The Snooker Players Championship is a professional ranking snooker tournament. It took place in Wolverhampton from 7-13 Feb 2022. In this article, we'll examine Zhao's form, Shaun Murphy's chances of 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, he beat Jamie Clarke by 4-1 but fell to Chris Wakelin the second round. In the fifth frame, Zhao fought back after falling behind 61-0 to take the frame with a break of 71. Zhao then won the match, scoring four straight top runs to take the frame with a break of 71.
Zhao Xintong's performance at the Snooker Players Championship shows his potential to be a world champion. O'Sullivan, who is the sport's champion for so long, will be O'Sullivan's final. Zhao is the heir apparent to the current world number one.
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 overcome a setback to win the final, but he hit four century breaks in the decider for the title. He won the title for the third time in succession, and it was the first time he had done so three times.
The Irishman performed a masterclass. After an opening frame on colours, he won the next seven frames and was ahead 8-3 after three frames. Higgins responded with an 84 break to take the lead once more. Robertson got a chance after Higgins failed to hit a tricky yellow in his next frame on the baulk cushions.
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 victory in Sheffield on two days has restored his world number one ranking, and it confirmed his status among the most outstanding snooker players. 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 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 of reaching final
Since his first appearance on the professional circuit, Shaun Murphy is a regular participant in the snooker players champions. Murphy's recent injuries made it difficult for him to be a successful participant in the tournament. He had gastric sleeve and was recently divorced. 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 again in the current season, with poor results. However, he might be keen to reach the final because he has performed well at the Crucible.