There was a time when snooker was one of the biggest and most popular sports in Britain. Snooker frequently pushed the big Premiership football games off the back pages and the stars of the era were beloved household names. The 1985 world final between ‘interesting’ Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor attracted 18.5 million viewers, an all-time record for BBC2.
Now the sport struggles to get much press at all and the game seems in perpetual decline, while the personalities don’t have any real personality at all. At least, that’s what the sport’s detractors would have you believe. With the UK Snooker Championship starting on November 28, we take a look at the main contenders for the crown, including some of the very best players to ever pick up a cue. This is one tournament which promises to be anything but boring.
Mark Selby
Mark Selby is the dominant force in the game at the moment, and he is known for his ruthless preparation and application to the game. He’s always there or thereabouts, which is probably the main criticism of the man: he simply hasn’t converted his domination into trophies in the same way Stephen Hendry did in the late 80s and 90s. Being compared to the greatest winner the game has ever seen is rarely going to flatter, but Selby is a true working class hero and role model. After his father passed away when Selby was just 16 the young man was left without a father or a mother in his life. If it weren’t for Willie Thorne’s help and support the sport’s current number 1 may never have made it. bet365 places Selby at 7/2.
Ronnie O’Sullivan
Without doubt one of the greatest players to pick up a cue, Ronnie O’Sullivan is coming into a rich vein of form at the moment. He’s back to playing at his best and there’s not a player he can’t beat when he is in the mood. Due to his television commitments and other work he may miss the world championship this year which will make him twice as hungry to win this one. Hopefully this time the prize money will be adequate for a 147 so we won’t need to see a repeat of his 146 break at the world snooker championship. Ronnie is priced at 7/2 for his right hand, and although there is no official price for his left, it probably isn’t far behind.
Judd Trump
If Selby is the new Hendry then Trump is much more in the Ronnie mold. Trump is a genuine talent with natural ability, but is occasionally prone to distraction and losing interest with the game. When he is in the mood he is a world beater. With some of the best match play and potting skills in the game, Trump should probably have won more in his career than he has. If he could put in more than four hours practice a day he’d be lifting trophies all season long. He is placed at a very reasonable 11/2 to make snooker great again.
Ding Junhui
Of all the players to break into the UK circuit from Asia, Ding Junhui is the great stand out. His status in China is nearly god-like and he is followed by press and fans wherever he goes. Ding came to the UK at the tender age of 16. Alone, and with no English skills the young Ding Junhui carved a name for himself eventually gaining a wildcard entry to the Masters in London. Although he was beaten in the first round it was certain Ding was set for greater things. At the age of 18 Ding won his first final against Stephen Hendry at the China open. The match was broadcast on Chinese television with 110 million tuning in to watch the victory. If you fancy putting your money on a true superstar you’ll get 10/1 for Ding.
John Higgins
For a time it seemed the best days of John Higgins were firmly behind him; he looked passed it and certain to sink into perpetual decline. After a 2010 News of The World sting, the ruling body found him to have brought the game into disrepute. Following a few years in the wilderness however, Higgins fought back to winning ways in 2015. He then went on to push back up the rankings and is currently ranked world number 5. With great break building skills and an aggressive game style, you never want to discount the Wizard of Wishaw. 10/1.
Neil Robertson
Neil is the blonde-topped Aussie left hander and top class break builder. In one season the Australian managed 103 century breaks, a record which remains to this day. He is without doubt one of snooker’s greatest attacking threats. If you fancy the man from Melbourne you’ll get 16/1 for him.
Tournament prediction: Ronnie O’Sullivan to win. Ronnie is coming into his very best snooker at just the right time for this tournament and when the Englishman is on song there are very few who can live with the man. If you fancy placing a bet take a look at our Online Sports Betting Reviews here.
