Stuart Bingham, the celebrated former World Champion, finds himself in an unexpected position as he prepares to watch the 2025 World Championship from the sidelines, marking the ten-year anniversary of his triumphant victory in 2015. Bingham, who famously defeated the renowned Ronnie O’Sullivan with a score of 13-10 on his path to the semi-finals that year, has had a disappointing run recently. Last season, he reached the last four as a qualifier but fell short against Jak Jones, losing 17-12. However, his most recent campaign ended abruptly in the third round when he faced Michael Holt. Bingham began the match trailing by one frame, at 5-4, but ultimately succumbed to a 10-6 defeat.
This marks a significant moment in Bingham’s career, as it is the first time he has failed to qualify for the Crucible since the year 2010. Fans and pundits alike reflect on the remarkable journey of a player who once stood on the pinnacle of snooker but now faces a long spell away from the Crucible Theatre. His final match was a bitter disappointment, especially given that a decade ago he achieved what many players dream of: clinching the prestigious title.
In contrast, fellow competitor Michael Holt, who had previously claimed victory in the Shoot Out, is gearing up for his own challenge. Holt has made quite an impression, finishing with an outstanding 130 break and navigating comfortably into the last-32 of the ongoing tournament. He will face the rising star Fan Zhengyi on Wednesday. Expressing his thoughts on the significance of the Crucible, Holt stated, “The Crucible is such a special place to play snooker,” underscoring the emotional weight the venue carries for players regardless of their past experiences—good or bad. His passion for the game reflects the uncertainty athletes face when temporarily stepping away from the competitive scene.
Holt also shared his thoughts on the road back to the Crucible, remarking about the mental challenges involved in the sport. “When you drop off the circuit, you don’t know whether you will get there again or even play professional snooker again,” he added, highlighting the inherent pressures and unpredictability of snooker. His journey back to competitive play provides hope not only for him but for others who find themselves in similar situations.
Alongside Bingham, Stephen Maguire, another former semi-finalist, faced an abrupt exit, suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of 20-year-old amateur Gao Yang with a score of 10-3. This match was particularly surprising as Maguire had briefly rallied, managing to level the match at 3-3 with a break of 109, only to see his fortunes reverse dramatically as he lost the last seven frames. Gao closed out the match in style, finishing with a meticulous 120 break, signalling a potential rise in his own career.
On a more positive note, two-time finalists Ali Carter and Matthew Stevens are still in the running, each just one win away from making it to the last 32. Carter staged a comeback from 7-6 down to defeat Ian Burns 10-8, while Stevens secured a similar 10-8 victory over the quick-paced Thepchaiya Un-Nooh. Their upcoming matches could prove crucial, with Stevens set to face Wu Yize and Carter taking on He Guoqiang, who recently edged past Scott Donaldson.
However, for Robert Milkins, the Welsh Open champion, the tournament came to a disappointing end with a 10-5 loss against Wang Yuchen, leaving him out of further contention. The ongoing event showcases the intensity and unpredictability of professional snooker as several players either advance or face unexpected departures.
The third round of the World Championship qualification has brought a mix of outcomes, presenting a crucial juncture for many competitors. The Championship, now in its 49th year, will unfold live on TNT Sports and discovery+, scheduled to capture audiences from April 19 to May 5, promising exciting snooker action for fans and players alike.
