Judd Trump won group four of the BetVictor Championship League Invitational, after beating John Higgins 3-1 in a high scoring final.
Trump comfortably booked his spot in the play-offs by winning four of his six group matches, with most of his work being done on day one with three superb wins.
His play-off match against Mark Selby proved to be an absorbing one, which came down to the wire. The Ace in the Pack scored a run of 122, the highest of the match, in the opener. It came down to a deciding frame, where a break of 50 was enough to see Trump through 3-2.
Higgins earned his place in the group final thanks to a 3-1 win over Robert Milkins. The Scot crafted breaks of 99, 121 and 141 on his way to the win.
Trump flew out the blocks in the final, scoring back-to-back centuries in the opening two frames. The Bristolian then looked on course for a third consecutive century, before breaking down on 53. Higgins showed his class by clearing up with a break of 77 to cut Trump’s lead to one at 2-1.
Trump wasn’t to be denied and did make his third century of the tie in the fourth, a contribution of 102, to wrap up an impressive 3-1 victory.
Speaking afterwards, Trump said: “I started well this week. I kind of knew I was through after day one, which made it hard to approach my remaining group games with the same intensity. I gave people a few chances I probably shouldn’t have.
“I think it’s fair to say Mark let me off the hook in the semi final, he probably should’ve won 3-1. I got through it though and played really well in the final.
“It’s great practice, especially before the Masters next week. There was some good snooker in there and I did feel really relaxed out there. I didn’t have any pressure on myself this week and really felt back to myself so hopefully it’s a good omen for 2023.
“It’s always a privilege to play John Higgins in any final and I’m obviously delighted to be in the next stage of this event.”
This was obviously a very, very though group, and there was indeed some very good snooker played over the two days. The next group will not be easier as John Higgins, Mark Selby, Robert Milkins and Matthew Selt will join Neil Robertson, David Gilbert and Mark Williams.
Quite remarkably, Matthew Selt has been in there since Group 1.
Kyren Wilson booked his place in the winners’ group of the BetVictor Championship League Invitational, by beating Matthew Selt 3-2 in a hard fought group three final.
The Warrior initially cruised through the group stage with four wins from six matches, before facing four-time World Champion and recent English Open winner Mark Selby in the play offs.
Wilson showed true grit and class, making three century breaks during a high quality 3-2 victory over Selby, the highest ranked player in the group.
It set up a group final against Selt, who had battled hard to get through. Selt initially booked his spot in the play offs with a 3-1 win over Robert Milkins, a result which snatched him fourth place in the group.
In his play off match against Ricky Walden, Selt quickly found himself 2-0 down. However, he displayed fighting spirit once again by winning three consecutive frames, to book his place in the group final against Wilson.
Wilson was made to work hard for his win against Selt, despite making a high break of 133 in the opening frame and then moving 2-0 up. Selt once again dug deep to force a decider.
The deciding frame was anything but nervy and closed out in a single visit from Wilson, who knocked in a classy break of 81 to complete 3-2 victory.
Speaking with Phil Yates after, Wilson said: “It was quite a tough day for me, having to play three matches in a row was hard. It was nice to have a break after and came back fresh to play really well against Mark Selby, making three century breaks in a best of five. I was hitting it well at that point and then made a great break in the decider against Matt Selt.
“I started the first day really well and then ended quite badly against Jordan Brown, the win against Mark tonight was great especially against a player of that calibre.
“Everyone seems really sharp at the moment and it is no surprise you’ve got some really good players in the winners’ group so far. It’s great to have another opportunity to play in something, there’s always that dangling carrot with the Champion of Champions too, so it would be great to get in that event.”
Here are yesterday’s results (minus the final)
As always the commentators digress at times and David Hendon confirmed that Hossein Vafaei will replace Zhao Xintong at the Masters. It now shows on WST website too.
He also spoke about another potential issue created by the current – frankly bad – structure of the calendar. Indeed both David Gilbert and Hossein Vafaei are due to play in the 2023 Welsh Open Qualifiers and those qualifiers overlap with the Masters.
Gilbert is playing in the six-reds qualifiers on January 8 and, possibly on January 9. He’s playing Mark Williams in the Masters on January 10, in the evening. That should be manageable. He’s playing Marco Fu in the Welsh Open qualifiers on January 13, evening. Should he win his first match at the Masters, he would play again on January 12, in the afternoon. Should he reach the semi-finals, he would play that match on January 14 in the afternoon. There are no actual clashes of dates but it’s certainly far from ideal. He will have to do a lot of traveling between matches.
Vafaei is not playing in the 6-reds qualifiers. His Welsh Open qualifying match in scheduled on January 12, in the evening and that is a real issue because, should he beat Mark Selby in the Masters first round, his QF match is scheduled at exactly the same time as his qualifying match for the Welsh Open. And, for the record, Vafaei has beaten Selby in the last two matches they played, both times over best of 11 frames, in the 2021 and 2022v UK Championship, so that “clash” scenario is a real possibility.
To me, WPBSA/WST should just have Vafaei’s and Gilbert’s qualifying matches in the Welsh Open played at the main venue.
It will not surprise anybody to learn that Stephen Hendry has withdrawn from the 6-reds World Championship (qualifiers).
This was just posted on twitter by Sinosports a few minutes ago
If really no more players will be suspended, it’s somehow reassuring … somehow.
The third point may explain Jason Ferguson’s somewhat cryptic quote about implicated players not necessarily being match fixers
When the first suspensions were announced it was said that three players were under suspicion for just one match. That possibly stands.
With the judgement likely to be announced before the Crucible there is not much left of their season. Especially if it doesn’t come before the World Qualifiers.
WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson has taken the decision to suspend Zhao Xintong and Zhang Jiankang from attending or competing on the World Snooker Tour with immediate effect.
This decision is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes in breach of the WPBSA Conduct Regulations.
The suspension will remain in place until the conclusion of the investigation or any subsequent charges that may or may not be brought. Both Zhao and Zhang have the right to appeal this decision.
The WPBSA can confirm that the wider investigation is now at an advanced stage, and it is anticipated will be completed shortly at which point any potential charges will be considered.
No further comment will be made at this time, except in the event of any significant further developments.
This is a nightmare. This is just horrible.
I can only suppose that Zhao will no be replaced by whoever was ranked 18th after the UK Championship.
Jason Ferguson has dismissed the idea of lifetime bans for match-fixers (Picture: Getty Images)
Snooker’s match-fixing investigation is close to an end, says WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson, who explains that lifetime bans for anyone found guilty are very unlikely.
Eight players are currently suspended from the World Snooker Tour due to allegations of ‘manipulating the outcome of matches for betting purposes’.
Chen Zifan was the latest to be suspended just before Christmas, joining Yan Bingtao, Liang Wenbo, Lu Ning, Li Hang, Zhao Jianbo, Bai Langning and Chang Bingyu in being barred from events.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman explains that there is no limit in how long the players can be suspended for, but he is pushing for the investigation to be completed as rapidly as possible.
‘It’s progressing quickly, we were already quite a long way down the road before I had to take the decision to suspend a number of players. Watch this space, we’re moving it on as quickly as possible,’ Ferguson told Metro.co.uk.
‘There is no limit on time for suspensions, but there are limits in terms of fairness to the players themselves and to the sport. We want to move this on very, very quickly.
‘We’re pushing as hard as we can because this type of thing is very damaging and we have to prove to the public that it’s dealt with, that we can take swift action.’
Yan Bingtao is the highest profile of the suspended players (Picture: Getty Images)
Clearly Ferguson could not give details of specific cases, but did suggest that the players are not all being investigated for the same alleged offences.
‘As it says in the statements, the suspensions are an investigation into the manipulation of results,’ he said. ‘That isn’t to say that everyone who’s been suspended is guilty of match-fixing, that’s certainly not what it says.
‘We will thoroughly go through everything and I’m sure it will all come out in the public domain. I’ll get the result from the independent hearing and at that point we will publish.
‘When we started this, we made a number of initial suspensions, we weren’t expecting that things would go further, but you can never say never. Let’s just hope that we’re at the bottom of this, and I will say, if we’re not at the bottom of it, we’re very near. We’re close to resolving all matters.’
Former world champion Shaun Murphy called for any player found guilty of match-fixing to be banned from the sport for life.
‘I think anyone guilty of match-fixing, their existence in the snooker world should be over,’ the Magician told Eurosport. ‘And if any of those players are found guilty, I hope we never see them again.’
However, Ferguson says lifetime bans are pretty much untenable, so, although there will be heavy punishments for those found guilty, it will not be a ban for life.
‘Life time bans do not stand up in law, quite frankly,’ he said. ‘I get Shaun’s statement and I understand why he’s so passionate about it, because I feel very strongly about it as well, especially as a former player. Every ball you pot must mean something. But we do know from legal advice that lifetime bans do not stack up in court. It’s completely challengeable.
‘We have in our rules that players may receive up to a lifetime ban, if found guilty of match-fixing or manipulating results, but there has to be a range. If you take, for example, a player who’s a serial match-fixer and just keeps doing it, that’s at the high level. But if you’ve got some young kid with a gun to his head or a gun to their family’s head and they’ve crossed the line once, is that the same as a serial fixer? These are the things that any responsible tribunal will take into account.’
In better news for snooker, China announced earlier this week that quarantines for travellers are coming to an end in January as they relax their strict Covid restrictions.
There has not been a WST event in China since 2019, which has been a huge blow to the professional game, but Ferguson says this is a step in the right direction to returning.
Judd Trump was the last player to win a WST event in China, at the 2019 World Open (Picture: Getty Images)
However, he urges caution, and it looks like next season is the realistic target to get back to China for tournaments.
‘It’s really exciting,’ he said. ‘Obviously we’ve been keeping close tabs on travel and government policies for international sport, but it’s really exciting to see some movements, We’re aware there’s been some outbreaks so we can’t just rush straight in. But I can tell you that we’re in contact with all our promoters in China, the demand is there for the events. We’re thoroughly excited about coming back.
‘We still believe there will be government meetings in March that will outline international sport policies. That’s what we were told in our last correspondents and we believe that’s still the case. We’re not diving in, but we’re planning and dates will start to be put aside. It’s great, I’m looking forward to getting back there. It’s a huge market for us and I love working there. Of course we miss it. The players miss the events, the earning opportunities, the opening ceremonies, they feel like stars at these events.
‘Realistically we are looking at next season. We’ve been holding potential dates in the calendar, but realistically it’s a next season project. That’s probably summer, maybe the end of summer. We have to monitor the situations with the outbreaks, there’s lots of complications to it over and above just basic travel in and out of the country. Flights are hard to come by at the moment, not so many airlines going in and out, so we need to see some improvement there. But hopefully we’ve turned a corner and things can look more positive.’
On the possibility of China not returning to the snooker calendar next season, he said: ‘Of course we’re always looking at contingency planning. You can put temporary events on to plug gaps in dates, or you can plan ahead to put events on in new territories and we’re looking at both options.’
With eight Chinese players currently suspended from World Snooker Tour events, it is not ideal for the image of the sport in their home country, but Ferguson insists it will not hamper a return to China when it is possible.
‘It’s obviously big news in China, it’s hit the headlines but likewise there’s a respect for the way we’re dealing with it,’ he said. ‘It’s a concern, but I think the authorities there can see we’re a very responsible sport and that’s what will carry us through on this.’
It’s good news that the inquiry is progressing, and it is certainly a good move by Jason Ferguson to keep the press and the fans in the loop.
A possible return of the Chinese events next season is certainly positive. At the moment there is a surge in covid cases in China, but that was to be expected. Immunity is built through exposure to the viruses or microbes. Long periods of isolation – like lockdowns – weaken the immune system because it is not stimulated. Measures in China have been very stringent for a long time and therefore their population is now left more vulnerable, not just to covid but to all viral agents. It will take some months for the situation to return to “normal”.
Lewis was right when, in a recent comment, he pointed out that a life ban may not be “legally” possible.
I highlighted some of Jason’s quotes by giving two paragraphs a different background.
There are some interesting nuances in his choice of words in the first: the inquiry is about “manipulation of results” rather than “match fixing”. But isn’t that the same thing? And if not, where is the difference? Of course, all the suspended players are presumably innocent until proven guilty.
In the second I find it interesting that he emphasised the difference between a “serial match fixer” – Stephen Lee was one – and “some young kid with a gun to his head or a gun to their family’s head“. Maybe I’m wrong but his choice of words suggests to me that some of the young players might have been seriously threatened. If this is indeed the case, WPBSA will have to think about ways to better protect their players, particularly the young ones who are separated from their families. Another question is what can they do against individuals who would be total “strangers” to the official circuits of the sport sport but would engage in this type of blackmail.
I’m wishing all of you, and those dear to you, the best for 2023. May this year bring you all happiness, peace of mind, success in your endeavours, and fulfilment.
Also “Happy birthday!” to Snooker Scene.
Clive Everton started it all on January 1, 1971. Last year we almost lost it… but thanks to Nick Metcalfe the magazine lives on and celebrates its 52d birthday today!
And, finally, my “wish list” for 2023 in snooker …
A prompt and fair resolution of the match fixing affairs that are currently tarnishing or sport. Culprits must be punished, but more importantly, stronger prevention measures should be put into place to avoid a repetition of this situation in the future. Maybe WPBSA could work more closely with the academies on this aspect? Maybe a specific “help group”, or “help line” involving Chinese and Thai speakers? Players need to feel safe to report any issue they become aware of.
More events played under a tiered system, provided that the qualifiers are played right before and at or close to the location of the main event.
For those events played under a “flat draw”, no qualifiers. Everyone at the main venue. Put enough tables in operation AND enough practice tables too.
Could WPBSA work with other bodies involved in snooker – yes, IBSF too – at all levels to consider the feasibility of a, potentially ELO based, rating system that would be inclusive to professionals and amateurs? Yes I know, I’m dreaming, but, as Lewis has explained on multiple occasions, that would allow to organise events for specific groups of players, without “distorting” the rating system. The current ranking system is too rigid by many aspects.
A World title number 8 for Ronnie at 47 … because … well he won’t be playing at 147, won’t he?
Ronnie O'Sullivan 