After five pretty chaotic days at the Scottish Open in Glasgow we are finally down to the one table environment which every player wants to play in. Saturday sees the two semi-finals of the tournament being played with the four men left in all looking for a place in Sunday’s final and a shot at the £70,000 first prize.
We have a mouth-watering first semi-final and a second one which is full of intrigue and with the matches now the best of 11 frames we should get some really good quality to enjoy.
Judd Trump vs John Higgins
The two highest ranked players left in the draw meet in the opening semi-final in the afternoon session. This will be the fifth time these two greats have met this season. Judd Trump won the first three matches but John Higgins gained a semblance of revenge in the Champion of Champions quarter final so this is nicely set up.
I wouldn’t say either played particularly well in their quarter final. Higgins saw off Ronnie O’Sullivan in probably the worst match they have played while Trump got over the line against Robert Milkins despite not looking at his best. The table might well have played a big part in that but it will be recovered before this match which should ensure better quality.
I really think this one could go either way. Higgins ended his slump against Trump last time out but Trump plays well against the Scot now. I’m expecting Higgins to be at his best especially after ranting about the tables on Friday. Centuries are regular in supply when these two meet and with the quality I expect this semi-final to have I fancy we might well see another two here.
Yu Delu vs Marco Fu
The second semi-final is an all-Asian battle as Yu Delu, in his first ever semi-final meets a Marco Fu who has looked on amazing form this week and seemingly fancies the job here.
Delu’s run to this semi has been nothing short of remarkable. He has won five matches this week and in each and every one he has come through a deciding frame. While that shows he is battle hardened and ultra-strong under pressure you do have to wonder just how much left he has in the mental reserves.
I mentioned heading into the quarter final how well Fu was playing and he continued that in the last eight. He lost the first frame to Mark Davis but then he won the next five with decent breaks in all of them. His interview after that match signalled a man who is full of confidence too.
These two have met three times in the last 12 months or so. Fu has won 6-0, 5-1 and 5-2 and he is looking as well as ever this week. I always say you can judge Fu’s form but how well he scores. Eight centuries already this week suggests he’s flying and I expect him to win this with plenty in hand.
Tips
WON – Back J.Trump vs J.Higgins – Over 1.5 centuries for a 3/10 stake at 2.20 with Bet365
Back it here:
WON – Back M.Fu (-2.5 frames) to beat Y.Delu for a 4/10 stake at 1.95 with Boylesports
Back him here:
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