UK Snooker Championship 2024: Everything You Need to Know About the Prestigious Event
Key Takeaways:
- Ronnie O’Sullivan Out: Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan suffers an early exit after a 6-4 loss to Barry Hawkins.
- Zhao Xintong Returns: Zhao Xintong makes a comeback after serving a 20-month ban amidst match-fixing allegations.
- Murphy’s Comeback Journey: Shaun Murphy’s partnership with Peter Ebdon showcases his renewed drive for snooker success.
The UK Snooker Championship has returned to York’s iconic Barbican Centre, marking the start of the prestigious Triple Crown series. With high stakes and a £1.2 million prize pool, the competition sees top talent battling it out for the £250,000 winner’s share. Here’s everything unfolding at the table, from surprise eliminations to thrilling comebacks.
Ronnie O’Sullivan Dethroned
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan entered the tournament with hopes of securing a record-extending ninth UK Championship title. However, his dreams were dashed in the last 32 by Barry Hawkins.
Despite a strong start that saw O’Sullivan race to a 3-1 lead with breaks of 128 and 114, Hawkins mounted a remarkable comeback. The world No. 20 fired successive breaks of 73, 75, 88, and 60 to clinch a 6-4 victory. Post-match, O’Sullivan remained gracious:
“Barry played a good match and deserved his win. I’m just enjoying playing and looking forward to the next event.”
Zhao Xintong’s Redemption Story
Chinese prodigy Zhao Xintong is making headlines for his return to professional snooker after a 20-month suspension for betting on a fixed match. While Zhao himself didn’t rig any games, his involvement in the controversy drew heavy penalties.
Speaking about his comeback, Zhao reflected:
“Two years ago, I made a little mistake. Now I know how important snooker is to me. It’s a big lesson, and I’m focused on moving forward.”
Zhao faced Shaun Murphy in his first pro tour-level match since the ban, narrowly losing 6-5. Murphy, however, welcomed his return:
“He broke the rules but served his punishment. He’s not a cheat, and the game is better with him in it.”
Shaun Murphy’s Competitive Revival
Shaun Murphy’s journey this year is all about rediscovering his competitive edge. Collaborating with former world champion Peter Ebdon, Murphy seeks to elevate his game to new heights.
“I had become a bit soft,” admitted Murphy. “Working with Peter, someone who has been in the thick of it, gives me that edge I’ve been missing.”
Murphy’s mental toughness was on display in his victory over Zhao, as he acknowledged:
“In previous seasons, I might have buckled. Not now. There’s a fire to bring more trophies home.”
Thrilling Matches and Standout Performances
Barry Hawkins Defeats Ronnie O’Sullivan
Barry Hawkins’ triumph over O’Sullivan is undoubtedly one of the tournament’s defining moments. After losing four previous encounters, Hawkins finally overcame the Rocket, proving his resilience on the big stage.
Ding Junhui’s Late Drama
Three-time UK Champion Ding Junhui showcased his brilliance and grit in a nail-biting match against Robert Milkins. After a stellar 135 break to tie the match at 5-5, Ding closed it out in the decider, sealing a 6-5 victory.
Dave Gilbert Advances
Dave Gilbert secured a hard-fought 6-4 win against Xiao Guodong, highlighted by a crucial 63 break in the final frame.
Today’s Fixtures
The action continues with some highly anticipated matches:
Afternoon Session (1 PM GMT)
- Mark Allen vs. Jackson Page
- Ali Carter vs. Ryan Day
Evening Session (7 PM GMT)
- Mark Selby vs. Jack Lisowski
- Si Jiahui vs. Wu Yize
Mark Selby’s clash with Jack Lisowski is set to be a standout tie, promising top-notch snooker from two of the sport’s finest players.
Netflix’s Upcoming Snooker Documentary
Adding to the buzz, Netflix is filming a new documentary on Barry and Eddie Hearn, the masterminds behind Matchroom Sport. Slated for release in June 2025, the series promises an in-depth look at the Hearns’ influence across boxing, darts, and snooker.
The show is being developed by the creators of the hit Formula One series, Drive to Survive, and aims to offer unrestricted access to the lives of these sports promoters.
UK Championship Prize Money Breakdown
The stakes are high with a total prize pool of £1,205,000. Here’s how it’s divided:
- Winner: £250,000
- Runner-up: £100,000
- Semi-finalist: £50,000
- Quarter-finalist: £25,000
- Highest Break: £15,000
Every frame and break counts as players vie for glory and financial rewards.
FAQs
Q: Where is the UK Snooker Championship held?
A: The tournament is held at the York Barbican Centre.
Q: How can I watch the matches live?
A: Matches are broadcast on Eurosport and BBC, with streaming available on discovery+ and BBC iPlayer.
Q: Who are the key players to watch?
A: With O’Sullivan out, keep an eye on Mark Selby, Mark Allen, and Shaun Murphy. Rising stars like Zhao Xintong and Si Jiahui are also making waves.
Q: When is the Netflix snooker documentary releasing?
A: The documentary focusing on Barry and Eddie Hearn is set to premiere globally in June 2025.
