WHO ARE THE BEST SNOOKER PLAYERS AND WHAT SETS THEM APART FROM THE REST?

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The broad aim of my research is to use mathematical modelling and statistical analysis to identify the best snooker players and to explore what differentiates them from the rest. I will be analysing the results of snooker matches to:1. Evaluate alternative mathematical models for ranking and rating professional snooker players (e.g. Elo, Markov & Bradley-Terry models) in order to establish a robust system for quantifying the relative ability of different players which can be used to estimate the underlying probability that one player will beat another. 2. Develop a suitable measure for a player's current form and assess, using appropriate statistical analysis, whether this affects the likely outcome of a match. Similarly, I will test whether there is any statistically significant evidence that within a match the probability that a player will win the next frame is affected by the outcomes of previous frames. I will also gather data from within matches in order to:3. Review the performance measures currently used (e.g. pot success and safety success rates) and consider whether there are any alternative measures which are more strongly associated with the outcome of a match and / or help to explain why some players are more successful than others. Through this I hope to influence the data that is collected and provide a richer source of information for players, coaches, commentators and the wider snooker audience, as well as future analysts and modellers.