Come On Mark!

When I said bring it on, I meant both players.

It might be true that Leicester is home to the National Space Centre but compared to Mark, it’s John whose play has been out of this world. Or maybe after two gruelling weeks, Mark was running on empty and just hadn’t had the chance to re-fill for his Sunday drive.

Gabi’s Gossip has taken rather a shine to the Leicester lad throughout this tournament. But what of this young rookie - why is he still here? It’s a real shame for him to carry the overnight burden of an eight-frame deficit but let’s not forget his impressive journey so far:

Mark’s third Crucible crusade got off to the worst possible start, losing the first five frames to Farmer Lee. But he turned it around and fierce play led to his 10-7 victory. In the second round, he excelled and became the third player to make five centuries in a 25-frame match. Of course, in doing so he defeated world number seven Peter Ebdon and that’s when the world of snooker really began to take notice.

In the quarter final, he met Captain Carter, a clash which arguably attracted more attention than the Ronnie-Higgins encounter running at the same time. The focused 23-year-old showed great character and skill to keep Ali out of the semi-final – a match he then went on to snatch from former champion Shaun Murphy in the eleventh hour.

This tournament, he has proved himself four times over. We know he can play a superb game, let’s just hope he remembers that.

Apart from the play, there were many other activities to attract snooker fans. Lucky lunchtime visitors to Cuezone had the opportunity to watch master-craftsman Steve Davis play a frame – against his son! Cuefactor blue band Greg wrestled his dad to a cool win. Steve took it very well as he ably entertained onlookers with his characteristically dry wit and ‘interesting’ charm.

Incidentally, well done Steve. It seems the soon to be 50-year-old OBE will remain in the snooker elite next year, despite losing to John in the first round. New kids on the baulk, Ryan Day and Ding Junhui are also guaranteed a Crucible appearance but Matthew Stevens, Anthony Hamilton and Barry Hawkins will need to battle it out at Pontin's.

Cuefactor’s pot idol has really taken off this week – and what better way to end than with guest judge super-suave Cliff Thorburn casting a critical eye over the Cuezone hopefuls.

Yes, that’s right folks, this smooth Canada guy is in town to add some effervescence and sparkle.

Something we need a little more of in the arena. I really hope it goes to the second session today. Those with evening tickets will feel rather short-changed otherwise. But it’s not really about that. It’s about the game. The fight. The reply.

If anything stands out for me this year, it’s the tremendous tenacity shown by those staring defeat in the face and Mark has already demonstrated his come-back strength. He may need a miraculous dose of confidence and a history-making performance but at the  Crucible you never say never…again

Back to Gabi's page