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888.com World Snooker Championship Preview
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The time is upon us, the most eagerly awaited tournament in snooker's calendar starts on 19th April and once again comes from the historic Cruicible thetre in Sheffield.
All of the world's top 16 players are in attendance with a further 16 players that have battled hard through the qualification tournament.
It could have been a slightly different story though as former World Champion Graeme Dott announced that he is suffering from depression after a very difficult year in his personal life. This led to him considering pulling out of this year's World Championship. After a bit of time I assume talking with his friends and family he decided to make an appearance and I personally wish him well.
The championship is going to be one of the most hotly contested in year's with a number of players finding form and success this season.
The favourite, as usual, is Ronnie O'Sullivan (yet to be dealt with after 'that' press conference in China) who has only shown real form at the Masters this year, however it is always the tournament he strives for and he always seems to raise his game for Sheffield. He can be backed for around 3/1 at most online bookmakers for the outright win.
Another player that has hit some form this year is Stephen Maguire, nobody doubted the fact that he had talent but never quite managed to reach the heights that his talent suggested. He recently won the China Open so comes into this tournament in very good form. He can be backed for an outright win at a best of 7/1.
The tournaments second favourite however, is last years beaten finalist Mark Selby - a good year has ensued for the Leicestershire potter and he will certainly want to make amends for the defeat last year.
Other players to consider are Ding Junhui, Shaun Murphy and the defending champion John Higgins all of whom have a very good chance to reach the latter stages.
Eyes will certainly be on Ronnie O'Sullivan when he starts his opening match against 17-year-old Chinese qualifier Liu Chuang, being the age he is will mean he doesn;t fear anyone and I would expect to see a strong performance in this match from Chuang, the experience of O'Sullivan should tell though and I expect a 10-7 victory or somewhere around that score.
Of the other outsiders I think Mark Allen is a solid player with a bright future and Jamie Cope is another that could put some pressure on the favourites.
It will be a fantastic tournament whatever the outcome and 17 days of snooker bliss is in front of us. Live unprecedented coverage will be available on the BBC, BBC Interactive and for UK viewers via the BBC website.
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