So as the Masters reaches the penultimate stage of the semifinals, four contenders remain to contest for the Waterford Crystal. Which one has the courage and determination to reach the winning line?
An obvious candidate is Ronnie O’Sullivan. This man has won more Masters titles than any other candidate. The once volatile player has now mastered his all round game and banished his mental demons with the help of his sport’s psychologist, Steve Peters. A person who knows this venue inside out and who is able to rally the London audience.
His opponent, Ding Junhui, learnt his craft in China but in his early career lacked belief. The famous scenes at the Masters when he lost to Ronnie stand out. Ding broke down in tears at the end of the match and Ronnie comforted him, holding and kissing his opponent in the jaws of defeat. A player who has risen from that dark place and become a nurtured cues man
On the other side of the draw is Judd Trump. Trump, who was able to play the game at a very early age, has risen through the rankings, narrowly missing out on the World Championship to John Higgins and then claiming victory in the Shanghai Masters and UK Championship. He plays “naughty snooker”, a brand that reminds me of Alex Higgins and Jimmy White. However his Achilles’ heel is confidence. A weakness that any opponent should pounce upon.
The final contender is Neil Robertson. The Australian who came to England with a suitcase and £200, carries on the Australian mantle of Eddie Charlton. A quiet and often reserved family man who once had a computer game addiction turns into a fiery beast on the table. Like Peter Ebdon, he is very vocal in a pressurised match. A dangerous man who never gives up until the last ball is potted in a match.
My prediction is that Ronnie O’Sullivan will play Judd Trump in Sunday’s final. A brave forecast but having watched snooker for so many years, this seems the likely outcome.