Wikipedia - 2019 UK Championship
The 2019 UK Championship (officially the 2019 Betway UK Championship) was a professional snooker tournament that took place from 26 November to 8 December 2019 in the Barbican Centre, York, England. The 43rd edition of the UK Championship, it was the seventh ranking tournament and the first Triple Crown event of the 2019–20 season. The event was broadcast on BBC Sport in the United Kingdom and on Eurosport throughout Europe. The tournament was sponsored by betting company Betway.
The defending champion, Ronnie O'Sullivan, had won the previous two championships, defeating Shaun Murphy 10–5 in the 2017 final, and Mark Allen 10–6 in the 2018 final. O'Sullivan was eliminated in the last 16 by Ding Junhui, who won the match 6–4 and proceeded to reach the final of the event, defeating compatriots Liang Wenbo and Yan Bingtao, both 6–2, in the two intervening rounds. Ding's opponent in the final was Stephen Maguire, who had won his semi-final 6–0 against Mark Allen. Ding defeated Maguire 10–6 to win his third UK championship.
Barry Hawkins compiled a maximum break in the fourth frame of his first round match with Gerard Greene. It was the first maximum break to be made at the UK Championship since 2016, and the third of Hawkins' career. There were a total of 139 century breaks in the event.
The tournament is organized by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) and has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1977. It is considered one of the Triple Crown events in snooker, alongside the World Championship and the Masters.
The UK Championship is known for its high level of competition and intense matches. The tournament features a format of 128 players initially, who battle it out in a series of knockout rounds. The matches are played over multiple frames, with the final being a best-of-19 frames.
The venue for the UK Championship varies each year, but it is usually held in a prestigious location in Great Britain, such as the Barbican Centre in York or the York Barbican. These venues provide a grand stage for the players to showcase their skills and entertain the snooker enthusiasts.
The tournament offers a substantial prize fund, attracting top players from all over the world. Previous winners include snooker legends such as Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O'Sullivan, and John Higgins. The UK Championship is known for producing memorable moments and thrilling matches that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The UK Championship 2019 promises to be another exciting edition of this prestigious tournament. Snooker fans can expect to witness intense battles, incredible shots, and nail-biting finishes as the world's best players compete for the title. With its rich history and reputation, the UK Championship continues to be a highlight of the snooker calendar, captivating fans and players alike.