2018 World Championship

[Shockerz]

That one shot along the cushion that Hawkins played in the 27th frame basically determined the outcome of the match. If he makes it he goes up 15-12 and there really is no way back for Williams. He misses it and Williams gets back to 14-13 and he was the better player from there.

And he missed that shot by a tiny amount. There really was nothing to choose between the players.

Tough choice but a bit unlucky especially as he potted virtually the same shot a little later.

[Billy]

And to finish, an 'in his prime' Glen Campbell concert on BBC Four to help me unwind.

[Stony152]

That one shot along the cushion that Hawkins played in the 27th frame basically determined the outcome of the match. If he makes it he goes up 15-12 and there really is no way back for Williams. He misses it and Williams gets back to 14-13 and he was the better player from there.

And he missed that shot by a tiny amount. There really was nothing to choose between the players.

[Shockerz]

Barry must be gutted to lead for 30 frames and then lose it.

I think a last frame would have left them both without any nails.

The final will certainly be interesting, Higgins definitely has an advantage by finishing earlier today.

[CueAntW147]

Shame for Barry i was hoping it would go to a last frame decider, but well played Mark knocking the long pink in when it mattered, he pulls out some pots when he needs to, not to mention a few swerves.

Enjoyed this semi much more than Higgins/Wilson as for the final I think Williams is the man to beat Higgins, but either way i'm thinking it will be a close match.

[Shockerz]

Well what a match.

Superb, shame there has to be a loser. Looks like the oldies aren't too old!

[Billy]

I'm exactly the same. I prefer not to have the stress and just watch the last few frames later once I know the player has won. (if he wins)

Yes, I often do likewise. As a massive snooker fan it's silly to miss out in such a way, but matches like that create a tension that's uncomfortable for me.

I'm trying to resign myself to him losing the final, what with John having had almost a full day's extra rest, but I dont know how I'll be if it goes close again.

[Stony152]

Amazing match. I'm really looking forward to the final.

The final is really important from a historical perspective. If Higgins wins he joins O'Sullivan at five titles and further cements his status as a peer of Hendry, Davis, and O'Sullivan. (5+ club)

If Williams wins he joins Selby at three titles and creates a group of three (including Higgins and Selby) just below the big three of Hendry, Davis, and O'Sullivan.

If Higgins wins I think there is a very good chance that somebody (O'Sullivan or Higgins) will eventually join Davis on six titles.

[VillaGuy]

Don't know how he'll find energy reserves for tomorrow, that was a marathon.

[jrc750]

That was some match, well played Mark

[JimMalone]

I feel really pity for Barry Hawkins. Led the whole match until 15-15.

But I also feel pretty nostalgic. The 2000 World Championship was the first one I really followed. And I remember that semifinal between Williams and Higgins as a great match. Now 18 years later they will face each other in the final.

The two played each other three times at the Crucible, always in the semifinal. Williams won in 1999 (17-10) and 2000 (17-15), while Higgins won their last duel in 2011 (17-14).

[Stony152]

Don't know what's happened to me in my old age, but I honestly can't watch close matches when it involves a player I really want to win.

I have to flick channels for 15 minutes or so, and then check back, as seeing the score updated in such a way is less painful than watching it unfold.

I'm exactly the same. I prefer not to have the stress and just watch the last few frames later once I know the player has won. (if he wins)

This year it hasn't been a problem, because I'm not that big of a fan of any of the semi-finalists.

[Odrl]

That was some proper midnight snooker. :smile: Some great shots from both players, but very fragmented in terms of scoring, with both players finishing with a pot success below 90% in the end.

Williams could probably do with a bit of a rest now, but there is not much time before the final starts. Big advantage to Higgins I think, at least on the first day. :smile:

[fkhan]

What a final this is going to be. 20+ years since both turned pro and they are still playing so well and in the biggest tournament of the season.

[attilahun]

I feel sorry for Barry who played at least as good as Mark, but it is a classic match in the final...WOW.
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