Snooker World Championship 2008 Betting
February 29, 2008
SNOOKER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BETTING
THE SNOOKER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
The World Snooker Championship, currently held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, is the pinnacle of snooker’s calendar and the premier snooker event in terms of prestige, prize money and world ranking points. The sixteen top-ranked players in the world qualify automatically for the final stages. Players ranked outside the top sixteen must pre-qualify for the finals.
History
The first World Snooker Championship was held in 1927. Matches were held at various venues, with Joe Davis beating Tom Dennis 20-11 in the final in Birmingham. His prize money was £6.10s. The highest break of the tournament was 60 by Albert Cope.
In 1977, the World Championships moved to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, coinciding with the advent of extensive television coverage. The Crucible’s most successful players have been Steve Davis, a six times winner in the 80s. Davis was also involved in the most famous Crucible final, losing 18-17 on the final black, against Dennis Taylor in 1985. Stephen Hendry won an unprecedented (in the modern game) seven titles in the 90s. Davis and Hendry are the only two players to have successfully defended a Crucible World Championship, Davis winning three times in succession and Hendry five. Jimmy White has reached six finals and lost them all. No first-time Crucible champion has retained his title the following year. John Spencer, Terry Griffiths, Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor and Graeme Dott all exited in the first round.
Maximum Breaks
The first 147 in the championship was achieved by Cliff Thorburn (off a fluked red) in 1983. Ronnie O’ Sullivan’s maximum in 1997 took only 5 minutes and 20 seconds, the fastest ever recorded. He repeated the feat in 2003, against Marco Fu, but subsequently lost the match! Jimmy White (1992), Stephen Hendry (1995) and Mark Williams (2005) are other players to have made a 147 at the World Championships.
Recent Winners
2000 Mark Williams bt Matthew Stevens 18 - 16
2001 Ronnie O’Sullivan bt John Higgins 18 - 14
2002 Peter Ebdon bt Stephen Hendry 18 - 17
2003 Mark Williams bt Ken Doherty 18 - 16
2004 Ronnie O’Sullivan bt Graeme Dott 18 - 8
2005 Shaun Murphy bt Matthew Stevens 18 - 16
2006 Graeme Dott bt Peter Ebdon 18-14
2007 John Higgins bt Mark Selby 18-13
Ding Junhui recently became the first Chinese player to qualify for the final stages of the World Championship by beating Mark Davis 10-6 at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. Ding has won three world-ranking titles but was required to qualify as he is not among the top sixteen players.
The 2008 World Snooker Championship is scheduled for 19th April to 5th May.
BETTING ON THE WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP
Outright Betting
Currently, only outright prices are available for the 2008 renewal. As of 10th February best online prices are:
3/1 R. O’Sullivan (Blue Square), 9/1 Ding Junhui (Totesport), S. Maguire (Bet365), 10/1 M. Selby (Boylesports), J. Higgins (Paddy Power), 12/1 S. Murphy (Stan James), 20/1 N. Robertson (Boylesports), 25/1 P. Ebdon (Stan James), 28/1 K. Doherty (Bet365), 33/1 S. Hendry (Totesport), M. Fu (Totesport), J. Cope (Boylesports), 40/1 M. Stevens (Totesport), M. Williams (Totesport), G. Dott (Paddy Power), R. Day (Totesport), 66/1 M. Allen (Paddy Power), A. Carter (Paddy Power), J. Trump (Boylesports), 100/1 S. Lee (Stan James), B. Hawkins (Boylesports), 150/1 D. Dale (Boylesports), I. McCulloch (Bet365), A. Hamilton (Boylesports), S. Bingham (Paddy Power), R. Walden (Blue Square), 200/1 BAR. Each-way terms are ½ the odds 1, 2 and ante-post rules apply. N.B. Some of the above are still involved in qualifying.
To Win their Quarter of the Draw
Once the draw is known for the final stages at the Crucible, online bookmakers often offer prices on a particular player to “win his quarter,” i.e. to reach the semi-finals.
Name the Finalists
At the last sixteen or last eight stage of the finals, prices are likely to be available on correctly predicting the two players to contest the final.
147 Break during the World Championship
Online betting is usually presented on a “Yes/No” basis, as to whether a maximum break will be achieved by any player during the final stages.
Individual Match Betting
As soon as the full draw for Sheffield is known, online prices will be offered on individual matches.
“Handicap” Betting
If one of the competitors is a very short-priced favourite for a particular match, online bookmakers will try to stimulate betting interest by offering “handicap” betting on the match. The less-fancied player receives a certain number of frames start, the winner being the player who wins more frames, taking the handicap into account.
Correct Score Betting
As with several other sports, prices are offered on the final score in a particular match, e.g. O’Sullivan to win 10-5, Maguire to win 10-7, etc.
Since the majority of the tournament is covered on live television, individual match bets, handicap and correct score betting is also available “in-running,” i.e. whilst the match is in play
Premiership Betting Preview 1st March
February 29, 2008
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Form suggests that this could be a high-scoring affair, with both Villa and Arsenal amongst the Premierships top three scorers, as Arsenal look to extend their unbeaten run to a record 12 games and ensure that Manchester United, snapping at their heels in second place do not have a chance to catch them. Villas aims areslightly less lofty, as they chase for the Fourth Champions League place. It’s been 13 games since they kept a clean sheet, and Arsenal have scored in every game since Boxing Day, so don’t put your life savings on a 1-0 win for Martin O’Neill’s men.
Villa are rank outsiders in this match, with Sky Bet offering odds of 6/1 for the Villains to steal all three points from the Emirates, whereas Bet365 price Arsenal at just 4/7. Paddy Power have the best odds for the draw at 3/1.
Birmingham v Tottenham
Spurs’ First match as Carling Cup Holders takes them to St Andrews to face a Birmingham side who have drawn their last three matches, and who need to start picking up some maximums, particularly at home if they are to put some daylight between themselves and the relegation zone. Their fragile cushion currently stands at just point.
VC Bet will give you odds of 3/1 for a home win for Alex McLeish’s side who held league leaders Arsenal at St Sndrews last week, and if they can do the same against the Carling Cup winners, then Bet 365 will pay out at 5/2 for the draw. The best available odds for a Spurs win are 21/20 with Boylesports.
Derby v Sunderland
Sunderland are the visitors to Pride Park as Derby try to avoid beating Roy Keane’s side’s record as the worst ever Premiership team by picking up a rare three points towards the seven they need to avoid inheriting Sunderlands unwanted record, in what has become the longest run of games without a win in their history. Sunderland have enough relegation worries of their own though, sitting precariously four points above the drop zone, and they bring with them the worst away record in the league, losing their last ten away from the Stadium of Light.
The smart money will be on Sunderland to pick up all three points at Pride Park, with VC Bet offering odds of 11/8 for the Wearsiders win. Not great odds for an away win you may think, but then they are playing against whipping boys Derby. Bet 365 have the best odds for the home win (9/4), whilst VC Bet again have the best odds for the draw (12/5)
Fulham v Manchester United
Second-bottom host second-top at Craven cottage this weekend, with Manchester United looking to continue the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the league, whilst Fulham are desperate for pointage to help their survival hopes. The Cottagers have only won three Premiership games at home all season, and three points against the defending Premiership Champions will not be enough to lift them out of the bottom three this weekend.
skybet have a very tempting 10/1 for Fulham to pull off a home win against Manchester United. Even the draw (4/1 with Bet 365) looks attractive odds, which is more than can be said for the 4/11 odds that is the best available (from Blue Square) for the United victory.
Manchester City v Wigan
The City of Manchester Stadium is the host of the Saturday tea-time kickoff, live on Setanta Sports 1. Both sides are currently enjoying a reversal of the form with which they started the season, with City only picking up two victories in the last 10 Premiership matches, whilst a win for Steve Bruce’s Latics would be their sixth maximum in the last twelve. Darius Vassell could make his 300th Permiership appearance if he plays a part, whilst Emile Heskeystands to make his 50th start as a Wigan player.
Man City are strong favourites to win this one, with odds of just 4/5 for the City win from Bet 365. Blue Square have the draw at 5/2, whilst Boyle Sports will sell a Wigan victory at 9/2.
Middlesbrough v Reading
This match will be Boro’s 4,000th league match, and it comes against a Reading side on terrible recent form, having lost their last seven games in a row and still the only club (yes, including Derby) without a single point to the name in 2008. In this fixture last season, Middlesbrough ran out 2-1 winners, courtesy of goals from Mark Viduka and Yakubu, neither of whom are still at the club. The reverse fixture at the Madesjki ended all square at 1-1. Howard Webb is the referee for this encounter.
Boro are the favourites in this match, with VC Bet offering odds of just 9/10 for the home win. Boyle Sports have the best odds for the draw at 5/2, whilst any Reading fans betting on an away victory for Steve Coppells men should head to Blue Square, where 7/2 is currently available.
Newcastle v Blackburn
Newcastle United are still looking for their first win under Kevin Keegan (Yes, we’ll keep saying it every week until it happens!) and Kevin will be hoping it will come at the seventh attempt, before the passionate geordie “faithful” turn on him as they have their last six managers since.. erm Kevin Keegan. Their recent record is terrible, picking up just three points from the last thirty, and having a defence that has already conceded five more goals than the whole of last season.
If the bookies are to be believed, this match could go either way, with VC Bet offering odds of 8/5 for a Newcastle victory, and 9/5 for a Blackburn win. Bet 365 have the strongest odds for the draw at 12/5.
West Ham v Chelsea
Chelsea will be smarting after their Carling Cup extra-time defeat at the hands of London rivals Tottenham, and you can be sure that Hammers fans will reminds them a few times, and will hoping that Alan Curbishley’s side can take advantage of Chelsea’s weaknesses as Juande Ramos’ team did on Sunday. Chelsea are no mugs however, and remain unbeaten in nine Premiership games as they try and force themselves back into the Premiership title race before time runs out on them.
Sky Bet will give you 4/1 for a Hammers home win against their London rivals, who are priced at 17/20 with VC Bet. Bet 365 complete the set, offering 5/2 for the draw.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds.
The Golden Ticket - £30,000 Jackpot
February 26, 2008
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Grand National 2008 Betting
February 26, 2008
GRAND NATIONAL 2008 BETTING
The Grand National has been run at Aintree racecourse, Liverpool, since 1839. Run over 4m 4f, at the beginning of April, the Aintree “National” fences offer a unique test for both horse and rider. The Grand National is certainly the best-known race in the U.K. (if not the world) and millions of pounds are gambled on it every year. A record number of 105 horses have been allocated weights by handicapper Phil Smith for the 2008 Grand National at Aintree on April 5th. Beef or Salmon is the top weight on 11-12, as a result of winning ten Grade 1 steeplechases. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls’ Mr. Pointment is set to carry 11-8. Of the placed horses from last year, runner-up McKelvey has an extra 7lb, bringing his weight up to 10-11 for the 2008 renewal. Slim Pickings (3rd) has an extra 6lb (11-0) and Philson Run (4th) an extra 9lb (11-0).
SOME LEADING CONTENDERS
Snowy Morning
Trainer Willie Mullins is worried that Grand National “talking horse” Snowy Morning has been unfairly treated by the handicapper. Promoted to 10/1 favourite by Coral, Ladbrokes and Paddy Power, Mullins expressed reservations about his lack of experience. He said, “Snowy Morning has lovely potential, but I do think he has enough weight. He is only a second-season novice and hasn’t completed over fences this year. I do think he is harshly treated given the record of second-season novices in the National.”
Slim Pickings
Seemed to be travelling best for the final circuit of the 2007 race but eventually finished third. He was only beaten 2 lengths but it may be that his stamina just gave out on the long run in.
McKelvey
Unlucky to pick up a tendon injury on the run-in in 2007, finishing a gallant runner-up to Silver Birch. If he makes the line-up, must have a chance of going one better.
A REALLY, REALLY LIVELY OUTSIDER
For those looking for a live contender, at a big price, for the 2008 Grand National, Irish Raptor, available at a best price of 50/1, with Stan James, is worth a close look. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ 9-year-old already boasts two completions over the National fences in last year’s Topham and Becher ‘Chases, and has been trained with this year’s Grand National in mind. Interestingly, the horse won a race at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day that has provided some accurate Grand National pointers in the past. Irish Raptor acts on any ground, and has been allotted just 10-1 in the handicap.
BETTING ON THE 2008 GRAND NATIONAL
Types of Bet Available
N.B. Any prices quoted are as of 7th February 2008.
Outright Betting
The recent publication of the weights for the 2008 Grand National has caused something of a “shake-up” in the ante-post betting market. Current best prices are: 12/1 Snowy Morning (Totesport), 14/1 Mr Pointment (Coral), 16/1 Bewley’s Berry (BetFred), Butler’s Cabin (Paddy Power), 18/1 Simon (Coral), 20/1 Slim Pickings (Stan James), 25/1 Cloudy Lane (William Hill), McKelvey (Blue Square), Point Barrow (better), 28/1 Character Building (Coral), 33/1 BAR.
SPECIAL BETS
As the Grand National is such a popular betting medium, online bookmakers offer a wide range of special bets relating to the race. These include:
Winning Owner
Current best prices are: 8/1 J.P. McManus (Ladbrokes & Stan James), 9/1 David Johnson (Stan James), 10/1 Trevor Hemmings (Ladbrokes).
Winning Trainer
Current best prices are: 8/1 P. Nicholls, 12/1 A.J. Martin, D. Pipe, 14/1 P. Bowen, 16/1 D. McCain (all Totesport), 25/1 N. Twiston-Davies (Ladbrokes). Given that he has seven horses entered, several of which are fancied, Nigel Twiston-Davies may be a shrewd play.
Nationality of Winning Trainer
Current best prices: 3/1 Irish winner (Ladbrokes), 33/1 French winner (Stan James).
Winner to be Trained by a Woman
No prices available at present. A number of top-class women trainers are likely to be represented in the Grand National. Names to note are Venetia Williams, Sue Smith and Lucinda Russell. Punters fancying any of their horses will find this bet to their liking, as it covers all the female-trained runners with one stake.
Winner on Grand National debut
8/13 with William Hill
Winning Time
5/6 Under And Including 9 Minutes 19.99 Seconds, 5/6 Over And Including 9 Minutes 20 Seconds (Stan James).
Winning Weight
5/6 11 stone or more, 5/6 Under 11 stone (Totesport)
13/8 Less than 10-11, 7/4 Between 10-11 and 11-04, 7/4 Over 11-04 (Stan James)
Age of the Winner
Stan James is the only online firm offering prices on this market at present:
6/4 Nine year old, 7/2 Ten year old, 4/1 Seven year old or less, 5/1 Eight year old, 9/1 Eleven year old, 9/1 Twelve year old.
All Runners to Clear the 1st Fence Safely
5/1 with Paddy Power. A decidedly dodgy proposition, as the runners always approach the first fence too quickly, almost invariably resulting in fallers.
Lady Jockey to Ride the Winner
25/1 with Paddy Power.
Winning Distance
No prices are currently available.
Completing the Course
Some online betting sites offer prices on a particular horse to complete or fail to complete. Others offer prices on various groups of horses (usually five or six) to complete successfully. Each group invariably contains either a suspect jumper or big outsider. However, the odds offered are potentially rewarding, with the shortest priced group being about 16/1 or 20/1.
Match Bets
Prices are offered on pairs of horses with (theoretically) similar winning chances. The winner of the match is the horse achieving the higher placing, or, if neither complete, the horse progressing furthest. Generally, match prices are 10/11 or 5/6 each of two.
Amongst the more novel special bets:
1. Blue Square’s offer of 100/1 on Liverpool winning the F.A. Cup and Ginger McCain training the 2008 Grand National winner.
2. Ladbrokes’ offer of 50/1 on an Irish-trained 1-2-3.
3. Bet365’s offer of 33/1 about Mick Fitzgerald winning the 2008 Grand National and retiring on the spot.
4. Paddy Power’s offer of 16/1 about any horse winning at the Cheltenham Festival and subsequently winning the Grand National
Victor Chandler Specials
February 26, 2008
Victor Chandler are offering the following special offers this week:
Free Fall…
All races at Catterick & Leicester today (Tuesday)
If your selection FALLS, we’ll refund your losing stake as a free bet on tomorrow’s racing!
Also applies to unseated rider, brought down, refused or slipped up. Max free bet £100 (€150) per person per race. Applies to win only bets and each way bets. Singles only. Internet and telephone bets only. Free bets available from 11am tomorrow.
