TWO days of Bank Holiday snooker action await us. Michael Day (@daisy8ball) gives us his best bets.
Shaun Murphy v Stuart Bingham | Sunday 14:05 | BBC
Epic. That’s the only way I can describe Stuart Bingham’s 17-16 semi-final win over Judd Trump. Yes, it did bust my outright betting dreams, but no one can begrudge the effort and courage Bingham put into that match. The victory was unquestionably deserved.
Despite the setback, both of my semi-final centuries tips came through, in fact Murphy and Hawkins dished up eight between them – matching a Crucible record.
Like I had thought, the table seems to be playing generous and I expect the same conditions for the final. I believe they also may put a new cloth on, making it even more conducive to attacking passages of play.
Shaun Murphy was awesome throughout his opening two sessions in his last four clash, effectively killing the game off. This seems to be a theme of his over the last couple of weeks (or so).
Not to taint his achievements of reaching the ‘holy grail’ in any way, but I just feel if he had faced a Neil Robertson, Mark Selby, Judd Trump type of figure then I think he would have been caught out.
But that’s not his problem or concern; the opponents he has faced have been put away comprehensively, as the 2005 champ seeks a World double.
39 year old Bingham is probably the epitome of hard work and professionalism. He is a genuinely nice guy too. I’ll be hoping he completes his fairytale, but I worry how much last nights drama has taken out of him.
Whilst he was slugging way on the table, and then fulfilling media arrangements, it will have been around the midnight hour before he left the building. Murphy on the other hand was relaxing and preparing having eased to victory earlier in the afternoon. That’s why it is crucial for Bingham to have a fast start, as ‘The Magician’ has been a terrific and bullying front runner.
It should be high quality though, and in many ways that's the theme of the event so far. There has been 80 centuries and we are only three short of the 2009 all time record, something which I think may be equalled or even beaten over this Bank Holiday weekend.
My heart says Bingham, but my head says Murphy, and the latter is best priced favourite of 4/9 for this best of 35 encounter. He has also made 11 centuries, a stat that I think he will swell here.
Best Bets
Shaun Murphy v Stuart Bingham – Shaun Murphy Over 2.5 centuries (4/5 Bet365)
Shaun Murphy v Stuart Bingham – Shaun Murphy Race to 5 Frames (8/13 Ladbrokes)
Shaun Murphy v Stuart Bingham – Shaun Murphy to win and both players to reach 12 Frames (6/5 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.
