November 21st 2024.
Ronnie O'Sullivan, the reigning champion, is back at the UK Championship this year, ready to defend his title against a pool of talented players. As always, the tournament is shaping up to be a thrilling and unpredictable event, with a mix of familiar faces and underdogs vying for the top spot.
With seven different ranking event winners already this season, and Mark Williams' recent victory at the Champion of Champions, the competition is fierce. Many players are feeling confident and in top form, making it difficult to predict who will come out on top.
Although it's often said, this year's qualifiers truly could be the strongest yet. There are some serious contenders among them, making it anyone's game. Even Ken Doherty, who has played in the finals of the UK Championship, sees the potential for multiple winners in the field.
"I'd have to say the usual suspects, like Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Williams who played phenomenally well last week at the Champion of Champions," Doherty shared with Metro. "And of course, we can't discount Ronnie O'Sullivan, who loves this tournament and is the defending champion."
But Doherty also has his eye on some unexpected players, like Si Jiahui and Xiao Guodong, who have both impressed so far this season. "You look at someone like Si Jiahui, who has the potential to make a name for himself in this tournament," Doherty said. "And Xiao Guodong, who played incredibly well last week, could continue his strong performance."
There are also some strong contenders coming from the qualifying rounds, such as Jack Lisowski and Neil Robertson, who no one will want to face if they make it to the main event. Doherty also mentioned Stuart Bingham as a potential threat, adding to the already stacked list of top players.
Former champion Zhao Xintong is also making a comeback after a ban from the sport, and he's just one match away from qualifying for the main event. Doherty believes he could be a serious threat, especially since he has fond memories of the UK Championship, having won it before.
"The way he's been playing this week in his comeback, he's been absolutely flying," Doherty said of Zhao. "He's been making big breaks and I don't see him slowing down anytime soon. He'll be a tough one to beat."
Doherty also emphasized the importance of positive memories and vibes in a venue, citing players like Ding Junhui and Stephen Maguire, who have had success at the UK Championship in the past. "It's all about the memories," he explained. "Certain venues just bring out the best in players, and if you've had success there before, it can give you a real boost and confidence."
On a personal note, Doherty shared that he had enjoyed playing at the Barbican in York, despite losing in two finals there. "I had a nightmare one year against O'Sullivan, and another heartbreaker against Williams," he recalled. "But I still loved the venue, the atmosphere, and the city. I have a feeling it's going to be a great week for the tournament."
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