The qualifying event for the Masters takes place later this month where one of the two wildcards for the game's most prestigious invitation tournaments will be sewn up.
The second will presumably be handed out after the UK Championship.
Wildcards should reward success on the table and popularity.
With this in mind, here are the three favourites for this season's Wembley event:
1) Liang Wenbo
2) Liang Wenbo
3) Liang Wenbo
The 22 year-old Chinese reached the Shanghai Masters final this season, is into the provisional top 16 and would enhance the tournament's international flavour.
If he doesn't get the wildcard it will be the biggest surprise since Louis Walsh picked those annoying Irish twins.
But who else could be in with a shout?
Well, Joe Swail reached the Welsh Open final.
Ken Doherty has enjoyed a resurgence this season.
Jamie Cope and Judd Trump would bring a younger feel to proceedings.
But surely Liang is going to get the call, unless there is a major shock at the UK Championship.
12 comments:
Wenbo can clinch his place by winning the qualifier for which he will be one of the favorites. You are quite right Dave, on this seasons performances so far he definitely deserves it.
I think you're spot on Dave - Liang must be a heavy favourite. I'd say only a run to the UK final by a player not in the Masters could take the place now.
So perhaps what will be more interesting will be the Masters qualifiers themselves. I think there are nine (from memory) players who have made it through both qualifying tournaments so far this season Doherty, Wenbo, Bond, Bingham, Greene, Cope, Selt, King and Stevens. So those would be my first port of call for a winner...head on the block time I'll go for Cope.
Someone pointed to me that Liang Wenbo does not enter the qualifying tournament. I checked on GSC and indeed, he isn't there. I find this VERY surprising. Has he got a certainty already that he will be chosen? Or is he not interested?
I agree also
Those twins are complete tools
Signed
A Proud Irishman
PS. Also agree with Dave on Wenbo, have been a big fan of his game since I saw him play at at around 14 years of age. He has done more than enough to be considered.
But knowing World Snooker they'll probably give it to David Gray
I think last year it was announced before Telford. If so Liang is a shoo in. However if not then what about Trump if he wins the Premier League, would that not then give Liang a run for his money. Of course we could get all sentimental and give it to Jimmy White!!
Great to see David. I feel that it is rather fitting that the subject of The Masters at Wembley arises today,for the following reason. I think a word of rememberance should also be said for Paul Hunter today as it would be his 31st birthday. Hunter will always be remebered for The Masters at wembley, and many other moments of snooker legend. R.I.P PAUL HUNTER...
nah they'll give it to Rodney Goggins
id have trump there
next pick, stevens
next pick wenbo
When B & H were the sponsors they decided that the wild card would be chosen from amongst those who entered the qualifying competion. I could understand the sentiment if this still applied today
JAMIE O'REILLY said...
I think a word of rememberance should also be said for Paul Hunter today as it would be his 31st birthday. Hunter will always be remebered for The Masters at wembley, and many other moments of snooker legend. R.I.P PAUL HUNTER...
Concur
How long will it take for the ignorant masses to realize his family name is Liang?
Jimmy White is the one one I can think of who would still pull in the crowds so I'd give it to him.
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