Match of the first round between John Higgins & Mathew Stevens.

John Higgins last year became World Champion for second time. Unfortunately, his form from last year didn't continue. He is not playing bad at all, but he is very unfortunate. Saw a lot of his matches this year and for some reason he had a numerous amount of kicks. As well some players this year played probably the best matches in their life against Higgins like Cope and O'Brien. Many of them says that Higgins is the most complete player. He has great potting accuracy, control of white, cue power, safeties, tactic play and patience. When he is in form, as he was last year, he is one of the 3 best player in the world, maybe even the best. It's enough to say he lifted 18 titles in his carrier. His form is not great but it will be enough good to win Stevens.

Stevens is absolutely out of form this year. Well, I believe he starts to falling down in his form after he lost in finals of World Champions in 2005 from Murphy. That was disappointing moment for him cause he played well and he lost from qualifier at the time. Mathew is player that won just one tittle but he played in many finals. I believe this year is so bad for him cause he lost confidence. And who wouldn't when last year in quarters of WC was leading Murphy 12-7 and needed just one more frame of last six to book his place in last four. Amazingly, Murphy won all of them and Mathew lost. Such things for snooker players can be devastating. I believe Mathew will be great again, but not at World Champions, especially cause he plays again Higgins.

Match is playing best of 19 frames, so to proceed player have to win 10 frames. I believe Higgins will be quite confident in first match and win with more than 2 frames difference.

Suggestion: 10-6

Pick : Higgins -2,5 handicap
Odds : 1.85
Stake : 8 / 10
Bookmaker : Bwin
Match Result : 10-5
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