Gary Wilson v Martin O’Donnell live stream | Welsh Open 2024 Final preview
O’Donnell is set for the biggest match of his professional career (News Images LTD / Alamy Stock Photo)
Gary Wilson and Martin O’Donnell go head to head in Llandudno on Sunday for the right to be crowned the 2024 Welsh Open champion.
The ninth different winner of the event in as many years – and 19th overall – will be crowned at Venue Cymru, as the players ranked 16th and 76th in the world respectively do battle for the Ray Reardon trophy and top prize of £80,000.
While this week’s maximum man Wilson is gearing up for his fifth ranking final, O’Donnell finds himself in unchartered territory as he prepares for the biggest match of his career to date.
This is becoming increasingly familiar territory for two-time Scottish Open champion Wilson, who compiled a wonderful 147 break during his semi-final victory over five-time winner John Higgins.
The world number 16 is appearing in his third final in seven Home Nations tournaments, and he is now aiming to become the fifth player to win three or more titles.
Also looking to become the second player after Judd Trump to win back-to-back Home Nations events, he is certainly in the form to do so.
His magnificent maximum break occurred during a 14-frame winning streak that also saw him whitewash reigning champion Robert Milkins and Anthony McGill, as well as registering 372 unanswered points against Higgins.
However, Wilson will not be taking anything for granted against first-time ranking finalist O’Donnell.
The Londoner had never previously progressed beyond the Welsh Open last 32, and only regained his professional status via the Q Tour just over a year ago having been relegated a few months earlier.
Fast forward 13 months and the world number 76 has beaten three ranking event winners this week in Chris Wakelin, Anthony Hamilton and Marco Fu, as well as reigning World champion Luca Brecel.
O’Donnell also held himself together brilliantly in his semi-final against Elliot Slessor, who recovered from 5-3 down to force a decider, producing a stunning 126 clearance to move within one more victory of becoming the 76th different ranking event winner in snooker history – and 18th in the Home Nations Series.
The final will be contested over the best of 17 frames for the right to lift the Ray Reardon trophy and pocket the top prize of £80,000.
Play gets under way at 1pm GMT with the opening eight frames before resuming at 7pm with a maximum of nine at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.
How to watch Gary Wilson v Martin O’Donnell live stream
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