The Snooker Players Championship is a professional ranking snooker tournament. 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 last January's BildBet German Masters was a significant improvement over Zhao. In the first round, Zhao beat Jamie Clarke 4-1, but lost to Chris Wakelin 2 rounds later. Zhao won the fifth frame after falling behind 61-0 and took the frame with a break score of 71. Zhao then won the match, scoring four straight top runs to take the frame with a break of 71.
Zhao Xintong's form at the Snooker Players Championship is an indication of his potential to become a world champion. O'Sullivan, who is the sport's champion for so long, will be O'Sullivan's final. Zhao is the heir obvious to the title of current world number 1.
John Higgins defends title
John Higgins' defence of the snooker players championship title was a triumphant one. Mark Williams won the final, beating Higgins after reaching the semis in the UK Championship 2009. Higgins had to come from behind to win the final but hit four century breaks in the decider to clinch the title. This was Higgins' third consecutive win in the competition, and he was first to win the title three times.
It was an impressive performance by the Irishman. After winning the opening frame on colours, Higgins won the next seven frames. He was now leading by 8-3 after just three frames. Then, Higgins fired an 84-break to take the lead again. Robertson then got the chance to win after Higgins missed the tricky yellow on the baulk pillow.
Ronnie O'Sullivan's form
Ronnie O'Sullivan, a major British snooker player, has returned to great form at the Snooker Players Championship. His two-day triumph in Sheffield has brought back his world number one ranking. It also confirmed his status of one of the best snooker players ever. He is now tied with Stephen Hendry on seven world titles and will now look to win a supplementary world title next year.
O'Sullivan dominated the early part of the match, but Fu had a chance to make a break amongst the balls. Nevertheless, he missed his plant and O'Sullivan extended his lead. Fu did not build momentum after the opening frame. O'Sullivan punished Fu with a break in the final frame of 105.
Chances of Shaun Murphy reaching the final
Since his debut on the professional circuit, Shaun Murphy has been a consistent contender for the snooker player championship. 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 also has back and neck problems.
Murphy has a great record in the World Championship. In 2005, he reached four finals. Murphy had a difficult year last year. He was able to reach the Sheffield final, saving his ranking. However, he has struggled in the current campaign with poor results. But, he could be in the final as he has been showing good form at Crucible.