Longer format might not suit young Brecel

China Championship final
Eurosport 2, 7am Tuesday
Former world champion Shaun Murphy has dropped just ten frames in reaching the China Championship final and his experience in high-pressured situations may settle the argument when he tackles Belgian youngster Luca Brecel for the title.

Murphy impressed when coming from behind to defeat fellow Englishman Ali Carter in their last-four tussle and his wins over Ken Doherty, Anthony Hamilton, Stephen Maguire and Zhou Yuelong also make good reading.

The Magician has won four of the previous seven meetings – his only defeats have come in earlier rounds of competitions – and with so much at stake, punters should expect Murphy to deliver the goods.

Brecel produced a magnificent fightback from 4-1 down to send Ronnie O’Sullivan packing in the last eight, but his only ranking final appearance ended in a defeat and the longer format – first to ten frames – may not help his cause.

Recommendation
S Murphy -2.5 frames
2pts 11-10 Coral