The final week of this season’s Premier League snooker takes place over two nights, Saturday 26^th November and Sunday 27^th at the Potters Leisure Resort, Hopton on Sea, Norfolk. Last week’s action saw Shaun Murphy defeat Judd Trump 3-0 in the first semi final, Ronnie O’Sullivan beat Jimmy White 3-0 in the second semi, then O’Sullivan defeated Murphy in the final by three frames to one. Ronnie O’Sullivan is now the 6/4 favourite to be crowned the 2011 Premier League snooker champion and win the title for the 7^th time in 8 years.

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.

Ronnie O’Sullivan (4/7) v Mark Williams (11/8)

Having won 6 of the last 7 Premier League snooker titles and his solid form coming into the match, Ronnie O’Sullivan was always going to be made favourite by the bookies for this semi final encounter with Mark Williams. Ronnie beat both Jimmy White and Shaun Murphy in convincing fashion last week and the former world champion deserves plenty of respect. Having said that, Mark Williams has also performed with great credit throughout the competition and has only lost 10 frames thus far, the same number as O’Sullivan. At the prices, I think Williams is the value bet.

Tipsters Pick – Back Mark Williams @ 11/8 with bet365

 

Ding Junhui (Evs) v Judd Trump (4/5)

Ding Junhui sits in second place in the Premier League table currently just two points behind Ronnie O’Sullivan. Ding hasn’t played in the Premier League for three weeks but that was a very special night for him as he defeated both Neil Robertson and Ronnie O’Sullivan. Although Judd Trump was beaten 3-0 by Shaun Murphy last week, his results prior to that have been very good and  during week 7 he beat both Ali Carter and Neil Robertson. I love Judd’s style of play, I just think Ding’s slightly less attacking approach might pay dividends.

Back Ding Junhui @ Evs with bet365

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