Judd Trump v Neil Robertson: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Judd Trump is favourite for UK Championship glory but the third seed may have hoped for an easier first-round assignment than a showdown with the resurgent Neil Robertson.

Trump has been this season’s form man, highlighted by victories at the Shanghai Masters and the Saudi Arabia Masters, and an early tournament exit for Ronnie O’Sullivan may have strengthened his focus.

However, Juddernaut is going to have to bring his A-game into this opening clash with Robertson, who has been back in the winners' enclosure this season with victory at the English Open.

A poor couple of seasons has seen Roberson slip outside the world’s top 16, hence his need to come through qualifying, but it is unlikely to be long until he is back amongst snooker’s elite.

These two met at the Champion of Champions two weeks ago and Robertson had Trump’s measure in a 6-4 victory, something he will be looking to repeat at the York Barbican.

Both players are former UK champions and the draw could soon open up for whoever prevails, making this a match of serious interest.

Judd Trump v Neil Robertson betting tips and predictions

Over 9.5 frames - 1/1

Robertson is a three-time UK champion while Trump claimed his sole UK success way back in 2011, although the winner of this contest would be expected to go a long way to challenging for top honours.

After a difficult period, Robertson looks rejuvenated and is back playing some of his best stuff, which was evident on his run to the semi-finals of the Champion of Champions recently.

The Australian defeated Carter and Trump before bumping into an in-form Mark Williams, although he has since built on that with qualifying wins over Ollie Lines and Matthew Stevens.

It has felt like Trump has gone deep in virtually every tournament he has contested this season and he has in fact lost only seven of his 43 matches.

Although beaten 6-4 by Robertson at the recent Champion of Champions, that will spur Trump on to exact some revenge and he had won seven of their eight previous encounters.

However, it still looks like a tricky match to call and going for this best-of-11 encounter to feature 10 or more frames may be the approach to take.

These tend to be embroiled in gruelling rivalries, highlighted by that recent clash at the Champion of Champions, and six of their last seven meetings that were played over a best-of-nine or greater format have gone over the total frames.

Three of Robertson’s last five matches have gone over the frames, too, while three of Trump’s last four best-of-11 contests have finished 6-4 in both victory and defeat.

Under 1.5 centuries - 11/8

When these two met at the Champion of Champions earlier this month, there were no centuries with Robertson registering breaks of 90, 84, 61, 59 and 56 Trump compiling knocks of 70, 69 and 57.

There will be a lot of respect shown by them both and that could contribute to a cagey beginning, meaning under 1.5 centuries could represent some value at 11/8.

Trump has had only three centuries across his last six matches, so may not be at his free-scoring best, and it may be tactical with both players knowing that whoever wins the safety battle is likely to prevail.

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Judd Trump v Neil Robertson odds

Judd Trump - 8/15
Neil Robertson - 6/4

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.