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The Snooker German Masters will take place from 26 to 30 January. Since returning to the racing calendar in 2011, this popular event has brought many classic moments. Today we will first review the 2011-2016 finals.
2011 - Mark Williams 9-7 Mark Selby
The first final of the Return of the German Masters welcomed two top players. Williams eventually won, the first of his two German Masters titles.
Williams, who was second in the world at the time, led 7-4 at one point and was chased by Selby to 7 draws. However, the Welshman blocked Selby's counterattack and locked up his 15th crown with a single 82 points.
The title is crucial for Williams, especially after the British Championship final was reversed by Higgins a few months ago. "I'm really happy, I was very nervous about this race because of the incredible crowds and also because of the British Championship. When Selby was about to tie the score, I sat in my chair and thought, 'Am I going to let victory slip away again?' But then I realized there was very little I could do, and it made me relax. ”
Both Williams and Selby will compete in this year's German Masters. Williams played against Zhao Xintong in the first round, and the focus battle was played at 22:00 Beijing time on January 26; Selby first drew with Chis, and the kick-off time was 17:00 on January 27.
2012 - Ronnie O'Sullivan 9-7 Stephen Maguire
This classic final saw O'Sullivan end his 29-month ranking title drought. Maguire led 3-1 and then pulled the score to 6-3, but O'Sullivan took six of the next seven innings to win the championship.
"It was a great game and the atmosphere was amazing – I want to give all the credit to Stephen because he's a top player. I've been wondering if I can win the rankings again. ”
"I fell behind 4-0 but won in the first round (O'Sullivan trailed 0-4 to 5-4 against Higginson) and won the title. I'm still not sure I can keep the top 16, but now I can enjoy this title. It's great that I'm competitive again and doing my best to have moments like this. Whether I can play at Sheffield or not, this title is great. ”
When O'Sullivan won the German Masters, his top 16 spots were in jeopardy. However, the Rockets not only managed to retain that position, but also won their fourth World Championship title a few months later.
This year, O'Sullivan, who has already won six world championships, will not return to Berlin, losing to ST Singles Limited Time Champion Vafi in the first round of the qualifying round, while Maguire will participate in the Main German Masters, the first round against Forde, which will be played at 3:00 a.m. Beijing time on January 27.
2013 - Ali Carter 9-6 Fu Jiajun
Carter caught up from a one-time lag and won the title in his first final at the German Masters.
The Captain trailed 3-5 after the first stage, but he opened fire as soon as he came up late and took the initiative from the game. At one point, Carter let Fu Jiajun not score for 86 minutes, 6-5. Fu Jiajun chased 6 draws, but this set did not help the game, and Carter won the next three sets to win the championship.
2014 - Ding Junhui 9-5 Judd Trump
Ding Junhui continued the best of his career, convincingly beating Trump in Berlin. This was Ding Junhui's fourth ranking title that season, and he went on to win the China Open to achieve five single-season titles.
Trump briefly led 4-2 but lost the crucial seventh inning. Ding Junhui then turned on the scoring mode, scoring 460 consecutive points and winning 7-4. He then held on to the advantage and sealed the win 9-5.
2015 - Mark Selby 9-7 Sean Murphy
It was Selby's first title since winning the World Championship for the first time in 2014. The Leicester Joker won the title in a tough game.
Selby flew directly from Shanghai to Berlin before the first round, and he had just finished second in the men's category at the inaugural Chinese Billiards World Championships (losing 19-21 to Epton in the final). He fell behind 2-5 at one point in the final, but won seven innings in the next nine innings.
"Just came back from China and I don't have high expectations for this game. I always believed I could win, but because I was a little tired, I knew it was going to be tough and I had to show my tenacity. Maybe this kind of thinking has helped me unload my baggage, but I have been chanting mantras to myself because I know that if I lose in the end, I can only blame myself. Can't believe I'm standing here and winning the championship. ”
2016 - Martin Gould 9-5 Luca Brechel
In fact, Gould won the third ranking final and won the ranking championship for the first time. He had previously lost the final of the 2011 Players' Championship and the 2015 Australian Open.
Brechel's first title will have to wait, but a year later, he won the 2017 China Open. Of course, mention this season's victory at the Scottish Open.
Gould said after the game: "I was relieved to win the first title. I struggled a bit early in the race and there was pressure because I knew I was ranking higher, so people thought I was going to win. Taking a 3-1 lead in the first four innings calmed me down. I made a few mistakes but responded nicely. It's a great feeling to win. ”
"My arm was shaking when I hit the last few balls. Back in my seat I kissed my finger lightly and pointed to the sky (Gould's mother died 12 years ago). I'm sure she's watching from heaven right now, and she'll be happy for me and have a toast tonight. ”
Brechel will strike again at this year's German Masters. He faced Anda Zhang in the first round at 22:00 on January 26.
The German Masters returned to Berlin, the Chinese legion attacked many people, and big names such as Trump and Robertson gathered again. Kuaishou "Star Club" broadcast the German Masters live from January 26 to 30, and the snooker feast before the Spring Festival, so stay tuned!