Key Highlights
- Judd Trump and Mark Allen face off in the quarter-finals of the Masters at Alexandra Palace.
- John Higgins is recommended to beat Zhao Xintong with odds of 6/4.
- The match between Judd Trump and Mark Allen is expected to see over 9.5 frames, with odds of 1/20.
Masters Snooker: Quarter-Finals Preview at Alexandra Palace
The quarter-finals of the Masters snooker tournament kick off on Thursday at Alexandra Palace, London. Top players like Judd Trump and Mark Allen will compete for a spot in the semi-finals, with John Higgins recommended to take down world champion Zhao Xintong.
John Higgins vs Zhao Xintong
Higgins has shown his longevity and continued excellence on the snooker circuit. At 6/4 odds, he is tipped to defeat the reigning world champion, Zhao Xintong. Higgins’ recent victory over Barry Hawkins demonstrates his skill and consistency, with six fifty-plus breaks in that match.
Higgins will need to maintain this form against Zhao Xintong, who has shown flashes of brilliance but also made several errors during previous matches.
Historically, Higgins leads the head-to-head record 7-4 against Xintong. However, Xintong’s recent progress and his ability to recover from behind make him a formidable opponent. Bookmakers suggest that while Zhao Xintong is favoured, John Higgins represents better value at 6/4 odds.
Judd Trump vs Mark Allen
In the other quarter-final matchup, Judd Trump faces Mark Allen in what could be a deciding battle of frames. The match between these two players often features intense and strategic play, with historical records showing a tight contest. Allen has been content with his approach, which focuses on sticking to his task even when behind, leading him to win more than 70% of his matches this season.
While Allen’s style may be physically and mentally draining, the shorter format of the Masters could suit his game better.
Trump, ranked world number one, has shown excellent form with several centuries in his recent victory over Ding Junhui. Over 9.5 frames are tipped to occur at odds of 1/20, reflecting the high-quality nature of this match.
Both players have a rich history of memorable matches against each other, including some that went into deciders. The overall trend suggests that Judd Trump is slightly favoured, but the value bet lies in backing over 9.5 frames with odds of 1/20, which aligns well with the current market.
Conclusion
The Masters quarter-finals promise an exciting showdown at Alexandra Palace. With key players like Higgins and Trump facing tough challenges, fans can expect thrilling matches filled with drama and skill. As always, responsible gambling is encouraged, and readers are advised to wager only what they can afford.
For those seeking betting insights, the tips provided offer a balanced view of the upcoming matches, ensuring that enthusiasts can enjoy the tournament while making informed decisions in their wagers.
