John Higgins says Rory McLeod has been unfairly criticised: World Snooker Championship 2011
World number one John Higgins, who is preparing himself for the second round clash of the World Snooker Championship 2011 against Rory McLeod on Sunday, has said that McLeod has been unfairly criticised for his playing style.
The 35-year-old cruised past Stephen Lee in their first-round clash with a convincing score of 10-5.
Higgins, also called the Wizard of Wishaw, came under pressure for a short while when Lee grabbed the scrappy first frame with 34-77 to take 0-1 lead in the first session of the match. However, he held his nerves and came back swiftly with some extraordinary
shots.
The North Lanarkshire cueman Higgins pocketed some outstanding knocks, including three century clearances of 132, 101 and 131, to take a three-frame lead over Lee with 6-3 at the end of the first session. Lee failed to unsettle his opponent as he could clinch
only three frames at 34-77, 1-84, 46-78 and sat on his chair for the rest of the session to watch the Scotsman clearing the table brilliantly.
The Scottish ace Higgins opened the second session with a superb century clearance of 124 to clinch the scrappy 10th frame with one visit and extend his lead to 7-3. On the other hand, the Englishman Lee grabbed only two frames in the session
after potting a fine century break of 101 in the 12th frame to move two frames up at 8-5.
The former three-time world champion took the victory with back-to-back frame wins after a couple of fine breaks of 74 and 81 to book his second-round clash against Rory McLeod on Sunday at the Crucible.
The 40-year-old Rory was accused by his first-round opponent Ricky Walden that he was ‘painful’ during the match. However, McLeod defeated Walden 10-6 in the match.
Higgins commented about McLeod’s playing style, “He's maybe been unfairly criticised. There was lots of tension from Rory because he knew the TV cameras were on him and he wanted to do himself justice. I'm expecting Rory to come out and play a lot better
in his second match. I can't afford to think it's an easy match because it's certainly not that.”
He said about his strategy in the game against McLeod, “I’m just going to be worried about the speed I’m going around the table, that’s all you’re in control of. If you can play well and keep the other guy off the table, the match can go pretty smoothly.
But if the other guy is playing well, and he’s a slower player, it’s going to take a bit longer. I’ve got no worries now.”
Higgins was happy at his Crucible return after the controversy of bribery he faced last year. Although the charges were dropped but he had to face a six-month ban for bringing the sport into a controversy and failing to report the authorities about a suspicious
breach.
When he was asked if he was surprised to be back at the Crucible, he said ‘No’. When he entered the arena, the crowed gave him a cheerful warm welcome and Higgins thanked them all after the match.
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