2018 Players Championship

[blahblah01]

Hopefully he won't implode if he goes behind.....

[PatBlock]

McManus, "You can't blame Ronnie for that because he hit the pink too well...."

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[jrc750]

McManus, "You can't blame Ronnie for that because he hit the pink too well...."

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And Ding won't get double kiss on the last red, and 2 seconds later does just that lol

[blahblah01]

He used to be OK, but now he is just trying to cement a career with hyperbole and daftness.......

[PatBlock]

And Ding won't get double kiss on the last red, and 2 seconds later does just that lol

That 3rd frame was utter madness. Surely Ding is doomed now.

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[fkhan]

OMG, what a frame three excellent reds by Ronnie, The first red pair in the middle, the next red in the green pocket (shot of the match) and the red double in the centre pocket. Also, the highest break of the tournament so far. 2-2

[blahblah01]

Hopefully he won't implode if he goes behind.....

Hmmm 2-0 to 3-5.....

[PatBlock]

Very disappointing from Ding, he had plenty of chances but messed most of them up. Unlike ROS, Ding just doesn't seem to have any fire in his belly.

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[fkhan]

Ding had many chances. Well played by Ronnie.

[blahblah01]

Ding had many chances. Well played by Ronnie.

hmmm, maybe but Ding has a mental thing about him and rolled over, imho.

[fkhan]

hmmm, maybe but Ding has a mental thing about him and rolled over, imho.

Maybe an inferiority complex.

[blahblah01]

Totally: and I know it was 2-0 to 3-6, so 1-6.

It's a shame as I like his play, but the wheels come off big style.....

[thai_son22]

Ding is pretty useless as of late. Don't even think he will win a world's.... Unfortunately

[JimMalone]

So one month prior to the World Championship O'Sullivan is clearly in form, while Selby certainly isn't. And also Ding is not at his best.
Therefore players like Williams and Day are in very good shape. Usually in the last years the favorites for the big title have been more or less the same. Selby, O'Sullivan, Ding, Robertson, Trump.

Are we having a different circle of favorites this year? With the exception of O'Sullivan. Or will the Crucible with its significance, pressure and long distances still see those players going far, who counted as the best players in general over the last years?

[PatBlock]

So one month prior to the World Championship O'Sullivan is clearly in form, while Selby certainly isn't. And also Ding is not at his best.
Therefore players like Williams and Day are in very good shape. Usually in the last years the favorites for the big title have been more or less the same. Selby, O'Sullivan, Ding, Robertson, Trump.

Are we having a different circle of favorites this year? With the exception of O'Sullivan. Or will the Crucible with its significance, pressure and long distances still see those players going far, who counted as the best players in general over the last years?

This may sound a bit daft, but | don't think Ronnie is in particularly blistering form atm, he gave Ding loads of chances last night, more than plenty for Ding to compete and win. He's had a great season, that's true, but there has been an awful lot of capitulation from his opponents and I think in the longer format of the worlds he'll come undone. That is of course, if he meets an opponent capable of holding onto their bowels.

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