Judd Trump and Neil Robertson served up a brilliant German Masters final in the pulsating atmosphere of the Tempodrom last year and we look set for another cracking tournament this time in Milton Keynes.
It’s an interesting event because there’s a change up to the field. Big-hitters like Mark Williams, Robertson and Mark Allen failed to qualify for the event, while Ronnie O’Sullivan decided not to enter. This means that only seven of the top 16, and only Trump from the top 5 will be on the baize in MK and that changes the dynamics.
Trump heads the betting, but given his recent Covid issues and the fact he missed the Masters the Ace can be opposed at 8/5.
Ding the Value Call to Down Favourite
The Bristol potter’s dominance means it’s often wise to look in the opposite half of the draw for an each-way selection, but on this occasion the market may be underrating the chances of Ding Junhui at 15/2.
The Chinese Sensation has looked in decent nick in recent events, even if results haven’t quite gone his way.
Ding lost 6-5 to O’Sullivan in the recent Masters, but the Yixing cueman led 5-3 in that contest and there was a lot to like about his performance in that match.
Prior to that, Ding looked to be playing some good stuff in the UK Championship, before again losing out in a final-frame decider to David Grace.
It wouldn’t have taken much for either of those results to swing in the Chinese potter’s favour and then the talk would be on an in-form performer.
Ding shouldn’t have too many problems negotiating his way past Kacper Filipiak in round one, and although a potential quarter-final showdown against Trump is possible, there’s enough juice in the price to row in with the Yixing man.
Ford Can Capitalise on Kind Draw
Another punt worth considering is the 40/1 on offer about Tom Ford.
Ford is a supremely gifted cueman, but his results haven’t always reflected the talent at his disposal. However, the Leicester potter has been good enough to reach the semi-final of the UK Championship and it was only a couple of seasons ago that Ford made the last four of the World Grand Prix and English Open.
The Groby cueman is a brilliant break-builder and he looks to have been handed a kind draw. That should allow Ford to pick up some confidence as the tournament progresses and he’s a dangerous operator when on-song.
There’s little to fear from Yuan Sijun in the opening round, and although there’s potential for a second-round clash against the high-class John Higgins, the next highest ranked player in Ford’s section is world number 56 Stuart Carrington.
Ford wouldn’t be the most reliable of punting propositions, but at a big price he can be backed to motor in Milton Keynes.
*All odds correct at time of writing.