23.10.06

HIGGINS NAMED SNOOKER WRITERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR

John Higgins has been named Highland Spring Player of the Year for season 2005/6 by the Snooker Writers' Association.

The 31 year old won two major tournaments during the campaign – the GrandPrix and Saga Masters – and finished runner up in two others.

Higgins is currently defending his title in front of his home fans at theRoyal London Watches Grand Prix in Aberdeen.Graeme Dott wins the Highland Spring Achievement of the Year award, for his magnificent success in the 888.com World Championship.

Dott, who had never previously won a major tournament, defeated Peter Ebdon 18-14 to lift the game’s ultimate prize after an epic final at the CrucibleTheatre in Sheffield.

The Wheels In Motion/Paul Hunter Newcomer of the Year accolade goes to Michael White, who won the World Grand Prix, the game’s leading amateur event, in his home country of Wales at the age of just 14.

This award was re-named last week in honour of the late Paul Hunter, who won it himself in 1998.

Richard Balani’s contribution to the game is recognised with the Highland Spring Special Award. Balani’s efforts have made Malta one of the leading venues for major tournament snooker for many years.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Dave,

Really pleased for Michael White!

Has a snooker player ever won 'Player of The Year,' without domination the season?

I do understand that if one player wins most tournaments he should be given the accolade - even more so, today, with the lack of tournaments - but I just wondered whether a player had won it, without winning much silverware?

Thanks, Joe