Mark Williams v Si Jiahui: Prediction, Tips and Odds

With Ronnie O’Sullivan having exited the Saudi Arabia Masters in the quarter-finals, there’s an unlikely semi-final clash between Mark Williams and Si Jiahui, although it should make for compelling viewing nonetheless.

Si, who ousted O’Sullivan 6-4, is showing again that he is one of the most talented of the many Chinese players on the main tour. He has previously performed well on the most important stage of all - Sheffield’s Crucible Threatre - and now he has come out best in a scrap with the most decorated player the game has known.

Unsurprisingly after stunning O’Sullivan, Si has been well supported in the markets for the three Triple Crown events - the World Championship, UK Championship and the Masters. He could carry over his form against Williams in Riyadh in Friday’s semi-final, but judging by the prices available, a close battle is anticipated.

It’s 4/5 that under 9.5 frames will be contested and 10/11 that over that mark will oblige. However, while a punt on that two-variable market can be considered, there may be better ways to bet on this clash and they are explained below.

Mark Williams v Si Jiahui betting tips and predictions

Mark Williams to beat Si Jiahui - 4/6

Si beat Williams 10-9 in their only major clash at the Crucible last year and that shows how dangerous the 22-year-old can be. However, the Welsh veteran, a three-time world champion and one of the legendary Class of 92 along with O’Sullivan and John Higgins, was not at his brilliant best in Sheffield last year and has since defeated Si 3-0 in a low-level Championship League affair.

Another pointer to siding with Williams is that he is looking fresher with it being so early in the new season. Aged 49, the Welsh Potting Machine has acknowledged that he finds it harder to maintain high standards on a consistent basis, but he’s still a player who punters should keep on their side, especially in early or late season when he tends to produce his best form.

After edging past Thepchaiya Un-Nooh 5-4 in his round-five opener, Williams has dominated Stuart Bingham 6-2 and Jimmy Robertson 6-0 in the last two rounds and the increase in match length probably suits him slightly better.

Si, meanwhile, beat Tom Ford 5-2 and compatriot Pang Junxu 6-5 prior to ousting O’Sullivan, so both semi-finalists are clearly on top of their game.

However, few in snooker have possessed the ability to dominate a match like Williams, who has a way of putting his opponent under pressure purely by dominating the table-time. Si is actually capable of countering Williams in that sphere due to his fine attacking game.

But whether Si will have the chance to keep the pressure on Williams the way he did against O’Sullivan, who has been playing well without peaking in the early season, is open to question.

Bingham and Jimmy Robertson clearly failed to get anywhere near Williams, who dropped a total of just two frames against those opponents, and it’s not a surprise to see the older player installed as favourite to progress to Saturday’s best-of-19-frames final and prolong his push for one of the biggest paydays of his long and hugely successful career.

Mark Williams to compile highest break - 8/13

In terms of high breaks, there is actually little to choose between Williams and Si. Williams’ biggest compilations in the lucrative Riyadh tournament have been 133 and 101, while Si’s have been 138 and 102.

But with Williams looking likely to win a higher percentage of frames in his semi-final clash with Si, the Cwm-based cueman is, unsurprisingly, the favourite to post the higher break in their third career clash.

And with Williams capable of flying given his current freshness, Si may find it harder to compile higher breaks if he comes under pressure from his opponent, who outscored him by 217 points to 85 in the Championship League in Leicester in July.

It is also worth noting that Williams used to be happy winning frames with breaks in the 70s and 80s in his early career. But as he has matured and become more relaxed in later life, he has been no stranger to posting significantly bigger compilations including 147 maximum breaks.

Read more snooker betting tips and predictions on site.

Mark Williams v Si Jiahui odds

Mark Williams - 4/6
Si Jiahui - 11/10

View the full market and more odds for Mark Williams v Si Jiahui on site.

Read Mark Williams v Si Jiahui how to watch, TV channel, head-to-head stats, and start time and more on site.

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.