SNOOKER analyst George Weyham (@GWSnookerTips) takes a look at the quarter betting of the Paul Hunter Classic
Paul Hunter Classic | Friday 24th- Sunday 26th August 2018
Into the Quarter betting in the event, (to make the semi finals) I want to take a chance in Quarter 1 on a tour rookie who is 500/1 in the outrights, Harvey Chandler.
I did consider him in the outright bets (and won't put anyone off a very small play) but as much as he has a bye in his first match, he's due to face two of my outright picks in the next two matches, Ursenbacher and Joyce. This is tricky.
The current European Amateur champion has beaten Michael White and Kurt Maflin this season and pushed Kyren Wilson very hard in Yushan losing 5-3. He hit his first pro ton in that match. He got to a top Pro-Am event final recently, losing, but hit 5 centuries en-route. Chandler obviously relishes the short format. He made the last 64 here last season as an amateur which is positive.
This event has a knack of producing a shock or two. Last year Mitchell Mann got to the Semi's. The year prior Tom Ford made the final. Gerard Greene and Joe Swail are also former finalists.
Chandler is in a section that looks wide open. He's already shown that he can swim with the big fish and he's not here to make up the numbers. You don't win a European Amateur title and be average.
At 66/1 (80/1 with boost via Ladbrokes) to win his quarter, he's worth a go at small stakes to get to the semi final.
Improving Slessor
I haven't got an outright in Quarter 2, so thought I would give a fancy in the quarter betting.
I've plumped for Elliot Slessor at 14/1 (16/1 on Ladbrokes boost). Slessor is a very gritty player. His break building has gone up a notch from last season already. He compiled five centuries in 37 matches last season. In only six matches this campaign, he's had three tons.
He beat his idol Ronnie O'Sullivan twice last season, when Ronnie was pulverising everyone. Neither victory was a fluke. He made the Northern Ireland Open semi final on the back of one of those wins, too.
24-year-old Elliot has a great attitude on the green baize. He gives everything on the table. Slessor hopes to break into the top 64 over the next two seasons. In the meantime, he looks the best and most dependable play in Quarter 2 in Furth. Too many question marks can be posed at the others.
Best Bets
Paul Hunter Classic – Harvey Chandler to win Quarter 1 (80/1 Ladbrokes)
Paul Hunter Classic – Elliot Slessor to win Quarter 2 (16/1 Ladbrokes)
