The Tour Championship begins with an exciting clash between Shaun Murphy and Barry Hawkins, two seasoned professionals who are no strangers to each other. Just two weeks ago, they met in a tightly contested battle, with Murphy securing a 6-4 victory. Given their history of close encounters and the longer format of this match (best of 19), another hard-fought contest is expected. While Murphy might be the slight favorite, Hawkins will be eager to avoid consecutive defeats and push this match to the latter stages.
Shaun Murphy vs Barry Hawkins Preview
Shaun Murphy has had a mixed season, showing flashes of brilliance but also struggling with inconsistency. His recent 6-4 victory over Hawkins proved his ability to grind out tough wins, but he was then dismantled 6-0 by Judd Trump, raising questions about his form under pressure. Still, Murphy remains a dangerous opponent, with his aggressive style and excellent break-building giving him the edge in most matches. With the World Championship on the horizon, he will be keen to regain momentum with a deep run in this event.
Barry Hawkins has built a reputation as one of the tour’s most resilient and consistent players, capable of raising his game for major tournaments. While his results have been mixed lately, he remains a tough competitor who rarely suffers back-to-back defeats. Hawkins thrives in long-format matches, where his tactical play and patience can wear down opponents. Having lost to Murphy recently, he will be highly motivated to turn the tables and extend this match as much as possible.
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Shaun Murphy vs Barry Hawkins – Match Analysis
Given their similar skill levels and the best-of-19 format, this match is likely to be a drawn-out battle. Murphy has the more attacking game, while Hawkins relies on a steady, methodical approach. This balance of styles often leads to long, competitive matches with multiple momentum shifts. Their recent meeting was close, and in a longer format, the chances of seeing at least 16 frames increase significantly.
Betting Tip – Shaun Murphy vs Barry Hawkins
Considering their head-to-head history, recent form, and the extended match format, over 15.5 frames is the best betting option. Even if Murphy has a slight edge, Hawkins is expected to fight hard and ensure a lengthy battle, making a scoreline like 10-7 or 10-8 very likely.
Betting Tip: Over 15.5 Frames
Betting Odds: 1.55
Bookmaker: Cloudbet