Englishman Anthony Hamilton says he would love to go head-to-head with either John Higgins or Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-finals of the Champion of Champions. Hamilton, 46, is one of the most experienced players on tour and his run to the last-four stage of the tournament has been nothing less than miraculous. The Nottingham-born star was struggling financially, having failed to make any notable progress when entering competitions, but his victory at the 2017 German Masters proved to be a turning point.
Lifting that trophy earned him a place in the coveted event in Coventry and he has certainly made the most of his opportunity, having knocked out China’s Ding Junhui 4-2 in the first round. A quarter-final clash against Welshman Ryan Day followed and Hamilton managed to battle back from 4-2 down to beat his opponent 6-4, securing his place in the last four. The world number 26 only made one break over 50 but that score of 133 in frame three is the highest of the tournament so far.
Hamilton could be handed a dream semi-final draw against five-time world champion O’Sullivan or four-time winner Higgins. He told ITV4: “I’d love to play Ronnie or John, last hurrah for me. I don’t care if I get pumped to zip. The two Gods. Three, another here (Stephen Hendry).” Hamilton is enjoying the best stage of his long career for some time and is currently priced at 200/1 to win the 2018 World Championship although that is some way behind 11/2 chance O’Sullivan.
Snooker odds available at Dafabet.