Champion of Champions Snooker day two: Higgins contests Carter

The Colchester Captain secured a 4-2 triumph in that PTC Grand Final in Ireland and is 6/1 to record the same result this time out in Coventry, fresh after lifting the Paul Hunter Classic trophy this year.

Higgins’ victory in China saw him level Steve Davis’ record of 28 ranking titles, but he has some way to go before matching the great Stephen Hendry, who clinched 36 tournament crowns.

“Another eight wins seems too far but you never know,” stated Higgins. “The way I played [in China], if I could keep that up for a few years, I would love to try to match it.

“It would be a great achievement”

“I think if I play my best I have another few wins in me, but you never know how long it can last.

“I have never been one to look at records and go for it; I just try my best. It would be a great achievement to even get closer to Stephen.”

Despite the current event being a non-ranking event, the Scot isn’t any less motivated and will be gunning for further glory this year in Coventry, where he enters at 10/1 fifth favourite to triumph overall.

Having first clashed back in 1999, the experienced potting pair of Higgins and Carter have held a long-standing rivalry, in which the former has enjoyed more of the fortunes but, a deciding frame is 21/10 to occur in what could be a close Champion of Champions encounter.

Joe Perry v Michael White

• Champion of Champions
• Wednesday, November 11th
• Scheduled for: 15:00 GMT
• Ricoh Arena, Coventry
• Live on ITV4

Perry faces-off with Welshman White

After winning his first ever ranking crown at the age of 40 earlier this year, emerging victorious in the Players Championship Grand Final, Joe Perry will arrive in his day two match-up with Welsh wonder Michael White full of confidence.

The Gentleman will hope his experience can thwart the youthful talent of this year’s Indian Open champion White, also his first ranking crown, though the latter Welshman is 6/5 to rally to victory in only their fourth ever competitive match-up.

White prevailed in the duo’s most recent pairing, albeit in a one-frame Snooker Shootout meeting in 2013, but he also edged out the world number nine in a European Tour Event in Germany, securing a narrow 4-3 victory.

Experience or youth?

Another deciding frame between the pair is 21/10, while world number 16 White is 5/1 to emulate his winning 4-3 scoreline on German turf in this latest baize battle.

Wisbech cueist Perry is one of several veterans on the circuit proving that age holds no longer holds a barrier in this sport, along with reigning world champion Stuart Bingham, and he is odds-on 4/6 favourite to trump his younger foe.

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Coral’s top tip: Michael White is another emerging Welsh potting talent and, after securing his maiden ranking title this year, back him at 6/4 to overcome Joe Perry.