The last of today's quarter-finals of the World Indoor Championship sees 16th seed
JONATHAN ROSS against Devon qualifier Robert Paxton in what looks a tough game to call.
Ross has been kicking around the lower fringes of the top 16 now for some time and he has done nothing on the Tour since reaching the semi-final of the Welsh International Open back in 2007. Work commitments haven't helped his cause, neither did the decision to opt for the World Outdoor Championships a couple of years ago instead of a trip to Potters, so a run to the quarter-final at Potters has boosted his flagging profile somewhat.
The Northern Irishman has seen off legend Willie Wood and Canadian Hirendra Bhartu – slayer of defending world champion Billy Jackson – thus far, so it could be argued that he hasn't had the most difficult of passages through to this stage. But he says he's playing well and is quietly confident of beating the burly Paxton, who plays for the Exonia club in Devon, especially if he's on his game.
As for Paxton – ranked 25th in the world – he's beaten Aussie Geoff Maskell and eighth seed Andy Thomson, before enjoying a huge slice of luck in edging past fellow qualifier Steve Glasson on a tie-break. Such were his two massive slices of luck against Glasson, that Paxton was even shaking his head in disbelief at the time and even admitted he was fortunate afterwards.
Considering the run Paxton, who is now based in Australia, has had, there could be an argument for backing him to come out on top – he did make the last four in 2006 and certainly won't be fazed by the occasion.
But I just have a feeling that Ross will finally show us what he is made of and this is an opportunity he will grab with both hands and is the bet here at 15-20 with Betfred.
