Who will win this years World Championship ?

First topic message reminder :

Who's your favourite for this years title ?

One of the seeds ? Or will it be a qualifier ?

Hendry and Higgins got off to a edgy start but Hendry looks more settled now and score stands at 2-2 at the mid-session interval. It seems clear that the pattern is set. Higgins will hoover up the tactical frames whilst Hendry must score big with every chance he gets to stay in touch.

I cant see Hendry beating Higgins, especially if it stays close throughout the whole match.

Perhaps not but it sure makes for an interesting match.

Oh i think that it will be interesting

Still trying to get over the Ronnie 13 - 2/3 Williams score prediction to be honest...

Well whatever happens now Hendry cannot be behind going into their second session. Hendry leads 4-3 and is playing vintage snooker.

I'm scared but if one person can beat anyone top of their game, it's Higgins. The 2006 Masters Final proves that

Some really heavy scoring from Stephen. He's been the most impressive player I've seen of the championships so far.

Sure his safety ain't great nor is his long potting but if he's going to punish John so heavily for his mistakes the pressure is going to mount on "Honest" John.

Highest standard session (both players) I've seen so far.

Hendry looks a hell of alot more relaxed than he has for the last few years.

This one's turning into a "Higgins" type frame though do you think?

Snooker Rule #1

Do not try and take John Higgins on in a safety battle. You will not win.

Can someone tell Dave Gilbert to get rid of that mullet?

Snooker Rule #2

Do not try and out score Stephen Hendry. You will be crushed!

Some of his "clutch" potting to keep the breaks going this session has been what can only be described as Hendryesque.

lol That's true. So many centuries. I think Judd will break that record because of the large number on tournaments nowadays.

I think Higgins will win this. We all say how poorly Hendry played in that 2nd session against Bingham.

Fantastic match this

And Hendry takes the final frame of the session to lead 5-3 after losing the first two frames of the match.

Well that's done and dusted. You know what's coming next eire....

COME ON RYAN!!!!

Great stuff from Hendry

It has to be Day TSC, cant see him loosing this.

Yeah, much as I want Hendry to win you've got to think he'll have a poor spell when Higgins will win 4/5 in a row. Even if John has a poor spell he still seems to do enough to stay in a match.

If Hendry does keep up this standard and wins I certainly hope the guy early on in this thread who mentioned him at 150/1 has taken those odds.

That was a really classy break to take the last one of the session.

Jeez, what's been eating Gilbert Grape?

Last time I checked he was only one behind and in the balls, 10-5 down now and pretty much out of the match.

Robbo is one of the best players at knocking off frame after frame in no time. Classy player.

eirebilly wrote:Hendry looks a hell of alot more relaxed than he has for the last few years.

thats been the key for stephen so far eirebilly, his relaxed approach is working for him. he even said to ken doherty that he intends playing a few rounds of golf in between sessions

Did everyone see this interview?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bendirs/2012/04/hendry_still_loves_winning.html

Brilliant I thought. I admire Hendry for saying it.

TSC wrote:Did everyone see this interview?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bendirs/2012/04/hendry_still_loves_winning.html

Brilliant I thought. I admire Hendry for saying it.

great article and honesty from stephen

What's the point in false humility? It's like when players "apologise" for being lucky. It's the right thing to do but thye don't mean it.

Anyone else notice Terry Griffiths is perkier than normal when either a Welsh player or someone he's coaching is playing?

Cmon Hendry. Turn back the clock and beat this chump. Not too impressed with higgins pre tournament form and yes i should have taken the 150-1 when i mentioned it earlier.
Ridiculous.

Love Hendys appproach to the game. Fearless and the consumate professional.

Would love to see Hendry roll back the years and hit the heights of old. Actually wouldn't begrudge him an 8th title after such a dry patch. The latter would be quite an upset though on form. And Higgins is no stranger to clawing his way back when behind.

Higgins hasn't played well for exactly a year. He didn't even play well to win last year but somehow managed it. Think he could take a huge hit when the rankings are re-done.

John has something to prove tonight. If Hendry's safety is poor, he will be punished.

Gilbert with a fine century break and he is back to 8 - 11

I had Gilbert down as only winning 7 frames

Why is dreadful snooker so good to watch? This Higgins v Hendry match is low quality but misses are exciting!!

I cant see that match yet as the tennis is on

Whats the score TSC?

Robertson is deploying 'The Cough'. He must be feeling the pressure

It's 8-4 Hendry. Dreadful quality. Higgins has been slightly unlucky a few times though.

Thats a big lead for Hendry...

It is!!

Jaysus, i didnt expect that

Higgins has been WOEFUL. Utterly dreadful. I feel embarrassed for him but he's just having "one of those days"

Latest score TSC?

8-4, both have had 2 chances to win the 13th. 48-44 on points with Higgins having a 4 point lead and 5 colours left.

9-4 now. Even John looks perplexed.

Jeebus, Hendry can win from here

Higgins has given up you/I feel.

10-4. Higgins has gone completely and this will be finished within 1 frame tomorrow.

Wow, this is somthing special

Not really. Hendry is not playing well, Higgins has just been so bad it's indescribable. 11-4 now

Higgins play this evening has been terrible perhaps his worst ever at The Crucible but Hendry has kept his game at a reasonable standard to now lead 11-4.

The worst ever session in Crucibl history I imagine. And he's had some bad luck. Anyway, SteMag will slap Hendry in the next round I think.

I wouldn't be quite so sure. Maguire always seems to come up short in these big matches - hence his record at The Crucible which is far from impressive for someone rated/ranked so highly.

He got to a semi once. But I think he's looked in great form all season. Should win his half/get to the semis.

12-4 Hendry. WOW