Mark Selby v Stephen Maguire: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Mark Selby will look to continue his fine form this season when he takes on Stephen Maguire in Sunday's Welsh Open final in Llandudno.

Selby came from 3-2 down to beat Luca Brecel 6-3 on Saturday as he chases his 24th ranking title.

Brecel looked to be in control but missed chances in the sixth and seventh frames, which cost him dearly.

Selby soon took control and never looked back, and he goes into Sunday's final as the 3/10 favourite.

Maguire reached his first ranking event final since 2020 after a fierce battle against Ali Carter, as he won 6-4 on Saturday.

The Scot has rediscovered his magic touch around the table after failing to reach a quarter-final in a ranking event all season.

Selby and Maguire will meet for the first time since the Masters in January 2022, with the former winning 6-3 in round one on that occasion.

Mark Selby v Stephen Maguire betting tips and predictions

1st Frame - Winner - Mark Selby - 8/13

The Jester from Leicester was named one of the favourites for the Welsh Open before a match was played and he has backed up those claims in style.

Selby has not won the Welsh Open since 2008, but he is in a prime position to win the Ray Reardon Trophy on Sunday evening.

The 41-year-old has already won the British Open and Championship League this season.

Selby's win in the Championship League came at the start of the month and he beat Kyren Wilson twice on his way to victory.

In Wales he has beaten Haydon Pinhey, Elliot Slessor, Jamie Jones, John Higgins and Brecel, and he should be able to handle the pressure early on.

Maguire will feature in his first final for five years, and it may take him some time to settle down.

Player Centuries 2-Way - Stephen Maguire - Under 0.5 - 5/4

After dropping to 29th in the world rankings, Maguire looks to have found some rhythm ahead of a busy few months.

The 43-year-old is known for his fighting spirit and he will need plenty of that to win his seventh ranking title.

Maguire's recent struggles with form have been well documented, but he has recently started working with coach Chris Small, and the improvements have been visible for all to see.

He has already guaranteed himself a place in the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong, but his success has not come from impressive scoring.

Maguire has yet to make a century in Wales and against Selby he may struggle to break that duck. He has dug in and fought his way over the line, but with so much riding on Sunday's match, he may need big scores to get himself into the contest.

Match Handicap - Mark Selby -2.5 - 8/11

Maguire's resurgence will be good for the sport, but Sunday's final should be one step too far for the Scot.

After years out of the spotlight, he will be in the trenches against Selby, who should be able to drag him into a tough spot.

Selby is one of the most consistent players on tour, especially this season, and mental fatigue may be the difference in the end.

Maguire has yet to win by more than two frames all week, and while that is not a huge criticism, he will struggle to keep Selby at bay.

Selby has also been able to win scrappy frames in recent weeks, but he has found some consistency and will relish the scrap with Maguire.

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Mark Selby v Stephen Maguire odds

Mark Selby - 3/10
Stephen Maguire - 5/2

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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.