**World Snooker Championship Final 2025: Mark Williams Faces Zhao Xintong in Crucible Showdown**
After a fortnight of high drama, precision play and nerve-wracking match-ups, the World Snooker Championship reaches its highly anticipated climax at Sheffield’s iconic Crucible Theatre today. The contest promises to be a battle for the ages, with Welsh stalwart Mark Williams aiming to add a fourth world title to his illustrious career, while China’s Zhao Xintong seeks to write his name into the history books with his maiden triumph.
The final is set to commence at 1:00pm on Sunday, 4 May, with the first of the two scheduled sessions. The action will resume with the evening session at 7:00pm the same day, and the tightly fought frames are expected to continue into Monday, should the deciding 35th frame be required. Fans from the UK and around the world will be tuning in to witness who will ultimately raise the esteemed trophy and be crowned world champion.
Coverage of the championship finale will be available live on BBC Two, providing viewers thorough access to all of the breaks, tactical play and tension from the Crucible. For fans preferring to stream the spectacle, the BBC iPlayer will also be airing the event online, although users will need a valid TV licence and a registered BBC account to gain access to this service.
This year’s final brings together two compelling stories. Mark Williams, fondly nicknamed the “Welsh Potting Machine”, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill throughout the tournament. The veteran, well-loved for his calm demeanour and creative shot selection, overcame the formidable world No.1 Judd Trump in a gripping semi-final. Williams’ consistency at this event has cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s true greats.
On the other side of the table stands Zhao Xintong, a rising star who has captured the imagination of snooker fans with his natural talent and fearless shotmaking. Zhao’s route to the final included a show-stopping semi-final victory over the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan, further underlining the young Chinese player’s potential to dominate the sport in years to come. Should Zhao lift the trophy, it would signify a changing of the guard and herald a new era for snooker on the global stage.
The Crucible has always provided a unique atmosphere for snooker’s most iconic matches, and this year’s final promises to live up to that tradition. With its history of underdog stories, tense finishes, and dramatic moments, the theatre remains as much a part of the spectacle as the players themselves. Fans in attendance and watching at home will be hoping for another classic, as two contrasting players with different styles and experiences go head-to-head for snooker’s ultimate prize.
While Williams brings decades of experience and an impressive record with three world titles to his name, Zhao enters the final with everything to gain and nothing to lose. The clash between the seasoned champion and the youthful challenger not only brings a fascinating sporting narrative but also highlights snooker’s increasing global appeal.
With the BBC offering extensive coverage and social media abuzz with analysis and predictions, snooker enthusiasts won’t need to miss a moment of what could be an historic encounter. Whether you are backing the veteran Welshman or hoping for a new champion from China, the stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to this year’s World Snooker Championship.
For those seeking to keep up with proceedings and commentary, the BBC’s main social channels, along with dedicated coverage on Wales Online, will be offering real-time updates, player interviews, and expert analysis throughout the duration of the final.
As anticipation mounts and preparations are finalised within the theatre, snooker fans from all corners of the globe will be focused on Sheffield this weekend. Regardless of who lifts the trophy, the 2025 World Snooker Championship final is poised to deliver compelling sporting drama and showcase the very best that the sport has to offer.