First Round Betting Snooker World Championships

First Round Betting of the Snooker World Championship has been brisk, with seven matches getting underway this first weekend. Reigning World Champion John Higgins, has a very tough start, coming up against twice finalist and newly resurgent Matthew Stevens. Higgins is 1/2 with most bookmakers, but Welshman Stevens, who is playing really well this season is reasonably priced to cause a major first round upset at 2/1. Another potential upset could occur in the Neil Robertson and Nigel Bond match. Robertson is justifiably a short priced favourite but Bond, who is 5/2 to win has every chance. He loves the crucible, he has been to the final and his experience might well prove to be too much for the young Aussie.

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Despite reaching the Masters final earlier this year, Steven Lee
has plummeted down the rankings, he is provisionally ranked 23 for next season, so a good performance for him here is vital. He's up against Joe Swail, who is provisionally ranked two places better at 21. Lee is 8/11 to win while Swail is 6/5.

Former Champion Peter Ebdon starts his campaign this year against Jamie Cope. Ebdon has been nowhere near his best this season and he will be very disappointed with himself. Provisionally ranked 10 for next season, Ebdon is still a major challenger, despite a poor season. The Crucible brings the best out in him, he should just have the edge over Cope. Ebdon is 4/5 and Cope 11/10.

Other weekend prices Ali Carter is 'evens' to beat Barry Hawkins11/8, Provisional ranked world number 6, Ryan Day, is 1/2 to overcome Michael Judge 2/1 and finally seven times Champion Stephen Hendry is odds on to beat Mark Allen 'evens'

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