The latest news and views from the World Snooker Championship as Ronnie O’Sullivan prepares to make his long-awaited return to action against bitter rival Ali Carter
The World Snooker Championship has already seen plenty of twists and turns, even before Ronnie O’Sullivan’s return to action. Big names have taken a tumble, including Kyren Wilson, who fell prey to the infamous ‘Crucible curse’, suffering a shocking first round defeat to Lei Peifan.
Another ex-Crucible champion, Neil Robertson, has also been knocked out while last year’s runner-up, Jak Jones, was ousted by formidable Chinese qualifier Zhao Xintong. The most anticipated match of the first round kicks off on Tuesday as O’Sullivan returns to competitive action for the first time since January, facing off against long-time adversary Ali Carter.
Here’s a round-up of day four news and views from the Crucible, including the latest on Mark Williams’ sight issues and Steve Davis’s prediction for snooker’s old guard…
World Championship alternative for Rocket
O’Sullivan might have the chance to bag two world championships from next year following the termination of an agreement between the World Snooker Tour (WST) and World Seniors Snooker (WSS). This pact allowed players over 40 to participate in WSS events, provided they were not within the top 64 in the world rankings, including the World Seniors Championship, which is held at the Crucible after the WST version.
WSS has been lobbying for all players over 45 to be eligible. However, no agreement was reached, and the partnership between WSS and WST will officially conclude after this year’s World Seniors Championship.
It will hand a green light to all players over 45 to take part in WSS events, provided they don’t coincide with any WST tournaments. This opens the door to the likes of 49-year-old Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, 49, and Mark Williams, 50, to compete in both world championships from 2026.
Wilson ponders BBC decision
Wilson is weighing up ditching his punditry role with the BBC. Following his first round exit, the Warrior admitted he needed a complete break from snooker, saying: “I’m meant to be working for the BBC. I don’t know. I don’t really want to be there.
“This is extremely tough to take. It really hurts. I’ve such a strong record at the Crucible. I’m tough to beat here. I cannot think of anything worse than snooker right now.”
If he does fulfil his BBC commitment, he could end up working with Shaun Murphy. The pair have been embroiled in a war of words after Wilson, on the eve of the tournament, branded Murphy’s behaviour during January’s Masters final “unprofessional”. A furious Murphy has hit back at the claim, vowing to take the matter up in person with Wilson.
Qualifier likened to Tiger Woods
Jimmy White has showered praise on Zhao Xintong, likening him to golf icon Tiger Woods following his return to the Crucible. The Whirlwind was effusive in his admiration for the young Chinese talent, who is reviving his career following his ban for a minor role in the sport’s match-fixing scandal.
The 2021 UK champion impressively dispatched 16th seed Jones, prompting White to tell TNT Sports: “He had the situation where he did not play for a couple of years, but he is the best striker [of a cue ball] I think I have ever seen.
“Every now and again in sport you get people like Ballesteros, Tiger Woods, and in snooker you have got Ronnie O’Sullivan. Now this kid has come along. He is a phenomenal player, a phenomenal scorer, we just love everything about him.”
Davis expecting big changes
Steve Davis reckons the landscape of the sport will alter drastically over the next few years. The six-time world champion made the prediction during veteran Higgins’ first round victory over Joe O’Connor.
While the four-time Crucible champion got over the line, O’Connor is the type of player who could climb up the rankings as legends like Higgins come towards the end of their illustrious careers.
“The general trend is towards a changing of the guard in this game,” said Davis on the BBC. “A lot of younger players coming through are getting a load of experience. Some of the more established players… They’re still great players, but they’re up against it more often.
“So there’s going to be a lot of changing in the ranking list over the next couple of years. It could look completely different.”
Legend set for surgery
One of those legends, Williams, is hoping to extend his career by undergoing eye surgery. The Welshman has made no secret of his fading eyesight and recently took to wearing contact lenses. Speaking after his first round victory over Wu Yize, he said: “I’ve tried playing with contacts but it’s very difficult and really uncomfortable in my eyes.
“I’m booked in on 12 June, I think, to get a lens replacement. If everything goes OK, hopefully that could prolong my career for another four or five years.”
