9/1 Selby can claim third UK crown as snooker season heats up

THE snooker season really steps up a gear today with the start of the first of the Triple Crown events, the UK Championship, at the Barbican centre in York.

- JOHN O'DOWD-ODDS & ENDS

Eight days of stunning action on the green baize will begin with defending champion Judd Trump attempting to kickstart a campaign that has stuttered from the outset.

In what is a hugely open competition this year, with no player dominant on the circuit, Ronnie O'Sullivan has received a nightmare draw in his bid for a ninth UK title.

Zhou Yuelong is a dangerous first-round rival for the Rocket, while Mark Selby and Kyren Wilson are also lurking in his quarter.

With doubts over the current form of both Mark Allen and Ding Junhui, Trump should reach the semifinals at least, with a surprise opponent potentially waiting.

Even though Neil Robertson and Mark Williams are in the second quarter, keep an eye on Wu Yize (10/3) in that section, and as an each-way bet to go all the way (14/1).

As stated, O’Sullivan’s third quarter is an absolute minefield, but Wilson has never done it in York, so Selby (5/2) is the man to follow here.

World champion Zhao Xintong roared back to his best in Saudi Arabia recently, but Shaun Murphy (12/5) is capable of putting a stop to his prospects.

Despite his very indifferent season to date, Trump might just make back-to-back finals, but I'm throwing my eggs in the Selby basket (9/1) to go on and lift his third UK crown, and first since 2016.