Masters snooker: well-backed Trump and debutant Gould to shine
Published:After winning the UK Championship last month, it is understandable that Judd Trump is a popular choice with punters to star again with victory in the Masters.
Trump is 6/1 in the snooker odds to win the Masters, although punters wanting to take less of a risk can get 6/4 that he reaches the semi finals.
The 22-year-old is in the top quarter of the draw with Ronnie O’Sullivan, Ding Junhui and opening round opponent Stuart Bingham, but his explosive potting can see him through.
It is the second quarter which is perhaps the toughest to call, with Neil Robertson, Mark Williams, UK Championship finalist Mark Allen and Stephen Maguire all capable of tournament victory.
Maguire is the outsider of the foursome to progress through the quarter at 4/1, but may represent the best value given his victory in the latest PTC event, showing the strength of his recent form.
Tournament favourite Mark Selby will be fancied to win the third quarter, but it may pay to side to this year’s only Masters debutant Martin Gould.
Gould is 11/2 to reach the semi finals and is more than capable of avenging his defeat to Shaun Murphy from the UK Championship in the opening round, which arguably the run of the ball caused him to lose.
John Higgins is the big name in the bottom quarter, but has lost in the first round of the Masters in four of the last five years.
Graeme Dott has been consistent in the PTC events and faces an out-of-form Ali Carter in round one, who is seriously considering quitting the game for good.
Dott is 7/2 to be the last man standing in the fourth quarter and looks well capable of taking advantage of a beneficial draw.
