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

The World Snooker Championship is set to begin, with defending champion Zhao Xintong returning to the Crucible and Ronnie O'Sullivan aiming for a record eighth 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, which has been running since 1927, boasts a rich history, from the dominance of Joe Davis to the modern era of O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry. Since the introduction of 32 players in the first round in 1982, no tournament has seen all 16 top seeds reach the second round. Zhao will attempt to overcome the 'Crucible Curse' and become the first maiden winner to successfully defend the trophy, a feat that has eluded 21 players since 1980. O'Sullivan, making his 34th consecutive appearance, will begin his campaign on April 21, alongside other top seeds. The top 16 seeds will be drawn against the 16 qualifying round winners on April 16. Additional prizes, including a £147,000 bonus for two maximum breaks across the season's Triple Crown events and the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, will be on offer. With 24 different champions since 1977, including Zhao Xintong, who became the first Asian champion in 2025, the stage is set for an exciting tournament.