The quarter finals of the Players Championship continues on Thursday when two more eagerly anticipated matches take place inside the regular snooker venue of the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes.
We have already seen Barry Hawkins book his place in the semi-final of the competition and on Thursday four more men get the chance to join him there on what promises to be an excellent day of snooker.
Afternoon Session
Neil Robertson vs Kyren Wilson
The first of the two quarter finals on Thursday sees the UK Championship winner Neil Robertson taking on the world finalist Kyren Wilson for the first spot in the Saturday evening semi-final where either John Higgins or Mark Selby will be waiting for them.
Robertson had a fine 6-1 win over Lu Ning in the first round but Ning’s inexperience at this level cost him dearly and the Australian picked him off at will. He made four centuries in the match but you’ve got to think he is going to have to work a lot harder for his chances in this match. Wilson also had a win by the same score in the first round but he beat a much more suited to the event Ryan Day, although Day himself bungled some chances and let Wilson take full advantage.
I think we’re in for a close match here. These are two classy operators who can raise their game in the one-table setup. Wilson can go toe to toe with anyone these days whereas you get the feeling that Robertson can only win a scoring game. I still think we’re in for a close match though. Both men know the opportunity that is in front of them and will give it their all so I fully expect to see more than 9.5 frames in this one.
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Evening Session
Jack Lisowski vs Ronnie O’Sullivan
The second quarter final on Thursday looks an absolute pearler as two of the most talented cueists in the game meet when Jack Lisowski takes on Ronnie O’Sullivan for the right to meet Barry Hawkins in the semi-final on Friday evening.
O’Sullivan had a good win over Ding Junhui in the first round but there were signs of frustration from him in that match which makes me wonder if he is running a little low on gas after a big week in the Welsh Open. O’Sullivan has mentioned in the past that he likes some time off between events to prepare properly and he was far from his best against Ding. Lisowski wasn’t in top form himself in his win over Martin Gould but he was still pretty good and looks to be growing in confidence in these big events, a point he acknowledged in a nice interview in the coverage on Wednesday.
I think this match could be about Lisowski. If he believes he can handle O’Sullivan I think he can beat him, or at least run him close. I’m not sure we’re going to see the best version of the Rocket in this match which will open the door for Lisowski, who has been playing good snooker over the last couple of months. Chances will come Jack’s way and if he can build some confidence early he can easily get to four frames if not the six he desires.
Tips
Back N.Robertson vs K.Wilson – Over 9.5 frames for a 3/10 stake at 2.10 with Betfair
Back J.Lisowski (+2.5 frames) to beat R.O’Sullivan for a 3/10 stake at 1.91 with Betfair
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