Ronnie O'Sullivan returns to the green baize on Monday as he starts his quest for Shenzhen Open glory by facing Jiang Jun.
The Rocket has not played since a 6-3 defeat to Bingyu Chang at the Wuhan Open in late August. All three of O'Sullivan's tournament appearances this season have come in China after he opted to skip the British and English Opens.
Jiang Jun has landed qualifying wins in the International Championship and Scottish Open in his most recent starts, beating Florian Nussle and Oliver Brown, but he may struggle as he faces snooker's GOAT for the first time.
Ronnie O'Sullivan v Jiang Jun Tips Summary
Best Bet - Ronnie O'Sullivan -2.5 frames @ 8/11
Alternative Bet - Ronnie O'Sullivan under 0.5 centuries @ 13/8
Ronnie O'Sullivan v Jiang Jun Prediction
Best Bet: Ronnie O'Sullivan –2.5 frames @ 8/11
This almost has the feel of O'Sullivan starting the season for a second time. The Rocket featured in the early season China swing – at the Shanghai Masters, China Open and Wuhan Open – but he has been missing in action since the world's best returned to the UK.
O'Sullivan lost to Kyren Wilson 6-4 in Shanghai at the quarter-final stage and suffered a shock last-16 loss against Noppon Saengkham in the China Open before exiting in the Wuhan semi-finals to rising star Chang Bingyu.
After that game the Chigwell potter suggested Bingyu will be a world champion of the future, but Jiang Jun looks much less destined for such lofty ambitions.
This will be his first time facing snooker's greatest ever player and it could be overwhelming for the 21-year-old.
His form has been mixed and defeats have come against higher-ranked players like Si Jiahui and Xiao Guodong. O'Sullivan can overcome the match handicap to set up a possible clash with class of '92 peer and defending champion Mark Williams in the last-16.
Alternative Bet: Ronnie O'Sullivan under 0.5 centuries @ 13/8
Early fireworks are less likely from O'Sullivan and going for the unders in his total match centuries looks a solid play. He opened the season with a 6-1 win over Liu Linhao in Shanghai and while he might progress in similar fashion now, it is worth recalling he made no break higher than 75 in that victory.
He made just one century in two matches at the China Open and began in Wuhan with a 5-2 win over Ashley Carty that featured nothing higher than 59. All guns have not been blazing for O'Sullivan in his tournament openers this term.
Ronnie O'Sullivan v Jiang Jun H2H Record & Stats
Ronnie O'Sullivan Wins | 0 |
Jiang Jun Wins | 0 |
This is a first meeting between Ronnie O'Sullivan, the seven-time world champion, and Jiang Jun, ranked 64th in the world and a two-time ranking event quarter-finalist
This is Jiang Jun's first appearance in the main draw stage of a tournament this season
O'Sullivan has not played since the Wuhan Open in August, where he lost 6-3 to Bingyu Chang in the semi-finals
The Rocket has won six matches from nine played this season (L3)
Jiang Jun lost 6-0 against Si Jiahui at the China Open in August in his only main draw appearance this season
O'Sullivan has eight century breaks in his three tournaments this season, all in China, at a rate of one every nine frames played
Read more snooker betting tips and predictions 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.
