The German Masters qualifying event continues apace on Friday as the first round continues over three more sessions of play in Wigan.
There were no major shocks on the first day on Thursday. Judd Trump and Ding Junhui made it safely through but there were slight surprises in Robert Milkins and Dominic Dale exiting to much lower opposition.
Those latter results show those yet to play of the dangers the best of nine frame format provides and we might see the big names more focused from now on with the lure of the Tempodrom in Berlin a big one for them.
Some huge names are on show in the morning session on Friday headed by the UK and Champion of Champions winner Neil Robertson. He should waltz past Ashley Hugill. Shaun Murphy also competes in this session but Michael Wasley could provide a sterner test. Mark Williams is another heavy favourite in action but there’s no value in any of the three.
I was considering taking on another household name in the morning in the form of Ricky Walden. Alfie Burden is a capable player but there isn’t quite enough in his price sadly so I’ll just pass him over.
The Gibraltar Open champion Marco Fu is the standout name in the afternoon session and he should have it easy enough against Hammad Miah. In truth there isn’t a lot which stands out in the afternoon either so I’ll head to the evening.
There’s some big names on show in the evening with John Higgins and Stuart Bingham all in first round action. Both should come through comfortably so I will head elsewhere to target a bet.
There might not be much in ranking terms between Sam Baird and David Morris but there is in form and results this season. Morris is in really poor form at the minute and while he hasn’t been getting thrashed there are only so many tight losses you can take before morale really disappears.
Sam Baird had a brilliant run in the Bulgarian Open where he beat Judd Trump on his way to the semi-final and that is a really good form guide going into this match. Morris has now lost his last six matches and is losing his way a bit so even at odds on I really like Baird to come through this one.
Back S.Baird to beat D.Morris for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with Boylesports
Blog snooker YTD: +80.32pts
