Ronnie O'Sullivan to win + over 8.5 frames is a more appealing option than a straightforward victory for the favourite. After a 6:2 win over Jackson Page, it is easy to expect another quick match, but Noppon Saengkham has already shown that he can make matches at this tournament a longer affair.
Noppon Saengkham
Saengkham knocked out Judd Trump 6:3 in the first round. The result changes a lot: the Thai player took six frames off a player who has just won the Shanghai Masters. To land the required total, he only needs to take three frames from Ronnie — after such a win, that does not look like an excessive requirement.
Ronnie O'Sullivan
O'Sullivan has also arrived for the match in good form. Before the China Open, he lost to Kyren Wilson 4:6 but made three consecutive centuries, and he has come through Page confidently here. Ronnie is 14th in the world rankings, while Saengkham is 46th. Over a best-of-11 format, O'Sullivan's class should give him the edge.
Noppon Saengkham vs Ronnie O'Sullivan Prediction
There is also an important detail in their head-to-head record. O'Sullivan leads in wins, but Saengkham won their most recent match 4:2, while Ronnie had previously beaten him 6:3. A 6:3 or 6:4 scoreline looks more likely here than a rout. We are therefore backing Ronnie O'Sullivan to win + over 8.5 frames — Yes.
