The Snooker Players Championship (professional ranking snooker tournament) is an event for professionals. It took place in Wolverhampton from 7-13 Feb 2022. We will be looking at Zhao's form, Shaun Murphy’s chances for reaching the final and John Higgins’ defence of his title.
Zhao's form
Zhao's performance at this snooker player championship was a marked improvement on Zhao's BildBet German Masters triumph last January. He beat Jamie Clarke, 4-1, in the opening round. However, he lost to Chris Wakelin in round 2. In the fifth frame, Zhao fought back after falling behind 61-0 to take the frame with a break of 71. Zhao then won the match by winning the match with four straight top runs, his third victory of this season.
Zhao Xintong's performance at the Snooker Players Championship shows his potential to be a world champion. O'Sullivan, who is the sport's champion for so long, will be O'Sullivan's final. Zhao is the heir apparent to the current world number one.
John Higgins defends his title
John Higgins won the title of snooker player champion by winning the semi-finals in the 2009 UK Championship. Mark Williams won the final, beating Higgins after reaching the semis in the UK Championship 2009. Higgins needed to rally from behind to win, but he managed to hit four century breaks during the decider to secure the title. He won the title for the third time in succession, and it was the first time he had done so three times.
The Irishman was a masterclass in his performance. After winning the opening frame on colours, Higgins won the next seven frames. He was now leading by 8-3 after just three frames. Higgins then fired an 84-break for the second time. Robertson was then able to take the lead after Higgins missed a difficult yellow on the baulk cushion.
Ronnie O'Sullivan's form
Ronnie O'Sullivan has once again established himself as a leading British sport. He has also been in great form at this year's Snooker Players Championship. His two-day victory in Sheffield has re-established his world number one ranking and confirmed his status as one of the greatest snooker players of all time. He is now tied on seven world titles with Stephen Hendry. He will now be trying to win a second world title next season.
O'Sullivan led for most of the match. Fu was allowed to take a break in between the balls. O'Sullivan increased his lead when Fu missed his plant. Fu lost momentum in the first frame. O'Sullivan punished him with a break to 105.
Shaun Murphy's chances of reaching final
Shaun Murphy has been a regular contender for the snooker players championship since he first made it to the professional circuit. Murphy's success at the tournament wasn't always easy. He suffered several injuries in recent years. He underwent gastric Sleeve surgery and was recently divorced. He has also experienced back and neck pains.
Murphy has a strong record in the World Championship. He reached four finals, and won his first title in 2005. Murphy had a difficult year last year. He reached the Sheffield finals last year, which helped him save his ranking. However, he has struggled in the current campaign with poor results. However, he may have his eye on the final this time as he has shown good form at the Crucible.