The stakes are higher this time, and the drum roll is going bunkers as the Championship League final stages gets underway. The favorites have been firing on all cylinders and are set to return to our screens soonest.
For the first time in history, the competition is been staged as a ranking event. A wonderful way to end one of the most tumultuous years in sports history, isn’t it?
The third Championship league in the year is graced by a lot of former winners and underdogs who have in times past shown the willpower and technique needed to outwit overwhelming favorites. Interestingly, the two ranking events this campaign have both been won by Englishmen. Mark Selby came out tops in the European Masters while Trump shoved aside all opposition to win the English Open last weekend.
Judd Trump, as expected, is a favorite for the title, with an unmatched record of three titles. However, it should be noted that all three wins were based on the old format. The new format now involves all the Main Tour players.
Group A consists of world number one, Judd Trump, Welshman Ryan Day, and English men Barry Hawkins and Robert Milkins. Juddernaut will be looking forward to adding another piece of silverware to his well-decorated trophy cabinet having lifted the titles in 2009, 2014 and 2016.
Selby on the other hand is drawn against Rory McLeod, Jamie O’Neill and Graeme Dott. Two-time winner John Higgins would be treated to the beautiful cue game by his Group G opponents in Tom Ford, Jamie Clarke and European Masters runner-up Martin Gould.
Groups B and C also have their own share of greats with former world champions Shaun Murphy and Stuart Bingham holding on to a spot in Groups B and C respectively.
One tough group is March’s Championship League winner Scott Donaldson’s. The ‘Group of Death’ features opponents like Mark King, Kyren Wilson and David Gilbert.
It’s the perfect lineup of stars for snooker fans. Although, many think it would have been nicer if the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Neil Robertson, Ding Junhui and perhaps, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh were still involved in the proceedings.
The winner pockets a handsome prize of £33,000 and goes home with a special invite to the upcoming Champion of Champions.
Written by: Roland Arum
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