World Championship 2025 - Final

Mark Williams V Zhao Xintong - 04/04/25 13.00, 04/04/25 19.00, 05/04/25 13.00 & 05/04/25 19.00

It’s the last match of a thoroughly enjoyable tournament that ends a captivating season, it’s fitting that we’re going to be treated to two of the most watchable players battling out for the World title.

A match that pits two left handers against each other. Mark Williams, the first ever left hander to clinch the World title will aim to win his 4th at the age of 50. A truly staggering stat.

His defeat of World number 1 Judd Trump in the semi-final was an example of both his class and ability to grind out the biggest results when it matters most as he ran out a 17-14 winner.

At 7-3 down he never panicked and showed exactly why many rate him in the top 5 snooker players of all-time.

The Welshman will need to put huge emphasis on his safety play after the long potting we have seen from Zhao Xintong over the last 17 days.

Amazingly after admitting to struggling with his eyesight he has battled to reach the final and he will fight until the final ball is potted.

I’m beginning to run out of words to describe the fearless Xintong. The extremely talented 28-year-old emphatically defeated 7-time World champion Ronnie O’Sullivan 17-7 with a session to spare in the semi-final.

Williams will be aware of the chances offered up to Xintong during his semi-final, Ronnie was using a new cue and ferrule that obviously hampered his chances.

There is a huge possibility that we see the first Chinese World Championship winner over the next 2 days in what is undoubtedly a hugely exciting time for the sport. The emergence of Xintong among the World's best has breathed new life into the tour.

He amazingly came through the qualifiers and has won 8 matches to get to this stage, the road to the final began for the Chinese player all the way back on the 8th of April when he defeated Kai Wai Cheung in the first round of qualifying.

The pair met in the qualifiers for the 2017 World Championship, today's match-up is a testament of how they've both improved since then.

Whichever player lifts the title will create huge headlines across the World but if Mark Williams can defy all logic and come out on top it would arguably be one of the greatest achievements in our sport.

Prediction: 18-15 Williams

World Championship 2025 - Semi-Finals

Ronnie O'Sullivan V Zhao Xintong - 01/05/25 13.00, 02/05/25 10.00, 02/05/25 19.00, 03/05/25 14.30

When the draw was made, numerous fans identified the possibility of this match-up in the semi-final. Up until now, there has been very little resistance from their opponents to the fact that both players were almost destined to make the last four.

There's a huge difference in experience between the pair, Ronnie is set to appear in his 14th Crucible semi-final while this will be Xintong's first.

The 28-year-old has won 7 matches to reach the final four so will have momentum behind him, the scoreline of his defeat of Chris Wakelin was impressive however Wakelin was very disappointing throughout.

The form of Ronnie O'Sullivan and his new cue still remains a mystery but he has shown glimpses of brilliance at times during his 3 victories 3 matches to get to this stage. As the 7-time champion aims to make the final and a tilt at winning a history-making 8th title, he faces an opponent who has at times wowed fans by his exciting, attacking style of play that has seen him almost free-wheel to this stage.

The Englishman will know he will have to improve from his victories against Ali Carter, Pang Junxu & Si Jiahui as at times it has looked as if he hasn't gotten out of 3rd gear.

Ultimately I think Xintong will run out of steam and Ronnie will be able to grind down his Chinese opponent.

Prediction: 17-12 Ronnie

Mark Williams V Judd Trump - 01/05/25 19.00, 02/05/25 14.30, 03/05/25 10.00 & 03/05/25 19.00

A repeat of this year's Saudi Arabia Masters final, if we can get a match half as dramatic & entertaining as Judd Trump's final frame decider win we will be doing well.

That match was neck & neck for the majority and this one could be similar but the way the world number 1 blew away Luca Brecel in the final session of their quarter-final was hugely impressive.

There is the possibility that he may have too much for the Welshman but despite admitting to struggling with his eyesight he has battled to reach the final four and I expect him to fight until the final ball is potted.

The 3-time World Champion comes in as an underdog but will fancy his chances of overturning a player playing at the peak of his powers. Williams defeated fellow 'Class of 92' legend John Higgins in the quarter-final in a final-frame decider that summed up the career of both players. Unbelievable, a credit to the sport.

Trump impressively reached his 100th century of the season in his 13-10 victory over Shaun Murphy earlier in the tournament. Securing the £100,000 bonus may well ease the pressure on his shoulders ahead of a huge match against a fellow World Championship winner.

It's been an encouraging season so far, along with cementing his place at the top of the world rankings, he has also picked up 3 ranking event titles (Shanghai Masters, Saudi Arabia Masters, UK Championship).

I'm siding with Trump to progress to his 4th Crucible final. I think he'll be able to outlast Williams with the length of the match a concern for the Welshman.

Prediction: 17-13 Trump

World Championship 2025 - Quarter-Finals

Zhao Xintong V Chris Wakelin - 29/04/25 10.00, 29/04/25 19.00 & 30/04/25 14.30

The nature of how Xintong has easily dismantled his opponents up until now has been one of the stories of the Championship so far, he now faces an in-form Chris Wakelin after his impressive defeats of both Neil Robertson & Mark Allen.

The Englishman is full of confidence and rightly so, he was excellent in opening up a 10-2 lead over Allen in the last round. Since his shoot-out victory in 2023 he has completely transformed into a very dangerous opponent capable of pulling off victories against the world's best.

Xintong will know that, but will show no fear in taking on his opponent as he has shown playing all-out attacking snooker up to now. The 28-year-old has won 6 matches to reach the quarter-final so will have momentum behind him but showed nerves at the back end of his round 2 match with Lei Peifan.

His break-building is undoubtedly one of the most impressive parts of his game but he will have to show a tighter, more solid safety game if he is to progress any further in this year's Championship. A side to Wakelin that has recently improved and has become a key part of his game.

I feel all the matches he has won to get to this stage may be catching up with Xintong as he showed signs with the winning line approaching in round 2 that he may be running out of steam. For that reason, I am going to side with Wakelin to narrowly reach the final four for the first time.

Prediction: 13-11 Wakelin

John Higgins V Mark Williams - 29/04/25 10.00, 29/04/25 19.00 & 30/04/25 10.00

A legendary match-up. Who would've thought these two legends of the sport would be meeting in a World Championship quarter-final in 2025?

After Ronnie O'Sullivan's victory last night, it means the 'Class of 92' have all made it through to the final 8.

Higgins holds the overall advantage (38-24) over the Welshman but it was Williams who came out on top (18-16) in the World Championship final between the pair in 2018.

To get to this stage, both players had tough battles against both Xiao Guodong and Hossein Vafaei. Especially the Scotsman who came through a final frame decider against his Chinese opponent.

It's no secret that 4-time world champion Higgins has regained his form that he was missing over the past couple of seasons. Having picked up 2 ranking titles this season (World Open & Tour Championship) he has found himself back in the conversation of possibly claiming these top prizes again.

Although struggling with his eyesight, 3-time World Champion Williams has produced two solid performances to reach this stage. Understandably he comes in as an underdog but will fancy his chances against a player he knows inside out.

I'm going to side with Higgins to come through narrowly due to his recent form being slightly better and the impressive nature of his 2nd round victory.

No matter the result, this will be a match to savour between two greats of the game.

Prediction: 13-12 Higgins

Ronnie O'Sullivan V Si Jiahui - 29/04/25 14.30, 30/04/25 10.00 & 30/04/25 19.00

A huge contrast in experience as 49-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan takes on 22-year-old Si Jiahui for a place in the final four. This will be Ronnie's 23rd Crucible quarter-final appearance compared to only Si's 2nd.

Ronnie will be aware of how dangerous Jiahui can be when getting some momentum. He currently sits at 13th in the world rankings and was unlucky not to pick up his first piece of silverware this season when he got to the Wuhan Open final, only to be defeated 10-7 by Xiao Guodong.

He found it difficult to shake off qualifier Ben Woolaston in the last round but eventually ran out a 13-10 victor. He will need to significantly improve to compete with the 7-time World Champion.

His return was massively anticipated before the championship begun and his displays in defeating Ali Carter & Pang Junxu have been impressive. Without producing his best form, he has been workmanlike and seems to be a man on a mission. A frightening prospect for the rest of the field.

Between the pair, there have been 7 centuries in their opening 2 matches of the tournament so a high scoring match is expected.

I fully expect O'Sullivan to progress to yet another semi-final where he will face a fellow 'Class of 92' legend.

Prediction: 13-7 O'Sullivan

Luca Brecel V Judd Trump - 29/04/25 14.30, 30/04/25 14.30 & 30/04/25 19.00

Two players that love to entertain the crowd, plenty of long-pots & high breaks are a certainty in this one. 2023 World Champion Luca Brecel survived a scare in his first-round win over Ryan Day with the Welshman taking a 5-1 lead in the opening session, the Belgian bullet responded emphatically to come through 10-7 however.

Arguably the most impressive performance of the championship so far was his 13-4 thrashing of Ding Junhui, after losing the first frame he won 11 frames in a row to take control of the tie leaving his well-fancied opponent stunned.

It's no secret that Brecel enjoyed himself after claiming the sports ultimate prize in 2023. He seems to slowly be returning to that form and when playing his best can be a very dangerous opponent for anyone.

Trump impressively reached his 100th century of the season in his 13-10 victory over Shaun Murphy last time out. Securing the £100,000 bonus may well ease the pressure on his shoulders ahead of a huge match against a fellow World Championship winner.

It's been an encouraging season for the world number one along with cementing his place at the top of the world rankings, he has also picked up 3 ranking event titles (Shanghai Masters, Saudi Arabia Masters, UK Championship). 

After seeing Kyren Wilson, Mark Selby & Mark Allen all sent home already, both players will know there is a huge opportunity if they can navigate their way through this match.

I'm siding with Trump to progress narrowly and take his place in another Crucible semi-final.

Prediction: Trump 13-11

World Championship 2025 - Day 9

Judd Trump V Shaun Murphy - 27/04/25 10.00, 27/04/25 19.00 & 28/04/25 13.00

When it comes to break building and putting on a show, today see’s a clash of two of the world’s best as Trump looks to extend his 7-match unbeaten run against Murphy.

Both players have claimed this title once and would desperately love to do so again this year. Murphy comes in slightly under the radar having claimed this years Masters title in January while Trump surged to the UK Championship title.

Both players eased into round 2 with commanding 10-4 defeats over Zhou Yuelong & Daniel Wells with Trump on the cusp of an historic 100 centuries after making 5 against Yuelong.

The left-hander is closing in on a £100,000 bonus as he now sits on 98 for the season, Neil Robertson holds the record with 103 centuries in a season, set in 2013/14, it's an example of how well the Englishman has been scoring of late.

After seeing Kyren Wilson, Mark Selby & Mark Allen all sent home already, both players will know there is a huge opportunity if they can navigate their way through this match.

With Trump dominating the H2H (31-13), Murphy will have to be on top form from the word go but is undoubtedly capable of overturning the world number one.

I feel like it's hard to look past Trump in this one, he'll be eager to make history with the 100 centuries and in doing so will get across the line.

Prediction: 13-10 Trump

World Championship - Day 8

Ronnie O'Sullivan V Pang Junxu - 26/04/25 14.30, 27/04/25 14.30 & 28/04/25 19.00

There's a huge clash of styles and Crucible experience in this last 16 tie. The massively anticipated return of the 7-time winner Ronnie O'Sullivan dominated talking points before the championship begun and his display in defeating Ali Carter 10-4 did not disappoint. He was brilliant especially in the second session.

Pang Junxu secured his first Crucible victory on his 3rd attempt with an impressive 10-7 victory over fellow Chinese player Zhang Anda. He had to dig deep at times as the match began to get scrappy but he came out on top compiling 2 centuries (111 & 102) and five 50+ breaks.

He likes to play a more pragmatic game compared to Ronnie's heavy-metal style where he likes to get on with frames, the 25-year-old may be able to frustrate if getting on top of the rocket.

This is a repeat of the first-round clash between the pair in 2023 when Ronnie came out on top 10-7, since then Junxu has improved and has progressed up to 27th in the rankings.

The last meeting between the pair was at the International Championship in November, on that occasion Junxu came out on top 6-4. That victory will no-doubt give him confidence ahead of today's match.

Even though the signs are positive for Junxu, I feel Ronnie is a completely different animal at the Crucible and if he gets momentum at any stage throughout the match, it will be an uphill task for Junxu to compete.

Prediction: 13-6 O'Sullivan

Si Jiahui V Ben Woollaston - 26/04/25 19.00, 27/04/25 19.00 & 28/04/25 13.00

Ben Woollaston will still be riding the crest of a wave following his unbelievable victory over fellow Leicester man Mark Selby when he comes into today's opening session.

I expect Si Jiahui to put an abrupt end to that as his defeat of David Gilbert in the first round showed glimpses of how dangerous he can be. 

On his debut here in 2023 he made the semi-final, so has shown he won't be overawed by the magic of playing at the Crucible.

He currently sits at 13th in the world rankings and was seeded for the first time, an impressive achievement for the 22-year-old.

Woollaston is well down at 44th in the World rankings, it's been a pretty uneventful season for the 37-year-old with victories proving hard to come by making his victory over the 4-time world champion even more of a surprise.

He played brilliantly throughout and took full advantage of a below-par Selby but now faces a very exciting up-and-coming talent in Si Jiahui.

I was very impressed with him at times during his first-round win and expect him to progress to the quarter-final with a possible battle with Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Prediction: 13-8 Si Jiahui

Luca Brecel V Ding Junhui - 26/04/25 19.00, 27/04/25 14.30 & 28/04/25 19.00

2023 World Champion Luca Brecel survived a scare in his first-round win over Ryan Day with the Welshman taking a 5-1 lead in the opening session, the Belgian bullet responded emphatically to come through 10-7 however.

He will know he cannot afford to give Ding Junhui that sort of lead, it would be very hard to claw back that deficit if you were to give the Chinese player that sort of advantage.

It's no secret that Luca Brecel enjoyed himself after claiming the sports ultimate prize in 2023. He seems to slowly be returning to that form and when playing his best can be a very dangerous opponent for anyone.

Ding is widely regarded as one of the best to not have lifted the sports top prize, he finds himself in a difficult section of the draw this year with a possible quarter-final against either Trump or Murphy.

That won't be on his mind yet though as he has to navigate through a very tricky match with Brecel first. The 38-year-old was always in control of his first-round win over impressive debutant Zak Surety and holds a significant H2H advantage (8-1) over today's opponent.

The pair last met in December with the Belgian getting his first win with a 4-3 victory. In truth, the majority of Ding's wins over Brecel have come in very close encounters and I expect this match to be no different.

It's hard to call a winner in what seems to be a 50/50 match but I feel Ding's form and experience will be enough to come through.

Prediction: 13-8 Ding

World Championship 2025 - Day 7

Mark Williams V Hossein Vafaei - 25/04/25 10.00 / 25/04/25 19.00 & 26/04/25 14.30

A fascinating match-up between two players that progressed through the first round with very impressive victories. Williams defeated impressive youngster Wu Yize 10-8 while Vafaei had an excellent win over Barry Hawkins 10-9.

Three-time World Champion Mark Williams comes into this years championship slightly under the radar as it's been well-documented that the Welshman is struggling with his eyesight and is hoping to address it in the off-season.

He has had a decent season on tour however, claiming the Champion of Champions title while also making the final of the Saudi Arabia Masters.

He comes in with a live chance but faces a very dangerous opponent in Hossein Vafaei.

His win in the first round will give him huge confidence especially after coming out on top of all-rounder Barry Hawkins.

His record at the Crucible is far from impressive and that will have to improve if he is to compete with the Welshman that knows the Crucible like the back of his hand.

Williams has the advantage in the H2H (6-1) over the Iranian but I have a sneaky suspicion this could be the world number 24’s chance to make the Crucible quarter-final for the first time.

After a nervy affair, I fancy a narrow victory for the 30-year-old.

Prediction: 13-10 Vafaei

Lei Peifan V Zhao Xintong - 25/05/25 14.30 , 26/05/25 10.00 & 27/05/25 10.00

A match between two qualifiers that must be brimming with confidence following their first-round victories over last years final pairing. Peifan came out on top 10-9 over defending Champion Kyren Wilson while Xintong was in scintillating form as he defeated last year's runner-up Jak Jones 10-4.

Peifan was 6-3 down but produced an inspired comeback to knock one of the tournament favourites out at his first attempt at retaining the title. The result came as a surprise but after his run to the Scottish Open title this season, we have become aware of what the 21-year-old is capable of.

He will have to continue on his excellent form from the second session of Saturday's opening round if he is to defeat the supremely talented Zhao Xintong.

Fellow Chinese player Xintong was in top form during his opening round defeat of Jak Jones, to reach the Crucible he has put together 4 very impressive performances and his judgement day victory over Elliot Slessor particularly sticks out as he made 3 centuries (134, 127 & 107) in a high-quality match throughout.

I feel he can carry that momentum on against Peifan and continue his remarkable return to the Crucible.

Prediction: 13-7 Xintong

World Championship 2025 - Day 6

Mark Allen V Chris Wakelin - 24/04/25 13.00, 25/04/25 10.00 & 25/04/25 19.00

It's fair to say despite being at the top of the sport for many years,  Mark Allen's record at the Crucible is below par. Having won both the UK Championship (2022) & The Masters (2018) he is yet to reach a final at the Crucible, it has to be seen as a disappointment for the 39-year-old.

Today he begins his second round having seen off up-and-coming Chinese player Fan Zhengyi 10-6 in round 1. It was an impressive performance that included two centuries (105 & 102) and a run of 6 frames on the bounce that ultimately was the winning of the match.

It no-doubt was a tricky draw against a dangerous opponent but he showed his title credentials putting the 24-year-old to the sword. Today he faces a more established, all-rounder in Chris Wakelin.

In arguable one of the results of the first round he defeated world number 9 and in-form Neil Robertson 10-8. In truth, taking a 7-2 lead after the first session was huge and in the end was the winning of the match as the Australian left himself too much to do.

His shoot-out victory in 2023 has completely transformed the Englishman into a very dangerous opponent capable of pulling off victories against the world's best. He will have no fear facing Allen and even defeated him in the 2024 English Open quarter-final (5-2).

I feel like Allen's experience of the longer format matches along with his significant better H2H record over Wakelin will be enough to see him progress.

Prediction: Allen 13-9

John Higgins V Xiao Guodong - 24/04/25 19.00, 25/04/25 14.30, 26/04/25 10.00

The pair will know each other's games inside out as this will be their 3rd meeting in the last month with the Scotsman coming out on top both times (10-3 & 6-5).

Higgins impressively came through his first round battle with Joe O'Connor 10-7 while Guodong convincingly saw off Matthew Selt 10-4 making two centuries (120 & 104).

He has really improved this season and winning the Wuhan Open seems to have given him the boost that was needed to make the next step in his career. The 36-year-old has also reached his highest ever ranking (14) and is seeded for the Crucible for the first time in his career.

It's no secret that 3-time world champion Higgins has regained his form that he was missing over the past couple of seasons. Having picked up 2 ranking titles this season (World Open & Tour Championship) he has found himself back in the conversation of possibly claiming these top prizes again.

I feel Guodong has the ability to put Higgins under a lot of pressure in this match but something tells me the Scotsman will dig in and narrowly grind out the result.

Prediction: 13-11 Higgins