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World Snooker Championship 2025
The 2025 World Snooker Championship, officially branded as the Halo World Championship, is set to commence on Saturday, April 19, at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. This marks the 49th consecutive year the tournament is held at this venue, solidifying its status as the spiritual home of snooker. The championship will run until May 5, featuring a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents vying for the prestigious title.
Tournament Overview
The championship features 32 players: 16 top-ranked seeds and 16 qualifiers who advanced through rigorous preliminary rounds. The tournament follows a knockout format, with matches scheduled across three daily sessions at 10:00 AM, 2:30 PM, and 7:00 PM BST. The final is slated for May 4 and 5. Broadcast coverage is extensive, with live telecasts on BBC and iPlayer in the UK, and radio commentary provided by talkSPORT.
Prize Fund Breakdown
The total prize fund for the 2025 championship stands at £2.395 million. The distribution is as follows:
- Winner: £500,000
- Runner-up: £200,000
- Semi-finalists: £100,000 each
- Quarter-finalists: £50,000 each
- Last 16: £30,000 each
- Last 32: £20,000 each
- Highest break: £15,000
Additionally, any player achieving two maximum 147 breaks during the season’s Triple Crown events, including the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, will receive a £147,000 bonus.
Key Players and Matchups
Kyren Wilson
The defending champion and top seed, Kyren Wilson, begins his title defense against China’s Lei Peifan. Wilson aims to overcome the “Crucible curse,” where no first-time winner has successfully defended their title at this venue since 1977.
Ronnie O’Sullivan
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, seeded fifth, faces Ali Carter in the first round. A potential quarter-final clash with rival Mark Selby looms, rekindling tensions from their controversial 2020 semi-final encounter.
Emerging Chinese Talent
A record ten Chinese players have qualified for the main draw, signaling a shift in the sport’s global landscape. Notables include Zhao Xintong, returning from a suspension, and debutants Si Jiahui and Wu Yize.
Opening Day Schedule (April 19)
- 10:00 AM:
- Kyren Wilson vs. Lei Peifan
- Xiao Guodong vs. Matthew Selt
- 2:30 PM:
- Neil Robertson vs. Chris Wakelin
- Mark Williams vs. Wu Yize
- 7:00 PM:
- Barry Hawkins vs. Hossein Vafaei
Historical Context and Celebrations
This year’s tournament commemorates the 40th anniversary of the legendary 1985 final between Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis, famously decided on the final black ball. A special event was held on April 9 to honor this iconic match. Additionally, the inaugural Champions’ Dinner took place on April 17, with 12 of the 19 living world champions in attendance, paying tribute to the sport’s rich history.
How to Watch
- United Kingdom: BBC Sport, TNT Sports, Discovery+
- Europe: Eurosport, Discovery+
- China: Migu, Huya, Academy WeChat Channel, Academy Douyin
- Other Regions: WST Play, various local broadcasters
For a comprehensive viewing guide, visit the official World Snooker Tour website.
Conclusion
The 2025 World Snooker Championship, officially known as the Halo World Championship, commences tomorrow, April 19, at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England, and will run until May 5. This marks the 49th consecutive year the tournament is held at this iconic venue.
Format: 32 players—16 seeded based on world rankings and 16 qualifiers—compete in a knockout format.
Prize Fund: Total of £2.395 million, with £500,000 awarded to the champion.
Broadcast: Live coverage available on BBC and iPlayer in the UK, with radio commentary on talkSPORT.
Defending champion Kyren Wilson aims to retain his title against competitors like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, and Mark Selby. Matches will be broadcast live on the BBC and iPlayer, with radio coverage by talkSPORT.
As the 2025 World Snooker Championship unfolds, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate a tournament filled with high-stakes matches, potential upsets, and the emergence of new snooker legends.
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