With the first round of the world snooker championships complete, some of the big names have been dispatched home and so we discuss the some of the best snooker game so far.
The first casualty was last years winner, Stuart Bingham, who suffered a final frame defeat to Ali Carter 10-9.
Neil Robertson was sent packing by Michael Holt, who played an excellent match to defeat the former world champion and current UK champion. Holt has shown some good form in recent months by also defeating Ronnie O’Sullivan in the first round of the Grand Prix. He will be hoping to go further in the world championships this year after defeating Robertson in one of the best snooker game of the first round.
Stephen Maguire was also defeated by fellow Scot, Alan McManus who showed good form. McManus now plays Ali Carter.
Anthony McGill beat Shaun Murphy in an impressive performance to see last years finalist sent home early in one of the best snooker game so far of the championships. McGill has a decent record in the crucible or the past 2 years and seems to enjoy playing here.
Even though these exits have come as a shock to some people, quite a few of the big names are still in the mix to win this years snooker world championships.
Most notably, Ronnie O’Sullivan made headlines by refusing to take part in his post match press conference and receiving a fine from world snooker.
Judd Trump did very well to come back from 7-3 to beat Liang Wembo, who looked odds on to win that match and cause an upset. Again one of the best snooker game of the first round.
Ding Junhui played a fantastic match against Martin Gould with some fantastic breaks and edge of your seat snooker.
Kyren Wilson also played a brilliant match against Joe Perry that went all the way to a final frame decider.
Marco Fu saw Peter Ebdon’s hopes disappear in a good performance, beating Ebdon 10-2 in a very efficient performance.
Mark Selby and John Higgins both cruised their ways into the second round seeing off their opponents quickly.
There is certainly room for some qualifiers to do well this year. Eyes will be on the likes of McGill, and Ding, who both qualified and seem to be in top form who will be hoping to produce some of the best snooker game of their seasons.
O’Sullivan is still the top dog though and the man to beat this year, but how will the events during the week effect his performance?
