It’s been almost two months since the last ranking event champion for the interrupted 2019/20 campaign was crowned.
Judd Trump triumphed at the Gibraltar Open in March just before snooker, sport, and all ways of life were thrown into chaos as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
That victory for the world number one, played out inside an empty arena, represented the Englishman’s sixth this term – a new record for a single season.
Trump’s maiden success at this level occurred nine years ago at the China Open in Beijing, and he has since developed into one of the game’s most prolific winners.
By contrast, there have been numerous competitors down through the years who have, for one reason or another, not managed to support initial glory with further scenes of celebration.
For players in the early years, it was more difficult to claim silverware in a ranking event primarily because there were a limited number to compete in.
Indeed, between the first officially classified ranking event in 1974 and 1982, there was only one – the World Championship itself.
As the sport expanded, so too were the number of events staged and the quality of player featuring at the higher echelons increasing.
From Davis in the 1980s to Hendry in the 1990s, and the Snooker Trinity of O’Sullivan, Higgins, and Williams who have won 88 ranking titles between them in the last 25 or so years, it’s often been difficult for the support cast to break through on a consistent basis.
Many players have enjoyed their moment in the spotlight, though, if only briefly.
There have been 30 one-time ranking event winners on the Main Tour since the 1970s, and for the avoidance of doubt this quiz doesn’t include events from any minor ranking series like the now defunct PTCs.
The question is, can you name them? (surnames are accepted)
Click here if you can’t see the quiz.
