In-form Magician has the tricks to stop Brecel

Champion of Champions semi-final
ITV4, 7pm Saturday

Rising force Luca Brecel has blossomed in Coventry this week but a semi-final showdown with a red-hot Shaun Murphy should see the Belgian Bullet found out.

The talented youngster toppled Judd Trump and world number one Mark Selby on Wednesday to reach the last four and bookmakers look to have overreacted as a result.

Brecel has the potential to scale great heights but at this stage of his career Murphy is an all-round better performer and his ability to turn it on when it matters should stand him in good stead.

Murphy axed Mark King in his opener before mustering three centuries in a 6-4 win over Michael White and the Magician should be a clear favourite.

Brecel crushed Murphy 10-5 to claim the China Championship earlier in August but the Magician - who was sent off 4-11 for the title - is beginning to hit peak form and can gain his revenge.

Recommendation
S Murphy
2pts 10-11 general

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