The 2024 World Snooker Championship continues at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, with coverage on BBC One of the afternoon session of Day 8.
Ronnie O’Sullivan Targets Record Eighth Title
Ronnie O’Sullivan is aiming to make history by winning his eighth World Championship title, which would break his current tie of seven with Stephen Hendry for the most World Championships in the modern era. O’Sullivan, the world number one, beat Judd Trump in 2022 to match Hendry’s record. The 48-year-old has already won the UK Championship and Masters this season, and victory in Sheffield would see him become the fourth man, after Hendry, Steve Davis, and Mark Williams, to win all three Triple Crown events in a single season.
First Round Exits for Seeds
Several seeds have already fallen in the first round, including Ding Junhui, Mark Williams, and Luca Brecel, the defending champion. Brecel lost 9-10 to David Gilbert, becoming the 19th first-time champion unable to defend his title at the Crucible. Mark Selby, the 2021 and 2017 winner, was defeated 6-10 by debutant Joe O’Connor.
Thailand’s Noppon Saengkham made a maximum 147 break in the third round of qualifying, earning a £10,000 bonus. Any player who makes a maximum break at the Crucible will receive £40,000, with 14 having been made over the years, including two in the 2023 tournament. The winner of the tournament will receive £500,000, with the runner-up taking home £200,000.
The first round is the best of 19 frames played over two sessions. The second round and quarter-finals are the best of 25 frames played over three sessions, while the semi-finals are the best of 33 frames over four sessions. The final is the best of 35 frames, played across two days.
Day 8 Matches
The afternoon session of Day 8 will feature the continuation of the following matches:
– Ding Junhui v Jack Lisowski
– Mark Allen v Robbie Williams
– Ronnie O’Sullivan v Jackson Page
– John Higgins v Jamie Jones
– Barry Hawkins v Ryan Day
The World Snooker Championship Day 8 Afternoon Session is being broadcast live on BBC One on Saturday 27 April 2024 from 1.15pm
