Snooker - China Open - Hawkins - 40/1 2pts E/W

The China Open has a very lopsided draw. For this reason, it makes sense to back a player in the top half of the draw.

Ding Jun Hui is very short at 6-1. He won this last year at 66-1, and although he has a fine record in the Far East, 6- 1 is no value.

There are few other player of merit in the top half. However, I think Barry Hawkins is great value at a standout 40/1 at StanJames. He is an up an coming player who is just coming onto the bookies radar, having made the semi-finals of teh Welsh Open.

He has a tough 1st round opponent against Stephen Hendry. However he has won the last 2 encounters with Hendry, so I have high hopes of him getting through the 1st round. He is then likley to meet Ding Jun Hui in the semi-finals, having beaten the winner of Stevens/Williams enroute.

I think he has a great chance against Ding Jun Hui, haven beaten him recently in the World Chmaioonship qualifier.

I'm having 2pts E/W on Barry Hawkins @ 40/1