World Snooker Championship Schedule: Ronnie O'Sullivan Eyes Historic Eighth Title

The reigning champion, Zhao Xintong, is set to defend his title at the World Snooker Championship, while Ronnie O'Sullivan aims to make history with a record eighth world title. They will face stiff competition from top players like Judd Trump, Mark Selby, Kyren Wilson, Neil Robertson, and Shaun Murphy, starting from April 18. The tournament, which has been running since 1927, is steeped in tradition and has seen legendary players like Joe Davis, Steve Davis, and Stephen Hendry dominate the sport. O'Sullivan, who is making his 34th consecutive appearance at the iconic venue, will attempt to break the record for the most world titles won. Zhao, the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship, will try to overcome the 'Crucible Curse' and become the first debut winner to successfully defend the title. Since 1980, 21 players have attempted to defend their title but failed. The top 16 seeds, including O'Sullivan, Trump, and Selby, will be randomly drawn against the 16 players who qualify from the preliminary rounds on April 16. The tournament will feature a range of exciting matches, including a potential showdown between O'Sullivan and John Higgins in the last 16. In addition to the main prize, a £40,000 bonus will be awarded for the highest break made during the tournament, and a £10,000 bonus for the highest break made during the qualifying rounds. A £147,000 bonus is also on offer for any player who achieves two maximum breaks across the Triple Crown events and the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters. The World Snooker Championship has seen 24 different champions since 1977, with Zhao Xintong being the most recent winner in 2025. O'Sullivan and Hendry currently hold the record for the most titles won, with seven crowns each.