The UK Championship is one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year in snooker. It is one of the three Triple Crown events in the sport and this year’s draw is set to include the leading players in the world.
Here is a look at the leading contenders for the famous trophy in York.
Ronnie O’Sullivan
No player has won the UK Championship trophy more than Ronnie O’Sullivan. When he prevailed in 2018, he did so for the seventh time in his career, breaking the record he held at the time along with Steve Davis.
The number one ranked player in the world rankings has had a shaky start to the new season. But despite that form, he is the +450 co-favorite in the snooker UK Championship odds, as he often produces his best in this event.
The Rocket showed earlier this year at the Crucible that he remains the man to beat in the big tournament. If he can reproduce the form he showed in Sheffield, he could be set for his eighth win in this competition.
Neil Robertson
In 2020, Neil Robertson won one of the closest finals in the history of the UK Championship. In a final frame decider, he potted the final pink and black to seal a 10-9 win against Judd Trump.
Robertson has had a great year in 2022. He has been victorious in the Masters, Players Championship Finals, and Tour Championship. Success in York would cap off an excellent 12 months for the Australian.
If he is triumphant this year, Robertson would hold the record for the most wins in the tournament from an overseas player.
Mark Allen
Former Masters winner Mark Allen goes into the UK Championship on the back of success in the Northern Ireland Open. The local star defended his crown in Belfast in the ranking event where he continued his strong start to the season.
Champion @pistol147 salutes ‘hero’ dad as he retains his Northern Ireland Open title in style at Waterfront Hallhttps://t.co/ZDlLkVqitc
— Belfast Telegraph Sport (@BelTel_Sport) October 23, 2022
Allen has reached the final of the UK Championship on two occasions, but he has yet to lift the trophy. The Pistol tops the one-year money ranking list this season, which means he has won more prize money than any other player in the 2022/23 campaign to date.
Judd Trump
Former world number one Trump has won 23 ranking titles so far, which puts him sixth on the all-time list. By the time he ends his career, he is likely to be much higher. The Ace in The Pack has arguably been the most dominant player on the World Snooker Tour over the last three years.
Trump has only won the UK Championship once. He came out on top in 2011, beating Allen 10-6. Since then, he was beaten in the final in 2014 and 2020. The three-time Player of the Year will be hoping to add to his Triple Crown tally this season, starting with the opening of those three events.
The final of the UK Championship is set to take place on November 20, and it will take place over the best of 19 frames, with the winner scooping a cheque for £250,000 ($280,000).