Following the resounding success of my Second round predictions (3/8) I've decided to get out the crystal ball again and have a go at the Quarter Finals.
Stephen Hendry v Stephen Maguire
The one thing we are guaranteed is that Scotland will be represented in the semi finals as these two greats from north of the border do battle in the first of the quarters.It's hard to imagine now but Hendry came very close to retiring from snooker when he was beaten in last years championship and lost his top 16 place.He has knuckled down in the qualifiers though and having followed up his 147 in the first round with victory over defending World Champion John Higgins he'll be quietly fancying his chances of lifting an eight World. title.Maguire on the other hand has been Mr consistent reaching five Quarter final since christmas.He played very well in his match against Joe Perry and and I expect he might have have to much for Hendry in the scoring department in this one.Winner Stephen Maguire
Jamie Jones v Ali Carter
I think it's fair to say no one would have predicted this one at the start of the tournament but both these players are here on merit and we could be in for another very close finish.Jones has been a revelation on his Crucible debut and showed no signs of fear in victories over 2005 winner Shawn Murphy and Andrew Higginson.Carter showed plenty of fighting spirit of his own in his comeback victory over Judd Trump and the 2008 runner up will probably start a slight favourite.I agree with this assessment and go for a Carter win possibly in .a decider. Winner Ali Carter
Ronnie O Sullivan v Neil Robertson
This is without doubt the tie of the round and pitches arguably the players of the tournament so far against each other.Both players have been in played superbly at times this week and this could really be a classic if both players play up to form.We all know what Ronnie is capable of when he is a good frame of mind and that seems to be the case this week,.Neil is also seemingly in a good place at the moment and has a determination to rectify the mistakes he felt he made last year when he lost in the first round as defending champion.This match really has the feeling of a final about it and whoever the winner is will take some stopping as the tournament progresses. I expect it to be a fascinating three sessions of snooker with maybe Ronnie edging it Winner Ronnie O Sullivan
Ryan Day v Matthew Stevens
Just as the top match guarantees a Scotaman in the semi's this one guarantees wales will be represented as these two friends and practice partners face off against each other.Day has recaptured the form that had him in the world top 8 a few seasons ago and was clinical in his finishing off of his second round match with Cao Yupeng.Stevens as well has enjoyed a welcome return to form and fully deserves his place in the quarter finals at the venue he has twice been a finalist. It is this experience I feel might be the difference and I go for a Stevens victory. Winner Matthew Stevens
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