The 2025 UK Snooker Championship is underway at the Barbican Centre in York, delivering immediate drama with the shock early exit of the tournament's most successful player. Ronnie O'Sullivan, the record eight-time champion, was eliminated in the first round by China's Zhou Yuelong in a major upset.
Title Defence and Major Upsets
Defending champion and world number one Judd Trump successfully began his campaign to retain the trophy, securing a 6-4 victory over 2004 winner Stephen Maguire. Trump, who claimed his second UK title last year by beating Barry Hawkins 10-8, is seeking to end a curious 12-month drought without a tournament win. His triumph in York a year ago remains his most recent silverware.
The tournament has already highlighted the unpredictable nature of the current season, where the first 11 ranking events were won by 11 different players. O'Sullivan's defeat to Zhou Yuelong, who now progresses to face Mark Selby in the last 16, epitomises this competitive depth.
Contenders and Tournament Details
A star-studded field remains in contention for the prestigious Triple Crown event. Reigning world champion Zhao Xintong, Masters champion Shaun Murphy, three-time UK winner Neil Robertson, and four-time world champion John Higgins are all targeting the title in York.
The championship began on Saturday 29 November and will conclude with the final on Sunday 7 December. Fans in the UK can follow every match across nine days of action live on the BBC, via BBC Two, BBC Four, the red button, iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website. The tournament is also broadcast on TNT Sports, with streaming available through the Discovery+ app.
Prize Money and Key Results
A total prize pot of £1,205,000 is on offer, with the winner set to receive a top prize of £250,000. The runner-up will earn £100,000, with further rewards for semi-finalists (£50,000) and quarter-finalists (£25,000). An additional £15,000 is awarded for the highest break of the tournament.
Notable results from the early rounds include Mark Williams' exit at the hands of Pang Junxu, and Neil Robertson's commanding 6-1 win over Wu Yize to reach the last 16. The schedule for Wednesday 3 December features key last-16 clashes, including Judd Trump versus Si Jiahui and the marquee tie between Mark Selby and Zhou Yuelong.
As the action moves into the quarter-finals on Friday, the quest for one of snooker's most coveted trophies intensifies at the Barbican Centre.
