English Open: Ronnie O’Sullivan the man to beat in Barnsley
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Ronnie O’Sullivan has not been able to avoid the headlines at the 2017 English Open.
The Essex-based potter first courted controversy after flouting tournament rules to wear trainers because of a sprained ankle.
And he was in the news again in the third round when he allowed a spectator to take the final shot in his match against China’s Zhang Yong.
Nevertheless, the five-time world champion remains the 6/5 favourite to win a maiden English Open crown.
Of the players remaining, O’Sullivan is by far and away the one with the most pedigree.
In his two tournament appearances so far this season, the Rocket has reached the quarter-final of the China Championship and the final of the Hong Kong Masters.
He may well be in good form, but after an inconsistent 2016/17 season, his seven remaining competitors know there could be an opportunity to usurp snooker’s greatest ever player.
In pole position to capitalise on an O’Sullivan slip up is Kyren Wilson, who is a 9/2 shot.
The 25-year-old has dropped just a single frame since overcoming Rod Lawler 4-3 in the first round and has a favourable route through to the final if he plays to his potential.
Neil Robertson won the 2010 World Championship but faces a tough task if he’s to overcome odds of 5/1 to land this title.
The Aussie has won just two tournaments in the past two seasons and could run into O’Sullivan in the semi-finals if the pair both negotiate their quarter-final ties.
And that makes 9/1 shot Michael White good value to follow up his victory in the Paul Hunter Classic with a surprise success here.
He’s in the kinder side of the draw and will fancy his chances against Alexander Ursenbacher, who is 25/1 to win the tournament.
Fellow competitors Anthony McGill and Hossein Vafaei are both 16/1 to be the king of the baize, while Jack Lisowski is priced up at 18/1.
Click here for all the latest 2017 English Open odds.
All Odds and Markets correct as of the date of publication
