Who Will Win the World Snooker Championship?
It’s Crucible time again and on Saturday April 20 Luca Brecel begins the defence of the world snooker title he won last year. Can he beat the ‘Crucible Curse’ or will Ronnie O’Sullivan win an eighth title in Sheffield? Just who should you be backing to become the 2024 world snooker champion?
Let’s start with the defending champion Luca Brecel. He was the surprise winner in 2023 but now has to try and overcome the ‘Crucible Curse.’ No first-time winner has successfully defended their world title. The Belgian hasn’t won a major singles tournament all season but perhaps a return to Sheffield might just spark better form. He’s 18/1 at William Hill to retain his title.
O’Sullivan a worthy favourite
Ronnie O’Sullivan is chasing an eighth world title and is 5/2 at bet365 to do so. He’s had a hugely successful season with five titles being landed. O’Sullivan bids to add the world title to the UK Championship and Masters he’s already won.
He’s not a certainty though and has had to withdraw from some tournaments this year due to his sometimes fragile mental health and isn’t a fan of the venue. so bear that in mind. The draw sees him in the same half as both Judd Trump and Mark Williams.
It’s also been a big year for Judd Trump whose only world title came five years ago. Five titles have been won by the Englishman this year. Three came early in the season when he was in outstanding form. Trump doesn’t have the easiest of draws but is 4/1 at BetVictor to lift the trophy.
The Three Marks
Could a player with the christian name Mark win the title? Mark Selby has won four world championships and would love to make it five. He’s had a difficult time personally but is always a threat over the longer format this tournament possesses. He’s 17/2 at William Hill to become world champion.
Mark Allen is yet to win the world snooker title. The Irishman has had a successful season with wins including this year’s Players Championship. BetVictor has him at 12/1 to win this tournament and if he can hit form, then a good run is likely.
Mark Williams was in incredible form during the recent Tour Championship. In successive rounds he beat Mark Allen, Judd Trump and in the final, Ronnie O’Sullivan. The two-time world champion has to be considered, especially over the longer frames of this tournament. He’s 12/1 at bet365 to win his third title. Remember though, he is in the same half of the draw as Trump and O’Sullivan.
There are several other contenders to win this tournament. You can’t rule out an unfancied player hitting a great streak of form and becoming world champion.
Ding Junhui is still chasing his first world snooker title. He’s done well to climb back up the rankings this year. The finals of the UK Championship and World Masters have both been made by the Chinese player. He needs to hit form early though as early opponents could include Gary Wilson and Ronnie O’Sullivan. You can get 20/1 at BetVictor on him finally becoming world champion.
Only four players have earned more ranking points than Junhui this season. One of them is also from China and that’s Zhang Anda. He won the International Championship and also reached the finals of the English Open and the Players Championship. He has limited experience of The Crucible though and has never made it past the first round. He’s 33/1 at bet365 but has a very difficult draw.
Others to consider include John Higgins (25/1 at William Hill) who often excels over the longer format. Ali Carter has reached three finals this season. He’s in the top half of the draw and could well go deep if hitting form. ‘The Captain’ is 28/1 if you place your wager at BetVictor. Gary Wilson has won two titles this season and is 33/1 at bet365.
A great world snooker championship awaits us. Ronnie O’Sullivan is a worthy favourite but Judd Trump and Mark Williams may well push him hard.
