English Open Semi-Final Predictions: 11/4 Double As Last Four Do Battle

With just four players remaining in this year’s English Open, William Hill News preview the best snooker betting picks ahead of Saturday’s action.

English Open Predictions Today:

• Over 9.5 frames (10/11)
• Shaun Murphy -1.5 frames (Evens)

Ding Junhui vs Ali Carter Prediction

Both of these players saw the draw fall nicely in their favour. Ding Junhui’s win over Kyren Wilson in the last eight is the only time either player has had to face a higher seed thanks to premature exits for Chris Wakelin, Zhao Xintong, Neil Robertson, and Si Juahui in the top half of the draw.

Ding has a 15-5-1 record against Carter. It’s the first time they’ve matched up since the 2024 Shanghai Masters, which saw Ding win a deciding set after blowing a 4-1 lead.

Most of Carter’s losses to Ding came when he was one of the very best players in the world. Neither player has been exactly red-hot over the last 18 to 24 months. They have one combined semi-final ranking appearance since the start of last season, which was achieved by Carter at the German Masters.

Ding’s form has been strong at this English Open, but this is his first real test. We think Carter can at least push this deep.

Shaun Murphy vs Mark Williams Prediction

Shaun Murphy was mightily impressive in his 6-5 win over Mark Selby on Friday. It was a simpler path for Mark Williams, who only needed nine frames to see off compatriot Luke Davies in the quarters.

Williams has beaten Murphy emphatically in their two previous meetings. It’s an exact 50/50 split across their 32 matches to date, however, and the pre-tournament form guide left little to choose between the two veterans.

It’s significant that Murphy has made three century breaks already in this event, while Williams has been far less ruthless. He only had two 50+ breaks in the win over Matthew Selt.

Like the sports betting odds for this clash, we give Murphy the edge in this tantalising semi-final.

*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*