At last, the World Snooker Championship has arrived. 17 glorious days at the baize with the sport’s finest all competing for the top prize. Recent years have shown that unlikely names can come up victorious - a double on Kyren Wilson and Luca Brecel titles would have landed any punter a huge windfall.

Entering the tournament as worthy favourites are Judd Trump (7/2) and Mark Selby (5/1). Despite Trump’s dominance as world No. 1, he has only a sole World Championship win (2019) and bowed out before the semi-finals in four of the last five seasons. Selby is a four-time champ but blows hot and cold at the Crucible - since 2018 he has had two first-round exits and two second-round losses in addition to a win, final run and a semi-final.

They are understandable favourites alongside Ronnie O’Sullivan (13/2) but the Rocket is more of an enigma than usual and, having admitted that he may still pull out of the competition on Friday, carries more risk than usual.

That brings us to the outside options. For years China has been banging down the door and have a record 10 players at the Steel City, perhaps most importantly there are two Chinese potters in each quarter.

You can get a Chinese champion at 4/1 but may find better value taking your favourite and backing them to reach the semis. Zhao Xintong’s (14/1) odds continue to shorten and he begins his tournament against Jak Jones (66/1) who has played just one competitive match in two months.

John Higgins (12/1) represents immense value for those backing against Trump and Selby and is Express Sport’s pick to win the World Championship.

The Wizard of Wishaw has been in imperious form as of late, winning the Tour Championship and World Open in addition to late turns at the Welsh Open, World Grand Prix and Players Championship.

The big concern is whether Higgins can last a 17-day slog, but he has trimmed down his calendar this season and proven himself in long-form matches as of late - taking down Selby in the Tour Championship final in a best-of-19 tie. He has an early litmus test against Joe O’Connor (50/1). Beat the impressive Leicesterman and Higgins could go all the way.

Barry Hawkins (22/1) always brings his best snooker to Sheffield and could provide exceptional value for a late run.

A best-value tip for the first round matches? Chris Wakelin (100/1) is 13/5 to beat Neil Robertson (14/1). His game should adapt well to the Crucible and the Aussie has been very vocal about his dislike of playing in a two-table setup in Sheffield.

Robertson can improve the longer he lasts in the tournament, but faces a difficult first test against Wakelin who has an interchangeable game that tends to thrive on the big stage.

All odds are provided by William Hill and are subject to change.