Masters Snooker Betting: Write off John Higgins at your peril

Masters / Paul Krishnamurty / 10 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Man with a lot on his mind - Higgins must raise his game

"It would be no surprise to see Higgins bounce back during the second half of the season to reclaim his status as snooker's top dog."

Paul Krishnamurty weighs up the chances of the players in the fourth quarter, including one man who could make another assault on top spot in the world rankings. However, it's a long odds option who appeals to our man...

John Higgins: [8.2]
Provisional World Ranking: 4
Last five Masters: L16/L16/S/L16/L16

Though the reigning world champion has won this title twice, the Masters has been easily his least favourite of the big events. Higgins has lost 10 first round matches in London, including four in the last five years, and has questions to answer after a disappointing 2011-12 campaign which has so far failed to produce a title. Nevertheless, we write off "The Wizard of Wishaw" at our peril, and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back during the second half of the season to reclaim his status as snooker's top dog. The Masters draw has been pretty kind, ensuring he'll start as a heavily odds-on favourite for any match up until the semis.

Ali Carter: [30.0]
Provisional World Ranking: 10
Last five Masters: L16/L16/Q/L16/L16

A disappointing season for Carter came to a head after a second-round defeat at York, when the former world finalist threatened to retire at the season. Though he later retracted those Twitter comments, Ali has not been a happy chappy of late, and there was little sign of improvement at last week's PTC. The fact he's only once gone beyond the last-16 in this event hardly offers any encouragement to punters either.

Graeme Dott: [34.0]
Provisional World Ranking: 7
Last five Masters: Q/-/L16/L16/L16

Another top player with a strangely disappointing Masters record, with last year's surprise victory over John Higgins only his second ever at Wembley. That may not read like the credentials of a winner in waiting, but Dott's form in PTC events has been pretty solid, certainly superior to first-round opponent Ali Carter. This three-times world finalist is well capable of profiting from such a draw than odds of [34.0] suggest.

Matthew Stevens: [40.0]
Provisional World Ranking: 13
Last five Masters: -/-/-/-/L16

Champion in 2000 at Wembley, Stevens makes his first Masters appearance since 2007, reflecting a resurgence in the Welshman's career. So nearly world champion on two occasions, Matthew looked very close to his best at the UK Championship, before losing a deciding frame to Ding Junhui. While a long-running tendency to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory remains a concern, he is well capable of capitalising, should first round opponent Higgins again fail to bring his 'A-game' to London.

Recommended Bet: 1.5pts Back Graeme Dott @ [34.0]