Ronnie v Kyren
These two have an interesting h2h with Ronnie leading 7-3 and appearing in charge. The matches however tell a different story and have been the route cause for Kyren’s Clinchers disease with Ronnie winning QF GP from 1-3 down 5-3, Shanghai masters QF losing 6-5 from 1-5 up and ofcourse the COC final when he lost 10-9 from 9-8 up and on a break of 61. Hard losses to take for anyone but it does show Kyren has the ability to outplay Ronnie for long periods. Sadly today he is 13/8 best price which is unappealing for a bet and possibly a bet in running if their learnt behaviour continues.
McGill v Brecel
Interestingly, h2h Brecel leads 4-0 and the bookmakers have made him favourite despite being behind McGill by 40 or 65 points in outright betting pre which is unusual and points to McGill on value as in truth if these two player Quarter Final of WC no way is Brecel fav. Also h2h domination has become a hinderance deep with player’s expectations causing the Domino effect this week which counterintuitively again leans to McGill winning but at 2.00 I am happy to pass.
Hicks v Hawkins
I’ve enjoyed watching and profiting from Andy’s progress, having spent many hours practising with him at the Norbreck Castle back in the day. It goes to show how class stays with a player and the power of his play broke DG in the end. Can he do it again today? I do hope so and like DG, the Hawk can crumble if you can keep pressure up. Cannot bet on Andy but I will be rooting for him on many levels especially as winner will play Xintong or Lisowski to make the final.
Liswoski v Xintong
When the players came out for frame 1 yesterday, Lisowski looked ultra focused to do the business in frame 1. I thought this is cool, he looks on it and would win easy. Frame 2 he got edgy and his shot selection and focus went. Overall he was fortunate to win, having played like a headless chicken. That mindset doesn’t bode well for out outrights and hearing him say they would both go for everything made me cringe (he has so much experience deep in events compared to his opponent, now is the time he needs to use it so let’s hope it was psychology but I doubt it). Whoever wins will never have an easier opportunity to make the UK Champs final.
Conclusion
As always deep in these events, bets become a rarer commodity in matches with pricing easy for bookie and players playing their truer form.
If Lisowski or Hawk play Ronnie in final it will be a done deal for the ‘Rocket’. Xintong may have the same chance the ‘Rocket’ did against Hendry in 93 however, so that would be one to revisit.
No official bets, I’m just going to enjoy the quarter finals while adding quarter 4 profits to an excellent two weeks, there will be bets with more edge in the coming days so no need to force any today
