This is a test not so much of class as of the ability to keep an opponent under pressure throughout the match. Xiao Guodong has enough quality to take individual frames, but that is not enough against the current Shaun Murphy. The Brit punishes mistakes too quickly and rarely allows opponents to settle back into the game.
Xiao Guodong
Xiao began the tournament with a 6:3 win over Anthony McGill, so it will not be an easy stroll for the favourite. But the Chinese player has fresh and unpleasant experience against Murphy: he lost 3:13 at the World Championship in April. The gap was not down to one poor spell — Murphy controlled the table for virtually the entire match.
Shaun Murphy
Shaun himself made an even more convincing start to the China Open — he thrashed Matthew Selt 6:0. In the first five frames, he compiled breaks of 61, 132, 103, 139 and 113. More important for our bet is that Murphy is now capable not only of winning a match, but of taking frames in runs without allowing his opponent to stay close on the scoreboard.
Xiao Guodong vs Shaun Murphy Prediction
The match is played over the best of 11 frames. Xiao could certainly take two or three frames, but that would not be enough to cover the handicap. If Murphy maintains his current level, a scoreline such as 6:2 or 6:3 looks like a perfectly viable scenario. The bet is Shaun Murphy -1.5.
