Ben Woollaston vs. Amir Sarkhosh Prediction and Betting Tips

As the snooker world eagerly anticipates the upcoming World Open match between England’s Ben Woollaston and Iran’s Amir Sarkhosh on February 24, 2025, at 06:00 UTC in Yushan, China, fans and bettors alike are keen to understand the dynamics that could influence the outcome. This comprehensive analysis delves into the players’ backgrounds, recent performances, head-to-head statistics, and betting odds to provide well-informed predictions and betting tips.

Player Profiles

Ben Woollaston

Born in Leicester, England, Ben Woollaston has been a professional snooker player since 2003. Known for his composed demeanor and precise potting skills, Woollaston has consistently maintained a presence in the professional circuit. As of February 2025, he holds the 47th position in the world rankings. Throughout his career, Woollaston has showcased resilience and determination, attributes that have earned him respect among peers and fans.

Amir Sarkhosh

Hailing from Tehran, Iran, Amir Sarkhosh has emerged as a prominent figure in snooker’s international scene. Turning professional in the late 2010s, Sarkhosh has made significant strides, representing a growing snooker culture in Iran. His aggressive playing style and strategic break-building have made him a formidable opponent. Currently, Sarkhosh is ranked 89th globally, reflecting his upward trajectory in the sport.

Recent Form and Performance

Analyzing the players’ recent matches offers insights into their current form:

Ben Woollaston’s Recent Matches:

• December 21, 2024: Defeated Simon Blackwell 5-2 in the World Open qualifiers.
• December 19, 2024: Triumphed over Wang Yuchen with a 5-2 scoreline in the German Masters qualifiers.
• December 5, 2024: Narrowly lost to Alfie Burden 0-1 in the Snooker Shoot-Out.
• November 21, 2024: Faced a 2-6 defeat against Lei Peifan in the UK Championship.
• November 19, 2024: Edged out Joe Perry with a 6-5 victory in the UK Championship.

Woollaston’s performance indicates a balanced mix of victories and defeats, highlighting his capability to compete against top-tier players.

Amir Sarkhosh’s Recent Matches:

• December 22, 2024: Secured a 5-3 win over David Gilbert in the World Open qualifiers.
• December 18, 2024: Suffered a 3-5 loss to Reanne Evans in the German Masters qualifiers.
• December 5, 2024: Lost 0-1 to Ishpreet Singh Chadha in the Snooker Shoot-Out.
• November 18, 2024: Defeated Anton Kazakov 6-1 in the UK Championship.
• November 16, 2024: Experienced a 1-6 defeat against Marco Fu in the UK Championship.

Sarkhosh’s recent matches reflect a series of challenges, but his victory over a seasoned player like David Gilbert underscores his potential to cause upsets.

Head-to-Head Analysis

As of now, there are no recorded professional encounters between Ben Woollaston and Amir Sarkhosh. This lack of head-to-head history adds an element of unpredictability to their upcoming match, as both players will be navigating uncharted territory.

Betting Odds and Market Insights

According to available betting odds, Ben Woollaston is favored to win, with odds of 1.28, while Amir Sarkhosh stands at 3.40.

These odds suggest that bookmakers have greater confidence in Woollaston’s experience and recent form.

Prediction and Betting Tips

Considering the analysis of both players’ profiles, recent performances, and the provided betting odds, the following insights emerge:

1. Match Outcome Prediction: Ben Woollaston is the favored contender, given his higher ranking and consistent track record. However, Amir Sarkhosh’s recent victory over David Gilbert indicates his potential to challenge expectations.
2. Handicap Betting: For bettors seeking value, considering a handicap bet on Amir Sarkhosh could be worthwhile. If he starts with a +2.5 frame advantage, there’s a plausible chance he could cover this spread, especially if the match extends to more frames.
3. Total Frames Over/Under: Given both players’ capabilities, betting on over 7.5 frames might be a strategic choice, anticipating a closely contested match that could extend to the maximum number of frames.
4. First Frame Winner: Amir Sarkhosh, aiming to establish early momentum, might come out strong in the initial frame. Betting on him to win the first frame could offer favorable odds.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming clash between Ben Woollaston and Amir Sarkhosh promises an engaging contest, blending experience with emerging talent. While Woollaston holds the advantage on paper, Sarkhosh’s recent performances suggest he shouldn’t be underestimated. Bettors are encouraged to consider the outlined insights and exercise prudent bankroll management when placing wagers.