0:00:34 > 0:00:39Good afternoon, the city of York has been defended by ancient walls since
0:00:39 > 0:00:44Roman times in a long and fascinating history. But it is
0:00:44 > 0:00:50stories from the Barbican Centre we have been telling. As the top 16
0:00:50 > 0:00:54players in snooker have come under siege from those below them. Only
0:00:54 > 0:01:02two in the top 16 survived into the quarterfinals. But both of them,
0:01:02 > 0:01:07Ronnie O'Sullivan and Shaun Murphy have repelled attacks since then to
0:01:07 > 0:01:15set up a fabulous UK championship final today.
0:01:32 > 0:01:42MUSIC
0:02:06 > 0:02:12It is a line-up worthy of a 40th anniversary final. Not sure if you
0:02:12 > 0:02:17are snowbound, or just like us, cold here in York, but winter is coming
0:02:17 > 0:02:21and there is nothing else for it but to stay warm and immerse yourself in
0:02:21 > 0:02:29a cracking final. As Murphy seeks a second UK title and a O'Sullivan
0:02:29 > 0:02:36seeks a Steve Davis equalling UK crown.It is the best season I have
0:02:36 > 0:02:41had, best start and this is my fourth final so far. I'm not sure
0:02:41 > 0:02:44what the mystery formula is, but whatever it is, I hope it keeps
0:02:44 > 0:02:51working.There is no pressure, other than the pressure I put myself to
0:02:51 > 0:02:56entertain the fans. But that is no bad thing is, to have the drive to
0:02:56 > 0:02:59please people.It gives me an insight as to what it must have been
0:02:59 > 0:03:06like to play Alex Higgins in the 80s. That kind of warfare moment of
0:03:06 > 0:03:15two gladiators out there, the crowd baying for blood. Bit like a
0:03:15 > 0:03:18travelling team coming to Old Trafford. The best way to silence
0:03:18 > 0:03:26the crowd is to put one in the net. He is a powerful player. He scores
0:03:26 > 0:03:31well. Enjoys the big occasion. He has always been like that, even as a
0:03:31 > 0:03:36junior. He was a very confident person, very confident player and he
0:03:36 > 0:03:44will bring that to the table. We are different characters. I am more of a
0:03:44 > 0:03:48free spirit and he is an establishment guy, if you like. I
0:03:48 > 0:03:54make it up as I go along, and I sometimes can't work myself out, so
0:03:54 > 0:04:00him working out, he has no chance.I have no grudges against Ronnie
0:04:00 > 0:04:06O'Sullivan. I have nothing but respect for him. I regret some of
0:04:06 > 0:04:11the things I have said in the past, but I cannot go backwards. I will
0:04:11 > 0:04:16draw a line in the sand and say I was wrong, I shouldn't have said
0:04:16 > 0:04:21those things, and I will move forward as a better person.Some
0:04:21 > 0:04:24people play because they want the money, but I have never been like
0:04:24 > 0:04:32that. I enjoy picking up silverware. I think there is a special place
0:04:32 > 0:04:38reserved in history for people that win these triple Crown events and I
0:04:38 > 0:04:42think there is a smaller members club you get the keys to when you
0:04:42 > 0:04:47win them more than once. I am not in that club and there are some real
0:04:47 > 0:04:52legends I would like to join. Unfortunately, I have got the best
0:04:52 > 0:05:00player of all-time standing between me and door.Ronnie has the chance
0:05:00 > 0:05:05today to equal your record, how do you feel about that what about his
0:05:05 > 0:05:09progress?I have never worried about the record books, it is nice to look
0:05:09 > 0:05:14back on it you concentrate on the match in hand. His progress, E has
0:05:14 > 0:05:21done enough. He had a scare against Sunny Akani. But he has always been
0:05:21 > 0:05:25in the driving seat.Much has been made of the fact he has reached the
0:05:25 > 0:05:35final without playing a player in the last 16.He hasn't played at
0:05:35 > 0:05:39top-ranked player, now he's playing Shaun Murphy. From that perspective,
0:05:39 > 0:05:44this is the acid test again Shaun Murphy. I think this will be a
0:05:44 > 0:05:49slugfest at some stage, big breaks going in. But in the dressing room,
0:05:49 > 0:05:56make up with Hazel and Evelyn, I know it is hard to believe.You
0:05:56 > 0:06:03can't improve on perfection.If there is going to be a plan, is it
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Ronnie O'Sullivan playing more tactical to try and get Shaun Murphy
0:06:07 > 0:06:13to go for the long ones?She will be asking the questions and answering
0:06:13 > 0:06:18them soon, she is that good. What we have seen from Murphy, his long game
0:06:18 > 0:06:24is brilliant. It is difficult to hide the white. But the little
0:06:24 > 0:06:28glitch, when he gets to 40 and 50, he throws lifeline and if he does
0:06:28 > 0:06:35that today against O'Sullivan, he is in trouble.
0:06:35 > 0:06:43This is the prize that is on offer in the final. It is one of the real
0:06:43 > 0:06:48jewels in any snooker crown, one of the three majors along with the
0:06:48 > 0:06:51World Championship Amber Masters. The three majors in any snooker
0:06:51 > 0:06:57stadium that makes up the fables triple Crown. There are 20 different
0:06:57 > 0:07:02names on this beautiful trophy over the last 39 years in this event.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Will it be O'Sullivan or Murphy's name inscribed into the silverware
0:07:05 > 0:07:12once again? Past form would point to the Rocket, because he has won eight
0:07:12 > 0:07:17of their previous matches, including all three at the Crucible. Shaun
0:07:17 > 0:07:20made a breakthrough last month against the Rocket, beating him in a
0:07:20 > 0:07:26long frame final in a champion's event for the very first time. We
0:07:26 > 0:07:31have the best of 19 frames ahead of us this Sunday and it is Rob Walker,
0:07:31 > 0:07:38we are ready for action. Good afternoon, ladies and
0:07:38 > 0:07:44gentlemen, welcome to the final of the 2017 Betway UK championship. We
0:07:44 > 0:07:50started with 128, only the best two remain. This has the makings of a
0:07:50 > 0:07:57truly epic confrontation. Let's get the boys...
0:07:57 > 0:08:07APPLAUSE
0:08:20 > 0:08:27Please welcome the ultimate class act on and off the blaze.This is
0:08:27 > 0:08:31his fourth major final of the season and here he is, back in the UK
0:08:31 > 0:08:37championship final for the first time in five years. Winner of this
0:08:37 > 0:08:41in 2008, reigning champions of champions, a former world and
0:08:41 > 0:08:56Masters winner, he is Sean, The Magician, Murphy.
0:09:19 > 0:09:26And his opponent, a player who first lifted this trophy in 1993 as a
0:09:26 > 0:09:3217-year-old. Almost a quarter of a century later, he's back, bidding
0:09:32 > 0:09:36for a record equalling sixth UK crown. He has won two major titles
0:09:36 > 0:09:42this season, five times champion of the world, blink and you will miss
0:09:42 > 0:09:58him, the Rocket, Ronnie O'Sullivan. APPLAUSE
0:10:16 > 0:10:23Here we go, best of 19. Eight frames to play this afternoon. Expectations
0:10:23 > 0:10:33are very high. Ken Doherty and Dennis Taylor in the commentary box.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37COMMENTATOR: Welcome to final day at the Barbican, the home of the UK
0:10:37 > 0:10:45Snooker championship. What a prospect we have this afternoon.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55Really looking forward to this one, Dennis. They shake hands over the
0:10:55 > 0:11:04trophy. What an atmosphere.Ronnie won the toss and he will get the
0:11:04 > 0:11:09final underway. Looking at both players, Shaun Murphy savours every
0:11:09 > 0:11:16minute. He was taking the crowd in. He wants to remember every match he
0:11:16 > 0:11:24plays, Ken, he is that sort of character.Absolutely. Ronnie, just
0:11:24 > 0:11:28informed the referee to make sure the photographers have tripods come
0:11:28 > 0:11:33he doesn't want them moving around at the bottom of the table.Ronnie
0:11:33 > 0:11:39O'Sullivan to break.It is a hard one to call. Both players have been
0:11:39 > 0:11:43in fantastic form. I don't think Ronnie has played anywhere near his
0:11:43 > 0:11:51best. In patches, he has played very well. Shaun has been very prolific,
0:11:51 > 0:11:57the last couple of matches in particular.I did his semifinal
0:11:57 > 0:12:01against Ryan Day. Five of the frames he won them with one visit and
0:12:01 > 0:12:04almost clinched the match with one visit. He was awesome in the
0:12:04 > 0:12:22semifinal. That was wide, or is it a fluke? He was a long way off the
0:12:22 > 0:12:29pot, but what a trick shot that was. I like the shot he's going to play
0:12:29 > 0:12:35next, he's going to bring the pink into play. It was knocked onto the
0:12:35 > 0:12:38side cushion. He will play a safety shot and bring that back into play,
0:12:38 > 0:12:45so he wants to keep things open. Both players want to keep the game
0:12:45 > 0:12:50open. That is what they are best at. Although Ronnie, in the safety
0:12:50 > 0:12:54Department, might have the edge on Shaun Murphy. It is going to have to
0:12:54 > 0:13:02be good today because it is break-building, and over the week,
0:13:02 > 0:13:07it has been top quality, Shaun Murphy's.
0:13:22 > 0:13:29That is a misjudgement. Just slid off the condition slightly and
0:13:29 > 0:13:39didn't hit the reds as he intended. First proper chance falls to Shaun.
0:13:39 > 0:13:45He would like to take that again. Can he just get through to the pink?
0:13:45 > 0:13:52Maybe. He was hoping to be on the black.He was very fortunate. This
0:13:52 > 0:14:03pink just about cuts in.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Ready for the red over the middle. It goes back on its spot and I'm
0:14:08 > 0:14:16sure it pots into this corner pocket as well. Good chance here already.
0:14:29 > 0:14:35You mentioned about tactical and safety play. There will be one
0:14:35 > 0:14:41interested spectator watching this final. A certain six times, former
0:14:41 > 0:14:44world champion, Ray Reardon, who has worked with both of these players. I
0:14:44 > 0:14:49am sure he will be enjoying this, and I hope you are keeping well,
0:14:49 > 0:15:01Ray.One of the great masters of the tactical game. But these two guys
0:15:01 > 0:15:08are great masters of the break-building game. Is this a
0:15:08 > 0:15:16plant? If it is, it is another little slice of good fortune for
0:15:16 > 0:15:25Shaun Murphy in this frame. Two good slices of fortune already.
0:15:31 > 0:15:37He has let that one run too far. It might work to his advantage. He can
0:15:37 > 0:15:48open the reds up when he pots this. Just glanced off them. Straight on
0:15:48 > 0:15:53the blue, but there is one to the right of the pink that is on.
0:16:02 > 0:16:08There might be one to the left of the pink that is also possible.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21Maybe not. Maybe that one to the left of the pink isn't available,
0:16:21 > 0:16:26but he is the wrong side of the blue again.Little bit straight, he might
0:16:26 > 0:16:32have to screw back towards the right centre and take one of these reds
0:16:32 > 0:16:35into the bottom corner pocket.
0:16:42 > 0:16:49Doesn't have to do too much with the cue ball. Can hold for the black.
0:17:12 > 0:17:23Doesn't have the best angle on the black.He is looking at the red, to
0:17:23 > 0:17:27see if it will go into the left, middle pocket, but he will have to
0:17:27 > 0:17:36be very precise. The one at the left of the little triangle might go as
0:17:36 > 0:17:37well.
0:17:44 > 0:17:57That is good cueing. He has carried on where he left off last evening
0:17:57 > 0:18:03against Ryan Day. He won the frames with one visit, can he start this
0:18:03 > 0:18:12final with one visit.John Parrott said, around 40, 50, just before the
0:18:12 > 0:18:18winning line, he might throw in a mistake out of nowhere. He didn't do
0:18:18 > 0:18:23it against Ryan Day last night. That was the impressive thing, he kept
0:18:23 > 0:18:28his concentration and that is what he will have to do in this final.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32Getting almost to that point now. Just another couple of reds and
0:18:32 > 0:18:41colours. He is absolutely buzzing around the table. Average shot time,
0:18:41 > 0:18:43just 16 seconds.
0:18:51 > 0:18:59With that cue action of Shaun's, the tip of the cue comes right back to
0:18:59 > 0:19:03his thumb, virtually. Not so much on the little short shots, but even
0:19:03 > 0:19:05their...
0:19:11 > 0:19:15Snookers to the already, so he is going to win this opening frame with
0:19:15 > 0:19:24one visit. -- snookers.Just what you want in the opening frame of a
0:19:24 > 0:19:30final. Particularly against possibly the best player that has ever played
0:19:30 > 0:19:35the game. Setting out your intention, straightaway. Show no
0:19:35 > 0:19:42fear. Take the opportunity when you get it. Great start here for Shaun
0:19:42 > 0:19:56Murphy. Can we see a century?He has had for centuries so far in this
0:19:56 > 0:20:01year's UK Betway championship. We have had 95 centuries so far this
0:20:01 > 0:20:08year. That is going some.
0:20:23 > 0:20:34Shaun has made 441 centuries. 37 last year. 23, this year.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47He finished a little straight on the blue, but the way he is cueing, you
0:20:47 > 0:20:54wouldn't think there will be a problem. He has overscrewed it. But
0:20:54 > 0:21:06the best in the world, with the rest. Just this green. Needed for
0:21:06 > 0:21:22the century. Absolutely brilliant. What a start. Probably cueing as
0:21:22 > 0:21:27well as we have seen him for a long time. He's having a great season,
0:21:27 > 0:21:34this is his fourth final. Won the Champion of champions. Really super
0:21:34 > 0:21:45stuff.It may be cold outside, but it is hot in the Barbican. What a
0:21:45 > 0:21:51way to start the final. Shaun Murphy got one chance and what did he do?
0:21:51 > 0:21:59He made a break of 123 and he leads Ronnie O'Sullivan by 1-0 frame.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03HAZEL IRVINE: that is a start to a frame and a monster fluke to get him
0:22:03 > 0:22:12going?It was a big fluke, but he did to the ball well after that. His
0:22:12 > 0:22:15ball striking is fantastic, but he knows the importance of stamping his
0:22:15 > 0:22:19authority on a match like this and no better way to start.If that is
0:22:19 > 0:22:25the standard we are in for, this could be a classic final?Exactly
0:22:25 > 0:22:30and to think they played in the Champion of champions recently.
0:22:30 > 0:22:35Whilst it is difficult to get rivalries over many tournaments
0:22:35 > 0:22:38between two people, these two are playing the best in the world at the
0:22:38 > 0:22:41moment and it is only fitting they have got to the final of this UK
0:22:41 > 0:22:48championship.Ronnie summed it up really, he said it was a free spirit
0:22:48 > 0:22:55in himself, against an establishment guy in Shaun. There are these
0:22:55 > 0:22:59rivalries between these opposite personalities. The public really
0:22:59 > 0:23:07response to that.They like a bit of needle, it adds a bit of jazz to the
0:23:07 > 0:23:12match. They are completely different people, nothing wrong with that. You
0:23:12 > 0:23:19and Alex Higgins, you couldn't get more different if you tried.But
0:23:19 > 0:23:24significantly, great respect for Shaun Murphy as he came down the
0:23:24 > 0:23:30stairs.Quality crowd. Quality crowd, quality match.
0:23:39 > 0:23:49COMMENTATOR: Shaun, breaks off in the second frame.Two reds at the
0:23:49 > 0:23:53bottom of the pack, Ronnie will come down and have a look. Looks pretty
0:23:53 > 0:23:59close.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08Going into the left-hand side pocket. It looks as if he can make
0:24:08 > 0:24:11this.
0:24:14 > 0:24:27Yes. Needs the white ball to slow down.
0:24:38 > 0:24:45It was a planned in the first frame that came to Shaun Murphy's rescue
0:24:45 > 0:24:50when he was slightly out of position. Second frame and we have
0:24:50 > 0:24:56already had a couple of plants. The red is in a good spot at the back of
0:24:56 > 0:25:10the pack for a couple of shots time. Might just pot red, black.
0:25:17 > 0:25:22If he gets nicely onto the red, in a couple of shots, those reds could be
0:25:22 > 0:25:36open. That looks pretty good to me. He can possibly screw back. That
0:25:36 > 0:25:49might be his option here. Wonderful shot. Bit straight on the blue, but
0:25:49 > 0:25:56just watch the side spin, as soon as it hits the question, to get away
0:25:56 > 0:26:01from the pack and up towards the blue. He could take the pink and go
0:26:01 > 0:26:05back into the pack, if he wishes.
0:26:13 > 0:26:22Taking a chance here with the split. Where is the cue ball going? On in
0:26:22 > 0:26:25the pocket. That is unlucky.
0:26:29 > 0:26:36He needed to hit the red full-ball. Once you catch them half ball, there
0:26:36 > 0:26:42is a chance you can go into either pocket. Still a bit unlucky. Now a
0:26:42 > 0:26:45test for Shaun Murphy special.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01There's not many better in the game at this type of shot and Shaun
0:27:01 > 0:27:05Murphy.
0:27:37 > 0:27:51I don't think I have ever seen bats, 12 seconds, average shot time. --
0:27:51 > 0:27:52that's that.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02Very quick. It shows you how confident Sean is going around the
0:28:02 > 0:28:06table. -- Shaun.
0:28:12 > 0:28:21Now, interesting shot might be coming up. Pot the reds, get a nice
0:28:21 > 0:28:26angle on the black. Couple of reds available will stop a nice
0:28:26 > 0:28:28opportunity to go into those for reds.
0:28:32 > 0:28:49That is perfect. Slightly hampered, but four reds into play. Never any
0:28:49 > 0:28:58doubt.Any harder and this wouldn't have dropped in. He is hampered
0:28:58 > 0:29:09slightly again. Bit of the destruction that red. That was the
0:29:09 > 0:29:17problem. That red was just a little awkward.
0:29:48 > 0:29:54I know it is very early in this match, but it is important for
0:29:54 > 0:29:59Ronnie to show his intent as well, in this final. A bit unlucky with
0:29:59 > 0:30:04his first chance. Didn't get a chance in the first frame.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31And wouldn't it be absolutely brilliant if both players play at
0:30:31 > 0:30:36the top of their form? What a final we could have, here.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Just overscrewed that cue ball slightly, wanted to be a bit
0:30:44 > 0:30:52straighter on this red for the black to follow. Going to be short on the
0:30:52 > 0:30:57blue again.
0:31:11 > 0:31:19APPLAUSE That was pretty good.Look how close
0:31:19 > 0:31:23he went to the brown but that was what he needed to get the angle to
0:31:23 > 0:31:26get on the red.
0:31:37 > 0:31:42He's going to need that awkward red that is close to the right-hand side
0:31:42 > 0:31:48cushion but if he can pot this red, get on the pink, get close, really
0:31:48 > 0:31:57close behind that red,... Would have liked to have been a bit straighter
0:31:57 > 0:32:03on this red, but he can leave the cue ball somewhere just above the
0:32:03 > 0:32:08pink spot, dropped the pink into the right-centre and get close to the
0:32:08 > 0:32:12red that is closer to the side cushion.
0:32:26 > 0:32:34Just didn't have a nice angle on the pink to get close to it, so this may
0:32:34 > 0:32:42be framed for and Shaun's only hope of getting back to the table. --
0:32:42 > 0:32:46frame ball.He spotted the pink on the left side of the pocket, that is
0:32:46 > 0:32:51why he has come away from the cushion and needed the rest.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57Yeah, great recovery.
0:33:01 > 0:33:07Not easy, down the cushion, with the rest.
0:33:15 > 0:33:22We have got ourselves a final, here, Ken.We certainly have. This is a
0:33:22 > 0:33:25great response, and he would have felt he needed to win the frame at
0:33:25 > 0:33:31this visit to show Shaun, "Anything you can do, I can do as well". This
0:33:31 > 0:33:36is going to be a cracker. Great response.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16APPLAUSE Wonderful break by Ronnie
0:34:16 > 0:34:27O'Sullivan, 69. With the foul, it was 62, but it does not matter, he
0:34:27 > 0:34:35takes the frame and it is 1-1.HAZEL IRVINE: Some big punches early in
0:34:35 > 0:34:38the final already and a comparison of the form throughout the
0:34:38 > 0:34:41championship, these are the tournament statistics from the
0:34:41 > 0:34:47second round stage and as you will see, both 92% potting success and
0:34:47 > 0:34:51significantly, it is the long potting that we admired so much in
0:34:51 > 0:34:55Shaun Murphy last night, just squeaking ahead of O'Sullivan with
0:34:55 > 0:35:0066% and alternatively, Ronnie above him in safety and interestingly, we
0:35:00 > 0:35:06had a 12 second average shot time for Shaun, and it is in balls wafted
0:35:06 > 0:35:10and highest break that Shaun slightly holds the aces but
0:35:10 > 0:35:14beautifully matched overall.Fasten your seat belt and get ready for the
0:35:14 > 0:35:17ride, what a fantastic game, both players look in the peak form and
0:35:17 > 0:35:22for once, I will take him a bit to task because I think he needed to
0:35:22 > 0:35:26stand back and play the back, it was a bit awkward, it needed more
0:35:26 > 0:35:29attention, the black he missed off the side cushion and he should have
0:35:29 > 0:35:34given himself more time because that was the important ball.I guess
0:35:34 > 0:35:39sustaining the level of enthusiasm -- level of enthusiasm or scoring
0:35:39 > 0:35:41for Shaun Murphy, and concentration as we go through the final, that
0:35:41 > 0:35:48will be key where he is concerned get some as dangerous as O'Sullivan
0:35:48 > 0:35:52from anywhere.I don't think this is going to be a slow match. I reckon
0:35:52 > 0:35:54the crowd will get a chance to do some Christmas shopping this
0:35:54 > 0:35:57afternoon and they may want to get their money back for not sitting
0:35:57 > 0:36:02down long enough. It is going to be break after break, I feel.Bring it
0:36:02 > 0:36:10on! APPLAUSE COMMENTATOR: Break after break, and
0:36:10 > 0:36:16that was a good break off from Ronnie, there. That is the view
0:36:16 > 0:36:20through the crowd at the Barbican, here.
0:36:26 > 0:36:32And there's one spectator, there, who will be very proud, she is
0:36:32 > 0:36:36sitting on the front row watching her grandad referee the final, Paul
0:36:36 > 0:36:42Collier's granddaughter, there, Tegan.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47Bless her!
0:36:58 > 0:37:04He has left a chance for Ronnie, here, this red is on.
0:37:10 > 0:37:15He wants to pot this off two cushions and leave a nice angle on
0:37:15 > 0:37:20the black. He is going to be low on it. Maybe off just one cushion. That
0:37:20 > 0:37:25is a bad miss.
0:37:54 > 0:38:00Once again, a chance to see the cue Powell of Shaun Murphy. Watch this
0:38:00 > 0:38:09shop. -- cue power of Shaun Murphy. Watch this shot. He does it with
0:38:09 > 0:38:15such ease.
0:38:16 > 0:38:23He did not want to catch that red. If he had got into the main bunch,
0:38:23 > 0:38:30they would all have opened up. I think he can avoid canning the
0:38:30 > 0:38:34yellow, here, when potting this. Certainly does not want to career
0:38:34 > 0:38:44into the yellow. Yes, it was thin enough. And even though there is,
0:38:44 > 0:38:50what? Three or four loose reds, he might go into the pink again. He is
0:38:50 > 0:38:59very attacking, is Shaun. Oh, this time, Shaun is unlucky.Shaun
0:38:59 > 0:39:07Murphy, nine, Ronnie O'Sullivan, five.Yes, he wanted the pink full
0:39:07 > 0:39:11ball but very unlucky to plant in a red.
0:39:23 > 0:39:30APPLAUSE That was a better shot than it
0:39:30 > 0:39:34looked, dead straight, just off the cushion, digging down on the cue
0:39:34 > 0:39:40ball. Nice little cannon into the three red above the black and hope
0:39:40 > 0:39:45for a red into the corner pocket. It's OK.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03Yeah, just having a look, might pot this red and come back for the
0:40:03 > 0:40:08black. Easier to stay on the blue, but the blue into red is a bit more
0:40:08 > 0:40:17difficult so he might come back for the black, here. Played it well.
0:40:22 > 0:40:27Does not have to play a cannon, here, but he could come into the two
0:40:27 > 0:40:32reds directly above the black again.
0:40:39 > 0:40:49There is his target, 70, before his opponent will require a snooker.
0:41:01 > 0:41:07In a couple of shots, he has the reds just absolutely perfect.It is
0:41:07 > 0:41:11amazing, the way these two players are playing, a little bit of good or
0:41:11 > 0:41:14bad fortune will make such a vast difference because they are going to
0:41:14 > 0:41:19punish that bit of bad luck.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30Yeah, you don't mind losing a frame if you have played a bad shot but
0:41:30 > 0:41:35Ronnie had a bit of misfortune, going in off when he was opening the
0:41:35 > 0:41:42pack previously, and Shaun had it in this frame.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13It's not perfect, this, he's overscrewed that, wanted to be a bit
0:42:13 > 0:42:16straighter on the blue, drop on the two reds near the pink spot, or the
0:42:16 > 0:42:20one just to the right of the pink spot in the open. Does not have an
0:42:20 > 0:42:26ideal angle on this blue, here.
0:42:42 > 0:42:49A little kiss off the blue, here. Oh, no, he's OK. Those two reds...
0:42:49 > 0:42:52The one to the left.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03That was a very interesting choice shot previously when he took the
0:43:03 > 0:43:07brown, when the blue was a much easier pot but he knew if he got the
0:43:07 > 0:43:11brown right, he would get perfect position.
0:43:30 > 0:43:34Anyone watching snooker for the first time would think, "What an
0:43:34 > 0:43:40easy game this is!" These two players are making it look
0:43:40 > 0:43:48ridiculously easy. It is such a tough game.Yeah, first frame, just
0:43:48 > 0:43:55in ten minutes, and the second, just over 11. And Ronnie about eight
0:43:55 > 0:44:00minutes for this frame and it is almost over, he is only a couple of
0:44:00 > 0:44:12pots away. Look at that pot success, 95, 90 6%, amazing.Surely that
0:44:12 > 0:44:18can't continue but the way they are going, it might.
0:44:25 > 0:44:28Well, snooker is needed, as you can see, and coming up to just over 30
0:44:28 > 0:44:35minutes. Yeah, I think we can head off with Steve Davis and do a bit of
0:44:35 > 0:44:39Christmas shopping, Ken.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47It is an absolute pleasure to sit and watch this.
0:45:09 > 0:45:14Yeah, great quote from Clive Everton, many years ago, when he was
0:45:14 > 0:45:19watching a fantastic match at the Crucible, I think, "Snooker from the
0:45:19 > 0:45:22gods". That is what we have been treated to, so far in this final.
0:45:22 > 0:45:31Sublime stuff from Ronnie and Shaun. One mistake and you are sitting in
0:45:31 > 0:45:36your chair for the rest of the frame.He has already made seven
0:45:36 > 0:45:46centuries so far in this year's championship.91.Neil Robertson has
0:45:46 > 0:46:01made eight centuries. 142 still the highest, Michael White got that.
0:46:07 > 0:46:1798.Ronnie has made 913 centuries in his career, 913. Make that 914.
0:46:17 > 0:46:25APPLAUSE 103.Steve Peters, there, watching
0:46:25 > 0:46:34Ronnie.Ronnie O'Sullivan, 103 and a frame.Amazing, the second century
0:46:34 > 0:46:40of the match and Ronnie O'Sullivan leads Shaun Murphy 2-1. HAZEL
0:46:40 > 0:46:45IRVINE: Just over half an hour gone, two centuries, yet another one visit
0:46:45 > 0:46:48contribution, a stunning final, exactly what the 40th anniversary
0:46:48 > 0:46:53deserved.It's absolutely wonderful standard and I don't think the way
0:46:53 > 0:46:56Shaun Murphy started the match, any player could have been 2-1 in front
0:46:56 > 0:46:59in the brink of an eye but O'Sullivan has turned it around,
0:46:59 > 0:47:01looks right up for it, totally focused, touching everything and
0:47:01 > 0:47:05that was a man of the break, took that brown around the table, sneaked
0:47:05 > 0:47:11past the blue, perfect shot for position, he's in great form.One
0:47:11 > 0:47:15mistake from Shaun, going in off early and Ronnie pounces.Unlucky to
0:47:15 > 0:47:20go in, knocking the ball in but that negates perhaps the one in the first
0:47:20 > 0:47:25round but interesting talking about pre-shot preparation, one of the big
0:47:25 > 0:47:30things is, just hold that one second before we go any further, as we can
0:47:30 > 0:47:33see, Ronnie O'Sullivan is down on the shop, we have been talking about
0:47:33 > 0:47:38how important it is to have your own shot process and make it the same
0:47:38 > 0:47:41for every shot. Shaun Murphy definitely does that but look at
0:47:41 > 0:47:45Ronnie, down on the shop, cueing backwards and forwards, he's not
0:47:45 > 0:47:49happy with his cueing so he has a couple more and as he finds his
0:47:49 > 0:47:53groove and then he plays the shot because he was not happy with how he
0:47:53 > 0:47:55was going backwards and forwards but that is different from when Shaun
0:47:55 > 0:47:59Murphy was on the black, John.Shall did not quite take enough time, came
0:47:59 > 0:48:04down and played it the same pace but with the black he was hampered with
0:48:04 > 0:48:08a red so Ronnie took more time and managed to get over his problem but
0:48:08 > 0:48:11Shaun did not manage to do it. It is interesting, you are supposed to
0:48:11 > 0:48:18play the same speed all the time but some shots warrant some respect.OK,
0:48:18 > 0:48:23they deserve attention. Last one before the interval, now.
0:48:23 > 0:48:30COMMENTATOR:So the last frame before the mid-session interval.
0:48:36 > 0:48:46It has been super fast, you can see, just over 32 minutes.It will be
0:48:46 > 0:48:50interesting to see how Shaun response to that century break. He
0:48:50 > 0:48:57has got an early long red to go at. It is a Shaun Murphy special. He sat
0:48:57 > 0:49:05out that last frame. Can he start with a good long pot?
0:49:05 > 0:49:09APPLAUSE
0:49:12 > 0:49:19I think that answers your question, Dennis! A pot that was... Just look
0:49:19 > 0:49:25at the reaction on the cue ball, he has actually overscrewed it. He
0:49:25 > 0:49:33would love to get onto that red just below the black if he can.
0:49:38 > 0:49:50Good pot. As a choice of reds. -- has a choice. Can take this one into
0:49:50 > 0:49:53the bottom left-hand corner pocket, come back up for the blue all the
0:49:53 > 0:50:07pink. He won't go into the pack, here. So that red just below the
0:50:07 > 0:50:11black will possibly be his next target.
0:50:18 > 0:50:24And it is an awkward pack to go into from the black.
0:50:27 > 0:50:32That is why Shaun is just having a little wander around. He is planning
0:50:32 > 0:50:35his route.
0:50:51 > 0:50:56Well, I think if anyone in the game can split this pack with cue power,
0:50:56 > 0:50:59Dennis, it is certainly this man, lots of top spin on the cue ball,
0:50:59 > 0:51:05here.He has got up and had a look at the angle, just to make sure he
0:51:05 > 0:51:14is comfortable. That is a bit unlucky. It was always going to be a
0:51:14 > 0:51:19difficult pack to go into. He played the shot well, just needed a trace
0:51:19 > 0:51:24Moorside, needed to hit that red there full ball but he caught it
0:51:24 > 0:51:26half ball.
0:51:56 > 0:52:00Shaun Murphy, 20.APPLAUSE
0:52:29 > 0:52:37Just caught that all wrong, far too thin. It is not easy... Let us show
0:52:37 > 0:52:42you the shot again. He wanted that a bit thicker, to avoid the cannon on
0:52:42 > 0:52:46the black but he is hampered, here, he might just be able to get on the
0:52:46 > 0:52:50pink. Yeah, he could.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21Will be pink pot into the bottom left-hand corner pocket? I think it
0:53:21 > 0:53:28will. He will pot the red into the right centre, leave a nice angle on
0:53:28 > 0:53:33the pink. Try to bring some more reds into play.
0:53:43 > 0:53:49Missed going for the yellow to go into the reds. Lots of left-hand
0:53:49 > 0:53:54side, the yellow, to hit the pink and reds. He looked to take on the
0:53:54 > 0:54:00shop that you said, Ken, -- take on the shot will stop this is much more
0:54:00 > 0:54:05difficult but he is so good at this kind of shot. Got to get it just
0:54:05 > 0:54:08right, though.
0:54:13 > 0:54:18That was the problem, he did not quite catch the reds as he intended,
0:54:18 > 0:54:23caught the pink first. Let's show you, coming across, the pink was
0:54:23 > 0:54:30away from the reds.I think he has missed a trick, Dennis, that pink
0:54:30 > 0:54:42was clearly on. That is the end of the break. He will be disappointed
0:54:42 > 0:54:52he did not make more from that opportunity. And this is a bit
0:54:52 > 0:54:55short. That is not good.
0:55:24 > 0:55:32APPLAUSE Well, it's nice to just relax and
0:55:32 > 0:55:35watch a little bit of tactical and safety play because the three
0:55:35 > 0:55:47opening frames were incredible. 123, from Shaun, 62 and 103 from Ronnie,
0:55:47 > 0:55:52with very little safety play, just one mistake and it was over, the
0:55:52 > 0:56:01frame.I'm not quite sure. I think this thread can be ported. He's
0:56:01 > 0:56:06having a look at leaving the cue ball down in the centre of the table
0:56:06 > 0:56:10but I think if Eclipse the red on the outside, he can pot it can still
0:56:10 > 0:56:19avoid the other reds, play it as a shock to nothing. -- as a shot to
0:56:19 > 0:56:26nothing. He does not like it. Yes, don't blame him for taking a bit of
0:56:26 > 0:56:30time over this one.The mid-session interval is coming up, he would like
0:56:30 > 0:56:35to be 2-2, he's got a 13 point advantage and he knows if he makes
0:56:35 > 0:56:40one mistake, here, he could go into the interval 3-1 behind. That is why
0:56:40 > 0:56:46he is giving this plenty of thought. Contact the one that is closest to
0:56:46 > 0:56:50the pocket, try to drop it in, he will have the pink to the opposite
0:56:50 > 0:56:55corner pocket but this is a big shot. And that is the problem when
0:56:55 > 0:57:00you play it at that pace. If it doesn't going, it is going to be
0:57:00 > 0:57:05over the pocket. -- doesn't go in.
0:57:30 > 0:57:39That has gone slightly awry but... Another bit of fortune, there.
0:57:59 > 0:58:05It's not straightforward, the red sitting here and that pink is a
0:58:05 > 0:58:12little awkward. He might just pot that. It will go up onto the brown
0:58:12 > 0:58:18spot but it clears the path for this right corner pocket.
0:58:27 > 0:58:31So, that was a good plan to get that out of the way. In fact, there is
0:58:31 > 0:58:36enough room on the pink spot. I'm not sure if it has tightened up but
0:58:36 > 0:58:40he is on the black nicely here, anyway.
0:58:50 > 0:58:57One little cannon, here, back into the red, just above it, into the
0:58:57 > 0:59:02left. Well, he decided to go into the pack and disturb them. It's not
0:59:02 > 0:59:12too bad. He's got a red to the right centre.They play a similar type of
0:59:12 > 0:59:16game, these two players, they love to get the ball is open as soon as
0:59:16 > 0:59:18they can and if they get a chance with that kind of shot, they
0:59:18 > 0:59:36certainly go for it. It is amazing, 97%, O'Sullivan, 95%, Murphy, I
0:59:36 > 0:59:39don't think I've seen that before.
0:59:47 > 0:59:52Ronnie, just taking a bit more time than usual. He knows the importance
0:59:52 > 0:59:58of winning this frame, this chance, to go into the mid-session interval
0:59:58 > 1:00:01leading.
1:00:19 > 1:00:27Three easy reds available to Ronnie. And those two to the right are
1:00:27 > 1:00:33almost touching. One of them might be available.
1:00:39 > 1:00:47Has been a wonderful display from both players.
1:01:01 > 1:01:07One of those games with such high quality that if you miss one ball,
1:01:07 > 1:01:11you will be sitting in the chair for the rest of the frame.
1:01:16 > 1:01:25We will find out whether the top red of those two will pot into the left
1:01:25 > 1:01:33centre.If not, he's going to have to be perfect here to get the cannon
1:01:33 > 1:01:44from the black to the reds. He'd rather not play the cannon, but the
1:01:44 > 1:01:48angle he's left on the black, he's going to have to play something very
1:01:48 > 1:01:58special. He's just looking now to see if it will go. Can he find the
1:01:58 > 1:02:06gap? What a shot this is, if it keeps going.
1:02:13 > 1:02:25It was a great effort, wasn't it? Big target behind the brown and the
1:02:25 > 1:02:30pink, the cue ball.
1:02:37 > 1:02:54Just a little bit short. 32 point lead.This is a terrific shot,
1:02:54 > 1:03:00because he has brought that into play, that red. If he has covered
1:03:00 > 1:03:08these two redstart macro 32 behind, Shaun Murphy. He might have gone
1:03:08 > 1:03:15favourite for this frame. He's not only got to negotiate the snooker,
1:03:15 > 1:03:27he's got to get it safe. And that's not safe. All of sudden, new
1:03:27 > 1:03:35favourite for this fourth frame. It was Ronnie's shot when he got on the
1:03:35 > 1:03:39black to get to the difficult reds. Left himself out of position and had
1:03:39 > 1:03:46to go all the way around the table.
1:04:01 > 1:04:05That was the attempt to go all the way round the table, but it was the
1:04:05 > 1:04:13shock previously that left him having to try that. -- shot.
1:04:13 > 1:04:24Probably play down for the pink. I don't think he is on the angle. He
1:04:24 > 1:04:29would like the pink back on its spot, it would make the clearance
1:04:29 > 1:04:33easier. But he needed the white a little bit closer to the yellow to
1:04:33 > 1:04:45do that.What a massive steel this will be for Shaun Murphy. It looked
1:04:45 > 1:04:47like he wasn't going to get a chance.
1:05:07 > 1:05:14He's going to have to pot them all. With the pink on the brown spot, not
1:05:14 > 1:05:33straightforward.Brown to blue, then pink, would be the key. Struck that
1:05:33 > 1:05:40really well.
1:05:45 > 1:05:50Needs to lead the right angle on this pink, to get back for the
1:05:50 > 1:05:57black. I know it's early days, Dennis, but it could be a pivotal
1:05:57 > 1:06:03frame. It was looking like Ronnie was going into the interval with a
1:06:03 > 1:06:13two frame lead. And this looks absolutely perfect.
1:06:18 > 1:06:25What has he seen? Little fly just on the cloth. There it is, it is on its
1:06:25 > 1:06:43back as well. Back on its feet. Shaun... Oh dear. It has been a
1:06:43 > 1:06:49fabulous session of snooker. It looked like Ronnie O'Sullivan was
1:06:49 > 1:06:54going in at 3-1, but it was Shaun Murphy that cleared that and it is
1:06:54 > 1:07:012-2, absolutely brilliant. HAZEL IRVINE: superb stuff. For all
1:07:01 > 1:07:01is potting
1:07:01 > 1:07:04HAZEL IRVINE: superb stuff. For all is potting prowess, it was tactics
1:07:04 > 1:07:11that won the day in that last frame? Ronnie O'Sullivan played a safety
1:07:11 > 1:07:17shot and left Shaun Murphy a chance to play a telling safety shot. He
1:07:17 > 1:07:21hid that as well as he possibly could have done. Had to avoid the
1:07:21 > 1:07:26double-kiss but also get the right tracking of the cue ball. He put
1:07:26 > 1:07:36Ronnie in trouble.He did and let's assess the scoring. 123, 62, 102 and
1:07:36 > 1:07:4169 from Murphy to sneak over the line, brilliant quality?That was a
1:07:41 > 1:07:49brilliant matchplay snooker. That safety shot was fantastic. Not what
1:07:49 > 1:07:55you usually associate with Shaun. You can't beat a good safety shot,
1:07:55 > 1:07:59because that is what he did.Ten minutes break and then we will have
1:07:59 > 1:08:05more of the same. It has been a quick few days here in Europe. We
1:08:05 > 1:08:10have had some big-name exits, and Leone had for of the world 16
1:08:10 > 1:08:18players getting to the quarterfinals. We have seen the
1:08:18 > 1:08:22arrival of one of the sunniest stars, Sunny Akani. It has been all
1:08:22 > 1:08:28go here.
1:08:53 > 1:09:03MUSIC: "Winner Takes It All" by Abba
1:12:13 > 1:12:20And the winner will be taking, not Monopoly money but £170,000 worth of
1:12:20 > 1:12:25real Stirling home this evening. It has been an interesting week, not
1:12:25 > 1:12:28least for Sunny Akani, who probably should have not Ronnie O'Sullivan
1:12:28 > 1:12:35out of this championship?Yes, a little bit of bad luck. We will go
1:12:35 > 1:12:38back to the reverse plans which he did know how to play, which he will
1:12:38 > 1:12:44know how to play now because it cost him the match. 22 Chinese players in
1:12:44 > 1:12:49this draw this year. They are coming thick and fast and they will produce
1:12:49 > 1:12:54great players.It brought to our attention, Scott Donaldson, who
1:12:54 > 1:12:58knocked out Mark Selby. John Higgins said he thought it might be the
1:12:58 > 1:13:05beginning of the end for him. Surely not?He should take inspiration from
1:13:05 > 1:13:09Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Williams playing into their 40s. Not time to
1:13:09 > 1:13:17give up.He is still young, part of the class of 92. This was the last
1:13:17 > 1:13:22counting event before the Masters at Alexandra Palace in the New Year.
1:13:22 > 1:13:27There are 16 spots, which covers the top players right now. It was only
1:13:27 > 1:13:31sorted out yesterday at the time because Stephen Maguire was trying
1:13:31 > 1:13:35to get the 16th spot and now Liang Wenbo is now in the draw for the
1:13:35 > 1:13:38Masters first round which is about to take place right now.
1:13:38 > 1:13:45Rob Walker, over to you. We have had a brilliant week in York and we have
1:13:45 > 1:13:49a sensational week lined up at Ally Pally next month for the Masters.
1:13:49 > 1:13:59Time for the big draw. Ken Doherty will be pulling out the top eight
1:13:59 > 1:14:03names. 1997 champion of the world. APPLAUSE
1:14:03 > 1:14:09And we have got the big dog, the chairman of the WPBSA, Jason
1:14:09 > 1:14:19Ferguson, ladies and gentlemen. Ken, the first name, please.First
1:14:19 > 1:14:35name, he we go. Mark Allen.Mark Allen, superb player. Jason?Luca
1:14:35 > 1:14:43Brecel. One of the debited.Will be a great match.Barry Hawkins.Former
1:14:43 > 1:14:53Masters finalist.Kyren Wilson. We'll play Kyren Wilson, the
1:14:53 > 1:15:02warrior.Mark Selby.Mark Selby, world number one and three times
1:15:02 > 1:15:11Masters champion. Come on Jason. Mark Williams.What a superb match,
1:15:11 > 1:15:17the Welshman still in top form.John Higgins.John Higgins, twice a
1:15:17 > 1:15:26Masters winner. And he will play... Anthony McGill.Another debutant
1:15:26 > 1:15:39that the Masters.Ding Junhui.Ryan Day.Ryan Day, back in the top 16
1:15:39 > 1:15:48after a superb run.Shaun Murphy.In fantastic form this season.Ali
1:15:48 > 1:15:59Carter.We'll play his good friend, Ali Carter.Judd Trump.Winner of
1:15:59 > 1:16:09the UK title here in York in 2011. Jason?Liang Wenbo.Won the English
1:16:09 > 1:16:17open last season.Ronnie O'Sullivan. The Rocket, Ronnie O'Sullivan, the
1:16:17 > 1:16:24number one seed and the defending champion.Marco Fu.We'll play Marco
1:16:24 > 1:16:29Fu. Thank you very much. So much drama to come at Ally Pally and so
1:16:29 > 1:16:37much to talk about. STUDIO: It starts on the 14th of
1:16:37 > 1:16:51January. It will be interesting to see how Luca Brecel gets on with
1:16:51 > 1:17:02Mark Allen. Mark Selby against Williams with five Masters titles
1:17:02 > 1:17:06between them. Higgins against Anthony McGill, the new boy.
1:17:15 > 1:17:20Liang Wenbo might have knocked out Ronnie O'Sullivan in round one
1:17:20 > 1:17:24earlier in the year in the masses. Looking forward to Cameron Wilson,
1:17:24 > 1:17:31Anthony McGill.It is nice to see new faces, they have had a strong
1:17:31 > 1:17:37season so far.It is what they deserve. It is for your performances
1:17:37 > 1:17:41through the season and that is your reward. It is a brilliant event and
1:17:41 > 1:17:46for those who haven't played there before they have a wonderful venue
1:17:46 > 1:17:49and a fantastic tournament, nothing quite like the Masters.Alexandra
1:17:49 > 1:17:56Palace, it will be live in the New Year. It is upon us already. This is
1:17:56 > 1:17:59the 40th anniversary of this great championship. It is a sporting
1:17:59 > 1:18:08institution. Ski Sunday is also a sporting institution. It is the 40th
1:18:08 > 1:18:11anniversary of that this afternoon.
1:18:15 > 1:18:19It is back, the theme tune, the mountains, the action and
1:18:19 > 1:18:25adrenaline. As anticipation builds, Ski Sunday returns. This Sunday on
1:18:25 > 1:18:34BBC Two. Peong Chang in February and Great
1:18:34 > 1:18:37Britain's Winter Olympians are building up to what they hope will
1:18:37 > 1:18:42be a record medal winning success at the Winter games. Back to matters in
1:18:42 > 1:18:52hand, snooker. Can you pick the shot of the tournament?
1:19:03 > 1:19:08COMMENTATOR: Back is a terrific shot. You could see the white lead
1:19:08 > 1:19:12the table.
1:19:25 > 1:19:39He has played this well.Fabulous shots.It is now angles.
1:19:56 > 1:19:59Oh my goodness.
1:20:12 > 1:20:13Brilliant.
1:20:32 > 1:20:38That is an attacking shot. That is a brilliant shot. Absolutely stunning
1:20:38 > 1:20:48shot from sunny account.
1:20:50 > 1:20:54-- Sunny Akani.Just trying to work out if he can play the little
1:20:54 > 1:21:02cannon, just to flick the red away. Just trying to get the black out.
1:21:02 > 1:21:08That is just pure class. Absolutely wonderful touch. To screw down the
1:21:08 > 1:21:14table, have the side on, just to hit the cushion and flick the red out.
1:21:14 > 1:21:18Shot of the week so far for me.
1:21:22 > 1:21:30Oh dear.That is scary. What a Zaventem airport that was.
1:21:34 > 1:21:36-- pot.
1:21:40 > 1:21:50Goodness me. Wonderful cueing.
1:21:59 > 1:22:04Honestly, we're not playing on a pool table, but it looks like it.
1:22:04 > 1:22:09That is crazy, what a shot.
1:22:31 > 1:22:39Great recovery shots. Excellent.
1:22:49 > 1:22:52Quite a selection and we have five more champions on the team who will
1:22:52 > 1:22:59be choosing their favourites on the show tonight. Two of those world
1:22:59 > 1:23:04champions have leapt into action in the commentary box. Change of
1:23:04 > 1:23:08personnel as we welcome Peter Ebdon and Stephen Hendry. Is this what you
1:23:08 > 1:23:12are hoping for, this match so far?
1:23:22 > 1:23:26COMMENTATOR: I think this is living up to expectations. He has the
1:23:26 > 1:23:33believe he can beat Ronnie in these big matches.Absolutely, Stephen.
1:23:40 > 1:23:46Ronnie O'Sullivan breaks off, left-handed, once again.
1:23:53 > 1:23:57Shaun Murphy will be taking this on.
1:24:04 > 1:24:11I looked at him and he sort of shook his head a bit. He knows this is
1:24:11 > 1:24:21going to happen. Absolutely Fabulous long pot. Angle on the blue, full in
1:24:21 > 1:24:31the face, onto the pink. He has moved the black. Good contact on the
1:24:31 > 1:24:35pink. Oh dear.
1:24:41 > 1:24:50He hits the pink absolutely plumb. Very unfortunate. When you hit them
1:24:50 > 1:24:56properly, you deserve to be on one.
1:25:05 > 1:25:11He is the best rest player in the world, in my opinion. It was a
1:25:11 > 1:25:15tricky one, he had lots to think about. Very aggressive shot. That is
1:25:15 > 1:25:21the way he plays.
1:25:42 > 1:25:51That is incredible.So careless, for a professional snooker player. For
1:25:51 > 1:25:56anyone to do that.
1:26:53 > 1:26:58Always tricky when you are aiming down on the cue ball like that. The
1:26:58 > 1:27:02slightest trace of any unwanted side, it is going to move the cue
1:27:02 > 1:27:07ball.
1:27:12 > 1:27:17Certainly didn't play for the blue.
1:27:41 > 1:27:48Obviously, would like to get the black back into play. Possibly look
1:27:48 > 1:27:55to play for the red that is just below the black spot.
1:28:27 > 1:28:30He has got an angle on the blue, I don't know why he is reluctant to
1:28:30 > 1:28:38play that red. Maybe just doesn't fancy potting the black along the
1:28:38 > 1:28:46cushion.
1:29:15 > 1:29:20Again, got a lovely angle on the blue to play for the red. Completely
1:29:20 > 1:29:31ignoring it at the moment. Just don't think he fancies that black
1:29:31 > 1:29:33along the cushion.
1:30:12 > 1:30:15Ronnie would rather have left to be red over the green pocket as an
1:30:15 > 1:30:22insurance proxy but he will have to play for at this time. He would like
1:30:22 > 1:30:28to go straight into the red at the black pocket and screw back-up for
1:30:28 > 1:30:29the blue.
1:30:41 > 1:30:45Unusually for Ronnie O'Sullivan he lost as cue ball.
1:31:20 > 1:31:24That was a good pot but he has not rescued the situation, he is still
1:31:24 > 1:31:31too low on the blue. He might look at the PLO. Just depends on the
1:31:31 > 1:31:35rectangle to get round the back of the brown and green. He would need
1:31:35 > 1:31:39to use the Mac cushions to get onto the red that we were talking about.
1:31:51 > 1:31:57I think this has been caused by his reluctance to play for the red at
1:31:57 > 1:31:59the black spot and bring the black into play.
1:32:14 > 1:32:19Slightly surprised that Ronnie turned down the red into the left
1:32:19 > 1:32:27corner. He played a shot to nothing back to the Paul Cook. -- back to
1:32:27 > 1:32:29the baulk.
1:32:34 > 1:32:37Ronnie O'Sullivan is not a risk taker on the table and has lots of
1:32:37 > 1:32:39respect for his opponent.
1:33:02 > 1:33:07It is amazing how these top players see the table differently. If it was
1:33:07 > 1:33:11Johne Murphy taking this shot he would take the long red and screw
1:33:11 > 1:33:17back the ball, he has tremendous acute power. He will be looking for
1:33:17 > 1:33:19a top quality safety shot here.
1:33:44 > 1:33:48He didn't want to play that shot and that is one of the reasons why he
1:33:48 > 1:33:52missed it, he did not fancy it or he would of got down straight away to
1:33:52 > 1:33:59Cliett. -- to play it.
1:34:14 > 1:34:17That is incredible. Wonderful pot.
1:34:31 > 1:34:35Lovely use of right-hand side.
1:34:43 > 1:34:45If he gets the positional shot here he will be the favourite for the
1:34:45 > 1:34:46frame.
1:35:10 > 1:35:16I was surprised he played for the blue, taking the first leg. Stunned
1:35:16 > 1:35:20off the side cushion with the touch of right-hand side and had a great
1:35:20 > 1:35:25chance of getting on the black after potting the first red.
1:35:47 > 1:35:53After the first four frames when there was at least a break of 62 and
1:35:53 > 1:35:57two centuries, this frame is the first scrappy affair of this final.
1:36:05 > 1:36:09Come the end of the day these could be very important to win.
1:36:13 > 1:36:16Ronnie will not be happy with that at all.
1:36:34 > 1:36:39That was another tremendous pot from Shaun Murphy. His long game is
1:36:39 > 1:36:45incredible. Tremendous cueing.From coast to the cushion as well. He
1:36:45 > 1:36:48gets such good control.
1:37:02 > 1:37:13Shaun has left a one-cushion escape, this is careless. I would not expect
1:37:13 > 1:37:14Shaun to gain an advantage from here.
1:37:30 > 1:37:40Getting Ronnie in a snookered again. Get paid into the back. -- black. It
1:37:40 > 1:37:43looks like he has the angle from here but the angle is different than
1:37:43 > 1:37:47at the table.
1:37:53 > 1:37:57The problem with that shot is he'll have to hit it hard and that the
1:37:57 > 1:38:00overhit said he will leave a red to the centre.
1:38:11 > 1:38:16That was lots of the best of safety shots from Shaun Murphy.
1:38:21 > 1:38:25Similar to myself he does not put the same amount of focus into safety
1:38:25 > 1:38:28shots as he does with pots.
1:38:59 > 1:39:04If this red goes into the left-hand black pocket which I think it
1:39:04 > 1:39:15does,... I was thinking about the red about that. If they played with
1:39:15 > 1:39:19pay steady cue ball would be going down towards the brown and yellow so
1:39:19 > 1:39:22I am surprised.
1:39:29 > 1:39:34This is not an easy safety shot for Ronnie O'Sullivan.
1:40:04 > 1:40:06This black is not easy.
1:40:24 > 1:40:27He was not planning on cannoning the black.
1:40:33 > 1:40:40Great chance now to take this that claim. Already 24 points in front.
1:40:40 > 1:40:46-- fifth frame.
1:41:46 > 1:41:59Just the very average 97% pot success rate!
1:42:00 > 1:42:1090 out of 93, not a bad performance for the final. Shaun Murphy himself
1:42:10 > 1:42:20has 94%. Incredible so far. Ronnie O'Sullivan wins the scrappy stream
1:42:20 > 1:42:23of the match so far to lead 3-2.
1:43:34 > 1:43:40All the brains count whether you make century breaks or take 3-4
1:43:40 > 1:43:47chances. -- frame. Out of the two players, Ronnie O'Sullivan puts more
1:43:47 > 1:43:55thought into his safety play. Shaun Murphy is the more consistent long
1:43:55 > 1:44:03pot. It makes for a very interesting, I guess you could say,
1:44:03 > 1:44:08safety battles.
1:44:21 > 1:44:26This is poor.
1:44:56 > 1:44:59Brilliant!
1:45:06 > 1:45:10And that is what is putting pressure on Ronnie O'Sullivan's safety game.
1:45:10 > 1:45:16As soon as he does not get the cue ball glued to the bottom cushion or
1:45:16 > 1:45:20hidden, Shaun Murphy seems to pot one.
1:45:35 > 1:45:43I think we know what shot is coming up next.More imperative to head the
1:45:43 > 1:45:50pink tool on the face because there is a gap between the reds. Fantastic
1:45:50 > 1:45:53contact again.
1:46:06 > 1:46:10They did not look obvious, it was very unfortunate.
1:46:28 > 1:46:32I think if you look too hard you can see things all over the place and
1:46:32 > 1:46:42you just have to play the right shot sometimes. With brawny winning that
1:46:42 > 1:46:45last frame, they are rarely playing another three frames, if Shaun
1:46:45 > 1:46:50Murphy was to lead going into tonight he has to win all three
1:46:50 > 1:46:54back. That is the psychology, these little sessions.
1:47:16 > 1:47:24He could play it with pace in between the yellow and brown.
1:47:54 > 1:47:57Ronnie is going to have to do something now.
1:48:04 > 1:48:08He has to disturb something to carry this break on and hitting the ground
1:48:08 > 1:48:16is not the way to go about it. -- the brown.I was surprised he did
1:48:16 > 1:48:20not play with topspin and left-hand side. It would be difficult to play
1:48:20 > 1:48:23the screenshot with right-hand side and would not get much pace into the
1:48:23 > 1:48:25cue ball.
1:49:46 > 1:49:48That was another wonderful safety shot from Ronnie O'Sullivan. Very
1:49:48 > 1:49:56well judged. He cashed the red very thinly and played it with lots of
1:49:56 > 1:49:58right-hand side.
1:50:10 > 1:50:17Difficult decision for Shaun Murphy here. If you place the red to the
1:50:17 > 1:50:24left of the black spot, we were leaving a red into the right centre.
1:50:31 > 1:50:35And if he plays the two cushion escape, it needs to be thick so
1:50:35 > 1:50:37similar shot to how he played before.
1:50:45 > 1:50:48That is very well judged.
1:51:21 > 1:51:26I wonder if this is tempting for Shaun Murphy. He will have to play
1:51:26 > 1:51:30with lots of left-hand side. It is risky.
1:52:06 > 1:52:12That is an excellent safety shot. Well played.
1:52:43 > 1:52:47That was an excellent contact on the by Shaun Murphy.
1:52:50 > 1:52:53That was very well played.
1:53:15 > 1:53:21Shaun is coming down to look at the pink.
1:53:35 > 1:53:40He just makes these long pots looks so easy.You are surprised when he
1:53:40 > 1:53:51misses these. That is the first bad safety shot that Ronnie has played
1:53:51 > 1:53:53in this frame and look what happens.
1:54:12 > 1:54:16It is very demoralising for an opponent when you see a player and
1:54:16 > 1:54:22blocking and long balls consistently like that. -- knocking in.
1:54:30 > 1:54:41Big frame for Shaun Murphy. He does not want to go into tonight's second
1:54:41 > 1:54:48session far behind. Both these players can still lead going into
1:54:48 > 1:54:56tonight's section. Neither player wants to give up an advantage.
1:55:17 > 1:55:21Both players have tremendous presence at the table. Shaun Murphy
1:55:21 > 1:55:27is very aggressive and positive. Ronnie O'Sullivan is dominant in his
1:55:27 > 1:55:29own way, in an artistic fashion.
1:55:55 > 1:55:59He would love to play for the black here into the right corner. Get
1:55:59 > 1:56:04straight on the black or just a little bit high. Cannon the two beds
1:56:04 > 1:56:10away. Lead himself on the open one to the left corner. Too much angle
1:56:10 > 1:56:18for that now. The pink will go back on the spot after this. That was
1:56:18 > 1:56:28risky. It was a good shot to play but it was very aggressive. He would
1:56:28 > 1:56:30do well to find that gap again.
1:56:42 > 1:56:46Just a trace of right-hand side on that cue ball and did not follow the
1:56:46 > 1:56:48angle of the cushion.
1:57:26 > 1:57:31The safety from Ronnie, he did well to avoid the double-kiss.
1:57:57 > 1:58:01What a flick that was, he will be delighted with that.
1:58:34 > 1:58:38This red is still pottable.
1:59:17 > 1:59:25The trader does cut Kokloni is hampered by the green. -- this red
1:59:25 > 1:59:29does cut. That was an excellent shot.
1:59:45 > 1:59:52The yellow to the right medal has got a good angle to get into the bed
1:59:52 > 1:59:57but he will not play it at this stage in a UK final.
2:00:33 > 2:00:45I think Ronnie can get through to this too pot it. Right in the
2:00:45 > 2:00:48middle.
2:00:54 > 2:01:02Possibly he can come off the question here, into the black. That
2:01:02 > 2:01:09is unlucky.
2:01:23 > 2:01:28The second red, the one behind the black spot, if he had gone
2:01:28 > 2:01:42thinner... Of the slick, not the angle.
2:01:44 > 2:01:48That was incredible. Have to be so accurate down the cushion is. At
2:01:48 > 2:01:57that pace, it was amazing.Obviously played with a degree of safety, but
2:01:57 > 2:02:00a fabulous pot. If he had missed it, it would have been left over the
2:02:00 > 2:02:10pocket. You can see the thought has gone into what looks like a pretty
2:02:10 > 2:02:16simple safety shot. The thought Ronnie has put into it...
2:02:30 > 2:02:41In the end, it is a poor one. I think I would rather have left Shaun
2:02:41 > 2:02:48shot on the red.This is a tough safety shot and I wouldn't blame
2:02:48 > 2:02:54Shaun for playing the double-kiss here back to the Balkans. If he
2:02:54 > 2:03:01plays the cue ball, lowers the bottom of the white, the red won't
2:03:01 > 2:03:06come too far away from the cushion and the cue ball will go back to the
2:03:06 > 2:03:11baulk end. If he decides to play that shot, he needs to make sure he
2:03:11 > 2:03:15hits the red in the middle. Otherwise it will double-kiss and
2:03:15 > 2:03:24the red will go to the side. That was a very, very danger is shot to
2:03:24 > 2:03:29play. He played it badly.
2:03:54 > 2:03:59I know hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I thought if he played a
2:03:59 > 2:04:12double-kiss, he couldn't possibly lead the red.Cue ball in behind
2:04:12 > 2:04:17Green and brown here.
2:04:30 > 2:04:40That is not the best from Ronnie O'Sullivan. This is a gimme for
2:04:40 > 2:04:48Shaun Murphy, the way he has been potting bees. Didn't get it in the
2:04:48 > 2:04:55middle of the pocket, that is why he has lost the cue ball. Probably why
2:04:55 > 2:04:59he's not on the green.
2:05:15 > 2:05:25He hits the left knuckle, which puts the cue ball on a wider angle. Going
2:05:25 > 2:05:33to be really careful, Shaun Murphy. Big frame, this could be.This isn't
2:05:33 > 2:05:39an easy safety shot. Needs to avoid a double-kiss. That was quite a
2:05:39 > 2:05:46clever shot.
2:06:18 > 2:06:22Not as played.
2:06:41 > 2:06:45Sometimes you would play question first. The back cue ball, tight to
2:06:45 > 2:06:49the side cushion, don't think you can play the shot.
2:06:53 > 2:06:58That was a very danger a shot to play. Very dangerously.
2:07:19 > 2:07:26Not going to be a straightforward clearance. Pink to black. Going to
2:07:26 > 2:07:30need a very good angle on the pink.
2:07:36 > 2:07:48He wants the cue to stop. He couldn't pick the cue ball up with
2:07:48 > 2:07:53his hand and place it any better. Look at the angle to drop on the
2:07:53 > 2:08:04black.He has dominated this frame.
2:08:09 > 2:08:16Ronnie O'Sullivan is guaranteed at least level to going to tonight's
2:08:16 > 2:08:21session. HAZEL IRVINE: highly significant.
2:08:21 > 2:08:28Blue tip pink was the particular shot, John?Unbelievable. Loads of
2:08:28 > 2:08:32top spin and side. He has a bit of room round the back to land, but
2:08:32 > 2:08:35when it comes off the cushion and receive a second shot after it, it
2:08:35 > 2:08:43couldn't be any better. It is absolutely natural.There is good
2:08:43 > 2:08:47luck attached over that distance, but if he does overhit it, he has
2:08:47 > 2:08:51the pink into the middle pocket. Look at the angle, it couldn't be
2:08:51 > 2:09:01any better.That is Ronnie O'Sullivan being clever. Little bit
2:09:01 > 2:09:07of a gap opening up. Shaun did have chances in that frame.Since the
2:09:07 > 2:09:12interval, they have become a little bit more tactical. Slowing down the
2:09:12 > 2:09:17pace as the tension starts to bite a bit.Shaun has got to tighten up.
2:09:17 > 2:09:22The situation was there because he played a poor shot on the brown and
2:09:22 > 2:09:26love the opportunity to clear up. There is no way to escape with a
2:09:26 > 2:09:32Sullivan.It is the case that because perhaps a Ronnie O'Sullivan
2:09:32 > 2:09:37is a better safety player than Shaun Murphy, that is the difference over
2:09:37 > 2:09:43a period of time. You play the balls, it is how it goes. Sometimes
2:09:43 > 2:09:47you get awkward safety shots. Ronnie played a couple of shots where he
2:09:47 > 2:09:53didn't control the object ball, it ended up over the pocket or going in
2:09:53 > 2:09:59the pocket. But it didn't cost him as badly as Shaun's last mistake on
2:09:59 > 2:10:04safety.He doesn't want to be going into this evening's session down.
2:10:04 > 2:10:09Two more frames to play and Ronnie has daylight between them now.
2:10:09 > 2:10:15Ronnie will win frames in one visit, he is that good. But when he's also
2:10:15 > 2:10:21getting frames that go very close, that is when the gaps start to open
2:10:21 > 2:10:25up.You get the feeling all the top players are great when they are in
2:10:25 > 2:10:30front, I think Ronnie O'Sullivan is one of the best front runners we
2:10:30 > 2:10:35have ever had.Back we go, the penultimate frame of this
2:10:35 > 2:10:38afternoon's session.
2:10:50 > 2:10:56COMMENTATOR: two very big frame is now. Shaun Murphy doesn't want to be
2:10:56 > 2:11:036-2 down going into the session this evening. Worse case scenario, win
2:11:03 > 2:11:06one of these two frames.
2:11:24 > 2:11:29Ronnie might play a similar shot. There is a chance of this going in
2:11:29 > 2:11:36the black. Excellent safety shot.
2:12:07 > 2:12:11The difference between these two players, both are two of the best
2:12:11 > 2:12:15players in the world, but the difference between them here is I
2:12:15 > 2:12:20don't think Shaun can beat Ronnie below his best. But the other way
2:12:20 > 2:12:24round, I think Ronnie can be Shaun below his absolute best. And there
2:12:24 > 2:12:27lies the difference.
2:13:02 > 2:13:08Shaun may have slipped the red into the corner. But if he takes this
2:13:08 > 2:13:20brown on, it is horrible.I think even Shaun is going to refuse this
2:13:20 > 2:13:36brown. 42 -- 4-2 down, I don't think so. 4-2 up, he might.
2:13:41 > 2:13:49Ronnie can play the red which is closest to the blue here. I think he
2:13:49 > 2:13:53will be trying to get the cue ball back in a similar position to where
2:13:53 > 2:14:01it is now. He plays this shot so well normally. He is digging down,
2:14:01 > 2:14:10touch of left-hand side. That is the line, has he got the pace? He has.
2:14:10 > 2:14:21It is a fantastic safety shots. There has been a few, but that is
2:14:21 > 2:14:32one of the shots of the match so far.
2:14:57 > 2:15:06Ronnie just coming round, interested party where the cue ball is being
2:15:06 > 2:15:13replaced.
2:15:45 > 2:15:51Going to get a warning now, Shaun Murphy, from the referee. He can get
2:15:51 > 2:15:57through to the main bunch of breads. -- reds.
2:16:14 > 2:16:19I have to warn you now if you don't hit the red this time, I am going to
2:16:19 > 2:16:26have two award the frame.If it comes off the cushion, the red is
2:16:26 > 2:16:30playing dead weight. But not now, if he misses it, he will lose the
2:16:30 > 2:16:36frame. I am surprised he didn't look at that one first. But he is in real
2:16:36 > 2:16:45trouble now. Is he playing some sort of pot?
2:16:52 > 2:16:56If he has not left the red nearest to the left corner, it could have
2:16:56 > 2:16:59been worse.
2:17:54 > 2:18:01APPLAUSE Great pot to the middle. Finished
2:18:01 > 2:18:13with a nice angle on the blue. Choice of three or four reds, the
2:18:13 > 2:18:19right corner to drop on. Possibly the choice of two or three to the
2:18:19 > 2:18:28right middle. If this goes well, what a chance for the frame.
2:19:18 > 2:19:20It is always fascinating to see how Ronnie goes about his
2:19:20 > 2:19:27break-building. And when the table is difficult and the balls are
2:19:27 > 2:19:36covering each other, there is nobody better in the game.
2:19:49 > 2:19:57I think you heard the ground. -- groaning. He can't believe he's
2:19:57 > 2:20:03missed that.
2:21:14 > 2:21:23Ronnie is eyeing up a pot to the left corner. There is a path round
2:21:23 > 2:21:35the back of the reds. Quite an aggressive shot choice.
2:21:43 > 2:21:46He's under pressure now, Shaun Murphy in this match. This is a big
2:21:46 > 2:21:50opportunity.
2:22:03 > 2:22:13Solid pot. Has to take advantage now. If he can win it in one visit,
2:22:13 > 2:22:17it will give him a boost of confidence going into the last frame
2:22:17 > 2:22:22of the session.
2:22:43 > 2:22:48He won't be too bothered about getting the black back on its spot
2:22:48 > 2:22:52yet. I don't think the black will be available to any corner pocket. Low
2:22:52 > 2:22:58point playing for the black, concentrate on pink and blue.
2:23:02 > 2:23:05I thought getting the pink back on its spot would be a better way of
2:23:05 > 2:23:09going around it.
2:23:53 > 2:23:57That was very well controlled. Never easy when you are digging down into
2:23:57 > 2:24:02the cue ball like that. Made it look easy. It wasn't.
2:24:06 > 2:24:11That is a lovely little cannon as well.
2:24:31 > 2:24:35Big moments in this match for Shaun Murphy.
2:25:40 > 2:25:44How well did he hit that? The reaction of the cue ball was
2:25:44 > 2:25:49incredible. Just timing.
2:25:56 > 2:26:01A lot of players struggle with that shot, Stephen. It doesn't seem to
2:26:01 > 2:26:05matter to Shaun Murphy if he does end up straight on the ball. He can
2:26:05 > 2:26:10use the tremendous cueing power he has got.
2:26:17 > 2:26:23But then every now and again he does that, gets too much into it. To put
2:26:23 > 2:26:27that read near the cushion was very clumsy.
2:26:32 > 2:26:35There is pressure on this.
2:26:51 > 2:26:56Sometimes when they hit the jaw, they don't go in any harder. By half
2:26:56 > 2:27:00to say I am surprised it went in.
2:27:21 > 2:27:25Red, colour, red needed.
2:27:50 > 2:27:54Wanted to just stop short of the blue so he could get close to this
2:27:54 > 2:27:59red. He doesn't want to be playing frame ball from distance. We know
2:27:59 > 2:28:04how good he's been today, but he want to make frame balls as easy as
2:28:04 > 2:28:11possible. Make them unmissable.
2:28:21 > 2:28:3144 ahead. This red to leave O'Sullivan needing a snooker. He
2:28:31 > 2:28:38will have to pot another colour. It has been a great performance this
2:28:38 > 2:28:42break from Shaun Murphy, under pressure. He needed it. Very well
2:28:42 > 2:28:49played.
2:29:02 > 2:29:10Two snookers. O'Sullivan may come back to the table.
2:29:19 > 2:29:23Unless this red goes in.
2:29:28 > 2:29:33Excellent effort from Shaun Murphy, under extreme pressure. It was a
2:29:33 > 2:29:41great break. The frame isn't over. The red is in a good position if
2:29:41 > 2:29:51Ronnie O'Sullivan can get on the black or the pink.
2:30:04 > 2:30:08Potting the pink means it is two snookers to tie.
2:30:44 > 2:30:50Excellent break from Shaun Murphy when he needed it. Back for a masse
2:30:50 > 2:30:53of last frame in the session this afternoon.
2:30:58 > 2:31:02That was a fantastic break. You can feel the tension levels beginning to
2:31:02 > 2:31:08creep ever upwards.This will be a huge last frame. Brilliant break.
2:31:08 > 2:31:19Getting 60 when you need to dig in. If they goes to 5-2 it is a massive
2:31:19 > 2:31:25gap. It is a huge mountain to climb. Who is looking the stronger as we go
2:31:25 > 2:31:32into this part of the match? Difficult to tell. You want to keep
2:31:32 > 2:31:35in contention. From the perspective Shaun Murphy that was an important
2:31:35 > 2:31:41frame. You never know what will happen in the last frame. Whatever
2:31:41 > 2:31:44happens tonight there will be a premium on making the most of your
2:31:44 > 2:31:48chances when you get to them. Both of these players are in forms or
2:31:48 > 2:31:51expect more of the same this evening.It is difficult for anyone
2:31:51 > 2:31:55to play Shaun Murphy because he is putting them in from everywhere. How
2:31:55 > 2:32:02much pressure does that put on you? With your safety play, you think you
2:32:02 > 2:32:06have to get to the baulk. If anything is picking out people have
2:32:06 > 2:32:13a dig at it. His long game has been as good as I have seen it. He has
2:32:13 > 2:32:18been knocking everything in. It puts added pressure and you can overthink
2:32:18 > 2:32:24the situation. It is time to get a fine balance. You have got to get
2:32:24 > 2:32:34the baulk.It is the last frame of the afternoon. The last final they
2:32:34 > 2:32:39played, it went 4-4, and Shaun Murphy took off in the evening
2:32:39 > 2:32:43session to win. It is deja vu as far as this is concerned. This is a key
2:32:43 > 2:32:45theme in this final.
2:33:16 > 2:33:21You watch Shaun Murphy, when this he taps is cute in appreciation of this
2:33:21 > 2:33:35shot. 5-3 is possible. They don't want to lose both the last two fames
2:33:35 > 2:33:39and B6- two down, that would be too much.
2:33:59 > 2:34:09He took his eye off the pot. You can see what Ronnie thinks about that.
2:34:09 > 2:34:14Just completely took his eye off the pot, concentrating on the cannon on
2:34:14 > 2:34:23the pack. 95% of Ronnie 's misses are thin.
2:34:35 > 2:34:39Shaun Murphy has got a couple of open beds but will he go into the
2:34:39 > 2:34:39pack?
2:35:24 > 2:35:29I am surprised Tonev Shaun Murphy misses with the rest. That was not
2:35:29 > 2:35:35easy. -- whenever Shaun Murphy misses. The debt is came back across
2:35:35 > 2:35:40the table and stayed on the left corner. Second chance for Ronnie
2:35:40 > 2:35:43O'Sullivan.
2:35:57 > 2:36:00I am not surprised that his timing has been affected, the way that he
2:36:00 > 2:36:03punched the table.
2:36:09 > 2:36:20His right hand must be throbbing right now. What a shot that is. Here
2:36:20 > 2:36:23you can see Ronnie punching the table in frustration and
2:36:23 > 2:36:24disappointment.
2:36:29 > 2:36:37He has played in the double and it is in.Probably the riskiest shot he
2:36:37 > 2:36:38has played today.
2:36:43 > 2:36:50As doubles cut it was pretty easy. The another certainties.
2:36:55 > 2:36:58Surely he is not going to let another chance go by?
2:37:06 > 2:37:12He opened the beds up. That is incredible.
2:38:27 > 2:38:34That is pretty good, long pot success. Between 70 and 80%, you are
2:38:34 > 2:38:42happy with that. You can separate the player is on the safety.
2:38:48 > 2:38:52Two century breaks so far and I would be surprised if there are no
2:38:52 > 2:38:54more before the end of this final.
2:39:08 > 2:39:12I don't know if he has played for the cue ball.
2:39:30 > 2:39:35He looks edgy, he looks desperate to get this frame.
2:39:42 > 2:39:44This wasn't the cleanest of pots.
2:40:24 > 2:40:28He looks to be pretty straight on this black.
2:41:00 > 2:41:04Is there one more twist in this first session?
2:41:20 > 2:41:30That was a big shot.
2:41:56 > 2:42:00To be perfectly honest, Ronnie has been very unfortunate to leave that
2:42:00 > 2:42:09to red them. He had to play the red with pace. Look at the cue power of
2:42:09 > 2:42:18Shaun Murphy. That is incredible. The spin that that he generates
2:42:18 > 2:42:22here, it is amazing.
2:42:30 > 2:42:35Lots of left-hand side. This is a great shot. This is a great shot.
2:42:35 > 2:42:39Fantastic effort.
2:42:57 > 2:43:01This could be monumental in this match.
2:43:12 > 2:43:18Ronnie O'Sullivan has had two very good chances to have this frame in
2:43:18 > 2:43:21the bag. This will hurt.
2:44:03 > 2:44:08He did not hit that enough. What sort of angle does he have on the
2:44:08 > 2:44:18pink? He is straight down to the short so it must be good.
2:44:38 > 2:44:42What a session of snooker this has been. We have had absolutely
2:44:42 > 2:44:46everything.
2:44:56 > 2:45:00You would have given Shaun Murphy this clearance by no effort was not
2:45:00 > 2:45:08for the black bequeath it is. You want to be as close to that black as
2:45:08 > 2:45:11possible.
2:45:21 > 2:45:28Does not want the cue ball-on the cushion. This is not nice.
2:45:43 > 2:45:46He got it! . Tremendous first session and great frame for Shaun
2:45:46 > 2:45:52Murphy to steal in the end. Going into the session tonight all square,
2:45:52 > 2:46:014-4.HAZEL IRVINE: Magnificent clearance from Shaun Murphy to keep
2:46:01 > 2:46:06it for- four in the Champion of Champions in the thrilling final one
2:46:06 > 2:46:10month ago between these two back. This is a bigger stage for Shaun
2:46:10 > 2:46:14Murphy. He has lost the last couple of frames and an exceptional final
2:46:14 > 2:46:21so far. STEVE DAVIS: Ronnie O'Sullivan was frustrated he blew
2:46:21 > 2:46:24chances to extend his lead. You saw the frustration when he banged his
2:46:24 > 2:46:30knuckles on the table.They played a risky double he did not have to
2:46:30 > 2:46:34play. And all of a sudden he felt he was over the line and desperate to
2:46:34 > 2:46:39get the frame under his belt. Fantastic counter clearance. One
2:46:39 > 2:46:43shot in particular that allowed him to go on and win the frame.He just
2:46:43 > 2:46:47liked the blue and then to stun the sin and to get it absolutely plumb
2:46:47 > 2:46:57on. He was on everything. They does many things you need to be a
2:46:57 > 2:47:00top-class snooker player and he showed everything. Not just his
2:47:00 > 2:47:05break-building and how he can strike the ball, you have to be sticking in
2:47:05 > 2:47:12when it is hard. To win the two frames to make it 4-4, delighted.
2:47:12 > 2:47:15How much does that hurt a player like Ronnie to lose the last couple?
2:47:15 > 2:47:23It felt like because Ronnie missed the simple black, he was upset with
2:47:23 > 2:47:27the fact that he squandered an easy chance. And then he went for the
2:47:27 > 2:47:32rest of the frame. He was making some amazing shots but Ronnie was
2:47:32 > 2:47:37out of control. That is the most we have seen him out of control all
2:47:37 > 2:47:40week, I would suggest. He looked like he would get away with an
2:47:40 > 2:47:44amazing break with some luck but came unstuck before the finishing
2:47:44 > 2:47:48line of that great. Fascinating to watch. Ronnie realised how important
2:47:48 > 2:47:59it was to
2:47:59 > 2:48:02clinch that session, it could have been 6-2.Because he didn't the
2:48:02 > 2:48:04frustration showed. Some risky shots, that is what you alluded to
2:48:04 > 2:48:07in terms of not being in control as much as he would have been.When he
2:48:07 > 2:48:10played the double, myself and Steve said, you don't have to play this.
2:48:10 > 2:48:15He got it and played brilliantly but he was forcing the issue.We have
2:48:15 > 2:48:21got ourselves a cracking evening ahead?Yes, we have. I defy anybody
2:48:21 > 2:48:24at the start of the final to pick a winner unless you're a but
2:48:24 > 2:48:31marvellous.Back in position here at seven o'clock. I hope you will join
2:48:31 > 2:48:37us for what promises to be potentially a best of 11 tonight.
2:48:37 > 2:48:41The Magician and the Rocket are serving up a final to remember in
2:48:41 > 2:48:43this 14th anniversary of the UK Championships.