Denis, doesn't he, that is incredible

timing to be able do that, even on the super fine cloths where the

balls play light, brand-new sets of ball, this is phenomenal timing to

be able to get that much action on the cue ball.

Such a naturally gifted player, Ryan.

Most people would tell you he should have won a lot more, let us look at

the score board. What is he in front? 43. So the red and black. He

will be 51 in front. If he pots red and black, and there would still be

a possible 51 on the table. He needs one more red to make sure of this

opening frame. . He doesn't hang round, he is fluent among the balls.

So just this red then. A bit tricky.

Thinking down into the white, easy to overcut these.

Played it perfectly. APPLAUSE.

He has been a runner-up three times in ranking event, should have won at

least a couple. He has that much talent.

But after a very solid season, Denis, he is making inroads into get

back back into the top 16. He is not that far away. He is number 20 at

the moment. Doesn't matter about black, he has done what he had to

do, he has come out with a game plan to take three out of the first four

frames, he has took the first frame but still trails. HAZEL IRVINE: He

has had a good season, Ryan Day, he has been a runner-up in the Hungary

quarterfinals in Germany, the world Grand Prix and he had to beat Ken

Doherty to gheert, that was just so important for him, that frame.

Massively so. He has a mountain to climb as it is, while John Higgins

is on seven, and nowhere near ten you still have a chance, but you

have to win the opening frame and you would have to win two of the

next three, really, to give... His target is to win all four, but three

out of the first four would be the minimum he needs to win this match.

It will be a tough ask this, we saw John Higgins in blistering form with

the three centuries and it could have been more, we have rarely seen

him start a Championship this week. At times he has looked back to his

best, his scoring is back, the number one thing in his armoury, a

have sang scorer, he just makes one or two unforced errors he used to

make at his peak in his career. Here we go. John is sting needing three

to get over the line against the Welshman today.

I mentioned yesterday that John made 14 sents at the Crucible one year,

only to be superseded by the Jess what in the studio, his -- the

gentleman in the studio, his friend Stephen when triwho made 16 at the

Crucible. What an achievable that was -- achievement that was.

There is a few records round Peter, that might never be broken. 16

centuries, by Stephen Hendry. Neil Robertson a couple of seasons ago.

One hundred centuries in one season. Incredible. Can't see that being

beat and the one I doubt will ever be beaten, Ronnie's maximum break in

five minutes 20 second, can't see that being beat.

Unless he decides he wants to beat it himself. Nice cross table double

from John. The only way that shot can go wrong

is if you hit the far knuckle, and then the red travels back in to

baulk. Where the cue ball finishes up. He

wants to take the brown on here but there is no value really because he

can't end up on a red, so... Not difficult to escape from.

Playing the swerve. This could go wrong. This could go wrong.

Not so sure about that one Denis. An escape off either side cushion into

the pack when he almost pushed a red on, and it was the risky way to go.

You can see this safety success with it almost level, just 1% the

difference. You would expect John Higgins to be

higher than that of but the reason he isn't is that he hasn't been

playing much safety, he has been blocking all the balls in. This is a

similar shot to the one Ryan Day had in the last frame. I think he is

refusing this. If he got enough screw on that, he could have saved

this as a shop to nothing, but that's not the greatest safety shot

in the world, unless he gets lucky behind the green, which he hasn't. I

wonder if Iran will try a shot here as John looks to the heavens, he can

pop this around the back of the black and finish on Dublin -- around

the reds and finish on them black. He has done that. He was always

guaranteed to be on the black. Unlucky not to develop the reds a

little more. He will have to play this with right-hand side, just

slightly hampered, can't get to the centre of the cue ball but not a

problem. The cannon didn't work out

perfectly. He would have liked a slightly further contact. But he's

OK. Got the chance to pop this red with the rest, screw across the

table for the black into the same pocket.

That was a nice, crisp contact. If he could come and that one, he

leaving it for the time being, but if he had canned that, it would have

"If you up. He still has two or three reds to go. -- it would have

opened quite a fuel up. Very entertaining player to watch,

Ryan Day. He gets on with it, plays very aggressive. I mentioned

previously that time but he hit the other red, he was always guaranteed

this but he hasn't developed any of the reds. And now the white, and he

has run out of position. Seemed to bounce the cue ball a

little bit on that last shot. When you are bridging over balls, the

white bounced and of course there was no side on it once it bounced.

That's a terrific shot. A little unlucky, he played to develop the

pink and get a good cue ball, he certainly has a good cue ball but

the pink grant towards the side cushion.

To be playing that with a touch of side, a little

To be playing that with a touch of the way through. It's just good to

show he is human and sometimes he can make mistakes, and that is a

mistake in return, Ryan Day very disappointed with that. John Higgins

will be mightily relieved. That mistake is only cost him one point.

Good safety from Ryan. John does have the option of playing the

double-kiss back to walk Makro here if he wanted to. He thinks he can

clip it. -- you don't see the double-kiss back to baulk very often

but sometimes it can be your only option. You can take this red fall

in the face. Sending the cue ball back down to baulk. He is trying to

clip it then. He needs to be careful of the pink. That was a fine shot,

wasn't it, Denis? It had to be very thin.

REFEREE: Can I have a look at that myself? Ryan staying in his seat,

having it replaced. Paul looking at the monitor to see where the green

exactly was. But as Peter said, he has to be careful he doesn't hurt

that thing on the way down, which is why he was hitting it so thin. That

is why I suggested playing the double-kiss act to baulk because it

is safer, provided he hits the red fill in the face he will send the

cue ball towards the green. If you were lucky you could even go behind

the brown, but that is a really tough shot. He will settle for that,

though. Is there a red in the middle that goes? No? The middle of the

reds in their? A chance to get the cue ball behind

the brown here. That's a terrible shot. He will be absolutely

distraught with that, he will be disgusted with himself. That was

quite amazing. He cannot leave what he's just done there. No problem

getting past that think there, I mean, don't press too hard, that can

be sore on the old forehead. I think he's just about OK when the

black is respotted. He has to run away from the black but he has left

it then enough, he will have to play a delicate one for the blue. He was

able to do that. But if he was to go on and win this frame, Ryan Day may

not recover from that last shot. Such a huge margin of error is --

ever, wasn't their? He had a good chance to get the cue ball and find

the brown in that facility, but John Higgins under a lot of pressure. As

it turns out, he will have to try to put that out of his mind but it was

such a mistake, that will be difficult for him to do. And

unfortunately for Ryan, he might not get another shot in this frame.

And the black might be tied up now. It is. His finish straight. It

doesn't really matter because he has that read in the middle of the

table, but lacked out of commission now. -- black.

Once he what's this red and gets on the blue, it will be interesting to

see whether he tries to develop the black and to reds as they are

awkward at the moment. He still has the loose red to the left side of

the table and the one to the left of the black will go into the right

corner pocket, so no need to play a cannon just yet.

He's left it awkward. He's got to get up the correct side of the blue

again and will have to use the extension on this cue. He might be

able to use it with the normal rest, now he will need the extended rest

as well, so a little bit to do with this to make sure he gets the

correct side of the blue to get up to those to reds and the black. And

that's finished in no man's land. He might play the yellow to get in

behind the brown here, or even off the blue to get in behind the brown.

It's just ten points in front and more value in putting anything safe.

If he just goes off the left side of the yellow, he can come across in

behind the brown. He's looked at the yellow. He's looked at the blue,

he's now looking at the pink. If he wasn't hampered, he might even take

the green on, but John is such a strong tactical player. He's got ran

under a lot of pressure with the scoreline, he wouldn't want to be

giving him easy opportunities. That's a good effort. Well thought

out. He's faced a few of these shots, Ryan, having to swerve around

a colour to catch the edge of a red, and there is another one. Might need

a bit more side on that. I didn't think he would be able to get enough

on that cueing that way, you have to raise the butt of the cue a little

bit. He played that with a horizontal cue and was relying on

the side but he needs to get a little bit of swerve on it. That

looks pretty good for he has placed it. -- where he has placed it. He's

making it more difficult for himself again, Ryan, I don't think it was

quite that much. Surely it wasn't that much. I think he's changed his

mind on the shot. A wiser shop to the one on the cushion, that is a

bit narrow, I think. Reds -- I think John will have this one replaced. It

is not a natural to get onto the black. So difficult to judge when

you go twice across the table, just to nestle on that red. He has to be

so precise. Try number two. He is OK! He can't settle for that,

it's not arrayed he was trying to lay on but it will do nicely, he

could be snookered here. And delicate little snooker. A lovely

little shop that. This is not easy at all. Did have a

look at the potting angle. It's very difficult to judge when you are so

close to the red like that. But if he's to avoid cannon on the black,

he will have to get a little stamp on it and he doesn't fancy it. He

could send the red over to the corner pocket if you tried that,

that's a little roll-up. This is really tough. This needs to

be absolutely spot on. And it was a long way from that. In hindsight

now, I think you will wish he hadn't played that. One good additional

shot here, John could cut this in an every chance of finishing on the

blue. REFEREE: Quiet, please. As long as

it doesn't go in behind the brown, he's OK, and the back red of the

two. In fact both, might go, so he could pop the blue and get to the

right side of these to reds. We've seen some astute tactical play so

far in this frame for John to create these chances. Making it very

difficult for Ryan. Red, black, red will be enough.

REFEREE: Settle down, please! A little bit of noise from the other

table in between frames. They listened to Paul Collier that time.

Goodwin used to say that, the comedian, settle down.

It looked just a little bit edgy but he is having a glance around, the

frame is well say. -- safe. He is a hard man to beat in the

tactical department, is John Higgins. We keep talking about his

all-around game, there nobody better in the game than John.

That will put that think in the right middle pocket for us, John,

here. Well, the top pocket will do! John Higgins puts his cue on the

table and he will be delighted to take that frame, and he extends his

lead. It is now 8-3 to John Higgins. And he didn't have to do a huge

amount. He is a wonderful scorer but when it comes to safety exchanges he

gets his chances by not doing anything. The first shot Ryan played

in this frame was a terrible shock. You have to play that with side and

to throw the angle, he has at least two foot to Mr Enck, and then he

doesn't have to take this one but if you play it, do not hit it off the

pace where it will fit the jaws and comes back, and both times John

Higgins has not had to do anything, he has just taken it. Frustration

for a player when you are making unforced errors like that. How do

you cut them out? I'm presuming he cannot cut out which is why he

hasn't won a woman, he has potential and strikes the ball well but these

shots are perhaps why he hasn't been more successful because those two

shots were very amateurish safety shots. It looks like when he has

something to think about and it is a difficult shot, he concentrates, but

when it looks easy he doesn't concentrate enough. It is like there

is no trouble here but you have to concentrate on every wall and give

100% to every shot. I was as guilty as anyone in not giving safety shots

the full concentration and Ryan is that way as well but playing someone

like John Higgins, it is hard enough beating him in a safety game without

giving him unforced errors. John Higgins can tie you up in knots on

the snooker table with his tactical brain. Back we go, John leading to

more tube at a passage to round two. COMMENTATOR: I couldn't agree more

with John Parrott, when a player does not concentrate on an easy

path, they can miss sitters. -- and easy pot. That has opened the red

nicely. The black is tied up. Can he get through to this one over the

pocket? The white is heading towards the red there, so it needs a little

bit luckier with the position. That is a long, straight think. Is he

going to commit fully and play for the red near the blue? There is a

couple to either corner. He is 8-3 behind. He could do with this. He is

hampered here, this is not easy. He is committed 100%.

He had one earlier where he say that type of shot and Randolph white but

this table with safety in mind. It shows when you are fully committed

and make your mind up, it is much better. It eliminates that bit of

doubt. Positive thinking, and you would know a lot about that, Peter,

I am sure you have studied that many years. You used to be thinking

positive even when you were sitting in your chair, focusing. Absolutely,

that's what it is all about, Denis. He can either think positively or

negatively, it takes as much effort to take -- to think negatively as

positively, so why not think positively? This is not ideal.

Played it with lots of left-hand side. Still requires a good shot

here. A deep screw shot with right-hand side. Got to watch that

coffin there. His close. I thought he was very close to that and Paul

Collier was right behind him but he never even gave it any thought, but

that is a bit careless. You don't see that very often. I said he was

pretty close. He just dropped onto it there. Schoolboy error.

Uncharacteristic mistake from John there. He's not happy with that. He

missed that by a long way. That won't make him feel very good. The

reason why he pulled that then it was because he was playing with

right-hand side and he silhouetted through the cue ball. -- T-cell

rigid. That's a pretty good effort from Ryan if it runs, just pulling

up a little bit short. Because what that last shot did was clear the

black. The black was tied up but is there a slight angle on this red?

Not much. If you try to force the angle it is easy to miss the pot,

unless you hit to fill you can follow the red in. A mile off his

previous long pot, let's see what he does with this one. A touch of

previous long pot, let's see what he left-hand side there. Definitely got

a touch of Czech side on that, and that is why the cue ball presto to

the right. You can see a touch of left-hand side with pace, the cue

ball checking up there. That is why the red was pushed to the left.

This is a decent chance, it really is, because the black is in play, it

And you do have to feel for a player will go to the left corner

And you do have to feel for a player when balls like that are missed.

This is the when balls like that are missed.

can cause you to myths. -- miss. There are four easy reds. The other

four are not too well-placed. 24. He is going to need a few of the reds

that are a little awkward. I always find it incredible just how still

John Higgins keeps on the shot. I say to any of the young players in

the club, if you want to watch any player technically, look at John

Higgins. I mentioned it yesterday, even on the forcing shot, his head

keeps still. It is not that easy to do. Very difficult to do, especially

under pressure, it can only add to consistency, can't it? Such a

beautiful touch. He times the ball incredibly well. The way he pulls

the cue back, the tip of the cue is back, near his thumb and finger.

That is not so much on the little short stand shots, you do not have

to come back as far. That gives him a greater

acceleration speed through the cue ball. That means he does not have to

hit the ball as hard to get the spin. It is a very smooth technique.

It is ideally suited to the superfine clocks. -- cloth.

I know a couple of seasons ago John altered it slightly, he did not pull

the cue back as far. I was trying to think, one of his practice partners,

maybe Alan McManus, I am not sure. He did alter it slightly and he

started playing well again. He tried to pinch a little bit of

the pocket, not a natural angle, it has gone wrong. He had four easy

reds now he is out of position, he has an advantage. If he had cannoned

that red, it would've been frame over. John Higgins is not in top

form. Because of the unforced errors from Ryan Day at the moment anyway,

it is making John's tasks just a bit easier. Ryan needs to keep himself

together, just concentrate on one frame at the time, one ball at a

time, he is playing across table, I thought he was. That is an excellent

shot. The simple fact is he has to win this frame. He is 42 points

behind. Second favourite at the moment, but if John leads 9-3 not

much chance. Although you won your qualifying

match 9-3 behind and won the last seven frames, but you would not be

doing that against John Higgins. No. I am not so sure you would feel to

save if you were 9-3 up against John Higgins. -- to safe. Very few people

get into that position. Believe it or not, that kicked. You

could tell by the sound. It is a very difficult pot.

Surely he has not left this red, he took the double on as a free shot

and he has left it. One. What a lapse from John Higgins to

leave that shot on. APPLAUSE John took the double on as a free

shot. Somehow he managed to sink the red on.

It is still a tall order, a lot of pressure on Ryan Day, he knows it is

a must win frame. Stranger things have happened. He could come back

and make this frame. Nine. He is a big lad is Ryan, that

is quite a big stretch, he has to be careful he does not slip on the

carpet. You have got to have one toe on the floor, if it was to come off

the floor as you deliver the cue, it would be a foul shot. And if he was

to pinch this frame, it really will annoy John Higgins. 14.

Can you get your breath? It is a straightforward red in the middle

pocket and that is what he thinks about it. If we go back to watch

John Parrott was saying in the studio, I said as well, even on the

easiest of pots, 100% concentration needed. He had a glimmer of hope and

now he will be in a bit of trouble. Oh, there is a gap, is there? There

is. There is always a gap! The old Watford. I think the pink has come

to his rescue. Yes, you can tell he is snookered, a

very little bit sticking out. John is coming off the cushion and no

matter how many times you play this, you never really know where they

will finish. Reed could go into the centre. -- red. He may be able to

take this on and just roll it in, because if he potted the Greens

available to him,... He missed a sitter in the pocket, could he get

this in? It is very close to the pink. Just fractionally hampered

there. He had to cue that very smoothly, it would have been very

easy just to send the cue off line and touch the pink on the way

through. He only needs the red does John, it makes the difference.

I think he is playing the Snooker. And playing the double! What they

shot! -- a shot! He is a canny Scot, John Higgins. He knew if he doubled

the shot, he knew he would have won the frame. We talk about John

Higgins and his snooker brain. Playing to put the pink safe as a

bit of an insurance even though Ryan needs a snooker, a strong favourite

for this frame now. I would have to say that that is

virtually... It is the end of the frame, but it is the end of the

match. That went to the middle pocket, from Ryan that was the end.

He will be so disappointed, it is so difficult to maintain your

concentration when you make simple, basic errors like that. He will be

very disappointed with himself. You can see that he cannot believe it,

he cannot believe the mistakes he has been making. He stays in his

seat does Ryan. He is thinking about it. He is coming back to the table,

but 34 is the difference, 22, three, four point snooker is too tired. A

chance to get the cue ball behind the ball here. -- snookers will stop

a very good effort. What about when he stuck the pink on the side

cushion. He snookered Ryan behind the blue, a very clever shot. He is

a master tactician, John. He always has been. Where is the brown going?

That is close or in. He concedes he has chances there to get a frame

back, but there is no way back. John Higgins now leads 9-3. STUDIO: There

were a number of missed opportunities there. Yes, really you

cannot miss that last red in the last middle pocket. He is running

out of opportunities in this match. As we said before, the unforced

errors it is disappointing. John Higgins does not look too

comfortable. He wants to get the match over as soon as possible, get

onto the next round. Ryan is not putting him under pressure. John did

make a couple of mistakes, particularly going for the double

and leaving it on for Ryan, you have to take these opportunities he will

not leave you much. I watch people winning events through the season

who do not have as much talent as Ryan. There are plenty of people who

pick up things and do not have his talent, but he does not win. You

have to analyse it as a lack of concentration on shots where he

thinks they are too easy, it has to be something like that, he has too

much talent. He does not look under pressure. Some players look under

pressure. When you look at them, they do not look at the pressure.

Maybe it is concentration. Not able to play his best form when it

matters, something is missing. He is 36 years of age, he has been to

three world ranking finals, one against John Higgins in Glasgow a

few years ago and he has not managed to make the breakthrough. He was

very unlucky in Glasgow, he probably played the best snooker of everyone

but still lost. In terms of his career there are not that many

opportunities potentially left. Looking at the tournament, maybe he

is just maturing nicely! We shall see. There will not be much time

left for him in this particular first-round experience at the

Crucible. Back we go. COMMENTATOR: Question is will there be a

mid-session interval? Not if Ryan loses this frame. -- the question

is. And again as we have seen so many times from the break off, the

pink and red, I was just about to say the number of times from the

break-off shot, the red goes next to the black. He could pots this and go

into the pink and red. He will do it from the blue. He has one good shot.

Contact almost full ball on the pink. It will bring all sorts into

play. Depending on high what hard he hits it. -- depending on how hard he

hits it. Also could depend on the black. He needs to be a little bit

careful here. There is a chance that the two red screwed plant into the

lower left corner. -- reds into the lower left corner. He has opened the

black up somewhat as well. You see it going into the pink. Not 1

million miles away from the corner. There was always a chance that that

could happen. He is OK. Oh! That is beautifully cued. A lovely kiss.

That is a dream kiss, you would call that.

It is usually the way when you are going along nicely, playing well,

you always get the rub of the green, when you are struggling, you would

get a kiss like that and you would not be on the blue. Do you still get

that many dream kisses? I do not dream, Peter. I am always awake.

Just working out if he can get himself onto the black hair. Should

be OK. -- here. Make no mistake about it, John Higgins does not want

a mid-session interval. Stephen Andrew says he wants to get this

over with and get ready for the next round.

A round where you really feel things take off. If a player is going to be

vulnerable it is usually in the opening round. John looks fiercely

determined, he is playing fantastically, playing fiercely at

the table, Denis. You see he has the perfect angle on

the blue. He started this match with a century

break, he came out after the mid century and he made another

mid-century break. It would be typical of John if he was to finish

the match off with a century. It will be interesting to see how he

goes about this. There are another four reds are in pottable positions

without him having to go to the four balls. 41. 42. Beautiful touch,

control, feel, in amongst the balls. Rock solid technique. Super still on

the shop. -- on the shots. This clears the path for the red to the

right. It goes into the same pots as the black now. -- pot.

When he pots this, he still has the one from left-hand corner. -- for

the left-hand corner. Not absolutely straight on this black, if he is

straight on the black and he is, he will have to leave the red for the

right middle pocket. He is only two pots away from winning the match at

the moment. The middle red to the middle pocket, he will be head if he

gets this in. Ryan will need two of those reds at our available.

-- that are available. two of those reds at our available.

two each, it was still looking difficult, but then John gave us a

masterclass yesterday. He is doing what all great champions seemed to

do. They are finishing in style. Brilliant century break, his fourth

of the match. He has showed some of the best form

so far in this years World Snooker Championship, against Peter Ebdon he

was excellent. It is building up very nicely. I think we will have a

nap salute crackup of a championship this year. In this form, Denis, John

Higgins will be very difficult to beat with all his years of

experience. One of the greatest match players of all time,

incredible competitor. 116. He has his eyes on the title. Make no

mistake about that. He has knocked the pink over the pocket

unintentionally, a little trick shot, around the angles and popped

the pink. -- pot. The damage was done yesterday when John Higgins

made three century breaks, Ryan Day was just not at the races, it has to

be said. At the end with that magnificent century break, John

Higgins goes through to the next round, a very comfortable win a

10-3. STUDIO: 620th cent it of his career and it was a devastating run

of form. -- century of his career. One or two, Ricky Walden looked

nervous from frame one, John Higgins as Dennis said did the job

yesterday. These matches, it is about winning them in the first

session. -- Denis. He did not have much to do, Ricky Walden will be in

round two for John. The odds were generous at 20-1, it will be slashed

now. People might be looking at the age of 40, but it does not look like

it will be a problem to him. He still looks great. I have said

before, a few years ago it looked like he was struggling. He lost a

bit of concentration and focus, he has got it back, he is happy with

his cue, that is a big factor. He is scoring, his matchplay is of the

highest quality, every time you play him it is a stern examination, any

opponents have to play very well. Five years after his fourth world

title, he is in that kind of form. You know you are enjoying the

closing stages of a frame when you go through trick shot on the final

pink, you must be delighted, a lovely century. Ryan is one of those

players, he showed in the qualifiers, he is capable of

producing a three or four frame burst and getting back into the

game. Even 7-2 overnight, it is a dodgy scoreline, if you are 6-3,

used to have a game, but 7-2, you can lose that. -- you still have a

game. It just shows you that the standard of snooker is rising above

the board. Robert took four frames on the bounce against Mark and then

temporary put him under pressure, a cliche but there are genuinely no

easy matches in this championship. There are none. When the draw was

done, some people were saying they were the ones to be afraid, but

there are so many to fear. They are all tough. It must be brilliant to

be back in a decent vein of form, a couple of years ago, things were not

going well for you, then last year three ranking titles, you have not

been beyond the second round at the Crucible since he won it in 2011,

now you have the form and the confidence to get back where you

belong, deep in this tournament. That comes with winning things and

winning those three tournaments, that gave me belief again that I can

compete with the best players. If I can play my best game, I am sure I

can be a match, it is doing it on the big stage and I will see what

happens. You have done it today, congratulations.

Confidence and belief some it up for John Higgins. If he has those who

can be a match for everybody and that match in China told me this guy

means business. Yes, he has got back to near his best, not quite at his

best but he is scoring have a leak which is a massive advantage.

Whether he can cut out small unforced errors against top layers

because if he comes up against Robertson, Sullivan, but if he is

playing at the top of his game, they should play him because nobody knows

his weight around a table better than John Higgins. And world number

eight playing world number nine should be close. In the semifinal it

was Ricky Walden who beat John. I am pretty sure Ricky Walden will be

better than in his first match. You want to get over first-round blues,

I think that will be a proper match. That will be the second round but

there is another contest here in Sheffield, which the all want to

win. John Parrott is a leader in the clubhouse, if I can mix might

metaphors, but I wonder how quickly a Welsh potting machine can get into

gear. It's my favourite part of the day, we have the juggernaut fresh

from winning the World Championship, Mark Williams. You have 15 reds on

the table. We will ask you five questions and for each one you get

right you can remove a read. You have to finish by potting the final

black. You have me to be, one minute 29 seconds, I do know how that

happened. How can you possibly do that? You will do it easily. First

question. Who did you play in your first ever match at the Crucible?

It's not looking good. Not really! Any ideas? You will have to answer.

McManus. No, Terry Griffiths in 1997, and you won 10-9. When new

one-year second world title in 2003, who did you beat in the second

round? Drew Henry. Quintin ham. Unlucky, so that's two of them

wrong. Who won the World Championship a year you were born?

1975, who won the World Championship? He's Welsh. Ray

Reardon. Correct, you got one. Who was runner-up in this year's Welsh

Open? You did play in it, didn't you? Who was runner-up in this

year's Welsh Open? I need a name. Neil Robertson. He lost to Ronnie

O'Sullivan, so you have one bread at the moment. Final question is

multiple choice. How many century breaks have you scored at the

Crucible? 35, 37, 39 or 41? Pick a number. 39. It's correct. You got to

so you can to read away. Put them in the pocket. When you strike the cue

ball for the first time, your time will start against the clock. Mark

Williams, your time starts... Wait a minute! You ready? It starts now.

Impressive. I'll be keeping up to date with this at the goes along. I

can't believe he has missed. He's cracked up! It's all right playing

Graeme Dott but when you have pop quiz it is big trouble. Go one,

Mark. For redoing? You have more time than you think. This is

impressive. Very good. I've never seen you move this quick in your

life. Impressive. Go on, Mark! I missed two. But you're still doing

all right. How are we doing on the time? Just over a minute gun, he is

going to beat it, he's going to go top of the leaderboard. Here we go!

And it's their! Yet! He is. You have to come in now, I have to write this

down, and the time was... One minute 19 seconds. I'm knackered! Blue!

John is under pressure, he's been beaten by ten seconds and Peter

Ebdon, 207 and Steve Davis is bringing up the rear. That was the

time for action. Now it's time for table talk.

We have been joined today by Mr Wayne Griffiths. Wayne is one of the

top coaches and is running a section of the Hong Kong elite sports

Academy. Not just looking after the leak layers that also coaching

coaches and you have been doing this for five or six years now. I've been

lucky enough to be in Hong Kong for nearly six years, working in the

Hong Kong sports Institute. A responsible for pool and snooker. We

have 25 there is mix between ladies, juniors and seniors all the way up

to our top there, Marco Fu. You may recognise the Welsh accent and his

dad who is Terry Griffiths. He was quite good in his day. I think he

might have won this event a long time ago. He is now a top-class

coach like you, and I am interested in what you think makes a good

coach. What are the best ingredients of a coach? I think communication is

a key, for me, Marco Fu is a very easy player to work with, so knowing

what to say and when to say it at the right time, which takes time

because you need to get to know the player, but what I learn from my

father was that was the most important, communication and just a

good application of common sense, that is what coaching is about. I

know John and Stephen have worked with different coaches, John, you

work with Wayne's dad Terry. When does the technical side stop and the

psychological sidekick in? Is it a combination? Each coach I had, I had

Frank Callan, Chris Henry and it starts off technical details usually

you are not saying well, you are missing balls and want to know quite

and you need somebody to give you a hint what to do, not with Frank

Callan but with Terry and more so with Chris it became about mental

issues and they were deep with me! Was there any hope for you at this

point? I think the technical side, I would see Frank quite a bit now and

then. If he wasn't hitting it properly I would say come to the

house, have a look at me for half an hour and leave me with it. I wanted

to be shown what to do and then left with it. I was fine then. I didn't

want to be coached all the time because the game is hard enough, I

wanted to train and trust it, just give me what I do and then I

practice. We sought Terry Griffith working with Chris Murphy, you are

doing great with Marco Fu. What sort of treatment does he like, I don't

suppose he relishes the flying teacup treatment? I think everybody

knows he is a calm person, he likes to take things slow and steady but

he is very talented, I feel very lucky to be working with Marco

because as an introduction to professional snooker he is the ideal

student, very keen to learn, well organised, a good communicator but

he is all about inward communication. We will not be

throwing any teacups! There was more of a crossover, thinking of Chris

Henry between snooker and golf, because Chris is working with

top-class golfers and he is making a big difference in the lives and

careers of these guys already, in the last month or so one of them was

top 20 at the Masters. Is there possibility of more crossover

between the two sports? I think so because they are static ball games

and you get time to think about what keywords doing. It is interesting

that you being here, Marco used to be coached by your father. Was that

a genuine crossover, why did that happen? It was a little bit to

Windsor dental. He was coming towards the end with that and I got

a job offer in Hong Kong, but it was to look after all the players in

Hong Kong, Marco just happen to be one of those players, but as a

coach, having a transition with a player or I could speak to dad about

what had been working was beneficial for us. You did a fantastic job

because I don't think anyone has played that first round. You are a

golfer as well and the idea that practice repetition makes permanent,

is it that permanent aspect of doing the same things all the time where a

coach can help you? I think a coach can help with the technical side,

it's up to the player themselves how much work they want to put into it.

A great with a lot of things coaches do but you have to buy into it 100%,

and I think I was too late in my career with Chris Henry, he wanted

me to do some things that were different for me to take in. You

have to buy into a lot of this, especially the mental stuff, but the

practice has to come with into work hard. And you talk about Chris Henry

and the neural we wearing of the brain, Doctor Steve Peters, a sports

psychiatrist, how deeply do you go into the psychology and did you ever

have to apply shock treatment in the midst of James? I prefer not to. I

tried to take a simple approach. I'm not a psychologist but his usually

listening to what the players are saying, having good planning to know

what you will say, but mostly listening to what the player needs.

It is horses for courses, every player seems to be different and you

have to have a different approach. Sometimes you just have to be there

as a sounding board. A player might to want to come in and blow off a

bit of steam and you just have to pay attention, just let someone have

a bit of steam. Your father has been there and he knows how you feel,

maybe you have come out of a game where a guy has cleaned up and he

knows to leave you alone, so every player is different and how you

treat them. You were a half decent player at yourself. Did you ever

have cause to get your father to look at the game and give you

coaching? It's humbling you make that comment in the company of these

two players. I was a club player but I never enjoyed the sport enough to

take it on with the dedication these guys had, and dad never pushed us

either way. I played football, my brother is a PGA teaching

professional in golf, so none of us followed in his footsteps. You were

following in his footsteps in the coaching profession, and I note in

Hong Kong it is an elite sport and is funded as such. Yes, the players

in Hong Kong and myself are lucky, we are funded by the government so