If you’re struggling to fill the days now that the Euros have completed their final 2pm, then look no further than the baize of the Snooker Championship League this week as the action continues in Leicester.
Groups 6 and 9 are in action on Monday, with former four-time world champion John Higgins the star of the bunch plying his trade in Group 9.
The ninth seed is joined by Artemijs Zizins, Ma Hailong and Ben Mertens in an international affair, whereas Gary Wilson is the highest seed in his group featuring two other Englishmen, Joe Perry and Michael Holt, as well as China’s Huang Jiahao.
Let’s take a look at some of the best Snooker Championship League tips for Monday, plus the best snooker betting offers from the top online bookmakers.
Gary Wilson to beat Huang Jiahao 3-1
Gary Wilson enjoyed his best season on the WST last year, winning the Scottish and Welsh Opens and reaching the semi-finals of the Tour Championship.
The “Tyneside Terror” is up to number 11 in the world rankings and will be eager to get off to a fast start at the Championship League in Leicester.
He has only escaped his group once, but with his group colleagues combining to 215 with their seedings, the 38-year-old should be able to top Group 6.
An opening win over Huang Jiahao is expected in getting the ball rolling, even if he drops a frame en route.
John Higgins to beat Artemijs Zizins 3-0
Four-time world champion John Higgins is having just his third stab at this competition, clearly feeling the need to get back on the competitive baize this early into the season.
The “Wizard of Wishaw” may have a sore head watching Scotland in the Euros last night, but it shouldn’t stop him sweeping aside the 102-seeded Latvian, Artemijs Zizins.
Zizins is just 18 and will relish the opportunity of playing one of the greats of the sport, building on his successes in May’s Q School that have seen him gain a WST card for the next two seasons.
3-0 to Higgins in this one.
Joe Perry 2-2 Michael Holt
After winning the 2020 Snooker Shootout, things haven’t exactly gone to plan for Michael Holt.
He was absent from the tour for the last two seasons having failed to gain a tour card, but the “Hitman” is back for the 2024-25 and will looking to start with a bang at the Championship League.
Joe Perry is a better player than Holt and despite two disappointing seasons on the tour is still inside the top 50 in the world.
But when it comes down to it on Monday we’re expecting nothing to separate these two patchy players in what looks like a likely 2-2.
Top Snooker Betting Offers & Free Bets
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