The Snooker Players Championship, a tournament for professional snooker players, is held annually. 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 in the snooker players championship was definitely an improvement from his BildBet German Masters title last January. In the first round, Zhao beat Jamie Clarke 4-1, but lost to Chris Wakelin 2 rounds later. 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 performance at the Snooker Players Championship shows his potential to be a world champion. O'Sullivan, the current world champion of the sport, will be his opponent in the final. Zhao is the heir apparent to the current world number one.
John Higgins' defence of title
John Higgins won the title of snooker player champion by winning the semi-finals in the 2009 UK Championship. Mark Williams defeated Higgins 10-9. He reached the semi finals in the 2009 UK Championship. Higgins had to come from behind to win the final but hit four century breaks in the decider to clinch 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's performance was outstanding. After an opening frame on colours, he won the next seven frames and was ahead 8-3 after three frames. Higgins scored an 84break to take the lead. Robertson had a chance to win the title after Higgins made a mistake on the baulk pad.
Ronnie O'Sullivan's form
Ronnie O'Sullivan has restored himself as a major British sport, and has been performing 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 now holds seven world titles in a tie with Stephen Hendry, and will attempt to win another title next year.
O'Sullivan took the lead in the initial part of the match. Fu, however, had a chance at making a break with the balls. Nevertheless, he missed his plant and O'Sullivan extended his lead. Fu lost momentum in the first frame. O'Sullivan punished him with a break to 105.
Shaun Murphy's chances of reaching final
Since his entry to the professional circuit, Shaun Murphy was a regular competitor in the snooker tournament players championship. Murphy's success in the tournament was not always smooth as he suffered injuries in recent years. He underwent gastric sleeve surgery and recently divorced. He has also experienced back and neck pains.
Murphy has a good record in the World Championship, reaching four finals and winning his first title in 2005. He had a terrible year last year, and has had to overcome it. He made it to the Sheffield final and saved his ranking. He has struggled again this season with his results. But, he could be in the final as he has been showing good form at Crucible.