Liang tricky for struggling Walden

Eurosport 2, 2.30pm Saturday

Liang Wenbo is one of the most consistent performers on the circuit and this season’s Coral English Open champion should be backed with confidence to oust an injury-plagued Ricky Walden.

The Firecracker has show­cased his talents on numerous occasions this term, highlighted by his success in October’s first leg of the Home Nations Series in Manchester, and his heavy scoring could blow Walden away.

The Chester potter has struggled of late with a back injury and as a result has slipped out of the top 20 in the world rankings.

Walden remains a capable performer on his day but first-round exits in the Welsh Open and the World Grand Prix leave him with plenty to find.

Ian Burns is playing better than his lowly ranking implies and is a worthy of a small interest against Alfie Burden.

Recommendations
Liang Wenbo
3pts 10-11 Ladbrokes
I Burns
1pt Evs Betway, Ladbrokes