Snooker Tips: Our trader’s three best bets for Thursday’s Championship League clashes

Looking to Thursday’s clashes in the Championship League and the big match-up is where world No.4 Mark Selby faces Liang Wenbo, who could put up a good fight and cause a shock.

Elsewhere, Gary Wilson has been tipped to win Group 14 but we like the look of the outsider Mitchell Mann to go well against Gerard Green and John Astley. Maybe, just maybe, he could even make a run to win this group.

Wenbo to beat Selby

Selby’s the big favourite to progress from this group, but I think he can be troubled by Wenbo. Wenbo has come back into form after a couple of shaky seasons and reached the quarter-finals of the UK and Gibraltar Opens recently. I’d fancy him to trouble Selby if you’re looking for some value in this group.

If you think the man from Leicester is too strong for Wenbo we have a special on Selby to win all three Group 5 games, so that could be worth checking out.

Walker to beat O’Connor

The other two players in this group will struggle to progress, but I think Lee Walker will triumph against Joe O’Connor. Remember, there are some really good odds in this competition because of the unusual element of the draw result. They play over four frames, first to three wins, but if it finishes 2-2 it’s a draw, adding value for Walker to win here.

Mann to beat Astley

Mann is the outsider in Group 14 but he could have a shout against both Astley and Green, He’s won eight out of 21 matches this season which is a better record than the other two have. I fancy him to beat Astley and Green. He could even cause an upset and win the group, but I’m tipping Mann to beat Astley.

Snooker Special: Mark Selby to win all three Group 5 games @ 7/2

Top tips in summary for Thursday’s snooker:

8pm Wenbo to beat Selby @7/2
7pm Walker to beat O’Connor @11/5
7pm Mann to beat Astley @23/10

*All prices correct at time of publication*