The top potters in world snooker are once more engulfing York, as the start of the 2012 UK Snooker Championships grows ever nearer. On Saturday the tournament will commence at the York Barbican, which once more plays host to the prestigious competition, after successfully hosting the event last year.
For University of York students this is a fantastic opportunity to watch live snooker, as the second most important tournament in the snooker calendar arrives on the University’s doorstep. The tournament runs from Saturday 1st to Sunday 9th December, and students can purchase tickets for Monday 3rd December, for either the 1pm or 7pm sessions, for only £5. Indeed some of the top players including Neil Robertson, Mark Williams and Matthew Stevens play their first round matches on student Monday, so this is a chance not to be missed.
The 2011 Championship saw Judd Trump defeat Mark Allen 10-8 in an enthralling final, as the 23 year old from Bristol avenged his defeat to John Higgins in the World Championship earlier that year. Trump, who is currently ranked number one in the world after recent victories in China and Bulgaria, begins his title defence against qualifier Mark Joyce on Sunday afternoon.
Trump burst onto the seen as an enigmatic youngster with the ability to make some outrageous pots. Yet he has gradually adapted his game, taking on a more conservative nature, which has reaped rewards. He explained to the York Press: “I am a little bit more conservative (nowadays). I wait for my chances rather than try to force the issue. I am a lot more patient and, as long as I can keep winning, I am happy.”
He added to the York Press: “I am playing well. I am feeling good at the moment and am playing some consistent stuff. I am happy with the way I am playing. The last year has been good. It’s a good feeling at the moment in practise and in a tournament. I am looking forward to returning to York.”
Indeed Trump is promising to become the dominant force in world snooker, and advances into this tournament as 7-2 favourite with William Hill. However there are 31 other talented individuals who will also be looking to go all the way at the Barbican and according to the bookies John Higgins, Neil Robertson, Ding Junhui and Mark Selby could well be Trump’s main rivals.
Last year’s tournament was a resounding success, and in June it was confirmed that the York Barbican would host the competition this year and in 2013. Earlier in the year World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn commented on the matter: “Our decision to take the UK Championship back to York last season was inspired. There is a huge amount of enthusiasm for snooker in York and the surrounding area and the top players love the Barbican. We’re delighted to sign this deal for the next two years and looking forward to December.”
December is now nearly upon is, and an enthralling nine days of snooker looks to be in store, as 32 of the best players in the world amass in York to try and claim the prestigious UK Snooker Championship, which was first held in 1977. 31 will fall by the wayside, as only one can lift the trophy. The question is who will that “one” be?