The World Snooker Championships are drawing to a close with the semi-finals currently underway. Pre-championship betting indicated that this would be a tight tournament and that is how it is panning out. With four players left in the mix, the betting range is a tight 15/8 to 4/1.

Mark Williams is the current favourite at 15/8 with Ding Junhui and John Higgins both at 3/1 and Judd Trump at 4/1. Williams and Higgins are involved in a tight semi-final where Williams seems to be taking the upper hand. Junhui and Trump are involved in a close tussle in the second semi-final.

There is no doubting the fighting spirit of Higgins, and while he has trailed by as many as four frames, he keeps fighting back. He currently trails 9-7 and would have rued the days play ending, having won two in a row and starting to build momentum again. Most of the UK bookmakers are betting on this tournament with most quoting Williams at 4/7 to defeat Higgins (6/4).

Junhui looked to have the second semi-final in the bag when he won six frames in a row and jumped to a lead of 10-7. However, Trump fought back with five wins from six to lead 12-11 before Junhui claimed the last to level at 12-12. This semi-final is heading for a great finish today. Bookmakers have Junhui at 9/10 to win with Trump at 10/9. Most punters doubt the experience of the young Trump at this level – it could be a mistake.

We’re tipping Trump and Williams to win, which will set up a great final series next week. Williams has more experience than Trump and should win through – you can expect Williams to be backed into odds on once the finals series begins so he grab him at good odds now.