Snooker betting tips: International Championship predictions, preview and best bets

The International Championship begins on Sunday and our snooker expert has provided a complete preview and the best bet to make the most of this event. Read on for the analysis and tips and make sure to check out the selected betting offers listed below to maximise your betting value.

Snooker betting tips: International Championship

Will the International Championship Shake Up the Season’s Rankings?

• Judd Trump has already won two major events this season, highlighting his consistency as a top contender.
• John Higgins has maintained solid form, losing only four of his last 16 matches, with only top players posing significant challenges.
• Mark Allen has made two impressive finishes this season, reinforcing his potential for another standout performance in Nanjing.

Our Tips

The International Championship heads to Nanjing, China, marking a significant event in the snooker calendar as the season’s last ranking tournament before the UK Championship. This year’s tournament is set against the backdrop of South New City National Fitness Centre, a fresh venue for this event, which will host 64 players in a competitive battle for ranking points and a coveted trophy. Initially launched in 2012, the International Championship holds considerable prestige, given its overseas status and ranking influence. The tournament’s long pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened anticipation, with players keen to make their mark and secure momentum heading into the UK Championship.

The field promises intense matchups, particularly with top contenders like Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, and Zhang Anda vying for position. Anda returns as the defending champion, having clinched a decisive victory over Tom Ford in the 2023 final. However, his current form appears less intimidating, potentially opening up the top half of the draw for rivals. Meanwhile, Trump, a two-time champion and formidable force this season, holds sway in the betting market after victories in both the Shanghai and Saudi Arabia Masters. Despite a recent heavy loss to Wilson in the Northern Ireland Open final, his skill remains evident, particularly when matched with challenging opponents in the bottom half of the draw.

Ronnie O’Sullivan, on the other hand, may face a tougher comeback as he enters the tournament with uncertainties surrounding his form. With the potential absence of peak performances from Anda and O’Sullivan, the draw’s top half could see dynamic upsets, especially with players like John Higgins and Mark Allen aiming to capitalise on their favourable opening fixtures.

Best Bet for the Event: Mark Allen to Win

The optimal choice for this tournament is Mark Allen to secure victory. The reasoning behind this selection centres around Allen’s current form and advantageous draw in the top half of the bracket. Allen has showcased consistent quality this season, advancing to the British Open quarter-finals and the semi-finals of the English Open. His tournament run starts against Aaron Hill, a manageable opponent that gives Allen the opportunity to ease into form before facing tougher challenges. With Ricky Walden or Xiao Guodong likely to await him in the last 32, Allen’s path offers reasonable progression, enhancing his chances for a deep run.

Allen’s recent history in this competition also adds weight to his candidacy. Winning the International Championship in 2018 marked a turning point in his career, propelling him to later reach the UK Championship final. His familiarity with the event and its pressures could prove advantageous, particularly as he advances into later rounds. Additionally, given the unpredictability of competitors like Anda and O’Sullivan, Allen’s well-rounded playstyle and confidence make him a strategic favourite. His combination of experience, form, and a workable draw position him strongly as the player to back for this tournament.

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