Barry Hawkins Predicted to Defeat Elliot Slessor and Reach Quarterfinals

The upcoming match between Barry Hawkins and Elliot Slessor at the UK Championship promises intriguing competition. This eighth-round showdown will take place on December 4, 2025, featuring the 14th-ranked Hawkins against the 21st-ranked Slessor.

Elliot Slessor’s Recent Performance

Elliot Slessor has shown remarkable form, highlighted by a thrilling 6-5 victory over Mark Williams. This win advanced him to the semi-finals of the Saudi Arabia Masters, marking a significant milestone in his career. His journey includes notable wins against players like John Higgins and Stuart Bingham.

Earlier, Slessor had fought back from a 4-1 deficit to defeat rookie Lan Yuhao, showcasing his resilience. This run has secured him a place in the top four, guaranteeing a minimum prize of £50,000, the largest of his career.

Key Stats for Slessor

• Recent victories: 6-5 against Mark Williams, 5-4 against Lan Yuhao.
• Wins over Shaun Murphy (6-3) and Ali Carter.
• Rank: 29th in the world.

Barry Hawkins’ Impressive Track Record

Barry Hawkins, last year’s UK Championship runner-up, aims to secure his first Triple Crown title. He recently eliminated David Lilley with a score of 6-4 and has consistently been a strong contender in snooker.

Despite past disappointments in finals against legends like Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump, Hawkins remains determined. Now at 46, he continues to compete fiercely, as shown by his dominant performance in the British Open.

Key Stats for Hawkins

• Recent win: 6-4 against David Lilley.
• Averaged only 50 points conceded across two matches in the British Open.
• Breaks of 128, 81, 96, and 54 in recent matches.
• Rank: 12th in the world.

Match Prediction: Hawkins vs. Slessor

Given their recent performances, Barry Hawkins is anticipated to defeat Elliot Slessor in this upcoming match. Hawkins brings a wealth of experience in high-stakes tournaments, which might give him the edge. He has successfully navigated similar rounds before, indicating his capability to handle pressure.

Betting insights suggest that Hawkins could cover a -1.5 handicap with odds of 1.90 on 1xbet. A straight win for Hawkins is also predicted with odds of 1.60 on Bet365. The match is expected to remain competitive, likely finishing under 9.5 frames with odds of 1.72 on Betway.

As snooker enthusiasts prepare for this clash, fans can expect an exciting match that will determine who secures a spot in the quarterfinals.