With some handy recent form and a solid record in China, dual former World Champion (1998 and 2007) John Higgins looks a top value bet at snooker odds of 14/1 to lift this week´s Shanghai Masters.
It´s been a fairly long time between drinks for the Wishaw Wizard, who hasn´t made a final since his 2007 Crucible success, but there are reasons to be confident about his chances here.
The Scotsman has endured a dry patch in recent times but hinted at a return to winning ways in Northern Ireland in August´s Belfast event when reaching the semis.
Beaten only by Mark Williams in the final of the China Open of 2006 he again progressed soundly in 2007 reaching the quarters. And he won the China International as far back as 1999 to hand himself his first taste of ranking tournament success in the Orient.
With 18 ranking titles to his name afford yourself plenty of confidence for a strong run at Higgins´s current online betting odds.
With home advantage we also like the look of Ding Junhui. The Chinese cue-smith looks to have been handed an easyish draw given that Stephen Hendry appears to be struggling for form.
He´s certain to be mega keen to put on a show for his adoring fans and at odds of 6/1 we are guaranteed a fighting display for our money. Tournament jolly Ronnie O´Sullivan looks worth steering clear of given his poor record in the Far East.
His lewd comments about a female Chinese journalist didn´t go down well here last term and he will probably come under some unwanted media attention because of that.
