A fairly low-key start to the tournament on the weekend things have really taken-off. Shaun Murphy completed the first white-wash in the tournament since 1992 against the debutant Luo Honghao; the “Mayor of Shredsville” (credit to Jimmy White in commentary).
Stuart Bingham, came within a whisker of throwing an 8-1 lead to an ever-tenacious Graeme Dott; the tournament favourite, Ronnie O’Sullivan, lost to the only amateur to ever play in the tournament, James Cahill, who was 20/1 to win the match; and all this without mentioning the tie of the round Judd Trump v Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
The Thai potter got within a frame of victory only for Trump to make the shot off the tournament thus far in a cross-double to the middle pocket which lead to a decisive break of 53 and eventually the frame and match.
Things have set up nicely for the last 16 where there are some cracking matches and here’s a couple of tips for second round:
Mark Williams v David Gilbert – Friday 2.30pm
Mark Williams started off impressively against Martin Gould in the first round but he struggled to get over the finish line and allowed Gould back in before eventually winning. He faces a relatively tougher task here against an in-form David Gilbert. We’d be surprised if this didn’t turn into a tight affair during the latter stages.
Verdict: Total Frames over 21.5 @ 8/11
Judd Trump v Ding Junhui – Saturday 6pm
On this season’s form alone you would be forgiven for thinking Ding would have no chance. However, he dispatched Anthony McGill stylishly in the first round and will perhaps be the more relaxed of two without the pressure of being at the forefront of the tournament betting. We reckon Ding could push Trump all the way.
Verdict: Total Frames Over 21.5 @ 4/6
*Odds correct at publication but can fluctuate
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