Pullen Stuns World Open Champion Un-Nooh to Keep Crucible Dream Alive

The Pick: Back Liam Pullen Each-Way for World Championship Qualification

If you're looking for a feel-good betting angle as the World Championship qualifiers reach their climax at the English Institute of Sport, Liam Pullen at a generous each-way price to secure a maiden Crucible appearance deserves serious consideration. The 20-year-old has been quietly sensational across this qualifying campaign, and Sunday's result — a composed victory over reigning World Open champion Thepchaiya Un-Nooh — confirms he's not here to make up the numbers.

The Analysis

Let's get the context right, because it matters. Thepchaiya Un-Nooh didn't arrive in Sheffield as a pushover. The Thai veteran, now 40, had only recently produced one of the performances of the snooker season — beating both Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan on his way to lifting the World Open crown. Walking into the English Institute of Sport, Un-Nooh was arguably one of the hottest players on the entire tour. And Pullen beat him anyway.

The scoreline tells the story well enough. Pullen found himself in a spot of bother at 6-5 down, the kind of moment that separates players who are just visiting this level from those who belong here. He responded with four consecutive frames to put himself firmly in the driving seat, and when Un-Nooh — as he is so frustratingly prone to doing — managed to extend the match into the 17th frame, Pullen didn't waver. He compiled a superb 105 break to seal a famous win and book his place in the final round of qualifying. That's the stuff of Crucible debuts.

It also needs noting that this wasn't a one-off. Pullen has already accounted for Alfie Burden and Amir Sarkhosh in the earlier rounds. He's won three qualifying matches against progressively tougher opposition, and he's done it with a maturity that belies his age. His next opponent is Noppon Saengkham, the Thai number one who came through his own tough test on Sunday, dismissing former Crucible semi-finalist Ricky Walden 10-6. Saengkham is no mug — he's a seasoned professional with plenty of big-match experience — but Pullen's confidence right now will be sky-high.

The Wider Picture From Day Seven

Pullen wasn't the only one making headlines as the qualifiers entered their penultimate round. Stan Moody, still only 19 years old, continued his impressive campaign with a 10-5 demolition of Robbie Williams and now stands one match away from a debut appearance in the last 32 of a World Championship. Interestingly, Moody actually beat Pullen to claim the WSF Junior Championship title three years ago, so there's real history between these two young stars. Moody's final hurdle is Jiang Jun (world no.78), and on current form he'll head into that one as the clear favourite — which brings its own pressure, of course.

Jamie Jones is another name worth monitoring from a betting perspective. The former World Championship quarter-finalist thumped Matthew Selt and now faces Antoni Kowalski of Poland in the last round. Kowalski himself had a fine day, beating Joe O'Connor 10-8 to set up what will surely be the biggest match of his career to date. A win for the Pole wouldn't just mean a first Crucible appearance — it would simultaneously secure his tour card for another season. That's a lot riding on one frame. Jones, with his considerable experience of Judgement Day, looks the safer betting proposition in that particular tie.

Jackson Page and Pang Junxu, both of whom know what it feels like to reach the last 16 at the Crucible, also came through their day-seven matches to set up final-round clashes of their own. The Sheffield qualifiers have thrown up some terrific storylines this year, and the best may well be still to come.

The Odds

Pullen's odds to qualify for the Crucible will vary across bookmakers, so it's worth shopping around. Check the Snooker Specials or World Championship Qualifier markets on Betfair, Paddy Power and Bet365 for the best available prices. Saengkham is likely to open as a narrow favourite given his ranking and experience, but given Pullen's form and momentum, any price above evens on the young Englishman represents fair value each-way.

Odds are indicative and subject to change. Always check your preferred bookmaker for current prices.

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