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.
In December 2020 we sadly 
