Crucible Semi-Final Preview: Close and nervy for Perry and Carter

World Snooker Championship Betting / Paul Krishnamurty / 01 May 2008 / Leave a Comment

The Crucible betting didn't see this one coming, but now Perry's there Paul Krishnamurty says: Bank on Gentleman Joe to hold his nerve once more

Well who would have thought it? Pre-tournament all the focus in the bottom half of the draw concerned a trio of rock-solid contenders in Stephen Maguire, Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy. Former champ Peter Ebdon and Neil Robertson also had plenty of supporters. Instead of any of those big names, we are now presented with probably the least glamorous semi-final in Crucible history between Ali 'The Captain' Carter and 'Gentleman' Joe Perry.

Make no mistake though, both thoroughly deserve their place. Carter in particular has found the form of his life, firstly to hammer Murphy 13-4 but even more so in that pulsating quarter-final victory over Ebdon which included a moment he'll never forget - his first televised 147. And despite his journeyman tag, Perry has made the most of his opportunities and held his nerve impressively in nail-biting circumstances against Maguire last night. Having started the tournament at around [100.0] and [130.0], Carter and Perry are now trading at just [6.4] and [9.0] respectively. Some shrewdies even managed to get [220.0] and [300.0] during their first-round matches.

So who are these characters? Carter had a promising reputation as a junior, but has been flattering to deceive for years. He's become very reliable when it comes to beating lower-ranked players in the early stages, but up until this week had consistently fallen short against the big names at the highest level. He has never reached a ranking final before. This inexperience of the big time could be a considerable handicap in these latter stages, as could the fact that his 'bottle' has been under question for some time. However after that superb 147, any accusations of that nature must be put on hold.

Perry has reached a ranking final before, albeit seven years ago in the low profile European Open. He has produced the goods over the longer matches several times previously though, reaching the UK semi-finals twice and beating then defending champion Mark Williams on the way to the quarter-finals here in 2004. A quiet demeanour around the table masks some highly efficient scoring. For his three matches so far, he's knocked in no fewer than 26 50+ breaks including four tons. In fact while my instant impression after the quarter-final was that Maguire under-performed, on closer inspection the scoring suggests that was a very high quality match.

I find it very hard to see one of these players running away with the match, and for that reason alone Perry has to be the bet at [2.3]. In-running though, my plan will be to lay whoever builds up a lead first. Like Perry's last match, I expect this one to have many twist and turns on the way to a dramatic, nervy finish in the best traditions of this tournament and venue. It could come down to whoever holds their nerve best, and on the evidence of his performance against Maguire, Perry looks the more solid in that department.

Selection:

Joe Perry to win @ [2.3]