The Snooker season marches on and on Monday, we have the Shanghai Masters back from a prolonged hiatus. We’ve previewed the tournament and given you our predictions.
History and Format
The Shanghai Masters dates back to 2007 and was the second tournament introduced to the country as the sport exploded in China.
This is the first running of the event since 2019 and has been won by Ronnie O’Sullivan for the last three editions, making him a four-time winner of the title.
Ding Junhui is the only other multiple winner, taking the prize back in 2013 and 2016.
This year’s tournament is taking place at the Shanghai Grand Stage and is running from 11th to 17th September.
It is the first recognised event in the country since the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The format sees the top 8 ranked players in the world automatically allocated a second round slot, with the other eight seeds (9-16 in the world) taking on a Chinese opponent.
Prize Money
| Stage | Prize |
| Winner | £210,000 |
| Runner-up | £105,000 |
| Semi-final | £70,000 |
| Quarter-final | £35,000 |
| Last 16 | £17,500 |
| Last 24 | £10,000 |
| Highest Break | £10,000 |
| Total Prize Fund | £825,000 |
Judd Trump outright – 5/1
The ‘Ace in the Pack’ looked in superb form at the European Masters, dropping just five frames on his way to the semi-final, before beating John Higgins and then being narrowly-beaten by an inspired Barry Hawkins in the final.
The 2019 World Champion is a three time runner-up in this event but I feel he can break his duck here this weekend.
Trump knocked in two centuries in the final, to go with five others on route to the final.
The 34-year-old has no easy route to the final, potentially facing Jack Lisowski in the 2nd round before Mark Selby in the quarter finals and then O’Sullivan/Wilson in the semi.
However, I’m taking Trump to win the whole thing and grab another title to reward his superb form.
Kyren Wilson quarter 1 winner – 3/1
As mentioned before, Wilson was my tip for the European Masters to defend his title and he had a pretty good go at it.
The Kettering man dropped just two frames in his first three matches before running into the road block that is John Higgins.
The Scot was the victor in the quarter final 5-3 and Wilson didn’t really live up to his form in the earlier rounds.
The 31-year-old knocked in 3 tons on his way to the quarters and appears to be cueing it really nicely at present.
Wilson will probably face his nemesis Higgins in the last 16 and should he progress, would face three-time Shanghai champ Ronnie O’Sullivan in the quarters.
On current form, I like the chances of Kyren to have a long run in this tournament.
*All prices correct at the time of writing.
