Four to Fight For Number One Ranking in York
The world number one ranking will be up for grabs once again this week with four players in contention to finish the MrQ UK Championship at the summit.
Having topped the standings since April 2022, seven-time UK Championship winner Ronnie O’Sullivan remains in pole position to remain at the head of the world rankings with £887,500 to his name at the start of the tournament.
A record-extending eighth UK crown would see O’Sullivan retain top spot, but any other result could see him overhauled by one of three players.
His closest challenger is Judd Trump, who £21,500 behind at the outset of the tournament, must reach at least the quarter-finals, to lift himself into contention.
Beyond this, the following scenarios would apply:
- If O’Sullivan were to lose in the last 16 or quarter-finals, Trump would need the semi-finals
- If O’Sullivan were to lose in the semi-finals, Trump would need the final
- If O’Sullivan were to lose in the final, Trump would need the title
For remaining chasers Luca Brecel and Mark Allen, the equation is more straightforward as both must reach at least the final if they are to enter the fight, while they will each need the title if O’Sullivan wins his opening match against Anthony McGill in York, or Trump reaches the semi-finals.
Follow the latest scores and reports from the MrQ UK Championship via the WST website.
