The rarefied air of the Tibetan plateau is presenting a unique challenge to some of snooker’s elite. Mark Williams, Neil Robertson, Kyren Wilson, Xiao Guodong, and Wu Yize are currently competing in the Lhasa Winter Plateau Snooker Challenge, an exhibition event held at a staggering 3,650 meters above sea level.
The altitude isn’t just a mental hurdle; it’s a physiological one. Players are finding themselves reliant on oxygen tanks, even within the confines of their hotel rooms, to combat the thin air. The lack of oxygen is so severe that acclimatization is proving difficult, turning a snooker exhibition into a test of endurance.
Neil Robertson initially dismissed warnings from veteran Mark Williams, who participated in the event last year. A video posted online shows Robertson, visibly surprised, connected to an oxygen tank, exclaiming the experience was “unreal” and questioning if he’d been misled about the conditions.
Despite the physical strain, the players are captivated by the breathtaking scenery. Robertson described the opportunity as a “privilege,” expressing gratitude for the journeys his sport allows him to experience. The stunning vistas of Tibet provide a dramatic backdrop to the unusual competition.
The exhibition isn’t solely about the visiting professionals. Weng Xiaolei, secretary-general of the Xizang Billiards & Snooker Association, emphasized the event’s significant impact on local players. It’s a chance to inspire a new generation and provide invaluable learning opportunities by witnessing the world’s best in action.
The Lhasa challenge serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming Masters tournament, starting January 11th at Alexandra Palace. Players like Xiao Guodong, Robertson, and Wilson will be looking to fine-tune their game before facing top competition in London.
The Masters draw promises thrilling encounters. Wu Yize will face defending champion Shaun Murphy, while Xiao Guodong takes on Mark Selby. A particularly anticipated match pits Neil Robertson against the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan, a clash confirmed by Stephen Hendry despite earlier uncertainty about O’Sullivan’s participation.
O’Sullivan’s late entry adds another layer of excitement to the tournament. After initially suggesting he might skip the Masters, his confirmed match against Robertson sets the stage for a captivating showdown between two of the sport’s biggest stars.
The event in Lhasa, while physically demanding, is proving to be a unique and inspiring experience for all involved, offering a blend of sporting competition and cultural immersion before the intensity of the Masters begins.
