Ronnie O’Sullivan progressed into the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship with a 13-9 victory over Si Jiahui as ‘The Rocket’ continues his bid for a history-making eighth world title.
O’Sullivan wasted little time in securing a routine 13-4 win over Pang Junxu in the second round at the Crucible Theatre and led talented youngster Si, who shockingly made the semi-finals here in 2023 at the age of just 20, 10-6 after Wednesday morning’s session. An early fightback in the evening from the Chinese player threatened to rattle The Rocket, but the seven-time world champion settled again to seal out victory and set up a meeting with Zhao Xintong.
Across the Crucible, Judd Trump surged into the semis as he won all five frames in the evening session to knock out Luca Brecel, in the process making a record 104th century of the season. Earlier, O’Sullivan’s fellow ‘Class of 92’ veterans John Higgins and Mark Williams produced a vintage encounter settled on the final black of the match. The pair were locked at 8-8 following an intriguing first two sessions and Williams moved 12-8 ahead before Higgins roared back to force a decider, with a costly missed blue from the Scot allowing Williams to prevail 13-12.
Follow all the scores, results and latest updates from the World Snooker Championship below:
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World Snooker Championship 2025 - live updates
- Ronnie O'Sullivan beats Si Jiahui 13-9 to book place in World Championship semi-finals
- O'Sullivan is seeking a record eighth world title
- Zhao Xintong is next up for the Englishman
- Judd Trump surges to 13-8 victory against Luca Brecel after record-breaking century
- Mark Williams earlier edged out John Higgins 13-12 in quarter-final thriller
Ronnie O'Sullivan speaks to the BBC after sealing victory
21:18
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
“I’m just grinding it out. I had my work done on my cue today. I’m playing awful and the cue feels awful, so it’s the worst situation, but I’m still in, so I’ll keep trying. He had lots of chances. I was trying all sorts, trying to hold the cue in different places just to get a different feel.
“Si played poorly in the whole match, really. I got lucky again. I’m looking forward to the semi-final, each match is an opportunity. I love seeing the Chinese players play well - they are such nice boys and it’s not easy. I still think there is loads that Zhao can improve on.”
Ronnie O'Sullivan books spot in semi-finals!
21:12
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
It’ll be Zhao Xintong next up for Ronnie O’Sullivan - it’ll be a tougher test but there was some real steel in those final frames from the seven-time world champion.
Ronnie O'Sullivan books spot in semi-finals!
21:10
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Far from perfect from Ronnie O’Sullivan but he’s into the final four! Si Jiahui gave him chances to seal it in those last two frames and The Rocket powers on.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 12-9 Si Jiahui
21:05
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Si flops down on the table - a wretched shot, reaching up for the brown and failing to find the pocket. Yuck. He’s had his chances.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 12-9 Si Jiahui
21:04
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
A careless safety from Ronnie O’Sullivan leaves Si Jiahui with a simple starter to the middle. He needs to make this count.
Judd Trump beats Luca Brecel 13-8
21:00
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Already having extended his stay in Sheffield is Judd Trump - here’s how he sealed it out against Luca Brecel after a dominant final five frames. The Belgian really seemed to be taking control of the match at times this afternoon but Trump just looks stronger and stronger a contender.
!
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) April 30, 2025
Judd Trump will face Mark Williams in the semi-final of the #WorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/cEcAXjWFb6
Ronnie O'Sullivan 12-9 Si Jiahui
20:58
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
No mistake this time! A delightful red to get going again for Ronnie O’Sullivan, and he knocks in the last of them with aplomb, too. A clearance is required...and achieved. He’s a frame away from the last four.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 11-9 Si Jiahui
20:55
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Si comes close to another fluke, though the red doesn’t quite bury itself in the yellow pocket. A chance, then, for Ronnie O’Sullivan, two reds below the brown (occupying the black spot) the likeliest to cause him bother.
He leaves them until last, sensibly. And misses the first of them! Gah. He gets away with it but still trails by 25.
Judd Trump surges into semi-final!
20:51
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Five frames, five won, and into the semi-finals - sparkling stuff from Judd Trump, starting with a couple of centuries and never looking back tonight. Luca Brecel is dispatched 13-8 in rapid time.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 11-9 Si Jiahui
20:50
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
A missed pot arrives relatively quickly, though. Back into a battle of safety play - until Si Jiahui gets lucky with an inadvertent two-ball plant fluke.
To 49 he rapidly moves before a slap of the table betrays his frustration at having run out of position. Can he fire in a tough red along the bottom cushion? No, but he’s played it cleverly to get back up to balk. Encouraging signs that Si Jiahui may be starting to believe he can win this.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 11-9 Si Jiahui
20:41
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
There has been some very curious snooker in this match. O’Sullivan tries to play the thinnest of cuts and fails to make contact. It’s a good tactical battle, this, though, with enough reds out in the open to offer a healthy break to the opponent if either errs.
Or not even if you err! O’Sullivan plucks one from the scarlet sea, sending it spinning right into the heart of the left corner pocket. Much better from the Rocket.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 11-9 Si Jiahui
20:37
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
A change of shot from Si Jiahui, the use of a cushion entirely unnecessary but the only way he feels he can leave them all safe. He gets it wrong, but O’Sullivan can’t pounce, again over-cutting a red with a rueful, slightly confused shake of the head.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 11-9 Si Jiahui
20:35
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Wow. Ronnie O’Sullivan puts Si Jiahui in a bit of bother, cutting off one side of the table with a nicely-placed safety, but that’s still incredibly careless from the youngster, striking the brown as he tries to work around the angles and find the right route back up to balk. Good luck to the referee trying to get everything back into place after O’Sullivan orders a reset.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 11-9 Si Jiahui
20:30
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Inauspicious. Ronnie O’Sullivan almost goes in-off from the bunch with his second shot of the frame. He’s ever so fortunate that it sticks in the jaws and leaves Si Jiahui able only to add one.
Onwards...
20:29
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Out Ronnie O’Sullivan and Si Jiahui stride again. Two more needed for O’Sullivan, still - will that 15-minute break have been beneficial?
Judd Trump 12-8 Luca Brecel
20:19
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Over on the other table, it’s a clean sweep for Judd Trump - a four-frame surge from the World No 1, ruthlessly powering way from Luca Brecel.
One more will do it when they resume for the record-breaker:
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) April 30, 2025
At 104, Judd Trump becomes the player with the most centuries in a single season #WorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/rw438qRHxe
Ronnie O'Sullivan 11-9 Si Jiahui
20:11
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
A simply sensational red confirms properly seals the frame. The fightback continues to the mid-session interval.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 11-8 Si Jiahui
20:10
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Si has a rather charming little habit of dislodging the chalk from his pocket when he really forces his cue through to generate power, the 22-year-old forced to awkwardly stoop to retrieve it each time and pop it back in its place. It’s about all that slows him on his way to a contribution of 58 that leaves O’Sullivan 68 behind with 59 remaining.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 11-8 Si Jiahui
20:06
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Judd Trump, meanwhile, has won his third of the night to extend his lead to 11-8 against Luca Brecel, who did at least have a shot in frame 19.
Si is bouncing around the baize again, beginning to build something of substance.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 11-8 Si Jiahui
20:03
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Si Jiahui is playing some sublime snooker early in these frames - though you do rather feel as if the ridiculous is never far away. A break of 10 promises much but delivers little as he gets slightly unfortunate with the split of the pack from the blue.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 11-8 Si Jiahui
19:57
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
A glance to the rafters from Si Jiahui as O’Sullivan motors towards a frame-winning contribution.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-8 Si Jiahui
19:54
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Si can’t really capitalise on that stroke of luck, allowing Ronnie O’Sullivan to return to the table. This feels like a crucial chance to quell his opponent’s momentum.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-8 Si Jiahui
19:50
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
A scorcher of a starter from Si Jihaui in frame 19 as his confident swells. In goes the black, too, after a bit of a ponder over what to do with no obvious next foothold presenting itself.
That’s handy! An almighty fluke after clipping the blue with a shot to nothing on the next red.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-8 Si Jiahui
19:47
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Another one back for Si Jiahui. It’s not perfect potting so far, but with Ronnie O’Sullivan struggling to get into his game, the lead is narrowing quickly.
Judd Trump breaks century record
19:42
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Another century for Judd Trump and that’s the record! Number 104 for the season for the left-hander, surpassing the tally of Neil Robertson for the outright record.
A 10-8 lead for Trump, who is already in fluent, frightening form tonight.
THE MOST CENTURIES EVER IN A PROFESSIONAL SEASON!
— WST (@WeAreWST) April 30, 2025
Judd Trump, you are a machine!
104, and counting! #HaloWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/GHPNCmPb8o
Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-7 Si Jiahui
19:40
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Si, Si, Si. An effortless cruise to 40 and then a poor unforced error, thinking too much off the pot two from now and failing to make sure the matter that should be occupying his attention is taken care of. A rattle of the jaws and away.
It’s not immediately costly as O’Sullivan misses a black off its spot.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-7 Si Jiahui
19:36
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
A delicate cut from distance gets Si Jiahui going in frame 18, and he rolls in the green to get on a roll. Now, can he find another lengthy pot to keep the break building? You bet he can. The rest of the reds are still together but it’s another chance for the Chinese player.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-7 Si Jiahui
19:32
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
And a missed red will end his effort. Si Jiahui takes the opening frame of the night.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-6 Si Jiahui
19:31
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
A break of 28 should be enough to wrap things up for Si Jiahui, though Ronnie O’Sullivan will come back to the table. Just for practice, or does he fancy a go at the three or four snookers he’ll need? It appears to be the former...
Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-6 Si Jiahui
19:28
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Over on the other table, Judd Trump has slammed in a brilliant 115 to nudge ahead of Luca Brecel after the opening frame of the evening session.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-6 Si Jiahui
19:27
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Ronnie O’Sullivan hasn’t yet totally found his range. He arises from the table disappointed after missing a long red by a distance.
Si Jiahui shows him how it is done, though this visit will be short with no colour pottable. He’ll force his opponent into a predicament.
O’Sullivan comes off a cushion and into a pair of reds nestled above the black, which is off its spot. He can’t help but leave one on...and in it goes.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-6 Si Jiahui
19:23
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
This is an excellent start from Si. The balls were spread a little wildly but he’s effectively navigating his way between them, avoiding choppy waters as he sails between.
That’s a slight hiccup, though, a flick of the pink unintended. There’s still a red available but this will require some work to get back into position...and he’s missed the pot, anyway! Ah. A great chance to build a frame-winning score gone for a tally of 38.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-6 Si Jiahui
19:18
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Both men doing a decent job of keeping obvious pots blocked. It’s been a pretty sloppy match so far, in truth, and it isn’t long before an error arrives from Si.
Can O’Sullivan take it? Nope, just over-cut. Si has a sighter along the right cushion, and in it rattles. He’s on the brown, too - a gorgeous pot, that.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-6 Si Jiahui
19:13
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
And we’re up and away, with Ronnie O’Sullivan safely back in behind the colours after his opening break-off.
Nothing on for Si Jiahui, who tucks in behind the yellow from his first safety...but not far enough! A lovely long pot from O’Sullivan to get the scoring started, though the cue ball runs away to end the break at one.
Here they come
19:09
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
MC Rob Walker welcomes the competing quartet in his trademark shouty style.
World Snooker Championship quarter-finals
19:03
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Our initial focus this evening will be on Ronnie O’Sullivan’s attempts to wrap things up against Si - though we’ll keep you abreast of developments across the arena, too, with that one perhaps likelier to go deeper...
To the tables...
18:55
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Right, not long now until our four players will be in the arena. It’s a short turnaround for Judd Trump and Luca Brecel with the pair in lockstep at eight apiece after a thrilling afternoon session. High-quality snooker between two top-class potters - but can the sometimes erratic Belgian stay with the World No 1?
Ronnie O’Sullivan, meanwhile, needs just three frames to book his place in the last four.
Ronnie O’Sullivan 10-6 Si Jiahui
Judd Trump 8-8 Luca Brecel
World Snooker Championship
18:45
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
While the stakes were not quite as high, and the denouement not quite as dramatic, the battle between Mark Williams and John Higgins brought back memories of Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor’s famous Black Ball Final at the Crucible. This year marks the 40th anniversary of one of snooker’s greatest days.
Ronnie O’Sullivan: ‘I was scared to go near a snooker table and I’ve lost my bottle’
18:30
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
We’ve not necessarily seen Ronnie O’Sullivan at his best yet in this year’s World Championship, but for The Rocket to be playing at all feels hugely positive after a difficult 2025 so far. Ahead of the tournament, Luke Baker sat down with the seven-time world champion to find out more.
World Snooker Championship 2025: Results, draw and schedule in full
18:15
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Need to catch up on all the action so far and the schedule to come at the Crucible? We’ve got you covered:
Ronnie O’Sullivan explains success of snooker’s ‘Class of 92’ at World Championship
18:00
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
So Mark Williams is through to the last four after a proper thriller against old foe John Higgins, with another of the ‘Class of 92’ looking likely to join him. What is the secret to the trio’s sustained success? Ronnie O’Sullivan should have an idea...
Barry Hearn issues ultimatum to ‘not fit for purpose’ Crucible over World Snooker Championship future
17:45
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Barry Hearn has declared the Crucible Theatre “not fit for purpose” and said that the World Snooker Championship will leave the Sheffield venue in 2027 unless changes are made.
The contract to stage snooker’s premier annual tournament expires in 2027, with a relocation to a larger, more suitable venue long mooted.
Hearn, a former chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), has been heavily involved in discussions in his role as president of Matchroom Sport, a body that effectively controls the World Snooker Tour.
The Crucible has hosted the World Championship since 1977, but the 980-seat theatre has faced criticism for a lack of spectator and practice space in recent years.
And Hearn has insisted that facilities must be improved if the tournament is to remain at the venue.
Mark Williams beats John Higgins in tense decider to reach Crucible semi-finals
17:30
,
Harry Latham-Coyle
Mark Williams held off a superb fightback from fellow former winner John Higgins to triumph in a last-frame decider and reach his eighth World Championship semi-final at the Crucible.
The veteran duo, who have won seven world titles between them, were locked at 8-8 at the end of their second session before Williams put himself on the brink by taking all four frames on Wednesday’s resumption.
Four-time champion Higgins, though, dug in following the mid-session interval with breaks of 94, 114 and 67 to force a decider, which Williams took after his opponent missed a tense blue on the top cushion to seal a 13-12 victory.
Williams, who had trailed 5-1 earlier in the match, made the most of some unforced errors from Higgins, 49, to edge in front and then extend his lead to 10-8.
Mark Williams reflects on incredible victory
13:58
,
Luke Baker
Today’s winner Mark Williams has also discussed his victory with the BBC.
“Balls of steel at the end,” he joked! “It was such a tough shot on the final blue, thinner than it looked. I could hvae gone in-off or overcut it but I've just gone full-blooded. I thought I've got to go for it.
“I'm telling you the truth, there wasn't one bit of nerves or shaking at the end. I don't really get that. I don't know why - people say you're lucky, I don't know any different.
“I thought he was going to pot that blue. From 12-8 to 12-12, I haven't done anything wrong. I'm thinking 'what can I do'.
“I was feeling a bit drained this morning. I just kept playing Tom Jones's 'Delilah' because I was knackered, just to try and stay with it. It's tough out there, especially the older you get.
“It's a pleasure playing him now. Years ago, I wanted to beat him, he wanted to beat me but it's just a pleasure now, win or lose.
“I've got to enjoy it because I don't know how many more times I'm coming back. But I say that every year!”
John Higgins reacts to heartbreaking defeat
13:55
,
Luke Baker
John Higgins has spoken to the BBC after that gut-wrenching defeat. He was as magnanimous as ever.
“Ach, I had the chance on the blue, didn't I,” he said. “It was difficult. You're struggling to see the pocket at that point of the game really. He potted a great blue, pink and black to win it so every credit to him.
“I felt good going into the last frame. Mark potted a great long red at the start and thought he was gonna do what he always does, make a break.
“Then I had golden chance, I could only make 30. It's understandable at this point of the game. It's tough. I made a bad safety error when i was in control, which let Mark back in. I got my chance and never took it, so I've got no complaints.
“I've had a good season and the atmosphere out there was incredible. We got a standing ovation again walking in but he’s just pipped me again.
“There’s no better place to play, win or lose. Losing is heartbreaking but it's one of those things. He played amazing to go 12-8. I've come back but listen, he's a great champion.”
Mark Williams beats John Higgins 13-12
13:42
,
Luke Baker
Just incredible. How has Williams pulled himself off the canvas to win that match? Huge drama at the Crucible.
The three-time world champion is into the semi-finals where Judd Trump or Luca Brecel awaits
John Higgins 12-13 Mark Williams - WILLIAMS WINS THE FINAL FRAME TO WIN THE MATCH
13:39
,
Luke Baker
The blue is potted by Williams and he lands perfectly on the pink. What a shot. Rolls the pink in, nicely on the black.
IT’S THERE! MARK WILLIAMS PINCHES THE FINAL FRAME TO WIN 74-69 AND WIN THE MATCH 13-12. The Welshman is into the semi-final. Such, such drama.
Higgins came from 12-8 down to force a decider, almost had it won but Williams steals it at the end. Wow, wow, wow
John Higgins 12-12 Mark Williams
13:38
,
Luke Baker
This is his chance to win the match - he needs up to and including the blue. Higgins nicely on the yellow, rolls it in and has a bit of an angle on the green.
Pot is easy enough but needs to land nicely on the brown. Tricky pot along the top cushion. He’ll be on the blue if he gets it. Rolls it, rattles both jaws BUT IT’S IN.
And now Higgins just needs the blue along the top cushion as well. HE’S MISSED IT! WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT. That was match-ball.
Williams lives! He trails 69-56 and needs all three remaining colours to win the match. Not easy to get from blue to pink though.
John Higgins 12-12 Mark Williams
13:35
,
Luke Baker
Higgins comes off two cushion and hits the red. Williams has a pot at it but not an easy one. The safety shot also knocked the brown safe on the top cushion. Drama left in this frame yet.
Williams MISSES THE LONG RED. Rattles out of the jaws and along the bottom cushion. Leaves it on for Higgins - needs the rest and finds the heart of the pocket. Nicely on the black which he pots and he now leads 60-56 as we’re on to the colours.
John Higgins 12-12 Mark Williams
13:32
,
Luke Baker
Three reds in the open and Williams tidies them up easily enough with two blacks and a pink. that cuts his deficit to 52-48.
Two reds left and this is a tough pot. A red down the right cushion, needs cutting in. WHAT A SUBLIME POT! Heart of the pocket and lands on the black. That puts him 56-52 ahead.
The final red is not in a great spot. It would be an incredibly tricky pot down the right cushion. He refuses it, just plays safe and so the Welshman leads 56-52, with one red left, with Higgins in a snooker. Advantage Williams now!
John Higgins 12-12 Mark Williams
13:29
,
Luke Baker
Four more penalty points to Higgins as Williams comes up short trying to nestle on the reds on the side cushion. Gets it right second time round though. Good safety shot. Higgins leads 52-25.
Mistake by Higgins! His safety shot catches the bump of the middle pocket and leaves a red right there for Williams. Back at the table and a chance to eat into the lead.
John Higgins 12-12 Mark Williams
13:24
,
Luke Baker
Ooh, foul by Williams as he tries to play safe with the thinnest of snicks on a red but clips the black instead. Seven penalty points to Higgins puts him 41-25 to the good.
Higgins then knocks a long red into the right corner but he’s left with a tricky pink (which is on the black spot) to the left corner. Knocked in nicely - moves 48-25 ahead.
Not on another red so plays safe off one on the right cushion. Five reds still on the table, three towards the right cushion, two towards the bottom cushion. Advantage Higgins but still game on.
John Higgins 12-12 Mark Williams
13:21
,
Luke Baker
Williams takes on a long red to right corner, plays it slowly and the red clips the cushion first so stays out. But he played it with safety in mind, so Higgins isn’t left with a pot to go at.
Compelling safety exchange follows and Higgins eventually takes on a thin clip to the right corner. GREAT POT! He’s got a pot on the yellow but it’s hampered and hard to see he lands on a red. Nope, he can’t. So three more points to Higgins and he leads 34-25 as we enter another safety battle
John Higgins 12-12 Mark Williams
13:15
,
Luke Baker
So, can Higgins take advantage of his opportunity? First couple of reds and blacks are easy enough.
He gets to 24 points, almost the same as Williams, and faces a testing red to the right middle. Played at pace and it’s in the heart of the pocket. Nice pot.
Not perfectly on the pink to follow, cutting it back into the middle, but rolls it in. Misses his cannon however, so now it’s a really tough pot on red to left middle, a thin cut. In fact, he refuses it and plays safe instead. So Higgins leads 31-25 - his first chance slips by. The tension!
John Higgins 12-12 Mark Williams
13:11
,
Luke Baker
Williams gets a look at a very similar red to the one he potted at the start of the frame, down the right side of the table. STUNS IT IN! Really nice pot but it’s a tricky pot on the black, a thin cut into a blind pocket...
He’s taking it on. Big shot this... MISSES! Off the far jaw and stays out. Higgins is right in among the balls here, only trails by 25 points. This is the chance for the Scotsman.
John Higgins 12-12 Mark Williams
13:09
,
Luke Baker
Williams sets about picking off loose reds, taking blacks with them as his score climbs. Little cannon when he’s 24 points ahead but it goes wrong.
Left without a red to go at, so he plays safe. Just 24 points and Higgins returns to the table. First chance comes and goes for the Welshman.
John Higgins 12-12 Mark Williams
13:07
,
Luke Baker
Williams with the