Selby and O’Sullivan new favourites as Trump suffers shock exit

It was only earlier this week we were saying how there had been a surprising lack of shocks at this year’s World Snooker Championships.

Well, clearly that was just the calm before the storm.

And last night’s storm saw pre-tournament favourite Judd Trump defeated by qualifier and 1,000/1 fancy Rory McLeod 10-8.

The 27-year-old must now wait another 12 months for a shot at landing his first world title, and the result was even more remarkable considering Trump raced into a 4-0 lead.

Trump, who had reached five major finals this season, will also face a fine from the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association for not fulfilling post-match media duties.

His management have also said the second seed was unwell during the match, and the Bristol-born potter had been seen grimacing with a shoulder or arm concern.

Whatever the reasons for the loss, Trump’s exit has blown the tournament wide open, and reigning champion Mark Selby is the new favourite at 3/1.

Selby waltzed past Fergal O’Brien 10-2 in his opening match, and will face Xiao Guodong next.

Behind the Jester from Leicester is the magic man himself, Ronnie O’Sullivan at 7/2.

Despite courting controversy with comments regarding snooker’s officials this week, the Rocket eased past Gary Wilson 10-7 in round one.

But due to being ranked only 12^th for this event, the five-time champion must now face a potentially thrilling clash with 2005 champion Shaun Murphy.

Should Murphy prevail over O’Sullivan, then his price will crash down from 16/1.

Third in the betting is 2013 runner-up Barry Hawkins at 15/2, while four-time winner John Higgins has come in from 16/1 to 8/1.

Last year’s beaten finalist Ding Junhui is 9/1, with 2010 champ Neil Robertson 11/1.

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