SNOOKER specialist George Weyham (@GWSnookerTips) takes an early look at the 2019 World Snooker Championship picking out a few fancy ante-post prices.
World Snooker Championship | 20th April – 6th May 2019
OK, it’s over nine months until the 2019 World Championship and virtually a month into the new season, but I have an early fancy for snooker’s biggest prize next year in May.
I’m very surprised to see the Riga Masters champion Neil Robertson as a 20/1 (Ladbrokes) shot. The Australian was in ruthless form for the three days in Latvia, collecting what is now ranking title number 14.
Obviously, one of the 14 trophies came in 2010 when claiming the World Championship. However, since taking top honours at the Crucible eight years ago, ‘The Melbourne Machine’ has managed just a solitary semi-final appearance in 2014. Robertson has been beaten in the 1st Round in two of the last three years so it’s safe to say he’s due a good run.
Robertson in-form and aiming for history
‘The Thunder From Down Under’ is aiming to become the only multiple times overseas champion in the tournaments history going back 92 years.
If you watched him in Riga, he was striking the ball as good as I’ve seen him since the days he was number one in the world. He was also using a new cue.
There’s arguably not many better breakbuilders than Robertson. He has a cue action to die for and he knows how to win it. He can win ugly or on the eye.
He’s also mentally brilliant. Robertson has won a tournament now in 13 consecutive seasons, which is quite an incredible achievement and proves his consistency, desire and dedication year-after-year is flawless. There’s no fluke he achieves what he does.
In 2015 his partner Millie was battling depression and anxiety and he was in a bad way, so a totally understandable slump in form and the rankings followed. But never did Robertson lose his focus and he’s come out a stronger person.
Back ‘The Melbourne Machine’ now at a nice price
Now with Millie on the mend he can concentrate on regaining the most coveted crown. I’ll be amazed if the Aussie doesn’t start the tournament next April a 14/1 shot and if you are prepared to be patient, I’m sure he will go close in Sheffield.
When Ronnie O’Sullivan is 9/2 top price (crazily short!), and players who have never won this trophy like Judd Trump, Ding Junhui and Kyren Wilson all are shorter than Robbo, something is just not quite right. He’s got a better chance than all those four in my opinion.
Snap up that 20/1 (Ladbrokes). He's the best value bet in the market.
Best Bets
2019 World Championship – Neil Robertson to win outright (20/1 Ladbrokes)
