O'Sullivan Preps for Return as Wilson and Hawkins Crash Out in 2025 World Snooker Championship

 

O'Sullivan Preps for Return as Wilson and Hawkins Crash Out in 2025 World Snooker Championship 

The 2025 World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre is off to a thrilling start with upsets and emotional moments paving the way for Ronnie O’Sullivan’s return. Defending champion Kyren Wilson fell 10-9 to debutant Lei Peifan, succumbing to the Crucible curse that has now claimed 20 first-time champions. Top players Neil Robertson and Barry Hawkins also exited early, losing 10-8 to Chris Wakelin and 10-9 to Hossein Vafaei, respectively, opening the draw wide. John Higgins, grappling with his father-in-law’s recent heart attack, overcame Joe O’Connor 10-7 in a deeply emotional match, calling it his toughest mentally.

O’Sullivan, the seven-time champion, faces Ali Carter today at 2:30 PM BST. The 49-year-old, absent from competition since January, confirmed his participation late, admitting struggles with form and mental health. His rivalry with Carter, marked by a 2018 physical altercation and recent verbal jabs, adds intensity to the first-round clash. O’Sullivan, eyeing a record eighth modern-era title, has defied long breaks before, notably winning in 2013. World number one Judd Trump starts against Zhou Yuelong, and 2005 champion Shaun Murphy meets Daniel Wells. 

The tournament, ending May 5, features a record 10 Chinese players, including Zhao Xintong, who upset last year’s finalist Jak Jones after returning from a ban. With £500,000 for the winner and a £40,000 maximum break bonus, the stakes are sky-high. The early shocks and O’Sullivan’s return make this a must-watch championship, promising more drama at the iconic Crucible.

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