Looking like 2-2

2-2 at the mid session

2-2

Even stevens at the break, but a few mistakes by both players in these first four frames, not a great display by either so far, but only the first few frames long way to go.

He's starting to play......

Good because Stevens had started well

I don't know about that, the difference so far is that when Ronnie has missed he's been fortunate and the total opposite has happened to Stevens, allowing Ronnie to get in among the balls during the last few frames.

3-2 ROS

This is a high quality match, Ronnie has a 100% tournament success rate with the rest

4-2

Ronnie in a good position now, strangely I feel as if Stevens was the one who got in amongst the balls 1st in the last few frames he would do a better job as he seems more relaxed and composed and was potting really well, but I think his mistakes and Ronnie taking advantage is making Stevens feel pressured now when he is among the balls and the last frame he was well down when he got the opportunity and the balls were not well set up for an easy clearance, therefore missing easy shots.

Hawkins fighting back against Allen, 10-11 behind now

Can Ronnie pinch this one...?

Bad miss there by Matthew, good opportunity for Ronnie, if could clear up and win this frame would really hurt Matthew I reckon.

Its just not going for Matthew though Ronnie misses and should be frame over for him but gets a bit lucky again, reckon he should have taken red into middle though, but that's a few occasions now that Ronnie due to good fortune has left Matthew in two minds what to do leaving him not fully focussed on the next shot.

Yes... 5-2..

Ronnie does pinch it, five on the trot now after a good start by Stevens. 5-2

Ronnie in good position now but covering a few cracks really as he has missed a few easy pots by his own standards and has got away with it.

Think he will need to raise his standard if he's going to win this year. Suppose the first week is about getting through your matches then into the quarters is where you need to start to peak.

Hawkins v Allen is 11-11 now, hoping the Ronnie session is over soon want to catch the end of that one

Agreed RKW, getting through this match will help, but there are more consistent higher scoring players left in this tournament with more confidence in their game tan Matthew awaiting from the quarters onwards and if Ronnie misses these sort of chances early in the match and doesn't get the breaks will be a different story I think, I do think Ronnie's lack of proper match-play through the year may be his downfall in the later part of the tournament.

Hawkins century, his third of the match. First time he's been in front of Allen and he makes it 12-11

Ronnie (should he win) plays Staurt Bingham in the quarters which is no easy task. Will definitely have to raise his game, Bingham has the capabilities to beat him.

Anyway watching Hawins v Allen now, hoping for a decider!

To be fair that's the best draw he could have had as I thought Bingham was good and solid but nothing special, I also think he is the type of player who may not have the confidence to beat Ronnie if he goes a few behind, his break building has been solid but nowhere near the likes of Ding, Robertson, Murphy, Trump, Hawkins or Allen, I even think McGill would give him a good game in only his 1st world championship, certainly would have no fears and I think Ronnie knows this.

Of course I'd expect Ronnie to win, but in order to get that few frames in front he's going to need to be better than so far this week. Having said that he's taken this session 5-3 tonight.