Barry Hawking

Barry Hawkins completed an incredible fight back to beat Ricky Walden 17-14 and book a place in his first World Championship final.

Hawkins was trailing 12-8 at one stage before he won eight frames in a row to move 16-12 ahead.

Walden, 30, seemed to completely capitulate under pressure in the evening session and later blamed the Crucible conditions for his poor play.

The first frame of the evening was a tense affair that went to a re-spotted black with Hawkins eventually coming through.

Walden had the first chance in frame 26 but missed a red whilst on 56 – that allowed Hawkins the chance to steal and he did on the final pink.

Breaks of 60 and 79 in the next two frames saw Hawkins go into the interval with a four frame lead for the first time.

Walden stopped the rot after the restart but needed three chances to win his first frame of the evening. A 28 minute battle followed in the next with Walden battling through to raise hopes of a comeback.

The Chester potter had a chance in frame 31 but failed to make the most of it as Hawkins composed himself to seal a place in his maiden final.

Earlier in the match, Hawkins appeared to be really struggling with the one table situation and it took him 18 frames to make his first 50 break. After earlier victories over Mark Selby and Ding Junhui, Hawkins was delighted with his win.

“I’m stunned, I can’t believe it. It hasn’t hit me yet. I think sheer determination has got me through that.

Hawkins will start as underdog in the final against the defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan but believes he has a chance.

Ronnie O’Sullivan

“I’m knackered so I’ll need to find some energy from somewhere but I’ll go in with a positive frame of mind and try my hardest. If I put him under pressure, anything can happen.”

The first session of the final will start at 2pm tomorrow.

By Imran Sidat, Thw Crucible Theatre, Shefffield

Starting the session 14-10 behind, Trump knew the opening frames would be pivotal and when he lost the first two, the writing was on the wall.

Trump fought back with a 77 in the next but it only delayed the inevitable as the four-time champion sealed his place in the final when the 23-year-old left him in after attempting a long red.

It completes a remarkable turnaround for O’Sullivan who has only played one competitive match since winning the title last May.

Ronnie O’Sullivan

Despite previously indicating that this would definitely be his last Crucible campaign, the Rocket refused to rule out a possible return next year.

“You can never say never. Barry Hearn is always making changes, and if he calls me, we’ll see what happens.”

O’Sullivan did confirm that he intends to play in a number of smaller events next season, due to the relaxed nature.

“I’ll enter a few of the PTCs, because it’s pure snooker. I can go and enjoy it without any pressure. I get almost the same buzz as a World Final.”

An emotional O’Sullivan also revealed that problems with his former partner were another big reason for his year out.

“My ex is driving me mad. My book comes out in October so you can read everything in there but at the moment the better I do, the more I seem to get punished.

“The last three or four years haven’t been easy. I’ve spent 250,000 pounds on lawyer’s fees. I know people always say I’ve got millions but I don’t know where it’s gone, it’s all tied up.”

On the table, the 37-year-old said he was delighted to make yet another final.

“It’s very pleasing to make the final; I’m quite surprised though as it’s been tough. There’s a lot of tension out there and I just about did enough to come through. I need to improve; I’m not playing anywhere near as good as I did last year when I really did blast through the field.”

Trump meanwhile, said he was frustrated with the way he played.

“I’m disappointed; I had chances but really struggled in the first two sessions. It’s not good enough at this level and Ronnie’s very hard to catch when he gets in front.”

O’Sullivan will start as the overwhelming favourite in the final as he faces the winner of the other semi-final between Ricky Walden and Barry Hawkins, but he believes it won’t be as straightforward as some people think.

“They’ve been ten different winners of tournaments this season so it’s not a surprise to see Barry and Ricky doing well. Anyone can beat anyone these days as they’re all playing so much snooker.”

The first session of the final will take place at 2pm on Sunday with the first to 18 frames picking up the trophy and £250,000.

With both players finally appearing to look comfortable in their previously uncharted surroundings, the match lifted off.

Walden won the first frame before stealing the 18th on the final black. Hawkins was in first with a 62 – that his first break over 50 in the match – before Walden came fighting back to nick the frame by one point.

That blow didn’t appear to hurt the man from Kent as he stormed back with a well crafted 114 in the next to trail 11-8.

A 78 from Walden in frame 20 saw him go into the interval with his four frame advantage restored.

Prior to this session, the match had been a scrappy affair but the breaks were now flowing. Hawkins made his second century of the session, this time a brilliant 104 in the first frame after the interval.

Frame 22 was a real war of attrition, a 56 minute battle which was crucially pinched by Hawkins after potting a long final pink and then black to close to within two.

Hawkins was in again first in the next but broke down on 43 after missing an easy pink in the middle pocket but Walden failed to capitalise and his lead was down to one.

A clearly confident Hawkins also took the last frame of the session with a steady 66 to level this best of 33 encounter and set up a thrilling final session.

They will play to a finish at 7pm tonight. Whoever reaches the final is also guaranteed the biggest payday of their career, with £125,000 on offer for the runner up and £250,000 for the winner.

The defending champion was handed a warning by referee Michaela Tabb after appearing to make an obscene gesture with his cue whilst Trump was in amongst the balls.

On the table, O’Sullivan started the evening session in fine fettle, winning the first with breaks of 28 and 51 before taking a close next on the final black to open up a four frame lead for the first time.

Trump responded in style in the next with a brilliant 117 break before O’Sullivan hit back with a 62 to regain his four frame advantage.

The Bristolian was in first in frame 21 but could only make 32 before O’Sullivan responded and eventually took the frame after his 23-year-old opponent left the final blue to move five clear.

O’Sullivan had the first chance in the next but could only make 24 before missing a black; that left Trump in amongst the balls and he duly sealed the frame with a well controlled break of 60, with the 2011 finalist showing his array of long potting and sublime cue ball control.

Michaela Tabb

The penultimate frame of the evening was also the most controversial. O’Sullivan was warned by Tabb after appearing to rub his cue between his legs in an inappropriate manner whilst his opponent was at the table. The Rocket responded by saying his cue was ‘sticky’.

That incident appeared to throw the four-time Champion and more controversy followed. After the balls were scrappy, O’Sullivan asked for a re-rack but his opponent refused. He was heard muttering ‘this is painful’ and ‘I wanna go home”. A Trump error allowed O’Sullivan back in amongst the balls and when he required the long rest, an exchange occurred between Tabb and O’Sullivan with The Rocket seemingly suggesting that he was given the wrong piece of equipment. The disagreement looked to have rattled O’Sullivan as a missed blue allowed Trump in to reduce his arrears to three.

O’Sullivan left the arena to compose himself after the frame and that appeared to do the trick. He had the first opportunity in the final frame of the session and knocked in a classy break of 89 to move to within three of victory.

They will play the concluding session tomorrow at 2.30pm. First to 17 will reach the World Championship Final.

 by Imran Sidat, The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

In a pulsating contest between two of the games most exciting players, a nervy opening four frames were shared. The tension was clearly visible in the early exchanges with both players looking edgy in this heavyweight clash knowing they would be an overwhelming favourite for the title in the final.

O’Sullivan upped his game after the interval winning three frames on the bounce including a classy 93 break in frame 14. It was Trump though who won the final frame of the session – without question the biggest of the match so far – to reduce his arrears to just two instead of four.

Trump had the first chance in the opener, but missed a pink to the middle on 27 to let O’Sullivan in to clear with an effortless 90.

The middle pocket curse continued for Trump in the next as he missed a red on 35 but it didn’t prove to be costly this time as the 23-year-old took his second chance to level the match at 5-5.

Both players had chances in frame 11 before a superbly executed snooker from O’Sullivan proved to be the difference as Trump failed to get safe with two reds remaining.

Another tense frame followed and it was Trump who needed two chances again after a break of 41 to come through and go into the interval all square.

Trump was in first again in frame 13 but missed an easy pink to the corner allowing O’Sullivan in to make 51 before Trump’s poor safety on the green saw the defending Champion move ahead again.

O’Sullivans highest break of the session came in frame 14, an elegant 93 break after Trump had missed a straight-forward looking red.

The Rocket, who has never been behind at any stage in the tournament so far, continued that run in the next with a break of 60 after Trump’s attempt at a long red left him in to move 9-7 ahead.

The final frame of the session was also the most gripping. Trump was in first with 41 but after missing a mid-distance red, O’Sullivan failed to capitalise by only making 44, before a colossal safety bout followed on the colours. It looked like the defending Champion would open up a four frame lead but missed two opportunities on the green allowing the Bristolian in to claim what could prove to be a pivotal frame.

They resume at 7pm tonight.

With both players experiencing the Crucible one table situation for the first time, it was Walden who settled quicker, winning the opening two frames with breaks of 91 and 105.

Hawkins won the next but a break of 60 from the Chester potter saw him go into the interval 3-1 ahead.

He continued his good form as a stylish 119 in frame six saw him move 4-2 in front. Hawkins was 47 points up in frame seven, but Walden stormed back to steal it before also taking the final frame of the session to open up a four frame lead.

Hawkins, who said he would be ‘bricking it’ ahead of his first semi-final appearance, certainly looked like a man who was feeling the nerves in what is the biggest match of his career to date. His highest break of the session was just 36 and the Kent cue man will need to show the form that has seen him dump out Mark Selby and Ding Junhui if he is to stage a fight back.

They will resume tomorrow at 2.30pm.

By Imran Sidat, The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield.

After announcing plans to retire yesterday, O’Sullivan started the better, taking a 3-1 lead into the interval – aided by breaks of 65 and 75.

He also took the next frame with a break of 89, before Trump finally shook off a slow start to win the next three to level the match.

Trump appeared to be struggling with all aspects of his game in the early exchanges but showed more composure after the interval, including some exquisite long pots and decisive safety to ensure honours were even.
After a cagey start, it was O’Sullivan who won a tense opening frame with a break of 65. A dramatic second went to a re-spotted black, with both players having chances to secure the frame. It was Trump who took it though after O’Sullivan missed a long distance cut to leave the World Number Three a mid distance chance, which he duly converted.

O’Sullivan, who has seen his ranking drop to 28 after a year away from the game, should have won frame seven after getting in first to make 56, but Trump fought back with the aid of a tough snooker to steal the frame.

The defending champion had the first chance in the final frame of the session too but ran out of position on 40.

Trump’s impressive safety was again on show as he was let back in to take the frame with a composed 72.

Trump will no doubt be the happier of the two players after his poor start, but this contest in finely poised ahead of tomorrow’s second session.

They will resume at 10am, 17 frames the target for a place in the World Final.

Ronnie O’Sullivan

Ronnie O’Sullivan booked a place in his tenth World Championship semi-final and then said he plans to quit the game for good, possibly at the end of this year’s tournament.

Despite announcing a comeback in February after taking a year away from snooker, and previously stating that he would like to be a World Champion in his 40s, the Rocket revealed in his post-match press conference that he may play ten events next season because of a contract agreement with his sponsors but will definitely not be returning to play at The Crucible again.

“I thought I missed snooker but coming back has showed me that I don’t. I was just bored and needed something to do. I realised that it’s not for me and I can’t put my heart and soul into it. I can’t keep being unhappy, it’s not healthy.”

“I needed the money to pay for my kids’ school fees and now I’ve earned a little bit, I’m trying to find something else to do.”

Many will feel it is yet another in a long line of threats from the 37-year-old and massively contradicts his pre-tournament statements. The fact remains however, that O’Sullivan is snooker’s most unpredictable character.

Despite his plans to quit, the four-time Champion said he will still be going all out to win the title this year after cruising past Stuart Bingham 13-4 in his quarter-final.

“I’ll be trying my guts off to win it again because I’m a competitor. Judd’s a fantastic player and I think some of the coverage he gets is unfair because we practice at the same club and he’s in every day working hard.”

“When I’ve played him in the past, I’ve seen his shot selection change when put under pressure. He’s a top player but he’s certainly not a Stephen Hendry or a John Higgins.”

The two, regarded by many as the most exciting players in the game, will square off tomorrow afternoon in the best off 33 encounter.

In the nights other quarter-final, Ricky Walden won the three frames he required against Michael White in double quick time to book a place in his first Crucible semi-final.

The former Shanghai Masters Champion won a key opener on the final black to move 11-6 ahead before easing to victory.

He’ll face Barry Hawkins in the semi-final and he believes the match will be too close to call.

“Firstly, I’m absolutely thrilled to be in the semis, I think my experienced certainly helped but it wasn’t the decisive factor.

“It’s going to be very tough game against Barry, we’ve both worked hard to get here and on our day either of us can beat anyone in the world.”

The 23-year-old had trailed 8-3 at one point, but fought back to lead 9-8, before winning a tense 53 minute deciding frame.

In a high quality final session, it was perhaps Trump’s superior safety which saw him edge the 2005 Crucible champion, although his well renowned devastating long game appeared to be returning.

The win sees Trump return to the one-table situation for the first time since his brilliant run to the final in 2011.

Shaun Murphy

Breaks of 128 and 77 from Murphy saw him regain the lead before Trump levelled proceedings with his own 77 to go into the interval all square.

Frame 22 was a contender for the best of the tournament, with both players having chances to win but it was Murphy who took it on the black to square the match at 11 all, a clenched fist to his camp summed up his delight.

That blow didn’t seem to deter Trump as he came firing back with a stylish 90 to edge ahead once again. More like boxers trading punches, Murphy hit straight back with a fantastic 88 to force a decider.

The tension was clearly visible in a nail-biting 53-minute deciding frame, which was interrupted three times by phones ringing in the Crucible Theatre. With both players having chances in a scrappy frame with the balls awkward, it was Trump who eventually prevailed after some excellent safety left Murphy in trouble.

Despite being on the end of an agonising defeat, Murphy said it will be a match to remember for him.

“I am very disappointed but it’s one of the best matches I’ve ever been involved in and I was proud of the way I played.”

Trump meanwhile, says he has proved some of his pre-tournament critics wrong with his display this afternoon.

“A lot of people wrote me off before the tournament, saying I wasn’t focussed on my snooker but I believe in myself.”

With Ronnie O’Sullivan only requiring one more frame for victory against Stuart Bingham, it sets up the possibility of a mouth-watering semi-final between two of the games most exciting players. When questioned about his thoughts on facing O’Sullivan, Trump said he will have nothing to fear against the tournament favourite.

“A lot of the players are scared of Ronnie, but I’m one of the few who have the belief to beat him. I think he’s had a fairly easy route through so far and I’ve got a better head to head record against him so I’ll be confident.”

“I’ll have to try and get in front of him and I believe my best form is just as good as his. He does have that air of invincibility but I’ll just have to crack that.”

In the other match, Ricky Walden leads Welshman Michael White 10-6. They play to a finish at 7pm.

After beating World Number One Mark Selby in the previous round, a clearly confident Hawkins won the first four frames of the session to end Ding’s hopes of becoming the first World Champion from Asia.

Leading 9-7, Hawkins won a scrappy opening frame before a break of 64 in the next saw him move 11-7 ahead.

Frame 19 was possibly the final nail in the coffin for Ding as Hawkins fluked a frame ball pink to move to within one of victory.

He duly completed the win in the next aided by a break of 60 to book a meeting with the winner of the match between Ricky Walden and Michael White.

The Australian Open Champion described his victory as ‘a dream come true’ and admitted he would be ‘bricking it’ as he walks into the Crucible for the one table situation for the first time.

“I’m speechless; it hasn’t really sunk in yet. It just means everything to me, I’ve got the self-belief now to go on and win matches.”

Hawkins was also full of praise for the work he has done with former World Champion Terry Griffiths.

Ding, however, a heavy favourite to come through from the bottom half of the draw, blamed fatigue and a lack of sleep for his below par performance this morning.

He also revealed he would be looking to hire a coach for next season to help him with certain aspects of his game.

“I have nobody to help me at the moment, I am on my own. Maybe I need a champion to help me,” he said.

In the morning’s other quarter final, Ronnie O’Sullivan is on the brink of his tenth Crucible semi as he holds a 12-4 lead over Basildon’s Stuart Bingham.

The defending Champion looked set to win the match with a session to spare as he raced into a 12-1 lead but Bingham showed his fighting qualities to win the last three frames of the session to ensure a finish tonight.

O’Sullivan made a blistering start this morning, including a sublime array of long pots to show that aspect of his game is still intact.

If as expected, O’Sullivan completes victory tonight, he will meet the winner of the match between Judd Trump and Shaun Murphy in the semi-finals, starting tomorrow.

By Imran Sidat, Crucible Theatre, Sheffield.

Judd Trump

Judd Trump produced a stirring fight back to come from 8-3 down to level an engrossing quarter-final at 8-8 against Shaun Murphy at The Crucible.

The 23-year-old from Bristol looked like he was heading for a heavy defeat as Murphy pulled five clear, but he found form after the interval to reel off five consecutive frames.

The break appeared to do Trump the world of good as he came out a player rejuvenated; forcing errors from a previously confident Murphy.

Trump has shown glimpses of the audacious long potting and break building which took him to the final in 2011, including a sublime 118 break in frame 14.

With a potential semi-final with Ronnie O’Sullivan looking likely for the victor, tomorrow’s final session will see both players looking to reach the one table situation at The Crucible once again.

Elsewhere, Ding Junhui also faces a battle to keep his World Championship hopes alive after falling 9-7 behind to Kent’s Barry Hawkins.

After resuming tonight at 5-3, Hawkins went into the interval leading 8-4 before Ding fought back with breaks of 58 and 72 in the final frame to reduce his arrears to two frames.

With the pressure of a nation on his shoulders, Ding was an overwhelming favourite pre-match to reach his first final after the exits of several big names in the bottom half of the draw, but he faces a big challenge against the tough match-play snooker of Hawkins.

They will play to a conclusion at 10am whilst Trump and Murphy will finish at 2.30pm on Wednesday.

By Imran Sidat, Crucible Theatre, Sheffield.

A stunning start from the defending champion saw him race into a 4-0 lead at the interval including a brilliant 111 break.

The 37-year-old maintained his scintillating form and high scoring after the interval with breaks of 87, 78 and a breathtaking 133 clearance in frame six to lead 7-0.

Bingham managed to win the last frame to avoid a session whitewash but he is in danger of losing the match with a session to spare.

In total seven breaks of 50 or above for the four-time Champion who showed that despite a year away from the game he is still the man to beat at this year’s tournament.

‘The Rocket’ is aiming to become the first man to successfully defend the title since 1996 when Stephen Hendry achieved the feat. On this form it is clear why he is favourite with the bookmakers to win a fifth World crown.

Despite many observers believing O’Sullivan would struggle due to a lack of match practice, his impressive form led the man he beat in the second round – Ali Carter – to suggest that ‘he will go on to win it if his head doesn’t fall off.’

In the other match Ricky Walden leads Crucible debutant Michael White 6-2.

Walden stormed into 4-0 lead at the interval but his 21-year-old opponent fought back to trail 4-2. Frame seven could prove to be a big one in the context of the match after Walden stole it on the black. A 113 break in the final frame of the session saw the former Shanghai Masters Champion open up a four frame advantage going into tomorrow’s concluding sessions.

The man from Chester will be aiming to reach his first Crucible semi-final while White will be hoping to become the first ever Crucible debutant to make the same stage.

They will resume at 10am on Wednesday morning.

By Imran Sidat, The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield.

Shaun Murphy

Shaun Murphy has opened up a commanding 6-2 lead over an out of sorts Judd Trump after the first session of their Wold Championship quarter-final.

Trump won a scrappy first frame but Murphy stormed back to win the next five before the final two frames of the sessions were shared.

Perhaps the turning point came in frame five when Trump missed a tricky frame ball pink into the middle pocket allowing Murphy to come back and steal the frame to move 4-1 ahead.

Murphy, in search of his second world title, punished his 23-year-old opponent as five breaks of 50 or above showed his scoring prowess.

Elsewhere, Barry Hawkins has moved into a 5-3 lead over China’s Ding Junhui.

Hawkins, fresh from a confidence boosting win over World Number One Mark Selby in the second round, took the opening two frames before Ding hit back to win the next three. The World Number 14 then showed his fighting qualities to win the final three frames of the session to open up a two frame advantage.

After the exits of Selby, Neil Robertson and Mark Allen, Junhui is the clear favourite to make the final in the bottom half of the draw as he looks to become the first World Champion from China.

Both matches resume at 7pm tonight.

By Imran Sidat, The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield.

Jan Verhaas

It is great bringing Snooker to new and old territories but is a flat 128 the right format? in countries where Snooker is not as popular as in The UK and China you need to be giving them the elite, not the mediocre and the unheard of.  If we look back a few year to The World Series of Snooker which was very popular for the few events they did stage this could be the format of success (Well maybe will a few more players)

It has been rumoured that The Premier League Snooker will no longer he broadcast on SKY TV anymore so instead of dropping a PTC on a new territories doorstep why not take PLS on a European tour.

It is no secret that I am not a fan of The PTC’s I think that all they have done is served as a means to drain money from the grass routes of the sport and into World Snooker’s pocket, of course World Snooker want bums on seats at these events but remember they make money if it is packed out or just a few people turn up that is what sponsorship money is all about, I think eventually The PTC events wil only serve to dilute the sport in markets where major events could be successful.