No player has ever successfully defended the World title after winning it for the first time. But can the "Jester from Leicester" Mark Selby break the Crucible curse and defend the title that he emphatically claimed last year?
The Leicester cue-man opens his campaign on the first day of the tournament against Crucible debutant Kurt Maflin. Pressure has been a key hindrance throughout the season for Selby, struggling to make an impact at any of the major tournaments during the latter half of 2014. His last 64 loss at the UK Championship in December is not something that he'll want to remember but this year the 31 year-old has re-captured some of the form that last season propelled him to the dizzying heights that culminated at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre. In his tournament victories at the German Masters and the China Open he becomes the only player this season to win two ranking titles which is strong evidence at just how diverse the sport has become to be successful. Unfortunately for Mark however, his China Open win opens up another Crucible hoodoo that will no doubt be hanging over the Leicester man's head. No player has gone on to lift the World crown after securing the China Open title, a tournament that was established way back in 1999. So 16 years later, can another curse finally be lifted?
This year's event is as open as ever and if Selby is to somehow retain it, then he will have to overcome some dangerous opponents. Or, let Ronnie O'Sullivan do it for him. In fact, arguably Ronnie has the tougher half of the draw with a projected second round match against Mark Williams if "The Rocket" can negotiate his way past another Crucible debutant in Craig Steadman. Williams beat O'Sullivan for the first time in 12 years at this seasons International Championship and the in-form Welshman will fancy his chances again if he can overcome compatriot Matthew Stevens in the opening round. O'Sullivan could be poised to face names such as Ding Junhui, John Higgins or Judd Trump if he makes the semi-finals, providing fans with a potential mouth-watering match. You would feel that both Ronnie and Mark will be the "hunted" in this year's championship so the pressure will be fully on last year's finalists to produce their best snooker on the green baize; but there are plenty of dark horses who could scupper there plans and ultimately take the crown.
Reigning Masters champion Shaun Murphy has proved this season that he can beat the very best players in the triple crown events and having been ten years since his sole World title in 2005, Shaun will want to prove that his longevity at the top of the game is far from over. Two players who have had a relatively quiet season are Australia's Neil Robertson and China's Ding Junhui. It was only last season when Ding equalled Stephen Hendry's record of five ranking event titles in one season but has yet to add any this season. His performances at the Crucible have been pretty woeful considering his calibre and with a tough first round match against seasoned pro Mark Davis, there is a strong possibility that Ding's Sheffield exploits may end prematurely again. But for 2010 World Champion Neil Robertson, a comfortable looking draw could see him make another deep run with an opening rubber against Welshman Jamie Jones and then a second round match against either Ali Carter or Alan McManus. If the Australian prevails he then could face Mark Allen in the quarter-finals, so although challenging, it looks like Robertson will be present in the semi-finals.
It's fair to say that there are no easy matches at the Crucible; each one provides a different mental approach that can affect even the best players. But when all said and done, when you look back at previous winners at the Crucible, ironically there is no "fluke" when it comes to champions and this year will be no different. Although the "Crucible Curse" will remain intact, it's Shaun Murphy that heads into the fortnight of snooker action with good form. He has shown some excellent break-building this season and by completing the Triple Crown events by claiming the Master's title in January I believe that "The Magician" has enough tricks up his sleeves to claim his second World title.
Champion: Shaun Murphy
Dark Horse: John Higgins
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