Welsh Open 2026 Predictions: Higgins is Craig’s top pick this week

After a near miss last week with Mark Allen losing in the semi-finals, Betfred’s snooker tipster and ex top 64 professional Craig Edwards @EdwardsTips_ previews this week’s Welsh Open. 

Craig has picked out a name to know from each quarter but his biggest fancy comes from Q3 where a four-time World Champion, who has won this event five times and made the final on two other occasions, stands out. Let's check out his Welsh Open 2026 Predictions here at Betfred Insights...

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Welsh Open at Venue Cymru 

The Welsh Open is entering its fourth year at Venue Cymru in Llandudno and holds the distinction of being the longest-standing and most prestigious event among the Home Nations competitions on the World Snooker Tour, with origins dating back to 1992. It has become a preferred destination for many players and serves as an effective platform for identifying finalists, with this preview highlighting four individuals who have demonstrated outstanding performance records in Wales over the years. 

As the fourth and final Home Nations event of the season, the Welsh Open features matches played as best-of-seven frames up to the quarterfinals, which are contested as best-of-nine frames. The semi-finals are determined over eleven frames, while the championship is decided in a best-of-seventeen-frame final, awarding the Ray Reardon Trophy and a first prize of £100,000 to the winner. 

You can bet on and check out live Welsh Open 2026 Odds over on betfred.com

Stephen Maguire - 0.5units each-way @ 66/1 

Quarter 1 presents challenges in defining specific selections, yet the Welsh Open distinguishes itself from the other three Home Nations events through its longstanding history. Veteran Scottish player Stephen Maguire has consistently contributed to this narrative and, among World Snooker Tour events, holds particularly fond memories of both the UK Championship and the Welsh Open. 

Maguire commenced the season strongly by securing victory at the Championship League and advancing to the semi-finals of the International Championship in China. His connection to the Welsh Open was evident last year when he reached the final, ultimately finishing as runner-up to Mark Selby. This marked his second runner-up placement at the event, complementing his triumph in 2013 when he defeated Stuart Bingham 9-8 in the final. 

Ali Carter - 0.5 each-way @ 25/1 

Quarter 2 features top seeds Mark Williams and Neil Robertson, both previous champions of the Welsh Open and widely respected in the sport. Ali Carter, another player with a notable history in the Valleys, claimed victory in 2009 and finished runner-up the following year. Last year, Carter advanced to the semi-finals before being defeated by Stephen Maguire. 

Carter appears to be hitting peak form at just the right time - he recently reached the semi-finals of the German Masters and then traveled directly to Hong Kong, where he made it to the quarter-finals. Nicknamed "The Captain," Carter has displayed impressive consistency at this event, advancing to at least the quarter-finals on eight different occasions. 

With so many players sharing a strong connection to the Welsh Open, Ali Carter stands out as a likely candidate for another ranking title. Considering his track record, backing him at the Betfred price for an each-way bet could be an appealing option. 

John Higgins - 1unit each-way @ 8/1 

Quarter 3 appears less talented than other sections at Venue Cymru, suggesting a strong chance of a showdown between Kyren Wilson from the upper half and John Higgins from the lower. Notably, John Higgins boasts an exceptional record in the Welsh Open - he is its most successful player, having secured five titles since reaching the final on his debut in 1995, which was thirty-one years ago. 

Although there are some concerns about fatigue following last week's Players Championship, the fifty-year-old four-time world champion has displayed superb form this year, both on and off the table, and seems more content than he has been for quite some time. 

His positive attitude and connection to the Welsh Open should enhance his prospects this week, making it likely that he will reach at least the semi-finals or potentially win this quarter. Meanwhile, Kyren Wilson may encounter greater challenges, so Betfred's each-way odds for Higgins look particularly appealing. 

Luca Brecel - 0.5units each-way @ 40/1 

Quarter 4 of the Welsh Open features a notable contender: former World Champion Luca Brecel. Despite his relatively understated connection to the tournament, Brecel is currently in significant need of improved results. After reaching a career milestone by winning the 2023 World Championship, he appeared to lose some intensity and focus in his professional pursuits. 

It is unprecedented in snooker for a player to fall into the 50s in world rankings within three years of claiming a world title. While Brecel has thus far avoided substantial criticism regarding his commitment to the sport, it now appears that his period of indifference has concluded as he shows renewed determination to reestablish himself among the elite. 

The Welsh Open holds particular significance for Brecel, as it was the event where he reached his first professional semi-final in 2015. He replicated this achievement last year at Venue Cymru, which stands as his most successful venue - having also claimed victory at the 2021 Scottish Open, held there due to exceptional circumstances following the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Entering this year's Welsh Open, Brecel demonstrates focus and motivation, aiming for strong results at a venue where he has previously excelled. His recent form and historical performance suggest that he is positioned to make a compelling run in the tournament. 

Check out the rest of our Snooker Betting Tips over at Betfred Insights.