World Championship qualifiers predictions, snooker betting tips and winner odds

Free snooker tips, best bets and analysis for the 2021 Betfred World Championship qualifiers at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

Where to watch

All ten days of World Championship qualifiers will be available to watch on the Eurosport Player and streamed live on bookmakers' websites from 9.30am on Monday.

Best bets

Jimmy White -1.5 frames v Stephen Hendry 7.30pm
2pts 11-10 bet365, Ladbrokes, Coral
Ashley Carty to beat Michael White 2.30pm Tuesday
2pts 13-10 Betfred, Hills, Sporting Index

Jamie Jones to qualify
2pts 3-1 Sporting Index
Ali Carter to qualify
3pts 9-10 Hills

Preview

Less than eight months after Ronnie O'Sullivan claimed a sixth world title, qualification begins on Monday for the Betfred World Championship in Sheffield with two of the biggest names in the history of the snooker back in the spotlight.

Seven-time Crucible king Stephen Hendry is making just his second appearance since coming out of retirement and faces a familiar foe for the start of the biggest tournament of the season.

Hendry will tackle old enemy Jimmy White at the English Institute of Sport for the first time in a ranking event since he beat the Whirlwind 9-8 at the last-32 stage of the 2010 UK Championship.

Seven months ago the Scot was awarded an invitational two-year tour card and announced his return from retirement but waited until last month's Gibraltar Open to appear for the first time since his quarter final exit at the Crucible in 2012.

Hendry compiled a century in his 4-1 defeat to Matthew Selt but is far from match-sharp and, although these two are legends of the green baize, a nervy encounter is expected.

Despite that, and despite Hendry's superiority in the head-to-head, which includes his four world championship final wins, 58-year-old White has shown glimpses of brilliance this season and is a strong fancy to come through with a bit in hand and cover the handicap.

White, who is ranked 83 in the world, has nine wins and a draw from his 25 professional matches this season including a success against 2015 world champion Stuart Bingham at the Gibraltar Open - a tournament in which he reached the last-16 stage.

Prices just short of even-money about no century breaks is also an appealing wager for the marquee clash in the first round of qualifiers.

Matches run all week as the field is whittled down to the 16 players tackling the top seeds at the Crucible later this month.

On Tuesday a former seed, Michael White, is in danger of falling at the first hurdle to Ashley Carty.

Carty came through three rounds of qualifying to reach the Crucible last season and looks overpriced.

Layers are offering prices about players to qualify through to the Crucible, and Welshman Jamie Jones appeals at prices as big as 3-1. He continues to climb the rankings since his ban and is a player to keep an eye on.

There are a couple of big hitters featuring in the final rounds of qualifying - including 2015 world champion Stuart Bingham and former Crucible finalist Ali Carter.

Carter has landed in a soft section and looks a solid bet to feature on the big stage once again.

Not got a William Hill account? Sign up and bet £10 to get £30 in free bets

Open a new account using Promo code H30 only, Min £10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. T&Cs apply 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport