Shaun Murphy looks like he should have no problems when he aims to book his place in the main draw of the International Championship on Thursday. The 2005 world champion has a decent record in the tournament, making the semi-finals in 2012 and the quarters in 2016 and will be confident of sealing a return trip to Daqing. His opponent in Thursday’s qualifier is Australian Matthew Bolton, a player who despite being 38, is relatively new to the scene, having only turned professional this year.
The pair have therefore never met competitively and Murphy’s price of 1/66 perhaps demonstrates the gulf in class, with Bolton available at 12/1. It promises to be a busy evening session at Preston’s Guild Hall, with a number of big names in qualifying action. 2013 Crucible finalist Barry Hawkins is also set to appear and faces Hammad Miah. Again on paper it should be straightforward but Miah has proved himself a capable player, reaching the main draw in three tournaments already this season. Hawkins though won their only previous meeting 4-0 at the 2016 Scottish Open and is the 1/16 favourite to book his place in Daqing, with Miah out at 7/1.
Another former World Championship finalist is also in action on Thursday when two-time Crucible runner-up Ali Carter meets Jamie Barrett. Carter has had a mixed season to date, losing twice in qualifiers, while also reaching the semi-finals of the China Open. He recorded his career best appearance in this tournament last year, making the third round and at 33/1, should book his place in the main draw, with Barrett 10/1.
Snooker odds available at Dafabet.