The Snooker Players Championship is a professional ranking snooker tournament. It took place in Wolverhampton from 7-13 Feb 2022. We'll be discussing Zhao's form, Shaun Murphy’s chances of reaching final, and John Higgins' defense of his title.
Zhao's form
Zhao's performance at the snooker players champion was an improvement on his BildBet German Masters win last January. In the first round, he beat Jamie Clarke by 4-1 but fell to Chris Wakelin the second round. Zhao, after falling behind 61-0, won the frame in the fifth with a break number 71. Zhao won the match with four consecutive top runs and secured his third win of the season.
Zhao Xintong’s form at Snooker Players Championship is a sign of his potential to be a global champion. O'Sullivan will be O'Sullivan's opponent in the final. O'Sullivan has been the sport's king for so many years. Zhao is the heir apparent of 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. The final was won by Mark Williams, an Irishman who reached the semi-finals of the 2009 UK Championship. Higgins needed to rally from behind to win, but he managed to hit four century breaks during the decider to secure the title. It was Higgins third consecutive win in this competition. This was also the first time that the title has been won three times.
The Irishman was a masterclass in his performance. After winning the first frame on colors, he won seven more frames and was leading 8-3 after three frames. Then, Higgins fired an 84-break to take the lead again. Higgins then missed a tricky yellow in the next frame on the baulk cushion, giving Robertson a chance.
Ronnie O'Sullivan's form
Ronnie O'Sullivan is back as a major British player and has performed well at the Snooker Players Championship. His two-day victory at Sheffield has secured his world number-one ranking and made him one of the greatest snooker player 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 dominated the early part of the match, but Fu had a chance to make a break amongst the balls. O'Sullivan extended O'Sullivan's lead, but Fu missed his plan. Fu was unable to gain momentum after a tight opening frame. O'Sullivan then punished him with a break at 105.
Shaun Murphy's chances for reaching final
Since his debut on the professional circuit, Shaun Murphy has been a consistent contender for the snooker player championship. Murphy's recent injuries made it difficult for him to be a successful participant in the tournament. He had gastric sleeve and was recently divorced. He also had back and neck problems.
Murphy is a solid performer in the World Championship. He has reached four finals and won his first title, in 2005. But he was in for a bad year last year and has had to overcome a tough season. He reached the Sheffield finals last year, which helped him save his ranking. However, he has been struggling again in the current season, with poor results. However, he may have his eye on the final this time as he has shown good form at the Crucible.