Ricky Walden Player Profile
Ricky Walden Stats
Date of birth: 11 November, 1982
Nationality: England
First turned professional: 2001
Highest ranking: 6
Ranking titles: 3
Triple Crown titles: 0
Crucible best: semi-final
Masters appearances: 5
147 breaks: 1
SHQ Stars:
★★★★
Summary
England’s Ricky Walden first turned professional in 2001 on the back of his victory in the World Under-21 Championship.
His first seasons on the Main Tour didn’t amount to much, but the Cheshire cueist caused a huge upset in 2008 with his success in the Shanghai Masters.
Having already come through two qualifying rounds to reach the venue stages, Walden won another six encounters to claim the title.
Walden beat the likes of Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, and Mark Selby to reach the final, where he upset then world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan for a maiden crown.
Further glories in China followed with victories at the 2012 Wuxi Classic and the 2014 International Championship.
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By that point in his career, Walden had established himself as a top competitior, reaching a career-high ranking of number six in 2015.
However, soon after appearing in three more ranking event finals Walden’s tenure in the top 16 came to an abrupt end.
A serious back injury curtailed his time on the practice table and impacted his performances in competition, resulting in a dramatic drop down the rankings list.
Walden recovered during the 2021/22 term with a string of improved displays and regained his top 16 status at the start of the 2022/23 season.
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Ranking Event Victories
- 2008 Shanghai Masters
- 2012 Wuxi Classic
- 2014 International Championship
Other Notable Victories
- Minor ranking events (2013 Bluebell Wood Open)
- Six Red World Championship (2008)
- General Cup (2009)
Featured photo credit: WST
Ricky Walden Player Profile
SHQ Stars: How it works
| Rating | SHQ Stars | Career Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Black | ★★★★★★★ | multiple world champion; 30+ ranking titles; career triple crown; world no.1 (at least 3) |
| Pink | ★★★★★★ | world champion; 10+ ranking titles; multiple winner of triple crown events; member of top 2; 15+ seasons in top 16 (at least 3) |
| Blue | ★★★★★ | winner of triple crown event; 5+ ranking titles; member of top 4; 12+ seasons in top 16 (at least 2) |
| Brown | ★★★★ | 2+ ranking titles; member of top 8; triple crown event finalist; 8+ seasons in the top 16 (at least 2) |
| Green | ★★★ | ranking title; member of top 16 (at least 1) |
| Yellow | ★★ | member of top 64 |
| Red | ★ | professional |
