UK Championship Snooker 2025 | Day One Preview and Order of Play
Higgins is eyeing a fourth UK title in 2025 (Credit: Action Plus Sports Images)
The 2025 UK Championship breaks off on Saturday, with John Higgins, Judd Trump and Shaun Murphy in action at the York Barbican Centre.
Widely regarded as snooker’s second-most prestigious ranking event after the World Championship, three former champions take centre stage as 32 of the world’s best players eye the top prize of £250,000.
Higgins is one of the most successful players in the tournament’s history, having lifted the trophy on three occasions – in 1998, 2000 and 2010.
The Wizard, who was also a beaten finalist in 1996 and 2009, is appearing in the final stages of the event for a 31st successive year, but looking to progress beyond the last 16 for only the second time in nine appearances.
First up for Higgins is Ben Woollaston, fresh from edging out fellow Leicester cueist Joe O’Connor 6-5 in the final qualifying round.
The former Welsh Open finalist, who was beaten by Higgins in that showpiece, is aiming to reach the last 16 in an event for the first time this season.
Meanwhile, reigning champion Judd Trump begins his title defence against 2004 winner Stephen Maguire.
The Ace is looking to win his first silverware since lifting this trophy 12 months ago, and has gone on to reach the final after beating Maguire in their previous two UK Championship meetings in 2011 and 2014.
Shaun Murphy, who lifted the trophy in 2008, is the other former winner in action on day one in York.
The reigning British Open and Masters champion – also a beaten UK Championship finalist in 2012 and 2017 – locks horns with birthday boy Lyu Haotian.
The Chinese, who is 28 on Saturday, notably recovered from 5-1 down to beat 2003 champion Matthew Stevens 6-5 in qualifying, while also overcoming Mitchell Mann by the same scoreline.
Si Jiahui – seeded for the second year running – looks to progress to the last 16 for the first time when he goes up against four-time ranking event winner Ryan Day.
The Welshman reached the semi-finals of this event in 2017, but that represents his only previous venture beyond the round of 16.
Play gets under way at 1pm GMT on Saturday with all matches contested over the best of 11 frames at the York Barbican Centre.
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UK Championship 2025 Day One Schedule of Play
Saturday November 29
1pm
Judd Trump v Stephen Maguire
Si Jiahui v Ryan Day
7pm
Shaun Murphy v Lyu Haotian
John Higgins v Ben Woollaston