A Chinese Cracker
Snooker moves to the Far East next week with the start of the China Open. Players will be concentrating their minds on this tournament as a prequel for their future performance at the World Championship. With Ronnie out of the equation, this will be a blessing in disguise for the top eight who have frankly underperformed as a result of O’Sullivan’s blistering form. It is crucial for the likes of Bingham, Selby, Trump, Allen, Hawkins, Robertson, Wilson and company to stamp their mark in China.
Burnout, jet lag and fatigue will all play their part on the Chinese baize but it is how players cope with these challenges that will determine how deep they can go in this tournament. Some may decide to stay away and practice for Sheffield but those who make the long journey will hope that fortune will favour the brave. The long season has meant that many have been on a meteoric journey of form, dipping in and out with varying results. Snooker is like a pendulum that swings backwards and forwards, favouring one or other of the players in a match. Only one can win but the path to victory is never simple.
Snooker is China is massive and when players arrive there, they are always greeted with the red carpet treatment. Chinese fans tend to back their own until they lose and Ding is always the star attraction in any Asian tournament, currently standing as one of five in the snooker calendar. However the much touted Chinese revolution in snooker, hasn’t really materialised with few of the younger players being able to establish themselves on the circuit The occasional flicker that we see of raw talent is often snuffed out and doesn’t even progress when a wildcard is produced.
The China Open must in my opinion, be a springboard for the 128. For the less experienced player, it will help them cope with arena and televised conditions. For the more experienced player, it will be a chance to prove their worth and showcase their skill set on a foreign stage, preparing them for the marathon that is the possibility of seventeen days at the World Championship.
Burnout, jet lag and fatigue will all play their part on the Chinese baize but it is how players cope with these challenges that will determine how deep they can go in this tournament. Some may decide to stay away and practice for Sheffield but those who make the long journey will hope that fortune will favour the brave. The long season has meant that many have been on a meteoric journey of form, dipping in and out with varying results. Snooker is like a pendulum that swings backwards and forwards, favouring one or other of the players in a match. Only one can win but the path to victory is never simple.
Snooker is China is massive and when players arrive there, they are always greeted with the red carpet treatment. Chinese fans tend to back their own until they lose and Ding is always the star attraction in any Asian tournament, currently standing as one of five in the snooker calendar. However the much touted Chinese revolution in snooker, hasn’t really materialised with few of the younger players being able to establish themselves on the circuit The occasional flicker that we see of raw talent is often snuffed out and doesn’t even progress when a wildcard is produced.
The China Open must in my opinion, be a springboard for the 128. For the less experienced player, it will help them cope with arena and televised conditions. For the more experienced player, it will be a chance to prove their worth and showcase their skill set on a foreign stage, preparing them for the marathon that is the possibility of seventeen days at the World Championship.
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