Betfred World Championship snooker qualifiers: Wednesday betting previews

Free snooker tips, best bets and analysis for the Betfred World Championship qualifiers on Wednesday.

Where to watch

Live on Eurosport 1, 1.30pm & 7pm Wednesday

Best bets

James Cahill -3.5 frames v Ben Mertens
1pt 8-11 Betfred, Sky Bet

James Cahill to qualify for Crucible
1pt 12-1Betfair

Preview

Ronnie O'Sullivan's first-round demise against James Cahill in last year's Betfred World Championship came as a surprise to many but perhaps not to diehard fans.

O'Sullivan basically didn't turn up for the clash against the qualifier, but Cahill deserved plenty of credit for the way he handled the occasion and held his nerve.

The Blackpool cueman is hoping to notch a return trip to the Crucible this year and he has every chance of getting off to a positive start against Ben Mertens.

Belgian 15-year-old Mertens is a promising performer in his own right, but up against one of the best young players in the game it could be one-way traffic.

Cahill, 24, is 8-11 to make light of a 3.5-frames concession and Mertens may do well to win three frames in this best-of-11 opener at Sheffield's English Institute of Sport.

Anthony McGill is the warm favourite to win qualifying group seven, but Cahill could be worth a punt at generous odds of 12-1 with the sponsors.

Promising Iulian Boiko could go well against Thor Chuan Leon and the Ukrainian can be considered with a handicap start of 2.5 frames.

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