Sam Craigie was docked a frame due to tardiness during his World Snooker Championship qualifier against Umut Dikme, according to multiple reports. Craigie is recovering from a severe neck injury involving a slipped disc, though the severity and his expected recovery timeline for future tournaments remain unclear. In another match, Stephen Maguire punched the table in frustration during his qualifier against Liam Highfield, multiple reports indicate, but it is unknown whether he faced any disciplinary action.
Jimmy White has banned himself from using his mobile phone to focus on World Snooker Championship qualifying. White last appeared in the World Snooker Championship in 2006, and he is facing Gao Yang in the opening round of qualifying. During that match, White angrily gestured towards a spectator after missing a shot, according to multiple reports, though the specific reason or provocation for the gesture is not confirmed.
I'm going with my son this time, only because he's been getting the balls out. I've got no distractions. I'll have no phone, nothing.
Stuart Bingham, David Gilbert, and Aaron Hill all progressed to the final round of World Snooker Championship qualifying, multiple reports indicate. Chang Bingyu also advanced, winning his qualifier against Prin Ratmukda 10-2, according to multiple reports. In the women's competition, Bai Yulu won her World Snooker Championship qualifier against Daniel Womersley 10-7, multiple reports indicate.
A scoring error occurred during that match, where four points were incorrectly added to Womersley's score, but it is unknown whether the error was corrected or affected the final outcome. Looking ahead, Umut Dikme will face Jack Lisowski in his next match, and Liam Highfield will face Oliver Lines in the next round of qualifying, according to multiple reports. The top 16 players in the world are seeded directly into the main draw of the World Snooker Championship, and Zhao Xintong is the defending champion, multiple reports indicate.
I'm going up there the best prepared I've been for probably 25 years. I know that sounds crazy, but it really is the truth.
On the losing side, Ken Doherty lost his World Snooker Championship qualifier to Patrick Whelan 10-5, according to multiple reports. Despite his exit, Jimmy White will feature in the World Seniors Championship in May 2026, multiple reports indicate.
Since I've opened the club, I've been practising more than ever.
I hope I can keep this form up. I've got to win four matches, which is like winning a tournament because you have to win four best-of-19 frames. But my game has never been in better shape. I'm really excited.