Champion Gary Wilson To Start Scottish Open With A Win

A year ago, Gary Wilson emerged triumphant, securing the BetVictor Scottish Open snooker title. As the tournament returns to Edinburgh's Meadowbank Stadium on Monday, December 11, Wilson finds himself in the top position on the table, poised to defend his championship and showcase his snooker prowess once again.

What? Gary Wilson vs Elliot Slessor, Scottish Open Round 1
Where? Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh
When? Monday, December 11, 2023

Below, you can see the odds for this Scottish Open matchup from three of the best sports betting sites.

Gary Wilson vs Elliot Slessor
Gary Wilson	-185	-180	-180
Elliot Slessor	+146	+150	+145

Gary Wilson

The cueman from Tyneside basked in the glory of pocketing £80,000 last year when he clinched the BetVictor Scottish Open snooker title. Capturing the heartfelt moment, he celebrated alongside his family, creating a cherished memory. With deep Scottish roots, the man known as The Tyneside Terror has now amassed total earnings of £231,000 from his performances on the snooker table.

Having turned professional in 2004 following his victory in the world under-21 title, the 38-year-old looks forward to defending his coveted title this year. Wilson, a four-time achiever of a perfect 147, made a notable impact by eliminating the current world No. 1, Ronnie O’Sullivan, at Meadowbank 12 months ago, ultimately securing his first ranking title.

The sweet taste of victory continued as he triumphed over Joe O’Connor with a comprehensive 9-2 score. Since then, Wilson has demonstrated his competitive edge by reaching the semi-final of the WST Classic, narrowly losing 5-4 to Pang Junxu. As the tournament unfolds this year, all eyes will be on Wilson as he aims to add more accomplishments to his impressive snooker journey.

Gary Wilson (-180) vs Elliot Slessor (+146)

Wilson, reflecting on his strategy from last year's tournament, shared that he approached it without setting specific expectations, simply aiming to give his best throughout the week. As he steps into the arena this year, the pressure mounts for him to replicate that triumph. Standing in his way in the upcoming clash on Monday is Elliot Slessor.

Slessor, hailing from the same Tyneside region, is 29 years old and a resident of Gateshead. Turning professional in 2013, he boasts a highest break of 142 and total earnings of £86,500. His recent performance in the UK Championship saw him exit at the last 32 stage, losing 6-5 to Zhang Anda. Notably, Slessor secured his place in the last 80 by defeating Scotsman Graeme Dott from Larkhall with a 6-3 victory. The stage is set for an intriguing showdown between these two talented players vying for advancement in the Scottish Open

Prediction

The reigning champion will get the job done here. A comfortable win is expected.

Gary Wilson To beat Ellior Slessor

-180

Betonline

Gary Wilson To beat Ellior Slessor 4-2

+350

Bovada

Check out our Bovada sportsbook review to find out if it's the best bookie for your Scottish Open bets.

The Scottish Open

Set to unfold from December 11 to 17, 2023, the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, Scotland, is the stage for the esteemed 2023 BetVictor Scottish Open, a significant highlight in the professional snooker calendar.

Qualifier rounds unfolded at the Morningside Arena in Leicester, England, spanning from October 30 to November 2.

With BetVictor taking the helm as the title sponsor, the tournament will be showcased through broadcasts on Eurosport and Discovery+ in the UK and Europe. A substantial prize fund of £427,000 awaits contenders, and the ultimate victor will claim not just £80,000 but also the prestigious Stephen Hendry trophy and a coveted entry into the 2024 Champion of Champions invitational event.

The reigning champion, Gary Wilson, secured his triumph in the 2022 final with a dominant 9–2 victory over Joe O'Connor. As anticipation mounts, snooker enthusiasts eagerly await the unfolding drama and skillful play that will characterize this year's edition of the Scottish Open.

Delve into our sportsbook reviews to uncover valuable information. Below is a list of the top online sportsbooks. You can choose one for your Scottish Open bets.