Snooker betting tips: Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters outright preview and best bets

The third ranking event of the season kicks off this week with the debut of the highly anticipated and contentious Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters in Riyadh. This tournament represents the most significant addition to the Tour this season, hailed by the WST as snooker’s “fourth Major,” and features a £2,000,000 prize fund, making it the second richest event after the World Championships. Read on for tips and analysis from our snooker expert.

Snooker betting tips: Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters Predictions

Could a Surprise Winner Emerge in the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters 2024?

• Neil Robertson has 23 ranking event titles, making him one of the most decorated players in the tournament.
• Si Jiahui reached the semi-finals of the World Championship last year, showcasing his potential to perform on the biggest stages.
• The winner of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters will receive £500,000, matching the prize fund of the sport’s flagship event in Sheffield.

The 2024 Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters is set to be an electrifying tournament, marking a significant addition to the World Snooker Tour. This ranking event, held from 31 August to 7 September in the opulent Green Halls of Riyadh, has already stirred considerable debate due to its association with Saudi Arabia’s controversial ‘sportwashing’ practices. Nonetheless, the event has attracted a stellar lineup, including all the top snooker players, undoubtedly drawn by the lucrative £2.3 million prize pool, with a whopping £500,000 reserved for the winner.

The unique structure of the tournament, where the top 16 seeds automatically enter the last 32, adds another layer of intrigue, as it mixes seasoned veterans with rising stars and local wildcards. This, combined with the one-venue format, ensures that the competition will be intense right from the start, as every player aims to make their mark in this prestigious new event.

Best Bet: Neil Robertson to Win Outright

Neil Robertson stands out as a formidable contender in the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, making him our best bet for this tournament. Despite a less-than-stellar performance at the Xi’an Grand Prix, where he was ousted in the first round by Yuan Sijun, Robertson’s calibre and experience make him a compelling choice for outright victory. The Australian, with 23 ranking event titles under his belt, has consistently demonstrated an ability to perform under pressure—a crucial attribute in a tournament as high-stakes as this one.

One of the key factors favouring Robertson is the draw. His likely qualifying round opponents, Ian Burns and Jackson Page, are players he is expected to overcome without significant difficulty. Moving forward into the main draw, his potential opponents include Gary Wilson and Mark Selby, both of whom have been struggling for form this season. Wilson and Selby’s early-season performances have been lacklustre, providing Robertson with a potentially smoother path to the latter stages of the tournament.

Additionally, Robertson has shown signs of regaining his form towards the end of the last season and has made a solid start to this campaign, evidenced by his seven points in his Championship League group and convincing victories in the qualifying matches. His ability to handle pressure, honed through years of competing and winning at the highest levels, will be a significant advantage in Riyadh, where the enormous prize fund could be a distraction for less experienced players.

Moreover, the format of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters plays into Robertson’s hands. With all matches being played at the same venue, there are no long gaps or travel demands that might disrupt a player’s rhythm. This continuity is likely to suit a seasoned professional like Robertson, who thrives on maintaining momentum throughout a tournament. Given these factors, backing Neil Robertson at 16/1 presents an excellent opportunity for bettors looking for a well-calculated wager in this inaugural event.

Dark Horse Prediction: Si Jiahui to Win Outright

For those seeking a higher-risk, higher-reward option, Si Jiahui emerges as a tantalising dark horse in the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters. Priced at 66/1, Jiahui’s potential to upset the odds cannot be overlooked, especially given his recent performances and the favourable draw he faces.

Jiahui has proven himself to be an unpredictable but exceptionally talented player, as demonstrated by his run to the semi-finals of the World Championship last year. His ability to perform under pressure, coupled with a fearless approach to the game, makes him a dangerous opponent for any player. This was further evidenced by his recent appearance in the final of the German Masters, highlighting his capacity to go deep in ranking events.

The draw is once again a critical factor here. Jiahui’s path through the qualifiers includes a possible encounter with Sam Craigie, who has struggled with form and fitness, having yet to play a match this season due to a shoulder injury. In the last 32, Jiahui is likely to face Luca Brecel, a player whose form has nosedived since his unexpected World Championship victory. Brecel’s struggles were highlighted when Jiahui defeated him 6-2 in Shanghai last month, showcasing the young Chinese player’s ability to capitalise on his opponent’s weaknesses.

Should Jiahui advance past Brecel, he would likely meet Tom Ford in the last 16. Jiahui has dominated their previous encounters, winning all three of their past matches, including a recent victory at the Shanghai Masters. While the competition will undoubtedly become more challenging as the tournament progresses, Jiahui’s current form and the favourable early-round draw make him a worthy each-way bet at such generous odds. The potential for a significant payout makes backing Si Jiahui an intriguing option for those willing to take a calculated risk.

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