World Snooker Championship 2023

Not started yet, but the blessed Beeb are already hyping the qualifying rounds. Poor Reanne Evans has been drawn against Ken Doherty, whilst Stephen Hendry meets the occasional giant-killer James Cahill. Marco Fu might play Jimmy White in round 2.

etc

Ken Doherty beat Reanne Evans, and Cahill beat Hendry pretty resoundingly.

Jimmy White has seen his quest to reach The Crucible shattered by a 10-4 loss to Martin O'Donnell.

Other 1st round exits included Marco Fu, Fergal O'Brien and Rory McLeod. Ng On Yee put up a good fight in losing 10-8 to the hateable Michael Holt. Poor Mink Nutcharut lost 10-7 to the man, the madness - Dechawat Poomjaeng.

Barry Pinches reached round 2 though Though if he beats Fraser Patrick tomorrow, he's got Dave Gilbert after that... Poomjaeng plays Matthew Stevens.

Jimmy would have had his work cut out against Noppon Saengkham anyway.

Martin O'Donnell has a cracking snooker nickname. The Minister of Defence .

Teenage tearaway Stan Moody's big chance ended at the 'ands of Zhang Anda.

Matthew Stevens fended off the challenge of Dechawat Poomjaeng 10-8 to progress to the next stage of qualifying.

Ken Doherty, James Cahill and - YES! - Barry Pinches all made it to round 3.

Thepchaiya Un-Nooh and Graeme Dott already through to the final round.

Tom Ford is out after a 10-5 defeat to Si Jiahui. Barry Hawkins is through after a 10-4 win over David Lilley while Anthony McGill edged out John Astley in a decider.

The sixteen Crucible seeds.

1. Ronnie O'Sullivan
2. Mark Selby
3. Mark Allen
4. Shaun Murphy
5. Judd Trump
6. Neil Robertson
7. Kyren Wilson
8. Mark Williams
9. Luca Brecel
10. John Higgins
11. Ali Carter
12. Jack Lisowski
13. Robert Milkins
14. Stuart Bingham
15. Gary Wilson
16. Ding Junhui