World Championship Snooker Stats you need to know

The 2014 Snooker World Championship is just around the corner and away from the outright market there are a plethora of other betting opportunities to get involved in over the two weeks of Crucible action. Our research begins in 1990 when Stephen Hendry secured the first of what was to be seven titles in Sheffield, the year where the all-conquering Scot was credited with taking snooker to the next level.

Total century breaks (31 matches)

Under 55 – 3/1

55-64 – 13/8

65-74 – 2/1

75 or more – 9/2

There has been an average of 51.6 centuries made in the 24 years included, however, with poultry totals of 18 in 1990 and only 25 two years later it is the last decade that should be of most interest as the standards rose considerably.

In the last ten years the average rises to 63.8 and with over 75 achieved only once in 2009 (83) we can confidently rule out the two extremes of the market, under 55 and 75 or more.

Punters need to decide then whether the players will be able to break the 64 mark and the trend of the last five years suggests they will. Three of the last five years have fallen in the bracket of 65-74 at an average of 68.6 and so the 2/1 available represents a bit of value.

Highest Tournament Break (31 matches)

147 or more – 11/10

146 – 7/1

145 – 8/1

144 – 8/1

143 or less – 2/1

A maximum has been recorded seven times over the 24-year sample, however, there have been five in the last 11 years.

This makes the price of 11/10 about another this year about spot on, however the better value can be found in a more cynical approach.

There hasn’t been one 146 so that can be discounted and although there have been three 145’s recorded in the period there has only been one in the last nine years.

Those backing a 144 are getting even worse value as that total has been posted only once in the last 17 years.

And so the advice is to hope no-one breaks 143. In three of the last five years those backing 143 or less will have collected and even though the standard is said to improve each year that is not always reflected in the highest break, rather more in the above category.

Final Frame Deciders (31 matches)

0-3 – 7/5

4-5 – 2/1

6+ – 7/4

With all the research in the world this market will always be a far cry from an exact science, however, our evidence gives us a better idea of the best approach.

Recent history suggests the 2/1 on 4-5 is terrible value with that outcome arising only once in the last eight years.

That’s in contrast to backing that there will be six or more nailbiters, something that has happened in three of the last seven years and is thus overpriced at 7/4.

It’s widely acknowledged that the gap between the top-16 and the rest of the field is narrowing every year and this adds further encouragement with fewer players able to cruise to victories.

Will There be a 147?

Yes – 11/10

No – 4/6

As explained earlier, the layers have this market spot on with five maximums registered in the last 11 years. If one had to be chosen, however, the temptation would be to go with the half-glass-full prediction especially if you think Ronnie O’Sullivan will make it to the latter stages.

Year – Number of Centuries – Highest Break – Final Frame Deciders

2013 – 55 – 142 – 2, 2012 – 71 – 147 – 3, 2011 – 74 – 141 – 5, 2010 – 60 – 140 – 6, 2009 – 83 – 145 – 2, 2008 – 63 – 147 – 6, 2007 – 68 – 144 – 6, 2006 – 46 – 147 – 3, 2005 – 63 – 147 – 5, 2004 – 55 – 145 – 4, 2003 – 53 – 147 – 4, 2002 – 68 – 145 – 5, 2001 – 53 – 140 – 2, 2000 – 54 – 143 – 4, 1999 – 53 142 – 3, 1998 – 59 – 143 – 2, 1997 – 39-147– 7, 1996 – 48-144– 5, 1995 – 30-147 – 0, 1994 – 35-143 – 4, 1993 – 35-144– 1, 1992 – 25-147 – 1, 1991 – 31-140– 3, 1990 – 18-140 – 3

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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