World Snooker Championship Betting / Paul Krishnamurty / 22 April 2009 /

Paul Krishnamurty believes that Mark Allen will be no pushover for the world number one...

As the second round gets underway on Thursday, all eyes will be on red-hot favourite Ronnie O'Sullivan's next hurdle in his title defence. Inevitably, the market makes Ronnie an overwhelming favourite to beat Mark Allen at [1.22], but I reckon pre-match odds-on backers could be in for a slightly stressful experience. Not because there was any real cause for concern in his opening match, but because Allen represents a vastly more dangerous threat than Stuart Bingham or indeed most others left in the competition.

Everything points towards a classic. The champion and undisputed no.1 versus a highly possible future world champion. Allen is a fast, fluent player; entertaining to watch and a prolific breakbuilder. It would represent a huge upset if the younger man was to win, but I reckon he'll make it close before coming up just short.

As his first round match showed, Ronnie usually gives his opponents plenty of chances. Against an opponent good enough to capitalise, its unlikely that Ronnie will run away with it. If a lower level player like Bingham could get five frames in a best of 19 against the Rocket, then Allen must have every chance of getting nine in a best of 25.

My money therefore is on a narrow O'Sullivan win, and recommend backing a combination of four correct scores ranging from 13-12 to 13-9. That combo equates to around 3.0.

Selections:

Ronnie O'Sullivan 13 - 12 Mark Allen @ [15.0]
Ronnie O'Sullivan 13 - 11 Mark Allen @ [12.0]
Ronnie O'Sullivan 13 - 10 Mark Allen @ [10.5]
Ronnie O'Sullivan 13 - 9 Mark Allen @ [9.8]

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