2024 World Snooker Championship Preview: Ronnie O’Sullivan Aims for Record Eighth Title

The 2024 World Snooker Championship is currently underway in Sheffield, with Ronnie O’Sullivan eyeing a record-breaking eighth title. O’Sullivan, who equaled Stephen Hendry’s record of seven Crucible crowns in 2022, has already won five titles this season, including The Masters and the UK Championship for a record eighth time each.

The tournament kicked off with some surprising results, as Belgium’s Luca Brecel, the defending champion, was knocked out in the first round by David Gilbert in a close 10-9 match. Additionally, four-time world champion Mark Selby suffered an early exit at the hands of fellow Leicestershire player Joe O’Connor.

The first-round draw and results have set the stage for an exciting competition, with top players like Judd Trump, Shaun Murphy, and John Higgins still in the running. The upcoming schedule promises more thrilling matches, with O’Sullivan set to face Jackson Page in his opening match on Wednesday, April 24.

The World Snooker Championship, held at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, has been a staple event in the snooker calendar since 1977. While O’Sullivan has expressed interest in seeing the tournament moved to new locations like Saudi Arabia or China, the current contract for the event runs until 2027.

With a maximum break at the World Championship earning a player £40,000 and the winner taking home a hefty £500,000 prize, the stakes are high for all competitors. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more drama, upsets, and exceptional snooker from the world’s best players vying for the prestigious title.