"We're set for a cracker!"

Mike Hallett: I have a feeling that my former doubles partner Stephen Hendry is going to claim the title, but David disagrees. It's a tough one to call, they are both playing brilliantly. If they both play to their best, it is going to be a classic final. Stephen has picked up as the week has gone on. He has looked very focused during the tournament, and when it comes down to it I just think Stephen might want it a little bit more.

David Hendon: I actually think is Peter is playing the best snooker of his career this week - and I'd include his World Championship victory in that. He has beaten Ding, when he played superbly; he has beaten John Higgins in the match of the tournament.

And crucially, he has had the day off to get himself composed, whereas Hendry was playing late in to last night in a very close match. He would have expended a lot of mental energy during that match - that could be the crucial factor.

Peter is looking really good around the table. He has quickened up his play considerably since the world championship and he just looks fantastic. He is one of those players who, if he plays well throughout the tournament, he tends to play well in the final.

MH: I think it will be a good final. Coming in to the tournament, neither of them had been tipped to win it because their form had been off but they have both worked really hard to get in to gear and the way they have played has been fantastic.

DH: I agree. I think it will be very, very close. It is one of those finals where you can take up a position on who will win it, but you can't really say with any great certainty. I certainly wouldn't put any money on it!

MH: And with what has happened with the Ronnie O'Sullivan situation, we needed a lift in the tournament and this final can do that. I expect these two boys to put on a spectacle. We had to go for someone; I went for Stephen, David went for Peter, but I think it is going to be so close.

DH: I would be amazed if it wasn't close. I can't see one player running away with it.

MH: I think it is going to take at least 10-8 to win it. I can't see there being more than two frames in it come the end. Both players will want to finish on a high in 2006, and I think we are in for a real battle, punch and counter-punch.

DH: Another late finish then!

MH: Well, maybe not. They have both been playing fairly quickly during the tournament. Peter has got his average shot-time down from 31 to 24, and Stephen plays at a medium pace as well. I expect it to be really close, and a real cracker for the fans.

On a sadder note, news emerged this morning that Alex Lambie, Graeme Dott's manager, sadly passed away during his semi-final match against Stephen Hendry last night. Of course, the thoughts and best wishes of everyone at Eurosport are with Alex's family.