Ssb - rankings report

[MySockPuppet]

It’s unlikely but not impossible that Ronnie O’Sullivan can overhaul John Higgins at the top of the provisional rankings by the end of the season.

Ronnie could do with Graeme Dott beating Higgins tonight but, whatever happens in Newport, he could go into the Betfred.com World Championship within striking distance of the Wishaw Wizard.

O’Sullivan’s 5-0 demolition of a very poor Jamie Cope today means he is now 7,105 points behind Higgins.

The winner of the Totesport.com Welsh Open picks up 5,000 points, the China Open 7,000 and the World Championship 10,000.

O’Sullivan can therefore still collect 19,500 more points this season – if he wins the last three titles.

This is unlikely to happen but he should at least ensure he finishes second in the end of season list.

Third placed Neil Robertson’s defeat to Ali Carter last night means Carter will overtake him if he reaches the final.

More interesting, though, is the battle for the top 16. As ever, this will come down to the Crucible but there are a few players with things to think about right now.

Chief among them are Joe Perry and Peter Ebdon, whose places are under threat without strong finishes to the campaign.

Perry looks low on confidence and is stationed a precarious 21st. Ebdon occupies 18th spot with Dott in with a chance of pushing him down a further space.

Liang Wenbo (14th) and Ricky Walden (16th) have fallen back after failing to qualify last week.

You can follow the latest moves in the ranking list on Global Snooker here.


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[missneworleans]

Doesnt look theres any chances as long John doesnt go too wrong of course but I dont think that will happen
and battle fof top16 will be really tough

[wildJONESEYE]

Last time John failed to reach a Ranking semi was here 12 months ago..

if he carries that on Ronnie can whistle for the No 1 spot but he wont get it.

[montoya10]

It's very unlikely that Ronnie will have a chance for that spot, but at least, he will want to be ahead of John for next year's provisional rankings, for sure..

Winning the world title looks like his primary aim, though..

[mushka]

Ali could move to the provisional #3? I didn't realize he has had such a good season.

[Alex0paul]

Ali could move to the provisional #3? I didn't realize he has had such a good season.

He started it provisionally number 2 so really he has dropped down.

[mushka]

That's the reason then, because I thought he was also number 5 provisionally.

[Matt_2745]

Bit of a plug but I've got my even more updated rankings up to date here.

Fu starting to struggle now while I can't see Perry getting back into the 16.

[The Boss]

Bit of a plug but I've got my even more updated rankings up to date here.

Fu starting to struggle now while I can't see Perry getting back into the 16.

One qualifying match for each event isn't the end of the world. Drago needed 4 and even if he needed 10, The Boss was never going to go away quietly. They would have needed as many guys as the end of Scarface (Tony's favourite) to bring him down. The same for the Manager

[Matt_2745]

The Manager

Yeah he's been in and out of the top 16 before, don't expect him to drop off the face of the earth or anything. Guess the hardest thing though is that you are playing top 16 players in the last 32 which makes it tough to go further if you keep drawing players like Higgins that early.

Bit like Walden, seems to keep getting Higgins and Selby.

[superaussie]

Ali could move to the provisional #3? I didn't realize he has had such a good season.

only if he defends the title which wont happen

[superaussie]

Third placed Neil Robertson’s defeat to Ali Carter last night means Carter will overtake him if he reaches the final

no if carter loses the final he will be 5 points behind robbo