It was an eventful season which represented a shift back to normality as events were once again housed in their respective domains. This, of course, was following the circumstances that required almost all events take place in Milton Keynes last season. Having said that, it was a season that saw familiar faces, rising stars, and a storybook conclusion.
Home Nations
John Higgins was a frequent flyer at the ‘Opens’ as he reached three of the four finals. He suffered final frame deciding defeats in during his first two encounters at the NI and English Open against Mark Allen and Neil Robertson. Luca Brecel would then surpass Higgins at the Scottish Open, continuing his fine form after reaching the UK Championship final the week before. Joe Perry would claim his second career ranking title later in the season with an impressive victory over Judd Trump. I also feel the need to mention Robert Milkins winning his first ranking title at the Gibraltar Open against Kyren Wilson.
New Events
This season saw the introduction of the Turkish Masters and the reintroduction of the British Open (last seen in 2004). Judd Trump succeeded in lifting the inaugural trophy, making a 147 in the process. This follows his earlier success at the Champion of Champions where some were wondering when his winning drought would end. Mark Williams would win at the British Open at the beginning of the season, with two maximum breaks being made during the event.
Coral Cup
There are always those that write off Ronnie O’Sullivan and this was particularly the case considering he made numerous finals last season but couldn’t convert. O’Sullivan halted those claims with victory over Neil Robertson at the Grand Prix. However, this wouldn’t stop Robertson becoming the player of the season as he scooped the remainder of the Coral Series with triumphs over Barry Hawkins and the Players and John Higgins at the Tour (again, in the decider).
Rising Stars
Zhao Xintong has made a name for himself this season as he became the standout performer in most viewers eyes. His brilliant run that led him to secure the UK Championship, beating Luca Brecel and his whitewash of Yan Bingtao at the German Masters left many players and fans wondering if they are staring at the future of snooker. Brecel also found a level up in his form aided by his terrific couple of weeks at the UK and Scottish Open. And we don’t want any of this to overshadow Fan Zhengyi winning his first ranking event against O’Sullivan in the deciding frame. Zhengyi had never made it past a quarter-final before this triumph.
Triple Crown
The first of the majors were won by Xintong, as mentioned above. Neil Robertson would meet Barry Hawkins before their encounter at the Players, where Robertson would win his second Masters trophy, ten years after the first. And I’m sure all reading this are aware of the conclusion to this snooker season. In a tournament where many records were broken, Ronnie O’Sullivan put on his surgical gloves as his opponents attended his clinic, which culminated in a record-equalling seventh World Championship title (click here to read about that).
What was your favourite parts of the season? What are some things/events/players that you are looking forward to next season?
Like this Short? Click here to read: Judd Trump’s Approach To Snooker
Have an idea for a Short post? Feel free to get in touch using the social media links below! Thanks for reading!