Not only did John Higgins’ World Championship triumph secure him a place among the snooker greats (if he did not have one already that is), but it has also ensured that he will be competing in the Premier League next season for a third successive campaign…
Click here to read the article on the Matchroom Sport website.
John said:
“It would have been disappointing if I hadn’t got to play in this year’s Premier League,”
“It’s the type of tournament where you always play in front of packed houses and the way the snooker season is with it not being full it is great to get into the Premier League. You know you’re playing top-class players in top class venues.
“It’s an important tournament for every player, Ronnie O’Sullivan has won the last few years but it just gives you so much exposure and is a very well-run event.”
“Championship League Snooker was fantastic, I really enjoyed it,”
“It gives you tremendous match practice and I want to be down there playing in it next year. It is perfect for the likes of me and I definitely want to play in it again.”
As the article says therefore, we now know the names of three of the seven players who will be competing in this year’s Premier League, but who will join Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins and Judd Trump in the competition?
Personally I would expect Ding Junhui, Stephen Hendry and Mark Selby to be confirmed due to their ability and status in the game, but the final spot I am less sure about. Could it be Ali Carter who has just completed a very consistent season and won his frst ranking event title? Or perhaps world finalist Shaun Murphy or world number two Stephen Maguire?
Steve Davis can also not be ruled out due to his status in the game and connections with event promoter Barry Hearn but given his performances in the competition last season, I suspect that this may be one season too far for him.
One other player who may just have played his way into contention is Mark Allen who having made the World Championship semi-finals as he did recently, appears to have the playing style and personality that would fit in perfectly with the Premier League competition.
It will be very interesting to see who they go with…