The Snooker Players Championship is a professional ranking snooker tournament. It was held at Aldersley Leisure Village Wolverhampton, England from 7-13 Februar 2022. This article will examine Zhao's performance, Shaun Murphy's chances at reaching the 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 battled back from falling behind 61-0 to win the frame with an impressive break of 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. He will face O'Sullivan in the final, who has been the king of the sport for so long. Zhao is the successor apparent to the current number one in the world.
John Higgins defends his title
John Higgins' defense of the title for snooker players champion was a triumphant one. Mark Williams was defeated 10-9. The Irishman beat Higgins to win the final after reaching the semi-finals at the 2009 UK Championship. Higgins was forced to fight back to win the final. However, he scored four century breaks to secure the title. This was his third consecutive win at the competition. It was also the first victory for Higgins in three years.
The Irishman's performance was outstanding. After winning the first frame on colors, he won seven more frames and was leading 8-3 after three frames. Higgins made an 84-break to regain the lead. 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 has restored himself as a major British sport, and has been performing well 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 currently tied with Stephen Hendry in seven world titles. He will now try to win a supplementary World title next year.
O'Sullivan was dominant in the opening part of match. Fu however had the chance to get a break between the balls. Nevertheless, he missed his plant and O'Sullivan extended his lead. After a tense opening frame, Fu failed to build any momentum and O'Sullivan punished him in the final frame with a break 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 had to have gastric sleeve surgery, and he was 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. But he was in for a bad year last year and has had to overcome a tough season. He was able to reach the Sheffield final, saving 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.