Snooker Shoot Out predictions, betting tips and odds: Wells' wishes could be granted

Where to watch the Snooker Shoot Out

Eurosport 1, 1pm & 7pm Wednesday

Best bets for the Snooker Shoot Out

Daniel Wells
1pt 66-1 Hills

Joe O'Connor
1pt 66-1 Hills

Snooker Shoot Out predictions

It will be a case of stopwatches at the ready in Leicester over the next few days as the Snooker Shoot Out returns to the city for its 15th edition. 

No player has won the single-frame extravaganza more than once, with 14 different winners in as many runnings, but reigning champion Mark Allen will be in the East Midlands to defend the crown he claimed in Swansea last year. 

The Pistol is joint-second favourite alongside Neil Robertson at 22-1, with Leicester local Mark Selby the 20-1 market leader in his hometown. 

However, when you consider that previous Shoot Out champions Robin Hull, Nigel Bond, Michael White, Martin Gould and Michael Georgiou aren’t even competing on the main tour nowadays, it’s clear that this an open betting heat.

Daniel Wells reached his third ranking event semi-final at the Xi'an Grand Prix in August and the Welshman could be a serious contender at a big price. 

The Neath potter reached the last four the last time the Shoot Out was held in Leicester two seasons ago, and some creditable efforts in the Championship League indicate that the quickfire format is of little concern to the 36-year-old. 

Wells opens his bid against 16-year-old Moldovan Vladislav Gradinari, who was last seen losing 6-0 in qualifying for the UK Championship, and he should face few problems from the teenager. 

The random draw means some good fortune is required as the tournament progresses, but odds of 66-1 underplay the chance of Wells granting the wishes of his supporters with a title win.

Joe O’Connor has had a quiet season but the Leicester cueman is a ranking event finalist and far too good a player to be dismissed as a 66-1 shot in this field. 

O’Connor made the final of the short-format Championship League in March, suggesting the one-frame setup will not be an inconvenience, and the 29-year-old's pool background means he boasts invaluable experience of playing with a shot clock. 

A first-round tie against Sanderson Lam is eminently winnable and O’Connor looks capable of outrunning his odds. 

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