Many folks will say Big Ko or Shane but I doubt it . Shane will be favorite cos he is 3peat going for 4peat, cos of homeground and he knows equipment , tables best. Ko will be favorite cos unprecedentedly snapped off 3 big ones -W10B, W9B, WCOP within 1 year
But this ain't tennis where every Grand Slam you see same old faces - Joker, Fed, Nadal or Murray. Far from it despite what Fargo, WPA rankings or bookmakers say.
There are few dozen top players who can win this especially considering this is probably toughest US Open field ever
Big Ko and Shane will be in last 8 but everyone will want their scalp so they will have it much harder than everyone else. This may be contrarian but IMHO these guys below (not in order)will have better chance of winning it over both of them

Pinoys and Euros did very poorly in recent W9B probably first time so few of them made last 8 so I would expect them to surge and prove something
Orcullo (slump in form recently but hitting form in lead up and he is hungry to win it)
Chang Jung Lin ( he has been quiet for long time so watch out)
Chang Yu Lung (recently won WCOP with Big Ko. One of best shotmakers in business - he will take risky shots and will make it more than other players .His brilliant long jump over few balls to pot 1 to go hill in final is probably shot of tournament)
Lil Ko (made semis in W9B and W10B this year. Drilled by Shane in W9B semi so this kid will be back stronger looking for his first major win. Always a favorite in any tourney and future World Champion)
Darren (won richest $100K C8B early this year but slumped recently in W9B and WCOP)
Niels (knocked out 1st round W9B and early stage WCOP so last year's W9B champ has something to prove
Thorsten- he is like Phil Collins of pool. Not getting any respect and Ignored by MC selectors for few years despite being W9B champ couple of years ago
Mike Dechaine- homeground advantage, master racked and importantly he wants to prove without doubt that he deserves MC team
Lee Van- was in final here once so he knows how to get there. Like most Pinoys he can play in any country , any equipment and even with Barry talking and singing
Biado - easily one of top players and a favorite in any tourney , he has yet to win a major so this may be his time
Jayson Show - what can I say. Probably one of best players yet to win a major (he is WE8 champion but that is different ball game) Some terrific performances earlier this year notables roasting Mika in less than 30 mins
Morra- More more. This is like home ground to him. Was in All Japan final this year but yet to win a major . I hear bells ringing for him
Alex- no one should write him off. He can win anything
Nick van den berg- yet to win a major and I see him lurking in the shadows
Jeff Ignacio- one of best upcoming players in last few years. Usually finish deep in majors, was in final of a major so he can get there .
Beside above , there are dozen or so who can win this