The World Snooker Championship is back and in full swing at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, where the best players in the world are battling it out for the prestigious title. Running from April 19 to May 5, 2025, this year marks the 49th consecutive year that the event has been held at this historic venue. The prize fund has reached a staggering £2,395,000, with the winner set to take home a hefty £500,000.
Last year's champion, Kyren Wilson, faced an early exit this time around, falling victim to Lei Peifan in a thrilling first-round match. Wilson, who claimed the title in 2024, was eliminated in a dramatic 10-9 defeat, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the championship. "It’s tough to lose this early, especially after last year’s success," Wilson remarked after his match, highlighting the fierce competition at the Crucible.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on Ronnie O'Sullivan, who is chasing a record-breaking eighth world title. Known as 'The Rocket', O'Sullivan had not played a competitive match since January but made a strong comeback by defeating Ali Carter 10-4 in the first round. "I took time out because my game was pretty awful, so having more time out was probably not the best idea," O'Sullivan admitted, reflecting on his extended break from the sport. Nevertheless, he is now set to face Pang Junxu in the second round, with the match scheduled to start at 14:30 BST today.
In other second-round action, John Higgins is currently locked in a tense battle with Xiao Guodong. After two sessions of play, the two players are tied at 8-8, with Higgins needing just five more frames to secure his place in the quarter-finals. "This is what the World Championship is all about—high pressure and close matches," Higgins said during a break in play. The current session has seen both players exchange frames, with a particularly lengthy 20th frame testing their patience and skill.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xintong has established a solid lead against Lei Peifan, taking a 10-6 advantage into the final session of their match. Zhao, who has been in fine form, managed to win the first two frames of the day, extending his lead from 7-3 to 9-3 before alternating frames. "I’m just trying to stay focused and take it frame by frame," Zhao noted as he prepares for the final push.
Today’s schedule is packed with exciting matchups, including Mark Williams against Hossein Vafaei and Si Jiahui taking on Ben Woollaston. Both matches promise to deliver high-stakes drama as players vie for a coveted spot in the next round. The full order of play for today includes:
- 10:00 BST - Lei Peifan vs Zhao Xintong
- 10:00 BST - John Higgins vs Xiao Guodong
- 14:30 BST - Ronnie O'Sullivan vs Pang Junxu
- 14:30 BST - Mark Williams vs Hossein Vafaei
- 19:00 BST - Si Jiahui vs Ben Woollaston
- 19:00 BST - Luca Brecel vs Ding Junhui
As the tournament unfolds, the stakes continue to rise, with each match bringing its own unique storylines and rivalries. The intensity of the competition is palpable, with players pushing their limits in pursuit of snooker’s most prestigious title.
The World Snooker Championship is not just a showcase of talent; it’s a celebration of the sport itself. With comprehensive live coverage available on BBC One, BBC Two, and the BBC iPlayer, fans around the world can follow every thrilling moment of the action. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for the players, making every frame a potential turning point in their quest for victory.
As the tournament approaches its climax, the excitement is building. Who will emerge as the champion? Will Ronnie O'Sullivan add yet another title to his illustrious career? Or will a new star like Zhao Xintong or Lei Peifan rise to the occasion? One thing is for sure: the drama at the Crucible Theatre is far from over, and fans can expect plenty more twists and turns as the championship progresses.
In the world of snooker, anything can happen, and this year’s championship is no exception. With each player bringing their A-game, the competition is fierce, and the atmosphere electric. Stay tuned for more updates as the World Snooker Championship continues to deliver the excitement that snooker fans crave.
