Welsh Open betting tips, preview & TV channel

TV: BBC2 Wales/Eurosport 1/Quest, from 10am Wednesday

Noppon Saengkham was a slow starter in his Welsh Open curtain-raiser but the Thai may not be able to afford such a luxury against Xu Si in the last 64 in Cardiff.

Saengkham trailed Stuart Carrington 3-0 before turning the match on its head to win 4-3 with runs of 66, 97, 102 and 90.

The form could be useful and Saengkham, who has made good strides in the last 18 months, looks a potential title winner and isn't opposed easily.

However, betting is all about prices and the competitors' relative merits, and promising Chinese youngster Xu may be a shade overpriced to trouble Saengkham.

Xu opened with a 4-2 victory over Eden Sharav, who has been in pretty good nick himself this season, so it's a little surprising to see the progressive 21-year-old from Jieyang generously priced to upset Saengkham.

Xu compiled only one break above 50 against Sharav but he's capable of scoring more heavily when on top of his game.

Barry Hawkins is performing at or near his peak and the Kent-based cueman thrashed Sunny Akani 4-0 on day two.

Recommendation
Xu Si +2.5 frames
1pt 8-13 Coral, Ladbrokes

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