The Champion of Champions event continues on Thursday with Group 4 of the competition under the microscope as yet more big names come along in this fabulous event.
Shaun Murphy and Neil Robertson are the headline names in action in this group with both men looking to set up a clash with either John Higgins or Joe Perry in the semi-final at the weekend.
Before they can do battle in the group final they must overcome Yan Bingtao and Rory McLeod respectively. 15-year old Bingtao saw his World Cup partner Zhou Yuelong pull off a major upset when he took out world champion Stuart Bingham on the opening day and he’ll be looking to emulate him. McLeod won the recent Ruhr Open to make it here.
Robertson vs McLeod is the opening match of the day and I just can’t see anything but a Robertson win. I accept Robertson hasn’t really got going this season yet but even so there are levels and there are levels and Robertson is a good two or three above McLeod particularly in these conditions.
These two men have met three times in competitive action in their careers and Robertson has won those battles 9-1, 4-0 and 5-1 so it is clear just how far ahead of his opponent the Australian is. Given that McLeod isn’t used to one table set ups a small punt on Robertson to win 4-0 could be the way forward here.
After that Shaun Murphy takes on the young Chinese star Bingtao. This will be the first time these two have met in their careers so it might take a frame or so for them to work each other out but we have to appreciate that as good as Bingtao is and will be in the future he’s still only 15 and this is a big stage for any kid to perform on.
Murphy has been performing at this level on stages like this and bigger for years and years so he’ll acclimatise to the conditions quicker and even if he doesn’t play his best I still think that familiarity with conditions will see him up to speed quickly enough to come through this one.
I’m not going to back Murphy to win that match, there’s no value in any prices, but there could be some value to be had in taking the Masters champion to repeat his win from the final of that competition against Robertson in the group final.
Robertson was beaten 10-2 on that occasion and given that he’s not in complete top form yet he could be vulnerable in the group final especially if his first win is as routine as expected.
Back N.Robertson to win 4-0 for a 2/10 stake at 5.50 with Sportingbet
Back S.Murphy to win Group 4 for a 3/10 stake at 2.38 with Betfred
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