8th July 2012
Lee vs McLeod Betting: Stephen Lee's good form can continue with a comfortable win over Rory McLeod
Stephen Lee was without a doubt one of the form men at the end of the snooker season in May and he will look to continue that good form when he takes on Rory McLeod in the opening round of the Australian Goldfields Open in Bendigo on Monday. McLeod is no stranger to the final stages of a major tournament but with the form Lee is in it is understandable why he is a best priced 2/5 with Ladbrokes.
Not only did Stephen Lee win the PTC Finals last season, he also made the final of the World Open and a couple of other semi finals in what was the best season of his career. He has already made the final of the Asian PTC last month so we know his good form has continued and I expect Lee to be a major player this week with all the big names missing.
Rory McLeod qualified for this tournament by coming past Barry Pinches 5-0 having previously lost in the final qualifying round for the Wuxi Classic to Mark Davis. Given that Davis ended up in the semi final of that event that was no disgrace but it will be a worry that McLeod hasn’t played a competitive match since the qualifying rounds for this tournament while Lee has been playing for the last three weeks and will be fully match sharp.
I think sharpness will be an issue here. Lee has the form and the confidence to take on all comers at the minute but those who might take a frame or two to really get going could be on the wrong end of a bit of a hiding if Lee gets off to a flyer. We know Lee’s playing well and if McLeod does take a frame or two to find his rhythm then Lee will have built up an advantage I don’t expect him to relinquish.
Back S.Lee (-1.5 frames) to beat R.McLeod for a 1.73 with Paddy Power
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Author: 'Arry Allsports
