World Snooker Championship Schedule: Ronnie O'Sullivan Aims for Record Eighth Title

The World Snooker Championship is set to begin, with defending champion Zhao Xintong returning to the Crucible and Ronnie O'Sullivan vying for a record-breaking eighth world title. They will face stiff competition from Judd Trump, four-time champion Mark Selby, Kyren Wilson, Neil Robertson, and Shaun Murphy, starting from April 18. The tournament has a rich history, dating back to 1927, with legendary players like Joe Davis, Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, and O'Sullivan leaving their mark. Since 1982, when 32 players were introduced in the first round, no tournament has seen all 16 top seeds advance to the second round. Zhao will attempt to overcome the 'Crucible Curse' and become the first maiden winner to successfully defend the title, a feat that has eluded 21 players since 1980. O'Sullivan, making his record 34th consecutive appearance, will start his campaign on April 21, with the top 16 seeds being drawn against the 16 qualifying round winners on April 16. The championship will feature additional bonuses for maximum breaks, including a £147,000 prize for any player making two maximums across the Triple Crown events and the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters. With 24 different champions crowned since 1977, including Zhao Xintong, who became the first Asian champion in 2025, the stage is set for an exciting tournament.