The upcoming M15 Antalya event is set to feature a highly anticipated match between Cem Ilkel and Reda Bennani, who will be squaring off for the first time in their careers. Currently ranked 486, Cem Ilkel has a more established career, with five championships to his name and a career-high rating of 144 in 2022. However, his recent performance, with four victories in his last ten games and a disappointing first-round exit in this tournament in 2020, adds an element of unpredictability to the match.
On the other hand, Reda Bennani, while yet to receive an official rating, is in excellent form. He has emerged victorious in seven of his last ten matches and even reached the semifinals of M15 Monastir, demonstrating a strong competitive spirit. Despite Ilkel’s higher career victory percentage (50% compared to Bennani’s 49%), Bennani’s exceptional performance under pressure, with an impressive 80% tiebreak success rate, cannot be overlooked.
Given their latest forms and Bennani’s momentum, Reda Benni will certainly win this game.