The Snooker Players Championship, a tournament for professional snooker players, is held annually. It took place in Wolverhampton from 7-13 Feb 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 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, after falling behind 61-0, won the frame in the fifth with a break number 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, who is the sport's champion for so long, will be O'Sullivan's final. Zhao is currently the world number one.
John Higgins defends 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. Higgins then missed a tricky yellow in the next frame on the baulk cushion, giving Robertson a chance.
Ronnie O'Sullivan's form
Ronnie O'Sullivan has reestablished himself as a major British sport and has been in excellent form 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 now shares seven world titles with Stephen Hendry and will be looking to win a supplementary title next year.
O'Sullivan won the first part of the match but Fu was able to break through the balls. O'Sullivan extended O'Sullivan's lead by extending his lead. Fu missed his pot. Fu did not build momentum after the opening frame. O'Sullivan punished Fu with a break in the final frame of 105.
Shaun Murphy's chances at reaching final
Since his entry to the professional circuit, Shaun Murphy was a regular competitor in the snooker tournament players championship. Murphy's success in the tournament was not always smooth as he suffered injuries in recent years. He had to have gastric sleeve surgery, and he was recently divorced. He has also been affected by neck and back 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 reached the Sheffield final last year, which saved his ranking. However, he has been struggling with the current season. He had poor results. However, he might be keen to reach the final because he has performed well at the Crucible.