We’re down to the semi-final stage of The Masters at the Alexandra Palace with both matches being played on Saturday and the four men remaining all bidding for a place in Sunday’s final.
We were treated to an absolute classic match on Friday as Judd Trump saw off Neil Robertson in a deciding frame in a match containing no fewer than six centuries and if that is the benchmark for what is to come these semi-finals could be great viewing.
The first semi sees the victor in that match Trump taking on the former world finalist Barry Hawkins in what should be a good match. We know Trump will be buzzing after his win over Robertson but he will need to back up that performance with another and that is what makes winning this tournament so tough.
Barry Hawkins will be feeling good about himself right now too. He has won his first two matches at Alexandra Palace and although he hasn’t hit the levels Trump has in this tournament he is often a dangerous underdog which makes this match an interesting proposition.
Logic and common sense would probably suggest that Trump will struggle to repeat the exploits of his quarter final win but what Hawkins will need to do is make sure he will need to get as close to that level as he can. Past meetings between these two suggest Hawkins isn’t scared of Trump which is important for his chances.
I’m expecting a bit of a comedown from Trump so I fancy this could be much closer than it looks on paper. I’ve a feeling Barry Hawkins could put a spanner in the works for all those who so desperately want a Trump vs O’Sullivan final but not quite a strong enough one to back the Hawk here.
My bet in this match is going to be over 1.5 centuries. We’ve seen plenty of them in this tournament so far with the table playing as well as a table has ever played here and in an atmosphere which inspires great performances the scoring should be good again.
Both these men can go big when they are in the balls so I’m expecting a couple of tons in a match that I don’t think will be as one sided as it might look to some.
The second semi-final could have a bit of needle in it as Ronnie O’Sullivan takes on Stuart Bingham in a rematch of their World Championship quarter final. Bingham won that to end O’Sullivan’s dreams of another world title and it will be interesting to see if Ronnie is hell bent on revenge. He might play it down but I’m sure that will be his aim.
O’Sullivan looked in great touch against Selby in the quarter final and if he is at that level here then Bingham is in for a tough night I think. Although the world champion has come through so far he hasn’t looked brilliant and that has to be a concern.
I was in the arena when he played John Higgins on Friday night and I watched Bingham closely and the lack of confidence in him was plain for anyone to see and that isn’t a good sign. He got the chances to beat Higgins largely given to him along with a kind run of the ball but he won’t get those chances here.
I think O’Sullivan will win this and win it in style with a bit in hand so I’m happy to take the Rocket to cover a 2.5 frame handicap and I’ll chance the centuries in this match too because Ronnie can easily hit a couple on his own. I expect this to be an open match though so if Bingham does get in early and wins a frame he could well do it with a big break of his own.
Back J.Trump vs B.Hawkins – Over 1.5 centuries for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Betway
Back R.O’Sullivan (-2.5 frames) to beat S.Bingham for a 4/10 stake at 2.10 with Betfred
Back R.O’Sullivan vs S.Bingham – Over 1.5 centuries for a 3/10 stake at 1.91 with Bet365
