It is the semi-finals of the Northern Ireland Open inside the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on Saturday where four great players will battle it out for a place in the final on Sunday, as the second Home Nations event heads towards a conclusion.
We could yet have a repeat of last year’s final with Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan still in the tournament. John Higgins and Joe Perry are the two men who will be looking to deny us seeing that match again.
Afternoon Session
Judd Trump vs John Higgins
The opening semi-final of the day is a repeat of the World Championship final as Judd Trump and John Higgins collide in a last four meeting for the second time this month after competing at this stage of the World Open recently.
That match went to a deciding frame and I wouldn’t be surprised if this one follows suit either. I actually think Higgins is a decent chance here. Trump confessed he was tired after his win over Anthony Hamilton on Friday and to be fair he looked shattered. Higgins outlasted Mark Selby in the previous round and is certainly battle hardened heading into this last four clash.
I’m tempted to back Higgins but tired or not I don’t expect Trump to give up without a fight here so I’m happy to take the solid odds against on this one going over 9.5 frames. Their three previous best of 11s have covered this line and they look to be playing too well for this one not to follow suit.
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Evening Session
Joe Perry vs Ronnie O’Sullivan
The second semi-final on Saturday night sees Ronnie O’Sullivan looking to make a first ranking event final of the season when he takes on Joe Perry, who has done his chances of making it through to The Masters no harm this week and could almost rubber stamp his spot there with a win here.
Perry has been a little fortunate with his draw to this stage but he runs into his toughest opponent so far here and his quarter final was a concern. Alexander Ursenbacher was given a number of chances but after leading 3-1 at the break just fell apart in the second half. O’Sullivan isn’t going to do that and for all the nonsense he talks about not caring he won’t want to lose now. If anything he is getting better with every match he plays too.
I don’t see O’Sullivan losing here and I’m not convinced Perry gets close. Ronnie’s long game is starting to warm up nicely and that is often a sign of how well he is playing. Perry will have a good go but he’ll need to be at his absolute best. I don’t see it so I’ll take O’Sullivan on the Asian handicap where a 6-3 win pays half the win bet and anything easier gives us a full win.
Tips
Back J.Trump vs J.Higgins – Over 9.5 frames for a 4/10 stake at 2.25 with William Hill
Back it here:
WON – Back R.O’Sullivan (-2.75 frames) to beat J.Perry for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with Bet365
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