Joe Perry has just one major ranking title to his name, The Players’ Championship Grand Final in 2015, but despite failing to progress beyond the last 32 in the Northern Ireland Open, the UK Championship and the Scottish Open, “The Gentleman” looked on good terms with himself when thrashing former world champion Stuart Bingham 6-1 in his first round match in the Masters at Alexandra Palace.
Perry, 42, made breaks of 116, 107, 77 and 76 to ease past Bingham and set up a quarter final meeting with Ding Junhui – whom he beat, for his first Masters win, last year – on Friday evening. By his own admission, the world number 9 has endured a frustrating time of late, but looked at least as good as ever in his opening match and looks a sporting wager at 25/1 to collect his second major ranking title. Ding ended a six-year losing streak at the Masters when beating Kyren Wilson 6-3 in his opening match, but can blow a little hot and cold and, when cold, colder than most.
Selection: Joe Perry to win outright (25/1 with Bet365)