Michael Day (@daisy8ball) has been in terrific form for us this week. Now he's found a handicap bet to get stuck into.
Mark Allen v Barry Hawkins | Friday 14:30 | BBC Red Button
With no disrespect to either Barry Hawkins or Mark Allen, I don’t see either one of them in the necessary form to win the whole tournament, but one of them will entertain a quarter-final spot with their last 16 clash starting Friday afternoon.
Hawkins survived a real late onslaught by Matthew Selt in round one. Blowing huge leads is rapidly becoming a trait of his.
Allen initially fell behind to Ryan Day in his opener, but in the end had a surprisingly easy passage winning 10-3. He was solid, but unspectacular.
The Northern Irishman had an amazing start to the 2014/2015 season – this was highlighted by four consecutive finals, one of which was a win in the Paul Hunter Classic PTC event. But since a 10-7 loss to Ricky Walden in November’s International Championship final, results and fortunes have curtailed somewhat.
Looking through the trusty record book I was shocked by this pairs head to head record. Allen has won eight out of the nine career meetings; although ‘The Hawk’ won the last in the 2013 German Masters.
A number of those encounters were in the short unique format of the Championship League however, but the duo did meet at this exact stage of the World Championship in 2011 when Allen scraped it 13-12.
He's also favourite for this game at a price of 4/6; which I think is bang on right. To put a bit more treacle on the wager, I think Allen -1.5 frames with William Hill at 10/11 is achievable. You’ll win the bet if ‘The Pistol’ comes out a 13-11 winner or better.
Best Bets
Mark Allen v Barry Hawkins – Allen -1.5 Frames (10/11 William Hill)
Final Frame Refund
Back either of these players to win with Betfair and if they lose in the deciding frame your stake will be refunded as a free bet.
