Welsh Open Snooker Preview: Milkins Defends with No Ace in the Pack
In the latest guest column from our friends at OLBG, here’s a look ahead to snooker’s Welsh Open, which starts on Monday. Trusted by over two million users who contribute tips, opinions and insights, the Online Betting Guide is a vibrant sports betting community.
Since its inception in 1992, the Welsh Open has established itself as a cornerstone of the professional snooker calendar, succeeding the Welsh Professional Championship which was exclusively contested by Welsh players from 1980 to 1991.
As the third-longest running ranking event, trailing only behind the venerable World Championship and the UK Championship, the Welsh Open stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and competitive spirit of snooker. For all the latest Welsh Open betting, visit our sportsbook
Elevated to new heights in the 2016–17 season, it joined the illustrious ranks of the Home Nations Series, aligning it with the Northern Ireland Open, Scottish Open, and English Open, thereby celebrating the sport’s rich heritage across the British Isles.
Since 2017, the tournament has honoured its winners with the Ray Reardon Trophy, a tribute to the legendary Welsh six-time world champion, Ray Reardon, with the trophy being first presented by Reardon himself to Stuart Bingham in 2017.
Among its champions, Mark Williams distinguishes himself as the sole Welsh victor, clinching the title in 1996 and 1999, while John Higgins boasts the record for the most wins, with five titles to his name.
The current holder of the title, Robert Milkins, carries on the tradition, adding his name to the prestigious list of champions who have triumphed in this celebrated event.
There will be no Judd Trump who withdrew last week having won his fourth title of the season. Defending champion Robert Milkins has a held-over game against Jamie Jones to play which will be tricky. Whilst Mark Williams faces John Astley and John Higgins begins his attempt at a record 6th win against promising talent Mohammed Ibrahim.
Looking for a home win this week, Mark Williams would love to add to his previous victory, but huge odds are there for the likes of veterans Matthew Stevens and Dominic Dale. Ryan Day, Jak Jones, Jamie Clarke, Dylan Emery, Daniel Wells and Andrew Pagett make up the rest of the home contingent competing.
Kyren Wilson is interesting too, having scored the latest 147 break, his 5th and the sports 197th official maximum in faultless fashion against Tom Ford in the Championship League last week, where he just missed out in the final going down 3-2 to Neil Robertson.
This article was written by Darren Brett, the snooker betting expert at OLBG
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