World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan established a 6-3 lead over Judd Trump following the first session of the Cazoo Champion of Champions final in Bolton.
The last time the pair met was in the World Championship final earlier this year in Sheffield. O’Sullivan emerged victorious on that occasion, notching up a historic and record equalling seventh Crucible crown thanks to an 18-13 win. However, there is nothing to split them in their head-to-head record, with the pair dead level at 13-13.
O’Sullivan is aiming to capture the Champion of Champions title for the fourth time in his career. Defending champion Trump is aiming for a second, after beating John Higgins in the title match 12 months ago to claim his first.
An electric start from 39-time ranking event winner O’Sullivan saw him take the first two frames with breaks of 96 and 103 to gain a stranglehold on proceedings. A nervy third swung one way then the other. Trump spurned his first opportunity by missing a straightforward pink to the middle, but an unexpected missed red to the top left from O’Sullivan on 52 allowed his opponent to steal with 51 to make it 2-1. From there the Rocket went into cruise control, making breaks of 52 and 88 on his way to a run of four consecutive frames which earned an imposing 6-1 lead.
However, 23-time ranking event winner Trump refused to back down and a moment of magic reignited the contest. He fired in the seventh 147 break of his career in the eighth frame to make it 6-2. The Ace in the Pack followed that up with 96 to take the last of the afternoon to end 6-3 behind.
Ronnie O’Sullivan captured his fourth Cazoo Champion of Champions title with a 10-6 victory over Judd Trump in the final at the University of Bolton Stadium.
The win sees O’Sullivan take the £150,000 top prize and it is the first time he has claimed the Champion of Champions title since 2018. He was also victorious in 2013 and 2014.
It continues the Rocket’s fine form this season, which has already seen him pick up silverware at the Hong Kong Masters last month. O’Sullivan defeated Marco Fu 6-4 in the final at the Hong Kong Coliseum, which was played out in front of a world record 9,000 fans.
Today’s encounter was the latest clash in what is quickly becoming a defining rivalry for the modern game. This is the first time O’Sullivan and Trump have met since contesting the World Championship final earlier this year. On that occasion 39-time ranking event winner O’Sullivan emerged victorious by an 18-13 scoreline, to win a historic seventh Crucible crown.
O’Sullivan now edges in front in the head-to-head standings with Trump, leading 14-13. However, despite losing their last two title matches, 33-year-old Trump still leads 7-5 in finals with O’Sullivan.
The afternoon session saw O’Sullivan open up a commanding 6-1 lead, before Trump roared back into contention. He fired in the seventh 147 break of his career in the eighth frame and then took the last to end just three behind at 6-3.
O’Sullivan showed great intent at the start of the evening session and a century run of 106 moved him four ahead at 7-3.
However, Trump refused to wilt and allow the night to become a procession. He kept O’Sullivan at bay by winning the next three frames without conceding a point. Runs 82 and 100 helped him to close the gap to a single frame, at 7-6 heading into the last interval of the match.
That break came at the wrong time for the Ace in the Pack, with O’Sullivan stepping it up a gear when play resumed. Contributions of 124 and 85 saw him reverse the momentum and move within a frame of the title at 9-6.
Trump had the first chance in the 16th, but broke down on 18 and O’Sullivan ruthlessly stepped in with a run of 81 to get over the line a 10-6 victor.
“We both know we didn’t flow today. It was a grafting performance. I didn’t leave anything out there. My temperament and attitude, I was just trying to stay as professional as I could and stay in the moment,” said 46-year-old O’Sullivan.
“Even at 6-1 up, I didn’t once think about the lead. I know what Judd is like and I knew he could do what he did and pull back to 7-6. I was just pleased with how I dug in at the end there. We both like to play well every frame, but that is just not possible. This game is too hard for that.
“I’m not as hungry as all of the other players. I am happy to be here, I like to compete and I like to enjoy the game. No matter what I do, whether it is running or the gym, I am very competitive. I don’t need to be competitive, I am just relaxed and chilled out. I take every match as it comes and I enjoy being out here, it is like being on a holiday to me.”
Trump said: “I am disappointed with how I played. I thought Ronnie scored very heavily all day. That puts you under pressure, every time you get a chance you have to clear up in one visit. I obviously didn’t do that enough. His scoring was too heavy and well done to him.
“At that point (the 147 in the seventh frame), I had nothing to lose. I just thought I would go for a max and see what happens. It is always special to make them and even more so in a final against Ronnie. It is another thing ticked off the CV, but I’m disappointed to lose.”
No matter what the players said afterwards, it was a high quality match. The scores show that much.
I won’t lie, as a Ronnie fan I was very worried when Judd made it 6-7 having trailed 1-6 and 3-7. The way Ronnie came out fighting in the last mini-session shows how competitive he still is, and, not matter what he wants us to believe, how much it still matters to him!
Here are some videos, shared by Matchroom on their YouTube Channel:
First session highlights
Session two highlights
Judd’s 147
Something strange happened here. Ronnie doesn’t shake Judd’s hand after this maximum, which is weird all the more so because because they get along well. Ronnie was criticised for this, notably by Mark Allen on twitter. But then, Marcel Eckardt, the referee, who was just next to Judd when he potted the last black, doesn’t appear to do it either and that’s very unusual as well. It’s quite bizarre.
And here is the post-match interview
Now our attention will turn to the 2022 UK Championship. It’s already underway actually.
Ronnie could really do with a good run in that one. Indeed, he has already won two big titles this season, but both came in invitational events. In the one year list… he’s currently well out of the top 64. If he wants to be in the “Cazoo Series”, which he loves, he needs to do something about this!
Judd Trump has lashed out at Champion of Champions winner Ronnie O’Sullivan for failing to acknowledge his superb 147 in the final. And the Juddernaut, who did not win a penny for his maximum under the event rules, also insists that there should be a minimum prize of £10,000 for the feat.
World No 1 O’Sullivan, 46, scored a third huge win this year over his rival with a 10-6 victory over Trump in Bolton on Sunday night. It was a repeat of the Crucible final that saw an emotionally drained Rocket clinch a record-equalling seventh world title and then slump into his beaten opponent’s arms in a long embrace.
But at the weekend when Trump made a magnificent maximum to close to 6-2 adrift O’Sullivan stayed in his chair and did not offer the customary handshake and congratulations. He was criticised by TV pundits Stephen Hendry and Ken Doherty for the unprecedented lack of response, with former Masters champion Mark Allen also weighing in on social media.
Trump said: “You celebrate making the 147, turn around and put your cue down – and I kind of expected Ronnie to get up and say well done. That is just the normal thing to do. He chose not to do that for whatever reason.
“It is a special feat for anyone and it would have been nice to get his seal of approval as well, but that didn’t happen. At that point in the final when he was still 6-2 up, he knows if he plays half-decent he is going to win. He is too good not to.
“So you would have expected him to be relaxed enough to say good things, especially after what happened at the World Championships final. He was very emotional and I was polite and kind enough to stay with him while he was hugging me. But maybe he still just feels under so much pressure to win every event.
“In any tournament you should be rewarded for making a 147, whether it is money or some kind of other reward. It is such a special feeling and moment, you can tell by the way the crowd reacts and every maximum is special wherever it is.
“In a big tournament like this the minimum should probably be around £10,000 to £15,000 mainly to incentivise the players to even go for them. It is good for the fans if they see them, and there is always good publicity for the tournament. With this one I knew there was no reward, but making 147s is just something I want to do anyway.
“Nothing really matches that buzz, so that’s great – but it would be good to get a reward as well, and more players would go for it when the frame is won or nearly won. The 147 was a good one, even from the first red it wasn’t easy to get on the black – I ended up with a tough black to the middle pocket, and there a few chances to play for other colours.
“Overall to play that badly in the final bar the 147 when you have played so well in the rest of the tournament was a bit annoying.” But a defiant and unrepentant O’Sullivan hit back, saying: “I don’t know – what do they want me to do? I may as well just go out there and knock a few balls around.
“It’s brilliant Judd made the 147, but we still had a match to play as far as I was concerned. People have got their opinions and I don’t care what anyone thinks of me or what I do or don’t do. I absolutely do not give a monkey’s. I am not being disrespectful – but I just don’t.”
So there you have it. And Judd is right about rewarding 147s.
Ronnie beat Fan Zhengyi by 6-2 yesterday evening to book his place in the 2022 Champion of Champions. He will face Judd Trump over a best of 19 frames.
O’Sullivan was quick out of the traps in front of a raucous crowd in the North West, making 89 in the first and firing in 117 in the second to take a 2-0 lead. Fan hit back to take the third, but 89 from O’Sullivan in the next made it 3-1. The Rocket’s momentum showed no sign of slowing down in the fifth, with a break of 55 helping him to take a 4-1 lead, two away from the final.
O’Sullivan then moved 5-1 ahead, but Fan regrouped with a wonderful clearance of 123 to keep O’Sullivan at bay and cut the deficit to 5-2 with the highest contribution of the match.
The tide was only stemmed briefly though, O’Sullivan made contributions of 53 and 75 in the final frame to deliver an emphatic win that sees him face Trump in tomorrow’s final. The first time they will have met since the World Championship final in May.
O’Sullivan told ITV: “It’s great for everyone who loves their snooker. Hopefully, I can play a little bit better than I have done. To give Judd a game, I will have to, because he looks like he’s playing the best snooker this week. He looks to be in good form. I will have to raise my game to have a chance of winning.”
Ronnie played well in general. He looked focussed and calm. There was however a weakness in his game and that’s his long potting. That aspect was poor so far this week. Unless that improves, it will be difficult for him to win today.
Here are the highlights shared on the Champion of Champions YouTube Channel
Judd Trump booked his place in the 2022 Champion of Champions as he beat Mark Selby yesterday evening by 6-3. Here is the report shared by WST:
Trump Into Champion Of Champions Final
Judd Trump reached the final of the Cazoo Champion of Champions by beating Mark Selby 6-3 at the University of Bolton Stadium.
In the first meeting between the pair in a ranking event since 2019, it promised to be an enthralling night in Bolton. Trump took the first frame with relative ease, making 89 to leave Selby in his chair. Selby came back to take the second though and restored parity at 1-1.
Trump’s took the third to regain the lead, before heading into the interval with a two frame cushion after a smart break of 74 made it 3-1. Some real quality was shown from both at the restart, as Selby found his groove to make 66 to trail by one.
The sixth frame was full of everything the fans in Bolton had come to expect of the contest with precision safety play from both on show with the yellow subject to plenty of table miles in the process. Selby did edge it though, to level back at 3-3.
A beautiful splitting of the pack from defending champion Trump in the seventh opened up the table for a break of 83 which saw him edge ahead. The best was still to come from Trump who would be sending the crowd home happy with a break of 114 to green moving him one away from the final. He then claimed the ninth frame to get over the line a 6-3 victory.
“It was a tricky game. It always is against Mark. At times, I managed to get a good lead at 3-1 but after the interval, I played a bad shot and I let him in straight away. He was able to dictate the game from then and then he fluked the ball at 3-2. Against the best, it’s always best to keep a two frame cushion, you feel a little more comfortable. It was important for me to get the balls open, the frames were starting to go slow. I felt I had to start to dictate play and break the balls up (the seventh frame),” said Trump.
I will look forward to another amazing final. This is a tournament I love playing in. I love coming here. The atmosphere is always brilliant. The crowd is brilliant. It’s nice to be involved in the final again.”
Tomorrow’s semi-final sees Ronnie O’Sullivan meet Fan Zhengyi for the chance to play in Trump in Sunday’s best of 19 final.
Judd Trump was the better player but Mark Selby is always tough to beat and he made his opponent work for it. There was a crucial moment in frame 7: Mark Selby “missed” a black, although it would be more accurate to say that he did put the black in the pocket, only to see the ball jump out again. Mark looked bemused, and, to be fair I felt that way as well. From the image on TV the ball looked “centered”.
This was Judd Trump post-match reaction to the incident as reported by the tournament twitter account.
And punish he did… The defending champion is in the final and will face either Ronnie or Fan Zhengyi who beat him in the European Masters final last season.
Ronnie O’Sullivan Out To Avenge One Of Snooker’s Biggest Shock Defeats
Ronnie O’Sullivan will look to avenge one of the biggest shock defeats in snooker history against Fan Zhengyi in their Champion of Champions semi-final on Saturday night.
The Rocket thrashed China’s reigning UK and German Masters champion Zhao Xintong 6-1 on Thursday in the group final – after earlier that day seeing off Robert Milkins 4-2.
And the world No1 will now face the 21-year-old Fan who stunned his idol O’Sullivan with a 10-9 success in the final of last season’s European Masters in their only career clash to date.
Record seven-time and reigning world champion O’Sullivan, 46, is looking to win the event bringing together the past year’s tournament winners for a fourth time.
After that final loss in February O’Sullivan hailed world No37 Fan as “brilliant player” and tipped him as a future world champion.
Fan admitted that it had been a dream just to play the Rocket in a showpiece occasion – let alone edging him out in a dramatic final-frame thriller to lift the trophy. But he left an indelible impression on his illustrious beaten opponent on that famous night, and that hard-earned respect adds to the intrigue ahead of their second meeting.
O’Sullivan said: “I suppose Fan is one of those players who does have a winning record against me – having won the only time we have met, and that coming in a final.
“I saw him up close over 19 frames in that European Masters final and I thought he was a fantastic match-player – sort of a cross between Yan Bingtao and Zhao Xintong.
“He has got the safety game of maybe a Yan, but then also the flair of a Zhao as well. So I was really impressed with him on that occasion, and then also with what I have seen of him in his matches so far in Bolton this week.
“He knocked in a couple of 90 breaks against Neil Robertson to win from 3-2 behind, and then produced when it mattered again to beat Ryan Day.
“He looks to be one of those players who actually enjoys a big stage and the pressure situations rather than be daunted by them – those are assets, and he is a very good player and I am impressed by him. I hope he continues to develop, and that will be good for the game if he does.
“You can tell if your opponent is enjoying the big stage rather than being frightened by it out there. It’s hard to put your finger on exactly what it is and how you know – but you just do. I guess it is the composure they show going for the big shots, and then executing them.
“If someone has got good composure, takes their time to settle and doesn’t rush things, doesn’t look too hurried it juts tells you that they are in control of what they are doing.
“I do think the young Chinese lads are all pushing each other on a bit – definitely. Victoria’s Academy is producing champions. It’s like the Kenyan runners – they train together and push each other on. With the Chinese snooker boys they are becoming better players because of the regular practice and the competition, plus the success being enjoyed.”
Meanwhile Fan insists that the huge confidence boost he received from claiming that unexpected final success against his boyhood hero will means he will not be overawed for the rematch.
Fan, yet another ranking title winner to emerge from the Victoria’s Academy set-up in Sheffield, said: “Of course I have great memories of that European Masters final night.
“It wasn’t just the feelings after beating Ronnie and winning the title and lifting the trophy – it was what it did and is still doing for my belief and my whole career.
“The special thing about it was just playing against Ronnie for the first time on such a big stage and on such an occasion, so winning just made it the best feeling ever.
“I played very well on the night – but I have never stopped practising hard and learning, and I am really looking forward to taking him on again on Saturday night.
“I have looked back at the video a few times and I see different things every time that maybe I could have done. And there is no doubt that it is inspiring being one of many good players winning titles at Victoria’s Academy. You see them win, and you want to do the same.”
It would be a huge mistake to underestimate Fan today. He played well to win his group and he knows that he can beat Ronnie. But Ronnie will know that too and hopefully will be feeling fresh. For some reason, he looked jaded in that final.
Ronnie booked his place in the semi-finals at the 2022 Champion of Champions yesterday, by beating Robert Milkins in his first match and Zhao Xintong in the Group final. It’s the 7th time Ronnie reaches this stage in nine participations.
Ronnie O’Sullivan reached the semi-finals of the 2022 Cazoo Champion of Champions with wins over Robert Milkins and Zhao Xintong at the University of Bolton Stadium, Bolton live on ITV4 in the UK and broadcasters worldwide.
The seven-time World Champion was given a tough test by Milkins during the afternoon session, but came through by a 4-2 scoreline. Zhao was also pushed hard, by Women’s World Champion Mink Nutcharut, before he too earned a 4-2 success.
It promised to be a blockbuster evening clash for the last spot in the semi-finals and it delivered at a frantic pace. O’Sullivan took the opening two frames before an expert clearance of 135 put him three to the good. A contribution of 59 before the interval put O’Sullivan only two away from the semi-finals at 4-0.
On return, Zhao made a 92 clearance to claw one back. But O’Sullivan was in magnificent form and breaks of 94 and 108 completed a 6-1 win in front of a full house in Bolton.
O’Sullivan told ITV: “Zhao is an amazing player and brilliant talent. I am sure he will have an amazing future. Hopefully, he does because I have a soft spot for him. Technically, it’s all there.”
O’Sullivan will continue his quest for a fourth Cazoo Champion of Champions title against Fan Zhengyi on Saturday night in a repeat of the 2022 European Masters final in Milton Keynes earlier this year, which Fan won 10-9.
Ronnie O’Sullivan 4-2 Robert Milkins
Ronnie looked totally focussed and played really well in this match. His only weakness was his long potting, as the statistics show. Robert Milkins himself was playing well. His potting was excellent. Where Ronnie outclassed him was the safety department.
These are the highlights of the Afternoon session, as shared by Matchroom on their YouTube Channel
The other match of the afternoon saw Zhao Xintong beat Mink Nucharut by 4-2.
Mink impressed in this match, despite losing. She potted some really good balls, she fought with all she had. She’s clearly progressing and it was plain for all to see. She attracted a lot of praise on social media, in total contrast with the scorn that. too often, is what women in snooker get on those platforms. She is doing wonders for the women’s game and hopefully will encourage more girls to embrace snooker.
Ronnie O’Sullivan 6-1 Zhao Xintong
I expected a tougher challenge from Zhao but he was far from his best. Again the stats show that. Ronnie on the other hand played very well again and, in this match, his long potting was good.
These are the highlights of this match, shared by Matchroom on their YouTube channel
O’Sullivan: How Many Can Say They Were The Greatest At What They Chose To Do?
Ronnie O’Sullivan is finally content with his life’s work – and hopes he is acknowledged as a true master of his craft.
The Rocket has dealt with plenty of “curve-balls” over a 31-year snooker career including the imprisonment of his father, and coming through battles with drink, drugs and anxiety.
But despite that world No1 O’Sullivan, 46, has racked up a joint-record seven world titles among another record tally of 21 major tournament successes.
And alongside the silverware he has built up a worldwide following of millions for his flair, attacking approach to the sport, and ability to make the game look absurdly simple.
O’Sullivan begins his campaign for a fourth Champion of Champions title on Thursday against Rob Milkins at the University of Bolton Stadium.
And he said: “I look back at my career and I always think when we all disappear off this planet, I hope there is a room on the very top floor for the greatest or the best at what they chose to do in their lives.
“And I’d like to think if there were 20 of the leading experts in their field in there, that they wouldn’t turn me away.
“I judge my career on that basis. How many people can say they were the greatest at what they chose to do in life?
“For me I am very comfortable with what I have achieved. In some ways I feel I have underachieved in hindsight – but I won’t be too hard on myself, and take what I have got.
“Life throws you a lot of curve-balls along the way and I have had to navigate my way around them, which I think I have done very well…so I am pleased.
“I would always call myself more of a purist sportsperson than a lot of them around today. Some of them get headlines but lack pedigree or haven’t been tested against the very best.
“And I’d like to think I was one of the few sportspeople like Phil Taylor and Stephen Hendry that you can say did it on a level playing field over a period of time.
“That might have been 10, 20, 30 years over a lot of players that have come and gone. And I feel comfortable with what I have achieved.”
O’Sullivan is also convinced that he and the other members of the famous ‘Class of 1992’ – John Higgins and Mark Williams – have brought the very best out of each other.
He added: “I also have no doubt that I, John and Mark have all pushed each other to greater heights since we turned pro and the result is more success and a better level for all of us.
“We have had this secret little competition going where we were all wanting to challenge each other, and right now it is a bit like who will be the last man standing.
“It feels like that. There is a different type of respect from each of us for the others that maybe there was in earlier years.
“And we appreciate that if we hadn’t come along together, then none of us might have had the careers that we have had. We have all benefited.”
…
It’s nice to see Ronnie finally content with his achievements in the sport, even if that may “cost” him when it comes to find full motivation, especially in smaller events.
Judd Trump’s defence of his Cazoo Champion of Champions title continued as he overcame Luca Brecel and Mark Allen to book his place in Friday’s semi-final at the University of Bolton Stadium, Bolton live on ITV4 in the UK and on broadcasters worldwide.
The Ace in the Pack took the afternoon with relative ease as he stepped past the Scottish Open champion Brecel 4-2 while Allen got the better of Welsh Open winner Joe Perry by the same scoreline to set up a blockbuster evening clash.
Trump was quick out the blocks in the group one final to take the opener with breaks of 58 and 54 to leave Allen frozen in his chair. The momentum was in Trump’s favour as he soon made that 2-0 with a contribution of 78 in the second and then 64 in the third. Allen was in trouble but the first century of the match got him back to 3-1.
After the break, it was much more of the same from Trump who only dropped five frames in the whole of last year’s tournament. Trump was free-flowing as he made 104 in the fifth and 79 in the sixth for 5-1. And he rattled in a final break of 79 to complete his work 6-1.
“It was a good standard,” said Trump. “Even in the frames where Mark got in first I managed to get in and clear up. It puts a lot of pressure on. When I got in, I was scoring heavy. It was nice to replicate what I have been doing in practice out there in such a special tournament. It will be amazing to play Mark Selby next. It’s a mouth watering match. It’s something when you come into this tournament it’s all the top players who have won events. I think that’s what drives me and inspires me to play well.”
Trump’s win sees him set up a tantalising semi-final meeting with Mark Selby on Friday evening. Before then, Ronnie O’Sullivan meets Robert Milkins and Zhao Xintong will take on Mink Nutcharut to determine the last semi-finalist from Group 2…
Judd looked really unplayable at times yesterday, particularly in the evening. I missed the first hour of the evening match, but what I did see was scary good.
In the afternoon, Luca had made it easy for Judd. Luca can play much better than that but lack of consistency remains a major issue. Allen also had scored heavily in the afternoon, and he made a century in the only frame he won in the evening, but to score you need to be at the table …
Martin O’ Donnel has qualified for the “Winners Week” by winning week 7 at the 900. Here is how it unfolded:
Day 1 – Halloween Monday
Aaron Busuttil, from Malta, beat Michael Holt in the final
This was a very hard group to predict with the majority of competitors being former pros, still competing on the main tour recently. I wonder how many would have picked Aaron Busuttil to win it.
Jason Francis, whose background is in the theatre business, made sure that the atmosphere on Halloween day would be suitably scary!
Day 2 – Tuesday
Stephen Bateman was the winner on day 2, beating Ross Muir in the final.
Day 3 – Wednesday
Martin O’Donnel beat Ross Muir to win week 7.
Week 8 will be the last before the grand-final week. This is the line-up
Here are some more images shared by Jason. Ali Carter was back in the studio, and Michael Holt was in the commentary box on Tuesday.
World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, Judd Trump, John Higgins, Kyren Wilson, Shaun Murphy, Mark Allen, Mark Williams and defending champion Neil Robertson are among the star names who will compete on the opening day of the BetVictor English Open on Monday December 12th in Brentwood.
The tournament will be held at the Brentwood Centre in Essex for the first time, giving fans in the area the chance to see many of snooker’s all-time greats competing for a world ranking title.
…
Key matches on Monday December 12th include:
Mark Selby v Noppon Saengkham at 10am Neil Robertson v Andrew Pagett at 1pm John Higgins v Gerard Greene at 1pm Judd Trump v Jackson Page during the afternoon session Ronnie O’Sullivan v Ben Mertens at 7pm Stuart Bingham v Thepchaiya Un-Nooh at 7pm. Kyren Wilson v Reanne Evans during the evening session Mark Williams v Matthew Stevens during the evening session
In all there will be over 80 players at the venue, all competing for the Steve Davis Trophy.
A spokesman for WST said: “This is a sensational chance for anyone who loves live sport to see the greatest cue kings on the planet, especially on the opening day when all of them will be competing. We are delighted to be heading to the Brentwood Centre for the first time because Essex has always been a hot-bed for snooker and the county has produced many outstanding players, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stuart Bingham and Ali Carter who are all in the field. We look forward to seeing crowds pack out the venue and creating a fabulous atmosphere.”
The United States joins the professional World Snooker Tour!
filed Sunday, October 30, 2022. 1:38pm PT/USA
An American player has qualified to compete as a professional on the World Snooker Tour, as New York City’s Ahmed Aly Elsayed has won the Open Event of the 2022 Pan American Snooker Championships at The Corner Bank in Toronto, Canada.
The six-times former United States National Snooker Champion scored a 5-1 win over home player Amar Sadeg in the final, to earn that coveted two-year World Snooker Tour player status which will start from the 2023-24 season commencing from June of next year.
Aly will not be the first American player to play in professional World Snooker Tour events, as in the 1980s both Steve Mizerak and Jim Rempe, who were at the time huge stars in the world of pool, competed in several tournaments including qualifying for the World Championship.
However Aly was the first American competitor to play snooker at the sport’s spiritual home, the Crucible in Sheffield, England, when he competed in this year’s World Seniors Snooker Championship back in May.
After the disappointment of losing in the final of the Seniors Event of these Pan American Snooker Championship and failing in the defense of his title, Aly came back in the Open Event even stronger and in the final put on one of his finest ever performances in an international snooker event.
Sadeg, who was defeated 4-2 by the United States’ Renat Denkha in last year’s round of 16, had made comfortable progress through this year’s knockout rounds and so a close final encounter was expected.
Though Aly was fiercely determined not to let this opportunity slip through his hands, and he came out with all guns blazing as he fired in breaks of 51, 39 and 71 to take a rapid 2-0 advantage.
In the next two frames Aly constructed breaks of 44 and 58 respectively, though in both frames Sadeg missed pot attempts at the final pink ball that could have squared the match but instead he trailed 4-0.
The Canadian now had a very rocky mountain ahead of him to climb, but he did manage to pinch frame five on the final black ball.
Even though he had played very well, if Sadeg had taken his chances Aly could have found himself 3-2 behind now but instead held a commanding 4-1 lead. In what turned out to be the sixth and last frame, Aly also had fortune on his side as after potting the final red ball he fluked the yellow and after it was replaced on its spot, he was in perfect position to pot it again as match ball.
Aly has always been a player who is never shy to show his emotions, and he punched the air and shouted out his delight to claim the frame and match and achieve his snooker life’s dream to play on the World Snooker Tour.
Alan Morris, the Executive Director of the United States Snooker Association, said: “This is an amazing result for snooker in the United States, and I am absolutely thrilled for Ahmed! He has worked so hard for this and I hope he enjoys and relishes every moment.
“Now we have seen what can be achieved by snooker players in the United States, I hope this inspires more people to play this great sport and aim to emulate exactly what Ahmed has done.”
Fan Zhengyi reached the semi-finals of the 2022 Cazoo Champion of Champions by beating Ryan Day 6-5 in the Group 3 final at the University of Bolton Stadium, Bolton live on ITV4 in the UK and on broadcasters worldwide.
Fan’s debut at the tournament couldn’t have gone much better. The youngster overcame Cazoo Masters winner Neil Robertson 4-3 to start the day’s action.
Day returned to the tournament after claiming his biggest title win to date at the British Open last month and the Welshman continued his imperious form with a gutsy display that saw him dispatch European Masters champion Kyren Wilson 4-3 in the afternoon.
The group final began at some pace with the mid-session interval reached in just under an hour as both Day and Fan moved through the gears. Fan made 135 in the opener, but Day replied with 87 in the second then eased into a 3-1 lead. Fan came back out firing after the interval with 130 and 52 to pull level at 3-3.
Fan was fearless when clinching the European Masters crown earlier this year, beating Ronnie O’Sullivan in the final. And the Chinese ace edged ahead tonight with a run of 68 for 4-3. The next two were shared, then Day’s break of 93 made it 5-5. Runs of 36 and 30 helped Fan take the last frame and he returns on Saturday against the winner of Group 2 consisting of O’Sullivan, Zhao Xintong, Robert Milkins, and Mink Nutcharut.
In fact, every match was won by the “underdog” as Philip Studd would put it.
After the first match, Neil Robertson insisted that he had no complaints. He was beaten by the better man on the day and he praised his young opponent.
Fan also impressed the commentators. Phil Yates in particular almost became “lyrical”! Someone should tell him that Fan’s poor tally in centuries is the result of Fan’s refusal to make them. Until recently he deliberately avoided centuries… Phil obviously has no clue about that.
What is definitely clear is that Fan thrives on the big stages. Some players freeze, he’s inspired! And he handles deciders well.
Ryan Day has always got the ability and talent to be a top player. His temperament let him down at times. It wasn’t the case yesterday.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 