Stars Honoured at London Ceremony
The most exciting and busiest snooker season for a long, long time reached a fitting climax at London’s Dorchester Hotel last night as World Snooker recognised the achievements of its players at the first Annual Awards ceremony since Barry Hearn took over the sport twelve months ago.
The ceremony was attended by leading players including Mark Williams, Judd Trump, Steve Davis, Jimmy White, Shaun Murphy, Allister Carter and Ken Doherty.
World champion, John Higgins picked up the Player of the Year Award and was also named Journalist’s choice.
Wishaw's Higgins enjoyed an exceptional 2010/11 season, winning the 12BET.com UK Championship, Wyldecrest Park Homes Welsh Open and Betfred.com World Championship.
"I'm honoured to have been named Player of the Year," said Higgins, who beat Judd Trump 18-15 in a thrilling World final last Monday. "It's a fantastic way to round off what has been an incredible season. Winning a fourth World title was a new high in my career, and I hope there are many more titles to come."
Crucible runner-up Trump won the Fans Player of the Year and the Performance of the Year for his sensational run of form in the past few weeks, winning the Bank of Beijing China Open and getting to the World final.
The Players Player of the Year vote went in favour of Mark Williams, who won the new German Masters, reached the final at the UK championship and the last four in Sheffield, helping the Welshman regain the number one spot in the world rankings for the third time in his career.
Talented youngster, Jack Lisowski edged Anthony McGill for the Rookie of the Year award, having qualified for two ranking events and climbed to 52nd in the world in his first professional season.
Magic Moment of the Year was awarded to Rory McLeod for his last second win over Tony Drago, culminating in a fluke on the the final black, at the CaesarsCasino.com Snooker Shoot-Out.
The new 147 Club was set up, with seven players being recognised for reaching the magic milestone during the season. Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Kurt Maflin, Barry Hawkins, Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon, Williams and McLeod all received a pair of commemorative cufflinks.
World Snooker also recognised the all-time greats with its Hall of Fame.
The eight players inducted in its first year have won multiple World titles and helped make the sport great: Joe and Fred Davis, John Pulman, Ray Reardon, John Spencer, Alex Higgins, Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry.
