Month: April 2025
Judd Trump commences his 2025 World Championship campaign on Tuesday when he plays the returning Zhou Yuelong at The Crucible. The world number one is among the favourites to go all the way in Sheffield this year, and add to the title he won in emphatic fashion six years ago. Trump, who made his debut […]
John Higgins overcame Joe O’Connor 10-7 on Monday to progress to the World Championship last 16, despite having been “the most emotional I have ever felt”. The four-time Crucible king recovered from 5-3 down on Monday, winning seven of the last nine frames to book his place in the second round of snooker’s blue-riband event […]
In the early spring of 2005, Shaun Murphy was seriously contemplating a career away from snooker. Big things had been expected of Murphy when he turned professional at the age of just 15 in 1998, but they had yet to materialise. There had been the odd highlight here and there. He won the 2000 Benson […]
Ding Junhui looks to improve his recent Crucible record when he takes on debutant Zak Surety in the World Championship first round on Monday. The Dragon remains the only player from Asia to reach the final of snooker’s blue-riband event, losing 18-14 to Mark Selby in the 2016 showpiece. Ding has reached a further two […]
John Higgins renews his rivalry with Joe O’Connor when the pair collide in the World Championship first round at The Crucible on Monday. The four-time World champion faces a tricky opening test in Sheffield in O’Connor, who defeated another four-time Crucible king on debut 12 months ago in Mark Selby. The two players met in […]
Neil Robertson was the latest big name to fall in the World Championship first round, losing 10-8 to Chris Wakelin despite a fierce comeback. The 2010 World champion was marking his return to The Crucible this year, having failed to qualify 12 months ago for the first time since 2004. However, Robertson knew he would […]
Mark Allen launches his latest World Championship campaign against the returning Fan Zhengyi at The Crucible on Sunday. The Pistol is making his 19th successive appearance in the main draw of snooker’s blue-riband event, and will be hoping this is the year he finally gets his hands on the trophy. His quest begins against a […]
Defending champion Kyren Wilson crashed out on day one of the 2025 World Championship, after a 10-9 defeat by debutant Lei Peifan. The Warrior, who lifted the trophy in emotional fashion 12 months ago, became the latest first-time winner to fall victim to the “Crucible Curse” in Sheffield. Wilson, who arrived having won four ranking […]
Shaun Murphy admits he is “baffled” by Kyren Wilson’s comments regarding his conduct during January’s Masters final. Murphy prevailed 10-7 in the final at Alexandra Palace three months ago to claim his second Masters title, with Wilson calling his opponent an “old man” during his post-match interview and claiming he “needed the win more”. Wilson’s […]