Champion of Champions Snooker day four: Selby meets Maguire

Although, it won’t all be plain sailing for this former Triple Crown victor, with Maguire entering proceedings in Coventry on the back of a Lisbon Open coup this year, and the fiery Scot is 11/2 to overcome Selby 4-3 in a possible deciding frame.

On Fire Maguire may only have recorded seven wins over his Champion of Champions opposition during his career so far, compared to Selby’s 11 victories, but the five-time ranking event victor will be confident of causing an upset, with his last coup coming last year in a Champions League meeting.

Mark Allen v Barry Hawkins

• Champion of Champions
• Friday, November 13th
• Scheduled for: 15:00 GMT
• Ricoh Arena, Coventry
• Live on ITV4

Allen and Hawkins collide in Coventry

After securing this year’s Bulgarian Open, Northern Ireland potter Mark Allen will contest consistent cueist Barry Hawkins in their Champion of Champions opening encounter, with the latter world number five having lifted the Riga Open in August.

The Pistol holds a strong record over his latest baize rival, having out-potted Hawkins on eight occasions since their maiden meeting back in 2008, but the Antrim break-builder is 6/5 to lose out to his Kent-born foe in this match-up.

Despite Allen’s dominance in previous head-to-heads, Hawkins’ rise to prominence in the last few years is evident in his results over Allen, having emerged victorious in their last three match-ups since 2013, including a Crucible last 16 clash.

The Hawk could soar

Hawkins impressively overcame the odds to reach a Crucible final with Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2013, ultimately losing out comprehensively, but has since reached two consecutive semi-finals, proving his class with a cue.

The Hawk recently out-gunned Allen in a European Tour meeting on German soil, prevailing with a 4-1 win in their last 16 tie, and the 36-year-old is 7/1 to secure the same result this time out in the West Midlands.

Two-time ranking event winner Allen is the massive odds-on 4/6 favourite for victory but, with the two potters having recently enjoyed tournament success, the Ricoh Arena could witness another final frame shoot-out. The Northern Irishman is therefore 9/2 to edge Hawkins 4-3 in a potential decider.

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Coral’s top tip: Barry Hawkins has enjoyed plenty of success since his run to the 2013 world championship final, so back him to continue his recent form with a win over Mark Allen at 6/5.