Hawkins vs Liu Hongyu Prediction 8 August 2026

Barry Hawkins have secured six wins in their last ten matches, suffering three defeats-a run that points to a steady, if unspectacular, stretch of form with no major dips or surges. Offensively, Hawkins look particularly sharp: they have compiled 51 breaks of 50 or more, including nine centuries, with a top break of 127. These numbers underline Hawkins’ high attacking standard and their ability to rack up big contributions even against elite opposition.

However, Hawkins’ opponents have also made their mark-registering eleven centuries and posting 41 breaks of 50-plus against them. This either reflects frequent clashes with heavy scorers or highlights some defensive vulnerabilities in Hawkins’ game. In their most recent outing, Hawkins fell 4-6 to Judd Trump-a tightly contested battle that once again showcased Hawkins’ ability to push the tour’s leading players all the way.

Li Hongyu have also claimed victory in six of their last ten matches, suffering just two defeats. However, their attacking stats fall short: they've managed only thirteen breaks over fifty points and just two centuries. This gap is particularly telling given the Best of 11 format. Li’s highest recent break also stands at 127, but more often they produce mid-range runs rather than big scoring visits. Opponents rarely rack up sizable breaks against them-just ten breaks over fifty and a single century-which could point to a more cautious defensive approach or a slower-paced style of play in their matches. In their previous outing, Li narrowly lost 3-4 to Liam Davies-a tough defeat, but one that underlines their ability to fight until the very end, even when the odds are stacked against them.