World Grand Prix Snooker 2024 Tips: Dean’s selections – at 14/1 and 50/1 – from Leicester

The first ranking event of 2024, the World Grand Prix, starts this week and Dean Strand has a couple of big-priced fancies ahead of the action in Leicester.

Following a mixed season, there's a few big names - Kyren Wilson, Luca Brecel and Neil Robertson - who don't feature having failed to make the top 32.

0.5pts each-way - Gary Wilson outright @ 50/1

My outright pick for this event is Gary Wilson. Aside from Trump, none of the top players have shown much consistency this season - and even Judd's form has dipped in the last few events.

Wilson finished 2023 on a high after retaining his Scottish Open trophy in Edinburgh, beating Noppon Saengkham 9-5 in the final.

That win moved him to 10th on the one-yyear list and means he’ll avoid any top 16 players until at least the quarters. Even in the quarter-final, the only top 16 player he could meet is Ronnie O’Sullivan, who has been withdrawing from events this season after winning the previous one (currently playing the Masters Final today).

Wilson is also a player who seems to enjoy certain venues more than others, as shown by the fact he’s now won 13 out of 13 at the Meadowbank in Edinburgh.

There have been two ranking events here at the Morningside Arena before (excluding Shootout) and Wilson has had good runs in both, reaching his first ranking final in the 2021 British Open before a run to the semis, where he only missed out in a deciding frame in last season's WST Classic.

1pt - Matthew Selt to win the 2nd Quarter @ 14/1

In the Quarter Betting markets, I like the look of Matthew Selt to win the 2nd.

He’s been one of the more consistent players this season, winning 20 of his 30 matches overall - and he’s enjoyed some very good wins in against Mark Allen, Mark Selby and Ali Carter.

Selt faces Vafaei first up, who has a similar win ratio for the season, and I see this one as a bit of a 50/50.

If he progresses, he could face Mark Williams whose form has dropped off in the last few weeks having started the season so strongly.

Therefore, I think 14/1 looks a big price for Selt to win three matches.