A complex networks approach to ranking professional Snooker players

TL;DR

This paper applies a complex network approach using PageRank to analyze and rank professional Snooker players based on match results from 1968 to 2020, incorporating opponent quality and temporal analysis.

Contribution

It introduces a novel network-based ranking method for Snooker players and a visualization tool called rank-clock, enhancing traditional ranking schemes.

Findings

John Higgins is the top all-time player

Ronnie O'Sullivan ranks second

The approach identifies strongest players in different eras

Abstract

A detailed analysis of matches played in the sport of Snooker during the period 1968-2020 is used to calculate a directed and weighted dominance network based upon the corresponding results. We consider a ranking procedure based upon the well-studied PageRank algorithm that incorporates details of not only the number of wins a player has had over their career but also the quality of opponent faced in these wins. Through this study we find that John Higgins is the highest performing Snooker player of all time with Ronnie O'Sullivan appearing in second place. We demonstrate how this approach can be applied across a variety of temporal periods in each of which we may identify the strongest player in the corresponding era. This procedure is then compared with more classical ranking schemes. Furthermore, a visualization tool known as the rank-clock is introduced to the sport which allows for immediate analysis of the career trajectory of individual competitors. These results further demonstrate the use of network science in the quantification of success within the field of sport.