Friday's Betfred World Championship snooker betting preview, tips & TV details

Day seven
BBC & Eurosport from 10am Friday

M Williams v D Gilbert 2.30pm
A low-key season and a year of partying ensured that Mark Williams arrived at the Crucible relatively under the radar, but the defending champion can put his name firmly in title reckoning with a convincing victory over Dave Gilbert.

By his own admission, Williams has spent the bulk of the season celebrating his third world title success rather than focusing on adding to his honours.

But Sheffield brings out the best in the Welshman and there was nothing laboured about his 10-7 first-round win over Martin Gould.

Williams’ victory could have been more emphatic given he led 9-4 and judged on his early-season efforts, it was evident that the last few months had been filled with dedication and hard work.

He idled in front but it was an excellent starting point and he has had six days to focus on his second-round clash.

Gilbert has had his best season to date with two ranking finals at the World Open and the German Masters and he was solid in defeating experienced operator Joe Perry 10-7 in his opener.

However, he led Williams 9-5 before losing five straight frames in the World Open and he was 7-5 up on Kyren Wilson in Germany before losing 9-7, so his temperament in high-pressure situations must be questioned.

The Angry Farmer has lost his last five meetings with Williams and he had just one break over 60 in his punishing of Perry, so he must score more heavily if he is to be competitive.

Recommendation
M Williams -2.5 frames
2pts 7-10 BoyleSports

S Maguire v J Cahill10am

Stephen Maguire survived a real scare before eventually overhauling Tian Pengfei in his Betfred World Championship curtain-raiser and the Scot can expect another stern test when he takes on Ronnie O’Sullivan’s conqueror James Cahill.

The fiery Glaswegian found himself 9-7 down to the Crucible debutant in the best-of-19 contest before capitalising on a huge slice of luck and winning the final three frames.

The victory was testament to Maguire’s never-say-die character and the world number 15 should see this as an excellent chance to go deep in an event in which he has often disappointed.

However, the former UK Championship winner has never fulfilled his promise and isn’t one to trust at short prices, particularly against a fearless competitor such as Cahill.

The amateur produced a stunning 22-1 upset against O’Sullivan in the opening round and although the Rocket was clearly below-par, he showed maturity beyond his years and thrived in an environment that often sees debutants crack.

The 23-year-old should have learned plenty from his first taste of the Crucible and his heavy scoring – he made six centuries in recording three wins in qualifying – can help him keep close tabs on Maguire.

It’s difficult to argue with the match prices given the best-of-25 format is new territory for Cahill and it could be safer to back a tight contest.

Their only previous meeting, in the opening round of this season’s English Open, went the distance, with Maguire winning 4-3 on his way to the last four.

The Scot's experience should count for plenty, but Cahill can play with a sense of freedom having claimed the Rocket’s scalp and earned a two-year tour card.

Both players will get their scoring opportunities and this could be a lengthy contest with plenty of twists and turns.

Recommendation
Over 22.5 frames
1pt 13-8 Hills

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport