World Snooker Championship Betting Blown Wide Open After O'Sullivan and Trump Exits: Odds and Free Bets Update!

/ 2:14 PM GMT • 2nd May, 2024

3 minutes

Their surprise defeats have thrown the betting odds into disarray and opened up the field to a host of lesser-known contenders.

In an unexpected twist at the World Snooker Championships, the competition's landscape has dramatically shifted following the early exits of Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump, the world's top two snooker players.

Their surprise defeats have thrown the betting odds into disarray and opened up the field to a host of lesser-known contenders.

Ronnie O'Sullivan's Greatest Act of Sportsmanship

Nearly every bookie had O-Sullivan as the favourite to win the tournament. So, what happened? 

When the world number one sank the black and then lined up for the red, he suspected that the black hadn't been properly placed back on its spot, which would have made his next shot on the red considerably easier. O'Sullivan, concerned about gaining an unfair advantage, requested the referee to adjust the position of the black. Rather than exploiting the potentially incorrect placement to win the frame, he opted to play against the cushion, effectively complicating his own situation.

He firmly believed he shouldn’t have had such an unobstructed view of the red, and even invited his opponent, Stuart Bingham, to verify the situation for himself. This cost him his position in the tournament and is being hailed as "the greatest act of sportsmanship".

A Tournament Without Favourites

As the semi-finals approach, scheduled to start on Thursday, the absence of any top-10 ranked players is a startling development. Kyren Wilson, currently ranked 12th globally, is now the highest-ranked player still in contention. His upcoming match against the 31st-ranked David Gilbert promises to be a highlight, with Gilbert having eliminated Luca Brecel in the opening round.

David Gilbert vs Kyren Wilson

Scheduled: Thursday 2 May, 1pm, BBC Two & Eurosport

David Gilbert, the tournament's dark horse, has already made a mark by reaching the semi-finals and is in outstanding form, evidenced by his championship-leading six century breaks. His journey thus far has seen him consistently outplaying higher-ranked opponents, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.

On the other side, Kyren Wilson has been navigating the tournament with remarkable ease, appearing unchallenged in his three matches to date. As the highest-ranked player left, Wilson is naturally the bookmakers' favourite to claim the title, currently at odds of 11/8.

The Underdogs’ Tale

The other semi-final features two players who have defied expectations. Jak Jones, a Welsh player who has recently made a name for himself at the Crucible, is set to face 2015 world champion Stuart Bingham.

Jak Jones vs Stuart Bingham

Scheduled: Thursday 2 May, 7pm, BBC Two & Eurosport

Despite being ranked 44th, Jones has shown formidable form, reaching this stage with relative ease, including a notable victory over Trump. Initially, odds-makers would have given Jones long odds against Bingham in earlier rounds, but his recent performances have shifted his odds to 6/4, indicating a strong belief in his capabilities.

Stuart Bingham, though not as dominant as in past years, demonstrated his enduring skill by knocking out Ronnie O'Sullivan earlier in the tournament. This victory not only advanced him to the semi-finals but also significantly affected the betting landscape.

World Snooker Championship Outright Winner Odds

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