Snooker Shoot Out 2020: tournament betting preview, free tips and where to watch

Free snooker tips, best bets and tournament preview for the Snooker Shoot Out at the Watford Colosseum.

Where to watch

Event starts: BBC2 Wales, Eurosport 1 & Quest, 1pm Thursday
Final: 1pm Sunday

Best bets

Luca Brecel
0.5pt each-way 33-1 general
Michael Holt
0.5pt each-way 66-1 Betfred
Michael White
0.5pt each-way 125-1 Betfred, Betway
Sam Craigie
0.5pt each-way 125-1 Betfred

Tournament preview

The Snooker Shoot Out returns to the Watford Colosseum for a tenth time on Thursday afternoon when 128 players do battle in a one-frame format, made harder by a shot-clock and a large raucous crowd.

Barry Hearn's controversial decision to make the tournament a ranking event in 2018 wasn't met with universal approval but it is the reason spectators can enjoy the talents of Ronnie O'Sullivan (making his first appearance since 2015) and Mark Selby this year.

O'Sullivan's presence in the event has ensured it's only 12-1 the field with a number of bookmakers offering each-way terms of a quarter the odds, four places. Given the open nature of the event, several players appeal at big prices.

Former finalist Luca Brecel has had a poor season by his high standards but has shown signs that he might be coming back into peak form.

Brecel should be taking this more seriously than his opening-round opponent Mark Williams and if he overcomes the Welshman this naturally gifted scorer could be set for another deep Watford run.

There are not many players who you could describe as a Shoot Out specialists, but Michael Holt surely fits the bill. Since 2013 he has made a quarter-final and a semi-final before finding only talented Thai Thepchaiya Un-Nooh too good last year.

Given an ideal first-round draw against an inexperienced opponent in Amine Amiri, The Hitman could be set for another profitable Shoot Out.

At bigger prices, 2015 champion Michael White and Sam Craigie both merit an interest.

White opens with a tricky assignment against Welsh Open finalist Kyren Wilson, although the Warrior has gone deep in a number of tournaments of late and this format is not ideally suited to his game.

Craigie, though, is the sort of player who should enjoy this test. A talented breakbuilder who made the third round in 2017, Craigie is good enough to make a breakthrough at this level and this quirky tournament may be the way for him to do so.

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport