Eleven days, sixty four players, sixteen groups and one hundred twenty eight matches. It all culminated to the final frame being the deciding factor as to who would win this iteration of the Championship League. Snooker was the first sport to return to television as viewers were provided with short-form, high drama matches that involved many of snooker’s top players. Let’s revisit the final day.
Breakdown
This breakdown will provide a brief rundown of each of the six games that transpired on the final day for those that weren’t able to watch them all.
Game 1 – Brecel vs. Bingham (3-0)
Likely surprising to most, but it only took Brecel three frames to run away with this opening match. Despite a slower opening first frame in which Bingham was playing better overall safety, Brecel was able to capitalise on a couple of critical mistakes to win and follow up with a 105 and 106 break. Bingham only potted three balls in this match. This is where Brecel won the day, in my opinion.
Game 2 – Woollaston vs. Day (3-1)
A bad day at the office as Day was unable to replicate his form from the previous group. He was able to secure the first frame with a break of 60 but a series of unforced errors allowed Woollaston to take advantage and win the next two frames. Day wasn’t able to salvage a draw as Woollaston laid a lengthy snooker which took his opponent a handful of attempts to escape.
Game 3 – Day vs. Brecel (2-2)
Brecel established a 2-1 lead against Day, aided by a break of 85 in Frame 1 as Day struggled in the following frames. However, in the fourth frame, it’s as if nothing changed from his form in the previous group as he made a comfortable 105.
Game 4 – Bingham vs. Woollaston (3-1)
Woollaston was a lot more nervy this match as Bingham realised he needed to win his next two matches to have a chance of winning the group. Bingham played a very clever safety shot using the brown as he made a 74 in Frame 1. He followed up with a win in Frame 2 (which took a few attempts) however, Woollaston was able to hit back with a 75. Although, Bingham’s fierce competitiveness carried him though a 71 break in the final frame.
Game 5 – Bingham vs. Day (2-2)
Due to his opening loss, Bingham had been chasing for the rest of the day. It didn’t help as Day claimed the first frame after a good safety shot. With the pressure all on Bingham he was able to take Frame 2 despite a miscue, but a miss to left centre in Frame 3 allowed Day to make a 71. Day seemed quite drained at this point as both players seemed resigned in the final frame as Bingham ended with a draw thanks to a break of 55.
Game 6 – Brecel vs. Woollaston (2-2)
Rank no. 37 vs. 38; Brecel requiring two frames whereas, Woollaston needed a victory. Loose safety from Woollaston allowed Brecel to take Frame 1 with a 67 – easing the pressure a little for Brecel. However, a turning point came in the next frame as Woollaston fluked a monstrous pink in the middle of a 141 break. Woollaston was able to finish that break as well as follow up with another century of 126.
The final frame was now a must-win for both players. Woollaston made a very close attempt at a tricky red which led to the careful 111 break made by Brecel as he wins the Championship League. Easily the best match of the day and perhaps the tournament as both players contributed to a viewing spectacle which most would commend if it involved two Top 16 players.
Afterthoughts
It was a wonderful final day eclipsed only by the top notch final match contested between Brecel and Woollaston. I’m ecstatic that Brecel was able to win this tournament as he was under severe pressure in the final stages which was giving me flashbacks to his 2017 WSC match against Marco Fu (click here to read that Short). Although, he was able to hold his nerve and remain composed as he compiled his winning break.
As for Woollaston, he should take pride in his performance throughout the event as he impressed many with his ability to make centuries and fight with his back against the wall as he went into the final match as the underdog, requiring three frames. Despite the result not going his way, Woollaston should take confidence from his performances going into future tournaments and not get intimidated by the top players, because the game is there.
Lastly, a huge credit to the team involved with bringing this tournament to television. This includes those behind the scenes (cleaners, testers, organisers) and those on camera (referees, commentators, presenters and players). The safety and precautionary measures were clearly well thought out and maintained throughout the event and I, for one, am grateful for the option to see snooker back on screen. Hopefully, the prevalent audio hiss will be fixed for the Tour Championship but all things considered, everything seemed to mesh well from the commentary, to the presenting, to the matches – even in the absence of an audience.
Another slight note, I noticed a lot of people commenting on the rests and extensions being far away from the players causing them to have to walk a considerable way to get their equipment but I reckon this is down to a television decision where producers likely didn’t want the ‘disruption’ of broom handles ‘interrupting the viewing experience’.
Like this Short? Click here to read: What You Need to Know About the Snooker Championship League
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