The 2025 World Snooker Championship is already shaping up to be one of the most dramatic editions in recent memory. Taking place at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, the tournament runs from April 19 to May 5, marking the 49th year the venue has hosted the sport’s most prestigious event.
A total of 32 players are battling it out for snooker supremacy—16 seeded and 16 who advanced through the tough qualifying rounds. The tournament boasts a prize fund of £2.395 million, with a substantial £500,000 going to the eventual champion.
Kyren Wilson Stunned in Opening Round
The biggest shock so far came early as defending champion Kyren Wilson crashed out in the first round. In a nail-biting 10–9 defeat, he was ousted by Crucible debutant Lei Peifan. Wilson, who was aiming to break the infamous “Crucible curse” that has plagued first-time champions since 1977, now joins the long list of defending champions unable to retain their crown on their first attempt.
Emotional Win for Higgins
Veteran John Higgins produced a composed 10–7 victory over Joe O’Connor in a first-round match filled with emotion. The four-time world champion notched a century break of 114 and fought back tears in his post-match interview, speaking candidly about his father-in-law’s ill health and memories of his late father. Higgins now advances to face Xiao Guodong in the second round, which starts on April 24.
O’Sullivan Draws the Spotlight Again
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan made a high-profile return to the Crucible, drawing Ali Carter in the first round. O’Sullivan, who had taken a break from competition earlier this year, remains one of the sport’s most watched and debated figures. His presence alone brings added intrigue and expectation to the championship.
Breakthroughs and Records
This year’s championship has already seen several milestones. A record number of Chinese players—ten in total—qualified for the main draw, highlighting the growing influence of the sport in China. Among them, Lei Peifan’s victory over Wilson has arguably been the standout performance of the tournament so far.
Meanwhile, in the qualifying stages, Welsh player Jackson Page made history by scoring two 147 maximum breaks in a single match, earning him a £147,000 bonus and a place in snooker folklore.
What’s Next?
With the first round wrapping up, attention turns to the second round, which begins April 24. Matches will now be contested over a longer format—best-of-25 frames—before moving into the quarter-finals on April 29–30, semi-finals from May 1–3, and the championship final on May 4–5.
Fans can follow every moment of the action live on the BBC and via talkSPORT, ensuring they won’t miss a frame of what promises to be a memorable tournament.
Whether it’s underdog triumphs, legends chasing history, or emotional narratives playing out on the green baize, the 2025 World Snooker Championship is already living up to its billing.
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