The Tour Championship hasn’t yet concluded but having said that, we have a reasonable picture of some of the star performers this season as we approach the marathon of the World Championship. There have been a few standouts that make a significant case for their claim at the trophy but is the 2022 story going to be any different? Or is the World Championship once again going to end up with one of the usual suspects?
Neil Robertson – Best in the World?
Arguably the best player in the world currently, Neil Robertson has triumphed on three occasions this season: the English Open, Masters and Players Championship. Given that Robertson has been one of the top performers over the past several seasons, it’s surprising that he hasn’t gone beyond the quarter-finals on these occasions. He will definitely be referenced as the ‘form player’ as we enter the WSC, but can Robertson maintain his foothold for the full length of the tournament?
Ronnie O’Sullivan – World No. 1
Despite the many retirement claims thrown around by viewers any time Ronnie O’Sullivan reaches a final but doesn’t quite clinch the trophy, he is set to return to the top of the rankings as we enter the WSC. By recent standards, O’Sullivan has had a reasonably good season by reaching multiple ranking finals and winning his first event since his WSC win in 2020 with a triumph at the Grand Prix. While he probably wouldn’t be a favourite to win, he will definitely be a wildcard for me.
Mark Selby – Defending Champion
Mark Selby has established a reputation that will likely stick until he hangs up the cue. That reputation is always being one of the top favourites to win the WSC, as the player who seemingly is best suited for the occasion. Selby has had an understandably quiet season yet that shouldn’t diminish the perception of his chances at the Worlds. If Selby manages to get in the right mindset, don’t be surprised if there’s another successful defence.
Judd Trump – Finding Form at the Right Time?
As the Champion of Champions and recent winner of the inaugural Turkish Masters, Judd Trump has been able to return to picking up silverware following his drought after the several brilliant seasons he has had. A lot has come into question about Trump’s recent ability to perform and convert at the Triple Crown however, if he can reignite that confidence he had in 2019, he will be difficult to stop.
John Higgins – Never Count Him Out
Having reached three out of the four Home Nations finals this season, John Higgins is still competing at a level that many thought would have been phased out many ago by the current crop. Higgins always manages to produce the best at the WSC and, similar to Selby, isn’t one I would count out as long as he is competing.
Zhao Xintong – A New Winner?
Probably the most impressive player this season, Zhao Xintong is finally getting the recognition he deserves with the talent he brings to the table. Xintong won his maiden ranking title at the UK Championship and continued his formidable display with an emphatic victory at the German Masters. Having only previously qualified for the WSC once before, Xintong will enter this year as a seed with a significant number of eyes on him. How will he cope with this newfound pressure?
Luca Brecel – Will He Surprise Us?
Alongside Xintong, Luca Brecel is having the season of his career so far with a terrific run to the UK Championship final, followed by a victory at the subsequent Scottish Open. These victories have given Brecel the confidence in his ability to win trophies and compete at a high level. Brecel needs to keep his head held high and not retreat into his shell if he wants to make an impact at this years WSC.
Yan Bingtao – His Time?
His record at the WSC hasn’t been all that great, and neither has his current season. However, Yan Bingtao always attracts a lot of eyes when he competes and he has already established himself as a Triple Crown winner with the Masters a couple of years ago. Age is on Bingtao’s side and given that he already plays at top level suggests that it’s a matter of time before he ventures deep into the Worlds.
Like this Short? Click here to read: Snooker Shorts Snooker Memories (#200)
Have an idea for a Short post? Feel free to get in touch using the social media links below! Thanks for reading!