Indian Open: snooker match betting tips and Thursday preview

Continues 5.30am, Thursday

Luke Simmonds came in for praise from Ronnie O'Sullivan when the pair met in the Betway UK Championship in November and the Cornishman may be worth chancing on the handicap in his Indian Open curtain-raiser against Mei Xiwen.

Simmonds, 39, was world under-21 champion in 1998 then defeated Ryan Day later in the same year to be crowned world amateur champion.

• Indian Open tournament preview

Breaking into the pro ranks thereafter proved beyond Simmonds, but some players get more confident as they get older and he could be one of them.

Mei is accomplished and no stranger to defeating opponents comfortably, but given Simmonds' ability the chance to back him to win at least two frames can still be taken.

John Higgins has drifted to 7-1 to retain his Indian Open crown on the eve of the tournament.

Recommendation
L Simmonds +2.5 games
1pt 7-10 Hills

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