I know it’s still a little early to be thinking about the Dafabet Masters Snooker which starts on 11th January but I thought I’d take a look through the current antepost market and see if there is anything which stands out.

Ronnie O’Sullivan looks a solid favourite at 15/8 after winning the UK Championship and even though he wasn’t always at his imperious best he did look like he was capable of stepping up when it mattered and seems to be enjoying his snooker at the moment.

Judd Trump almost provided a huge shock when coming back from 9-4 to force the decider. I still don’t think he is quite there and isn’t as good as he thinks he is so will be swerving the 13/2

Neil Robertson somehow managed to lose 6-5 to Graeme Dott in the UK and has had a few too many defeats from players you would expect him to beat lately.

Ding Junhui lost to the youngster James Cahil in the UK and look well out of sorts, and should have been beaten more comfortably. It’s a gamble whether Ding’s head is going to be right and I think he will throw in a bad game at some point.

Mark Selby also seems to have a few shocking results lately losing to David Morris in York, and Oliver Lines in the International Championship.

Ronnie likes this event, it’s local for him so he can go home, it’s a one table event, it’s prestigious and he has a good record in it. I think I will stick with Ronnie to win. And I may have a few bob each way on Shaun Murphy at 20/1 as he seems to be showing some signs of a return to form.

My bets

5pts Ronnie O’Sullivan @ 2/1

1pt EW – Shaun Murphy @ 20/1