Marco Fu: World snooker rankings count for little after Zhang Anda's glorious run to English Open final

Marco Fu insists the world rankings are meaningless in the modern era of snooker. World No. 57 Zhang Anda came within two frames of claiming the English Open title on Sunday as Masters champion Judd Trump hit back from 7-3 behind to complete a 9-7 final triumph. "Zhang Anda played really well yesterday," said Fu. Stream top snooker action live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com

Marco Fu feels world rankings count for little in the modern era of professional snooker with every player good enough to compete with the best.

Speaking ahead of his 5-3 defeat to Wu Yize in the first round of the Wuhan Open on Monday, the Hong Kong icon explained why the ranking lists are irrelevant when it comes to judging the form horses in the sport.

Zhang moved up 17 places in the latest provisional ranking list to world No. 40 after his narrow 9-7 loss to Judd Trump in the English Open final having led 7-3 on Sunday.

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"I think the current rankings shouldn't be taken too seriously because everyone's skills are more or less the same," said Fu, who lost 6-4 to world No. 1 Ronnie O'Sullivan in a memorable Hong Kong Masters final last year.

"I think lower-ranked players often win matches or perform really well. Like Zhang Anda played really well yesterday.

"Even though his ranking isn't very high, I think he has top-16 level skills.

"I think the current level is quite close among all players. When they perform well, it can be exceptionally good."

'There could easily be more to come' - Trump gets his hands on English Open trophy

Video credit: TNT Sports

• How 'monster' Trump showed his 'iron will' to win English Open - Hendon
• O'Sullivan through at Wuhan Open with win over Doherty, Ding defeats Hugill

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Stream top snooker action, including the Wuhan Open, live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com

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