The Snooker Players Championship is an international professional ranking tournament. The tournament was held at Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton on 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 performance in the snooker players championship was definitely an improvement from his BildBet German Masters title last January. He beat Jamie Clarke 4-1 in the first round but lost to Chris Wakelin in the second round. Zhao won the fifth frame after falling behind 61-0 and took the frame with a break score 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 successor apparent to the current number one in the world.
John Higgins' defence of 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 was forced to fight back to win the final. However, he scored four century breaks to secure 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. Higgins made an 84-break to regain the lead. 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, a major British snooker player, has returned to great form 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 is now tied with Stephen Hendry on seven world titles and will now look to win a supplementary world 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. O'Sullivan extended O'Sullivan's lead by extending his lead. Fu missed his pot. Fu lost momentum in the first frame. O'Sullivan punished him with a break to 105.
Shaun Murphy's chances to reach final
Since his professional debut, Shaun Murphy has been a frequent contender for the snooker professionals 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 suffered from back and neck issues.
Murphy has a strong record in the World Championship. He reached four finals, and won his first title in 2005. Murphy had a difficult year last year. He reached the Sheffield final last year, which saved his ranking. However, he has struggled in the current campaign with poor results. He has displayed good form at Crucible and may be aiming for the final.