Williams Becomes Favourite No 4

SHEFFIELD, England, April 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mark Williams has become the fourth different clear favourite with the sponsors for the Betfred.com World Snooker Championship, cut to 2/1 after opening a 5-3 lead in his semi-final against John Higgins.

The Welshman is 8/13 to reach the final at the expense of the Scot, who has drifted to 5/2 to land a fourth Crucible title and 6/5 to avenge his two previous semi-final defeats by Williams.

Judd Trump is now the 9/4 second favourite to lift the trophy on May 2 after he also took a 5-3 advantage over Ding Junhui.

The 21-year-old Bristolian is 1/2 to complete victory against the Chinese player, who is 9/2 for the title and 6/4 to beat Trump.

Betfred spokesman Jon Wilde said: "There is a long way to go in both semi-finals and the tournament remains wide open, but Trump and Williams both impressed with their break-building. Even though they hold only narrow leads they deserve to be favourites to reach the final."

Betfred.com World Snooker Championship odds

Outright: 2/1 Mark Williams, 9/4 Judd Trump, 5/2 John Higgins, 9/2 Ding Junhui.

Semi-finals in play:

8/13 Mark Williams, 6/5 John Higgins

1/2 Judd Trump, 6/4 Ding Junhui

***Odds subject to fluctuation***

For more information, visit http://www.betfred.com/snooker

SOURCE Betfred.com