Judd Trump believes Ronnie O’Sullivan is the favorite for the 2024 World Snooker Championship

The stage is set for the 2024 World Snooker Championship at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, with top players gearing up for what promises to be an intense battle for the coveted title.

World number one Ronnie O’Sullivan is aiming to make history by clinching his eighth Crucible title, while Judd Trump, ranked second, is determined to add another championship to his 2019 victory.

Trump, who believes anything less than winning would be a “failure”, acknowledges O’Sullivan as the favorite for the tournament. The two players have had a fierce rivalry, with O’Sullivan coming out on top in their previous encounter in the 2022 final.

With O’Sullivan having a stellar season, including victories in the Masters and UK Championship, the pressure is on for him to achieve the elusive 8-8-8 (World, UK, and Masters titles) in the same season.

Meanwhile, defending champion Luca Brecel is confident of breaking the so-called ‘Crucible Curse’ and retaining his title. The Belgian player, ranked fourth in the world, is determined to prove his mettle against tough competition.

Other contenders like Mark Allen and Mark Williams are also eyeing the championship, with Williams stating that he is not one of the favorites but a player that others won’t want to face.

As the tournament kicks off, fans can expect thrilling matches, unexpected upsets, and intense competition as the world’s best snooker players battle it out for glory at the Crucible Theatre. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and results on the BBC Sport website and app.