Mark Selby is at odds of +850 to win the World Open snooker tournament in Yushan. First he has to get past Long Zehuang from China in the opening round.
- What? Mark Selby vs Long Zehuang, World Open Snooker Round One
- Where? Yushan Sports Centre in Yushan, China,
- When? Wednesday, March 20
Below you can see the odds for this match from one of the best online sports betting sites.
| Snooker World Open 2024 |  | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Selby | -650 | +400 | Long Zehuang |
| Mark Selby -2.5 | -135 | +105 | Long Zehuang +2.5 |
| Frame 1 - Mark Selby | -225 | +170 | Frame 1 - Long Zehuang |
Mark Selby
Following a strong start to the season with a finals appearance at the British Open, Mark Selby's momentum waned, understandable given personal challenges he faced off the table. However, recent weeks have shown promising signs of resurgence.
His commanding 6-0 victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Players Championship showcased Selby's peak performance, highlighted by a century break and multiple fifty-plus breaks, a feat unmatched by others in recent months. Despite a semifinal loss to Zhang Anda, Selby nearly staged a remarkable comeback from a 4-0 deficit, demonstrating his resilience. Losing to Zhang in a crucial match was no disgrace given the Chinese player's impressive season.
Although Selby suffered a quarterfinal defeat at the World Masters of Snooker, falling to Mark Allen in another deciding frame, he maintained his stature against a formidable opponent fresh from a Players Championship win. Selby's consistent trajectory towards his peak form aligns with his career pattern. As a four-time world champion and two-time Crucible runner-up, Selby customarily gears his season around the prestigious spring events.
His dominance isn't limited to Sheffield; Selby clinched the China Open three consecutive times between 2015 and 2018, cementing his prowess ahead of the World Championship. Even last year, he exhibited strong form at the Tour Championship, pushing eventual winner Shaun Murphy in the semifinals.
With his draw placed opposite to O'Sullivan's, Selby presents a compelling each way option at +850 odds. If Selby crosses paths with O'Sullivan again, he has consistently proven his ability to challenge his longtime rival both tactically and mentally.
While a potential matchup against John Higgins looms in the last 16, Selby's upward trend in form contrasts with the veteran Scot's recent struggles in crucial matches.
Long Zehuang
Before embarking on his professional snooker career, Long showcased his talent on the billiards scene, clinching the World Junior 9-Ball Championships in 2015 at the age of 18.
Long's journey into the realm of professional snooker saw him compete at the 2018 Haining Open, where he secured a victory against Liu Hongyu before bowing out to Cai Jianzhong.
In June 2019, Long came close to earning a spot on the Snooker World Tour but fell short in the final round of Q School, succumbing to Barry Pinches in a decisive match.
However, Long's determination paid off as he successfully navigated through the CBSA qualifying events held in Beijing in April 2023, securing a coveted place on the 2023-24 World Snooker Tour. His pathway to qualification culminated in a victory over former professional Chen Feilong in the final qualifying round.
Making his professional debut at the 2023 Championship League held in Leicester, England, Long made an impressive impact. Remaining undefeated in the round robin group stage, he notched up notable results, including a draw against Jackson Page and victories over world number 12 Ali Carter and rising talent Ryan Davies. Advancing to the next stage, Long continued his unbeaten streak in the second round robin phase, securing draws against Sam Craigie, Jak Jones, and Michael White. His momentum carried him to the latter stages of the World Open, where he clinched a thrilling 5-4 victory against Thepchaiya Un-Nooh.
Mark Selby vs Long Zehuang Prediction
I expect Selby to breeze past his opening round opponent comfortably so I am backing the handicap bet.
Read our Bovada sportsbook review for much more information.
I am also backing Selby to win the opening frame.
World Open snooker 2024
Taking place at the Yushan Sports Centre in Yushan, China, the World Open is a prestigious ranking event employing a straight knockout format. 64 players will be vying for the coveted title. Commencing on Monday, March 18, 2024, the tournament unfolds daily until its climax on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
Prior to the main event, qualification matches were held earlier this year at the Barnsley Metrodome in January. While the tournament boasts 32 seeded players, certain competitors are yet to complete their qualifications, with held over matches slated for March 18.
Renowned for its significant prize pool, the World Open offers a total of £815,000 up for grabs. The eventual champion of this snooker extravaganza will walk away with an impressive £170,000 in prize money.
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