Andrew Blakely
At 35, Andrew Blakely stands as a seasoned expert in both snooker and its betting intricacies. A dedicated player and analyst, he offers keen insights derived from years in the field. Through his writings, Andrew aspires to guide enthusiasts navigating the captivating world of snooker betting.
Articles by Andrew Blakely
Selby Slams 'Absolutely Horrific' Crucible Conditions After Shock Wu Yize Exit
Mark Selby has branded the Crucible's playing conditions the worst he has encountered at the World Championship, following his shock 13-11 second-round exit to Wu Yize at the 2026 World Snooker Championship.
Parrott, Hamilton and a New App: WPBSA Coaching Seminar Raises the Bar in Sheffield
John Parrott, Anthony Hamilton and the Play Snooker App took centre stage as the WPBSA staged its annual Coaching Seminar in Sheffield — alongside inaugural CPD events for coaches and referees.
Higgins Stuns O'Sullivan in Crucible Classic as Trump Crashes Out to Vafaei
John Higgins produced one of the great Crucible comebacks to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan 13-12, while world number one Judd Trump was sensationally eliminated by Iranian qualifier Hossein Vafaei on a stunning day at the World Championship.
2026 World Snooker Championship Quarter-Finals: Predictions, Picks and Best Bets
The 2026 World Snooker Championship quarter-finals are set for a thrilling two-day sprint at the Crucible, with Zhao Xintong facing Shaun Murphy in what looks the pick of the ties. Here are our best bets and predictions for the last eight.
Higgins Produces One of the Crucible's Greatest Comebacks to Eliminate O'Sullivan
John Higgins has completed one of the greatest comebacks in Crucible history, recovering from 9-4 down to defeat Ronnie O'Sullivan 13-12 in a final-frame thriller and reach the World Championship quarter-finals.
Vafaei Stuns Trump in Crucible Classic — Now the Quarter-Final Is 'Tickling' Him
Hossein Vafaei beat world number one Judd Trump 13-12 in a last-frame thriller to reach the Crucible quarter-finals — and he's now tickling us all with the prospect of a semi-final place.
Crucible Pressure Is Real — And It Should Shape Your World Championship Betting
Shaun Murphy's extraordinary 10-9 comeback has highlighted why Crucible psychology is just as important as potting form — and why smart punters should be factoring mental resilience into every World Championship wager.
Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters Axed: Why Calling It a 'Major' Was Always the Real Problem
The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters has been cancelled after just two editions, and while the collapse was hardly a surprise, the decision to label it a 'major' remains the sport's most embarrassing misstep in recent memory.
China Open Returns to Snooker Calendar in August 2026 — Here's Why It Matters for Bettors
The China Open returns to the World Snooker Tour in August 2026 after a seven-year absence, with a £1.2 million prize fund and a record crop of Chinese talent making it one of the most compelling betting events of the season.
Mark Allen Backs Himself for World Title Glory After Beating Kyren Wilson at the Crucible
Mark Allen is through to the Crucible quarter-finals after a composed 13-9 victory over world number two Kyren Wilson — and the Pistol insists he has the game to go all the way.
Murphy Marches Into Last Eight With Session to Spare — Xiao Thrashed 13-3
Shaun Murphy crushed Xiao Guodong 13-3 to become the first player into the 2026 World Championship quarter-finals, producing a display of scintillating snooker that included four century breaks across Friday's session.
Williams Backs Walker But Suggests Snooker's MC Has Been Silenced After Crucible Introduction Backlash
Mark Williams has defended Rob Walker following the backlash over his Crucible introduction, but suggested the MC may have been quietly silenced by snooker's governing figures in the days since.
Sheffield Puts Disability Snooker in the Spotlight During World Championship Week
World Disability Snooker Day returned to Sheffield during the 2026 Halo World Snooker Championship, shining a much-needed spotlight on the WDBS Tour's 11-year journey and its ambition to reach the Paralympic Games.
O'Sullivan vs Higgins: Class of 92 Clash Awaits — Our Last-16 Betting Preview
Ronnie O'Sullivan cruised past He Guoqiang 10-2 to set up a blockbuster last-16 clash with fellow Class of 92 member John Higgins — here's who we're backing and why.
Selby Rolls Into Round Two With Eyes on a Fifth World Title
Mark Selby opened his 2026 World Championship campaign with a dominant 10-2 win over Jak Jones and has his sights firmly set on a fifth world title. We examine the case for backing the Leicester cueman at 10/1.
Ronnie O'Sullivan Swaps Cues Mid-Match and Still Demolishes Opponent — Back Him to Go All the Way
Ronnie O'Sullivan swapped cues mid-match, knocked in three centuries and cruised to a 10-2 win over He Guoqiang — and the value in the outright market deserves serious attention.
World Snooker Championship Winners: The Complete Record-Holders Guide
Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry share the modern era record with seven World Snooker Championship titles each — here's the complete breakdown of every multiple winner from 1969 to today.
147s at the Crucible: The Full Record, Who Made Them and What They're Worth in 2026
Fifteen maximum 147 breaks have been made at the Crucible since 1983, with Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry sharing the record on three apiece. Here's the full history — and what a maximum is worth in 2026.
2026 World Snooker Championship Draw, Schedule & Results: Everything You Need to Know
The 2026 World Snooker Championship — the 50th edition of the sport's greatest event — is well underway at the Crucible, with Judd Trump, Ronnie O'Sullivan and Zhao Xintong all in action. Here's the full draw, schedule and updated results.
Ding Junhui vs Zhao Xintong: Back the Champion in a Historic All-Chinese Crucible Showdown
Ding Junhui's impressive 10-5 win over David Gilbert sets up a blockbuster second-round clash with reigning world champion Zhao Xintong — we break down the match and explain why the champion is the pick.
Poland Make History at the Crucible: How 21 Nations Have Now Featured at the World Snooker Championship
Antoni Kowalski became the first Polish player to compete at the World Snooker Championship on Saturday, with Poland joining an exclusive list of 21 nations to have featured at snooker's greatest tournament.
Jimmy White: Snooker 'Has Got to Be' at the Crucible — and He's Absolutely Right
Jimmy White has backed the decision to keep the World Championship at the Crucible until at least 2045, calling it 'fantastic' as snooker secures its spiritual home with a £45 million redevelopment planned.
Stan Moody vs Kyren Wilson: Crucible Debutant Profile & First Round Preview
Stan Moody becomes the first teenage Crucible debutant since Judd Trump in 2007 when he faces reigning world champion Kyren Wilson on Monday — and at 5/1, the Halifax teenager represents genuine betting value.
Ding Junhui 'Should Have Won' World Title Says White — Can He Still Do It at 39?
Jimmy White believes Ding Junhui 'probably should have' already won the World Snooker Championship as the Chinese star begins his 20th Crucible campaign against David Gilbert on Sunday.
Crucible Stands as One to Honour John Virgo in Touching 2026 World Championship Tribute
The 2026 World Snooker Championship opened with a deeply moving tribute to John Virgo at the Crucible, as the snooker world paused to honour one of its most cherished figures before a ball had been struck.
Mark Williams Admits Yips Fears Ahead of World Championship Opener — But Don't Write Him Off Yet
Mark Williams opens his World Championship campaign against Antoni Kowalski on Saturday, but the three-time world champion's candid admission about yips-like issues raises real questions for bettors ahead of Sheffield.
Sheffield Bids Farewell to a Snooker Icon: The Crucible Remembers John Virgo
The Crucible paid a moving tribute to John Virgo, the former UK Champion and beloved BBC commentator who passed away in February aged 79, bringing a moment of quiet reflection to snooker's most hallowed stage.
Sheffield Says Goodbye: Snooker Royalty Unites to Honour John Virgo
Sheffield Cathedral welcomed snooker royalty on Thursday as the sport gathered to celebrate the life of John Virgo, with eleven former world champions among those paying their respects at a service organised by Ken Doherty and Rob Walker.
Ken Doherty Hints at Tour Exit After Sheffield Qualifier Defeat
Ken Doherty has admitted he currently feels like he does not want to continue playing snooker after a 10-5 qualifying defeat ended his World Championship hopes and left his tour future in doubt.
Brecel Out, Jones Fires Five Centuries: The Crucible Qualifier Stories You Need to Know
Luca Brecel's Crucible dream is over for another year after a 10-5 qualifying defeat to Jak Jones, who fired five centuries in a brilliant display — while a record 11 Chinese players are set to feature at snooker's home.
Moody, Pullen & Kowalski: Three Crucible Debutants Who Could Be Worth Backing at Sheffield
Stan Moody, Liam Pullen, and Antoni Kowalski have all qualified for the Crucible for the first time — and at least one of them could be worth backing in Sheffield. Here's the full breakdown.
Pots of Gold, the Crucible's Future and World Championship Predictions: The WPBSA Podcast Is Back
The WPBSA Snooker Podcast is back for its second series, with host Michael McMullan joining author David Hendon to discuss acclaimed history book Pots of Gold, react to the Crucible's extension until 2045, and make their World Championship predictions.
Zhao Xintong Makes History With Players Series Slam — And Now Heads To Sheffield As Clear Favourite
Zhao Xintong made history in Manchester by winning all three Players Series events in a single season, thrashing Judd Trump 10-3 in the Tour Championship final to cement his status as the clear Crucible favourite.
Hospital to Crucible: Teen Moody's Remarkable Qualifying Story & What It Means for the Betting Markets
Stan Moody discharged himself from hospital against medical advice and went out and made a century in the deciding frame to qualify for the Crucible — here's what it means for the betting markets.
Judgement Day 2026: Snooker Qualifier Picks, Tips & Betting Preview
Judgement Day 2026 is here — 32 players, 16 Crucible spots, and two days of brutal elimination snooker at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. Here are our picks across the key matches.
End of an Era? Ken Doherty Relegated After Qualifier Defeat — and the Tour May Have Seen the Last of Him
Ken Doherty's World Snooker Tour career may be over after the 1997 world champion lost 10-5 to Patrick Whelan in the 2026 World Championship qualifiers, leaving his tour future deeply uncertain.
China's Next Generation Arrives: Lan Yuhao Dazzles at Crucible Qualifiers
Seventeen-year-old Lan Yuhao produced a stunning 10-5 win at the World Snooker Championship qualifiers in Sheffield, contributing eight scoring runs — including breaks of 132 and 114 — and almost making a 147 in his closing frame.
Pullen Stuns World Open Champion Un-Nooh to Keep Crucible Dream Alive
Liam Pullen produced a stunning display to knock out World Open champion Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in Sheffield, sealing his place in the final round of World Championship qualifying with a superb 105 break.
Rocket Rolls to John Virgo Trophy Glory Ahead of Crucible Tilt
Ronnie O'Sullivan claimed the inaugural John Virgo Trophy with a stunning 6-0 whitewash of John Higgins at Goffs in Ireland, arriving at the Crucible next week in fine fettle and chasing a record eighth world title.
O'Sullivan vs Higgins: John Virgo Trophy Final Betting Preview & Pick
Ronnie O'Sullivan faces John Higgins in the final of the inaugural John Virgo Trophy at Goffs on Sunday evening — here's who to back and why.
World Championship Qualifiers 2025: How to Watch Every Ball From Sheffield
The World Championship qualifiers run from 6th–15th April in Sheffield, with 128 players battling for a place at the Crucible — here's everything you need to know about watching the action live.
White's Crucible Dream Dies Again as Gao Yang Edges Thriller 10-9
Jimmy White's bid to return to the Crucible for the first time in 20 years ended in agony on Monday, as the 63-year-old fell 10-9 to Gao Yang in a deciding frame thriller at the World Snooker Championship qualifiers.
World Championship 2026: Tour Survival Drama Reaches Boiling Point in Sheffield
The 2026 World Snooker Championship qualifying rounds begin next Monday in Sheffield, with dozens of professionals fighting desperately to preserve their main tour status as the two-year ranking period reaches its conclusion.
2026 World Snooker Championship Qualifiers: Everything You Need to Know
The 2026 World Snooker Championship qualifiers are under way, with 128 players competing for 16 places at the Crucible — and some fascinating betting angles already emerging.
History Boy: Szubarczyk, 15, Becomes Youngest Ever World Championship Winner
Polish 15-year-old Michal Szubarczyk has become the youngest player ever to win a World Championship match, defeating Onyee Ng 10-7 in Sheffield qualifying to break Liam Davies' record.
Marco Fu Storms Into Next Qualifying Round With Eyes Firmly on Crucible Return
Marco Fu moved a step closer to ending a seven-year Crucible absence with a commanding 10-1 win over Mink Nutcharut in World Championship qualifying, compiling three centuries including a 137.
2025 Tour Championship Betting Preview
The Tour Championship gives top players a final chance to prepare for the World Championship, with Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Selby as key contenders.
Who could miss out on a place in the 2025 World Championship?
Several top snooker players, including Shaun Murphy and Ali Carter, are battling for automatic qualification to the 2025 World Championship.
2025 World Open Preview
The 2025 World Open takes place in China, featuring top players like Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Selby competing for a £175,000 prize.
The Snooker Escape: Betting on Snookers Needed
Discover the world of snooker betting, specifically focusing on "Betting on Snookers Needed." Gain insights into strategies, odds, and in-play dynamics for making informed wagers!