Adam Williams presents his prediction for the UK Championship qualifying match.
Stan Moody
Stan Moody and He Guoqiang are closely matched in the seasonal rankings, each boasting several impressive victories over formidable opponents. Stan Moody has defeated Ryan Day, Zhang Anda, Tom Ford, and in the UK Championship qualifiers, he overcame Duane Jones 6-3 and Pang Junxu 6-2. Despite his young age, Moody has displayed a knack for tactical play and hasn't suffered a significant defeat this season.
He Guoqiang
He Guoqiang is ranked 46th this season, just seven places below Moody. He secured victories against Ronnie O'Sullivan 4-2 and Stephen Maguire 4-1 at the English Open. In the qualifiers for this tournament, he bested Robbie McGuigan 6-1 and narrowly edged out Anthony McGill 6-5. McGill, known for his rigorous preparation for Triple Crown events, was a significant scalp. Beyond these matches, He has performed admirably against top 16 players, enhancing his chances of remaining on tour beyond this season.
Stan Moody vs He Guoqiang Prediction
Considering both players' proficiency in positional play and the match's intense nature, it's likely that safety shots will play a crucial role. While both players deserve a spot in the main draw, only one can emerge victorious. This match promises to be so closely contested that the outcome could hinge on the black ball in the deciding frame.