This year's Snooker World Championship could be the most unpredictable in living memory, after eight different players won the eight different major ranking events that have been held this season. The snooker public help us dissect just how exciting the 17 days of competition are going to be.
"This year's competition is very open, the standard of play is so high"
Australian Neil Robertson has been tipped by many to achieve success this year. James Grant, 18, suggests "he's a consistent player which is crucial in such a long tournament". Craig Brown, 38, agrees 'he could well go close', whilst James Gray, 27, questions some "unusual results this season" for the Cambridge-based star.
Craig believes that Ronnie O'Sullivan is the favourite if he 'turns up mentally', a key point considering his recent loss of excitement for the game, although he does still lead the way in event victories and match win percentage this season. James Grant agrees that the Rocket has been "the best in terms of success this season".
James Gray suggests you cannot rule out the underdog in this year's competition. '"artin Gould has been excellent and taken a few people by surprise, so it could be his year'" particularly after a shock German Masters victory.
"He's played some vintage snooker"
Robertson and O'Sullivan no doubt have the quality, but come into the tournament lacking match practice and form. Judd Trump is arguably at the top of his game right now after China Open success, but Craig identifies that he '"ever produces in Sheffield", whilst James Gray believes '"he could be the man to lift the trophy as he will have the highest level of confidence".
Craig also explains how John Higgins 'has had a really good season and at times played some vintage snooker". He also suggests that Mark Allen is "one of the men in form at the moment". Michael Stacey, 42, believes that Ricky Walden could have an outside shot '"as the most improved player", whilst David Flaherty explains he has been '"consistent all season'"
It also cannot be forgotten that Mark Selby is the current world number one, whilst Stuart Bingham is the reigning champion, as the list of potential winners looks to be endless. David and Michael sum up many people's thoughts that there are 'about five or six potential winners'. David also expects Shaun Murphy to be in with a shout.
"I don't know what to expect"
"Excitement, excitement, excitement" is the way Craig would describe the tournament, whilst James Grant suggests "I don't know what to expect' in 'the most open tournament I can remember" as has been claimed by James Gray.
One thing is for certain, anyone who has tickets for the World Championship at the Crucible will not be disappointed. Craig concludes "it's not the biggest, but it's electric inside' as snooker prepares for 'the most exciting 17 days on the calendar". As David admitted, all snooker fans are "looking forward to two and a half weeks of snooker on the greatest stage".