BATTLE FOR WORLD NUMBER ONE

Since the World Snooker Ranking changed from being based on points to being based on money earned, the battle for the top position has not been the most exciting. Mainly because the World Title is worth more than twice as many ranking "points" than the second richest event in the calendar, what makes it nearly impossible for someone that has not won one of the last two World Championships to challenge that top spot (two because the ranking is based on a two years list).

I don't think it's an "unfair" system because the same rules are for everyone, even though personally I'd rather a one-year ranking like tennis'. BUT, this season that battle has been unusually interesting...

Despite having the points he earned for winning the 2019 World Championship wiped, Judd Trump's incredible 11 ranking tournament wins during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons helped him contest a heated race with Selby for the number one spot during this season. But since Trump has so far failed to reach even a ranking semifinal this season, he's now down to number three and his projection take him away from the top.

The new world number two is Ronnie O'Sullivan. The Rocket still has the points of his 2020 World Title and backed them up with 5 ranking finals last season and most recently, the World Grand Prix title in December. 

Closing up on Mark Selby, a title in the Players Championship next week could make Ronnie become the third different world number one of the season. But even if Ronnie can't do it next week, things are looking dangerous for Selby.

The reigning World Champion and world number one is "struggling" on the table this season judging by his own high standards. Selby has failed to qualify for the Players Championship (top 16 ranking points earners of the season qualified) and not playing it will definitely hurt - not to say kill - his chances of qualifying to the Tour Championship (top 8 ranking points earners of the season qualify). Since Ronnie is virtually qualified for the Tour Championship already, it means he'll play two very lucrative events that Selby won't. 

Currently, in the "Race to the Crucible" projection Selby still leads Ronnie by 40,000 "points", and he'll be playing the - also lucrative - inaugural Turkish Masters, which Ronnie won't. However, the Rocket has £ 30,000 guaranteed points from the PC and the TC. So basically, if Ronnie keeps playing well and Selby doesn't improve fast snooker could have a new old world number one.

With £ 500,000 points up for the World Champion to grab at the end of the season, it's impossible to reasonably predict who's going to end the season in that top spot. But it'll still be exciting to find out who's going to arrive in Sheffield this year as the main man. Yet another chapter in the great rivalry between Selby and O'Sullivan - who's your pick?

Life's not only snooker though, so I just want to have a word about Selby recently speaking out about dealing with mental health issues. I really hope he gets well soon, and admire him for speaking out and being an inspiration for people experiencing the same. Here's a NHS link for you to seek information and help if needed. 

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