It is semi-final day at the Scottish Open on Saturday with both matches being played out across the two sessions of action. When the day has finished we will know the identity of the two men who will battle for the Stephen Hendry Trophy on Saturday.
The semi-finals provide us with three players from the top 16 and another who is in great form and beginning to fulfil his potential. We have the snooker version of ‘El Clasico’ to enjoy once again and another good looking match.
Afternoon Session
Ronnie O’Sullivan vs John Higgins
For the second Home Nations event in succession Ronnie O’Sullivan will take on John Higgins in the opening semi-final after they met at the English Open last month. They also met at the Champion of Champions this season too.
Higgins won both of those matches, coming from 5-3 down to win at the English Open before thrashing O’Sullivan 6-1 at the Champion of Champions so he’ll be feeling pretty good about his chances in this match. O’Sullivan has been something of a flat track bully this season in that he has beaten everyone below him in the rankings in these tournaments but when he has come up against the elite of the game he has come up just short. He did that in the UK Championship last week too when Kyren Wilson edged him out. That is a concern for Ronnie backers but at the same time he’s too good for that trend to continue. Bookmakers are aware of it though as Higgins is as short as he’s been for some time against his fellow ‘Class of 92’ member. This is one to enjoy and savour rather than bet on for me.
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Evening Session
Anthony McGill vs Luca Brecel
The second semi-final will see Anthony McGill looking to make the final of his home event for the first time when he takes on a Luca Brecel who is aiming to secure a spot in a second final in as many weeks after he fought for the title in the UK Championship last week.
These two men actually met in York last week when Brecel eased past McGill 6-2 in the quarter final. Brecel went 5-1 up in that match in what was a pretty good performance but McGill made it pretty easy for the Belgian. I think McGill has played better this week but he has fallen over the line in his last two matches and seems intent on making life difficult for himself. He mentioned in a post-match interview after his quarter final win that he has lost all confidence with the tables and that might be telling. Brecel doesn’t worry about all that. He has the talent to deal with any issues with conditions and he’s in great form at the minute. He also leads McGill 5-0 in their career head to head and given the form he carries into this match I think he’s the one to be on here.
Tips
Back L.Brecel to beat A.McGill for a 3/10 stake at 1.83 with Betfair
Back him here:
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