Defending Champion Kyren Wilson to Face China's Lei in Opening Round of World Snooker Championships
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Synopsis
Kyren Wilson begins his title defense at the 2025 World Snooker Championships against Lei Pengfei. This tournament features a record 10 Chinese players and significant prize funds, set to take place from April 19 to May 5.
Key Takeaways
- Kyren Wilson faces Lei Pengfei in the first round.
- Wilson is defending his title after winning last year.
- Attempts to break the Crucible curse.
- Ten Chinese players qualify for the tournament.
- Total prize fund is £2,395,000.
London, April 17 (NationPress) Kyren Wilson will kick off his title defense at the World Snooker Championships with a first-round showdown against China's Lei Pengfei, following the draw announcement for the 2025 event on Thursday.
At 33, Wilson secured his inaugural world champion title last year, triumphing over qualifier Jak Jones with a score of 18-14 in the final.
Wilson aims to break the infamous "Crucible curse", a phenomenon where no first-time champion has successfully defended their title since the tournament's relocation to the Crucible Theatre in 1977.
Ranked No. 2 in the world, he will face Scottish Open champion Lei, who dominated his last qualifier match against fellow countryman Gao Yang with a 10-0 victory, according to reports from Xinhua.
In other matchups, seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan is slated to compete against Ali Carter, while veteran John Higgins will take on Joe O'Connor.
This year marks a record of 10 Chinese players qualifying for the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Ding Junhui, seeded No. 10, is set to confront newcomer Zak Surety, while Zhao Xintong will challenge last year's finalist Jones in the opening round.
The 2025 World Championships are scheduled to take place from April 19 to May 5. The champion will receive a prize of £500,000 from a total prize pool of £2,395,000, while the runner-up will earn £200,000, and semifinalists will each be awarded £100,000.
