Ronnie O’Sullivan Eyes Crucible Glory at World Snooker Championship
The World Snooker Championship returns to the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield with an unusually open field. Several former champions arrive with doubts. Others bring strong recent form.
Defending champion: Zhao Xintong
Zhao Xintong returns to Sheffield as the reigning champion. He dominated the Tour Championship in Manchester. He beat John Higgins 10-1 and Judd Trump 10-3 in consecutive matches.
Zhao also collected the World Grand Prix and Players Championship this season. He may attempt to overcome the so-called Crucible curse. No first-time champion has successfully defended the title there.
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s prospects
Ronnie O’Sullivan remains one of the biggest names in the draw. He reached the World Open final in Yushan last month.
O’Sullivan has contemplated eight world titles and matching Stephen Hendry. He has chosen to base himself in Dublin for the event. That decision has prompted debate about his tournament preparation.
Mark Selby: experience and resilience
Mark Selby is a four-time Crucible winner. It has been five years since his last world title.
Selby recently reclaimed a UK Championship. He has spoken publicly about past mental health struggles. His stamina and tactical game make him a contender for long matches.
Neil Robertson: form and history
Neil Robertson’s sole world title came in 2010. His Crucible results have been inconsistent since then.
Robertson fell down the rankings and lost in qualifying in 2024. He also exited in the first round to Chris Wakelin last year. He is now third in the world rankings and aims to recapture peak form.
Kyren Wilson: defending champion’s shadow
Kyren Wilson suffered a shock early exit as defending champion last year. He lost on the first day to Chinese qualifier Lei Peifan.
Wilson won the Masters and the Shanghai Masters this season. Outside those victories, his results were patchy. This period feels pivotal for his ambitions as a multiple world winner.
Key questions for Sheffield
- Can any player break the Crucible curse and defend their title?
- Will Ronnie O’Sullivan mount another serious title challenge?
- Which former champion can regain championship-winning form?
Filmogaz.com will follow the tournament build-up and highlight contenders. Expect drama over the long, intense Crucible fortnight.
