The 2022 World Snooker Championships are in qualifying, with 24 amateur players getting the chance to play. While the first round of qualifying was fairly spectacular, the competition was fierce and this was a particularly valuable opportunity for amateur players.
World champion Mark Williams was also watching the qualifiers, and his remarks sparked controversy, with a particular emphasis on 24 amateurs competing in the Professional Snooker Tournament and the use of the word professional in larger fonts.
Previously, another world champion, Sean Murphy, lost to amateur player Scarlett In the British Championship, after the game, he said that amateur players should not participate in professional competitions and should not compete with professional players for jobs. This statement caused a heated discussion, and there were many voices against Sean Murphy, and under the pressure of public opinion, Sean Murphy subsequently apologized. Many fans said at the time that Sean Murphy had a feeling of inability to lose, and that losing to amateur players would have made him lose face.
Although Mark Williams did not explicitly state that amateur players should not participate in the World Championships, there was also some directionality. Some netizens asked mark Williams on the social platform: Amateur players participate, is it not easier to win? Mark Williams replied: Not necessarily, they don't have a lot of pressure, but it's a lot of pressure for professional players who are trying to stay on the tour.
For Mark Williams' attitude, there are also some people who support and some who oppose, and giving amateur players the opportunity to participate also reflects the inclusiveness and diversity of competitive sports, and perhaps it is such an opportunity that will greatly increase the confidence of an amateur player and become a turning point in his career. In addition, through such games, it may also be possible to find talents in the amateur player group.
Either way, in the end, it depends on strength and status. Looking at this World Championship, the most concerned amateur player is undoubtedly China's youngster Si Jiahui. This season, he has played in professional competitions many times, not only beating Sean Murphy, but also beating other seeded players, showing good potential. It can be said that Scarlett proved himself with the game, and indirectly punched Sean Murphy in the face.
This time at the World Championships, Scarlett eliminated Zach Shurtti in the first round, who was officially relegated, which is the survival of the fittest. Previously, in the amateur competition, Scarlett has already obtained the professional qualification for next season, so there is no pressure at this World Championship, just trying to play at his best level.
What's next with the results to hit back at Mark Williams? For Scarlett, the second round of qualifying is a life-and-death battle, as his opponent is the more powerful Jamie Clark, a player who played the dark horse at the World Championships. I hope that Scarlett will give it a go and prove his strength with his achievements again!