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

The World Snooker Championship is set to begin, with defending champion Zhao Xintong seeking to overcome the 'Crucible Curse' and retain his title. He will face stiff competition from renowned players such as Ronnie O'Sullivan, who is aiming for a record-breaking eighth world title, Judd Trump, and four-time champion Mark Selby. The tournament, which has been running since 1927, boasts a rich history, having been dominated by legendary players like Joe Davis and Steve Davis in the past. In the modern era, O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry have left an indelible mark on the sport, each having won seven world titles. This year's championship promises to be thrilling, with the top 16 seeds being drawn at random against the 16 players who emerge from the qualifying rounds. The competition will commence on April 18, with notable players like Mark Allen, Xiao Guodong, Mark Williams, and Barry Hawkins in action on the first day. World No 1 Judd Trump will begin his bid for a second world title on April 21, while O'Sullivan starts his campaign on the same day. The stakes are high, with significant bonuses on offer for maximum breaks and the opportunity for players to make history. Since 1977, there have been 24 different champions, with Zhao Xintong being the most recent winner in 2025, becoming the first champion from Asia. The stage is set for an exciting tournament, with O'Sullivan and Hendry currently holding the record for the most titles won.