Shaun Murphy
2005 world champion on BBC Two

Ronnie has made a career of when someone pushes him, he finds a gear and he pushes them back. That hasn't happened this week yet in my opinion and I think this is all about Zhao Xintong.

If he settles and can handle who he's playing, he could fly off into the distance. Nobody has put it up to Ronnie yet in this tournament, and if Zhao can settle, he's got the talent to cause a shock.

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

It's great when the tournament gets down to the single table setup.

But spare a thought for the table fitters and staff who were working well into the night to ensure the Crucible was ready for today's World Championship semi-finals.

This snap was taken off one of the monitors where the players walk out as I was leaving on Wednesday at around 22:35 BST.

Zhao rattles through the balls to get to 60 and a lead of 64, but he has no luck with a shot on when going into the pack and has to go safe.

He then adds another one point later on, with O'Sullivan 65 behind and 75 on the table.

O'Sullivan still has a chance to snatch this opener.

After a standing ovation, both men are ready for action. Ronnie O'Sullivan, the greatest to ever hold a cue, makes every club player instantly feel better by going in-off from the break-off shot.

We've all done it.

Stephen Hendry
Seven-time world champion on BBC Two

Judd Trump is all about bullying the table, and Mark Williams is all about guile. It's going to be incredible in the semis.

But it's Zhao Xintong I can't wait to watch in a one-table situation, he has breezed through the tournament. My head says a Trump v O'Sullivan final but it will be some story if Zhao gets to the final.

Remember the semi-finals are played over three days - Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The final is on Sunday and Monday.

Best of 33 frames

Semi-finals

13:00

Ronnie O'Sullivan (5) v Zhao Xintong

19:00

Judd Trump (2) v Mark Williams (6)

Eight frames are played in each session today.

BBC Two

You can watch live coverage of the World Snooker Championship on the BBC.

Coverage of the first semi-final between Ronnie O'Sullivan and Zhao Xintong is under way on BBC Two, while you can also follow the action on the BBC iPlayer or by heading to the top of this page and clicking on the play icon.

Thirty-two players began, only four players remain.

The semi-finals of the 2025 World Snooker Championship start today.

Get comfortable. It's going to be a great afternoon of snooker.

First up, Ronnie O'Sullivan versus Zhao Xintong.

BBC Sport

The 2025 World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

BBC Sport has comprehensive live coverage of the championship on BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four and Red Button, while every match will be shown in full on iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and the BBC Sport app.

The final takes place over two days starting on Sunday 4 May.

To read the full guide for draws, results and coverage, click here.

Image source, Getty Images

Get Inspired
#GetInspired

Why get into snooker, billiards and pool?

They are non-contact, indoor sports which can be played competitively or socially.

Who is it for?

Snooker, billiards & pool are skilful games that can be played by anyone, regardless of age, gender or ability.

Is there a cheap option?

Many clubs allow you to borrow equipment and membership fees can be inexpensive.

Is it good for my health and wellbeing?

Cue sports provide a fun and sociable way to stay active, improve your concentration and increase your strength and muscle control.

Can I take it to another level?

Once you've mastered the skills, you could enter local league matches and amateur level competitions across the country.

Is there a disability option?

Cue sports are very inclusive as the rules and equipment are the same for able-bodied and disabled players.

Is there a family option?

Many clubs welcome junior members. You can also play in teams and use a handicap scoring system.

Snooker, billiards and pool all offer different challenges, but from pubs to clubs to competition, they offer an accessible option for anyone hoping to pick up a cue.

It shouldn't be hard to find somewhere to hone your skills. What's more, an official snooker club finder, external was launched in 2018 to help you find the perfect place to play.