Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2024 World Snooker Championship match.
John Higgins
John Higgins managed to beat Jamie Jones in the 1st qualifying game (10:6). It was a complicated match for Higgins, it was obvious that he wasn’t in his best form. Higgins looked better, though. However, a great lead in the statistics was only in long shots (quite low for Higgins, anyway, 59%). It was clear that Higgins used all his strength and professional skills to win the game. This match is going to be even more complicated.
Mark Allen
Mark Allen also beat the first game (10:6), but he had a comfort lead almost right from the start. Allen admitted after the game that he was only preparing for the following matches of the tournament. Mark Allen has lost quite many games against top players this season, however he’s won some. For example, he beat Judd Trump (10:3) in the final of the Champion of Champions invitational tournament. So, Mark Allen is still prepared for the real game.
John Higgins – Mark Allen prediction
John Higgins was tired. It was obvious. Each shot was a complicated issue for Higgins. Mark Allen has had an extra day to take some rest. Comparing the statistics of the first round, we can see that Mark is better than his opponent in almost all of the results. The opponents have had two head-to-head games in this tournament, with John Higgins winning both of them. Currently, Mark Allen is ready to end this poor run. John Higgins is in bad form, and Mark Allen should use this moment.
