Yesterday, underdogs beat favourites in 6 out of 16 matches. I found that quite worrying. Furthermore, Another two seeds got relegated – Barry Hawkins and Robert Milkins. The conditions are difficult, but here’s another tip.
The Ali Carter v John Higgins match definitely tops today’s agenda. I agree that Higgins is the favourite. Not only he’s won two out of three ranking tournaments, but is also putting in a confident performance in York.
Carter hasn’t lost his class either. He’s got a serious advantage – after tackling cancer he won’t be afraid of anything that could happen on a snooker table. But I think Ali hasn’t yet returned to his well known high level. You should bet on a confident win for John.
Peter Ebdon put in a lot of effort to secure his win over Dominic Dale at almost 2am in the morning. Stuart Bingham has had easier playing schedules in the past. The fact that the world champion has been effective in recent matches makes me think he will win. It’s the kind of bet that would be good for an accumulator. I would also suggest adding Mark Selby’s win over Jamie Jones. A small handicap would be good here, as Jones is unlikely to win five or more frames. Selby’s been very good and hasn’t lost a single frame at the tournament
Michael Holt made good progress after working with Terry Griffiths. That’s what he said after another win. I think that Michael could win against one of the veterans on the tour – Joe Swail. Swail has been putting lots of effort in and he’s got some class. But I dont think he will win more than four frames.
I was eager make a bet on Robin Hull’s win over Luka Brecel. I’ve been friends with Robin for twenty years and don’t like Luka that much. But I shouldn’t let my emotions make me biased one way or another. I’ll just support Hull.