The World Open Snooker had become a distant memory on the World Snooker Tour calendar. Despite the world returning to normal after the pandemic, the tournament remained in a self-imposed hiatus. Thankfully, the Yushan Sports Centre is set to revive the week-long snooker spectacle in mainland China this week. Here are our 2024 World Open Snooker predictions and odds analysis with bookmaker Pinnacle as a star-studded roster heads to China for the event.
2024 World Open Snooker Prediction
The Snooker World Open will assemble a stellar cast of the world’s leading cueists, but who will emerge victorious? This much-anticipated return promises to be a thrilling ranking event with some top-tier snooker action. As the anticipation builds, here are our top two World Open Snooker predictions:
Robbie Williams to Beat Tom Ford
This is going to be one of the most difficult World Open matchups to call as both players enter the fray in similar form. Both Williams and Ford are known for their erratic performances. At times, they can challenge the finest talents in the world, while on other occasions, they can be quite frustrating to watch. Since it’s so difficult to differentiate the two players, this opening-day World Open Snooker matchup is going to be one of the best matches to bet on.
Our inclination leans towards the underdog, however. Robbie Williams emerged victorious in the only two encounters between these two players prior to their Monday match. Williams, who handed Ford a 4-2 defeat 12 years ago, currently holds the 46th rank and is experiencing a decent run of form. Therefore, it’s impossible to discount the Wallasey man from this match.
Xu Si to Beat Shaun Murphy
Lightning doesn’t strike twice, does it? Shaun Murphy fell to a surprise defeat against Xu Si at the German Open two months back, but given the recent form of the two players, it cannot be ruled out as a fluke. Murphy has a legendary career to look back on, but the Englishman has been a shadow of his best self for far too long. Rooting for a Xu Si victory against Shaun Murphy, therefore, doesn’t appear to be one of the boldest 2024 Snooker World Open predictions to make at this moment.
Xy Sy, however, did not pick up the cue following his impressive last-16 finish in Germany. Could a bit of rustiness creep in, giving Murphy an advantage? Or will he manage to harness the support of the local crowd and secure another memorable victory? We anticipate the latter.
2024 Snooker World Open Odds
The latest 2024 World Open odds from bookmaker Pinnacle show that Robbie Williams is at 2.39 to make it 2-0 against Tom Ford. Ford, meanwhile, is at 1.69 to leave the arena with the bragging rights.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 17th, 4:00 P.M. (GMT)
Odds for Xu Si vs. Shaun Murphy, on the other hand, place the Englishman as the ultimate favourite at 1.338. Sy, whom we back to win, is at 3.330 to secure a second win in a row against Murphy.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: March 17th, 4:00 P.M. (GMT)
Both highlighted World Open clashes have the potential for upsets. While the favourites are naturally expected to win their matches due to their rankings, the ties appear close enough to suggest surprise victories for the underdogs.
