Coral’s English Open Contenders

The 2016 Coral English Open in Manchester is quickly approaching and we’ve had a look at some of the key contenders for the Steve Davis Trophy.

With 128 of the world’s best players in the field, we’re set for a dramatic seven days. However, it also means there is plenty of value to be had if you can pick out the victor…

Ronnie O’Sullivan – Official Coral Odds:  5-1

O’Sullivan has been installed as favourite and the 28-time ranking winner is beginning to find match sharpness ahead of the opening Home Nations event. His first appearance of the season came two weeks ago at the Shanghai Masters. O’Sullivan roared back from 4-1 down, to beat Liang Wenbo 5-4 in his first game, before showing rustiness during a 5-2 loss against Michael Holt. So far this week at the European Masters he has scored wins against Daniel Wells, Dave Gilbert and Mark Allen and looks to be returning to form. Can anyone stop the Rocket?

 

Mark Selby – Official Coral Odds:  8-1

If you had to pick a player out, it would be difficult to look too far beyond the World Champion. Selby has finished at the top of the world rankings for each of the last five seasons. He signed off last year on the biggest high possible, defeating Ding Junhui in the final of the World Championship.

Selby has already appeared in two finals during the 2016/17 season, winning the Paul Hunter Classic and suffering defeat at the hands of Ding at the Shanghai Masters. He’s scheduled for a repeat of the 2015 China Open final against Gary Wilson in the first round at Event City. However, the Jester has had to replace the tip of his cue this week during the ongoing European Masters in Bucharest. Will that deter the world number one?

 

Neil Robertson –  Official Coral Odds:   8-1

Robertson is no stranger to winning events on UK soil. A former Crucible winner, he’s also been victorious at the Grand Prix, Welsh Open, UK Championship and Masters. The Australian won the first event of the season at the Riga Masters in Latvia, defeating Michael Holt in the final. However, he did suffer a surprise defeat to Ryan Day at the recent Shanghai Masters. The 34-year-old was also pushed all the way in a 6-5 win over world number 89 Sam Craigie last week during International Championship qualifying. First up for Robertson in Manchester is Pakistan’s 2015 Asian Champion Hamza Akbar.

 

Judd Trump – Official Coral Odds:  10-1

Trump hasn’t quite hit top gear yet this season, with his best showing being a quarter-final appearance at the Riga Masters. However, on his day the attacking 27-year-old can play unbeatable snooker and he was victorious earlier this year at the 2016 China Open. The Juddernaught is a five-time ranking winner, although the 2011 UK Championship was the only one of those to come in Britain. Is Trump due to add to his tally next week?

 

Ding Junhui – Official Coral Odds: 12-1

Probably the form player on the World Snooker Tour. Ding has already picked up a world title this season, at the Six Red World Championship in Thailand. He survived an early scare against Scott Donaldson at the Shanghai Masters, before playing brilliantly to win a second piece of silverware for the season. Ding made eight breaks over 50 in the final against Mark Selby and won 10-6. That win avenged his Crucible defeat at the World Championship last season. The 12-time ranking event winner will take some beating in Manchester. Can he pick up his first ranking title in Britain since the 2012 Welsh Open?

Keep an eye out for the official Coral outright betting to open soon. Odds subject to change.