John Higgins v Ali Carter
It’s been an incredible return to form for the Wizard of Wishaw at the age of 40, after a few years without winning he described himself as a "journeyman" pro, but with three ranking events in 2015 he is again one of the feared players. After a tough few years Ali Carter is slowly returning to the form that made him a top 10 player and a two time Crucible runner up. The Paul Hunter Classic win that earned his qualification has been the one bright spot in a disappointing campaign so far.
After yesterday’s shocks it highlights at this level anything can happen in a best of 7. John Higgins should win this match given his recent form, he’s played the most high pressure matches of the season and invariably he’s won them, however he’s been playing nonstop snooker across the globe for the last 5 weeks so there could be a case for fatigue.
Higgins 4-2
Joe Perry v Michael White
This looks like one of the matches of the first round. Joe Perry played well in the International Championships before eventually falling to the winner John Higgins. Michael White has been one of the most promising prospects on the tour for a number of years and after his breakthrough last season he is going to start tasting the big time tournaments such as this and the Masters on a regularly occasion. However this will be his first big one table situation and I can see Joe Perry just getting over the line in a tightly fought high quality match.
Perry 4-3 White
It’s been an incredible return to form for the Wizard of Wishaw at the age of 40, after a few years without winning he described himself as a "journeyman" pro, but with three ranking events in 2015 he is again one of the feared players. After a tough few years Ali Carter is slowly returning to the form that made him a top 10 player and a two time Crucible runner up. The Paul Hunter Classic win that earned his qualification has been the one bright spot in a disappointing campaign so far.
After yesterday’s shocks it highlights at this level anything can happen in a best of 7. John Higgins should win this match given his recent form, he’s played the most high pressure matches of the season and invariably he’s won them, however he’s been playing nonstop snooker across the globe for the last 5 weeks so there could be a case for fatigue.
Higgins 4-2
Joe Perry v Michael White
This looks like one of the matches of the first round. Joe Perry played well in the International Championships before eventually falling to the winner John Higgins. Michael White has been one of the most promising prospects on the tour for a number of years and after his breakthrough last season he is going to start tasting the big time tournaments such as this and the Masters on a regularly occasion. However this will be his first big one table situation and I can see Joe Perry just getting over the line in a tightly fought high quality match.
Perry 4-3 White