World Snooker Championship 2025 Draw Features O'Sullivan, Wilson Matches

The draw for the World Snooker Championship has set up a highly anticipated first-round match between seven-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan and his rival Ali Carter, a pairing that recalls their previous finals in 2008 and 2012. O'Sullivan, who has not played competitively since January and has yet to officially confirm his participation, has hinted that his final decision may come just before the tournament begins. Defending champion Kyren Wilson opens his title defense against Lei Peifan, and world number one Judd Trump faces Zhou Yuelong. The tournament starts Saturday at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, with qualifiers entering as underdogs but carrying momentum from the preliminary rounds. O'Sullivan's involvement remains a focal point, given his recent withdrawals from major events and ongoing uncertainty about his readiness. The O'Sullivan versus Carter clash is widely regarded as the standout fixture of the first round.