Snooker - Bet Now at Bet365
2011 runner-up Judd Trump is hopeful that he can overcome illness to mount a title challenge at the World Snooker Championship, having stumbled into round two.
Left-hander Trump edged home 10-7 against Dominic Dale, having been struck down by a stomach problem the night before the match started.
Trump is now7/2to go on and claim the title, with the 22-year-old hopeful of feeling better when he takes on either Ali Carter or Mark Davis in round two.
An ailing Trump said: "The closest I've ever been (to pulling out) in a professional tournament. If it was a smaller event I maybe wouldn't have played."
Meanwhile, world number one Mark Selby admitted that back problems had put paid to his hopes of a first title even before he had taken to the table against Barry Hawkins, who won their first round clash 10-3.
Selby said after a major disappointment: "I've got a bulging disc at the top of my spine and there are shots I can't play because of the pain.
"Usually I go into a tournament with the mindset of wanting to win it, but this time was different because I knew it would be very difficult for me."
With Selby joining a number of seeds to have crashed out in round one, defending champion John Higgins is7/1to be crowned world champion again, with Ronnie O'Sullivan9/2.
View all Snooker betting at Bet365
