The World Snooker Championship 2025 is officially underway at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, bringing together the elite of the sport from April 19 to May 5. With defending champion Kyren Wilson already eliminated in a stunning first-round upset, the stage is set for a thrilling tournament filled with unexpected twists and top-tier snooker action.
Wilson, the world number one and last year's champion, faced Lei Peifan in a gripping match that saw him bow out with a narrow 9-10 defeat. This shocking result has left the championship wide open, with many eyes now on the remaining competitors, including seasoned veterans and rising stars.
Mark Allen, currently ranked eighth in the world, made a strong start by defeating China's Fan Zhengyi 10-6, showcasing his resilience after trailing 3-0 early in the match. Allen's performance included impressive breaks of 88 and 102, which helped him secure a second-round matchup against Chris Wakelin. The Northern Irishman expressed satisfaction with his comeback, stating, "It was a bit of a shaky start yesterday and I thought Fan was very good at the start. I was really happy to be 5-4 in front overnight and I played some really good snooker today."
Meanwhile, Zhao Xintong also made headlines by defeating Jak Jones 10-4. Zhao, who is competing as an amateur after serving a 20-month suspension, displayed remarkable skill and composure, leading 7-2 overnight. He is now set to face Lei Peifan, adding an intriguing layer to the tournament as both players aim for a spot in the quarter-finals.
In another notable match, John Higgins, a four-time world champion, is currently trailing Joe O’Connor 4-5 in their first-round clash, which will conclude later today. O'Connor, who nearly achieved a maximum break with a score of 96 in frame seven, has proven to be a challenging opponent for Higgins.
Ding Junhui, a seasoned competitor ranked tenth, opened with a 6-3 lead against Zak Surety, showcasing his experience and skill. This match is expected to continue later today as well, adding to the excitement of the ongoing first-round matches.
Looking ahead, the tournament's schedule is packed with high-stakes matches. On Tuesday, April 22, Ronnie O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion and one of the sport's most celebrated figures, will face off against Ali Carter. O'Sullivan, who is seeded fifth, has not played since January, raising questions about his form and readiness for the challenge. He has previously described Carter as "not a nice person" and a "nightmare" to play against, setting the stage for a potentially heated encounter.
The World Snooker Championship format features first-round matches played over the best of 19 frames, while the second round and quarter-finals will be best of 25 frames. The semi-finals will stretch to best of 33 frames, culminating in a final that will be contested over two days, May 4 and 5, with the winner taking home a hefty £500,000 from a total prize pool of £2,395,000.
As the tournament progresses, fans are eager to see how the remaining players will navigate the challenges ahead. With big names like Judd Trump, who is set to face Zhou Yuelong, and Mark Selby, who will compete against Ben Woollaston, the competition promises to deliver thrilling snooker and unforgettable moments.
For those looking to catch all the action, the matches are being broadcast live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app, ensuring fans won't miss a moment of the excitement.
As the first round continues, the stakes are high, and the drama is palpable. With the unexpected exit of the defending champion and the emergence of new talent, the 2025 World Snooker Championship is shaping up to be one of the most memorable yet.
