World Snooker Championship 2013

              Last Saturday saw the start of the 2013 World Snooker Championship, held at the traditional venue of the Crucible in Sheffield. All the greats of the game have, at one time or another, plied their trade within those walls. Whilst much of the country are left scrabbling for the remote when the snooker comes on, in an attempt to quickly switch off, there are a number of indicators that suggest that this year’s tournament will be particularly interesting and competitive. Rarely have we seen a field quite as open as the one in 2013, with at least half a dozen names considered potential winners of snooker’s most prestigious event. The worldwide snooker season, recently massively expanded under the guidance of Barry Hearn, further reflects the competitive nature of modern snooker. The number of different tournament winners this season is well into double figures, with very few men able to put their hands to silverware more than the once.

 

                This year’s event has already seen its fair share of talking points, most notably Ronnie O’Sullivan’s dramatic decision to return to the sport after taking 12 months off on a sabbatical. Despite the tradition of the previous year’s world champion being automatically entered as the top seed for the following year, I must be honest, I questioned the decision in this case. As O’Sullivan has not played competitive snooker since his historic victory at the Crucible last year against Ali Carter, it follows that his ability, his eye for the game, and, most importantly, his mental attributes and concentration would all naturally have declined. It seemed unfair, to me, that he was still considered to be the world’s best player, as in effect that is what the ‘number 1’ seed does. However, my concerns were swiftly blown out of the water by O’Sullivan’s performance on Saturday. His 10-4 demolition of Marcus Campbell clearly showed that he has lost none of the flair that he is recognised for. Whilst it would be naive to suggest that this isolated result illustrates that Ronnie remains the best player in the game, it would be equally foolish to deny his candidacy for the title.

 

                It is also important to look at O’Sullivan’s fellow contenders. Beginning with the most decorated man in the field in terms of championships, John Higgins cannot be ignored for another Crucible victory. The four-time World Champion (equalling Ronnie O’Sullivan’s haul), after titles in 1998, 2007, 2009 and 2011, Higgins has certainly got the willpower, concentration and ability to snatch a fifth this time around. If so, he will have to overcome a significant deficit to the tricky Mark Davis, after losing his opening session 6-3. Mark Selby seems the next most logical point of call, as he is vying to become one of an incredibly elite group: to win snooker’s ‘Triple Crown’ (the Masters, the UK Championship and the World Championship all in a single season). The ‘Jester from Leicester’ certainly appears to be in the form of his life, and few would put this title beyond his capabilities. The 2010 World Champion Neil Robertson seems similarly well placed. The Aussie world number 2, after a fairly quiet season by his high standards, will be looking to reclaim his crown. A gritty and feisty competitor, he is often the man for the big occasion. China’s greatest hope, despite the recent expectations of up-and-coming young players, remains Ding Junhui. Unfortunately for the Chinese, Ding comes to the Crucible out of form, after complaining of feeling under pressure from his home fans. The fact that he is the only Chinese player in the draw does little to relieve the pressure upon his shoulders. As we began with the most decorated in terms of championships, we may as well end with the man considered most decorated in terms of potential, if not outfit. Judd Trump’s recent meteoric rise in snooker has been noticed, both on and off the baize, as illustrated with more coverage of his ‘spiky’ shoes at the Masters than his shots. His talent is unquestionable, and his mental abilities, whilst at times have been questioned, will certainly be razor-sharp, as he looks to avenge his defeat to John Higgins in the final in 2011 and win his first World Championship.

 

                Recent odds suggest that Ronnie O’Sullivan should be considered the favourite, from Robertson, Selby, Trump, Ding and then Higgins. It would not surprise me in the slightest if we saw yet more names appear on the list of prospective winners over the next fortnight, as this year’s World Championship appears more unpredictable and intriguing than ever before. For the portion of television viewers who do reach for the remote to switch over the next two weeks, you are missing out.