The second round of the 2021 World Snooker Championship kicks off today with defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan in action this afternoon at the Crucible.
O’Sullivan plays Anthony McGill at 1pm as he resumes his quest for a record-equalling seventh world title to emulate Stephen Hendry’s record. The Last 16 stage of the tournament sees longer matches, played at a best of 25 frames over three sessions.
Former champion Neil Robertson faces Jack Lisowski tonight whilst Mark Williams won his first-round match last night to set up a clash with John Higgins. The Williams versus Higgins match is expected to be the highlight of the Last 16 with both players winning the title multiple times over the last three decades.
Meanwhile, world number one Judd Trump cruised his way past Liam Highfield yesterday and is eager to retain his status at the top of the rankings with a strong run at the Crucible.
Trump feels he’s “been the best player in the world for the last two years and even O’Sullivan knows that” as the rivalry between the sport’s leading players intensifies.
There are still two more matches from the first round to be concluded. Three-time champion Mark Selby is 8-1 up against Kurt Maflin so needs just two more frames to book himself a place in the next round.
Whilst Shaun Murphy and Mark Davis play their opening round match to a conclude this afternoon, the event will continue to act as a test event for the return of fans to sporting events over the coming weeks.
World Snooker Championship 2021 Last 16 Line-up
Ronnie O’Sullivan vs. Anthony McGill
Stuart Bingham vs. Jamie Jones
John Higgins vs. Mark Williams
Mark Allen vs. Mark Selby/Kurt Maflin
Neil Robertson vs. Jack Liswoski
Barry Hawkins vs. Kyren Wilson
Shaun Murphy/Mark Davis vs. Yan Bingtao
David Gilbert vs. Judd Trump