The Snooker Players Championship, a tournament for professional snooker players, is held annually. It took place at Aldersley Leisure Village, Wolverhampton (England) from 7-13 February 2022. In this article we will discuss Zhao's form and Shaun Murphy’s chances to reach the final. We also examine John Higgins’ defense of his title.
Zhao's form
Zhao's form at the snooker players championship was a definite step up from his BildBet German Masters victory last January. He beat Jamie Clarke 4-1 in the first round but lost to Chris Wakelin in 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. O'Sullivan, the current world champion of the sport, will be his opponent in the final. Zhao is currently the world number one.
John Higgins defends his title
John Higgins was victorious in his defense of the title of champion snooker player. The final was won by Mark Williams, an Irishman who reached the semi-finals of the 2009 UK Championship. Higgins had to overcome a setback to win the final, but he hit four century breaks in the decider for the title. The victory was his third consecutive victory in the competition and was the first time that he has won the title three times.
The Irishman's performance was a masterclass. 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 was then able to take the lead after Higgins missed a difficult yellow on the baulk cushion.
Ronnie O'Sullivan's form
Ronnie O'Sullivan has once again established himself as a leading British sport. He has also been in great form at this year's 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. O'Sullivan increased his lead when Fu missed his plant. 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.
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 at the tournament wasn't always easy. He suffered several injuries in recent years. He underwent gastric sleeve surgery and recently divorced. He also has back and neck problems.
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 managed to reach the final in Sheffield last year and save his ranking. However, he has struggled in the current campaign with poor results. However, he might be keen to reach the final because he has performed well at the Crucible.