The Players Championship 2019

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Hopefully more quality here than the Indian Open. Starts tomorrow evening, so I will have some time tomorrow to look properly at this. Draw is below : 

M.Allen Vs S.Maguire
D.Gilbert Vs S.Bingham
R.O'Sullivan Vs B.Hawkins
M.Selby Vs J.Higgins
N.Robertson Vs J.Perry
M.Williams Vs A.Carter
K.Wilson Vs J.Lisowski
J.Trump Vs J.Robertson

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Outright Preview :

We're in Preston for the second time in this tournaments history. For the last couple of years it's been in Wales but Ronnie will look to retain the title alittle closer to home. Looking through this field, only Allen, Trump & Hawkins have won this title previously so it could well be a new name on the trophy.

This looks very much like a Ronnie Vs Trump final based on form and history but no value in that whatsoever. A few of these players are quite low on morale, confidence and form. Also, some have been played alot of snooker whilst others are rested.

In the top half I'm going to give Bingham another go. he is hitting the ball really well and I think he will be well up for this event. I'm not too sure how much he was motivated in the Indian Open but nevertheless he still didn't play badly. He faces Gilbert in the 1st round who he has a good record against and then a potentially out-of-form Mark Allen in the next. Obviously, he would have to beat the likes of Ronnie and Judd etc still but he is a good price to do so. I'm also taking a small punt on Maguire. He got unlucky facing Judd last year and pushed him 6-4. The worry is the h2h with Allen (has the beating of him) but if he gets past that, who knows. The price is too big.

In the bottom half, Neil Robertson looks the form horse to go up against Trump, however 8/1 seems abit skinny for a player who would have to beat Trump and Ronnie. I will instead plump for 2 big priced outsiders. Firstly, Kyren Wilson, who is quite overprived for his level. He would face Lisowski and then Trump but has a good record against Trump in fairness. Second, Ali Carter had a bit of good form recently getting to the final of the Grand Prix and at 40s he is worth a little nibble each-way.

2pts K.Wilson to win the Players 16/1 boylesports
2pts S.Bingham to win the Players 20/1 betfred
1pt E/W A.Carter to win the Players 40/1 Coral
1pt S.Maguire to win the Players 50/1 betfred