The Snooker Players Championship consists of a professional ranking snooker competition. 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 the snooker players champion was an improvement on his BildBet German Masters win last January. In the first round, Zhao beat Jamie Clarke 4-1, but lost to Chris Wakelin 2 rounds later. Zhao battled back from falling behind 61-0 to win the frame with an impressive 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 form at the Snooker Players Championship is an indication of his potential to become a world champion. O'Sullivan, who has been the champion of the sport for so many decades, will face him in the final. Zhao is the heir apparent of the current world number one.
John Higgins defends his title
John Higgins won the defence of the title as champion snooker players. After reaching the semi-finals in the 2009 UK Championship, the Irishman won the final by beating Mark Williams 10-9. 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. Higgins made an 84-break to regain 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, a major British snooker player, has returned to great form at the 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 now holds seven world titles in a tie with Stephen Hendry, and will attempt to win another title next year.
O'Sullivan won the first part of the match but Fu was able to break through the balls. Nevertheless, he missed his plant and O'Sullivan extended his lead. Fu failed to build momentum after a tension-filled opening frame. O'Sullivan reprimanded him in the last frame with a break for 105.
Shaun Murphy's chances to reach final
Since his entry to the professional circuit, Shaun Murphy was a regular competitor in the snooker tournament players championship. Murphy's success at the tournament wasn't always easy. He suffered several injuries in recent years. He was recently divorced and underwent gastric surgery. He also has back and neck problems.
Murphy has a strong record in the World Championship. He reached four finals, and won 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. However, he has been struggling with the current season. He had poor results. He has displayed good form at Crucible and may be aiming for the final.