Thursday's Northern Ireland Open snooker tips, best bets and predictions

Snooker tips, best bets and predictions for the evening session of day four of the Northern Ireland Open.

When to watch

Eurosport 1 & Quest, 7pm Thursday

Best bet

Shaun Murphy to beat Barry Hawkins in round three
1pt 4-5 BoyleSports

Preview

Barry Hawkins has won his last three meetings with Shaun Murphy, but the Magician is looking a different player this season and he could extend his personal series lead over the Londoner.

Murphy leads Hawkins, who is now based in Kent, 11-7 and there has been some support for the Hawk to make it four on the bounce against the Dublin-based potter.

But the big man looks in the mood this season not to let too many chances slip by and he could be worth a punt to justify slight odds-on favouritism following wins in Belfast over Fraser Patrick, Luo Honghao and Ricky Walden.

Hawkins has ousted Eden Sharav, Michael Holt and Fergal O'Brien, but he may well have to be sharper for his date with Murphy.

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