Dennis Taylors Preview

BBC Sport commentator and 1985 world champion Dennis Taylor looks ahead to Sunday's Crucible final between Ronnie O'Sullivan and Ali Carter.



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Ronnie O'Sullivan

Age: 32

Provisional world ranking: 2

Ranking titles: 19

Crucible best: Winner 2001, 2004

"If Ronnie plays the way he did against Stephen Hendry in their semi-final then it's all about what the scoreline might be.

"That was simply a fantastic display of snooker - he really was on another level to Stephen.

"Ronnie certainly has his mood swings, like he has done in the past, but in this year's tournament he has coped fairly well.

"The one time he did lose his focus was against former champion Mark Williams in the second round.

"Ronnie said at one point that he had packed his case and was ready to go home, thinking that he would lose the match.

"He should never have contemplated doing that.

"Ronnie has also spoken about retiring on many occasions, but he really has too much talent to think about quitting.

"In fact, he should target Stephen Hendry's record of seven Crucible titles, just like Tiger Woods is motivated to break Jack Nicklaus' record of major wins.

"Ronnie lives for snooker and snooker needs him."



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Ali Carter

Age: 28

Provisional ranking: 11th

Ranking titles: 0

Crucible best: Quarter-finals 2007

"It's fantastic to see Ali at his first final.

"He's had a tough time of it over the last few years. In 2003, he was diagnosed with Crohn's disesase and was struggling because of it.

"His game was also suffering which made him think about quitting the sport and take up a job as a pilot - that's why they call him Captain Carter.

"Ali will have second thoughts about quitting now having given himself a great chance to win the world title.

"He has done brilliantly this tournament and made a maximum to make Crucible history, shortly after Ronnie made his.

"That gave him confidence, as well as wins over former champions Shaun Murphy and Peter Ebdon. He proved he can be a winner.

"Yes, he hasn't won a Major, but let's see what happens."



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Taylor's Verdict: "Carter will put up a good show, but O'Sullivan will win."

Dennis Taylor was talking to BBC Sport's Saj Chowdhury.