Day 14, Semi-Finals, Evening Session - Pt 1 Snooker: World Championship

Hello and good evening and welcome back to the Crucible Theatre in

Sheffield. Tonight we have the third session of the semifinal between

last year's finalist, Mark Selby taking on China's Ding Junhui. It is

set to be another gripping night of snooker. Mark Selby trails by five

frames to three. You can stand there all day and try and hit that shot

perfectly. Excellent reply. Very well done, his fifth century of the

tournament, but more importantly, he has closed the gap again. He going

for it. He has got it, what a shot. Tremendous pot from Mark Selby. Ding

Junhui, not having much run of the ball. Mark Selby came into it two

behind, he is going into the interval two in front. Mark Selby

has something to think about now. A little bit of luck for once. Well

played, brave shot. He has got a beautiful line. If he

misses the brown, this is sensational. What a shot that was.

And the black, for all wonderfully compiled century break. Wonderfully

played, Ding Junhui at his best. Mark Selby started the session two

behind, finishes it two in front. This is how it stands this evening.

Look how tight it is between these two superb players. Selby's 12 wins

the Ding's 11. Ding winning in the quarterfinal in 2011 and Mark Selby

winning last year's final at the Crucible. Stephen Hendrie is

alongside me. Let's talk about third session mentality, what is going

through their minds now? It is moving day, you have to get yourself

into a nice position. Mark Selby has given himself the opportunity to do

that. The big night for Ding Junhui commie has to win this session to

have any chance of winning tomorrow. What was your assessment of the way

Mark Selby came out and performed so well? He put all the doubts to bed

in the first round, his safety play was as good as it always is. Ding

made a magnificent 139, Diaz to do more of that. He virtually hasn't

got to miss the ball. He didn't get much luck in the first three frames?

No, he didn't get a good run of the ball, but it normally evens itself

out. Ding Junhui knocked out Ronnie O'Sullivan, does he walked out of

here thinking, this is my night? He beat Ronnie, magnificent. He has got

to step up another level in this match. The session tonight for Ding

is so important, he has to win it. Cheeky question, does the winner

tonight on and win the title? I have thought Mark Selby's name has been

on the trophy from the start. Let's said hello to Rob Walker.

What an epic night in store at the sport's spiritual home. This is a

battle is be part of the 2017 BetFred World Snooker Championship

final. We sat for a cracking night of here at the Crucible.

Please welcome first of all, a man who has helped pave the way for a

new generation of snooker players and fans back home. He won his first

ranking title when he was just 18. 12 years later he has a dozen big

victories to his name. He has been brilliant here this year and will be

ready to produce that form again tonight because he is a national

hero in China. So enter the Dragon, Ding Junhui.

CHEERING and APPLAUSE And his opponent, 12 years after his

Crucible debut, he is now one of the sport's key players. World number

one for more than two years, winner of 11 ranking titles and three

Masters crowns, the reigning UK champion, the defending world

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

CHEERING and APPLAUSE COMMENTATOR: It is Mark Selby

against Ding Junhui live on BBC Two. Good evening to John Virgo and

Dennis Taylor. COMMENTATOR: Great to be sitting

next to John Virgo for what will be an important session in this

semifinal. It is Ding Junhui that gets it

underway. I am with Stephen Hendry, John, Ding has to win the session

5-3? Yes, but if he can go into the final session tomorrow afternoon

just two behind, I think it is still all to play for. But to be only two

behind of course. This is a big session.

Not a lot of difference between the important stats, both made high

breaks, the pot success. Little bit lower than what you would expect,

89%. But they are both on the same mark, so both have missed some you

would expect them to get. This is a lovely line, it is a lovely length.

Behind Biyi Alo. Good shot. Nice shot. -- behind the yellow. Got the

pace of the table. It looked as if it wasn't going to

reach there, but because he had so much side on that to create the

angle, it just kept on rolling. Can he get behind the yellow again? He

will be trying to do that. Bit too hard, I think.

He still got behind it. Great atmosphere this evening in the

Crucible Theatre as the players were introduced. The crowd were really up

for this session. That is what Mark is faced with there. I think when

you get evenings like this, there is tension in the air. We all want to

see great matches and this has the potential to be one. Mark Selby,

world number one, defending champion. Playing a man who has

proved, and he proved against Ronnie O'Sullivan, given half a chance can

win any frame in one visit. So Mark has to be very careful. But

shouldn't leave anything with a shot like this. He is somewhere in the

audience, not sure where. A good mate of ours, in the sponsor's

Lounge, the Silver Fox, David Taylor, world amateur champion,

great professional for many years. 74 years of age, doesn't look a day

over 50. Great to see him here. This is a more difficult shot than

the snooker, funnily enough. Beautiful line. Well played. It is

very, very difficult to trap that man. He has got lots of moves on a

snooker table. He has missed the blue. Good safety

here from both players. Who is going to get the first chance?

Had to catch this very thin. Good line and the horrific pace. We know

where this is going to finish. Superb shot.

Is there any player in the game that knows the angles as well as Mark

Selby? That was judged to perfection. And what a situation

Ding faces here, as we show you it again. Went off for questions before

it went behind the yellow. That is why I have christened him, Sat Nav

Selby. The only way Ding Junhui can get self if he gets to the red

closest to the top cushion. It is a great hit.

We haven't had a ball potted yet, but the applause from the audience

for some of these safety shots and escapes, the refit. -- the horrific.

There is an interesting stats, Ding just slightly ahead. Unlucky. May

not cost him too much, but a bit unlucky to flick the yellow and go

in office. I wonder if Ding can return the

compliment? I think that was a half-hearted

attempt at the plant. This frame is in its eighth minute and I cannot

think of a pot that has been available for either player. Just

coming up to the eight minute mark. There is a pot left on here, but

whether Ding Junhui will be tempted by it, is another matter. Having

said that, it is very difficult to see the safety. And sometimes when

you corner a player and don't give him an escape route, you force him

into playing the pot. This is his view. He can't get saved

down the left-hand side of the table, as he looks. But those three

reds on the right, the outside one of the three, it does pass the

black. He doesn't fancy it. So nestling up to the red near the top

cushion, the one he made contact with before. Good line. Beautifully

judged. Back behind the yellow again, if he

misses the blue. It is on its way again. Not quite

this time, but still a pretty good safety shots.

He can hit reds, but he doesn't feel as though the red pecan hit, he can

get say. Bit more difficult this time to judge. But looks like he has

judged it to perfection. Unbelievable, this.

Not that you would be allowed to do, but one player could stand at one

end of the table and the other player at this end of the table and

it would be a bit like a tennis match.

This time he has a possibility to play safe down the right-hand side

of the table, as we look. But he has got to catch this red thin. You

can't catch it much better than that and what a beautiful line. And all

of the sudden he gets the advantage in the safety exchange. Well played.

There is no escape route for Mark Selby down the right-hand side, so

he is faced with the problem but Ding Junhui has been faced with, his

last four visits. He is trying to think of another

escape route. But Ding Junhui, twice had gone across the table and landed

on the red behind the black spot area. Mark has spotted another

escape route. No gap this time, but I think he has got away with it.

Only one possible pot into the right middle pocket, but I can't see a

colour from that. Not much value in taking the pot on, unless he could

get onto the pink. The early part of the second session, Ding Junhui

didn't have a very good run of the balls. It is so important, he

deserved to get the first chance. But Mark Selby, played a poor

safety, has been very fortunate. Caught the red much too thick and

that is why it went into the black and then the black covered the red

that would have tempted Ding Junhui. I don't see another. No, he had no

pot on. I think he can see enough of this

red on the right side of the table to come back down off. But he has

got to be careful, he could get the double-kiss. So he doesn't like that

one. I suppose the other way is to come off the top cushion and nestle

into the red. He is thinking of something.

The red is on to the middle. How is it just run that inch too far? I

think it will cut in, John. It is a very thin one. But he's not looking

at it at the moment. I think he can get past the black.

He's now looking at the angle of the red. If he cuts this in, he wouldn't

have any idea where the cue was going. There is not a lot of value

in coming back up the table because pink and black are awkward. Pink is

in the open somewhat, but he doesn't fancy that cut in.

He caught that a bit too thick, but he has still covered the safety. We

are in the 16th minute. Hardly a sniff of a pot for either player.

That has opened the reds up nicely. I suppose this is one stack we

wouldn't have. I can't remember a frame with still 15 reds on the

table and they have been going 16 and a half a minute without a ball

being potted. I can't remember one. And I have been coming here John, 40

years. Every year playing and commentating, and I can't remember a

frame going this long, the opening frame of the session. So close, but

he has got a good cue ball. Good cue ball. I have been coming here the

same, Dennis. Normally when it takes this long without a red being

potted, we are thinking about every rack, but not on this occasion. The

way the Reds are spread, who ever gets first chance, could get plenty.

He looked at sending this red in off another red. Far too thin. Surely he

can't get away with it this time. There must be something available

into the left corner. He can pot the one next to the blue. But there is

certainly a red available but can he get onto a colour? Now he's back

looking at the one next to the blue. He had to avoid the kiss on the

yellow at all costs. No problem doing that. Ding Junhui gets the

better of Mark Selby. In an 18 minute safety battle. That doesn't

happen often. It is not going to nestle on the

red, surely? You are playing the wide into an area where you think

you will have a choice of five or six reds, and look where it has

landed. You just think to yourself, but the whites in the area and you

are bound to have a pot on and look where it landed. Anything he is

faced with, is not straightforward. There is one possible red and that

is just above the pink. He would be on the yellow, should he

pot it. He's going for the more difficult red. He needs to get this.

Where is the red going to finish up? I think he can get past the yellow.

There is a gap between the brown and yellow. Maybe he has got away with

it. With a prolonged safety bout, you

lose a little bit of rhythm. Can he knocked this long one in? No. He

might have got away with this. I am just having a quick look. One will

go in the middle but there is no easy start again. It is quite

unusual this, to be right in amongst them and then not have an easy

starter. They all seem to be covering each other into the left

corner, covering each other into the left middle. Full.

Just the one read that will pot, the one to the left of the pink.

This is a slightly better chance for Mark Selby. He has been fortunate a

couple of times, John? Unbelievable sometimes, the run of the balls.

Once Mark Selby had missed the red in the corner and the cue ball

stayed in this half of the table, how did he not leave anything easy?

He can just forget about the black, concentrate on the pink and the blue

if he needs it, it's on the spot. It is a pretty good chance this.

What is there? At least five, six reds, nicely placed.

Looking for a 70 points, to leave Ding needing a snooker.

Just got to be careful now, he needs good close control of the cue ball,

the reds are becoming a little more awkward.

I think there will be a time when, there's three reds to the left of

the black, the bottom will go to the corner, he could play for the black,

the black would be available into both corner pockets.

Might play for that red now. The one immediately to the left of

the black. Straight run would have been better,

but he can play for the black off this red now.

You would think roll this in and then cannon the red just above the

red he's potting. Nicely played. Now he can get the black in play, then

it does become a frame-winning opportunity.

I've noticed with Mark Selby he is comfortable striking and bridging

over a ball when he is hampered. He is quite a tall lad, he's got

longish fingers which helps but he never seems to miss, he always

seems, and even with power he seems to be able to strike over a ball and

create enough pace. So there you see it. Just another 19

points needed to get to the snookers required stage.

That basically equates to three more reds and three colours.

He should be OK up this end of the table but he has the red up next to

the yellow that is in a nice easy pottable position, if he should need

that. He has done very well here u but it

has to be said he was rather fortunate, he got away with a couple

of shots that he messed up, and didn't leave Ding Junhui in.

Yes, it's a cruel game sometimes but Ding Junhui did have a good chance,

you could say he was unlucky when he potted the green and finished on

nothing, but... You have to make the most of every half chance you get,

particularly against this man. He doesn't give many opportunities

and this black, the moment he is 58 points in front, there is 59

remaining. Manufacture This black, two snookers will be needed.

It looked like it was going to be a really long frame, it was 18 minutes

before a ball was potted but this break has been going just

seven-and-a-half minutes so.... It is still going to be under the 30

minutes, you would feel. This red as I mentioned was always

going to be available, but his hasn't played it too well, unless he

finds the gap. He might pot this off the side cushion. A trick shot. Dead

weight, if he knocks the red in he will get a terrific round of

applause, he is good at the angles. He is pretty good at the angles.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE He certainly enjoyed that, and we

had a few whistles as well for that little trick shot.

Wow! Look at this for a shot. Unbelievable. Wow! Where did this

come from? A possible hundred from the situation the balls were in.

He has already had five in this year's World Championship.

66 we've had in tote 8. 20 away from the record.

-- total. He may be faced with quite a thin

cut back here. This is a very similar cut back to the one in 85.

Right in the heart of the pocket. It didn't look possible to make a

century break from where the balls were situated.

But in it goes. Fabulous effort from Mark Selby.

That is his 54th century this season.

He made 47 last season, and that's why he is world number one and has

been for just over two years. Yes, and a bit when he missed a

couple, but this has been a sensational clearance. And I say

clearance because I expect him to concentrate fully now, and pot this

blue, pink and black. He has had a 139, a 143, but Ronnie

O'Sullivan holds 146. But this is very timely.

It was a very tactical frame at the start, over 18 minutes before a ball

was potted but that is a magnificent break of 128, and Mark Selby extends

his lead, he now leads 10-7. The 67th century of the tournament so

far. Why have two former world champion, you have an extra one

here, Ken is with us this evening, absolutely brilliant from Mark

Selby. Yes, a fantastic break, I mean he potted some fantastic balls

to keep the break going but he got a lot of luck. Ding was beating him

with safety. His safety success isn't much higher than Mark Selby.

Before he played the shot. Ding was left in. The red has covered the

red, into the middle. It could have been, that break could have been

Ding Junhui's break. He went for a tough red in the middle. Trying to

get on to the black into the left corner this is what happened.

Sometimes you need a bit of luck. But when you do get the bit of luck

as Mark Selby did, he dually converted and what a fantastic break

it was. Yes, this shot, I mean, wow. That was just like cueing, the

highest order. I know the frame is one but to cue that like that, the

power and control that is required. It is difficult to teach that sort

of thing, Ken is right, the luck was frightening, how he got away with

that, but from then on, it was just flawless. Flawless. I mean I

commentated in the 143. That was the same. On our highlights show later

on, if you have been watching on BBC Two we have shot of the day. Do you

think we have a contender? That is shot of the Championship.

Not the best break-off shot there. Mark Selby. Ding Junhui. Just having

a look to see if the black is available into the right corner.

If it is, I think it makes this pot a little more easier. He didn't have

to do much with the cue ball. The black did go, where is this red

going? He's going to be hampered, Mark, but will he take it on? The

black goes to the opposite corner, he tried to play that red.

The question is, has that red run safe? Just waiting for someone to

take their seat there. As I mentioned Marking ore a red

seems to play them so well. This is a tester for that. Very solid bridge

hand there, but a bit of unwanted side, you can miss these.

He plays them so well. That was about the best he could

imagine, he is the wrong side of the blue but he can get back up to the

reds here. Well not as he intended but it might

work out to his advantage, he will take this on with the rest and maybe

open the bunch. He put a bit too much left-hand side side. It may

work to his advantage but this red is definitely missable. See when it

checks up, that the left-hand side that caused that and it just sent it

too straight on for the red. As Dennis said it may work to his

advantage, the fact in potting it he will be bringing in the pink and

other reds into play, he has to play it with a lot of pace and using the

rest makes this red missable. 93%, he has only missed one with the

rest during this match. He has missed that one. What has he left?

Nothing. Amazing. He would have thought I must get in

otherwise I'm going to leave Ding Junhui right in among them and he

has covered everything. Doesn't half make a big difference

if you miss and you get away with it. I think from Ding Junhui's point

of view, Dennis, he is very debilitating, you see your opponent

make a mistake, it is quite a walk to the table and you are looking for

something, anything, and that is about three time, and of course, now

we are at the one table situation, there you see, players sat quite a

distance from the table. Mark Selby, he is playing his luck

here. Nothing lucky about that safety

shot, played to perfection. Just a little point while we show

you the players's view, we were talking to Ding Junhui's friends up

in the champions lounge, from China, and Steven Hendry said what do they

call him in China, do they call him Ding? They said it is all right.

People call him Ding, even though it sound like you are calling him by

his surname. You have Selby and Ding, so it is a

surname but it is OK to call him Ding, he is quite happy with that.

That's all he coiled do. He has made -- could do. He has made a good job

of it. The one to the left of blue is pottable. He must be very

anxious, wants to get his hand on the table, have an easy starter.

You can't blame him for thinking he is entitled to get one.

It is like when people fluke a red and make a big break, you say yes,

but apart from the fluke, the rest of it was flawless. . If it hadn't

been for the fluke he would never have had the opportunity.

To the line. I think he is using all his experience, he is not going to

risk a long pot, and leave Ding in among them. So he is keeping it

tight here. Got a three frame advantage, that is

why he didn't risk the long put. Keep your opponent in trouble.

Yes, I think that has been Mark Selby 's game plan from frame one.

He is more inclined to play thin safeties rather than the attacking

safety. He knows how dangerous Ding Junhui can be, when he gets in among

the balls. He is frightened to play the

containing safety to this end, because there is is a red, the one

furthest away from this top cushion would be available to the right

corner. He can't get to the side cushion, to

nestle on the red because the yellow is in the way.

So another headache for the young man.

That red that is just away from the top cushion the furthest away, he is

trying to nestle on to that. He needs to judge this well.

Needs to judge it well, if he slips by it he leaves it. Well played.

Haye had threes capes like that in the opening flame that which

particulared to perfection. -- that were played.

Couple of reds he can get back down the table off, but he is looking for

the one that will make it as awkward adds possible for his opponent.

Needs to miss the brown, and he hasn't.

And brown, now it is next to the yellow is a nice target, Ding might

be able to get in behind those two. Two.

From this position. You have to say this, start of this

evening's session is absolutely wonderful snooker. Snooker for the

connoisseur. Some of the safety has been

absolutely brilliant. Called it a bit too thick. And he's

left to a chance. You would think he would be looking at the red close

toast the cue ball. Just got to avoid the left middle

pocket here. A lot of support here in the

Crucible Theatre for Ding Junhui. He has been living in the Sheffield

area for ten year, believe it or not.

But this is a pretty good chance. Can he return the compliment and

make him a sizeable contribution here? You have seen Mark Selby make

that magnificent 128. This is his response.

He's OK. A bit straighter on this red would have been ideal. Needs

another 49 points from this position, to clinch the frame.

He may not be too happy with that. Slightly hampered. It all depends on

the potting angle of the pink, if he can roll it in and get on the next

red, fine. He's OK.

He was OK. He just said the agile where he

could roll it in, max time, just over seven hours.

-- angle. OK, he has a red just above the

black spot, if he has the right angle he can play for.

Could decide to play for the black. Got the perfect angle on the pink.

When you have these long-drawn-out safety ex change, when you get these

opportunities, you have to take them, so there is pressure on every

shot. And when he pots this red it is

clearing the path for the red to the right of the four, for the left

corner pocket. So those four reds are all available

towards the pink. Playing out for those, rather than the difficult one

on the cushion, he could have done with hitting it a little harder. He

is just slightly out of position, but he should be OK, there is is a

little gap there that he can screw through, to get on the pink.

Just a delicate little gap that he has found perfectly.

Looked at his body language, he looked up there. I don't think he is

perfect on this pink. He can just hold it. A little stun

run through, he found he can drop it in, dead weight. Still retain nice

position. And those three reds in the middle

with colour, you would think he would put it past the point where

Mark Selby needs a snooker. And removing that red has cleared

the path for the other two to the right corner.

So good response after that opening frame.

It was always going to be cracking semifinal. It would have graced any

final, this match. Well, it was a final last year,

wasn't it. When Ding had to come through the

qualifying stages, and got himself through to the final. So now, this

red, and the black, to go 66 points ahead, with only 59 remaining.

As you say Dennis, what a response this has been. He could have been

forgiven for feeling a bit down after what happened to him in the

first frame, but none of it. Very well played.

Very well played indeed. 66 points the lead, 59 remaining.

And I suggest that he just rolls this red in, he doesn't want Mark

Selby to be playing for snooker, just make certain of the red.

That's exactly what he does. That will mean no way back to the table

now for Mark Selby. Good play. Oh great shot on the pink! The

standard here is absolutely superb. Chance of a century. Who would have

thought it? Yes, who would have thought it in the opening frame

after the way the match started, over 18 minutes without a ball being

potted but the standard has been superb.

He has had 11 centuries so far, way ahead of anyone else in this year's

Bet Fred World Championship. If he could get one here he would

have twice as many as the next player.

Mark Selby and Mark Allen are on six.

He just didn't get the right angle. For 100, what a century this would

be. Oh he got a kick. He got a kick.

Well, it doesn't matter, well done Ding Junhui, Mark Selby seemed, he

got one chance and he did the business. Marvellous play from both

players. Two in it again, 10-8, Mark Selby. Almost another ton. I wonder

when I look at the quality of match play here, whether we could be

looking, one of The Crucible semifinals. Yes, absolutely. I think

the most impressive thing, when you have long bouts of safety it is hard

to keep concentration, we went 18 minutes without a pot and Mark Selby

got one chance and made a century. Same with Ding there, he had been

kept out for so long, but the one chance he can make a wonderful

break, under pressure as well, that has been very impressive. Mark Selby

has got away with winning the first frame, Haye has got away with

another one, Ding has come to the table. Long safety bouts but when he

gets in he is a machine Ding Junhui, an absolute machine. It is the

perfect response. See where he has his arm now. When Mark Selby is

parading round the table, he is looking comfortable there, Ding was

in that position, and I was looking at him thinking he looks a bit

forlorn there, thinking I can't do much there. The way he made the

century, the balls he was potting, Ding could be forgiven for putting

his head down a bit. Tremendous testimony transplant. Maybe a few

years ago Ding said you know he might have put his head down. I

think over the last couple of years he has matured. Getting the the

final last year here has matured him a lot and working with Terry

Griffiths as well, it has to be mentioned. Yes, absolutely. Dennis,

Ken is right, we have seen a very different Ding Junhui haven't we.

Yes, his temperament is totally difference. He doesn't beat himself

up the way he used to do, he used to go back to his seat and slouch in

the seat, and the body language was always pretty poor but that has long

gone. The white is close. Only going to

cost him four points and there's nothing available.

That is a bit short of pace. He might be tempted here. He might just

be tempted to have a go at this long red because he can get on the black.

It is a tough one, but he can come around and see what he would leave.

I don't think he can hold for the black of one cushion if he takes the

pot on. He is an attacking player and that is what he is going to

attempt. This will be some shot if he can pot it and hold for the

black. Where is the red going to finish? It might just be tempted

here to take the double on. It is a thin cut back. The double would be a

free shot. He's pretty good at doubling balls is Ding Junhui.

It's not far away. Look at the cue ball. He would have been right in. I

am sure, for a second he thought it was in the pocket. It was so close.

But once again, Mark Selby close to the Reds. No intention of bringing

anything out. He is playing thin safety is all the time, trying to

keep this much very tight. You see the other side of it, Ding Junhui

will be more inclined to play a thicker safety and bring the Reds

into play. Good length of the cue ball was needed and got. He has left

a half ball pot on. But he has made so much more difficult with the cue

ball tight to the baulk cushion. If he takes this pot on to the right

corner, he will do well to avoid cannon in into the red to the left

of the bunch. And he didn't avoid the cannon into

that red. It will still cut this red to the left of the bunch and he

could get himself onto the blue or baulk colours. We will show you the

attempt. Maybe if he had potted it, he might have avoided the cannon.

Well played. Just the wrong side of the blue. Medium pot red into the

corner. Not quite certain what Ding Junhui

is looking at, is there a plant somewhere? You would think he would

just drop it in and play for the red that Dennis suggested. I think what

he was looking at, John, got to play for the thing in such a way to leave

a good angle to get into the Reds. If he plays for the pink, the pink

won't go on its part and the red to the right of the pink will be

available. -- spot. He has decided to go for the blue. He has got a

good angle on the blue. I would suggest here, he might be better, we

normally see a player cannon into the pink, but I would cannon into

the red, just to the right of the pink here. Catching the pink,

because it was loose. But he is OK, just about got this red to the

middle. It is not perfect, but it is a pot. That is all you can hope for.

Just missed the pink and hit the red, I think it would have been more

beneficial. That was a good shot. But it's not

the perfect angle to pot the yellow and get into the bunch. It is a

little bit thin for that. He might possibly, just looking to see if he

could do that. It wasn't on. It wasn't quite on. It was just a bit

too thin for the shot that he attempted.

Just a misjudgement. He would have been better off playing for this

red. But once the pink went over the corner, that red was no longer

available. It was a good opportunity, tried to break the Reds

wants. They didn't break nice. -- once.

I think he may just have covered the path down the left-hand side of the

table. I think he can just get to the edge of the reds.

Of course, with the pink over the pocket, it is not completely over

the pocket, it makes this a bit of an awkward frame now. It has to be

said that once Ding Junhui could get back the yellow and hip The Reds, he

should have found the baulk cushion. He had a good line and he could have

had Mark Selby in trouble. Probably an opportunity now the mark to put

Ding in trouble. Much too thick. OK, he's not left anything, but

didn't make the most of the opportunity to play a good safety.

Can Ding Junhui play one here? If it misses the yellow, it could be

pretty good. Just got to be careful he doesn't

send a red over the corner pocket where the pink is. There is one red

that will cut towards that pink. So imperative he gets a good cue ball

again. Hasn't blocked off the escape route

down the left-hand side of the table, but the reds are gradually

going to get push towards the pink. There is another red over there and

we might have another one joining it shortly. If the pink was right over

the pocket, it would be stalemate. At the moment, you cannot leave a

pot into that corner pocket because of the pink.

He has made a complete mess of that shot. I think he took the pot on in

the end. He could have left something much easier than this for

Ding Junhui. Big pressure on this red that is roundabout the black

spots. It is hard to imagine what he was playing. Maybe he thought he

could play the pot I get to the gap. Mr pot by so much. What pressure is

on this? Got to go on. Brilliant. Superb. This young man's

temperament to do it on the big stage. We all had great hopes for

him. He had a couple of years in the wilderness. Had a few bad beatings

by Ronnie O'Sullivan and it affected his confidence and his belief. But

he has got it back now. Yes, only a few seasons ago since this Chinese

player 15 ranking tournaments in one season. Trusting a little bit to

look with the cannon. He might just be OK. There is a red that will go

to the right middle pocket. As we show you the shot again, he is

playing a cannon just to open things up.

He can play this red, drop it in dead weight, he can be on the pink.

Right in the heart of the pocket. Playing it firmer, it made the pot

that little bit more difficult but is nicely on the blue. Choice of

Reds here. You would like to be on this red below the blue so he can

get a nice angle on the blue. Needs another 36 points from this

position. Little bit straighter on this blue

would have been better, but the red below the pink, you would feel he

can play for. He may be looking at a cannon on those two Reds together. I

will give him the benefit of the doubt, I think he played for this

red. Difficult to tell from the commentary box, exactly what the

player can see, but he's perfect. He is very good with his little

stubborn screws, as good as anyone I have ever seen, in all honesty. --

stun screws. Just one slip-up from Mark Selby and

it's going to prove costly. He could play for either of the reds

for the left middle. Using the opportunity to cannon off the two

Reds. What is the potting angle like?

He doesn't like the potting angle, so this red and back-up for the

blue. That is inch perfect. Just that one mistake. Mark Selby thought

if I could pot the red, he could find the gap. He got nowhere near

the pot and then messed up. But hasn't he took full advantage of

that mistake? As you said at the time, we referred to it, that

opening red, there was so much pressure on it, tight onto the

cushion. Just rolled it in beautifully. This was the one. Right

in the heart of the pocket. He never got into the cue ball. He never got

into the cue ball. Oh dear. That was amazing because if he overdoes it,

he is on the blue. He didn't get any screw on it, he just stunned it.

Little lapse in concentration. How many times do we see it? Think the

job is done, done all the hard work. What a mistake.

Snookered on all colours. Who would have thought that from the position

he was in? Can he see the black? He is looking

at that. I think he is snookered on that one. Maybe he can just see the

black? Just about. Well, he had to play it with a touch

of side and he has left a possible pot. He is 59 in front and there is

lots of points on the table. It doesn't have to be all blacks. He

might have been better to try to play the green from that situation

rather than risk that little swerve. This would be a body blow if he was

to lose this frame now. As to sit there now and suffer. The

big problem ball from Mark Selby will be the one that's very adjacent

to the black. But he'll just be happy to be back at the table with a

chance of winning the frame. Didn't see that coming.

53 behind, 59 remaining. A few points to play with.

That has cost him the frame. A lot of pressure on him, and he had a

chance and he took the slightly more difficult pot for good position.

Once he missed that, he knew it was the end of frame. He holds his hand

up to apologise, but the frame was safe anyway. Just to absolutely make

certain. He is showing a lot of composure here, is this Chinese

player. He really is. How relieved Will he be, Dennis? I read, after

the mistake he made an Mark Selby didn't punish him. So Mark Selby

will feel the repercussions of that. Ding Junhui, he can forget about the

careless positional shot. One more frame to be played before

the mid-session interval and every chance we could be all square. Mark

Selby might have other ideas. Doesn't matter about that. Can just

try a double. A treble even. Doesn't matter, Mark

will stay in his seat. That is a great frame for Ding Junhui. Now he

is only one frame behind. It is the -- nine to the defending champion.

STUDIO: This fascinating semifinal tussle takes another dramatic twist?

Yes, fantastic opening red from Ding Junhui. Look like it was going to be

a frame-winning break before he played the poor positional shot.

Ding has great cue ball control. When we started the show, you said

it is so important Ding stays in the hunt tonight. You do not want to be

going into the final session chasing the match? He needs to win the

session at least 5-3 to give him a chance. Mark Selby, edgy on the red.

It is a long match. You're going to have lapses of concentration, but

Ding looks to be cueing very well. The opening red, we saw the century

attempt in the last frame, but the opening red anti-platelet that pays,

it shows you how confident he is. If he loses this frame, he goes back to

where he started. Lots of people on social media absolutely loving that

Mark Selby blue. It is the shot of the tournament.

COMMENTATOR: it has been snooker for the, Sir, the safety shot.

Considering he had all that in the first frame, hasn't Ding Junhui done

well to keep tabs with the defending champion? Big frame now before the

mid-session interval. And Ding will get the first chance. What a

terrific reception for that long pot. He has got a lot of supporters

here in the Crucible Theatre, for this very popular player. He's

looking at the two Reds just below the cluster. He thinks there may be

Uplands. And there is. Can he get to it the yellow? -- Uplands. We'll

have to force those of the side cushion. Well, he didn't. He will be

OK with that. Puts his hand up and apologises. But he won't apologise

for potting the rest of the balls, if he can.

For me, I am certain that plant is still there. He just didn't feel as

though he could get on it last time. You play them at pace, you have to

be so accurate. First chance has gone begging. You catch that near

jaw and it is not going to drop. That is well negotiated to get onto

a ball colour. The only consolation for Ding Junhui is the Black went in

amongst the reds and is out of commission. The pink is available in

a few shots time. And Mark Selby will be hoping the

pink spot is occupied. That will make a big difference.

Not sure if he's got a good angle to get onto the pink. He might have to

go up for the blue again. This is going to require a very

accurate shot. He's going to have two pot this blue, go between yellow

and brown with left-hand side to head towards the pink and Reds. Here

comes the cue ball. How is your luck? Not very good. He turns away

and that tells us that he's not on a red. He played it well.

Loads of side, you could see it pick up pace. Bit unlucky. He thinks he

can just get through to the thin edge of the red and put it through

to the corner. And he could. Once again, bridging over a ball. I

have never seen anybody as good as this player when he is hampered like

this. One thing you have got to do when you are striking down on a ball

is find the centre of the white. It is hard to describe how good a

shot that last one was, positional wise. To screw up from where the

green was anti-finish in that gap, you can't really teach someone that.

Another 41 points needed from this position to get to the snookers

required stage. And those two Reds we thought was a

plant, they are still there. Are they still a plant? A lot of balls

have moved around them. Mark is interested. They are not far off.

Just likely to the right of the pocket. He has got the loose one

there as well. He is playing the loose red. Just

going to the left of the pocket, that plant. As you can see. You can

see better from that angle. If he can't follow through and bring the

reds into play, he might have to play for the plant. But I think the

other red next to it might stop him from making the angle. We will know

exactly whether he thinks it's on with the way he plays the pink.

There's a bit of distance between the two Reds and he doesn't think

the plant is on. Because he was looking at swinging this around the

ankles. What a shot this is he's taking on. -- angles. Have a look at

that for a shot! That is one of the best positional shots you will ever

wish to see. We talked about the long blue, but this was tremendous.

It really was. And the amount of side he has put on it, I don't think

he's got a tip problem. Good point, the new tip he had put on. If you

weren't confident with it, you wouldn't even attempt a shot like

that with that much side. And that one shot he played there could well

be a frame-winner. He is already 32 in front. It is worth seeing this

again. So much right hand side. Look at the white pick-up pace.

These two players gave us a great final last year. 18-14 Mark Selby

beat Ding Junhui. And the semifinal here could quite

well be a classic. You know, things got to within one frame, but look

how Mark Selby's responded. Yes he did have first chance of course,

Ding Junhui. Missed the black, along the top

cushion. And such is the standard and the standard that these two

players have shown this evening, you miss when you are in, it is going to

cost you. That was the black.

And he's been sat down ever since. 53 points the difference, 59

remaining. Pot this red go 54 in front, with 51

remaining. He is a tough player to get the

better of, isn't he? That's why he has remained at number

one for so long. To two years. He really is one of the best match

players we have ever seen. Well, pity about that, but that will

be enough for Ding Junhui I'm certain. He came out this session,

he is having a look at the score board, he is going to give it a go,

fair play to him. But he is 60 points behind.

REFEREE: Can you switch that off please? Just 51 remaining.

So three four point snookers erequired.

Every credit to him coming back, wouldn't normally, wouldn't normally

be in his DNA to play for three snoc, but, -- snookers, but as we

always say, one snooker and a free ball, is the equivalent of three

snookers. Highly unlikely against someone with

the knowledge of the angles like Mark Selby but he will pot the black

and try to get the snooker off the last red. Get the snooker, free

ball. Now the idea is to try and get this

cue ball tight behind the General Pinochet and try to get the road

close to any other colour. -- pink. Maybe in behind the yellow

or something. Something that could possibly give you a free ball.

REFEREE: Ding Junhui 16. Three Three snookers needed. If he

gets one with a free ball, one snooker would be sufficient.

Yes, one cushion escape, he would have to be very accurate. He is

going to slip past it. And he will be snookered in again, in behind the

brown. All of a sudden, we are waiting for the mid-session

interval, we thought this frame was all over. There is the second

snooker. Well this is is a lot easier than the first one Mark was

in. Looking at the angle here, can he

get twice across the table and in behind the pink? Not a bad effort,

just a bit too hard. Left Mark Selby a chance for this red, he won't

refuse the opportunity, obviously, because if he pots the red, that's

game over. Now then. Possibility here, push the

red down to the top cushion, try and get that cue ball, tight to the

blue. He may have got it, but he hasn't cut off the one cushion

escape, that is why he needed to be tight to the blue. I think he

prefers the two cushions. Believe it or not it is sometimes

easier hitting two cushions than the one, John. Yes. You won't want to

pot this red. He wants to leave it on, so he only has one snooker

needed. That is if he can force the free

ball. Didn't want that red in. Oh, it wasn't going to be a bad shot,

really. May still have the snooker here. Maybe an edge of the red but

Mark will be very careful he didn't clip the pink on the way to it.

Because if he did, Ding Junhui could then win.

Now he may play this red off the bum of the middle pocket and send the

red ball back this way and triand get over behind the yellow.

I don't know whether that is on but that is the thought.

Oh well, that's unlucky. And that's enough for Ding Junhui. He concedes.

What four marvellous frames they were. Great safety, snooker for the

connoisseur, but the bottom line is, at the mid-session interval Mark

Selby still has a two frame advantage over Ding Junhui.

Well, the morning started and you could say that Ding Junhui didn't

have a run of the ball, didn't have much luck, and half way through this

evening's session and that bad luck is still perhaps going with him. He

is fighting against it to be honest but he is doing very well. Steven

said it was an important frame more for Mark Selby to keep that gap, but

it has been fantastic snooker, it is, it is snooker for the purist

because the safety has been top quality and when they getting in

they are making big breaks and it is good match play snooker, you know, I

mean this, this is, we already saw a fantastic shot from Mark Selby

earlier, probably shot of the tournament but that is up there

within the top ten shot, to keep that break going. Yes he has all the

shots in the game Mark Selby. As I said before it is so important when

you are chasing the game, as Ding was, he is three behind, he wings

two brilliant frame, then Mark Selby wins that one, then he is back two

behind. It is so important to get leads after going into the following

sessions because you are up against it constantly. It is amazing

quality. Let us go in the dressing room, let us deal with Mark Selby,

what do you think is going through his mind? He will be happy to keep

the gap, even if he gets two of the next four, still has that two Graham

gap, it is hard the see Ding get a run of three or four frames or

anybody to get three or four runs against Mark Selby, because he is so

difficult, it is very hard to Forsterers from him. We have seen a

few, but they are few and far between. Ding is up against it. Ding

has to go through tonight's session and not make a mistakes, to get a

lead going into tomorrow. But that is virtual him possible. Possible.

We're have seen the standard, it is phenomenal. Night and day to the

other semifinal, but, there is still two frames behind. Stephen thinks

that the winner of the match is no disrespect to the other two chaps as

well, the winner will go on to win the title and Steve has been

unequivocal in saying it is Mark Selby, he thought Mark Selby's name

was on the trophy, do you share that view? No, you would say it on form

but as we know, you know, semifinals is only one match, when you get to

the final, on form the way it has panned out, yes, we all know in

sport, one day one match can be different, when you have someone as

good as John Higgins who has been a four time winner, you can write him

off at your pearl. Everyone Barry Hawkins, he can raise his game over

you know a four session final. I understand what Stephen is saying.

On current form you would say the winner is coming from this but you

don't know. We are in a small space here, we are no looking at a fight

out here! We all love each other here, let us bring you up-to-date

with what has been happening in the other semifinal between Barry

Hawkins runner up in 2013 taking on John Higgins four time world

champion. In happened very early on this afternoon, in the first frame

of the day. Now, guy, talk us through this, right. So Barry

Hawkins, he has missed, that is his second miss, and so he is going to

get a warning here. Yes. Now, watch what happens here.

I was in commentary, he has tried this shot twice... Just seen two

shots there. I think he played the shot twice, I

think he, the pot was on an he didn't want to play it. If you are

sat in your chair. Look at John's reaction He is fuming because

onthinks when he left the table that pot wasn't on. So whether Barry had

to use side to get to the angle, you know, there is no blame on Barry at

all, as far as I'm concerned, and even when he is playing pot, in your

chair, you are hoping your point is going to take that red on because it

is so risky, that is like a two 30 shot. So at the mid-session it was

7-5. We will show you the best of the action. Frame 13, commentary

from Stephen and Dennis. Quite close to the middle pocket

with the cue ball. REFEREE: Foul. And what a chance for

Barry Hawkins. Surprised he didn't just anticipate the possibility of

that happening. A bit unlucky for it to go in but it was always on.

So nice cannon here, can open things up and could give himself a very

good chance. He had that superb century break,

just before the mid-session interval. Can he continue?

The important score line is, he is two frames in front.

Just let the cue ball runway Stephen. That was careless. Very

careless. I don't know if he can get into the four reds together from

this angle into the black. He has to really nip the cue ball.

Perfect timing. And don't forget to pot the black as

well. He went to go round the table but

yes, forgot to pot the black and you take your focus away for one second,

plays a careless positional shot, looked to be in with a chance to win

the frame. He will be horrified with that.

Barry Hawkins, sat in his chair. This shot here looks like it is

going to open up all the reds. It is an important shot. That's a cracking

shot that he's just played there, an absolutely belter of a shot. If

Hawkins didn't feel bad enough going back to his chair, having seen the

outcome of that great shot from John Higgins, he will feel even worse

now. Let's see how John Higgins is feeling. Can he respond to that

magnificent century break that his opponent made?

That is pretty good. It wasn't ideal to be straight on the black there

but this is about as good as he could have done.

That was a delicate little screw shot to get himself on the pink,

this is much better. Now a normal plain John Higgins,

this would be perhaps be given the frame from here, the way he has been

playing today, I wouldn't be quite so sure.

It is hard to see where it can go wrong.

Well, there is no-one knows John Higgins game better than the

gentleman sitting next to me, Stephen Hendry. I used to go up to

Spencer's club for the odd week and practise there, John turned

professional in 1992. You and John were always playing together, and I

think practising with you Stephen, helped to get John Higgins to world

number one and world champion in six seasons.

He has put a little bit of a careless shot there. He is OK, he is

on this red, but unless he wants to follow through the cue ball off two

cushion, he will be further away from this black than is perfectly

positioned. Because he was going to be further

away from the black, screwed the cue ball back for pink.

Needs another good shot with the rest. If he was to get a red and a

black, Barry would need a snooker, but it is not a gimme by any means,

making sure his hands are nice and dry. He knows the importance of this

next shot, in fact he was cleaning the little ex tension there.

-- extension there. You could see the focus on John

Higgins' face there. The concentration, in his eyes there, he

knew the importance of that shot. Have a look at that. Just... Well

played. Just made sure of the black, 36

ahead with just 35 remaining, so not quite safe yet, this frame.

Didn't want the little double-kiss there, he was hoping to get a

snooker behind the black, but... He will be pleased with that effort but

he mows the frame's far from safe just yet.

That really was terrific cueing to knock that long red in. Doesn't

matter about the black. Barry's thinking about it. And he's nodded

to the referee. And John Higgins will be delighted, because Barry

Hawkins almost got back to one behind, but he opens up that three

frame advantage, it is 8-5. So 8-5 turned into 10-6 at the end of the

second session and the boys will return tomorrow morning, you can see

that live with us for the third session. That is just about it for

now here on BBC Two, but we will be turning on to the red Button

shortly. BBC short website and BBC sport app. The players Mark Selby

and Ding Junhui out very soon so press the red Button now, and there

has been lots of chatter on Twitter. Gardenerers world fans wondering

where their programme is, well turn over for the red Button now for more

pots and plants. We will see you soon, bye for now.

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