World Open betting preview, tips & TV details

When to bet

Live on Eurosport 1, 6.30am Monday

Best bets

M Allen
1pt each-way 9-1 Betfred, Betway

R O’Sullivan to win the fourth quarter
2pts 10-11 Betway, Sky Bet

Tournament preview

Ronnie O'Sullivan makes his first World Open start since the tournament switched to Yushan in China three years ago and the Rocket’s decision to add an extra event to his calendar shouldn’t go unnoticed by punters.

O’Sullivan’s winning prospects have been made easier by the draw in Yushan, which sees him housed away from big-hitters Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy, John Higgins, Barry Hawkins and Stuart Bingham.

It is therefore easy to see why the Rocket heads the market, particularly with the best-of-nine-frames format making it harder for lesser lights to deliver an upset.

But with the in-form Mark Allen a semi-final stumbling block, the best way of siding with O’Sullivan could be the 10-11 that he overcomes his fourth-quarter rivals.

Other than a potential clash with Kyren Wilson in the last eight, it’s difficult to see where O’Sullivan can slip up early on with the £150,000 cheque to the winner ensuring he stays fully focused.

That was the case in the lucrative Shanghai Masters in September, when the Rocket secured the silverware with wins over Wilson, Neil Robertson and a red-hot Murphy.

O’Sullivan should land a semi-final spot, but that is where his title charge could come to an end against Allen.

The Northern Irishman won this event in back-to-back years in Haikou in 2012 and 2013 and he is a more complete player now.

The Pistol won the International Championship and the Scottish Open, as well as making the final of the UK Championship last season, and he has kicked off this campaign in similar vein.

From just four events, Allen has made three semi-finals – the latest coming last week in the English Open in Crawley, where he was touched off 6-5 by tournament winner Selby.

Allen’s overall performance, including a 4-0 demolition of Hawkins which featured two centuries and a break of 89, hinted that his time may be approaching.

The seventh seed looks at the top of his game and could capitalise on what looks the weakest of the four quarters.

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