Snooker shenanigans and manchester mystery

We’re set for some great snooker at the World Championships is Sheffield. The fireworks have started with Mark Allen accusing Cao Yupeng of dishonest play – not declaring a push shot when Allen was 5-4 frames down. The referee had no comment, and television replays didn’t clear up the issue. On live commentary, Terry Griffiths thought it was definitely a foul. Allen is never one to keep his own counsel and he will surely have to answer for such an allegation.

Cao Yupeng is at 66-1 for a tournament win, and based on what I saw yesterday, he’s good value at that price. Hendry’s 147 was a cracker, and it was good to see him on such great form – and he’s £50,000 better off for the effort! He’s at 33/1, with Judd Trump the Championship favourite at 5/1. My personal tourament favourite is Ding Jingui (11/1).

What happened to Man U?

You have to respect David Moyes for some inspired substitutions and tactical ability, but there were deep defensive problems with United in their Everton giveaway. I hadn’t realised it was Christmas again. Who would have thought that such a scoreline was possible? How many teams go to Old Trafford and steal 4 goals? You’d probably have got 500/1 against that. An unbelievable result, which has really enlivened theirforthcoming meeting. Current derby odds are 11/10 City and 23/10 United, so no fun to be had there, but Boylesports are offering 12/1 on a goalless result. Best price for a 1-1 draw is 13/2.

Congratulations to Rooney on passing George Best’s United goal record, but one thing is for sure - the title battle is well and truly on.