The Premier League Snooker is a round-robin tournament held over a number of weeks towards the end of each year. It’s a non ranking event with a total prize fund of £210,000. The competition was launched in 1987 when it was known as the Matchroom League. In 1993 it was renamed the European League before getting it’s current title of Premier League Snooker in 1998. Things were shaken up slightly in 2005 when Betfred took on sponsorship of the event. A 25 second shot clock was introduced as well as £1,000 for every century and frame won in the leagues phase. Ronnie O’Sullivan has dominated the event, winning 6 of the last 7 Premier League titles.

We are now into week 9 of the 2011 Premier League Snooker season and some exciting matches are in store this Thursday night. All the action is live on Sky Sports.

Mark Williams (8/15) v Matthew Stevens (11/8)

An all Welsh semi final here between two players who have very much come back to the fore in recent times. Both players are level on points in the current Premier League standings so it will be an important match for them. Williams is the strong favourite at 8/15 with bet365 while Matthew Stevens is an 11/8 chance. From their form so far in the 2011 Premier League, I don’t think the match will be that one sided and Stevens is the value play at 11/8.

VIP Tipsters Pick – Back Matthew Stevens at 11/8 with bet365

 

John Higgins (8/13) v Ali Carter (6/5)

The second match of the evening sees reining world champion John Higgins face nearly man Ali Carter. I don’t think this is the Scotsman’s favourite competition and the fact he is currently sitting second from bottom in the Premier League table illustrates that point. Carter is only two places above but I feel this format is more suited to his game and again we appear to have a value bet by opposing the favourite.

VIP Tipsters Pick - Back Ali Carter at 6/5 with bet365

 

2011 Premier League Snooker Week 9 Betting (Prices from bet365)

Mark Williams 2/1
John Higgins 9/4
Ali Carter 3/1
Matthew Stevens 7/2

2011 Premier League Snooker Outright Betting (Prices from bet365)

Ronnie O’Sullivan 13/8
Judd Trump 7/2
Ding Junhui 5/1
Neil Robertson 8/1
Mark Williams 10/1
Shaun Murphy 14/1
Matthew Stevens 14/1
Ali Carter 14/1

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