Snooker Shootout Preview

The Circus Arena in Blackpool will play host to the 2012 Snooker Shootout which gives 64 of the world’s best players the chance to get their hands on some silverware over the shortest possible format.

Each match is a one frame play-off meaning that there is a huge element of luck and fortune required to win the event which was introduced in 2011 alongside Power Snooker in order to promote a different side to the traditional game.

Veteran Nigel Bond rolled back the years however to down his younger compatriots over the course of three days and lift the title at the expense of Robert Milkins. That pair will face-off once again in the first round of the 2012 tournament giving Bond a platform to potentially defend his title.

Outright odds are extremely hard to find for the tournament due to its random nature and the fact that any of the 64 strong field can realistically go all the way.

The tournament does however provide a plethora of match betting opportunities and the chance to rack up some decent winnings should the correct judgements be made. Three times world champion John Higgins takes on new sensation Judd Trump in the first round and even money is roundly available about the youngster downing the Scot.

Recent Power Snooker champion Martin Gould will be high on the list of potential winners due to his liking for the quick format – and he is good value at 5/6 to knock out veteran Peter Ebdon who usually thrives over longer matches.

People’s favourite Jimmy White also holds a major advantage over other players at events such as this and it would be no surprise to see the five times world finalist go all the way and replicate Bond’s achievements from last year. White takes on Anthony Hamilton at the first stage and the Whirlwind can be backed at 5/6 to blow the Sheriff of Pottingham away.

Some other old, familiar faces are also set to take part and former world semi-finalist James Wattana will be back in front of the television cameras against fellow veteran Dave Harold. All players will need to attack and take chances if they are to survive the rounds and go all the way to the final.

Conservative, slow players should really be avoided from a betting perspective, particularly as a strict shot clock is also in place.

Ronnie, O’Sullivan, surprisingly, will not take part in the event as he opts to take a break from a number of non-ranking events in 2012. The Rocket would undoubtedly have been a man to side with due to his quick style and ability to bat other players out of the game with hefty break building.

Players such as Mark Allen and Ryan Day, who are of the same mould, can go well and they will also appreciate the atmosphere and crowd.

The Snooker Shootout really does have a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ feel about it and is not for the traditional Snooker fan that enjoys the longer formats. But with 64 players involved, it is sure to be packed full of entertainment and flair and will be a paradise for online punters and those who like to frequently bet in running.

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12/12/2011     © Frixo 2024