We’re down to the one table set up inside the Crucible Theatre for the remainder of the World Championship and on Thursday both semi-finals will get underway as the tournament gains a real significant feel about it.
We are now up to the best of 33 frames with both semi-finals being across four gruelling sessions and like most stories there will be twists and turns to watch and enjoy and admire. Any of the four men can win the tournament now so we’re in for a brilliant finale.
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Day 12 Recap
It was a day to forget for four men who all dreamed of making it to the one table set up but who fell at the final hurdle in that regard. They were Kyren Wilson, Marco Fu, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Maguire.
Wilson and Fu were well beaten. John Higgins took care of Wilson 13-6 while Mark Selby blitzed Fu 13-3. Ding Junhui was O’Sullivan’s conqueror as the Chinese star won 13-10 but not before Ronnie set the high break mark at 146 while in the evening session Barry Hawkins saw off Maguire 13-9.
Mark Selby vs Ding Junhui
The opening semi-final is a repeat of last year’s final as Mark Selby takes on Ding Junhui. Selby has cruised into this stage of the tournament dropping just 11 frames on his way here. Ding has had to battle much more and had to overcome the euphoria of beating Ronnie O’Sullivan on Wednesday.
I think we’re in for a cracking semi-final here. Whether it is great to begin with I’m not so sure but once both get comfortable in the arena these two will go toe to toe as they did in that final last year. Ding fell 6-0 down in the final last year and after the emotional high of beating O’Sullivan I wouldn’t be surprised if Selby wins the first session again. He had a session off on Wednesday so should be the fresher of the two and 13/8 Selby to lead after eight frames is too big to ignore.
As for the rest of the semi-final I’m expecting it to be fairly lengthy. Once Ding settles down he will score well and we’ve seen Selby score well too this week so over 4.5 centuries looks a solid punt as does over 29.5 frames. Selby won 18-14 with five tons last year. 17-13 or closer either way with the same amount of centuries looks doable.
John Higgins vs Barry Hawkins
Two men with really good records at the Crucible Theatre collide in the second semi-final as John Higgins takes on Barry Hawkins over the best of 33 frames. Both men have made it through relatively unscathed in terms of frames conceded but their games have differed a lot.
Higgins’ quality has been there for all to see in this tournament. His fight and determination has also been clear to see too. The two clearances he produced against Mark Allen were a sign that Higgins is here to win and when he is dishing up like that and is on it like he has been few can equal him.
Hawkins has done well to make it this far in the tournament but he has played three qualifiers so far. Now things go up several notches and if his scoring is anything to go by he needs to raise his game tenfold to be competitive here. He has just 13 50+ breaks in the tournament thus far and that is in 36 winning frames.
I fully expect Higgins to win this semi-final. I don’t see where Hawkins has an edge on him. If he was making regular big breaks to put the pressure on Higgins that would be different but he isn’t and the worst thing Hawkins can do is make 40 and leave himself open to the counter. I’m surprised -1.5 frames is as big as 4/5 but I’m all over that.
Higgins’ scoring has been really solid in this tournament. He has made five centuries and 20 more 50+ breaks and I expect him to continue to score in this semi too. I think over 2.5 centuries for the Scot is well within reach. He has hit two tons against Mark Allen and Kyren Wilson in the last two rounds and another is in his grasp in this semi-final.
Tips
Back M.Selby to win 1st Session for a 3/10 stake at 2.63 with Bet365
Back him here:
WON – Back M.Selby vs D.Junhui – Over 29.5 frames for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with Betfair
Back it here:
WON – Back M.Selby vs D.Junhui – Over 4.5 centuries for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with Ladbrokes
WON – Back J.Higgins (-1.5 frames) to beat B.Hawkins for a 7/10 stake at 1.80 with Ladbrokes
Back J.Higgins – Over 2.5 centuries for a 4/10 stake at 2.25 with Ladbrokes
Back them here:
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