Flukes, a 147 Break, and a Crown

Welcome to this week’s edition of Snooker Weekly, where we celebrate a thrilling UK Championship finale and gear up for the fast-paced chaos of the Shoot Out! Judd Trump claimed his second UK crown after an intense 10-8 showdown against Barry Hawkins, solidifying his spot among snooker’s greats. From Zhang Anda’s 147 brilliance to flukes, controversies, and shifts in world rankings, we dive into all the tournament highlights. Plus, we explore the buzzing snooker scene beyond York.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Judd Trump wins UK Championship
Judd Trump secured his second UK Championship title with a hard-fought 10-8 victory over Barry Hawkins in York. The match showcased intense competition, with Hawkins putting up a valiant fight despite a grueling semi-final the night before. Trump’s precision and breaks, including a brilliant 133, helped him maintain control, although Hawkins narrowed the gap with some impressive clears. In the end, Trump’s composure and a decisive 67-point break sealed his triumph 13 years after his first win. This victory adds to his growing tally of major titles, reaffirming his place among snooker’s elite. Meanwhile, Hawkins, despite his resilience, remains winless in Triple Crown finals.

The UK Championship’s other highlights:

• Zhang Anda makes the third 147 break of his career, which is the 208th in snooker history! See the full updated list of official 147 breaks.

• Both Judd Trump and Neil Robertson were left frustrated and disappointed with playing conditions at the UK Championship after their first round clash. Ronnie O’Sullivan think they should stop complaining about it.

• A horror-breakoff by Stuart Bingham.

• A silly fluke by Gary Wilson. An even sillier frame in the same match.

• World rankings update after the 2024 UK Snooker Championship: Reviewing the biggest moves.

🔀 In other news

• Who is the best or most deserving player without a Triple Crown title in snooker? A top 10 list by Totally Snookered.

• UK Championship snooker referee Tatiana Woollaston opens up about getting into the sport, not wanting to play herself and how she juggles officiating with a full-time job

• Mark Allen takes aim at Shaun Murphy over UK Championship commentary.

• Why Luca Brecel is battling World Snooker Tour survival.

• Neil Robertson will not be invited to the 2025 Masters.

• Totally Snookered launched a YouTube channel. “Going to be producing more short-format video content for Totally Snookered moving forwards, including interviews with players.”

🎙️ Snooker podcast episodes

Last week’s Snooker podcast episodes include:

• Michael Day from Totally Snookered joins the Snooker Hall podcast for an in depth discussion on the UK Championship, Judd Trump's ruthless streak, controversy on the table and in the commentary box. Also, we reflect on the sad passing of the great Terry Griffiths.

• In the Snooker Breakfast Podcast Alan looks ahead to the UK Championship quarter-finals in York, and looks ahead to its final.

• Dave Hendon looks back at the life and career of Terry Griffiths following his sad passing on Sunday night in the latest Snooker Scene episode.

• Snooker Club has Ken Doherty as a guest. This week the trio discuss the opening stages of the Victorian Plumbing UK Championship, including Ronnie O'Sullivan's early exit and Jack Lisowski's stunning victory over Mark Selby.

If you have any tips for the next issue of this newsletter or would like to contact me, just reply to this email. Every tip and suggestion is appreciated. Feel free to forward this newsletter.

Thanks for reading, and see you next week!