The seeded players gathered at the Crucible Theatre for a group photograph on Friday The 2025 World Snooker Championship started at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on Saturday, with a major shock on the opening day. Defending champion and top seed Kyren Wilson, whodefeated Jak Jones 18âââ14 in the 2024 finalwasknocked out 10-9 by Chinese qualifier Lei Peifanin the first round. Seven-time winner Ronnie O'Sullivan is playing in a 33rd consecutive edition of the tournament despite battling"stage fright" and "nerves"over the past two years. Seeded fifth this year, the 49-year-old is set to face two-time finalist Ali Carter in his opening match at 14:30 BST on Tuesday. World number one Judd Trump begins his campaign against Zhou Yuelong at 19:00 on Tuesday. BBC Sport has comprehensive live coverage of the championship on BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four and Red Button, while every match will be shown in full on iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport app. The final takes place over two days, starting on Sunday 4 May. This video can not be played Watch the best shots from the World Snooker Championships As the defending champion, Wilson had the honour of being the top seed. Trump is the second seed, with four-time champions John Higgins and Mark Selby third and fourth respectively. Higgins beat Selby in the Tour Championship finalearlier in April to move above him in the listings. O'Sullivan, bidding for an eighth title to surpass the record he shares with Stephen Hendry, is seeded fifth. The 49-year-old is seeded to play 12th seed Zhang Anda in the second round, Selby in the quarter-finals and Wilson in the semi-finals. Full seedings: 1) Kyren Wilson, 2) Judd Trump, 3) John Higgins, 4) Mark Selby 5) Ronnie O'Sullivan, 6) Mark Williams, 7) Luca Brecel, 8) Mark Allen 9) Neil Robertson, 10) Ding Junhui, 11) Barry Hawkins, 12) Zhang Anda 13) Si Jiahui 14) Xiao Guodong, 15) Shaun Murphy, 16) Jak Jones Among the 16 players who secured their places at the Crucible weretwo-time runner-up Carterand 2021 UK champion Zhao Xintong, while Daniel Wells, Zak Surety and Lei will make their Crucible debuts. China's Zhaoreturned to the sportas an amateur player in September following a 20-month ban for his involvement in amatch-fixing scandal. Five of Zhao's fellow countrymen also qualified, bringing the number of Chinese players in the first round up to a record 10. Jack Lisowski, 2015 winner Stuart Bingham, world number 17 Gary Wilson and Jackson Page were among the names to miss out. In the third qualifying round, Page became the first player tocompile two maximum 147 breaks in the same match,earning the Welshman a £147,000 bonus. But Page did not qualify for the Crucible, losing 10-7 to Englishman Joe O'Connor in the fourth and final qualifying round. Six-time finalist Jimmy White's bidto play at the Crucible for the first time since 2006 ended in the second round, while former semi-finalist Joe Perry andDominic Dale retiredfrom the sport after going out in the third round. The winner will receive £500,000 and there is total prize fund of £2,395,000. Winner: £500,000 Runner-up: £200,000 Semi-finalists: £100,000 Quarter-finalists: £50,000 Last 16: £30,000 Last 32: £20,000 Last 48: £15,000 Last 80: £10,000 Last 112: £5,000 Highest break (qualifying stage included): £15,000 First-round matches are the best of 19 frames. Second round and quarter-final matches are played over a maximum of 25. Semi-final matches are best of 33 frames. The final is the best of 35 frames. Watch live coverage on BBC One, BBC Two and BBC Four, or take your pick of the matches on iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. For further coverage, audiences can tune into Snooker Extra every night on BBC Two and iPlayer to catch up on the action from the day's early games. Radio 5 Live will have regular updates and features in programmes throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, the BBC Sport website and app will have text updates on the early rounds and quarter-finals before full live text commentary on the semi-finals and final. 19 April to 5 May The BBC's presenting team will be Hazel Irvine, Seema Jaswal and Rishi Persad, with reporting from Shabnam Younus-Jewellâ¯and Abigail Davis. Audiences can expect expert commentary and insights from snooker legends Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, John Parrott, Ken Doherty, Dennis Taylor and John Virgo, alongside some of the game's current players including Masters winner Shaun Murphy. All times are BST and subject to late changes. Championship seedings in brackets First round 10:00 Jak Jones (16) 2-7 Zhao Xintong - resumes Monday morning Xiao Guodong (14) v Matthew Selt 14:30 Mark Allen (8) 5-4 Fan Zhengyi - resumes Monday afternoon Mark Williams (6) 5-4 Wu Yize 19:00 Neil Robertson (9) 2-7 Chris Wakelin Barry Hawkins (11) 5-4 Hossein Vafaei Live coverage 10:00-12:15 - BBC Two 10:00-14:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 13:00-17:40 - BBC Two (13:00-16:50 on BBC Two Wales) 14:30-18:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 19:00-22:00 - BBC Four 19:00-22:30 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app Highlights 23:45-01:45 - World Championship Extra - BBC Two First round 10:00 John Higgins (3) v Joe O'Connor Jak Jones (16) v Zhao Xintong 14:30 Ding Junhui (10) v Zak Surety Mark Allen (8) v Fan Zhengyi 19:00 Si Jiahui (13) v David Gilbert John Higgins (3) v Joe O'Connor Live coverage 10:00-12:00 - BBC Two 10:00-14:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 13:00-18:00 - BBC Two 14:30-18:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 19:00-22:00 - BBC Four 19:00-22:30 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app Highlights 23:55-01:45 - World Championship Extra - BBC Two First round 10:00 Zhang Anda (12) v Pang Junxu Shaun Murphy (15) v Daniel Wells 14:30 Ronnie O'Sullivan (5) v Ali Carter Ding Junhui (10) v Zak Surety 19:00 Judd Trump (2) v Zhou Yuelong Si Jiahui (13) v David Gilbert Live coverage 10:00-12:15 - BBC Two 10:00-14:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 13:00-18:00 - BBC Two 14:30-18:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 19:00-22:00 - BBC Four 19:00-22:30 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app Highlights 00:05-02:05 - World Championship Extra - BBC Two First round 10:00 Zhang Anda (12) v Pang Junxu Shaun Murphy (15) v Daniel Wells 14:30 Ronnie O'Sullivan (5) v Ali Carter Luca Brecel (7) v Ryan Day 19:00 Mark Selby (4) v Ben Woollaston Judd Trump (2) v Zhou Yuelong Live coverage 10:00-11:15 - BBC Two 10:00-14:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 13:00-18:00 - BBC Two 14:30-18:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 19:00-22:00 - BBC Four 19:00-22:30 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app Highlights 01:05-03:05 - World Championship Extra - BBC Two First round 13:00 Luca Brecel (7) v Ryan Day 19:00 Mark Selby (4) v Ben Woollaston Second round 13:00 Neil Robertson (9)/Chris Wakelin v Mark Allen (8)/Fan Zhengyi 19:00 John Higgins (3)/Joe O'Connor v Xiao Guodong (14)/Matthew Selt Live coverage 13:00-17:00 - BBC Two 14:30-18:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 19:00-22:00 - BBC Four 19:00-22:30 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app Highlights 23:55-01:55 - World Championship Extra - BBC Two (00:55-01:55 on BBC Two Northern Ireland) Second round 10:00 Neil Robertson (9)/Chris Wakelin v Mark Allen (8)/Fan Zhengyi Barry Hawkins (11)/Hossein Vafaei v Mark Williams (6)/Wu Yize 14:30 John Higgins (3)/Joe O'Connor v Xiao Guodong (14)/Matthew Selt Lei Peifan v Jak Jones (16)/Zhao Xintong 19:00 Barry Hawkins (11)/Hossein Vafaei v Mark Williams (6)/Wu Yize Neil Robertson (9)/Chris Wakelin v Mark Allen (8)/Fan Zhengyi Live coverage 10:00-12:00 - BBC Two 10:00-14:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 13:00-18:00 - BBC Two 14:30-18:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 19:00-22:00 - BBC Four 19:00-22:30 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app Highlights 00:25-02:25 - World Championship Extra - BBC Two Second round 10:00 John Higgins (3)/Joe O'Connor v Xiao Guodong (14)/Matthew Selt Lei Peifan v Jak Jones (16)/Zhao Xintong 14:30 Barry Hawkins (11)/Hossein Vafaei v Mark Williams (6)/Wu Yize Ronnie O'Sullivan (5)/Ali Carter v Zhang Anda (12)/Pang Junxu 19:00 Si Jiahui (13)/David Gilbert v Mark Selby (4)/Ben Woollaston Luca Brecel (7)/Ryan Day v Ding Junhui (10)/Zak Surety Live coverage 10:00-12:00 - BBC Two & Red Button 10:00-14:00 - iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app 13:45-16:30 - BBC Two 14:30-18:00 - iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app 16:25-18:00 - Red Button 19:00-20:00 - BBC Two 19:00-22:30 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 20:00-22:00 - BBC Four Highlights 00:05-02:05 - World Championship Extra - BBC Two Second round 10:00 Lei Peifan v Jak Jones (16)/Zhao Xintong Shaun Murphy (15)/Daniel Wells v Judd Trump (2)/Zhou Yuelong 14:30 Ronnie O'Sullivan (5)/Ali Carter v Zhang Anda (12)/Pang Junxu Luca Brecel (7)/Ryan Day v Ding Junhui (10)/Zak Surety 19:00 Si Jiahui (13)/David Gilbert v Mark Selby (4)/Ben Woollaston Shaun Murphy (15)/Daniel Wells v Judd Trump (2)/Zhou Yuelong Live coverage 10:00-12:25 - BBC Two 10:00-14:00 - iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app (Red Button 10:00-12:15) 13:00-18:00 - BBC Two 14:30-18:00 - iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app (Red Button 14:40-18:00) 15:00-18:00 - BBC Two 19:00-20:00 - BBC Two 19:00-22:30 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 20:00-22:00 - BBC Four Highlights 00:05-02:05 - World Championship Extra - BBC Two Second round 13:00 Si Jiahui (13)/David Gilbert v Mark Selby (4)/Ben Woollaston Shaun Murphy (15)/Daniel Wells v Judd Trump (2)/Zhou Yuelong 19:00 Ronnie O'Sullivan (5)/Ali Carter v Zhang Anda (12)/Pang Junxu Luca Brecel (7)/Ryan Day v Ding Junhui (10)/Zak Surety Live coverage 13:00-17:00 - BBC Two 13:00-18:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 19:00-20:00 - BBC Two 19:00-22:30 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 20:00-22:00 - BBC Four Highlights 00:05-02:05 - World Championship Extra - BBC Two Quarter-finals Live coverage 10:00-12:15 - BBC Two 10:00-14:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 13:00-18:00 - BBC Two 14:30-18:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 19:00-20:00 - BBC Two 19:00-22:30 - iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app 20:00-22:00 - BBC Four Highlights 00:05-02:05 - World Championship Extra - BBC Two Quarter-finals Live coverage 10:00-11:15 - BBC Two 10:00-14:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 13:00-18:00 - BBC Two 14:30-18:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 19:00-20:00 - BBC Two 19:00-22:30 - iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app 20:00-22:00 - BBC Four Highlights 00:05-02:05 - World Championship Extra - BBC Two Sunday, 28 April 1985 Crucible Theatre A full replay of the final, dramatic frame of the 1985 World Snooker Championship between Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor Semi-finals Live coverage 13:00-16:00 - BBC Two 13:00-18:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 19:00-20:00 - BBC Two 19:00-22:30 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 20:00-22:00 - BBC Four Highlights 00:05-02:05 - World Championship Extra - BBC Two Semi-finals Live coverage 10:00-12:00 - BBC Two 10:00-14:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 14:00-18:00 - BBC Two 14:30-18:00 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 19:00-20:00 - BBC Two 19:00-22:30 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 20:00-23:00 - BBC Four Semi-finals Live coverage 10:00-12:00 - BBC Two 10:00-14:00 - iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app 13:15-16:30 - BBC One 14:30-18:00 - iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app 16:30-17:30 - BBC Two 19:00-22:00 - BBC Two 19:00-22:30 - iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Sport website and app 20:00-23:00 - BBC Four Final Live coverage 13:00-18:00 - BBC Two 19:00-22:00 - BBC Two Final Live coverage 13:00-16:00 - BBC Two 19:00-22:00 - BBC Two First round Kyren Wilson (1) 9-10 Lei Peifan Xiao Guodong (14) 10-4 Matthew Selt Explore the sport of snooker, from its biggest names to stories of the people involved at all levels of the game
Snooker World Championship guide: Draw, seeds & coverage
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"2025 World Snooker Championship Begins with Upset as Kyren Wilson Exits Early"
Bbc News
8.6
TruthLens AI Summary
The 2025 World Snooker Championship commenced at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, marked by an unexpected upset on the opening day. Defending champion and top seed Kyren Wilson, who triumphed over Jak Jones in the previous year's final, faced an early exit after being defeated 10-9 by Chinese qualifier Lei Peifan. This shocking result set the tone for the tournament, as seasoned players like Ronnie O'Sullivan, participating in his 33rd consecutive championship, prepare to navigate their matches amidst personal challenges such as stage fright. O'Sullivan, seeded fifth, is scheduled to face two-time finalist Ali Carter in a pivotal match on Tuesday, while world number one Judd Trump will begin his campaign against Zhou Yuelong later that day. The tournament promises extensive coverage on BBC platforms, ensuring fans can follow every match closely, culminating in the final scheduled for May 4th.
The championship features a total prize fund of £2,395,000, with the winner set to receive £500,000. The seedings for the tournament include notable players such as John Higgins and Mark Selby, who are seeded third and fourth, respectively. Higgins recently surpassed Selby in the rankings after winning the Tour Championship final. The event also sees a record participation of ten Chinese players in the first round, reflecting the growing influence of the sport in China. Among the players making their Crucible debuts are Daniel Wells and Zak Surety, while the tournament's structure includes various match formats, from best-of-19 frames in the first round to the best-of-35 frames in the final. Fans can expect insightful commentary from snooker legends and extensive coverage across multiple BBC channels, ensuring that the excitement of the championship is accessible to a broad audience.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides an overview of the 2025 World Snooker Championship, highlighting key players, match schedules, and broadcasting details. It captures the excitement and unpredictability of the tournament, especially with the surprising early exit of defending champion Kyren Wilson. This analysis will explore the implications of the report, its intended audience, and the broader context in which snooker operates.
Intent and Audience Perception
The report aims to engage snooker fans by detailing significant events and personalities in the sport. By highlighting the shocking defeat of a top seed and the presence of legendary players like Ronnie O'Sullivan, the article seeks to generate interest and excitement around the championship. This approach caters primarily to snooker enthusiasts and casual viewers who are following the tournament, creating a sense of community and shared experience among fans.
Transparency and Context
While the article presents factual information about the tournament, it does not delve into the socio-economic factors surrounding the sport or the potential financial implications of such events. There is no evident attempt to conceal information; however, the focus on player performance and match outcomes may overshadow other pressing issues within the sport, such as funding, grassroots development, or the impact of gambling on snooker culture.
Manipulative Elements
The report does not exhibit strong manipulative elements, but it does emphasize the drama of unexpected results, which could influence audience perceptions of player reliability and skill. The language used is straightforward and factual, with a focus on match statistics and player backgrounds. However, the narrative could lead to sensationalism if it overemphasizes shock results without providing context regarding player performance fluctuations.
Comparative Analysis with Other Reports
When compared to other sports news articles, this report maintains a neutral tone while emphasizing the personal stories of players, a common tactic in sports journalism. There is no clear hidden agenda or connection to larger political or economic issues. The focus is squarely on snooker, portraying it as a sport filled with tension and excitement.
Potential Societal Impact
The excitement generated by the championship can positively influence viewership and attendance, contributing to the sport's growth. Increased interest could lead to higher sponsorship and advertising revenue, benefiting players, sponsors, and broadcasters alike. In a broader sense, engaging narratives can inspire youth participation in snooker, promoting a healthier lifestyle through sports.
Community Support
The article predominantly appeals to sports fans, particularly those invested in snooker. It resonates with communities that appreciate competitive play and personal stories behind athletes. The focus on established players also taps into nostalgia and loyalty among long-time fans.
Market Influence
While the immediate impact on stock markets is minimal, the visibility of major sporting events can affect companies involved in sports broadcasting, betting, and merchandise. Enhanced media coverage can lead to fluctuations in shares of companies associated with the sport.
Relevance to Global Dynamics
The article does not directly address broader global power dynamics or current affairs. However, it reflects the cultural significance of snooker in the UK and its role in global sporting events. The ongoing interest in such championships highlights the importance of sports as a unifying force in society.
AI Influence
It is unlikely that AI played a significant role in writing this article, as the language and structure appear consistent with human-generated sports journalism. However, AI tools may assist in data analysis or statistics presentation, helping journalists compile match results and player information efficiently.
In summary, the report is credible and provides a clear snapshot of the 2025 World Snooker Championship. It successfully engages the target audience while maintaining a focus on the sport's excitement and unpredictability.