The clear favorite of the final is Ronnie O’Sullivan. It is impossible to disagree with that. At the same time, there are still some doubts. Both finalists have been great at the distance of six matches before the finals. Ronnie showed some very good snooker. There was an inexplicable failure from Neil Robertson in the opening match with Allen. If we consider not the external effect, but the content of the game, the level of both are quite comparable. It is impossible not to take into account the fact that Ronnie will face an opponent with a style of play that he does not like. Inconvenience for O’Sullivan will be the primarily leisurely pace at which Neil plays his matches. The Australian is never in a hurry, but selects the best follow-ups, while avoiding too many mistakes. If the Englishman does not like to play with Mark Selby, the reasons for this are even more apparent against Robertson. The final match is on the seventh day of the tournament. The more experienced player’s fatigue may turn up during the course of the match. The main thing is that Ronnie needs to show a lot of patience, which he lacks sometimes.
Let us turn to statistics. Neil is third in the rankings, and Ronnie is fifth. The first seeks to win his 12th title and outpace Ding. The second dreams of a 28th title, to catch up with John Higgins and Steve Davis. In head-to-heads, the advantage is on the side of the Englishman – 9:5, with one draw. Their seriality, considering the experience at the tour are about the same. At this tournament, Ronnie’s is higher with eight Century breaks.
I suppose that the struggle will be hard. The chances of success of Ronnie are higher, but not so unconditionally. Neil can win the match. But I offer a more cautious bet – Robertson’s victory with a handicap of 2.5 frames. Take an even more cautious option is +3.5 frames.