Mark Davis is fighting to maintain his professional snooker status at World Championship qualifying, needing to win his opening match against Gao Yang to have a chance of staying on tour. He has lost in deciding frames in the last four years of World Championship qualifying, including two 10-9 losses on Judgement Day. The outcome of his match against Gao Yang remains unknown as qualifying progresses, with his professional future hanging in the balance.
Zak Surety needs to win two qualifying matches to return to the Crucible, where he made a memorable debut last year. Surety was the first Crucible debutant to make four centuries in his first match, showcasing his scoring prowess on the sport's biggest stage. The outcome of Surety's qualifying matches is yet to be determined as he seeks to replicate his historic Crucible performance.
Elliot Slessor enters World Championship qualifying needing two wins to reach the Crucible. The tournament schedule sees qualifying take place at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield from April 6-15, with the main stages at the Crucible running from April 18 to May 4. The outcome of Slessor's qualifying matches is unknown as he aims to secure his spot at snooker's premier event.
In early qualifying results, Marco Fu won his opening round 10-1 against Mink Nutcharut, demonstrating strong form. Ken Doherty lost 10-5 to Patrick Whelan in World Championship qualifying, while Reanne Evans lost 10-7 to Vladislav Gradinari. These results highlight the competitive nature of the qualifying rounds.
Professionals Sunny Akani and Mohamed Shehab have not entered the World Championship qualifying tournament. The specific reasons for their absences are unknown, leaving questions about their participation in this year's championship.