The second biggest snooker tournament on the calendar starts tomorrow at the Alexandra Palace with all eyes on the bright young superstar that is Judd Trump.
Trump, who was the surprise package of last years world championships, finishing a close runner up to John Higgins, has gone from strength to strength this year. The young Bristolian claimed his first major title earlier this year by claiming the China open and followed this up with success in the prestigious UK Championship. Naturally, the world number 5 will be a strong favourite for the title this week but there are a number of other strong contenders in the worlds top 16. Lets take a look at the chances of the men involved by first round fixtures.
Ding Junhui vs. Ronnie O’Sullivan
Possibly the tie of the round kicks off this years tournament. O’Sullivan, widely recognised as the greatest talent in the game, has slumped to a lowly world number 16. He needs a good week here to get himself going the right way up the rankings again. If he turns up with the right attitude he will be difficult to stop at the Palace, but it is doubtful he will find enough form to take the title. World number 9 Ding Junhui is a wonderful talent and a very consistent player when at the top of his game. He is the kind of player who is more than capable of stifling O’Sullivan and I think he may just take this one and could go a long way in this tournament.
WINNER: DING JUNHUI
Mark Williams vs. Stephen Maguire
World number 2 Mark Williams has to be a strong contender this week. A long-potter with a strong safety game makes him a tough man to get the better of. If Williams gets his game going this week, he will be there or there abouts at the end of it. Stephen Maguire however will provide a stern test for Williams in round 1. The Scot is the kind of player capable of getting the better of anyone. The world number 8 should push Williams close in this one.
WINNER: MARK WILLIAMS
Judd Trump vs. Stuart Bingham
Stuart Bingham is one of the most improved players in the game. A steady performer with a strong all round game has seen his world ranking rise to number 14 this year, sneaking him into this tournament. Unfortunately for Bingham, his draw has given him the supreme Judd Trump in round 1. Its difficult to see anything but a Trump win in this one. Bingham will try his best, but the world number 5 should progress comfortably.
WINNER: JUDD TRUMP
Shaun Murphy vs. Martin Gould
Former world champ Shaun Murphy will fancy his chances in this one. Martin Gould has been the big mover in this years world rankings and has deservedly risen to a career high number 12. The spectacled Gould will take on the world number 6 with great confidence and Murphy is a player who can be knocked off his stride. If Gould plays well this could be close, but I don’t see a tournament winner in this match.
WINNER: SHAUN MURPHY
John Higgins vs. Mathew Stevens
Current world champ John Higgins will be firm favourite for this one. World number 13 Stevens was one of the brightest talents in the game, culminating in a world final loss to countryman Mark Williams. However the death of his father led to a drop in form. Stevens has battled back and is playing some of his best stuff in years. If given a chance, he could hurt Higgins, but you’d have to feel the Scot and world number 3 is a tournament favourite.
WINNER: JOHN HIGGINS
Neil Robertson vs. Mark Allen
Aussie and former World Champion Neil Robertson is a left-hander who can beat anyone in the game. As world number 4, he will feel that he must be a contender this week. Mark Allen hit the headlines for criticising Barry Hearn’s handling of the game, but is a mighty fine player, and came runner up to Trump in the UK Championship. As world number 10, Allen is the underdog in this one. However I fancy him for this one.
WINNER: MARK ALLEN
Mark Selby vs. Stephen Lee
Two time Masters champion Mark Selby is the best player in the game at the moment according to the world rankings. He is a player who has everything in his game. Selby must be a big favourite this week and is a man who you wouldn’t bet against. World number 15 Stephen Lee could be a lamb to the slaughter in this one.
WINNER: MARK SELBY
Ali Carter vs. Graeme Dott
This one may well be the tightest game of the round. Two unspectacular players with a strong spirit and a strong game makes for an interesting encounter. World number 11 Ali Carter will be slight underdog against former world champ and world number 7 Graeme Dott. Dott is a tough man to beat when in the right mood and I see him sneaking this one.
WINNER: GRAEME DOTT
MASTER CHAMPION : MARK SELBY
RUNNER UP: JUDD TRUMP
SEMI-FINALISTS : HIGGINS & WILLIAMS
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