Williams 15/8 for Third World Title

SHEFFIELD, England, April 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mark Williams remains favourite with the sponsors for the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship, now 15/8 after sustaining his two-frame semi-final lead over John Higgins at 9-7.

The Welshman has been cut to 8/15 to reach the final at the expense of the Scot, who has drifted to the 10/3 outsider of the four remaining players to land a fourth Crucible title and 11/8 to avenge his two previous semi-final defeats by Williams.

Ding Junhui and Judd Trump are now the 11/4 joint second favourites to lift the trophy on May 2 after ending the third session of their semi-final locked together at 12-12.

The duo are also inseparable in the match market, both 5/6 to contest the final on Sunday and Monday ahead of what should be a thrilling Saturday afternoon last session of their semi.

Betfred spokesman Jon Wilde said: "While Williams will be pleased to still have an advantage over Higgins, the Scot will surely be the happier player as he was lucky to escape trailing only 9-7. Both matches are set up perfectly for what should be dramatic, tense climaxes."

Betfred.com World Snooker Championship odds

Outright: 15/8 Mark Williams, 11/4 Ding Junhui, Judd Trump, 10/3 John Higgins.

    Semi-finals in play:
    8/15 Mark Williams, 11/8 John Higgins (Williams leads 9-7)
    5/6 Ding Junhui, 5/6 Judd Trump (match level at 12-12)
    ***Odds subject to fluctuation***
    For more information, visit http://www.betfred.com/snooker

SOURCE Betfred.com