It’s that time of year again.
The time when we ask fans and followers of the blog for their predictions ahead of the World Championship.
In what is fast becoming an annual Snooker System tradition, we wanted to hear the word on the street among 10 avid snooker fans.
This year, we asked each of our participants for two world champion selections – one from the head and one from the heart.
Fan 1: James’ Snooker Nation
My head says: Ronnie O’Sullivan
I feel he is too strong for most - and looks more focused than ever before. His biggest downfall has typically always been on the mental side of the game and I feel like he now has that under control to be even more dangerous than he ever was before.
My heart says: Kyren Wilson
A player certainly capable of winning a World Championship but has never struck large in the big events. I love his grit and determination for the game and he comes across like one of the loveliest people you could meet.
My head says: Judd Trump
If anyone is going to crash Ronnie’s big Triple Crown party, it has to be Judd.
When I saw him at the European Masters at the start of the season, he seemed
worryingly passive and lacklustre. He then turned his season around in the most
impressive manner – and now it’s the others who should be worried!
My heart
says: Mark Selby
Wouldn’t it be lovely? Last year,
we did not expect much from him and he got to the final. This year, we are
expecting even less from him and the rest may just be history. Most of all, I
hope he will find joy in playing at the Crucible no matter the result. I know I
will be beaming with joy watching his first session live at the Crucible! Yay!!
Go Mark!
Fan 3: Rich W
My head says: Judd Trump
I don’t generally agree with the annual claim that “it’s wide open this year”. Luca was an exception last year but otherwise the player lifting the trophy is invariably a familiar face in the winners’ circle. Judd has had an excellent season so will be full of confidence, and he’s got the same advantage of Ronnie right now with opponents not capitalising when he’s not at his best. He’s reached three world finals and may have beaten almost anyone else in 2022.
My heart
says: Ronnie O’Sullivan
It would cap a fairytale season
for him, achieving the Triple Crown in a single season for the first time in
his career and giving him 8-8-8 of each of the major titles while retaining his
place as world number one.
Fan 4: Crucible Crush
My head says: Mark Selby
I strangely think Selby will do
well this year. Apart from the Players Championship, he’s not really been on
form but I think his sheer grit and determination will do him well at the Crucible.
He so desperately wants another world title. He’s the kind of player that it
doesn’t matter how he has played all season, he’s still dangerous in Sheffield
and an unknown quantity so to speak, someone who can linger in the background
and then be unbeatable in a heartbeat.
My heart
says: Ronnie O’Sullivan
He is after the elusive 8-8-8 of
Triple Crown wins. This would be truly special and something that nobody else
will ever achieve. Although he will say he doesn’t care about records, we all
know that he does. I believe he has an eighth world title in him and he’s shown
that all season by playing outstanding snooker. It’s all of course down to
which Ronnie will turn up on the day!
Fan 5: James Kay
My head says: Mark Allen
I think he is primed and ready to be a world champion. A couple of flat performances aside this season, everything about his game and preparation these days feels tailored towards deep runs in Sheffield. He's arguably got the slightly kinder half of the draw, too.
My heart says: Ding Junhui
I still believe Ding can win one of these. And although his half of the draw looks horrible to navigate, I think at times this season he's looked like he's about to hit some real form. Everything would have to fall nicely for him, but if he gets a favourable first round draw and wins with a bit in hand he might just get on a run.
Fan 6: McKeinze97
My head says: Ronnie O’Sullivan
He’s got a serious ambition to go
8-8-8 on Triple Crown titles. His form in these big events this season has been
incredible. Easy call, but my one to watch.
My heart
says: Mark Selby
In my eyes, he’s the most complete
player of all time. After the heartbreak of last year and poor runs in the last
few events, it would be a lovely ending to a troublesome few years.
Fan 7: Simon Growcott
My head says: Ronnie O’Sullivan
You can't look past Ronnie. It would
be just his style to win the season Triple Crown, stick two fingers up to the
tour and go off and make millions on the Chinese pool circuit. He still won't
win Sports Personality though.
My heart says: Neil Robertson
I've got a feeling a qualifier is
going to do it this year so I've gone for Robbo. He’s too good to only win one
world title and I've never seen him play live in a final yet. He's one of those
that can just click and with the added bonus of a qualifying run to get his eye
back in, it would be a great week to do it.
Fan 8: Vanessa Read
My head says: Mark Allen
He has changed his mindset, lost weight and set up a foundation for people. It's time he got the big event as he's been so close in the past.
My heart says: Ali Carter
He has overcome so much and is a battler in life and deserves this. I know it would mean so much and you can see how much it hurts when he loses. Sometimes, I think his concentration goes but hopefully this is his year.
Fan 9: Clabbs
My head says: Judd Trump
He’s only won it once, but I feel he’s been arguably the best player in the world for the past five or six seasons. I know his lack of Triple Crown wins gets mentioned quite often, but his overall tournament wins are impressive to say the least. He’s the man to beat in a Sheffield!
My heart says: Mark Selby
His recent off-table worries have obviously affected him and I’d love to see him lift the trophy with his family on final night. If he gets through the first round, his confidence will grow and he will take some stopping over 25 frames and above.
Fan 10: Kellie Barker
My head says: Ronnie O’Sullivan
He's been more focused than ever this season and I'm sure that eighth title would mean so much to him, even if he'd never admit it! I don't believe there's too many players that can beat him over distance and the way he's found another gear when he needed it to win the other Triple Crown events this season, he's rightly a warm favourite to become Ronnie the VIII.
My heart says: Judd Trump
He's been a favourite of mine since breaking though in 2011 and I'd love to see him win at the Crucible again! He's had another amazing season with five ranking titles and several other runners-up spots. He seems to be in the form of his life and has grown into a very mature person and player these last few years. If it wasn't for Ronnie's mega season, Judd would be a massive favourite this year. Seeded to meet in the semi-finals, it could be the match of the century if it happens, but bring it on. Judd for the win!
