Wednesday, Quarter-finals, Afternoon Snooker: World Championship

Good afternoon. The ranks of the Chinese and Hong Kong media will

swell here in Sheffield over the next hours because Ding Junhui and

Marco Fu still in the mix in this year's Chinese gashed Championship.

China is passionate about the sport and it has a vested interest in the

one-table set-up at the Crucible for the first time in five years because

Ding Junhui is back for the first time since 2011. In fact, he became

the first man to go through to the semifinals in Sheffield this year

and he did it with a session to spare!

He has played the cannon and he has played beautifully! Ding Junhui is

one frame away from a place in the semifinal. Nothing better than

dumping the red in the corner. We may have a new favourite for the

tournament, he's into the semifinal. 13-3.

I just take every chance I could make. Breaks. This time, it is

different. I think I got more confidence. I play well.

What a shot that was when he has got Barry Hawkins in all sorts of

trouble, as Marco Fu takes a 6-1 trouble, as Marco Fu takes a 6-

lead. It is a beauty, it really is! And

what a start from Marco Fu. I bet he cannot believe it, 7-1.

Technically, I'm definitely a lot better now than I was ten years ago.

But when you are playing well, it does not mean it you will win. You

need a bit of luck, a bit of inspiration, especially playing in

the Crucible. So every chance of a nation player

in the final stages and possibly one step further, first Asian world

champion, what will that mean over there? It will be massive list

bought. We have talked about Junhui as a champion for years and there

has been huge expectation. The pressure is taken from him a bit

because he has been a qualifier and not expected to win. It looks like

the pressure is on, he's scoring freely and happy around the tables

and if Ding wins, for mainland China, it is huge. If Marco Fu wins

it, it is still an Asian player from Hong Kong and massive news. Snooker

is not the only game in China. I have been involved with Chinese

eight ball pool and been an Ambassador for five years, from

Beijing North. Apart from in Beijing itself, EC not many Snooker centres.

It was looked upon like a misspent youth like Snoopy is to be but is a

mainstream sport. A power struggle if they get the first Chinese world

champion, that is good for snooker. That is still seen as the ultimate

in sports. Eight ball is a sport in China, not worldwide. If Ding wins,

he can become world champion, it is a massive thing in China. Fortunes

he will learn, apart from the adulation, will be incredible.

Today, Marco Fu aims to join Ding Junhui in the semifinals. And the

possibility of an all Asian Crucible final is still very much a

possibility. But another five men have their eyes on the title. And by

the end of the day, the second day of the quarterfinals, we will note

the last four standing here. Mark Selby knows he will hang on to

the world number one spot if he regains the title. He needs three

more frames today against Kyren Wilson. John Higgins eyeing up a

fifth world crown and a first in five years but he has to shake off

fellow veteran and friend lane macro today. Barry Hawkins only had a 14

hour turnaround -- Alan McManus. He was playing Marco Fu. How crafty

will can be in pot quiz? The player who had a great run is

still in form, he's walking around the table and has played three shots

around the table, quality. Facing the quizmaster sea bream.

Facing the quizmaster sea bream Will you get full marks or end up in

the minuses in the day's quiz? And 100 days until the Rio games,

how long might it take for Snooker to become part of the Olympic and

Paralympic family? Two years ago, world number one Mark

Selby paraded the World Snooker Championship trophy at the King

Power Stadium in Leicester and now he has his eyes on eight double

trophy parade in his hometown because he's a lifelong Leicester

City fan. His team is within touching distance of the Premier

league title and he's inching ever closer to silverware once again in

Sheffield. These are heady times indeed for city fans every --

everywhere. For the Finals Day at the Crucible

and of Sheffield but I'm here to watch another wonderful sporting

events, Leicester playing Swansea. From the cold outside, I'm walking

through the dressing rooms to the players room to see another

Leicester City fan up stairs waiting.

Good man! How excited were you about today? A little bit nervous, if they

get through, they will hold on until the end of the season. I have

followed them since I was a kid, the end of the season. I have

followed them since I was a kid my father got me following Leicester,

fantastic. Prediction? 2-1, Leicester.

3-0, Leicester. How you top? Sit down and! Watch a property in!

Riyad Mahrez scores! Are you watching?

-- watch a proper team. It has gone quiet.

It is only 2-0! Oh!

Put into the Natoga I'm Mark Albright in! Oh!. It is only four!

Just the four today. Absolutely incredible! Back to

snooker. You have won the World Championship. I remember a football

celebration. When did that come about? I do not know, it was morally

than anything to get over the line. It was a childhood dream to become

world champion and I achieved that two years ago. It was be great if

you win the World Championship and Leicester win the Premiership. --

you win the World Championship and Leicester win the Premiership. - it

would be great. That is nearly as good as done, I have a long way to

go but the double would be nice. go but the double would be nice

Good luck! A big weekend perhaps. With eyes on Old Trafford. Snooker's

Kyren Wilson had a big say in events in Sheffield. The 24-year-old who

started the season in 56 place but rocketed into the top 16 after his

first major title and a run to his first quarterfinal at the Crucible

has shown beyond doubt he belongs among the top class. But he found

himself 6-10 into the last instalment of the match this

morning. Nobody has yet turned round that deficit in the best of 25 at

the Crucible. Mark Selby has moved closer to the line. 12-7 in front.

This is frame 20, Wilson to play, watched by Ken Doherty and Dennis

Taylor. Good shot. Excellent pot. U2 fully

controlled. -- beautifully controlled. You will not see a

better positional shot than that. The pot was difficult but the

position was superb. Decent chance now. Has brought more

reds into play. He could not have played that much better.

I know it is early days but this will be four reds and four blacks.

That will have crossed the mind of Kyren, especially with his back

against the wall as well. He has got nothing to lose. You may try and

stay on the black as long as possible. The frame is more

important. It is not a bad chance really. He has only been a

professional since 2010 and his highest tournament break is 137 He

made that in 2011. Surely we could not see that happen here. Sometimes,

when your back is against the wall, you throw a bit of caution to the

wind. He might try and stay on this black as long as possible. He has

four, five reds out in the open here. No reason why he should not

try and go for it. Looking at where he wants to put the

cue ball anywhere between those two reds so he will have a shot on the

black. This will be an interesting shot because he can try and get on

the pink into the left centre. If his intention is to keep going, he

will try and get on the black. If he can miss those two reds and screw

over there, he has a chance. He has tried to push through. His main

concern, quite rightly so, is taking the frame. The sacrifice is on the

black. He thought about it and he had second thoughts and decided to

get on the pink to give himself a chance to take the frame.

71, as you can see. Exactly the way he has played throughout this year's

World Championship. Cueing beautifully again. But as you said,

maybe the tension suddenly disappeared. What you are seeing is

his natural game now. But for me, he seems to be the sort of player that

can take his practice game to the big arena. I have been so impressed

by this young player. A quick glance at the scoreboard. To

make sure that he has passed the winning line in this frame.

Double-checking that he's 76 ahead. 141 is the highest rate. This year's

World Championship. So he's thinking positive. Barry Hawkins has made

141. That is nice to see him smiling their, doing that simply because the

frame is over. He's reckoning up how many he can score. You would feel he

had to get onto the black. He's the Jester from Leicester but

he was not smiling there, what. Kyren was doing the smiling. Is

going to have to wait until after the mid-session interval to clinch a

place in the semifinals. That has got the black back on its

spot. A couple of reds, left side of the table. Neither of them easy

That'll do nicely! He's on the black. A possible 143 if he takes

all blacks with the remaining reds. Not going to be easy.

?10,000 for the highest break this year.

Emma, the break. -- a magnificent break. That is his 27th this season.

Could he beat his highest break? He was 137, I mentioned earlier. And if

he can drop on this last red, he can go hang to the black here and drop

about 12 inches behind the red. It has just gone a bit further away

than he would have liked. We have had 62 centuries so far this

year, the record is 86. Kyren had four. Can he beat his own highest

break? Come on, Kyren, get this green in.

Reach a little milestone. Nice to make your highest break ever at the

Crucible. 143 will take a little bit of

beating. A little thinner than he would have

liked, a little smile, there. Do not miss the black now, Kyren!

Absolutely superb! And he wants the crowd to give him a big round of

applause and they respond. A tournament high break of 143. And he

goes to the mid-session interval, it is not all over just yet but 12-8,

Mark Selby. The best of the last 12 days by

Stephen Hendry point margin from Barry Hawkins and then Michael Holt

with 140. 3/140 and that is Kyren's highest of his professional career

in tournament play and he's in line or a ?10,000 high break prize and

that took a bit of nerves. And he enjoyed it. Kyren holding back the

tide but for how long? Frame 21. Another superb long pot. And as you

were! I'm sure that will go back behind the brown. We see this pot

again, great shot, those type of shots get you out of trouble. He

will have the judge another escape here, Kyren Wilson. A cushion escape

is not on this time, Dennis. This is trickier to get safe. Not so much to

hit the red but the problem is getting safe. You need the reds

close to this top cushion, they would be the target.

Whichever way he goes, if he lands on that red, he would have to be

spot-on. If he comes off the side cushion, he has to be spot-on. He

has got allsorts of problems. The only thing going for him, it if each

is to play on the one to the right behind the black spot, if he left a

pot on, it would not be easy to get on a colour because a black is way

up the table. Is that going to reach? Short. And

he may have left a pot on. I think he can get the cue at this one into

the right corner, there's one into the left corner. The pink is not in

the way. Yes, it is definitely worth having a go at this red because

Kyren will play the same shot. He has got a couple of reds to go at.

He would love to get that black back on the spot, it is just a little bit

short for the black into the left centre so he will take the blue or

the green here. If he can somehow get on one of

these reds out in the open. I mean, the pink, a couple of shots down the

road, he's thinking if he does get on the spot, it is still available.

Maybe into all four pockets. He does not have to worry about the black

here really. Yes. Is not going to bother with the

black, as you said. He could possibly win this match with blues

and pinks. Absolutely spot-on. Having the cue

ball clean to hear. I don't think he got heavy contact -- cleaned, here.

Asking Colin Humphreys to get it cleaned. So Kyren can just sit and

hope that something goes wrong here. It is looking good for the world

number one. It looks like two of those reds in

that bunch possibly -- and possibly a plant as well.

He has got a slight angle, to go into those reds now. He has played

it very nicely. That little bit of left-hand side. Just off the

cushion. Just watch the cue ball here. Played with just a trace of

left-hand side. Bringing it out into the open.

Just one of LeBlanc pot that set up this opportunity, Dennis. -- pot.

Excellent couple of long shots he has had in this frame. The one where

he just played snooker straight afterwards and he forced a mistake

from Kyren Wilson. Yes, he fears the worst now. He has been fantastic

throughout this year's World Championship, Kyren.

The way he plays, you will be around for a long time. Can get up to 4%

you are flying. Mark Selby is leading in all

departments. When he had a poor session he managed to take four

frames last evening. He was delighted about that, the way he

played. Kyren Mr trick -- missed a trick. One more red and colour and

the world number one will be in the semifinal. For the fourth time, the

winner here two years ago. Looked very focused when he came

this morning. It is a good lead, but far from the winning post. He has

played so well. You could tell he was up for it this morning. Yes,

was up for it this morning. Yes looked a lot more focused. Certainly

more confident. A good start to get his long ball game back in order.

Quite wary of putting this red. Excellent shot.

Nothing wrong with the fist pump, he knew he had a tough match on his

hands the way Kyren has been playing. He's getting better, Mark

Selby. He thinks he's in the semis now.

It will be a trick shot as he is going to pot a ball, possible

double. Doesn't really matter, great feeling at this stage when you know

you're in the semifinal. He has tried the double, it is not there

but it's been a great performers this morning from the world number

one. Kyren Wilson as the consolation of making the high break, break of

143, magnificent, but the world number one finishes in style and

gets himself through the semifinal, winning comfortably in the end.

Kyren keirin to this one. And, it's been a great season and he's done

really well in the early part of the chap injured, so that's a great win

for you? Yes, he's a great player. Has had a great season, just broke

into the top 16, and very dangerous. I had a tough game on my hands and

first and last session I played well. In between, the second session

was picked because I did not perform nowhere near what I would like to

add Kyren could easily have won that and it is game on, at, 4-4 and style

that lead was huge. It looked are more comfortable in the balls than

you are against Sam Baird? First session and last session I felt more

comfortable, I think because the tournament has gone on and I've got

better, which is always nice. You do not want to peak too soon and

hopefully I'm peaking at the right time. What a great opportunity, back

at the one-table set-up, your fourth semifinal. It is very special when

it gets down to just two players come out for every session? Yes, it

is great venue to play and, as you say, when you get banned Dott 7

table setup there is no wet no better place. I will try my best as

always. -- when you get down to the one-table set-up there is no better

place. For semifinal since 2007 and is one of two of the three years

played. I wonder how close to his best he appears to be getting now? I

did the first session yesterday morning and he was impressive, very

solid. Last night he was horrendous. He was gone. How he got out of their

4-4 was incredible. Kyren Wilson definitely miss a trick last night

because Mark Selby could not make 20 or 30, so that would mark the

McQuarrie mark in terms of the possibilities when the draw on. --

that would worry Mark. Very few players can still do that despite

playing so bad. He has an excellent chance especially if he has not his

true form because as we know, we're getting the stage where you only

halfway through any number of sessions you've played, so you could

argue the real work starts now. He has the all-round game, which can

give himself a chance to start play well because he doesn't have to hit

every ball to get over the line, therefore at some stage perhaps you

get into format is even more dangerous. I take your point because

he has been posted missing a couple times in different sessions. Robert

Milkins had a run at him and caused some concerns and Kyren Wilson as

well had a go as well. He seems to flit in and out of matches. Is that

a concern to him? I think it would be concerned the way he is not

really destroying opponents can he's not coming out with 13-413- five.

That would concern me a little as world number one and a favourite you

want to put matches to bed early and not Europe -- put yourself through

the ringer. Coming through that match and see last night was met big

frame, he's down to the one table and I think he will relax more. He

has played against three players he is supposed to be. He's a good

player against a player he feels he is on level terms with, he can raise

his game. Got to pay credit to Sam Baird, great run against him, and to

Kyren Wilson. Ronnie O'Sullivan is already on record as saying he

thinks he will be world number one, has jumped into the provisional top

16, which is a fantastic and significant milestone for him and

what should we take from his performances here? I was impressed

by the way he plates Nagar, very aggressive. The way he could get

himself out of trouble, did not do it so much against Mark Selby. That

was a test from that match and did not go through it. Got himself out

of trouble time and time again and his break-building always played

aggressively. He's definitely top eight, whether he is world number

one remains to be seen. There is a long way to go before you can say

that. As Britton Joe Perry and Mark Allen, top players. And really put

it up to number one. Yes we try and work out which young players will

break through. Use of them think you're blinded by talent sometimes

or players that are easier on the eye and someone comes along suddenly

who is determined to add to that and Kyren Wilson. He has arrogance and

authority, which you need to have get to the top level. And it was

great to see that run. Got six matches in Divis World Championship

after having come through the qualifiers. I'm sure we will see

more of Kyren Wilson. We seen lots of Alan McManus of the last 25

years. It is hard to believe at the age of 45 he is still going strong

in the quarterfinals. He has been over for the last two weeks, coming

through the qualifiers and keeping himself using lots of other ways. In

fact, the man has got taste. Went out this morning and got a

couple of bits and pieces, we used some olive oil from the guys, some

white wine, bay leaves, a few herbs and mix it about.

I've been big on cooking for at least 15 years. So it was nice to do

some cooking down here. I was smelling garlic and it just feels

like being home, so that is magic. I love it. I've been away for quite

awhile. I'm complaining about a lot of people give quite a bit to be in

my shoes these next few days, or whatever. I appreciate that and I'm

quite happy to be here. The disappointing thing, the first two

matches, were stable conditions. I matches, were stable conditions I

will not shirk away from the fact that the table was very difficult to

play on. I don't think I've ever seen a Goujon bounce as badly as

that, it is laughable. There was one point in the last match where I

nearly started crying. I've never done that before, but I was really

down. It is very easy to panic. You can be 7-2 up and panic. That is how

difficult it can be. I try and look at the matches as an entirety, I

don't get caught up in one tiny session, if it goes good or bad.

Just try and keep a good standard the entire way through and forever

that takes us, that is cool. I'm cool with that. I know what it is

going to take to win, I need to take my chances and I've got to play at a

really high standard. But I've got the game to win, I don't think

anyone can teach me much about the actual game, I know plenty about it.

I feel fresh as a daisy, I feel all right. I would love to go as deep as

you can, all the way. That is still a long way away. By the time someone

goes to the semifinals you're only about half way through the event.

When I served up to John and George downstairs, I was quite pleased

because I don't know the word joshing a little limited was quite

good but I think biggest year it had about five me. I'm pretty sure he

enjoyed it, which was good. The best part for me is the cooking. Have a

beer, radio on, couple of tunes two or three hours to cook and two or

three minutes to eat it. And there was a real pet in his performance,

not just in the kitchen but in the early part of their opening session.

As West. In two put him 3-1 in front but after the interval he looks to

be struggling with a neck problem as Higgins won four in a row to lead

5-3. This morning the return of the middle session of this quarterfinal.

Mannus won the first 4-5 and he is in play 13 points down in the 1 th

in play 13 points down in the 10th frame. It is watched by Terry

Griffiths and John Brogan. Maybe he's not playing the

run-through he could just punched the ball in. As I say, just hit

across slightly. And missed a sitter. That man has punished him in

the first frame when he got a chance -- when he. What can he do with this

opportunity. How is your luck? He is OK. A be

slightly hampered, but has read to right centre. The reds will lose

anyway, so you don't have to pay to cueing play this with a lot of pace.

But certainly has a red to the right middle. It's how he can cue it. If

he can get past it it is much easier.

Usually very good in these situations. Most top players are

still not have to move the cue ball too far. -- R. Still do not. When

you see people like McManus making these good runs, obviously still

puts in the hard work. Basically has a great love of the game. I think

you need it to put the hours in on the practice table. I said a few

times the new circuit, as they call it, it has helped him a lot. He said

he found it difficult and boring to be practising solo. No comet for

other one -- for another month. 18 ranking events this year. It is a

very busy circuit just now and it suits some and not others.

Playing for the red along the top cushion. Needs an angle, does not

want to be too straight. The way he's looking he is straight enough,

if you play this at pace you cannot try and paint anything or you will

miss the part that Mike and pinch. -- you cannot try and paint anything

or you will miss the pot. You've got to be very accurate, never looked

like missing. A little screw on the two registers top and to the right

of the black. To not hit it too hard.

Missed the black. You cannot afford to miss like that, he will be

disgusted. The problem is he was concentrating on the spin and that

was enough to take his eye off the pot for a minute. Played so well

until then on the break. All of the shots were simple enough because of

his good position. That is the first test he has had. It was not a

difficult one, to be fair. I think this bridge to the left of

the pink Wilko right -- I think this pink to the left of the red Wilko

right -- will go. OK, played that reasonably well. Six

points to the lead now. Just needs a couple of good

positional shots and you fancy him getting over the line. It is cue

ball control that will make this chance easier. He's looking at the

kiss on these reds to bring them into play. He is certainly beyond

the one in the centre pocket at least. Pretty good.

He is bridging over the -- not bridging over the ball, that is the

main thing. Another surprise miss, the third of frame. Two from John

and one from McManus. To be honest, they always make them look easy It

was slightly tricky, was slightly hampered by the black, but we just

expect such a high standard we expect them to knock them no

problem. It just shows you, take nothing for granted. Needs the cue

ball to slow up. Has just about slowed up in time.

I'm sure it happens on shots like that and you think it is easy enough

and another Day you look at it and think, this is awkward. But I should

get it. Famous last words. And like you said of her, as you get older I

think the concentration levels do not hold as strong as they do when

you are younger and sharper and Hungary. John Higgins and McManaman

has been there time, there's lots of pressure in tournaments and some

more doubts coming, perhaps than the younger lads. Yes, and as you say,

you think this is a World Championship, how can you suffer

from a lack of concentration? Because you're thinking of other

things. Played that nicely. This black will put McManus ten-point in

front, so needs a good position Looks like he can drop behind this

red. Did so nicely. The cut his arrest success rate. So far, 10 %.

arrest success rate. So far, 100%. He has had four and he has potted

four. Played it well. Needs a little bit

of an angle on this pink, did not want to be straight on it. Me just

about have the angle. That is absolutely perfect for the yellow.

And now, 17 points the lead. Yellow, green and brown. To leave John

Higgins needy -- needing a couple of smokers. -- snookers. I would not

think it is time to get concerned, obviously, because if McManus wins

this frame it will be square but Higgins has missed a couple of

chances in this frame, which will not his confidence. He was unlucky

in the first frame. Looks to have a good chance.

Went another frame and is now level with John Higgins at five frames

each. Yes, and in this, the 21st significant match in these that in

which these two have met, the Mannus took a break of 66 to go in front

once again. This is a frame 12, the last one before the interval. It is

strange. Look at the pattern of these frames, each frame, the ball

has been like this, the bags available, pink available, the reds

are spread if someone can get in. We had other frames this morning and

we had one frame that was just a couple seconds over 15 minutes. The

first frame of this morning was just over 13 minutes. The last one just

over 14.5 minutes. Considering the tactical nouns of these two players,

it has been quite open, as you say. It is always helped if the colours

are still in their spots, particularly if the black is

available into the corner pockets. When a player gets the chance he can

invariably make a sizeable conservation. -- contribution. Good

pot from John. And the cannon on the second red nice. He had to to be

certain of being on a colour. Now you see, could not have played

better. Not for the first time this morning

he gets first chance in the frame. He has not been able to push on that

advantage so far. Not gratefully concentration,

typical Crucible. -- not great for the. I think everyone in the crowd

clapped. John is at a very important visit in this match, but that is how

it is. Told a story. Early on. When someone asked Fred Davies have his

other drill would have called with these conditions and his answer was

he would have refused to play. - how his brother Joel. Two cables?

Noise from the other side of the arena? Not in Joe's Day! This only

just scrambled in. Has just landed nicely on the red below the black.

He's deciding he cannot get a good position that, so playing in another

red and possibly going for the blue. We'll be disappointed with that.

red and possibly going for the blue. We'll be disappointed with that He

has the wrong angle on the blue He has the wrong angle on the blue. He

can get the pink. This is more difficult than the blue would have

been if he had the right parting angle -- the right angle. Cute it's

nice -- cueing it's nice. We'll be giving this opportunity to care and

attention. He has already seen the last -- first three frames slip away

this morning. He cannot get on the red he played for, it is just the

right of the black. And this one is difficult because the pot is more

difficult he was expecting but the position is not great for that red.

He is taking his time. There will be plenty of thought. Each time he goes

down he does not like what he's seen. -- what he can see. As it

happened he got a double-kiss. But it could have worked out better.

Still not out of the woods. He knew it was running into that read, he

said, I need a double-kiss. He would have talked that would leave him an

easier pink than this. He played it well. So still in with

a frame-winning opportunity now and that was a good shot on the pink.

Very gritty player, John Higgins. I have seen him many a time now. When

he has not got his best game on finding something when he needs it

is what all great champions do. There's something inside them that

others do not have. He would have been devastated if he

had lost the first four frames. Especially with the chances. If you

don't get any chances, you can accept that is the way it is. I

think John Higgins, his greatest asset is that he does not like

losing, as simple as that. I think that helps as a competitor. But he

certainly is one of the all-time great players. And he has found

himself in a position, losing the first three frames, he knew this was

a chance he needed to take. And he has taken it very well. 72 points is

the lead, 67 remaining. You would not think the tables were turned now

for Alan who has had a couple of chances this morning to make century

breaks. It has been high quality. Can John Higgins get baton? -- get

the shots? Well, that is a pity, he could not

get a good position. But that will be enough. John Higgins started the

session two frames in front, he went one behind and they go to the

mid-session interval all square, 6-6. Good snooker!

Back into it now and for the fourth time in the match, the lead changed

hands when John Higgins claimed the 13th. But Alan McManus came back

with a break of 66 to square it 7-7. So as expected, a very tough and

hard-fought contest. Two more to play in this session and in the

first, Higgins is trailing. 3-15. Yes, he shot it well. Is it

for enough for the black? I don t for enough for the black? I don't

think so. No, not quite. Just needs another inch or two. Good pot,

though. You always felt comfortable with that type of shot. Just a

little bit wide. Every chance it is going of the other end, which it

did. That is not Steve. -- that is

nastier. Is there a path? Even if there's not, it is quite an easy

escape for Alan. We were talking about his angles, Alan. If he cannot

get past the green to make contact with this red, what would it leave?

It would just nestle onto this red. It should not be a problem. I think

he can get through to hit it. But that would be tough. This is a

contained safety. He has checked the seat if there's a path past the

black for the two reds left of the black. That is angles for you!

Wonderful touch. Yes, I do not keep played it off the

one cushion, but he just plays to perfection. -- I don't think he

played it. Higgins still in control of this

tactical exchange. It is going to be a problem for Alan to get back to

the baulk end here. If he could get to the red immediately to the left

of the black, he could find a path back to the baulk but he has to

catch this just right. He caught the wrong red. And in a way, he will be

glad the cue ball went in the pocket, rather that than coming back

among the reds. He could have left something in what easier than John

is facing here. -- in what easier. Very nicely played. Played with a

bit of side. The angle of the cue ball on the way back table.

Break into the heart of the pocket. Some people like to play those into

the centre. It is a much easier pot when you get more of the object

ball. And the pocket is in your eye line when you play that blue into

the corner. Wrong side of the blue, but with the brown and the green,

there should be no difficulty coming in and out of baulk end. He just has

to pace this. He has overheated slightly. -- overhit it slightly.

So on the yellow. Not the best colour the beyond. But he did not

want to risk the blue because he knew he could guarantee an angle on

this yellow. Just a precise positional shots needed. A good

line. He played it perfectly. It looks easy, doesn't it, with these

guys playing? That was a tremendous shot. A lot of power. Not so easy to

get the touch and feel and judgment of the pace. Going onto this red.

But it is perfect. The black goes in both pockets. That

is five reds in a bunch, one of them is available. Can you see the one at

the bottom? No huge breaks. In this session But

good breaks. 18 is the highest. That was the one Higgins made. -- 80 To

go 6-6. 60 odd breaks. If he gets 60 every frame, he will be very

difficult to beat. A quick glance at the scoreboard, 28 points is the

red. He Josh -- you just nudged another red into play so he can get

past the winning line without having to play any risky cannon shots. He

has the balls, it just requires good cue ball control.

He has got a slight angle. Deep screw off the side cushion for an

red in the pocket. He could not have played it better. So he's looking

for two reds and two blacks to go over the winning line. And the

problem was that he thought he was going to catch the second red a

glancing blow and he did not get pace and he caught the second figure

than he thought and it took the pace slightly from the cue ball. And he

could miss this black now. A huge difference between this shot and the

straightforward shot he would have had if he had played the cannon

correctly. He did ask for the cue ball to be cleaned so whether it had

a slight kick going into the red. Bring the spider out of the shot.

Another 20% more difficult than the rest, I should think. Absolutely.

But if he gets the black, look at the shot again. He just got that red

a bit thicker and if he thought he would get it that thick, he would

have played with a bit more pace. This black, to go 52 points in front

with 51 remaining. It is not easy. But it is frame ball. No, he aged

just caught him out. It just caught him out. -- it just. Just that

misjudgement. We said it was about cue ball control.

Could you close that door, thank you? So Alan McManus is not out of

this frame. He comes to the table 45 points behind. But 51 remaining.

this frame. He comes to the table 45 points behind. But 51 remaining And

points behind. But 51 remaining. And so far this morning, every time John

Higgins has made a mistake, and not clinched the frame, Alan has taken

full advantage. He needs a good pot here with the extension on his cue,

he's out. Check. -- he's at all stretch. We are getting to the stage

we know when they are not going to go in. You can hear the groaning. He

hit it to them and playing at that pace, it you miss it, every chance

he was going to leave it. So just this red, John Higgins to get the

snookers required. And in it goes. So Alan was given a glimmer of a

hope. He just could not pot the red and now 46 points behind, just 3

remaining. Good pot on the blue and nicely on

the red, into the same cushion. So Alan McManus will not be getting

back to the table. Playing the cannon. But the red is

tight to the pink and there's always the possibility... Alan has side, do

not bother getting the reds, you have done enough, you have won the

frame. Higgins creeps one frame in front again, 8-7.

What it is appearances between them at the Crucible, 50 seasons on the

professional tour combined and one frame between them in this

quarterfinal. The last frame of the session now,

this is big, Alan McManus up by 24 points.

Good for him. Oh! That is a good one he has potted. It took some courage

to play that, that shot. He could have played a negative safety. After

missing that easy shot. He has got some courage, that is for sure.

This needs good cueing. No. He did not like it when he got up. He was

down and he looked as though he was ready to push through the cue and he

got up. Just that hesitation, to me, it just knocked him off his stride

slightly. He has had two golden opportunities here.

Only he knows of course what he was thinking at that time. You always

get up for a reason. That went a bit. It will just get

the outside red. I don't think that any of the reds

will be straightforward, three by the pink into the corner pockets.

But these players can pot and -- the But these players can pot and - the

red, get on a colour, and next thing you know, they all one. -- they all

on. He would like a bit more angle on the green, not sure he has enough

angle to get into these reds and if any of them will pot. I don't think

so. No, he has played the kiss. He might

have been lucky, or unlucky. At first glance, I think he has been

unlucky. He did look, it is fair to say. There does not look to be

anything easy, from what I can see. He played the positive shot. John

Higgins always does. John mentioned his wrist. When you play the cannon

into reds when you play for a red, and this red goes past the pink.

and this red goes past the pink That is excellent.

Once again, the type of shot that his head was probably looking

towards the green on the cushion side, onto the left cushion. Unusual

type of pot for the players. Normally a three quarters ball,

looking straight into the pockets. So this frame has not been much

different from the others, John. One makes a mistake and the other gets

in. It has not been slow or boring, it has been a very good session

Nice clean pot from John. Still got a little bit of work to do, I feel,

to get position on the next red Not ideal on the black to get a cannon.

It has been very entertaining snooker. The chances have been

coming thick and fast and certain players will be ruling opportunities

missed. But it has been very entertaining. John Higgins started

with a two brain advantage, 5-3 If he wins this, he will maintain that

two frame advantage going into the final session this evening. He did

manage to get the cue ball running into the reds and he has left

himself one to the right middle. If he cannot this end, he's now one

point in front. He just got enough pace in the cue ball. And that going

in now gives him a great opportunity. He can retain the two

frame advantage. Nice angle on the black. Just those four reds in the

middle of the table that seem to be covering one another. I do not know

whether he can much them in putting this red. -- nudge.

No, he did not have the angle and he did not want to risk it. If he's

straight on the black, that is callous. And the fact that he

stopped in his tracks, he's gutted -- careless. He needed any kind of

angle on the black and could not play the four in the middle of the

table, the one to the right of the pink he would have been looking for.

So he needs to play a good positional shots now. And he has

done, well played. It could have gone wrong but he played it very

well and it is now imperative off this red that he gets an angle on

the black this time to try and disturb them.

And that looks inch perfect. It just catches... If you catch the red

immediately above the black, you still have to play this at a lot of

pace. Yes, he has knocked one on and that is what you are looking for, to

knock an easy ball on to continue. You don't have to play that with

very much pace. Going into that a little bit too

much. A little shake of the head, he has left himself a little bit of

work to do here. 26 points is the lead and still looking for, well,

depending on the value of colours, two more reds with colours at least

after this yellow. He's on the red but he would have

liked to, of this cushion another couple of inches to make it a bit

easier -- to come off. Just the run of the second went

nicely that time. So this black and one more red to retain his two frame

advantage. Right in the heart of the cushion. So Alan McManus one of the

first three frames this morning, going from 5-3 down to 6-5 in front.

He will finish the session as he started, two adrift. The certain

now. -- that is for certain now. So all to play for this evening in the

final session. He has kept in range of John Higgins. But he had a couple

of chances this frame he will be disappointed he did not take. Red in

the corner. A black off the spot. He cannot afford to miss them at this

level. Having got 74 with 27 points

remaining, with the six colours, if possible 101.

He has not made a century break in this match so far. Alan McManus has

done. He made a break of 114. John's highest up to this visit was 80

So this lack for the 63rd century break of this year's Betfred World

Snooker Championship. And in it goes, what a lovely way to finish! A

very enjoyable session. Alan McManus would have liked to have made

ground, he got the perfect start but John Higgins dug in. Not his

absolute best but he will be pleased to have the two frame advantage

going into the final session this evening.

He leads by 9-7. And that is John's sixth of the Championship so far and

the 63rd century of our fortnight. As we chase the record of 86 from

the semifinals. We have got this evening's session as well but 9-7

evening's session as well but 9 7 up, John Higgins. How has he come

back to win the last but of frames in both sessions, it has been really

important. Dutch couple of frames. He has gone up a gear when required

throughout his career. This is still anybody's and if Alan could look at

John Higgins and his final session against Ricky Walden, he looked very

nervous. Riki did not take advantage with a lot of chances so if John

goes out like that tonight again, Alan could take this. Alan came from

9-7 behind against Ali Carter to win. The other match this afternoon

is Marco Fu against Barry Hawkins. This is a big surprise because Fu

has a 7-1 advantage. He had a three-day gap between the Friday

night when he finished his second-round match and playing this

quarterfinal. Barry Hawkins had 14 hours and did not realise he had to

play yesterday, he thought he had a day off. He has been a bit confused.

Yes, I think it is a World Championship and you have to take

these things into consideration. You these things into consideration You

can be unlucky in the draw in this Championship at that is the way it

is. Would you rather be home having lost or still playing? You would

rather play. Does the format need tweaking? Is that an issue? I do not

know, I think we have been playing this format. Along and the players

do know what they test this is at the Crucible. I would not change it

so much, maybe there's a case for having the frames go up gradually

every round. And perhaps the semifinal, three sessions instead of

four. I would not want to change it much, it should remain the biggest

test and that is why it so difficult to win. It is the look the draw.

What does Hawkins have to do today? 7-1 down is a horrible position but

he's capable of doing that the Fu as he did to him, he has to not look at

the scoreboard, it is a new day. he did to him, he has to not look at

the scoreboard, it is a new day He the scoreboard, it is a new day. He

looked shell-shocked yesterday in the opening session. All eyes will

be on these two this afternoon just as they are on Steve Davis right

now. You can see the lights on table one

have one off because Ding Junhui eat Mark Williams with a session to

spare so a strange situation. -- spare so a strange situation. -

beat. The table heaters have been switched on and so the table is

open. Potting there is more room around

the table. Obviously the far side is still quite tight and people in the

front row and regional grand Duchy player's clamp, but this size,

moreover the players to stand back and play a shot. Dividing wall down

there. Usually you only have that much room before you what back and

bumped into it. The interesting thing is the players sit together.

Now I'm not sure of the rules. Can one player comments it over there if

his opponent has be all? I don't know. -- has body odour. It's a long

walk over, you need a taxi ride to get to the table, would you do that?

Suddenly all eyes are on this match. It can be quite a lonely place. And

I think from our perspective we hope that perhaps Barry Hawkins uses his

experience to get back into this match as quickly as possible because

I think everyone would like to have a wonderful evening today. Sorry,

making sure the players are backstage. They are, let's go to

you. Thank you. Steve Davies just had a marriage froze all live on the

BBC. Retired but still in demand. Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

Steve Davies was just a dozen -- to Steve Davies was just a dozen - to

sink 40 was proposed to hear, only two players but they will entertain

us in fine style. -- was just saying to us for he was proposed to. As

always, this fabulous critical crowd are ready to be entertained every

step of the way! Please welcome a player bidding for

his first Crucible semifinal in ten years. He make the perfect start in

this match, twice a ranking event winner and one of the sport's most

important global ambassadors. From Hong Kong, he isn't Marco Fu.

You contesting a fourth 60 quarterfinal at that thrilling

late-night win over Ronnie O'Sullivan, he has made the semis in

each of the last three years and he will be determined to come out and

attack his deficit. Because he is the, Barry Hawkins.

He has lots of what doesn't work to do, it is like a dress rehearsal for

the semifinal. From one of these guys. We always knew that everyone

loved Steve Davies but that is official confirmation with a

marriage proposal, that is the first! All eyes on these guys and

all years for a Ken Doherty and Willie Thorne. Good afternoon. We

had to take the guide dog from that lady in the auditorium.

The second session of this match gets underway. Kenna literally has

to win the session 6-2. Any more than 10-6 behind it would be tough

to get back. You would say so. I'm sure that is his target. 5-3

wouldn't be too bad if he was a 10-6 down at the final session he might

take that. Tall order even from there. Important for Barry Hawkins,

after a good start. Yesterday was a terrible Day from this session.

After such heroics against Ronnie O'Sullivan the night before, perhaps

it trained him? I agree, we saw that statistic. His pot success rate is

at 74%. At one time during the first five frames his highest rate was 30

and five friends. I feel sorry for him because it was heroic Harry he

put in the performance against Ronnie O'Sullivan, who played very

well. As Mike wrote how he. O'Sullivan played well but still

beat him. His pot success was somewhere around 96% in that match.

Barry will have to play into the pack to stay on them and maybe screw

off the pack. This is dangerous Enough to try and play it as a shot.

Typical, these were the type of chances Barry was taking against

Ronnie O'Sullivan and becomes more difficult. You start chasing all the

time. Good opening from Marco. Not very

easy for when you're playing the side cushion, particularly across

the map. Is there any better player with temperament than Marco Fu?

Marco Fu could be 7-1 ahead but he could be 7-1 behind and his

demeanour will not change. You can never tell if he is behind or in

front. He made a mistake initially, this was his first miss this

afternoon, sat in the wrong chair. They had to selling to set -- they

had to telling to sit in his other chair and laugh. He is here with his

wife and two children. Looks very relaxed, as ever, now. When Marco

plays well, Stephen Hendry mentioned it, if he had a power game he would

have won multiple World Championships, it is the only reason

he has not as yet. I'm not 100% agreeing with that. On these costs

you need that much to power, sometimes it gets you out of

trouble, but you couldn't say there was too much wrong with Marco Fu's

brick building, sometimes you need to power to get into the cue ball or

the reds. Looking at his break-building statistics, 403

career centuries, 36 this season and 24 last season. One of the breast to

break builds on a circuit, not many players would have in excess of 400

career centuries, he has had 14 4 times in tournament play. He almost

goes under the radar. I think it's because of his personality. He is so

laid back and keeps himself to himself. Very unassuming guy. Maybe

does not get the recognition that other players in his position would

have got. Taking on a rather difficult -- difficult blue rather

than an easy pink. That was our pressure shot. You can see he is

hampered for the pink in the middle. Did not expect him to miss the blue.

Just wondering if he will take the options you to play for the loose

red passed the width of the pack. -- past. That is one loose red

directly above the black that Google right into the right corner pocket.

It is always a little bit straight on this black and if he can force

the angle to get out from the red. Would love to have been a little

lower than he is and could have played the arc shot and brought them

back into play. He might play that. Tries to force the end to get onto

the Boston red. In the olden days it would have been difficult to get a

shot back up for the red but with these bores you can move them around

better -- with these balls. Marco relying on quite a bit of acute

power there -- quite a bit of cue power.

That was an excellent shot. Lots of top spin through the pack.

Set up a wonderful opportunity for himself.

He does not have to do much with the cue ball. Just wondering whether he

will try and disturb those three reds above the black or if he will

just try and get some points on the board. He has still got three or

four loose reds. He has decided maybe to build up his lead before he

attacks the three reds above the black. Besides what's needed to get

64. I love watching him play, he doesn't do anything out of the

ordinary yet is one of the best break-builders in the game.

I think it is down to his cue ball control. Watch him around the pink

and black, is never too far away. That is the object of trying to keep

control of the ball around the pink and black area, making every shot

just as easy as the previous one. When he is in full flow he has the

cue ball on a string. This is the first real pressure shot

of this frame. He will do a little bit to get back from the black. He

hit that beautifully. We said he lacked to power, but could not have

done that better. -- he lacked cue power.

You can see the score, 57 ahead. This red into the left centre and

onto ball colour. He has missed eight! -- he has missed it! What

this -- what a mess. That is about as much emotion as you get from

Marco Fu. He just looks like he's going shopping as he walked back to

the chair. This is a chance for Barry Hawkins to get a foot in. If

he pinches of this frame Marco could feel negative.

Nice opener, just drops back in as we see the red again. Behind the red

on the left of the table. Barry, that is just down to a bit of

pressure when newer 57 behind and basically need for rates and for

blacks to win the frame. -- four reds and four blacks. The fact you

are for behind does not help as well. It is amazing. You can can did

on one hand the amount of blacks he would have missed against Ronnie

O'Sullivan in that best 25 match. From one Day to the next is can be

completely different. I feel so sorry for him. You would have

expected big things, people will watch at home and tear their hair

out at the performance. And we know Barry Hawkins is a fabulous player,

two semifinals and final in the last few years come love is the critical,

but when you play badly it catches you out. It is the strangest place

in the world to play. This is the magnificent Crucible arena. And the

fact they have it all to themselves as afternoon. -- this afternoon. The

other match finished early. It is completely different, almost

eerie as a player, the entire focus is on you. It is a great feeling

when you are playing well, if it is going against you it is tough. Nice

little shot to take the blue off the cushion. Not a bad effort.

I'm sure they will see that Marco Fu was further clear. And we saw Barry

early on in that frame with a perfect angle on the black but

having to force it and the problem with forcing it is they tend to

leave the table. Absolutely, the balls are jumping all around the

place. We will see it, the black jumping and even the cue ball

jumping before it reaches the black, and here's another one from Mark all

as he tries to power the cue ball through the pack of reds. When we

see it in super slow motion, let's look. Hitting on the cue ball, it is

quite incredible what you can see this bold junk before it reaches the

black. Until we had these cameras we never noticed it. It is amazing with

the slow motion. We will show you again with this particular one, it

bounces into the bowl and this is where the kicks come from. We are

not hitting them in the middle of the ball and it may contact

together, they keep bouncing through. Watch when they hit the

jaws, how much bouncing is going on. That is slowed all the way down,

quite incredible. Great pictures. That shows why the players sometimes

complain about kicks. What can Barry Hawkins do to try and

stop the rot? Had a chance at the end of the frame and missed. A

chance on the black as well. These were the type of shots he was

getting in, trying to pot the red in the corner pocket and back up

towards the blue vault colours -- towards the blue vault colours -

the blue and ball colours. It was just not there at the moment.

It was a wonderful shot. Cued beautifully, control of two

cushions. -- control from. Might not be a bad idea to get the

pink away from the pack of reds. Possibly attract the pink -- track.

I'm not sure if that will go on a spot, if it started will be closer

the reds. If it goes on the blue spot it might be a bonus.

Definitely respond on its own spot. Tried to push the cue ball through

the pack of reds, knowing he would still be to the left-centre, but he

is hampered by the pack of reds. is hampered by the pack of reds

Better take this one into the left corner. That is quite a watch. That

made it a very awkward. We just show you a few of the shots

where it was bouncing, watch this first read, you can see it bouncing

as it goes into the part, but still mileage to get spin. I think

anything with a bit of power or distance the balls will bounce

around. It's why you got to be so accurate.

It could be a bridge too far for him to get back in the match, but I

would love to see him make a sizeable break to give him some

confidence. Has not really got a nice angle on

the reds. With the blue being off its spots, will have to play yellow

or green. -- of its spot. Can possibly try and get on the red

below the black but he has a nice angle to go into the pack as well.

That is what he has chosen to do. How does this look? Sort of stuck in

the pack a little. Good news and bad news, perfect on the red but cannot

generate the spin to get out for pink or black. Very unfortunate If

pink or black. Very unfortunate. If he just rules it in, all he can do

is get the yellow. Very unlucky. Sometimes they go into the blunt and

still have enough top spin to force through and sometimes it's like

hitting a brick wall. I do not think he will take the

yellow. Too much danger. Roll up to the brown, trying to get the tube

behind the blue. That is very good. Excellent shot.

Just glancing blow. I don't think there is anything available into the

corner, if not he can clip off buying the blue again from the

outside red. Making sure he will not push a red into open play. The

reason I say behind the blue, it is more difficult to get back to the

baulk end if you're at the middle of the top cushion. He has played

behind the blue. It is good weight. Does not appear at first glance to

have done any damage. Barry's hand on the table, he should be able to

get back to the ball without a problem -- back to the baulk end

without a problem. A bit of a lesser target to get behind. He wants the

cue ball to finish on the right hand cue ball to finish on the right-hand

side. But be worried about the second read and where that is going.

Because of that, he was worried about it, trying to get behind the

green. That is a terrible shock Completely miss hit.

Michael has just come around to know, the black does not go into the

left-hand corner pocket, but the pink certainly does. Get a quick

look at the pink also, must not leave it on the pink from this red.

Played it well, it is OK. Being right-handed he can get this pink

and just move the Reg to the right of the pink away and beyond that

possibly closest to be black. -- move the red. That is the red moving

away, and he is on it nicely. Lovely controlled cannon on the red and

pushes it through the black and it will be available into the bottom

right-hand corner pocket now. Nice little shot. Lovely, can get the

black bag onto the spot as well Would probably like to play on the

pink rather than the black. The way that Marco Fu is playing

just now, he could win this match with a session to -- session to

Speyer. He can stun the paint in and take

the ride off those three reds beneath the pink. Back in prime

position now. You never really notice Marco Fu being so great

because his position is great all the time. Remarkable break potter.

Certainly as. If you watch closely, the cue ball control, the series of

little nudges and cannons. He still has the red to the left of centre.

Parting that red releases the two reds beneath the pink into this

bottom left corner pocket. Barry will be disappointed. He had chances

in the first frame and this frame. But not scored heavily enough at

all. That seat can be one of the greatest

in the world, but at times very lonely.

Everything is so simple at the moment. It so effective for Marco

Fu. He has not been past the blue spot. He has won the frame again

with a series of Little storms and cannons.

That is a shame. Wonderful exhibition shots. Wonderful 71 break

that did the damage. Marco Fu puts another frame on the board. He leads

9-1. You have to ask the question, is

Barry Hawkins all punched out? It was tough to come straight out there

after those match with Ronnie O'Sullivan. He got off to a bad

start. He got the total opposite. He missed the black off the spot in the

previous frame. That you detected some worrying signs from the wok on?

He didn't look happy. He lit thoroughly depressed and dejected.

Having beaten Ronnie, he would have been thinking, what a chance I have

got? I have sympathy when you have to play the next day. To put in that

performance and now he is thinking, I have wasted that opportunity and I

am out of it. He just looked an unhappy player backstage. Some

people on social media are saying that he needs a hug. It must be very

painful. Will we see a fightback? Marco Fu is laughing. Settled down,

please. What a break off that was. Perfect on the blue.

That just sums up what has happened to Barry Hawkins in this match so

far. Does the red pass into this bottom right corner pocket? I think

it does. Well played! One good positional shot here. If

you can somehow get down onto that red that is only black spot and get

straight on that red. I don't think there has ever been a century with a

ball in-off the break off at the Crucible. I don't remember it. I

hope he gets a century now because that would be amazing. He is just

getting on the wrong side of every ball at the minute.

This was the amazing shot we were talking about. Completely mis-hit

the break. I would love it if he got a century after the break.

Obviously it is all about getting to the red just above the black at some

stage. Brilliant short. Top drawer.

Perfectly on the red. Can cannon onto the black.

May have been better off trying to nudge the black towards the centre

pocket. This could be the end of the break now.

What a shame. Talking about players winning frames of the break. There

was a gay who paid ?500 to play against Jimmy White. He stood there

with a cue in his hand and didn t with a cue in his hand and didn't

come to the table, watching a 147 break. Marco Fu struggling with this

safety shots. Didn't expect to get the jaws like

that. That is the problem when you are

playing thin safety shots. It is very difficult to adjust the weight.

Completely misjudged. We were talking about? Our earlier. Whether

Marco Fu can play this raid and swing back for the yellow or brown,

I don't think he can. -- play this red.

That's what I mean about the power shots. It wasn't in his armoury

There was a lot of movement. There was so much movement in his back am

and this shouldn't have been for that short.

When you play with that amount of left-hand side, it tends to push it

first before it takes. Barry has got on that read only black spot.

Pot this red and get a nice angle on the black. Nice and low on the black

and can no cannon into the three reds beneath the pink.

Amazing to see Marco Fu play so well and sometimes he can play three

tournament and you don't see him. He used to be coaxed by Terry

Griffiths, but now coached by his son Wayne who has come over from

Hong Kong. A bit unusual. The father coaching

Barry Hawkins and the sun coaching Marco Fu. Could be an interesting

conversation in the household after this match! It looks like the sun

has got the one-upmanship at the moment.

Didn't get the kiss right. Bad positional shot.

One of those safety shots were you cannot put Marco Fu in trouble.

Excellent. Almost really good, had he got the

snooker behind the yellow. This is where Barry Hawkins needs to

be careful. If he comes down the right hand side there is always a

chance of knocking a read towards the left corner pocket.

Marco Fu cannot play down that side of the table so the problem arises

for him. He made a break of 43 only. There

has not been a 30 break in any other frame. What a difference a day

makes. So easy to hit them thick. That is

pretty good. In this session, the safety play has been excellent.

Marco Fu could play a very telling safety shots here, the second one to

the right of the black. He can part in the left, but I don't

think there is any space to get behind the black.

Should get him in trouble. Excellent safety shot from Marco Fu.

Might be forced into having a go at this red.

Super-short! Great pot. It is amazing when you're in trouble and

you're forced into making a pot the you're forced into making a pot, the

number of times the du pot them. Really wanted to cover this cushion

down the left side of the table. This safety has been really top

drawer. Now Barry, go on, my son. Play the

way you did against Ronnie. Heavy contact on the red, but

thankfully there are options. If this was a couple of days ago,

you could have it in writing that he would pot everything to win the

frame. But not so easy today. Not the best positional shot. He has

He has played it pretty well. As close as you could do to the red.

A round of applause, but he is not high enough on the black. 24 points

ahead. He is going to need this last red and the cushion. He has to do

try to drop this dead weight. That gives it a chance to get into the

pocket. Well played! This crowd want to see the match cool a little

further. They will be delighted to see Barry Hawkins get a frame on the

board. Still only one break over 40, but

this time it is enough to get one on the board. We were waxing lyrical

about Marco Fu's cue ball control. Here is an example. Let's have a

look. This is when Barry Hawkins went in-off. He knocks the long red

in. It is all about the art of break-building. You need to try to

keep the cue ball as close to the object ball as possible. Every time,

he is no more than 18 inches from the object ball each time. Close

control, close proximity to the next shot. That makes the next shot so

much easier. We see that you have the ball on a string. Sometimes when

you're not playing well it feels like it is on a rope. But in this

match, he has had it on a string. Couldn't agree more. UC century

breaks from other players and they go in and out of baulk all the time.

He does everything is so simple, but it is so effective. At the moment,

he is in total control. Nice to see Barry Hawkins get his first frame on

the board in the afternoon session. He has a mountain to climb.

We've witnessed a lot of great comebacks in this wonderful theatre

at the World Championships over the years. You have to start somewhere.

Now, what sort of confidence will that frame give Barry Hawkins?

These are reds he was knocking in earlier in the match. Against Ronnie

O'Sullivan, I don't think I saw him miss one of these type of shots.

That's more like it. Much more like it.

Didn't play it as a shot to nothing. Made sure he stayed this side of the

baulk line. Just got to screw the green past the middle pocket and the

white will travel down nicely for the red to the black. Off two

cushions, he's playing. Playing for a choice of reds either side of the

pink. Decided to play the second shot, not the one next to the black.

If he gets on the black now, this is another great chance. He's had a

chance in each frame before mark other few made the 71. -- Marco Fu.

Interesting to see whether he finishes low on this next black. He

finishes low on this next black He has two reds there available should

he get this nice angle on the black, which he's got. Probably not got the

guaranteed angle to go into them so he'll play for the one just above

the black now. Started at 73%, up to 80% success

rate. To get back into this match, he'll have to appear at 95% or 6%.

Not too bad. Could have been a bit better had that cue ball come aI

away from the side cushion a little bit more.

Just noticed he scored more points in this first three frames than he

did in the previous eight frames. Yeah, that total points scored, 220

for Barry Hawkins, 843 for Marco Fu. Nice little shot there. Just used

the other red to hold for the black. May have to risk using the red to

slow the cue ball down. The Reds nearest the white, he can screw it

round two cushions. He's putting top spins on so he is playing for that

cannon. Just over hanging. He's playing the cannon, got it nicely.

Well done. Just noticed, there, Ken, how big a tip Barry's got. It's

overhanging as well, look at that. It's favoured by a lot of players

these days. He knew the minute he hit that he

didn't generate enough side spin on the queue ball just to get by that

red he just clipped. It's a big target. Just wanted to run by that

red. Run in the gap. So he'd have those two reds into the bottom

right-hand corner pocket. This red still pots. But, again, the fact the

cue ball is so close to the red makes it very difficult to line it

up. That's a good shot. That's a very

good shot. Nicely controlled. On for the blue.

Will he go into the pack here? He could do, if he wishes. Doesn't have

to. There's plenty of reds on. I don't blame him for that.

Just another 19 points needed. Then in a position where Marco Fu needs

snookers. When you consider he's lost the opening two frames, he s

really dug his heels in here, Barry. This, the highest break of the match

so far. Not particularly high for Marco Fu. He's been making 50 or 60

every time he's getting on the balls. Been very consistent Marco.

Took a risk. I think the risk's OK. I think they'll both pot into the

middle pocket, these two reds. All about missing the kiss on the

yellow. Did it the other way round. Key

there to kiss on any ball colour. Up and down between yellow and brown

would have been the better choice? Just hit it hard enough. This red

still cuts into the left centre. Just needs the red on a colour. That

would leave Marco Fu needing a snooker. Guaranteed to be on the

black here potting this. May just elect to take the long blue

into the yellow pocket. Only needs a colour. 55 ahead, 67 remaining. Just

needs to try to get on the next red, make sure he pots the blue.

That's more like the Barry Hawkins we know.

This has been an excellent break. Mid-session break coming up after

this frame. Just meant to kiss the red to the right of the pink. A

little on the left-hand side, straighten the cue ball up to the

side of the cushion. Didn't get the side on. End of break. The highest

break of the match. Well, Marco says that's enough. A

wonderful 86 from Barry Hawkins takes the frame. He puts another

frame on the board. But it's Marco Fu who still leads by 9-3. He potted

one off the break. He with thought maybe his luck was changing in the

last frame. So it would appear. Barry Hawkins suddenly gets his food

foot on the pedal. He needs to just graft away. Not a completely forlorn

hope. If he wins the next two frames, it's game on. Marco has

plenty of breathing space still. frames, it's game on. Marco has

plenty of breathing space still He sure has. We were looking through

the SATs, people asked what is the biggest come back achieved here at

The Crucible? Several times guys have come back from six or seven

frames. The largest deficit was in eight frames. It was in a longer

match, a remarkable final. It was Steve Davis who had been quite a

long way in front of a certain Dennis Taylor. However, that was a

much longer match! The possibilities for a come back in this one are

possibly a little less likely. I think we've got to give credit here

to Marco Fu who has been utterly... It's all right, Steve. We'll get you

a damp cloth shortly to mop your brow. He has been impack lot so far

He's in incredible player. If you add Judd Trump's cue power to his

play, you could have the ultimate snooker player. He would be in the

top four and stay there. It's his only weakness. Sometimes he's

limited in the shots he can play. There's few people better. He's one

of maybe five or six who've made 400 centuries. Not a flashy player at

all? When he first came on the scene we thought, a good young player

coming through. Didn't look anything special. Arguably, he's never looked

anything special. He walks around the venue quietly, doing his own

thing. One of the nicest guys you can ever meet. Maybe the public

think, when they talk about possible winners for the wharled

championship, he is not up there with the favourites. It is only the

first time in ten years he's got to the quarter-finals. We'll be back to

the table after the mid-session break. Yesterday, in QI we only had

one correct answer. You'd better get your lateral-thinking head on again.

This is another tough one, day two. In QI this afternoon, we'll

impatient copious countities of brained-bending, swerve and screw to

another enfiendish question about Q sport. Let's see if our

distinguished players and you will be snookered by today's teaser. I'd

like you to tell me why whizzy galore is so important to the modern

day of snooker. Don't be fooled, this is nothing to do with late

nights at The Crucible bar. Whisky galore. Contact us on social media.

I'll be back with the answer very soon. . Oh, the man is a genius. How

many geniuses have we out there Get many geniuses have we out there? Get

your answers to us. We've had a lot of table time out on The Crucible.

It's now time for table talk. Our regular guest Jason Ferguson,

the chairman of the WPBSA joins us again. He either likes our coffee or

company because he's back. A regular guest here. We should have been

serving you Brazilian cocktails here today because today marks the 100

days to go until the Rio Olympics. COMMENTATOR: Jessica Ennis-Hill is

back on top of the world. He wins the gold. Nicola Adams has just made

history. Gold for Kenya. His 18th Olympic

gold medal. Both gets it! -- bolt gets it. Charlotte'sised the cake in

style. Bradley Wiggins is Olympic champion. That's a huge jump. Laura

crosses the line as world champion. Mo Farah streaking away. I can't

believe it's four years since London. 22067 nations. 214 sporting

disciplines. Amongst the new once Rugby 7s and the return of golf

after over a century. What's missing from your point of view, Jason is

snooker. There was an unsuccessful but it made interesting progress for

inclusion in Tokyo 2020. What's the situation now? On the 2020 agenda

for Tokyo was the opportunity for new sports to apply to be on the

Olympic programme. Why not? At the end of the day every sport in the

Olympic charter, opportunity for all, fair play, every sport deserves

its opportunity to make a bid. We were unsuccessful. We were very late

to the table. Just over five years into a restructure of this sport. A

very late bid. We did reasonably well. Rattled a few cages. Made our

mark. There's a lot of support out there. We are great advocates of the

Olympic movement and will come back to the table. You're something of a

mover and shaker? You had a meeting the IOC president last week? I was

there last week with the IOC and there's certainly a lot of interest

in some of the work we're doing in snooker. If you look at the way

we're developing our sport at grass roots level, opportunity for all.

Getting more kids involved. More ladies. We've set up world dis

disability in snooker. We've seen some great features on that here on

the BBC. All of that's Copt byesing to the way our sport is growing in

communities. We want to make our contribution. In terms of the work

that needs to be done, we've seen a lot of work done with disability

snooker. In terms of the women's game, that seems to be the area

where there could be a struggle on your hands? It's not perhaps caught

on as much as you would have hoped, I suspect? It is a very interesting

debate. We operate an open tour sport. We don't operate a ladies

game and a men's game. We operate an open tour. Every man and woman has

the same opportunity to come peat on the World Snooker tour if good

enough. Some of our top lady players have achieved appearances in the

time stages of some of our events. For me, it is just a numbers game.

There's no reason why a woman can't compete with a man but there are

less women playing the sport. That's an areas we're focusing on and

trying to drive more participation. From a players' point of view, it

talks to us about golf and tennis, is this the pin acling of your

sport. From a players' per pective, would you fancy competing for your

country in the Olympic Games, Steve? Yes, any snooker player that

currently doesn't probably doesn't understand the whole picture of what

it could do for snooker worldwide. It unlocks a lot of funding we could

use to make the grass roots of the game bigger. Nothing ever stays the

same. Somewhere done the line back in the history, courtesy of QI and

Stephen Fry was the fact poetry and tug of war were in the Olympic.

Everything changes. Why not get the sports currently on TV and are hot

property like snooker, darks, golf, tennis. I don't see the problem with

it. Of all the ball sports, I think snooker's the best. You would. It's

not just snooker that would be included, it would be cue sports

Feng Li. Stephen, you're deal in China with different forms of cue

sports. They are played widely, not just snooker I don't know how many

different variants of pool there is, six at least. There's billiards I

never liked billiards myself. Another cue sport, massive in India.

There's lots of scope for different sports to be involved. Absolutely,

our bid, we're already in the world game in 2017. That bid will comprise

of nine-ball pool, the American version. Snooker. Does that mean

snooker players have to play pool? No, their' competing for separate

medals. Different disciplines playing their own sport.

Interesting, though. Different cue players to play different sports.

May be a leveller. Perhaps an op knee yum for cue sports. Let's see

how some of the other snooker professionals fancy the idea of

getting a gold medal around their neck. For me, no. They are working

hard to get it. For me, Olympic sports should be sports is that are

athletes. We're not athletes in any way. Look at me! I'm not the model

Olympic professional person. No, I Olympic professional person. No I

think snooker's a long way off that. The people that play the game need

to get themselves in shape before we could consider ourselves a sport

that can compete in the Olympics. I think so. There's a lot less

athletic things in the Olympics than snooker. Snooker gets the viewing

figures worldwide as good as most sports. I think the practice that

goes into snooker, definitely, I think it should be rewarded with

that. Yeah, I think it could be. There's many nationalities on the

tour and the sport's growing worldwide. I can't see why not. I'd

like a Ed gold medal, yeah. I think everybody would. So, not 2020, 2024

the next target. Is it achievable for you? I think it is. If you look

at the way the sport's growing globally, we've countries with 110

national governing bodies around the world. This is a huge sport. Coupled

with the other cued sports, around 200 countries compete in billiard

sports. A great chance for us. A huge participation sport. We've got

to channel the energy of all those bodies around the world to lobby

with their own Olympic committees and, of course, get the support from

the public. We're running a number of surveys out there at the moment.

We've got a survey on our website, World Snooker.com which is an

insight survey about our sport. We want people to fill those in and

give us an insight into what we need to do. Good luck with the moving and

snaking. Can you imagine Ken Doherty playing for Ireland in the Olympics.

Today, he's trying to beat Steve Davis in pot quiz. Today, we've a

young up and coming player I can making waves in the game this

season! Ken... In the over-50s. How it it go in the qualifiers? Ask me

one on history! Five questions, you know the score. You've seen it. The

record to beat one minute by Mark Allen. Steve Davis two minutes and

11 seconds. Once I beat yours I don't mind. Name the players you

beat on the way to inwithing the world title in 1997. Name the

players. Stephen Hendry. In the final. Rob do you in the semi-final.

John Higgins in the quarter-final. A young Steve Davis in the last 16.

young Steve Davis in the last 1 . Yeah. And Mark Davis in the first

round. Amazing. Just fantastic. Why is it amazing? I watch it every day!

LAUGHTER The same year, who got the highest break prize? That was easy.

A young Ronnie O'Sullivan. 147. 5 minutes 20 seconds. Two reds so far.

Name the four semi-finalists in last year's World Championship. Tough.

Last year's semi-final. Stuart Bingham and Shaun Murphy. Judd Trump

and Barry Hawkins. Cricket again. Three out of three. I'm almost as

boring as you, Steve! Na. Nobody's that boring! Cast your mind back. If

you can remember, to the year you were born. Who was world champion

that year? 1969? What sort of a question is that? It's the fourth

question! I'll have to go with. . John Pulman. John Spencer. OK. 1969.

John Pulman. John Spencer. OK. 969. And the fifth question, your

multiple choice question, as if it wasn't hard enough. Which day in

1969... Oh, thanks. Who did John Spencer beat in that final in 1 69.

Was is Garryowen, Ray Reardon, Eddie Charlton or Warren Simpson? Oh, God!

Owen? Garryowen, correct. There you go. Four reds off the table. OK,

go. Four reds off the table. OK four reds off the table. I'll take

this one. And this one. You can see his brain ticking away trying to

work it out. Seems to be a popular line, the middle reds. That's three.

Within more. In your own time. Don't worry. Sorry. OK. Let me see. I ll

just take that one. All right, OK. The time starts when you strike the

cue ball. Taking the more difficult red first. I love it.

In goes the red. The clock's started. The player who had a great

run in the qualifying section of the World Championships. Still seems to

be in form. Three shots without moving. Quality. Mark Allen's on a

minute. This is looking very good indeed. Argh! Commentator's curse

there. Doesn't have to wait for the red to stop moving. Indecisive now.

It's all gone wrong. He's back. Two minutes and 11 seconds is looking

good now. A foul. He fouled the white ball. No, he's carrying on. A

foul on the miss, the referee should put that back. Time at the moment

is... Coming up to 45 seconds. No rush. Devastated if I can't beat

you. Looking like middle of the pack. Nothing to be embarrassed

about. Looks like it's gone a bit wrong there. Ken rolling balls over

the pockets now. Coming up is a minute. Nothing embarrassing yet.

That's in. A nice positional shot. Set himself up well here. Dollied

the red in. Didn't even try and screw back. That was so sad. He s

played the slow roll. He's played safe! It's looking... Devastated.

He's bee twixt and between. He's still played safe. This is a

masterclass. A minute-and-a-half. A masterclass of tactics. Oh, a

fantastic... One minute 45. You've fantastic... One minute 45. You ve

got plenty of time. But don't miss this. No pressure. Nobody's

watching. You only rolled it. Ooh, congratulations.

Ken, one minute 55 seconds which puts you just above Barry Hawkins

and below Kyren Wilson. There you go. Congratulations!

Time for a stiff drink, Ken. Time now, as well, for Stephen Fry to

give us the fiendish answer to the question.

Today's question may well have driven you to drink. I asked you why

whisky galore is so important to the modern game of snooker. It's

fascinating. Our experts are not adverse to a little tipple now and

again. Let's see if they made the journey cricketly. Whisky galore. I

met her once in a nightclub. She was a nice lazy. Was she? A good sort.

Whisky galore. It's a horse. If you can't remember it, there wasn't one.

Must be to do with the writer. The what? The writer. The writer. OK!

Who wrote it? Who wrote it other rode him? He thought it was a horse!

LAUGHTER Great black and white film? Never seen it? No. Is it a film

John Wayne? Was did the thin which pulled John Pulman's career around

in 1977 and got on to the wagon. pulled John Pulman's career around

in 1977 and got on to the wagon He in 1977 and got on to the wagon. He

was a big whisky fan. He loved whisky. Minus 10 points. It is the

name of the famous comic novel by McKenzie in 1947 made into a classic

Ealing comedy. Compton McKenzie was a popular writer in his day and a

snooker nut. He presented the World Championship trophy to the winner

Joe Davis in March 1979. The same month, he penned an article about

the origins of snooker. In it, he fully supported the claims of

British Army Lieutenant Neville Chamberlain who said he had invented

the game in 1875 in the Indian town. Neville Chamberlain, no relation to

the Prime Minister, had in about experimenting on the officer's table

with the existing game of Blackpool. It featured 15 red balls in the

famous triangle and one black. He threw on somedational coloured

balls. Importantly in all of this, the fact was rookie cadets. New

business, if you like, at the royal military academy in Woolwich was

called snookers. It was a corruption of the original word of a

newly-joined cadet which was nukes meaning new ones. Chamberlain

observed all those present in the room were in effect snookers or new

to this tweaked version of the game. The name somehow stuck. That snooker

game, you know. Everyone felt like a fool, like a raw recruit when they

tried to play what is a very difficult game. You need to be a

right proper anorak to know these answers. McKenzie's article claimed

to have incontrovertible evidence that Chamberlain's story was drew

and there after his story was accepted as fact. Mc-Kenty had his

own table at home in the Hebrides and he enjoyed a Dram whilst playing

a few frames on it. Why is whisky galore important to snooker? Its

author was the first man to write about how snooker came to be played.

I like that. And I like that to. Thank you,

Stephen! Well We are enjoying what is turning out

to be a hugely impressive form and is from Marco Fu. He is just four

frames are way from a place in his second Crucible final. He has got

the man who knocked out Ronnie O'Sullivan very much under the

thumb. Could there be a twist in the tail yet? Let's find out.

For the sake of the audience, it hope that Barry Hawkins can get a

foothold in this match now. Both players have been using the

back cushion with regularity today. Very tough to pot from.

Easy escape from this snooker as long as he doesn't touch a ball to

-- too hard. Just knock this red up and down the

table into baulk. Just played a containing safety

shot. Didn't want to leave that possible red to the right of the

pack. Can just about get to the centre of

the cue ball here. So he might take this hot on. Dangerous if you were

to go around the back and onto the black.

He might play the screw back for the possible blue. Not quite straight

enough to play the black. Or dear. He completely cued across

flat. He may have left this red to the

left of centre. Maybe not. Looks like he has played this very

well. Nice shot. Too risky. Been thinking about this

for just under one minute. He is looking at now playing it into the

other red. If he plays at up and down twice he needs to get the red

in and out of baulk and how will he missed the tests on the yellow and

brown on the way back. That is as good as he could've done. A little

bit unlucky. Played the cue ball perfectly.

Well played! I was going to say nice kiss on the pink, but the red has

blocked it. A little unlucky. The last couple of frames, he has

been frozen out by Barry Hawkins. He is not entertaining the pink up into

the yellow pocket. Got to be careful he doesn't want to leave the red in

the corner pocket open. That is a pure shot. He has left Barry Hawkins

was a straightforward shot to nothing. Marco Fu was not best

pleased with that, you can see that in his gestures.

He was going all out for the pot to get onto the black. There is a gap

to the red that is up near the yellow. I think he can get through

to the. Must have thought he couldn't get

through to the potting angle. A good safety shot.

Nice shot. He needs to be careful. He can't knock anything towards left

or right centre pocket. That is exactly what he has done. As he

covered the red to the right centre? He has got one red. Almost dead

straight to the centre pocket. Both players will not like the way

this frame has panned out. Not nice to play these type of frames because

you can play a decent safety shot and you end up forcing your opponent

to take a read on. 1-shot could cost you.

For a minute that red was going close to the right centre pocket.

Excellent shot. This has put Barry Hawkins in some trouble. He can

nestle up to the red is. Or he could leave a touching ball and he would

be back where he started. If it is touching he will be in trouble

again. Touching ball. Whoever eventually wins this safety

battle, the reds are in a nice position to score heavily. Barry

Hawkins will be tempted with the one near the pink spot. But he knows a

few misses it it could cost him the frame.

Whoever wins this safety battle, you expect them to get six or seven

balls in. This was the type of frame that Barry won against Ronnie

O'Sullivan. Similar type of frame. This is where cue power comes into

play. He is going to take this red on. What a shot! Great pot.

Such a great shot, but the only ball that pots really is the green. I

think he will have to take it on. He could have played the pink but he

liked the green. Good shot. If he gets this dead straight, red gets

onto the pink and he will score heavily. Looking at the red in the

baulk area first. He will be disappointed if he