The Masters 2014
The tournament was played in Alexandra Palace, London from 12 to 19, January 2014.
Judd and Neil were involved. Judd unfortunately lost 5-6 to Marco Fu in last 16; it was a high quality match though. In the last 16, Neil beat Mark Allen 6-5 in a rather poor match played in a very hot arena. He then lost 6-2 to Stephen Maguire in the quarters, admitting he felt flat on the day.
Last 16
Judd Trump 5-6 Marco Fu
64-71, 73-39, 87(87)-0, 6′-75, 12-138(138), 57-14, 120(120)-0, 42-75(54), 31-66, 147(101)-0, 12-78(78)
It was a high quality match and there was never more than a frame between the players. Judd in fact played probably his best snooker of the season, and Marco was matching it. Judd got first in in the decider but facing a tricky black with the white nearly on the cushion, he decided to play positively, went for it and missed it. Marco himself was left with a difficult red, went for it, got it and constructed a very good 78 from there to win frame and match. Judd was disappointed of course but wasn’t beating himself over it: he knew they both played well and it’s the nature of sport.
Listen to Judd’s reaction after the match
Neil Robertson 6-5 Mark Allen
8-114(114), 78-0, 30-96, 60-53, 49-73, 101(101)-29, 5-76(65), 54-22, 0-95(52), 57-13, 76(59)-30
It was a poor standard match and Mark had chances to pull away but didn’t take the chances. Neil was never in front but having forced a decider he did take his chance, made a good 59 and won. The conditions were difficult with the arena being far too hot.
Listen to what Neil had to say after his match here
Neil Robertson 2-6 Stephen Maguire
32-71, 18-79, 0-123(68,55), 89(74)-0, 77-0, 1-79(75), 46-87, 14-65
Neil admitted that he felt flat and unable to find anything on the day. Neither player scored as heavily as they can but Stephen Maguire’s safety was quite good – even impressive in spells – and that was the key to a very comfortable win.
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