It is semi-final Saturday at The Masters as four players take to the baize inside Alexandra Palace for the third time this week, each with the aim of winning one more match to have a shot at the Paul Hunter Trophy in the final on Sunday.
Two men who have already lifted this title meet in the first semi-final in the afternoon when Mark Williams meets Neil Robertson in a battle of two of the best left handed operators to ever pick up a cue. This should be a cracking clash.
Mark Williams
I think it is fair to say that Mark Williams is enjoying himself this week. He has taken care of the two men who competed in the final of this tournament last year, has played some fantastic snooker and has absolutely relished playing in front of these crowds, plenty of whom have shown their love and support for him. Williams might have had a bit of fortune on his side in those matches but that shouldn’t detract from the snooker he has played.
Everyone will remember his match against John Higgins for the incredible reception the two men got and the wonderful occasion it was but Williams was fantastic in that match, keeping up with Higgins in the early stages when the Scot threatened to get away from him and then delivering one of the best breaks of the season under extreme pressure in the deciding frame. Williams has scored well this week and that makes him dangerous because we know he doesn’t lack anything in the tactical department.
Neil Robertson
I’m sure he would be the first to admit that this hasn’t been vintage Neil Robertson this week but there have been circumstances which have dictated that. He was clearly rusty for his opening match as he admitted after he spent Christmas in Norway and then in his quarter final he went into the lion’s den to take on Ronnie O’Sullivan. He will need to improve to win the tournament but the good thing is he has given himself the chance to do that by staying in the event.
The concern I have with Robertson, which is one I have about him a lot, is that his safety at the top level is just not up to scratch. O’Sullivan couldn’t find a long pot for love nor money in their quarter final but you sense if he leaves Williams similar chances he is going to get punished so he either needs to go after the balls a lot more or he needs to show a little more care and attention to his safety and tactical play. It is that side of his game which is why his record in this event isn’t as strong as it should be.
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Head to head
There have been 14 matches between these two men in the past. Robertson has a solid advantage so far with 10 wins to the three that Williams has accomplished. There has also been one draw. Robertson is well ahead in the frame department too with a 62-37 lead. He has also won their last four matches. This will be their fourth battle at The Masters with Williams still looking for his first win over the Australian in London. It is much the same in their best of 11 matches where Robertson leads 4-1. Williams has at least held his own in the two semi-finals that they have played in.
Betting
I’ve already got a betting interest in this match, as has anyone who followed our outright selection as that was Mark Williams so we are effectively on him at 16.5/1 to win this match. The head to head between these two favours Neil Robertson but if you are betting on what has happened this week you couldn’t say that the Welshman is without a chance in this match so I’m happy enough to let that outright ride and hope we land the place money here.
I will go with a bet for the match though and that is for Williams to make a century at 10/11. He has made a century in both his matches in this tournament so far and when this pair met at the Champion of Champions earlier in the season, despite still overcoming Covid and going down 4-2, Williams made one in that match. Williams has made a ton in two of the three wins he has over Robertson and the other match was at the Welsh Open where the former world champion will have extra pressure on his shoulders. Williams is scoring well and he’ll want to give this huge crowd something to cheer. I’ll back him to make a century.
Tips
Back M.Williams – Over 0.5 centuries for a 3/10 stake at 1.91 with Boylesports
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