WC Sheffield - World Championship Outright v World Championship Outright

****Shanghai Masters Final****

Ronnie O'Sullivan Vs Ricky Walden

I didnt get to watch much of the 2 semi-finals today because of work, but having watch almost all of the live games feel ive seen enough to pass judgement on the final.

Im not sure how most people make there betting picks, But me, i try to price up the bet and then check the odds on offer to see if it offers value or not and then check alternative bets. O'Sullivan Vs Walden, First thought is O'Sullivan will win and at 1.20 so do the bookies im not sure id have gone that short so outright its a no bet for me. When thinking about the O'Sullivan win my mind turned to 'how many will he win by?' Personally i cant see Ricky Walden taking more than 6 frames off Ronnie, So i hunted for O'Sullivan bets below -4 on the handicap, Sadly there wasnt any about, they all offered -4 or -4.5 at around 2.0 so what next?? I looked at 'dutching' O'Sullivan 10-0 to 10-6 and it paid just below 1.60, 'That'll do' i thought. Then BANG Paddypower offered O'Sullivan -3.5 at 1.80 Which is what i wanted all along!!!

You never know where you stand with Ronnie O'Sullivan, Without doubt he is the most talented player ever to pick up a snooker and only time will tell whether he can end his career with more 'World Title' than messers Hendry and Davis but that will depend on his mental state i guess. Ronnie owes the Chinese something special after his disgraceful behaviour in China last year, During his win over Joe Perry many thought he was beginning to lose the plot again after a run in with the ref and some uninterested looking shots. He got through the match in the end and battled his way to a Semi-Final against Stephen Maguire in which he won the final 2 frames to complete a 6-5 win and won it with an impressive 145 total clearance, So maybe his head is right coming into this final.

Ricky Walden is in his 1st ranking final and it will be interesting to see how his nerve holds, Especially against Ronnie. Walden has battled his way into this final with some gritty performances and fight backs from the brink of defeat so you could say he is rather fortunate to be here. Walden is no mug mind, anyone who beats Mark Selby can obviously play a bit, The Semi-Final was a match where neither player seemed to be in great shakes and it took a fair few frames before we saw our first 50+ break.

The Shanghai Masters has been a competition of only best of 9 frames and then best of 11 in the Semi so it isnt totally unsurprising an underdog can get this far. The final is best of 19 and the longer format suits the better player in most sports and this should be no different. If Ronnie is up for this he will win and win well, It could be a big ask for Walden to take more than 6 frames off O'Sullivan so having got the bet i wanted.....finally!! I am happy to back Ronnie.



Pick : O'Sullivan to win -3.5
Odds : 1.80
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : Paddy Power
Match Result :
Tipster Personal Link/Sponsor:

 Liked this post? Subscribe to our RSS feed and get loads more!
 Bet on the WC Sheffield with Bet365.com and get 100 EURO for FREE