Masters Snooker: This is the first round action at the Masters from the Alexandra Palace. Defending Champion Judd Trump will be looking to make the first step on another successful run. But the pattern has been upsets so far in the tournament. Read our Judd Trump v Shaun Murphy betting tip for more details.
Judd Trump v Shaun Murphy odds*
Judd Trump 1/3
Shaun Murphy 12/5
Masters Snooker Betting at Bet365
Table of Contents
Can Trump take advantage of the draw?
Judd Trump is the top seed for the Masters 2020 tournament. Twelve months ago Trump made his way through a really tough draw which included facing the likes of Mark Selby, Neil Robertson and then Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final. He handled it all with aplomb.
He has been in cracking in form this season winning three ranking titles of seven played. However, in his last two such events, things have taken a dip for the world number one.
Trump had a shock early exit at the UK Championship and then only made the quarters at the Scottish Open. He looked a bit off-colour in both of those tournaments. Maybe the rest in action from mid-December will serve him.
Head to head
Trump and Murphy have been 15 times previously
Trump leads the head to head 9-6 (60% win rate)
Murphy won the most recent meeting, a 2018 Scottish Open Clash
The one previous Masters meeting was won by Trump in 2018
Murphy form not strong enough to challenge Trump
This is action from the top half of the draw where 8th seed and recent UK Championship winner Ding Juhui crashed out in the first round. Then three-time Masters champion and the season’s biggest form player, Mark Selby went the same way against Ali Carter.
So those major upsets should give underdog Murphy a glimmer of hope in this one. The 2015 Masters winner has barely made an intent in the draw in appearances since then, however.
His form this season saw him start the campaign well with a final at the International Championship before winning the China Championship. His form has been nothing but forgettable since then however.
Judd Trump v Shaun Murphy Prediction and Tip
Despite other big seeds falling early, the sensible option would have to be backing Trump to get through this. In mid-December, he looked as if he needed a break as his performances were getting lethargic.
But he has still been in great winning nick this season overall and can take the victory and a solid 6-3 Correct Score looks decent at 9/2 odds* (betting odds taken from Bet365 on January 12th, 2020 at 4:34 pm)
