Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Champion of Champions match.
In the round of 16 of the prestigious Champion of Champions, we will see a meeting between top-level player Shaun Murphy and Chinese competitor Lei Peifan. The Englishman comes into the match as the favourite, but the youngster is known for making life difficult even for more decorated opponents.
Shaun Murphy
Shaun Murphy is in stable form: seven wins in his last 10 matches, 34 breaks over 50 points and 10 centuries with a top run of 141. He combines attacking play with solid positional control, which makes him dangerous at any stage. The 2:6 defeat to John Higgins in Nanjing was a wake-up call, but it only added to his motivation. In 2025, he has already won two major titles — the Masters and the British Open — defeating Judd Trump, Mark Selby and Neil Robertson along the way. That underlines both confidence and playing level.
Lei Peifan
Lei Peifan has been inconsistent: five wins and five losses in his last 10 matches. He has only one century in that span, but compensates with composure in deciders. The Chinese player adapts quickly to an opponent’s style and can make the contest tight. His consistency is an issue, yet in short races (best of seven) he often claws his way into frames thanks to strong early focus.
Shaun Murphy vs Lei Peifan Prediction
Shaun Murphy has a clear advantage across the board — class, recent run, higher average scoring and experience of winning big events. However, he often needs time to find rhythm at the start, which gives opponents a chance to take 1-2 frames. Given the short format and Lei Peifan’s tactical flexibility, over 5.5 frames looks justified. A favourite’s win with prolonged resistance is the most likely scenario.
