There are so many contenders for this year's Crucible crown - but who will deliver the goods...?
OnCue takes a look at the main title chasers and looks at both sides of the argument. Why could they win the world title, and why might they miss out?
RONNIE O'SULLIVAN
Why he could win the World Championship...
He often thrives under the pressure of a challenge. This is right up there with his biggest. He will be the freshest player at the tournament and has the natural ability to find top gear almost instantaneously.
Why he could miss out...
He's played just one PTC match all season. He could be rusty and may have lost ground on his main rivals.
MARK SELBY
Why he could win the World Championship...
It's his time. Selby has won both the UK Championship and Masters this season. He's risen to the challenge of the BBC events and could be motivated by the chance to become only the fourth player to claim a triple crown. He's a true big match player.
Why he could miss out...
The world rankings say he is the man to beat. His position as world number one could weigh heavy on his shoulders. You cannot dispute his desire, but will he want it too much?
NEIL ROBERTSON
Why he could win the World Championship...
He's been there and won it before. He knows he can go the distance and is one of the the best all-rounders: a terrifying long potter, a heavy scorer, an astute tactician and rock solid under pressure.
Why he could miss out...
In developing into a more rounded player, he sometimes has the tendency to play too negatively. He is better when he's on the attack and sometimes bogs himself down.
JUDD TRUMP
Why he could win the World Championship...
He still plays fearless snooker. He's like a steam train when he gets going, potting every ball in sight. He looks like he's learnt plenty of lessons from his defeats this season and is maturing nicely. He likes to put on a show. If he starts well, the whole crowd will get behind him.
Why he could miss out...
The battle wounds of this season's action could take effect. He's struggled for form in the last two BBC events. It could be in the back of his mind. He wants this title badly. After coming so close in 2011 and being another year older, he could snatch at his chance.
JOHN HIGGINS
Why he could win the World Championship...
He knows exactly what it takes. He has won the World Championship four times and can intimidate his opponents with reputation alone. He knows how to win matches in any kind of form. He can mix great safety with attacking intent. He plays the percentage game and almost always plays the right shot.
Why he could miss out...
Lack of rhythm. Higgins has been very inconsistent this year. His results and performances have fluctuated. He doesn't arrive at the tournament in full flow.
DING JUNHUI
Why he could win the World Championship...
He is one of the best break builders around. On song, he looks unplayable. He flicks into gear and motors on with his faultless technique.
Why he could miss out...
He has often struggled with the pressures of playing at the Crucible. When he is tested mentally, he has been known to wilt. He hasn't proved he can survive the length of test this event requires.
SHAUN MURPHY
Why he could win the World Championship...
He produces his best when he goes out on the attack. He can rattle off frames quickly when he's full of confidence and his gameplan pays off. He's one of the hardest working players around. He'll be ultra prepared and knows what it's like to the win the big titles, so never lacks motivation.
Why he could miss out...
He's been a nearly man this season. His consistency has been superb but has he lost too many matches at the business end of events? His tactical game sometimes comes up just short against the very best players in the world.
MARK ALLEN
Why he could win the World Championship...
He has unbelievable self belief. He has all the attacking talent and a massive heart for the battle. He'll give every ounce he has towards the fight and has played very well this season.
Why he could miss out...
He can struggle with life away from home. He could find it difficult when he's not playing his matches. He needs to find a way to keep up his stamina to stay level headed.
MARK WILLIAMS
Why he could win the World Championship...
He could switch on to float mode and wipe out anyone. He has won two world titles in the past and doesn't expect another. He won't be putting too much pressure on himself and can be dangerous if he enjoys himself.
Why he could miss out...
He's lost a lot of form this season. It's been a while since his last real commanding performance. Some of his self belief has gone missing.
ALI CARTER
Why he could win the World Championship...
He will gear himself up for a battle. He doesn't care if he's not given the tag of a favourite. He often saves his best for the Crucible and will never give in.
Why he could miss out...
There are more fluent players bidding for the title. Although he is a very strong player, he may run out of steam if too many of his matches go tight.
STEPHEN MAGUIRE
Why he could win the World Championship...
His recent capture of the Welsh Open title has got him back in the winners' circle. He's found the taste for silverware again and will want more. He has lost out in two World Championship semi-finals now and should be ready to build on his previous experiences once the tournament reduces to one table.
Why he could miss out...
He sometimes struggles to keep his temperament in line. He is very critical of himself and can quickly become frustrated if he's not playing his best.
Hi Gary, been reading blog for a while now and think you've made some good points. Just want to add my two cents where I differ in opinion.
ReplyDeleteJudd: A big part of Judd's game is cowing his opponent into submission out of fear of his awesome potting and breakbuilding. The only problem is that his positional play deteriorates under pressure, and it's hard to have that fear factor if you can make 30s and play safe, especially if you open the balls early like Judd.
Selby: The only thing I want to add is stamina. While Selby can play hard gritty matchplay, that type of game can really take it out of you. If he makes it to the semis or final after a few hard games, he could be exhausted like Robertson and Dott were in 2010.
Higgins: Very dangerous player at the Crucible. The way he plays, he doesn't to play well all throughout. His game seems to be damage control for most sessions, and then he'll have one session where he plays well and just hold onto his lead. He went 11-5 up on Doherty and Murphy and 12-4 up on Selby. And then when he went in front of Judd it was all over...
Murphy: I think his greatest strength, his self belief, is also a weakness, as he can be so sure of his abilities, he'll take on a difficult long ball when he shouldn't and then get punished for it.
Allen: He can beat anyone on his day, but I think his problem is that he's generally not very successful in beating a string of top players in succession. He might beat Ding, but Ding, then Selby, then Robertson/Maguire, one after the other?
Williams: Could just be age catching with up. Plus there's something about getting older where players aren't as good as handling pressure anymore. I doubt Williams in his prime would be bothered the week after losing to Higgins in that UK final, but in 2011 semi, it seemed to affect at the end. I think he's finally taken enough hits from the game that mental scars are forming...
Carter: I think can have another run, but either someone has to knock out Ronnie and Higgins, who he seems to have a mental block against. He seems to play better in the UK, possibly because it's easier to control his diet and less travel to aggravate his Crohn's?
Hoping that you will keep up the good work, and I'll try to comment more during the World's. Seems a shame a blog as good as this gets so few comments.