Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
World Snooker Championship Underway: Top Contenders and Outsider Bets
The highly anticipated World Snooker Championship has commenced, marking 17 days of intense competition at the Crucible Theatre. The sport’s elite players are vying for the prestigious title, and recent editions have demonstrated the potential for surprise victories. Those who wagered on outsiders like Kyren Wilson and Luca Brecel in previous years would have secured substantial returns. This year’s tournament is poised to deliver further drama and excitement on the green baize.
The Tournament Favourites
Entering the competition as the perceived frontrunners are Judd Trump (7/2) and Mark Selby (5/1). Despite his position as world number one, Trump has secured only a single World Championship title to date (2019) and has exited before the semi-final stage in four of the past five seasons. Selby, a four-time champion, displays inconsistent form at the Crucible; since 2018, his performances have included two first-round exits and two second-round defeats, alongside a championship win, a runner-up finish, and a semi-final appearance.
Ronnie O’Sullivan (13/2) is also considered a favourite but presents a greater degree of uncertainty. Having suggested the possibility of withdrawing from the event, “the Rocket” carries more risk than usual for punters.
Chinese Contingent and Outside Options
China has been steadily rising in snooker prominence and boasts a record ten players at this year’s World Championship in Sheffield. Crucially, two Chinese players are positioned in each quarter of the draw, increasing their chances of deep runs in the tournament.
Odds for a Chinese champion are at 4/1, but bettors might find better value in selecting a favourite to reach the semi-finals. Zhao Xintong’s (14/1) odds are shortening, and he begins his campaign against Jak Jones (66/1), who has had limited competitive play in recent months.
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Value Bet: John Higgins
John Higgins (12/1) emerges as a compelling value proposition for those wagering against Trump and Selby and is considered a strong contender to lift the trophy at the World Championship.
Higgins’ Recent Form
“The Wizard of Wishaw” has displayed impressive form recently, securing victories at the Tour Championship and World Open, in addition to strong performances at the Welsh Open, World Grand Prix, and Players Championship.
Higgins’ Stamina
A key question mark is whether Higgins can maintain his peak performance over the 17-day duration of the tournament. However, he has strategically reduced his schedule this season and has demonstrated his capabilities in extended matches, notably defeating Selby in a best-of-19 frame final at the Tour Championship. He faces an early test against Joe O’Connor (50/1). Success against the talented Leicester player could pave the way for a deep tournament run for Higgins.
Barry Hawkins: Sheffield Specialist
Barry Hawkins (22/1) consistently performs well in Sheffield and could offer exceptional value for a late surge in the competition.
First Round Value Tip
For a best-value wager in the opening round matches, consider Chris Wakelin (100/1) at 13/5 to defeat Neil Robertson (14/1). Wakelin’s style of play is expected to suit the Crucible conditions, and Robertson has openly expressed his preference against playing in the two-table setup at the venue.
While Robertson’s form typically improves deeper into tournaments, he faces a challenging opening test against Wakelin, whose adaptable game often thrives on major stages.
Odds provided by William Hill and subject to fluctuation.