Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Champion of Champions match.
Neil Robertson
Neil Robertson remains a top-tier player, but his results in recent months have been inconsistent. After winning the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters (10:9 against Ronnie O'Sullivan), he has played only four tournaments and has not won more than two consecutive matches. His last appearance in China ended in a 3:6 defeat to Zak Surety — a worrying sign regarding his game quality and concentration. With an average break of 68.2 and 11 breaks of 50+ in 10 matches, the Australian appears fatigued and often loses momentum in the middle of sessions.
Tom Ford
Ranked 26th in the world, Tom Ford received an invitation to Leicester thanks to last year's Snooker Shoot Out title, and he will play without significant pressure. He has beaten Neil Robertson twice in the last year and a half, including a 5:3 victory in the 2024/25 season. In shorter formats, the Englishman is particularly dangerous: in his last seven matches consisting of seven frames, he covered the (+2.5) handicap six times. At the recent Northern Ireland Open, he reached the quarter-finals, losing only 4:5 to Zhou Yuelong. His break statistics (15 breaks of 50+ and three centuries) indicate consistent attacking play and good form.
Neil Robertson vs Tom Ford Prediction
Neil Robertson is the favourite by status, but not by current game level. The absence of consistent matches and low concentration over short distances create grounds for a close contest. Tom Ford feels comfortable against the Australian, knows how to fight for every frame, and often keeps the match even until the end.
