The Snooker World Championship 2025 final is heating up at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, where veteran Mark Williams is battling the rising star Zhao Xintong. After a slow start, Williams managed to gain some momentum, winning the last frame of the first day, bringing the score to 6-11 in favor of Zhao.
The championship match, which began on May 4, 2025, features a best-of-35 frames format, meaning that the first player to win 18 frames will be crowned the champion. The stakes are high, with the winner set to take home a staggering £500,000 (approximately €587,200), while the runner-up will receive £200,000 (around €234,880).
Zhao Xintong, at just 28 years old, is making headlines not only for his talent but also for his impressive journey to the final. He reached this stage by defeating the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan in the semi-finals with a score of 17-7, a result that shocked many fans and pundits alike. O’Sullivan, the reigning champion, was expected to make a strong run for his title but fell short against the Chinese player.
On the other side of the table, Mark Williams, aged 50, is the oldest finalist in the history of the World Championship at the Crucible. Known for his resilience and experience, Williams secured his place in the final by overcoming Judd Trump in a tense semi-final, winning 17-14. This final marks a significant moment in Williams' career as he aims to add another title to his impressive resume.
During the first session of the final, Zhao dominated the table, establishing a commanding lead of 7-1. However, Williams showed his fighting spirit in the second session, clawing back to finish the day with a score of 6-11. This comeback has given fans hope that the match is far from over.
As the final continues, all eyes are on the Crucible. The remaining sessions are scheduled for May 5, with the next two starting at 14:00 and 20:00. Fans can catch all the action live on Eurosport and Joyn, with commentary from a team of experts including Matthias Breusch, Felix Frede, Thomas Hein, Lukas Kleckers, and Harry Weber.
The Snooker World Championship is known for its rich history, and this year is no different. With only one continental European player, Luca Brecel, having previously won the title in 2023, Zhao has the chance to make history as the first Asian champion.
The tournament has been filled with thrilling matches, showcasing the talents of both seasoned players and newcomers. The total prize pool for this year’s championship is an impressive £2,395,000 (approximately €2,802,150), reflecting the growing popularity and competitiveness of snooker worldwide.
As we look ahead to the remaining sessions of the final, fans are left wondering: can Williams continue his comeback, or will Zhao Xintong secure his place in snooker history? The excitement is palpable as the drama unfolds in Sheffield.
