As the first round of the World Snooker Championship unfolds, the tension at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield is palpable. Mark Allen and Fan Zhengyi are locked in a gripping contest, with Allen currently leading 9-6 after a stellar afternoon session on April 21, 2025. After trailing 3-0 early in the match, Allen has stormed back to win seven of the last eight frames, showcasing his resilience and skill.
Fan Zhengyi, the 24-year-old Chinese qualifier, made a notable break of 74 early in the match, but it was Allen's consistent scoring that proved decisive. Allen's afternoon session included impressive breaks of 102 and 57, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on every opportunity. Despite Fan's efforts, including a break of 86, he struggled to maintain momentum against the world number eight from Northern Ireland.
"Mark Allen has started the afternoon session with three successive frames and is surely on course for a place in the second round," commented the BBC's coverage. The first-round matches are best of 19 frames, and with Allen's current form, it seems increasingly difficult for Fan to turn the tide.
Meanwhile, on Table Two, Ding Junhui has taken a commanding 4-0 lead over Zak Surety, who has been unable to find his footing in this high-stakes environment. Surety, who reached the semi-finals of the recent World Open, has struggled against the seasoned Ding, managing only a break of 16 before faltering. The pressure is mounting as Ding aims to advance further after a disappointing exit in the first round in each of the past four years.
As the day progresses, attention shifts to the evening matches, with Si Jiahui facing David Gilbert and John Higgins taking on Joe O'Connor. Higgins, a four-time world champion, will resume his match down 5-4 after a challenging opening session. He has faced criticism for his lack of strong breaks, failing to reach a half-century in nine frames. However, he managed to take the final frame of the morning session, hinting at a potential comeback.
John Parrott, a BBC pundit, humorously likened Higgins to Batman, noting his remarkable ability to escape precarious situations during matches. "John Higgins is just like that. He always gets himself out of a situation when it looks like he’s dead and buried. He’s extricated himself from more perilous situations than Batman," Parrott quipped.
Higgins himself acknowledged the unique challenges of competing at the Crucible as he nears his 50th birthday. "Playing at 10am means I feel as if I need to get up at half 6 or 7am to get my eyes adjusted. With me playing at night at 7pm, I was thinking about it. Around 9pm or half 9 I’m in bed. It just goes to show you how different your life is now," he shared.
Despite his struggles this season, Higgins remains optimistic. He recently claimed the 32nd ranking title of his career at the World Open and followed it up with a victory at the Tour Championship. "It was a concern. The trajectory of my career… I wasn’t dropping like a stone, but I was steadily losing places every year, which eventually put me outside the top 16," Higgins reflected on his earlier struggles.
As the matches continue to unfold, Zhao Xintong has already secured his place in the second round with a convincing 10-4 victory over Jak Jones, expressing his excitement about competing at the Crucible. "I really played well and I'm very happy. I enjoy this tournament and I enjoy the Crucible," he stated after his win.
With the matches still in progress, the atmosphere at the Crucible remains electric, and fans are treated to a showcase of skill and determination from some of the best players in the world. As the first round of the World Snooker Championship progresses, all eyes will be on the tables as players fight for their chance at glory.
Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds at the Crucible Theatre.
