Get Carter
So, week two began with new cloths and fresh twists. To be fair to those players who are complaining, there does seem to be some strange things going on with both the bounce and the nap. Having said that, at least the Higgins – O’Brien match resumed with far less unpredictable table behavior. We got to see the ’98 World Champion take on awesome form, scoring breaks of 98, 84,100 and equaling Ken’s top break of 135.
I expect today will see him finish off O’Brien, depending on the weather of course. It’s just so warm in Costa-del-Sheffield. That Crucible air conditioning has to be cranked up and it’s causing no end of problems…
Please.
Ronnie also began to motor ahead against an inconsistent Neil Robertson. I for one am slightly disappointed by how this match is unfolding. It promised to be a cracking draw, but the Australian is by no means playing his best. He missed numerous easy pots, gifting the Rocket to a 6-2 lead. Hopefully, today might see a fight-back. Ronnie needs a game!
And so to that cue. The tapered design that’s supposed to aid control just could be Stephen Hendy’s Achilles heel. I know much has been said about his decision to pick up a brand new tool before this tournament, and both Stephen and coach Terry Griffiths seem unwilling to blame this for his bad form – good on you fellas.
But if you ask me, (go on…) the essential shots he missed were a direct result of his unfamiliarity with the new cue. Still, a good sportsman never blames his tools, and you have to give it to the Captain. Carter’s game looked uncompromising and he’s fast becoming a serious contender. Could it be a Rocket-Captain final?
As for Ebbo, he battled it out with the impressive Mark Selby to finish 4 a piece. Before the tournament, Peter was spotted practicing and apparently, casually racked up 8 maximums in a week. He’ll certainly need to find this kind of form for the real deal if he wants to open up a lead against Mark.
Finally, little random teaser for you. Which popular old-timer once said:
‘Take everything I’ve got including the wife, but leave my cue behind’?
He’ll have your blood if you don’t know!
