Wow. Down to the Quarter Finals and this World Championship has been quality from day one. And I still can't see a clear favourite, there are so many turning it on.
First and foremost, Ronnie O'Sullivan. He's beaten the two most fancied young form horses so far. If it comes together, only Ronnie can beat Ronnie. It's an in-form John Higgins up next, and if Ronnie wins this year he can be justifiably satisfied that he's had no easy games.
I'd always had Ali Carter down as an also ran, but the way he disposed of Hendry was as good as anything we've seen in this competition so far. A player looking like he believes he can do it. His next opponent Mark Selby just disposed of Peter Ebdon - no mean feat - and also looks like he's made the breakthrough in consistent quality and self belief that makes all the difference at this level. I first took note of Mark when he destroyed Darren Appleton in the UK Rules World 8 ball final. Going to be around for some time I think.
Stephen McGuire looks to have found a bit of form again. He was the scary newcomer before Ding and Robertson, but had a nightmare slump last season. A definite contender on his game. I've never really rated his next opponent Anthony Hamilton, but this year you just never know. I never saw Graham Dott coming either.
Shaun Murphy is the one who doesn't seem to have hit top form yet. That could be ominous. What an incredible cue action he has. It's like a greased piston on the Cannonball Express. Matthew Stevens is up next, and on current form would be my tip to progress in this one. He seems to be there or thereabouts every year. Maybe this time.
Of the old guard, John Higgins is starting to look like John Higgins again. His last opponent Fergal O'Brien should have been made to pay to watch. Higgins on form is a monster. That final win over Ronnie last year (Grand Prix?) was the best session of snooker I have ever seen anywhere ever. And it's Ronnie up next. Definitely the one to watch.
Two notable new faces this year also impressed. Judd Trump looks scary good for a 17 year old, and has the temperament you just can't buy. He says he never gets nervous, and that's the way it looked. Hardly surprising when you've swept aside everything that's stood in front of you from the age of 8 or so. He looks a shoe in as a future world champ once the edges are smoothed off. Somebody once won a big bet on Mark Williams being world champ by 21. I bet Trump is much shorter odds. Mark Allen looks like he'll be a genuine contender as he matures too.
My tip? If he hasn't peaked to early I've a sneaking feeling it's Higgins year again.
Boro Nut
First and foremost, Ronnie O'Sullivan. He's beaten the two most fancied young form horses so far. If it comes together, only Ronnie can beat Ronnie. It's an in-form John Higgins up next, and if Ronnie wins this year he can be justifiably satisfied that he's had no easy games.
I'd always had Ali Carter down as an also ran, but the way he disposed of Hendry was as good as anything we've seen in this competition so far. A player looking like he believes he can do it. His next opponent Mark Selby just disposed of Peter Ebdon - no mean feat - and also looks like he's made the breakthrough in consistent quality and self belief that makes all the difference at this level. I first took note of Mark when he destroyed Darren Appleton in the UK Rules World 8 ball final. Going to be around for some time I think.
Stephen McGuire looks to have found a bit of form again. He was the scary newcomer before Ding and Robertson, but had a nightmare slump last season. A definite contender on his game. I've never really rated his next opponent Anthony Hamilton, but this year you just never know. I never saw Graham Dott coming either.
Shaun Murphy is the one who doesn't seem to have hit top form yet. That could be ominous. What an incredible cue action he has. It's like a greased piston on the Cannonball Express. Matthew Stevens is up next, and on current form would be my tip to progress in this one. He seems to be there or thereabouts every year. Maybe this time.
Of the old guard, John Higgins is starting to look like John Higgins again. His last opponent Fergal O'Brien should have been made to pay to watch. Higgins on form is a monster. That final win over Ronnie last year (Grand Prix?) was the best session of snooker I have ever seen anywhere ever. And it's Ronnie up next. Definitely the one to watch.
Two notable new faces this year also impressed. Judd Trump looks scary good for a 17 year old, and has the temperament you just can't buy. He says he never gets nervous, and that's the way it looked. Hardly surprising when you've swept aside everything that's stood in front of you from the age of 8 or so. He looks a shoe in as a future world champ once the edges are smoothed off. Somebody once won a big bet on Mark Williams being world champ by 21. I bet Trump is much shorter odds. Mark Allen looks like he'll be a genuine contender as he matures too.
My tip? If he hasn't peaked to early I've a sneaking feeling it's Higgins year again.
Boro Nut
