World Snooker Championship 2011 Preview - (Part 2)
Continued from Part 1
Stephen Hendry vs. Joe Perry
This is one of the most difficult matches to call but the seven-time world champion is undoubtedly going to be the strong favourite. The King of Crucible, Stephen Hendry, is known as the best player ever to walk around the table. However, Joe Perry has also
said that he is confident. Hendry would be happy with the draw as he hasn’t been handed too difficult a match in the opening round.
Mark Selby vs. Jimmy Robertson
Two-time Master Champion and former world championship runner-up, Mark Selby, shouldn’t have too many problems in his first round match against Jimmy Robertson. However, Selby will have to be on top of his game right from the start, otherwise things could
get twitchy. Robertson qualified after knocking out the former 1997 world champion, Ken Doherty, and has nothing to lose going into the game.
Mark Williams vs. Ryan Day
This is one of the standout matches of the last 32. Both players are close friends off the table and are in very good form. They won’t be happy with the draw but this all-Welsh battle is surely going to be a crowd puller. Two-time world champion Mark Williams
could regain his number one spot by the end of the season, if he wins this contest.
Jamie Cope vs. Andrew Pagett
The 28-year-old Welshman Andrew Pagett, who will be making his Crucible debut, will be pleased with a match against Jamie Cope. Cope is known for his attacking game around the world. He certainly has the ability to score heavily but he is also known to miss
chances as well. So he could be a good opponent for the newcomer, as all the players in the top 16 are tough to beat.
Mark Allen vs. Matthew Stevens
This one is yet another mouth-watering match of the last 32. Both players are in excellent form and have the potential to go all the way. It is hard to predict a winner but whoever goes through will definitely take a lot of confidence into the next round.
Stephen Maguire vs. Barry Hawkins
This is another match between two extremely close friends. Hawkins is going to play at the Crucible Theatre for the sixth consecutive year while Maguire, who is trying to make it to the semi-final for the first time since 2007, will put in his best effort.
Shaun Murphy vs. Marcus Campbell
The Magician, Shaun Murphy, is the clear favourite in this match. He recently won the first Players Tour Championship (PTC) Grand Finals and is a player who could claim the World title as well. However, Campbell has also had a good season, so it’s not going
to be easy for Murphy.
Ronnie O’Sullivan vs. Dominic Dale
The Rocket, Ronnie O’Sullivan, is a player who is capable of winning the championship but his form has been very erratic of late. Similarly, Dale also has the potential to beat anyone when he is in form. So the three-time world champion, O’Sullivan, will
have to be at the top of his game to see off his opponent.
Rickey Walden vs. Rory McLeod
This is yet another unpredictable match of the first round. It’s difficult to say who will win but Rory McLeod will be quite confident after he produced an outstanding game in the qualifiers to beat the likes of Dermot McGlinchey, Joe Swail, Kyren Wilson
and Mark Davis.
John Higgins vs. Stephen Lee
The final match of the last 32 is of utmost importance. The current world number one snooker player, John Higgins, has been handed a tough match in the opening round. It is going to be a mouth-watering repeat of the pair's first round clash at the UK championship.
Higgins has been invincible since his return, while Lee is also one of the best in the top 16.
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