BOOKIES were pretty relieved as Judd Trump missed on his first World Snooker title.
I tipped John Higgins pre-tournament and advised a saver on the Englishman at plus 4.5 frames at the start of the Final.
But one punter from Harrogate missed out on a £10,000 windfall after betting Trump would lift the title before his 30th birthday.
Neil Morrice, 54, placed the £10 bet with Coral way back in 1998, taking odds of 1000-1 that the then eight-year-old would win snooker’s biggest prize before 2020.
On Monday he came close to collecting with nine years to spare before Trump lost 18-15 to Higgins.
Coral spokesman David Stevens said: “Neil first saw Judd Trump in action when his 12-year-old son played a frame against him and at the time he was so young he needed to stand on a box to reach the table.
“Having spotted his star potential so early he was quick to place his bet at 1000-1. His foresight almost paid off this weekend but although we’ve escaped the payout this year both Neil and Judd have time on their side.
“He’s only 9-1 to go one better at the Crucible in 12 months time so I’m sure Neil won’t be tearing up his betting slip just yet!”
Coral betting for the 2012 World Championship – 6-1 Higgins, 7-1 Selby, 8-1 Junhui, R O’Sullivan, 9-1 Trump, 10-1 Williams, Robertson, 20-1 Bar.
Bet365 reckon Trump go 4-1 Trump wins two or more crowns by 2020 – so Neil should be celebrating.
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
