Adam Williams presents his prediction for the 2025 Tour Championship snooker tournament.
Shaun Murphy and Barry Hawkins will play in the first round of the Tour Championship, with the winner advancing to face world number one Judd Trump in the quarter-finals.
Shaun Murphy
The Magician is currently ranked 11th in the world, and Shaun is at least 15th in Provisional Rankings to the World Championship, meaning Murphy will definitely be a seeded player at the Crucible. Shaun did not do well last season, winning the short-format Championship League, but gaining just a few ranking points for that victory. After a disastrous season last year, in which Murphy did not reach a single ranking event quarter-final outside of the Championship League, Shaun has had some success this season. Murphy has reached two major ranking event semi-finals and also won the Masters, which will give Murphy confidence at the end of a difficult season.
Barry Hawkins
Barry Hawkins is one of those players who hasn't quite reached his full potential in his career. Currently ranked 12th in the world, Hawkins will play the Crucible without qualifying matches, so he will have no pressure on the Tour Championship. This season, Barry has reached the finals of the UK Championship and the German Masters, but lost both. In total, Barry has lost eight finals in his career, and all four Triple Crown finals. Hawkins came very close to winning the UK Championship, but lost in the final to Judd Trump 8-10. And it was the lack of big wins that prevented Hawkins from becoming a more confident player.
Shaun Murphy vs Barry Hawkins Prediction
Shaun Murphy and Barry Hawkins have had three head-to-head games this season, with Hawkins winning the UK Championship 6-2 and Shaun Murphy winning the World Grand Prix 4-1 and the Players Championship 6-2. Murphy has been playing much better late in the season, gaining confidence after winning the Masters, and I doubt Barry Hawkins will be able to mentally beat Shaun Murphy in a best of 19 match.
