Kyren Wilson seeks to defend his title at the 2025 World Snooker Championship amid thrilling qualifying matches and historic performances.

The 2025 World Snooker Championship is poised to unfold at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from April 19 to May 5. This marks the 49th consecutive year that the championship will be hosted at this historic venue. With a staggering prize fund of £2,395,000, the tournament promises high stakes, as the winner will take home £500,000. Currently, qualifying rounds are in full swing at the English Institute of Sport, featuring 128 players vying for a coveted spot in the main event.

Defending champion Kyren Wilson faces the daunting "Crucible curse," a phenomenon where no first-time champion has successfully defended their title since the tournament`s relocation to the Crucible in 1977. The qualifying matches have already showcased thrilling moments, including Anthony Hamilton`s remarkable comeback against Steven Hallworth, where Hamilton triumphed 10-8 after trailing 9-0. His crucial clearance of 69 points was pivotal in avoiding a deciding frame.

In a bittersweet turn, snooker legend Jimmy White was eliminated in the second round of qualifying, falling to Ashley Carty 10-5, marking his 19th consecutive year without a Crucible appearance. Meanwhile, Marco Fu made headlines with a historic 16-red clearance during his qualifying match, scoring an impressive 139 points.

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