After a week of excellent action, shocks, surprises and occasional brilliance we are down to the last 16 of the UK Championship and from here on in every match is on a TV table with just two tables in operation now until the weekend.
We have some big names on show once again on Wednesday including two of the biggest in the game in what should be two decent sessions of snooker.
Afternoon Session
Matthew Stevens vs Ronnie O’Sullivan
The main focus in this session will doubtlessly be on this match as these two meet for the 21st time in their careers. Stevens has a moderate record against O’Sullivan with five wins in those matches but the Welshman only has one win in their last 11 meetings and you would think he is going to be up against it here.
O’Sullivan keeps on telling the world how he isn’t playing all that well but he has only lost one frame this week, albeit against moderate opposition, while Stevens looks to be in good touch. He has seen off Joe Perry among others this week. I still think O’Sullivan wins this but the fact he hasn’t played anyone decent combined with Stevens’ form puts me off taking any handicaps so I’ll just sit and watch the Rocket in full flow.
Zhou Yuelong vs Shaun Murphy
These two meet in this tournament for the second year in a row after Murphy won 6-1 when they met last season. Yuelong is much more experienced now though and seems more comfortable at this level so I would be surprised if this is as one sided.
Both men could be forgiven for wondering how they are still in the tournament. Yuelong was 3-0 down in the previous round while Murphy looked for all the world to be losing 6-5 to Dominic Dale only for the Welshman to falter at the finish line.
I don’t envisage much in the way of safety in this match. Both men score well and that’s how they win so the 5.5 50+ break line might have some mileage in it. We may only need seven or eight frames to get that covered and we should get that and a couple more.
Evening Session
Zhang Anda vs Mark Selby
The world champion is back in action on Wednesday night when Mark Selby takes on Zhang Anda for a place in the quarter final. Selby looks to have got stronger as the tournament has gone on but he’ll need to be careful here because Zhang is playing well.
Zhang banged in a couple of centuries in the previous round so if he is given the chances to do some damage here he may well do it. That said you’ve got to think Selby will be good enough to come through it is just how easily he does it. The handicap looks about right so I’ll leave this one alone.
Marco Fu vs Oliver Lines
Oliver Lines goes in search of a second top 16 scalp in the space of a week having already dumped Judd Trump out of the tournament. Marco Fu hasn’t had a great season but he has battled his way through to this stage and having seen his quarter open right up he’ll know there is a chance to make up for some poor results.
That said the struggle Fu had to put Mei Xiwen away in the previous round was both eye catching and worrying and you wonder if he has seen the opportunity that is in front of him. Oliver Lines showed in belting Jimmy Robertson 6-0 that he is over the win over Trump and I think he’ll give Fu a battle here.
To look at Lines you could be forgiven that he is just a potter given his Spice Boy looks but he is more than that and he’ll go up the rankings accordingly soon. At 5/2 he’s a shade overpriced to see off a Fu, who should win but who is flattering to deceive and who could be a vulnerable and uncomfortable favourite.
Tips
Back Z.Yuelong vs S.Murphy – Over 5.5 50+ breaks for a 4/10 stake at 2.10 with Paddy Power
Back it here:
Back O.Lines to beat M.Fu for a 3/10 stake at 3.50 with Betfred
Back him here:
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