We’re down to the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters with a field packed full of top names still fighting it out for the title.
Among the contenders are world number one Mark Selby, who won an impressive five ranking events last season and Judd Trump who alongside his two trophies reached a further three finals and three semi-finals owing to his extreme consistency.
These two players are arguably the hungriest for titles on the tour and will be keen to pick up another piece of silverware before heading into the first Triple Crown event of the campaign coming up at the UK Championship in a little under a fortnight.
So far this week they’ve proved that results are all that count.
Selby – famous for his reputation of getting the job no matter the circumstances – has already had to battle his way through two deciders. He was pegged back from 3-0 up against Chris Wakelin before sealing a win and could never fully shake off Alan McManus before prevailing 5-4.
Despite Selby’s undoubtable brilliance, he often has a habit of wobbling earlier in these kinds of tournaments. But to his credit, it never seems to take its toll on him later tournaments; he gets stronger if anything.
🃏 A tasty 3-ball plant helps @markjesterselby through to the last 16, beating Alan McManus 5-4 #ShanghaiMasters
Trump on the other hand has been in bulldozing form sweeping past Alfie Burden and Ben Woollaston 5-0. Without dropping a single frame, he’ll be feeling super fresh for a tilt at the title.
Also among the names in the hat in the last 16 are Luca Brecel and Ronnie O’Sullivan who have handled the quick turnaround from progressing to the latter stages of the Champion of Champions with enviable ease.
The Belgian has too not dropped a frame at the venue with back-to-back whitewash wins against Welshmen Matthew Stevens and Jamie Jones. O’Sullivan played twice today chalking up a 5-2 win against Gary Wilson and a 5-1 defeat pf Joe Perry.
Elsewhere, Liang Wenbo is stepping up to the mantle of China’s biggest title hopeful in the absence of Ding Junjui well. He comfortably beat David Gilbert 5-0 and looks like he’s relishing his spell in the limelight back home.
