The Champion of Champions continues at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Wednesday where Group 1 of the tournament will be played over the regular two sessions in the day.
That means we get to see the number one seed for the event in action as John Higgins begins his quest for a third major title of the season. He is joined in this group by the PTC Grand Final winner Joe Perry, the Paul Hunter Classic champion Ali Carter and the Indian Open winner Michael White.
The opening match of the group sees Higgins facing Carter in a battle between two of the best players in the game. Were Carter to come here at his best this could be a sticky match for the top seed but whether he is or not remains to be seen.
Carter has been competitive this season but has been found wanting a couple of times when matches have got tight and that might well go against him here.
One thing we do know is how well Higgins is playing. He’s been hoovering up the bigger events so far this season having won in Australia and at the International Championship and in the latter he looked as good as ever.
A best of seven frame distance changes the dynamic of comfort and adds a different pressure but Higgins has never been one to be hampered by pressure so I’ve got to think he’ll come through here.
The second match looks more interesting as Perry takes on White. As the PTC Grand Final winner Joe Perry will be perfectly suited by the best of seven frames but the Welshman won his Indian Open over this distance for the most part.
I just sense White has lost a bit of form or confidence since the new season began and that could prove costly here. We’ve already seen Stuart Bingham arrive here out of nick and be found out and the same could happen to White.
In fairness Perry hasn’t been pulling up any trees in terms of long runs in tournaments this season but he has been unfortunate to run into a couple of huge performances against him so I’m not sure he’s doing a whole lot wrong.
Perry is the favourite for this match which I think is fair enough given his form and the slightly greater experience he has on stages such as this one so I’m happy to take him to come through here.
In terms of the group overall I’m on Higgins outright so I’m going to hope he comes through and providing he beats Carter I see no reason why he won’t so a normal sized bet on Perry is going to be my only betting involvement in this group.
Back J.Perry to beat M.White for a 4/10 stake at 1.73 with Paddy Power
Blog snooker YTD: +99.94pts*
*with Tuesday’s bets outstanding
