‘We didn’t think we would ever see that’ – TNT Sports experts discuss their moments of the season
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O’Sullivan, who lost 13-12 to John Higgins in the last 16 of the main event a fortnight ago, is set to take on 1997 world champion Ken Doherty on Friday afternoon at 14:00 UK time after Doherty completed a 4-3 win over Gerard Greene on Thursday afternoon.
But tournament organisers will hope they do not have to revisit the farcical scenes which blighted Thursday evening’s matches at the event.
Alfie Burden was denied the chance to defend his trophy before fans inside the famous arena after one of the main match tables was deemed unplayable during the all-Welsh duel between Matthew Stevens and Dominic Dale.
With the match level at 1-1, Stevens and Dale grew increasingly agitated due to odd bounces across the slate of the table and the white jumping into the air when Stevens potted a red, prompting organisers into a quick rethink.
“Due to a fault with Table Two, there will be no further play on it this evening,” said a statement from organisers.
“Matthew Stevens and Dominic Dale will conclude their match on Table One following Ali Carter v Roger Farebrother.
“Alfie Burden and Igor Figueiredo will play at 9pm BST in a private area of the practice room. Table Two will be replaced overnight.”
Late call-up Burden beats Bingham to Shoot Out crown – then stands on table!
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Stevens and Dale finished off their match in the early hours of Friday morning with the former two-time world runner-up Stevens winning 4-2.
But, following Ali Carter’s 4-2 victory over Roger Farebrother on the only table in use, Burden was relegated to a practice table to take on 2024 seniors winner Figueiredo.
Breaks of 68, 56 and 72 were enough to see the Brazilian potter Figueiredo secure a quarter-final meeting with Robert Milkins, who edged Jimmy White 4-3 in a black-ball shoot-out.
But it left a sour taste in the mouth of Shoot Out champion Burden, who claimed the title a year ago with an 8-4 win over Aaron Canavan.
The tournament, which has a first prize of £30,000, has already sparked debate because of the decision to scrap deciding frames for a black-ball finish and opt for dazzling white cushions on the two tables.
World Seniors Championship results/schedule
Last 16
- Igor Figueiredo 4-0 Alfie Burden
- Robert Milkins 4-3 Jimmy White
- Stuart Bingham v Peter Lines 12:00 on Friday
- Ronnie O’Sullivan v Ken Doherty 14:00 on Friday
- Nigel Bond v Craig Steadman 12:00 on Friday
- Ali Carter 4-2 Roger Farebrother
- Matthew Stevens 4-2 Dominic Dale
- Joe Perry v Aaron Canavan 14:00 on Friday
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