2015 Masters - The Highlights

00:10:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Eight days of wonderful snooker finished on Sunday night with Shaun Murphy getting all the glory after a pretty on-way traffic final against Neil Robertson.

But this year's Masters had a lot of splendid moments, each day the players writing another important page in the snooker's Big Book of History.

I have selected a few of the highlights of this 2015 Masters championship so I invite you to take a walk with me and re-live some of the greatest moments. Are you in?

1. Marco Fu masters 147 break 


It was the first day of the Masters and Marco Fu was in the spot-light after hitting a marvellous 147 in the match played against Stuart Bingham. He also beat his opponent with a determined 6-3 scoreline.

Marco's maximum break at the Masters puts him on a famous pedestal where only Kirk Stevens (1984) and Ding Junhui (2008) reside.

Only two players have managed to hit a prefect 147 during the history of the Masters and Fu became the third.


 2. Record making, record breaking 

It was the 2014 UK Championship when Ronnie O'Sullivan first talked about matching Stephen Hendry's record of 775 century breaks so it was really no surprise to see him actually doing it.

During the opening round of the Masters O'Sullivan took on Ricky Walden, frame six being won with a crystal clear 100 break (this was his 774th century break) while frame 10 was conquered with a 116! The record was now matched!

Sure, a fluked yellow was partly responsible for keeping the break going, but it was a victory, nonetheless.

The quarter-finals started and O'Sullivan scored from the very first frame against Marco Fu, a break of 101 setting a new record of 776 century breaks that the Englishman hopes to turn it into 1.000 in a few years.

At this moment Ronnie has 777 century breaks in his pocket, due to another 101 break made when he played against Neil Robertson in the semis, so we are still counting.


3. Green baize welcomes back Captain Carter 

After a terrible battle against lung cancer, Ali Carter returned to doing what he knows best: play tremendous snooker.

When he marched down the stairs at Alexandra Palace, the crowd gave him a standing ovation for several minutes (*goosebumps) and you could see how much it meant for him.

He was quite emotional, but still went on and won his first match in great style, beating Barry Hawkins by a merciless 6-1 scoreline.


4. Murphy fulfils Triple Crown Dream 

In recent years it’s been no bed of roses from Shaun Murphy the player struggling to re-conquer his beautiful fighting-form, but he did it.

And if a year ago he was seriously considering retiring from professional snooker, now he couldn’t be more relieved that he said pas on that thought.

After a great run, the Magician lifted the Masters crystal trophy to complete his triple crown dream (he already has a world and an UK title) and become only the 10th player in the history of snooker who owns that merit.

5. A more mature Ronnie 

Although O'Sullivan wrote history by crashing Hendry's century breaks record, the Rocket was far from his best, a fact that the player himself openly admitted.

The end of his run came in the semi-final where a ruthless Neil Robertson beat him by an unexpected 6-1 scoreline.

Just after the match, Ronnie said: “Neil played a great game and had me in lots of trouble. I missed a lot of balls and made a lot of mistakes. I knew it was coming eventually because I've been scraping through matches.”

"The last time I played good consistent stuff was here and at the Welsh Open last season. Since then I've probably only played two good matches - the rest of the time I've just been digging in. Neil played well enough to expose my weaknesses - he took me apart."

“I'm not the player I was 18 months ago, but I think I can get it back by playing in more tournaments. You can't go missing for five or six frames, as I am doing. I had years of that, and it makes things tough."

The statement comes to show how much O'Sullivan has changed (for the better) since working with Dr Steve Peters and also puts an end to the malicious rumours of some people who think he wasn’t just not in the mood for winning.


 6. Masters debut for referee Alex CriÈ™an 

This year's Masters saw a new face running around the snooker table, taking care of players and the game itself, picking up balls, saying the scoreline and keeping the audience on its best behaviour.

The Romanian referee Alex Crișan made his debut at the Masters, the first high-class tournament of his career as a referee, although he was also took part in the UK Championship (but not during the televised stages).

SML blog wishes him good luck and keep up the good work!


 7. Twitter trends - more powerful than ever 

For those who are friends of SML blog it's really no secret the fact that when a tournament is on, all the snooker media gathers on Twitter to share thoughts, inside stories, pictures, scorelines and so on.

The big family from Twitter has become more powerful than ever during latest snooker events, the players trending especially in the UK’s social media platform.

Now, that might seem like a superficial thing, but actually is not. It's bloody huge! It shows that snooker is not just watched by many, but also commentated by a lot more. And in a good way, might I add.

So if you're not on Twitter you better sign in and get in the snooker-mania family. SML is also present on Twitter, so here's a link if you wish to give me a follow. :-P

That's it peeps, a few of the grandiose moments from the 2015 Masters championship!
See you next time!


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Happy birthday Dennis Taylor

13:35:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments




One more snooker legend celebrates his birthday this month, so SML blog wishes "Happy birthday" to Dennis Taylor (66).

As we all know, Dennis won the 1985 World Championship after a tremendous comeback and a thrilling last frame. Here's how it went ...




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2015 Masters (the final) - Shaun Murphy completes Triple Crown dream

23:21:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Shaun Murphy beat world number one Neil Robertson by a tremendous 10-2 scoreline to lift this year's Dafabet Masters crystal trophy and see his dream come true - the Triple Crown. 

The Magician won the World Championship 10 years ago, in 2005 and the UK Championship back in 2008. All that was missing was the Masters, so you better tick that box Shaun my boy, for you've won it and you've won it in style.

If during the first session Murphy proved to be totally focused on his goal of crossing that finish-line and almost buried his opponent, the Australian Neil Robertson at 6-2, as the second session kicked off, more drama was to come.

A bit more aggressive, Neil started the 9th frame on a high-note but a missed blue down on 51 was cutting his chance of pulling back a frame short.

A series of safety shots exchange was in order, Murphy being the winner of that and clinching the frame to win his first frame of the evening.

What happened next was majestic: Shaun cued for a brilliant 127 break, added runs of 27 and 38 to go 9-2 up and ended with a 60 break to fulfil his long-time dream.

Gracious in defeat, although clearly devastated to lose by such a scoreline, Robertson congratulated and welcomed his opponent in the "Triple Crown Club" and admitted that although he had a good run throughout the tournament, today he just didn't "produce the goods".

An evidently emotional Murphy recalled the fact that this time last year was seriously considering to give up snooker and he's glad he didn't do it.
He lifted the glassy trophy in front of a packed audience, who cheered for him continuously, and signed autographs although the photographers were craving to take more picture with the newly crowned champion.

Murphy's victory is definitely an inspiration for any snooker player out here and opens the road to the most-waited event of the year: the World Championship. Three months from now we'll be sitting in the Crucible and Murphy is, one might add, a strong favourite for the title.

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2015 Masters (the final) - Murphy in control after first session

18:33:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

All bets are on as the 2015 Dafabet Masters final has started in a fully-packed Alexandra Palace with the likes of Neil Robertson and Shaun Murphy in the limelight.

At the end of the first session, which was quite a one-way traffic I might add, Murphy is leading the world number one by 6-2. First to 10 gets the trophy and all the glory!

The final had a pretty shaky start, but Murphy was by far the most comfortable player of the two. Runs of 64 and 45 were winning him the first two frames, while a beautiful clearance of 127 and a 76 break down on frame four, were putting him in the leading chair, at 4-0.

These were worrying times for the Australian player who seemed very nervous. Plus, Shaun didn't give him much to do around the table, so he was a stranger to the potting activity.

After the interval a marathon of misses and safety shots began, by this time Robbo being the position of not potting a single ball for 13 minutes.

However that changed quickly, but not in the Aussie's best interest, a dangerously competing Murphy hitting a 43 break to go 5-0 up. He was rock'n roll!

To Robertson's fans delight frame six featured more of their favourite player's cuing, Neil actually winning his first frame of the match with a great 80 break.


The five-frame gap was soon re-opened as Shaun hit a solid 69 frame, only to be closed again by Robbo's top break of 43 on frame eight. 

Surely we've seen comebacks from being led 6-2 down, but can Robertson make it tonight? Murphy seems dangerously determined to complete his Triple Crown, but Robbo can be ruthless when he sets his mind to it.

Don't miss the return of the players from 7pm! If comeback is on the cards, this final will definitely be a cracker!

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2015 Masters - Murphy works his magic for final spot

00:10:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

Last of the semi-finals of this year's Dafabet Masters took place tonight with a packed audience at Alexandra Palace from London and we were, once again, spoiled with some great snooker.

Shaun Murphy, although experiencing a poor start, defeated Mark Allen by a tremendous 6-2 scoreline to set the final meeting with Neil Robertson.

It's been a great few days here at Ally Pally, but as we are getting closer and closer to the finish line, every match seems more important and more dramatic than the other.

Today's semi-final (which was refereed by the Romanian Alex Crișan) started with an early mistake from the Smurf and a missed black, to which Allen replied with a great 83 and a 62 to practically fly at 2-0 up.

And when Shaun lost position on a 27 break, down on frame three after trying to go into the bunch, all odds were pointing towards Mark to extend his lead. But just after 17 points he missed a blue, due to a kick, which proved to be a real turning-point in the match.

This was Murphy's first real chance to capitalise and a break of 42 was helping him get the most-wanted first frame. Of course that the following 80 break from frame four, wasn't bad at all, the lads starting their mid-session interval all square at 2-2.

As soon as the match re-started, Murphy got in amongst the balls, a brilliant 83 break putting him in the leading chair for the first time since the beginning of the match, while breaks of 76 and 102 (his 326th century break) were taking him just one away from victory, at 5-2.

Frame eight made its debut with Allen's first pot after no less than 46 minutes, but sadly enough that gap of activity had consequences and he just managed to make a 16 break.

Murphy returned to the table for a 60 break and although kept the audience in suspense after potting the cue ball by mistake, he ended with a 6-2 final scoreline.

A tremendous display of snooker was coming to an end, while the players hugged sincerely and congratulate one another in the true spirit of sportsmanship.

So, this is it: the final is just a few hours away, Neil Robertson and Shaun Murphy re-enacting the 2012 Masters final where the last mentioned player lost by 10-6. Revenge in order?

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2015 Masters - Robertson sends Rocket home

18:17:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

The first semi-final of this year's Dafabet Masters and what a thrill it has been! The world number one, Neil Robertson crossed his cue against defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan in what ended up to be a one-way-street for the Australian and he cruised for a place in the final with a perfect 6-1 scoreline.

Neil started his journey on a high note, a great 100 clearance helping him win the opener, before Ronnie could stand a real chance at the table.

The Rocket was on a very nice 63 break, down on frame two, but unexpectedly missed a black of its sport (which was also frame ball), this proving the be a genuine turning point in the match.

Neil got out of his seat immediately and won the frame on the black with a solid 66 clearance to which he then added a scrappy third frame and a 48 break for a comfortable 3-0 lead.

But just before the interval, Ronnie was shining again: a great century break (a 101 to be more precise, which is also his 777th one) got him the first frame of the match. Sadly enough though it would soon prove to be his only frame.

Frame five handed O'Sullivan a very good chance to add more points to his poor collection, but he overstretched for a red and missed it, Neil taking advantage and winning one more frame, this time with a break of 58.

A scrappy six frame also entered into Aussie's pocket, although Ronnie had a few chances that unfortunately missed to fructify, thus the scoreline ended on 5-1 in favour of the world number one.

No less than 32 minutes passed since Ronnie's last pot, so the Englishman started the last frame at full speed. But too little table time proved to be costly for the five-time Masters champion as he failed to pot a tough yellow, this leaving Robertson with the chance to close the deal.

A break of 60 proved enough to freeze the scoreboard at 6-1. Neil Robertson is in the final!

His snooker partner will be either Shaun Murphy or Mark Allen. Don’t miss out on snooker, tonight from 7pm to find out the "snooker couple" that will play in Sunday's final!

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2015 Masters - Magician Murphy cues his way to semis

00:56:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

The last quarter-final match of this year’s Dafabet Masters proved to be a genuine cracker, Shaun Murphy and Stephen Maguire going hand in hand for a perfect exhibition of snooker.

In the end though, there can be only one winner and this time it was Murphy's turn to victory. The Englishman won by 6-4 in order to set a very interesting semi-final with Mark Allen.

Spectacular breaks of 137 (total clearance) and 67 were opening the match as Maguire was flying high at 2-0, but his opponent's response came as soon as possible under the form or breaks like 103 and 40.

This was going to be a tough one to call. The first session was ending with the players stuck at two a piece.

When returning into the arena the Scotsman put his nose back in front with a well-built break of 63 and was about to open a two-frame gap but lost position on 43, thus Murphy re-establishing the balance of the match at 3-3.

A pretty dramatic 7th frame was decided by the final black and all of the sudden Murphy was taking the lead for the first time since the beginning of the match. What a confidence boost!

But Maguire fought back and a break of 75 was making us scream "Game on!" as the scoreboard was showing 4-4.

Frame nine saw the Magician going once again in front, a perfect century break of 103 points taking him one away from victory, while runs of 33 and 30 helped him cross the line in frame 10. What a match!

Saturday the semis kick off:

1pm
Ronnie O'Sullivan v. Neil Robertson

7pm
Mark Allen v. Shaun Murphy



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2015 Masters - Allen survives the game

19:50:00 Ramona Dragomir 0 Comments

After such great displays of snooker the time came for a more peculiar way of playing the game, as Mark Allen and Joe Perry took the stage to dispute their quarter-final match.

After a long and tiring match that features two great players, but not at their best, Allen won by 6-4 to set a semi-final meeting with the winner of tonight's match: Shaun Murphy or Stephen Maguire.

The first session was very edgy, both players struggling to settle in, while the biggest break was Joe's 49 from frame two. This was actually the Englishman's response for Allen winning the opener.

More drama was served to the snooker fans during frame three which Mark won on the black, followed by the fourth one that was conquered with a quite more fluent snooker (runs of 46 and 30) for a 3-1 lead.

Nothing seemed to change after the lads returned from their mini-break, but Joe looked more determined. Hence, he scrapped his way back into the match and levelled the scoreline with a top break of 50.

Allen put his nose back in front at 4-3, but Perry pulled another special break of 67 to draw level once more. 

Although the standard of playing wasn't doing any justice to both cueists, the Northern Ireland player seemed more determined than Joe, so with runs of 55 and 36 ended the Englishman's run in the Masters and secured himself a place in Saturday's semi-final.

After the match, Allen was invited in the BBC interview-room where he joked about his performance: "I was like you (pointing to Hendry) towards the end of your career".

The last quarter-finals match will start, as usual, from 7pm. Two more great names are crossing their cues: Shaun Murphy and Stephen Maguire. Don't miss them!


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