Snooker scores: Mark Williams progresses as Ronnie O'Sullivan sent Crucible warning
Snooker's top stars will be in action at the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible this weekend
Hello and welcome to our snooker live blog for day two at the 2026 World Snooker Championship gets underway. Snooker's most sought after piece of silverware is up for grabs this month and things began to heat up before a shot has even been played. Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump have been criticised by rival Shaun Murphy after the duo missed the World Snooker Championship launch at the Crucible Theatre.
The pair are set to be fined with the top-16 players in the world expected to be in attendance for the for the eve-of-tournament green carpet show. When the action finally begin, reigning world champion Zhao Xintong survived a scare against Liam Highfield to make it through to the next round. Stay with us throughout the day as we bring you all the latest from the World Championship in our live blog below.
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KEY EVENTS
That's all for now
There will be more action to come tomorrow but that's it for this weekend.
The second round is slowly starting to take shape, but there are plenty more first-round matches to get through first.
Thanks for joining us today.
Over the line
Xiao Guodong makes it through to the last 16 as he claims a 10-6 victory over his countryman.
Steve Davis said:
It feels as if he has more belief now and isn't just a journeyman.
His scoring rate and positional play: he should be really happy. He's definitely a top 16 player, not an accidental top 16 player.
Lead extended
Xiao Guodong has moved three frames ahead of Zhou Yuelong after racking up back-to-back centuries.
The Chinese star is just one frame away from the second round and leads 9-6.
Getting tight
A 49-minute frame finally came to an end as Zhou Yuelong claimed victory on the black to narrow the scoreline to 7-6.
The 14th frame is underway now and Xiao Guodong is at the table and 21 points to the good as he looks to find some momentum.
Kowalski speaks
A sweet interview Antoni Kowalski following his exit.
I just ran out of steam honestly. Very happy, very proud. Not the score that I wanted but I would take that any day of the week before the qualifiers.
The reception from the Crucible lived up to expectations and if I could I'd play here every day.
More hunger to come back here every year. Experience of the long format matches and with the crowd. Hopefully I'll be back next year.
Williams wins
A final score of 10-4 as Mark Williams makes it through to the second round to face Barry Hawkins.
Not a bad debut for the first player from Poland, an unfortunate first session for Kowalski, which left him with a lot to do. A dangerous-looking player.
Tense
Williams leads 9-4 and just needs one frame to claim victory.
Pink and black remain on the table with both players on 48. A tense battle of safety is now taking place between Williams and Kowalski.
Both players need both colours. Kowalski knocks in the pink but doesn't have a position on the black.
The fight is on.
Table complaints
Matthew Stevens and Barry Hawkins have both complained about the conditions on table two.
Stevens said:
"The conditions were really tough out there, I couldn't string two balls together and he coped with the conditions better. A few people have said the cushions are a bit bouncy, but it's the same for both players.
"It's the worst I felt [here], it spoilt the game a bit and the conditions were really disappointing."
Hawkins added:
"It was no good at all. I don't like slating the conditions and the fitters do a great job. The cushions, they [the balls] are coming off so much quicker than they are coming in and it's so hard to control the cue ball and you have no confidence in your cueing.
"I don't know what it's going to be like for those on Tuesday, it's going to be like a ping-pong table."
Pulling away
This evening's other match sees Xiao Guodong take on Zhou Yuelong in an all-Chinese clash. Xiao has claimed two frames in a row and now leads 7-4.
Higgins and Carter scrap
Our man on the ground, Craig Swan has given his insight to the battle between John Higgins and Ali Carter earlier.
John Higgins faces a huge scrap to overcome fighting Ali Carter and keep alive his hopes of a fifth Crucible belt.
The four-times champion was left reeling by a shock flurry of blows as the two-time finalist rose from the canvas to take a 5-4 overnight lead.
Higgins looked in complete control of the ring during the opening stages of the bout and danced into a 4-0 lead.
However, having described Carter as a fighter and a battler in build-up to the game, the Scot was, unfortunately for him, proven 100 per cent correct as his rival responded in stunning fashion to land heavy haymakers of his own.
From nowhere, Higgins lost all five of the frames after the mini-break in the first session to suddenly fall behind in a massive turning of the tide.
The pair will now play to a finish on Monday afternoon and Carter has a chance to ensure his next visits to the supermarket are pleasant.
Carter made it through the qualifiers, but has failed in the past and admits explaining to strangers in his local Tesco why he wasn’t involved left him red faced.
Davis advice
Steven Davis has some advice for those playing at the World Championship, though it seems Mark Williams and Antoni Kowalski might not need it.
Many debutants crumble and are like a rabbit in headlights at the Crucible but Antoni Kowalski wasn't. He scared the life out of Mark Williams early on. The scoreline could have been a lot closer.
The best way to approach the World Championship is to play it like you are still down the club and Mark is probably one of the few who can do that.
The score is 6-3 in that one with Williams showing he has enough so far.
What a turnaround
Ali Carter now leads John Higgins 5-4 in a scoreline that would have seem outlandish a few hours ago.
Dennis Taylor is looking forward to seeing them resume play tomorrow.
I think I know who will sleep better of these two players this evening.
Hats off to Ali Carter, who has been superb to come from 4-0 down. Trailing by that margin will have knocked the stuffing out of him but he has fought back.
John Higgins just lost his way after the mid-session interval with his safety play and it has cost him.
We are in for a fabulous afternoon tomorrow with just one frame the difference between these two players. Tune in for that - could be a cracker!
Williams' promise
Enigmatic Welsh potter Mark Williams infamously attended his winning press conference naked when he claimed the World Snooker Championship in 2018.
The 51-year-old has promised to go starkers again if he is able to add a fourth Crucible crown to his collection.
"I'd run down the M4 from London to Cardiff naked," he said. "I'd do anything to get another title, but the years go by and you're less likely to win it."
Williams would face Barry Hawkins in the next round if he can best Antoni Kowalski.
What's to come
Mark Williams returns to the Crucible this evening as he takes on young Antoni Kowalski. Williams currently holds a 6-3 advantage.
An all-Chinese affair will also grace Table One with Xiao Guodong currently leading Zhou Yuelong 5-4.
Shaun Murphy snubs BBC role
Shaun Murphy says he and the BBC simply couldn't agree on financial terms for him to continue as part of their World Snooker Championship coverage.
"No [it was] nothing to do with trying to prepare properly for the tournament. We were in negotiations with the powers-that-be and we couldn't come to an agreement on terms. So I decided it wasn't for me at the previously agreed rate, it was nothing more than that. It's a big commitment.
"It's not without its troubles, especially if you're trying to compete in the tournament. I've always felt like I managed that quite well. I went to the UK [Championship] this year and the Masters, not on the broadcasting team. It was my choice and it's my choice again this year."
4-4
What a turnaround as Ali Carter levels the scores.
A break of 91 helped Carter bring the score all square.
Stephen Hendry has given his verdict on BBC.
It's amazing in these multi-session matches how momentum can change from one player to the other. Sometimes it's difficult to arrest it from your opponent.
John Higgins had the momentum then the interval came and just stopped his progress. It's all with his opponent now.
Hawkins through
He only needed one frame after the break and Barry Hawkins claim it. It took a few visits to claim the 10th but Hawkins has passed through into the second round as Matthew Stevens is knocked out.
Elsewhere, Ali Carter has claimed two frames back against John Higgins. A strong return from the break as Carter capitalised on Higgins missing a straightforward red to reduce the deficit to two.
Bevvy and burgers
Craig Swann writes Mark Allen reckons bevvy and burgers inspired his blistering Crucible comeback.
The Northern Irish star admitted he was “embarrassed” by his Saturday show as he trailed 5-3 overnight to Zhang Anda.
Allen was also 6-4 down on Sunday morning before reeling off a staggering six-frame burst which included three centuries to storm over the finishing line.
The former World No.1 reckons kicking back on Saturday night did the trick as he explained: “I just went out and had a few drinks. I got a burger.
“I thought: I can’t play any worse. I was absolutely embarrassing. I was gutted, so down on myself. I didn’t want to talk to anyone after that session.
“So I had a few drinks, watched the football, had a few bets with my mates. A bit of bad food, slept really well and played much better today [Sunday]. I’m not advising that for every round!
“I got away with one there. I didn’t make a break over 50 until frame 11. That’s embarrassing. Not good enough at this level.”
Allen’s recovery was impressive as he set up a clash with either Kyren Wilson or Stan Moody and he added: “I want to be world champion. It would mean everything. It will be a disappointing career for me if I look back and I haven’t won it.
“That’s why I was so frustrated [on Saturday]. I’ve been doing things so well, on the practice table, off the table, being in the gym and eating well.”
'Difficult to play against'
John Parrott does not believe Ali Carter will be surprised with the level of play from John Higgins, but that will not make the scoreline any easier to take a the moment.
John Higgins is missing nothing stupid. Everything that is coming up that he should pot - one red in that last frame aide - he has potted.
It's nothing Ali Carter wouldn't have expected, but it's very difficult to play against.
Mid-session interval
John Higgins is in the ascendancy with a 4-0 lead over Ali Carter. He's recorded a 96 per cent pot success which is ensuring Carter has a difficult time getting into the match.
Elsewhere, Barry Hawkins is one frame from victory with a 9-4 lead.
Awkward moment there for Matthew Stevens
Matthew Stevens looked a bit confused there as MC Rob Walker welcomed him to the Crucible.
Walker said: "Three times a semi-finalist, he loves the long frame format, a UK Champion, a Masters winner and still a class act on and off the baize. The Welsh Dragon, Matthew Stevens."
The 48-year-old was quick to correct the MC and point out he is infact a four-times semi-finalist.
John Higgins looks ahead to Ali Carter clash
It's the standout tie from the opening round of matches at the Snooker World Championship as the world number five and four-time world champion John Higgins takes on Ali Carter - a twice beaten finalist.
Speaking to the BBC ahead of the match, Higgins said: "The pressure grips you a bit, the nerves jangle a bit when you walk around the corridors here.
"I think I have played well this season, a lot of good wins but fell at the final hurdle in three big events.
"It's going to be incredibly difficult to do well here, it's a marathon. You've just got to enjoy it and see where it takes you."
Zhang Anda makes Mark Allen feelings clear
Zhang Anda has hailed Mark Allen's safety as one of the top three in the world.
Speaking to the BBC, Shang said: "Yesterday I played Ok but was still 5-3 [ahead], today he played well and made three centuries and I didn't have many chances to make a break.
"I just waited for my chances, and I tried my best. Today he made some good frames but I think Mark Allen's safety is top three, he just makes trouble for you."
'It would mean everything'
Speaking to BBC Sport, Mark Allen said: "It would mean everything [to win a World Championship] - I want to be word champion. It will be a disappointing career for me if I look back and I haven't won it.
"That's why I was so frustrated yesterday - I've been doing things so well, on the practice table, being in the gym and eating well.
"After that match yesterday I just went out and had a few drinks and a burger.
"I thought - 'I can't play any worse than yesterday'. I was so down on myself, I didn't want to talk to anyone after that session yesterday.
"So I went out, had a few bets and watched the football with my mates. A bit of bad food... and slept really well last night and played much better today."
Ding in total control
The former world number one has a five frame lead at the end of the session. Ding Junhui leads 7-2 against David Gilbert and closed out the final frame with 118-0.
The Englishman has a mountain to climb tomorrow and showed his frustration today, bashing his cue off the end of the table.
Masterclass from Mark Allen
That is a remarkable session from Mark Allen. He's won six frames in a row and he comes from behind to defeat Zhang Anda.
The Northern Ireland star wins 10-6 to book his place in the second round. There wasn't much Zhang could do there.
Five in a row for Allen
Mark Allen is putting on a real show here. He's won five frames in a row to move into a 9-6 lead.
From two behind, to three in front! He's really showing his class here.
A break of 129 his third century of the session. Superb snooker.
He's just one frame away from the win.
Mark Allen into the lead
Mark Allen takes the lead for the first time in the match and Zhang Anda doesn't look very happy out there.
He made several mistakes in that frame, but Allen has the momentum.
On the other table, Ding Junhui has a 3-2 lead over David Gilbert.
That is brilliant from Mark Allen
After a century in the 11th frame, Mark Allen has gone back-to-back to draw level against Zhang 6-6.
A break of 109 heading into the first interval.
Ding makes a bright start
Ding Zunhui currently leads David Gilbert 2-1 on table one while Zhang Anda constructs a break of 74 to take the tenth frame in 17 minutes.
Mark Allen then responds with a brilliant clearance of 140 to reduce the deficit once again.
Allen wins a tight ninth frame
That was quite the battle but Mark Allen gets a frame back against Zhang Anda. The Chinese star leads 5-4, but Allen closes the gap after winning the frame 77-50.
The Northern Irishman had a response for everything thrown his way, he missed a chance to end the safety battle on blue, but Zhang couldn't pin him down.
Ding begins title quest
Former world number one Ding Junhui is in action against David Gilbert, knowing he'll face defending champion Zhao Xintong with a win.
Junhui is the most successful Asian player in snooker history with 15 major ranking titles and three UK Championships, though his last triumph was the International Championship in 2024.
It'll be no walk in the park with Gilbert ranked 25th in the world and was a semi-finalist in both 2019 and 2024.
Not long until the action starts
Grab a brew and settle in as we prepare for day two of the World Championships. There are four matches to finish from yesterday, along with two fresh battles.
Ding Junhui vs David Gilbert and John Higgins vs Ali Carter will go head-to-head in fresh matches.
The man to beat?
Is defending champion Zhao Xintong the man to beat? He's in fine form ahead of this year's tournament and came through a nervy opening round.
However, his statistics since winning the tournament last year are quite remarkable. He's won 18 matches and lost just two, winning three tournaments in that time,
Xintong boats a 63 per cent frame win and has scored 34 centuries. Can he be stopped?
Today's matches
Mark Allen, Mark Williams and Barry Hawkins are all back in action today as they look to finish their opening round matches, while John Higgins faces Ali Carter.
Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump are not in action until Tuesday, but we're still set for an exciting days play.
'Tonight was pressure'
Zhao Xintong kicked off his defence of his World Snooker Championship crown with a nervy win over Liam Highfield and the Chinese star admitted it was a tough match.
He told BBC Sport: "Tonight was pressure, it was very difficult for me. Two days ago I thought I could control that, not now.
"I just tried to control myself and enjoy the table, but tonight I didn’t do it well. Hopefully next round I can do it."
He's now set for a huge second-round clash against compatriot Ding Junhui on Friday, if he can get the better David Gilbert first.
Zhao added: "If I play Ding, everyone keeps eyes on us. If I play with Ding, I’ll feel good."
Ronnie O'Sullivan sent Crucible warning
Alan McManus has warned Ronnie O'Sullivan that his World Snooker Championship first-round opponent He Guoqiang will be a handful ahead of his return to action at the Crucible.
Speaking on TNT Sports, he said: "He dusted Jack Lisowski actually in the last round in the qualifying with minimum fuss.
"I've watched a lot of him like I have all of the players, I don't quite know what his strengths and weaknesses are yet. The main thing is, he doesn't appear to have too many weaknesses.
"A real cool customer, a difficult guy to play against. He wraps himself up in his own game.
"He doesn't give two hoots about reputation. As you can see by that win against Jack. He's going to be a handful. Ronnie won't know much about him either.
"Not that Ronnie's overly worried about opponents, but he'll be a handful."
Yesterday's results at the Crucible
It was an eventful first day at the World Snooker Championships. Here are the results and state of play after day one:
Finished - Zhao Xintong (1) 10-7 Liam Highfield
To be continued -
Mark Allen (14) 3-5 Zhang Anda
Xiao Guodong (9) 5-4 Zhou Yuelong
Mark Williams (6) 6-3 Antoni Kowalski
Barry Hawkins (11) 7-2 Matthew Stevens
Good morning!
Hello and welcome back to our snooker live blog ahead of day two at the World Snooker Championships.
Stay with us throughout the day for all the latest action from the Crucible.
Hawkins pulls away from Stevens
Barry Hawkins has now won five consecutive frames to lead 6-2 against Matthew Stevens.
Zhao Xintong survives scare
A century break secures Zhao Xintong a place in the second round at the expense of Liam Highfield. After a fightback from the Brit, it was the reigning champion who wrapped it up 10-7.
Barry Hawkins now leads Matthew Stevens
Barry Hawkins is now in front on table two after twice coming from behind to lead 3-2 against Matthew Stevens.
Stevens takes lead, Xintong extends advantage
Matthew Stevens leads Barry Hawkins again after responding to his opponent levelling up their match on the other table. Zhao Xintong, meanwhile, has made it 8-5 after winning consecutive frames, the latest with a century break.
Xintong takes the lead
Zhao Xintong regains the lead against Liam Highfield and is now 7-5 in front in the round one clash at the Crucible.
On the other table, Barry Hawkins draws level with Matthew Stevens and that match is now all square at 1-1.
Score update
Liam Highfield has won the opening frame of the session, and draws level at 5-5 with defending champion Zhao Xintong.
Matthew Stevens has also taken the lead by winning the opening frame in the round one match against Barry Hawkins.
Tonight's matches
The two matches in tonight's session will see the continuation of Zhao Xintong vs Liam Highfield. The reigning World Champion takes a 5 frame to 4 lead from the morning session.
On the other table, Barry Hawkins starts his World Championship campaign as he takes on Welshman Matthew Stevens.
The action will start any time now. Stay here for updates.
Xiao Guodong leads
The match between Xiao Guodong and Zhou Yuelong has now also finished its first session, with Xiao leading by two frames, 5-3.
They will resume the match tomorrow.
Williams ahead at the break
After the afternoon session, Mark Williams takes a three-frame lead against Antoni Kowalski.
The Welshman did look to be heading for a comfortable frame in the final one of the session, with his opponent requiring snookers to draw level.
He was successful in getting one required, but Williams was eventually able to see out the frame.
It means he leads 6-3 after the first session.
Two tight games
Both games in action now are both tight affairs.
Mark Williams and Antoni Kowalski are into the eighth frame with Williams leading 4-3.
Meanwhile, in frame seven between Xiao Guodong and Zhou Yuelong, the score is locked at three frames each.
Mark Allen admits LIV Golf 'fear'
Mark Allen has admitted that there is 'fear' among snooker players following reports over LIV Golf.
It's claimed that the tournament will suffer from a withdrawal of funds from Saudi's PIF.
The Saudis are also big supporters of snooker, speaking about the situation, Allen said:
“I think there’s a fear already. The calendar was announced a few weeks ago for the new season and neither Saudi tournament is there.
“There was an earmark for a potential one, but, ultimately, there’s more going on, obviously. Potentially what’s going on in the Middle East doesn’t help, obviously."
Williams leads Kowalski
Mark Williams has taken the lead again against opponent Antoni Kowalski following the mid-session interval.
The two players went into the break with the score at two frames each.
But Williams took the fifth frame 78-0 to make it 3-2.
Elsewhere we're in the fifth frame between Xiao Guodong and Zhu Yuelong, with the scores locked at 2-2.
Referee forced to apologise
The topsy-turvy nature of the morning session between reigning World Champion Zhao Zintong and Liam Highfield left match referee Rob Spencer confused.
In the eighth of the scheduled nine frames, Spencer announced that it was the final frame of the session.
However, when his mistake was pointed out, the referee said
“Oh, hang on. No. No, it isn’t. No. Sorry.
“I’m stuck from the other week, aren’t I?
“Correction. The eighth frame. Liam Highfield to break.”
Xintong took the final frame of the session to take a 5-4 lead into tonight's evening session.
Afternoon session update
We are now well into the afternoon session at the Crucible.
Antoni Kowalski is currently leading Mark Williams 1-0 in frames. Both are in a safety battle in the second frame with Kowalski leading 61-57.
On table 1, Zhou Yuelong has taken a two frame lead against Xiao Guodong.
Mark Williams reaction to Kowalski
Mark Williams gave a wry smile to Antoni Kowalski showing his skills.
The Polish player used his left hand to pot a red ball into the left bottom corner pocket while building a break.
The TV cameras panned to Williams, who gave his reaction.
Kowalski went on to take the first frame to take a 1-0 win.
Interval time for Zhao
We've reached the interval in reigning World Champion Zhao Xintong's clash with Liam Highfield, and it's been a tighter affair than expected.
The Chinese potter leads his opponent 5-4 as we head into the break.
Into the final frames of the session
It's been a topsy-turvy time in both games in the first session of the World championships.
On table one, Liam Highfield has drawn level to make it 4-4.
Mark Allen has also cut the deficit to Zhang Anda to make the score 3-5.
Neil Robertson's John Virgo tribute
2010 World Champion Neil Robertson has paid tribute to John Virgo.
Speaking to the BBC earlier this week, he said:
“It will be difficult, especially for the studio and commentary team.
"Stephen Hendry had a good rapport with him in the commentary box and he said to me that was one of the things he will really miss, not having John there.
“John's was such a famous voice which we listened to over the years. I had the pleasure of working with him a couple of years ago in the commentary box.
"I was there for a week and I got to really appreciate how good he was at telling a story and making the frame seem really exciting and keeping you really interested.
"Even in the moments when you try to make it exciting, he was able to do it, being able to tell stories from previous years. Some of the things he and Dennis Taylor would talk about you can’t replace that – it takes decades to build up those stories and that rapport with the listeners and viewers. He will be sadly missed for sure.”
Latest scores
On table one, Zhao Xintong has reclaimed his two-frame lead againt Liam Highfield. Highfield made it 3-2 with a 86 break after the mid-session interval.
But Zhao completed a 77 break to take the sixth frame and make it 4-2.
On table two Zhang Anda leads Mark Allen 3-2, thanks to a break of 109.
Full first round draw
Zhao Xintong (China, 1) v Liam Highfield (England)
Ding Junhui (China, 16) v David Gilbert (England)
Xiao Guodong (China, 9) v Zhou Yuelong (China)
Shaun Murphy (England, 8) v Fan Zhengyi (China)
John Higgins (Scotland, 5) v Ali Carter (England)
Ronnie O'Sullivan (England, 12) v He Guoqiang (China)
Chris Wakelin (England, 13) v Liam Pullen (England)
Neil Robertson (Australia, 4) v Pang Junxu (China)
Kyren Wilson (England, 3) v Stan Moody (England)
Mark Allen (Northern Ireland, 14) v Zhang Anda (China)
Barry Hawkins (England, 11) v Matthew Stevens (Wales)
Mark Williams (Wales, 6) v Antoni Kowalski (Poland)
Mark Selby (England, 7) v Jak Jones (Wales)
Wu Yize (China, 10) v Lei Peifan (China)
Si Jiahui (China, 15) v Hossein Vafaei (Iran)
Judd Trump (England, 2) v Gary Wilson (England)
Mid-session interval
The mid-session interval is here in both matches.
On table two, Mark Allen produced a 47 break to level up the game to 2-2 with Zhang Anda.
On table one, Zhang Xintong reclaimed his two-frame lead with a break of 124 to make the score 2-1 against Liam Highfield.
Liam Highfield on the board
Despite a nervy start to the game, Liam Highfield has won his first frame against reigning World Champions Zhao Xintong.
He did look set to clear up the table, but missed a simple green. But he was able to escape the snooker from Zhao.
A couple of shots later, he was left with a difficult green, which he made to set him up for the brown and pink to take the frame and make it 2-1.
Best of 19 frames
The first round of the World Championships sees players play to the best of 19 frames.
On table one, it currently stands at Zhao Xintong 2-0 Liam Highfield.
Table two, it stands at Mark Allen 1-1 Zhang Anda, with the latter recording the first century break of the tournament with a 129 break in the second frame.
Frames won
Zhao Xintong has claimed the second frame in his match, while Mark Allen has opened the scoring in his match against Zhang Anda. He takes the first frame 73-38 despite sticking in the white when attempting a snooker.
We're well underway now.
Highfield 'under pressure'
The first frame was a missed opportunity for Liam Highfield, according to Stephen Hendry.
"That should have been a fairly easy clearance for Liam to win the frame, but he didn't do it. That puts him under some pressure now."
He now trails in the second with the world champ in a good position to claim another.
No mistake
Zhao Xintong gets his tournament up and running and claims the first frame in Sheffield.
Virgo tribute
A touching moment ahead of today's play as the Crucible unleashes a minute of applause for John Virgo, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
'We had to referee ourselves'
Just months before Zhao Xintong claimed world championship glory, he had played Steven Hallworth at a snooker club in Vienna.
There was one person in the audience and they had to retrieve their own balls from the pockets and score without the help of a referee.
Saturday's schedule in full
10:00
Zhao Xintong (1) v Liam Highfield
Mark Allen (14) v Zhang Anda
14:30
Xiao Guodong (9) v Zhou Yuelong
Mark Williams (6) v Antoni Kowalski
19:00
Zhao Xintong (1) v Liam Highfield
Barry Hawkins (11) v Matthew Stevens
Williams wants another title
Mark Williams has revealed he would 'run down the M4 from London to Cardiff naked' for a fourth world title. The Welshman isn't putting too much pressure on being in the mix on the final day, however.
"I'm still fighting. I'm still trying and that's all I can say," he said. I try my best in every tournament and if you win, great, if you lose, that's not the end of the world.
"I've been doing this since I was an eight-year-old kid. My father was going down the mines for 30 years, my grandfather for 50 years.
"I'm just travelling around the world playing the stupid game of snooker, getting paid well for it and enjoying it. You can't put too much pressure on yourself."
Debutants
There are four debutants at this year's tournament. Teenager star Stan Moody, Liam Pullen, Antoni Kowalski and He Guoqiang are taking centre stage for the first time.
Former champions
All but one of the champions from the last 10 years in Sheffield will be fighting it out to taste glory again in the coming days. Lucas Brecel was unable to make it through qualifying.
Jak Jones dispatched the Belgian 10-5 earlier in the week.
2025: Zhao Xintong (China)
2024: Kyren Wilson (England)
2023: Luca Brecel (Belgium)
2022: Ronnie O'Sullivan (England)
2021: Mark Selby (England)
2020: Ronnie O'Sullivan (England)
2019: Judd Trump (England)
2018: Mark Williams (Wales)
2017: Mark Selby (England)
2016: Mark Selby (England)
Prize money
Snooker's most prestigious tournament will see the winner receive £500,000 and there is a prize fund of almost £2.4m available in Sheffield.
Winner: £500,000
Runner-up: £200,000
Semi-finalists: £100,000
Quarter-finalists: £50,000
Last 16: £30,000
Last 32: £20,000
Highest break (qualifying stage included): £15,000
Who is competing?
The world's top 16 qualified for the tournament automatically, with 16 more qualifiers earning their way earlier in the week
1 Zhao Xintong
2 Judd Trump
3 Kyren Wilson
4 Neil Robertson
5 John Higgins
6 Mark Williams
7 Mark Selby
8 Shaun Murphy
9 Xiao Guodong
10 Wu Yize
11 Barry Hawkins
12 Ronnie O'Sullivan
13 Chris Wakelin
14 Mark Allen
15 Si Jiahui
16 Ding Junhui
Liam Highfield
David Gilbert
Fan Zhengyi
Ali Carter
He Guoqiang
Liam Pullen
Pang Junxu
Stan Moody
Zhang Anda
Matthew Stevens
Antoni Kowalski
Jak Jones
Lei Peifan
Hossein Vafaei
Gary Wilson
O'Sullivan and Trump slammed
Shaun Murphy has hit out at the Sheffield no-shows of Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump after they were absent from the tournament's launch at the Crucible.
“ I think it might give those two a particular image problem. I think it might affect their image slightly.
“I’ve got no idea, but none of us are shocked by it. It would be more strange for us if they were here, which is saying something.
“I think it’s a real shame and they probably could both have done a little bit more to help promote the game over the years."
First round action
The first round matches begin at 10am as Mark Allen takes on Zhang Anda and Zhao Xintong faces Liam Highfield.
Xintong will hope to become the first World Championship winner to defend his title at the first time of asking.
Good morning!
The World Snooker Championship is here! Thanks for joining us.
Play is due to get underway in around an hour.
