What's happened
The 2025 World Snooker Championship is underway at the Crucible Theatre, with notable players like Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins competing. The tournament features a record number of Chinese players, and extensive coverage is available through various platforms, including the BBC and WST Play.
What's behind the headline?
Key Players and Dynamics
- Ronnie O'Sullivan: Aiming for his eighth title, O'Sullivan has already shown strong form, defeating rival Ali Carter with impressive century breaks.
- John Higgins: With a successful season behind him, Higgins is a strong contender, having won two ranking tournaments this year.
- Emerging Talent: The presence of ten Chinese players, including Ding Junhui and Zhao Xintong, highlights the growing influence of snooker in Asia.
Tournament Structure
- The championship format requires players to navigate five rounds, intensifying the competition.
- The potential for a new champion is high, with recent winners like Kyren Wilson and Luca Brecel paving the way for fresh talent.
Viewing Options
- Extensive coverage is available through the BBC and WST Play, making it accessible to a global audience. Viewers in the UK can watch for free, while US fans must subscribe to WST Play.
What the papers say
According to Business Insider UK, the tournament is poised with O'Sullivan's strong performance and the potential for a Chinese champion, noting that 'a record 10 Chinese competitors have qualified for the 2025 tournament.' The Scotsman highlights John Higgins' confidence, stating he has had 'one of his best ever starts to a year.' This contrast in focus between established stars and emerging players illustrates the evolving landscape of snooker. David Hepburn from The Scotsman also emphasizes the historical context of the championship, noting the dominance of players like Joe Davis and the shift in competition since 1969.
How we got here
The World Snooker Championship, a prestigious event in the sport, has seen increasing global interest, particularly from China. This year's tournament features 32 players, including past champions and rising stars, competing for a total prize fund of £2.395 million.
Go deeper
- What are the key matches to watch?
- Who are the favorites to win this year?
- How can I watch the championship live?
Common question
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What to Know About the 2025 World Snooker Championship?
The 2025 World Snooker Championship is capturing the attention of fans worldwide, featuring top players and a record number of competitors from China. As the tournament unfolds at the Crucible Theatre, many are eager to learn more about the key players, records being pursued, and how the event is being covered by the media. Here are some common questions and answers to keep you updated.
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Ronald Antonio O'Sullivan O'naim OBE is an English professional snooker player who is the current world champion. He is widely considered to be the greatest player in the history of the sport.
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John Higgins, MBE is a Scottish professional snooker player. Since turning professional in 1992, he has won 30 ranking titles, including four World Championships and three UK Championships, as well as two Masters titles, making him one of the most success
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Stephen Gordon Hendry MBE is a Scottish former professional snooker player and current commentator for the BBC and ITV. One of the most successful players in the history of snooker, he has won snooker's most prestigious tournament, the World Snooker Champ
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Judd Trump is an English professional snooker player from Bristol. Currently ranked world number one, he has won a career total of 17 ranking titles, putting him in joint seventh place on the all-time list.
Trump turned professional in 2005, aged 16.
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Kyren Wilson is an English snooker player who turned professional in 2010 after finishing fifth in the 2009/2010 PIOS rankings.
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Mark Anthony Selby is an English professional snooker player. He has been World Snooker Champion three times and was number one in the world rankings for more than four years continuously.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.