China Open

By far the most interesting player for me is young Jack Lisowsky who plays in the wild card round. I am not interested in backing him at 1.25 in his first match but have had a few quid at 80s for the tournament.
Drawn to meet his mate Judd Trump in the first round and should be the match of the tournament if they both turn up with something like their A games.
They shared a flat for a while but sensibly don't now and that was probably sound advice because unless I am way off beam they will have many matches to play in the coming years.
From what I have seen ( and thats not a lot) I think Jack will end up the superior player.
I think I would have to go back to the Hendry's, O'sullivans, Higgins and Williams, to think of a player that has impressed me so much.
He seems to have it all and if his coaches can instill a bit of discipline and he manages his matches better then I just think this guy is the next very big deal.
Whatever he wins in the near future will be no shock to me. I just get the feeling this guy is going to be huge.
It will be interesting to see how Ding manages his matches now and perhaps he will go on a winning run now that will include the World title, certainly he is the class player in the field but that has not always done him any good.

Selby,
Probably the true favourite.

Punter,
The top half of the draw is a nightmare so I will be letting the first round go by hoping it leaves a clearer picture and I dont think the odds will have shrunk that much.
As it stands Ding would have to be my choice at 9s but with him its really a gamble.

The lower half looks more inviting.
Jack Lisowsky is my outsider and yesterday I took 80s but he might have lost an arm because I have been backing him at 120 and 130 today which to my mind is crazy odds as he has beaten Selby 3 out of 4 meetings and in the 4th he lost by the odd frame. He has lost to Higgins in a decider and scared Robbo and I see no fear in his game and whatever happens here I will get a big payday out of him sooner rather than later.
In Ireland a careless shot on a blue that was almost over the pocket probably cost him a place in the final and allowed Tom Ford to progress.
Anyway, just noticed I am repeating myself
Top half outsider for me is Robert Milkins and he should not be 80-1, he is better than that.
I will be backing him to beat Higgins in their match, not because I think he will ever be in Johns class but dont think John is anywhere near his best and think natural decline is showing.
Mind you I am due a bad tournament as the last 5 have shown good profits but that is not always the case
Horses is my main target but with so much snooker these days and the sprint matches and a tendency to underrate some players and overrate others there is value to be had.
Should Lisowsky fail and trump gets through then Jamie Cope may feel the burden of a fiver.
I could cry when I look at what has happened to Jamie, there was a time I thought he would rewrite the record books.
Somewhere inside his head is the game to destroy the very best, but it went missing about 5 seasons ago.
Anyway once the first round is over I will let you know what I am doing and hope others put up their choices because it just makes this game more interesting.

The markets seem all over the place, yesteray Ding was 9.5 today 11.5 and as you say a stonking price and too good to pass up.

Punter,  an absolute disaster.

Not unusual for me but put that down to a bit of a greed trip but love it, bit like royal ascot.
I tend to concentrate on the Godolphin stables through the flat season and one or two others and find that easy to work a profit.
What about yourself?

Had a great meet....The photo finish cost me a serious amount..had 4 winners full multi with it at ante post prices...

Plus had Johnjo's one with rich ritchie....33 plus...Hollywell

Might have one for Aintree at a price...wait see...

I should say that my stakes were not grand. I layed out 120 in total and am happy with that.

Ebdon / Campbell match so uninspiring to watch....yawn

pecker,why does that make you 'nuts' if you decide to have a vegan diet ?

right , i got it , are we gonna get a '...Come ON ...' from ebbo today ?

Frame 8 will be the last regardless.Return tonight for a finnish....Incredibly poor.

Yes should be a good game.....My mystic powers never fail me...ooohhhhh....l o l...

Ebbo is a strange chap... Around the table he selects pretty obscure shots...

His talent even now is immense....but mentally as i said he is past it...

can't let go of the place , has won here twice in the last 4 years , doesn't want to leave the arena !

Nailed on Nicky that!

Pecker - YES, Ebdon has been practising with ROS!!! 

Hoping for some more 'couldn't give a flying flip' snooker from Judd next.

3 previous meetings ...2-1 lisowski H2H

Cheers Lat....Essex boys...and Swaamis...

Got the lay here.....

better get used to seeing this lad , one of the new breed

backed him @ 300's for sheffield ( still to qualify yet mind )