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{{Short description|47th edition of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield}}
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The '''2023 World Snooker Championship''' (officially the '''2023 Cazoo World Snooker Championship''') was a professional ] tournament that took place from 15 April to 1 May 2023 at the ] in ], England, the 47th consecutive year that the ] was staged at the venue. The qualifying rounds took place from 3 to 12 April 2023 at the ] in Sheffield. The 15th and final ] tournament of the ], it was organised by the ] and sponsored for the first time by car retailer ]. It was broadcast in the United Kingdom by the ], in Europe by ], and elsewhere in the world by ] and other broadcasters. The total prize fund was £2,395,000, of which the winner received £500,000. The '''2023 World Snooker Championship''' (officially the '''2023 Cazoo World Snooker Championship''') was a professional ] tournament that took place from 15 April to 1 May 2023 at the ] in ], England, the 47th consecutive year that the ] was staged at the venue. The qualifying rounds took place from 3 to 12 April 2023 at the ] in Sheffield. The 15th and final ] tournament of the ], it was organised by the ] and sponsored for the first time by car retailer ]. It was broadcast in the United Kingdom by the ], in Europe by ], and elsewhere in the world by ] and other broadcasters. The total prize fund was £2,395,000, of which the winner received £500,000.


] was the defending champion, having defeated ] 18–13 in the ]. He made a record 31st Crucible appearance, surpassing the 30 appearances by ], and reached a record-extending 21st quarter-final—also becoming the first player to compete in 100 matches at the Crucible—but lost 10–13 to Belgian player ]. ], ], ], ], and ] all featured at the main stage for the first time. Si, aged 20, became the first debutant to reach the semi-finals since ] at the ] and the youngest player to do so since O'Sullivan at the ]. Brecel came from 5–14 behind in the semi-finals to defeat Si 17–15, the first time a player had won a match at the Crucible after trailing by nine frames. Brecel went on to defeat ] 18–15 in the final, winning his first world title, first ] title, and fourth ranking title. He became the sport's first world champion from ]. ] was the defending champion, having defeated ] 18–13 in the ]. He made a record 31st Crucible appearance, surpassing the 30 appearances by ], and reached a record-extending 21st quarter-final—also becoming the first player to compete in 100 matches at the Crucible—but lost 10–13 to Belgian player ]. Crucible debutants at the event were ], ], ], ], and ]. Si, aged 20, became the first debutant to reach the semi-finals since ] at the ] and the youngest player to do so since O'Sullivan at the ]. Brecel came from 5–14 behind in the semi-finals to defeat Si 17–15, the first time a player had won a match at the Crucible after trailing by nine frames. Brecel went on to defeat ] 18–15 in the final, winning his first world title, first ] title, and fourth ranking title. He became the sport's first world champion from ].


The event's main stage produced 90 ], including two ]s: one by ] in his first-round match against ] and the other by Selby, who became the first player to make a maximum in a World Championship final. O'Sullivan made both his 1,200th century in professional competition and his 200th Crucible century at the event. The qualifying rounds produced another 135 centuries, including a 115 break by ], the highest by a woman in the tournament's history. The event's main stage produced 90 ]. For the second time, after the ], two ] occurred at the main stage of the tournament: ] made a maximum in his first-round match against ], and Selby became the first player to make a maximum in a World Championship final. O'Sullivan made both his 1,200th century in professional competition and his 200th Crucible century at the event. The qualifying rounds produced another 135 centuries, including a 115 break by ], the highest by a woman in the tournament's history.


==Background == ==Background ==
] in ], England.]] ] in ], England.]]
The first ] final took place in ] at ] in ], England, and was won by ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Turner |first=Chris |title=World Professional Championship |url=http://www.cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/world.html |work=cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk |publisher=Chris Turner's Snooker Archive |year=2008 |access-date=9 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724180133/http://www.cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/world.html |archive-date=24 July 2011}}</ref> Staged annually until ], the tournament was put on hiatus during World War II and went into decline in the post-war era; the ] was contested by only two players and was replaced by the ], which was also discontinued in 1957. Revived on a ] basis in 1964, the World Snooker Championship reverted to an annual knockout tournament in ].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Nunns |first1=Hector |last2=Hendon |first2=David |title=History of Snooker |url=https://wst.tv/wpbsa/history-of-snooker/ |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=15 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815075857/https://wst.tv/wpbsa/history-of-snooker/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In ], the tournament was first staged at the ] in ], where it has remained since.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Betfred World Championship |website=World Snooker |access-date=22 February 2022 |url=https://wst.tv/tournaments/betfred-world-championship/ |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514143520/https://wst.tv/tournaments/betfred-world-championship/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The first ] final took place in ] at ] in ], England, and was won by ].<ref name="nfroS" /> Staged annually until ], the tournament was put on hiatus during World War II and went into decline in the post-war era; the ] was contested by only two players and was replaced by the ], which was also discontinued in 1957. Revived on a ] basis in 1964, the World Snooker Championship reverted to an annual ] in ].<ref name="UjoxO" /> In ], the tournament was first staged at the ] in ], where it has remained since.<ref name="TNgNQ" />


The 2023 event (officially known as the 2023 Cazoo World Snooker Championship) was organised by the ] and sponsored for the first time by British car retailer ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 May 2022 |title=Cazoo To Become Title Sponsor Of World Snooker Championship |url=https://wst.tv/cazoo-to-become-title-sponsor-of-world-snooker-championship/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509090221/https://wst.tv/cazoo-to-become-title-sponsor-of-world-snooker-championship/ |archive-date=9 May 2022 |access-date=10 May 2022 |website=World Snooker}}</ref> It marked the 47th consecutive year that the tournament was held at the Crucible and the 55th successive year that the World Championship was contested through the modern knockout format.<ref name="World Snooker list">{{cite web |date=2 March 2011 |title=History of the World Snooker Championship |url=http://www.worldsnooker.com/page/BetfredcomWorldChampionshipTournamentsArticle/0,,13165~2306123,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315202302/http://www.worldsnooker.com/page/BetfredcomWorldChampionshipTournamentsArticle/0%2C%2C13165~2306123%2C00.html |archive-date=15 March 2011 |access-date=30 April 2011 |website=] |publisher=}}</ref><ref name="snookerscene">{{cite web |title=Embassy World Championship |url=http://www.snookerscene.co.uk/page.php?id=36 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124071753/http://www.snookerscene.co.uk/page.php?id=36 |archive-date=24 January 2013 |website=snookerscene.co.uk |publisher=Snooker Scene |access-date=9 May 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=John Higgins eyes more crucible titles |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/snooker/5276218/John-Higgins-eyes-more-Crucible-titles.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=5 May 2009 |access-date=13 April 2020 |url-access=registration |quote="the modern era, which began in 1969 when the World Championship became a knockout event." |archive-date=30 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430020307/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/snooker/5276218/John-Higgins-eyes-more-Crucible-titles.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It also marked the 40th anniversary of the first ] at the tournament, achieved by ] at the ].<ref name=":27" /> ] was the defending champion, having defeated ] 18–13 in the ] to win his seventh world title, equalling ]'s modern-era record.<ref>{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2022: Ronnie O'Sullivan claims record-equalling seventh world title |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/61294622 |date=2 May 2022 |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503143632/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/61294622 |url-status=live}}</ref> O'Sullivan made a record 31st Crucible appearance at the 2023 event, surpassing the 30 appearances by ].<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=15 April 2023 |title=O'Sullivan Sets New Crucible Record |url=https://wst.tv/osullivan-sets-new-crucible-record/ |access-date=15 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415213000/https://wst.tv/osullivan-sets-new-crucible-record/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The 2023 event (officially known as the 2023 Cazoo World Snooker Championship) was organised by the ] and sponsored for the first time by British car retailer ].<ref name="HNy5B" /> It marked the 47th consecutive year that the tournament was held at the Crucible and the 55th successive year that the World Championship was contested through the modern knockout format.<ref name="World Snooker list" /><ref name="snookerscene" /><ref name="UMfN5" /> It also marked the 40th anniversary of the first ] at the tournament, achieved by ] at the ].<ref name=":27" /> ] was the defending champion, having defeated ] 18–13 in the ] to win his seventh world title, equalling ]'s modern-era record.<ref name="PryVV" /> O'Sullivan made a record 31st Crucible appearance at the 2023 event, surpassing the 30 appearances by ].<ref name=":12" />


Ten Chinese players, including ] winner ] and ] winner ], were ineligible to compete in the 2023 event, having been suspended from professional competition and charged with match-fixing violations earlier in the season.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Snooker match-fixing inquiry: Zhao Xintong, Yan Bingtao to miss World Championship |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/64823515 |date=2 March 2023|access-date=13 April 2023 |archive-date=15 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315225417/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/64823515 |url-status=live }}</ref> Disciplinary hearings for the suspended players began on 24&nbsp;April, midway through the tournament,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Snooker match-fixing investigation - 10 Chinese players face hearing on Monday |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65354468 |date=24 April 2023 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424095743/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65354468 |url-status=live }}</ref> resulting in lifetime bans for two players—] and ]—and lengthy bans for the others.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Snooker match-fixing scandal: Liang Wenbo and Li Hang handed lifetime bans |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65641122 |date=6 June 2023 |access-date=11 July 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=15 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615140819/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65641122}}</ref> Ten Chinese players, including ] winner ] and ] winner ], were ineligible to compete in the 2023 event, having been suspended from professional competition and charged with match-fixing violations earlier in the season.<ref name="jk5bV" /> Disciplinary hearings for the suspended players began on 24&nbsp;April, midway through the tournament,<ref name="yK95g" /> resulting in lifetime bans for two players—] and ]—and lengthy bans for the others.<ref name="xbiHi" />


===Format=== ===Format===
The qualifying stage took place from 3 to 12&nbsp;April 2023 at the ] in ],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/ |title=Calendar 2022/2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |access-date=1 April 2023 |archive-date=1 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401175439/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> featuring 128 players, 16 of whom qualified for the main stage.<ref name=":0" /> World Championship qualifiers from 2020 to 2022 had comprised three rounds played as the best of 11 {{cuegloss|frame|frames}} and a final round played as the best of 19 frames, with higher-ranked players seeded through to the second or third rounds. The 2023 event reverted to a best-of-19 format for all four rounds of qualifying, as had been the case before the ], but seeded draws remained in place.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 May 2022 |title=Best Of 19 For World Qualifiers From 2023 |url=https://wst.tv/best-of-19-for-world-qualifiers-from-2023/ |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=12 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512133033/https://wst.tv/best-of-19-for-world-qualifiers-from-2023/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Qualification rounds were broadcast by ] in Europe; ], ], {{ill|Migu (broadcaster)|zh|咪咕|lt=Migu}}, ] and ] in China; and by ] in all other territories.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |url=https://wst.tv/how-to-watch-the-cazoo-world-championship-qualifiers/ |title=How to Watch the Cazoo World Championship Qualifiers |website=World Snooker |date=2 April 2023 |access-date=3 April 2023 |archive-date=3 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403185346/https://wst.tv/how-to-watch-the-cazoo-world-championship-qualifiers/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The final qualifying round was also streamed on the World Snooker Tour's ] page and ] channel.<ref>{{cite web |date=12 April 2022 |title=How to watch Judgement Day |url=https://wst.tv/how-to-watch-judgement-day/ |website=World Snooker |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131193123/https://wst.tv/how-to-watch-judgement-day/ |archive-date=31 January 2023 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The qualifying stage took place from 3 to 12&nbsp;April 2023 at the ] in ],<ref name="fT6Bw" /> featuring 128 players, 16 of whom qualified for the main stage.<ref name=":0" /> World Championship qualifiers from 2020 to 2022 had comprised three rounds played as the best of 11 {{cuegloss|frame|frames}} and a final round played as the best of 19 frames, with higher-ranked players seeded through to the second or third rounds. The 2023 event reverted to a best-of-19 format for all four rounds of qualifying, as had been the case before the ], but seeded draws remained in place.<ref name="eZYzR" /> Qualification rounds were broadcast by ] in Europe; ], ], {{ill|Migu (broadcaster)|zh|咪咕|lt=Migu}}, ] and ] in China; and by ] in all other territories.<ref name="auto2" /> The final qualifying round was also streamed on the World Snooker Tour's ] page and ] channel.<ref name="coaSc" />


The first-round draw took place on ] on 13&nbsp;April, during which the 16 successful qualifiers were drawn at random against the top 16 players in the ]. The draw was hosted by ], with reactions from ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 April 2023 |title=Listen To The Draw On BBC Radio 5 Live |url=https://wst.tv/listen-to-the-draw-on-bbc-radio-5-live/ |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411121836/https://wst.tv/listen-to-the-draw-on-bbc-radio-5-live/ |url-status=usurped}}</ref> The main stage took place from 15&nbsp;April to 1&nbsp;May at the Crucible Theatre.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://wst.tv/tickets/2023-cazoo-world-snooker-championship/ |title=2023 Cazoo World Snooker Championship |website=World Snooker |access-date=10 May 2022 |archive-date=10 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510110346/https://wst.tv/tickets/2023-cazoo-world-snooker-championship/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> First-round matches were played from 15 to 20&nbsp;April as the best of 19 frames. Second-round matches were played from 20 to 24&nbsp;April as the best of 25 frames. Quarter-finals were played on 25 and 26&nbsp;April as the best of 25 frames, and the semi-finals were played from 27 to 29&nbsp;April as the best of 33 frames. The final was played over two days, 30&nbsp;April and 1&nbsp;May, as the best of 35 frames.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 April 2023 |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Schedule, Format, Order of Play from Crucible as Ronnie O'Sullivan Eyes Record |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-2023-schedule-results-order-of-play-live-scores-from-the-crucible_sto9556052/story.shtml |access-date=10 April 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref> The first-round draw took place on ] on 13&nbsp;April, during which the 16 successful qualifiers were drawn at random against the top 16 players in the ]. The draw was hosted by ], with reactions from ].<ref name="Lh1wU" /> The main stage took place from 15&nbsp;April to 1&nbsp;May at the Crucible Theatre.<ref name="HauDN" /> First-round matches were played from 15 to 20&nbsp;April as the best of 19 frames. Second-round matches were played from 20 to 24&nbsp;April as the best of 25 frames. Quarter-finals were played on 25 and 26&nbsp;April as the best of 25 frames, and the semi-finals were played from 27 to 29&nbsp;April as the best of 33 frames. The final was played over two days, 30&nbsp;April and 1&nbsp;May, as the best of 35 frames.<ref name="sEUUy" />


The main stage of the tournament was broadcast in the United Kingdom by the ], ], and Discovery+, and elsewhere in Europe by Eurosport and Discovery+. Other international broadcasts were provided by Superstar online, Migu, Huya Live, Youku, and ] in China; by ] in Hong Kong; by ] in Pakistan; by ] in Malaysia and Brunei; by ] in Thailand; by ] in the Philippines; by ] in Singapore; by Sportcast in Taiwan and Indonesia; and by ] in the United States and Brazil. In territories where there was no other coverage, the event was broadcast by ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 April 2023 |title=How To Watch The Cazoo World Championship |url=https://wst.tv/how-to-watch-the-cazoo-world-championship/ |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413194004/https://wst.tv/how-to-watch-the-cazoo-world-championship/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The BBC coverage of the last session of the final attracted an average of 2.7&nbsp;million viewers, with a peak of 3.6&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Stead |first=Marcus |title= Crucible diary |magazine=Snooker Scene |date=May 2023 |page=43}}</ref> The main stage of the tournament was broadcast in the United Kingdom by the ], ], and Discovery+, and elsewhere in Europe by Eurosport and Discovery+. Other international broadcasts were provided by Superstar online, Migu, Huya Live, Youku, and ] in China; by ] in Hong Kong; by ] in Pakistan; by ] in Malaysia and Brunei; by ] in Thailand; by ] in the Philippines; by ] in Singapore; by Sportcast in Taiwan and Indonesia; and by ] in the United States and Brazil. In territories where there was no other coverage, the event was broadcast by ].<ref name="NeBuG" /> The BBC coverage of the last session of the final attracted an average of 2.7&nbsp;million viewers, with a peak of 3.6&nbsp;million.<ref name="R5glJ" />


=== Prize fund === === Prize fund ===
The winner of the event received £500,000 from a total prize fund of £2,395,000. The breakdown of prize money is shown below:<ref>{{cite web |date=2022-10-02 |title=Prize Money World Rankings Schedule 2022/2023 Season |url=https://wst.tv/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tour-Prize-Money-Ranking-Points-Schedule-2022-2023-Season-v1.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127184017/https://wst.tv/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tour-Prize-Money-Ranking-Points-Schedule-2022-2023-Season-v1.pdf |archive-date=2022-11-27 |access-date=2023-11-28 |website=]}}</ref> The winner of the event received £500,000 from a total prize fund of £2,395,000. The breakdown of prize money is shown below:<ref name="teJss" />
{{div col}} {{div col}}
* Winner: £500,000 * Winner: £500,000
Line 55: Line 58:
* Highest break (qualifying stage included): £15,000 * Highest break (qualifying stage included): £15,000
{{div col end}} {{div col end}}
A bonus of £40,000 was on offer for a ] made at the Crucible, and £10,000 for a maximum made in the qualifying rounds. These bonuses were in addition to the £15,000 highest {{cuegloss|break}} prize and were shared in the case of multiple maximums.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 March 2023 |title=Cazoo World Championship – 147 Bonuses |url=https://wst.tv/cazoo-world-championship-147-bonuses/ |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331201137/https://wst.tv/cazoo-world-championship-147-bonuses/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> No player achieved a maximum in the qualifying rounds, but both ] and ] made maximums at the Crucible;<ref name=":23"/><ref name="Eurosportfinal2"/> they each received £27,500, representing half of the combined highest break and maximum break prizes.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Where the money went |magazine=Snooker Scene |date=May 2023 |page=35}}</ref> A bonus of £40,000 was on offer for a ] made at the Crucible and £10,000 for a maximum made in the qualifying rounds. These bonuses were in addition to the £15,000 highest {{cuegloss|break}} prize and were shared in the case of multiple maximums.<ref name="lgGcI" /> No player achieved a maximum in the qualifying rounds, but both ] and ] made maximums at the Crucible;<ref name=":23" /><ref name="Eurosportfinal2" /> they each received £27,500, representing half of the combined highest break and maximum break prizes.<ref name="uR0kI" />


==Summary== ==Summary==
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==== First qualification round ==== ==== First qualification round ====
] (pictured in 2017) made a 115 break, the highest by a woman in the event's history.]] ] (pictured in 2017) made a 115 break, the highest by a woman in the event's history.]]
The first qualifying round featured players ranked 81 to 112 against players seeded 113 to 144, including selected amateurs.<ref name="auto2" /><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/65097349 |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Stephen Hendry & Jimmy White in qualifying draw |work=BBC Sport |date=28 March 2023 |archive-date=3 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403185310/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/65097349 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=28 March 2023 |title=Cazoo World Championship Qualifying Draw |url=https://wst.tv/the2023-cazoo-world-championship-qualifying-draw/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408102756/https://wst.tv/the2023-cazoo-world-championship-qualifying-draw/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The tournament featured five female players, the most in 31 years,<ref>{{Cite news |author1=Hendon |first=David |date=31 March 2023 |title=Preview: The five women |url=https://wst.tv/preview-the-five-women/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401170629/https://wst.tv/preview-the-five-women/ |archive-date=1 April 2023 |access-date=8 April 2023 |work=]}}</ref> although all five lost in the first qualifying round. ] lost 7–10 to ], but made her first ] in professional competition, becoming the first woman since ] in ] to make a century in a World Championship match.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Poomjaeng Defeats Valiant Mink – World Snooker |last=Bisset |first=Roddy |work=World Snooker |date=4 April 2023 |access-date=5 April 2023 |url=https://wst.tv/poomjaeng-defeats-valiant-mink/ |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405043120/https://wst.tv/poomjaeng-defeats-valiant-mink/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The following day, ] made a 115 break, the highest by a woman in the event's history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 April 2023 |title=Cahill Secures Significant Advantage |url=https://wst.tv/cahill-secures-significant-advantage/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408130621/https://wst.tv/cahill-secures-significant-advantage/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> However, Ng lost 8–10 to ],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 Qualifiers (Round 1 - Match 5) |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/904429/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408142629/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/904429/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |url-status=dead }}</ref> while ] lost 5–10 to ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 Qualifiers (Round 1 - Match 4) |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/904428/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408142631/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/904428/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |url-status=dead }}</ref> The reigning women's world champion ] lost 3–10 to ], and ] lost by the same score to ].<ref name=":1" /> The first qualifying round featured players ranked 81 to 112 against players seeded 113 to 144, including selected amateurs.<ref name="auto2" /><ref name="kzPX5" /><ref name=":0" /> The tournament featured five female players, the most in 31 years,<ref name="pLFb5" /> although all five lost in the first qualifying round. ] lost 7–10 to ], but made her first ] in professional competition, becoming the first woman since ] in ] to make a century in a World Championship match.<ref name=":1" /> The following day, ] made a 115 break, the highest by a woman in the event's history.<ref name="WAII8" /> However, Ng lost 8–10 to ],<ref name="YqbPG" /> while ] lost 5–10 to ].<ref name="UjfCR" /> The reigning women's world champion ] lost 3–10 to ], and ] lost by the same score to ].<ref name=":1" />


The seven-time champion Hendry lost 4–10 to ], his ex-wife's nephew, but stated that he still had "a very distant dream" of one day reaching the Crucible again.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65198667 |title=World Snooker Championship: Stephen Hendry loses to James Cahill in qualifying |work=BBC Sport |date=6 April 2023 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407115044/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65198667 |url-status=live}}</ref> ], aged 16, had recently earned the right to play on the professional tour as he won a two-year tour card to begin in the ] by winning the WSF Junior Snooker Championship. He defeated ] 10–7 to win his first World Championship match.<ref name="BBC Moody">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship: Stan Moody, 16, wins in first round of qualifying |work=BBC Sport |date=3 April 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/65170704 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407232857/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65170704 |url-status=live}}</ref> The ] finalist ] lost 5–10 to ].<ref name="BBC Moody" /> Ukrainian player ] defeated ] 10–2. Austrian player ] defeated ] by the same score.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 April 2023 |title=Boiko Storms To Second Round |url=https://wst.tv/boiko-storms-to-second-round/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408123353/https://wst.tv/boiko-storms-to-second-round/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Evans, Fu, Judge, Ng, and ] all lost their professional tour cards after their first-round defeats.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Huart |first=Matt |date=8 April 2023 |title=World Championship 2023 {{!}} Tour Survival Blog |url=https://wpbsa.com/world-championship-2023-tour-survival-blog/ |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=WPBSA |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411100104/https://wpbsa.com/world-championship-2023-tour-survival-blog/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Evans secured a new two-year tour card by ending the season at number one in the ] rankings, following her performance at the 2023 British Women's Open.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2023 |title=Reanne Evans regains professional snooker tour card despite British Open final defeat to Bai Yulu |url=https://www.eurosport.com/snooker/reanne-evans-regains-professional-snooker-tour-card-despite-british-open-final-defeat_sto9607279/story.shtml |access-date=15 May 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 May 2023 |title=Evans Regains Professional Place |url=https://www.womenssnooker.com/evans-regains-professional-place/ |access-date=15 May 2023 |website=World Women's Snooker |language=en-GB |archive-date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515101828/https://www.womenssnooker.com/evans-regains-professional-place/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Women's world number one Reanne Evans regains two-year professional World Snooker Tour card |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65597072 |date=15 May 2023 |archive-date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515170905/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65597072 |url-status=live }}</ref> Fu was awarded a two-year invitational tour card.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 May 2023 |title=Fu Awarded Invitational Tour Card |url=https://wst.tv/fu-awarded-invitational-tour-card/ |access-date=15 May 2023 |website=World Snooker |language=en-US |archive-date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515104935/https://wst.tv/fu-awarded-invitational-tour-card/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Young later secured a new two-year tour card through ].<ref name=":63">{{Cite web |last= |date=21 June 2023 |title=2023/24 Tour Players |url=https://wst.tv/2023-24-tour-players/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621100753/https://wst.tv/2023-24-tour-players/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 June 2023 |access-date=29 June 2023 |website=World Snooker |language=en-US}}</ref> The seven-time champion Hendry lost 4–10 to ], his ex-wife's nephew, but stated that he still had "a very distant dream" of one day reaching the Crucible again.<ref name="YLw7M" /> ], aged 16, had recently earned the right to play on the professional tour as he won a two-year tour card to begin in the ] by winning the WSF Junior Snooker Championship. He defeated ] 10–7 to win his first World Championship match.<ref name="BBC Moody" /> The ] finalist ] lost 5–10 to ].<ref name="BBC Moody" /> Ukrainian player ] defeated ] 10–2. Austrian player ] defeated ] by the same score.<ref name="Zpkeo" /> Evans, Fu, Judge, Ng, and ] all lost their professional tour cards after their first-round defeats.<ref name=":3" /> However, Evans secured a new two-year tour card by ending the season at number one in the ] rankings, following her performance at the 2023 British Women's Open.<ref name="YMktH" /><ref name="VFUDj" /><ref name="n0ExA" /> Fu was awarded a two-year invitational tour card.<ref name="CMUlh" /> Young later secured a new two-year tour card through ].<ref name=":63" />


==== Second qualification round ==== ==== Second qualification round ====
The second qualifying round featured the first-round winners against players ranked 49 to 80.<ref name=":0" /> ] was on course for a ] when he {{cuegloss|pot|potted}} two {{cuegloss|red ball|red balls}} in one shot, leaving him unable to complete the maximum; he finished on a break of 140.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |title=World Snooker Championship qualifiers |url=https://www.snooker.org/res/index.asp?event=1352 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405114455/https://www.snooker.org/res/index.asp?event=1352 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |access-date=5 April 2023 |work=Snooker.org}}</ref> ] defeated Poomjaeng 10–8, despite having {{cuegloss|snookers required|required two snookers}} in the final frame.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65219513 |title=World Snooker Championship: Matthew Stevens edges past Dechawat Poomjaeng |work=BBC Sport |date=8 April 2023 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408101246/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65219513 |url-status=live}}</ref> Poomjaeng posed for a ] with Stevens after the first session while trailing 3–6.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stevens asked for selfie by Dechawat Poomjaeng during epic world championship snooker win – 'He's a lovely guy' |date=8 April 2023 |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/matthew-stevens-asked-for-selfie-with-dechawat-poomjaeng-during-epic-world-championship-win-he-s-a-l_sto9552260/story.shtml |website=Eurosport |access-date=8 April 2023}}</ref> ], who had last reached the Crucible in ], had predicted that he was "playing too well" not to reach the main stage in 2023. However, he lost 4–10 to O'Donnell, a defeat he blamed on tweaking his technique late in the season, calling it a "huge mistake" and a "schoolboy error".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rooke |first=Sam |date=10 April 2023 |title=Jimmy White confident of return to form, admits regret over 'schoolboy error' late-season technique change |url=https://www.eurosport.com/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/jimmy-white-confident-of-return-to-form-admits-regret-over-schoolboy-error-late-season-technique-cha_sto9555687/story.shtml |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Jimmy White's bid for World Championship return ends in second round of qualifying |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65208980 |date=6 April 2023 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408190013/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65208980 |url-status=live}}</ref> ] led Nüßle 9–1, but Nüßle narrowed his deficit to two frames before Si won the match 10–7. Hill defeated ] 10–3 and ] beat Moody by the same score.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 April 2023 |title=O'Donnell Downs The Whirlwind |url=https://wst.tv/odonnell-downs-the-whirlwind/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408125740/https://wst.tv/odonnell-downs-the-whirlwind/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The second qualifying round featured the first-round winners against players ranked 49 to 80.<ref name=":0" /> ] was on course for a ] when he {{cuegloss|pot|potted}} two {{cuegloss|red ball|red balls}} in one shot, leaving him unable to complete the maximum; he finished on a break of 140.<ref name="auto1" /> ] defeated Poomjaeng 10–8, despite having {{cuegloss|snookers required|required two snookers}} in the final frame.<ref name=":2" /> Poomjaeng posed for a ] with Stevens after the first session while trailing 3–6.<ref name="RjH3X" /> ], who had last reached the Crucible in ], had predicted that he was "playing too well" not to reach the main stage in 2023. However, he lost 4–10 to O'Donnell, a defeat he blamed on tweaking his technique late in the season, calling it a "huge mistake" and a "schoolboy error".<ref name="xbHTj" /><ref name="6iCRq" /> ] led Nüßle 9–1, but Nüßle narrowed his deficit to two frames before Si won the match 10–7. Hill defeated ] 10–3 and ] beat Moody by the same score.<ref name="HVwCg" />


Welsh player ] defeated Scotland's ] 10–2.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 April 2023 |title=Page Turns Over Muir |url=https://wst.tv/page-turns-over-muir/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408140444/https://wst.tv/page-turns-over-muir/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Doherty made a 137 break as he defeated ] 10–6 but broached the possibility of retirement at the end of the 2023–24 season if his overall form did not improve. ] defeated fellow Belgian player ], also by a 10–6 scoreline, while ] defeated 16-year-old ] 10–1.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 April 2023 |title=Doherty Keeps Crucible Dream Alive |url=https://wst.tv/doherty-keeps-crucible-dream-alive/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408224539/https://wst.tv/doherty-keeps-crucible-dream-alive/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> ], ], ], ], ], Miah, ], ], ], and ] all lost their tour cards after their second-round defeats.<ref name=":3" /> However, Miah qualified through the one-year ranking list for a new two-year tour card.<ref name=":62">{{Cite web |date=3 May 2023 |title=Tour Survivors Extended To Up To 68 |url=https://wst.tv/tour-survivors-extended-to-up-to-68/ |access-date=4 May 2023 |website=World Snooker |language=en-US |archive-date=3 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503184543/https://wst.tv/tour-survivors-extended-to-up-to-68/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Carrington, Heathcote, and Ursenbacher later secured new two-year tour cards through 2023 Q School.<ref name=":63" /> Welsh player ] defeated Scotland's ] 10–2.<ref name="gTTxX" /> Doherty made a 137 break as he defeated ] 10–6 but broached the possibility of retirement at the end of the 2023–24 season if his overall form did not improve. ] defeated fellow Belgian player ], also by a 10–6 scoreline, while ] defeated 16-year-old ] 10–1.<ref name="MdM7S" /> ], ], ], ], ], Miah, ], ], ], and ] all lost their tour cards after their second-round defeats.<ref name=":3" /> However, Miah qualified through the one-year ranking list for a new two-year tour card.<ref name=":62" /> Carrington, Heathcote, and Ursenbacher later secured new two-year tour cards through 2023 Q School.<ref name=":63" />


==== Third qualification round ==== ==== Third qualification round ====
] (pictured in 2014) played in the qualifiers for the first time since 2012. He failed to reach the Crucible for the first time since 2005.]] ] (pictured in 2014) played in the qualifiers for the first time since 2012. He failed to reach the Crucible for the first time since 2005.]]
The third qualifying round featured the second-round winners against players ranked 17 to 48.<ref name=":0" /> The ] champion ] reached the final round with a 10–6 victory over ].<ref name=":5"/> From 7–9 behind against ], world number 21 ] made breaks of 136 and 98 to force a deciding frame, which he won. ] made four centuries, including a 145, as he defeated ] 10–5.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 Qualifiers (Round 3 - Match 87) |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/894014/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |access-date=9 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409103156/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/894014/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |url-status=dead }}</ref> ] beat ] 10–6.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=8 April 2023 |title=Dott Through To "Horrible" Judgement Day |url=https://wst.tv/dott-through-to-horrible-judgement-day/ |access-date=9 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409103155/https://wst.tv/dott-through-to-horrible-judgement-day/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship: Graeme Dott beats Andy Hicks to reach 'horrible' final qualifier |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65224833 |date=9 April 2023 |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409103155/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65224833 |url-status=live}}</ref> The ] runner-up ] played in the qualifying rounds for the first time since ] after falling to number 20 in the world rankings. He defeated ] 10–4, despite failing to make a break over 50 in the contest. Two-time semi-finalist ], who had reached the last 16 of only one tournament during the season, defeated Burden 10–4. ] defeated Boiko 10–8, while the ] winner ] beat Hill 10–2 and Northern Irish player ] defeated ] 10–7. Si advanced to the fourth round with a 10–5 victory over the ] runner-up ].<ref name="HawkHunt">{{Cite web |date=9 April 2023 |title=Hawk Remains In Crucible Hunt |url=https://wst.tv/hawk-remains-in-crucible-hunt/ |access-date=10 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410103654/https://wst.tv/hawk-remains-in-crucible-hunt/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The third qualifying round featured the second-round winners against players ranked 17 to 48.<ref name=":0" /> The ] champion ] reached the final round with a 10–6 victory over ].<ref name=":5" /> ] was defeated by ] in a deciding frame.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Anthony McGill vs John Astley - Head to head |work=snooker.org |date= |access-date=28 June 2024 |url= https://www.snooker.org/res/index.asp?player1=22&player2=526&season=-1}}</ref> ] made four centuries, including a 145, as he defeated ] 10–5.<ref name="QvQ00" /> ] beat ] 10–6.<ref name=":5" /><ref name="Qd0OB" /> The ] runner-up ] played in the qualifying rounds for the first time since ] after falling to number 20 in the world rankings. He defeated ] 10–4, despite failing to make a break over 50 in the contest. ], who had reached the last 16 of only one tournament during the season, defeated Burden 10–4. ] defeated Boiko 10–8, while the ] winner ] beat Hill 10–2 and ] defeated ] 10–7. Si advanced to the fourth round with a 10–5 victory over ].<ref name="HawkHunt" />


] trailed ] 4–5 after the first session, but recovered to win 10–8, his first victory in the qualifiers in four years. World number 23 ], who made his Crucible debut the previous year, defeated ] 10–4. Page defeated ] 10–6. ] advanced with a 10–3 win over ], and Stevens defeated fellow Welsh player ] by the same score.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 April 2023 |title=Perry Set For Judgement Day |url=https://wst.tv/perry-set-for-judgement-day/ |access-date=10 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410184134/https://wst.tv/perry-set-for-judgement-day/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Cahill and ] played just six frames in their opening session, which ended level at 3–3. Cahill scored only 15 points over the next six frames as Zhou took a 9–3 lead; Zhou went on to win the match 10–4.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/other-sport/james-cahills-crucible-dream-ends-on-easter-monday-4098858 |title=James Cahill's Crucible dream ends on Easter Monday &#124; Blackpool Gazette |date=11 April 2023 |access-date=11 April 2023 |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411075125/https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/other-sport/james-cahills-crucible-dream-ends-on-easter-monday-4098858 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/894033/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 Qualifiers (Round 3 - Match 72) |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |access-date=11 April 2023 |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411075312/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/894033/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |url-status=dead }}</ref> The ] winner ] took an 8–4 lead over 2022 Crucible debutant ]. Hugill narrowed Day's lead to 8–7, but Day secured a 10–8 victory in a 30-minute final frame. After the match, Day expressed frustration with his recent form and said he was considering retirement.<ref name=":6" /> ], runner-up at the previous month's ], lost the first four frames against Doherty, but won the match 10–6. ] defeated ] in a deciding frame, and ] also won a deciding frame against ].<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=10 April 2023 |title=Day Down But Not Out |url=https://wst.tv/day-down-but-not-out/ |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411094611/https://wst.tv/day-down-but-not-out/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Burden, Burns, ], Pagett, and Pinches all lost their tour cards after their third-round defeats.<ref name=":3" /> However, Burns qualified for a new two-year tour card through the one-year ranking list, while Burden and Pagett later secured new two-year tour cards through 2023 Q School.<ref name=":63" /> ] trailed ] 4–5 after the first session but recovered to win 10–8, his first victory in the qualifiers in four years. World number 23 ], who made his Crucible debut the previous year, defeated ] 10–4. Page defeated ] 10–6. ] advanced with a 10–3 win over ], and Stevens defeated ] by the same score.<ref name="yJbws" /> Cahill and ] played just six frames in their opening session, which ended level at 3–3. Cahill scored only 15 points over the next six frames as Zhou took a 9–3 lead; Zhou went on to win the match 10–4.<ref name="7456G" /><ref name="rhPlC" /> The ] winner ] took an 8–4 lead over ]. Hugill narrowed Day's lead to 8–7, but Day secured a 10–8 victory in a 30-minute final frame. After the match, Day expressed frustration with his recent form and said he was considering retirement.<ref name=":6" /> ], lost the first four frames against Doherty, but won the match 10–6. ] defeated ] in a deciding frame, and ] also won a deciding frame against ].<ref name=":6" /> Burden, Burns, ], Pagett, and Pinches all lost their tour cards after their third-round defeats.<ref name=":3" /> However, Burns qualified for a new two-year tour card through the one-year ranking list, while Burden and Pagett later secured new two-year tour cards through 2023 Q School.<ref name=":63" />


==== Fourth qualification round ==== ==== Fourth qualification round ====
] (pictured in 2016) retained his tour card only after eligibility criteria were changed for the ].]] ] (pictured in 2016) retained his tour card only after eligibility criteria were changed for the ].]]
The fourth and final qualifying round, billed as "Judgement Day", featured the 32 third-round winners facing each other, with the 16 victors advancing to the main draw at the Crucible.<ref name=":0" /> The ] semi-finalist McGill lost the first three frames against ] but won the match 10–6 to reach the Crucible for a ninth consecutive time.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship: Jak Jones beats Barry Hawkins in final qualifying round |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65247113 |date=11 April 2023 |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411223804/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65247113 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":4" /> Walden led Un-Nooh 4–1, but Un-Nooh recovered to lead 5–4 after the first session. The match, which featured four centuries and 10 other {{cuegloss|half-century|half-centuries}},<ref name=":7" /> went to a deciding frame, which Walden won with a 69 break, helped by a {{cuegloss|fluke}} on the penultimate red.<ref name=":4" /> Dott lost 6–10 to ], the fourth consecutive year Dott had exited in the final qualifying round.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> Fan lost the first four frames against Maguire, but recovered to secure his Crucible debut with a 10–6 victory; Maguire's loss meant that he failed to reach the Crucible for the first time since 2003.<ref name=":4" /> Si and ] both reached the Crucible for the first time after Si defeated Brown 10–7 and Wu recovered from 1–5 behind to defeat Wakelin 10–8.<ref name=":4" /> Welsh player ] secured his Crucible debut with a 10–8 victory over Hawkins, who failed to reach the main stage for the first time since 2005.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Snooker results: Anthony McGill books Crucible return with World Championship qualifying win |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-anthony-mcgill-books-crucible-return-with-world-championship-qualifying-win/208668 |date=11 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411200129/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-anthony-mcgill-books-crucible-return-with-world-championship-qualifying-win/208668 |url-status=live }}</ref> ]'s match against Zhang came down to a duel on the {{cuegloss|black ball|final black ball}}. A lax {{cuegloss|safety shot}} from Zhang allowed Saengkham to pot the black in a {{cuegloss|baulk}} corner pocket, winning 10–9.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=11 April 2023 |title=End Of An Era For Hawkins And Maguire |url=https://wst.tv/end-of-an-era-for-hawkins-and-maguire/ |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411205107/https://wst.tv/end-of-an-era-for-hawkins-and-maguire/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The fourth and final qualifying round, billed as "Judgement Day", featured the 32 third-round winners facing each other, with the 16 victors advancing to the main draw at the Crucible.<ref name=":0" /> The ] semi-finalist McGill lost the first three frames against ] but won the match 10–6 to reach the Crucible for a ninth consecutive time.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":4" /> Walden led Un-Nooh 4–1, but Un-Nooh recovered to lead 5–4 after the first session. The match, which featured four centuries and 10 other {{cuegloss|half-century|half-centuries}},<ref name=":7" /> went to a deciding frame, which Walden won with a 69 break, helped by a {{cuegloss|fluke}} on the penultimate red.<ref name=":4" /> Dott lost 6–10 to ], the fourth consecutive year Dott had exited in the final qualifying round.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> Fan lost the first four frames against Maguire but recovered to secure his Crucible debut with a 10–6 victory; Maguire's loss meant that he failed to reach the Crucible for the first time since 2003.<ref name=":4" /> Si and ] both reached the Crucible for the first time after Si defeated Brown 10–7 and Wu recovered from 1–5 behind to defeat Wakelin 10–8.<ref name=":4" /> Welsh player ] secured his Crucible debut with a 10–8 victory over Hawkins, who failed to reach the main stage for the first time since 2005.<ref name=":7" /><ref name="BoZvF" /> ]'s match against Zhang came down to a duel on the {{cuegloss|black ball|final black ball}}. A lax {{cuegloss|safety shot}} from Zhang allowed Saengkham to pot the black in a {{cuegloss|baulk}} corner pocket, winning 10–9.<ref name=":4" />


Donaldson lost the first four frames against Day and then withdrew, citing health reasons. Day, whose 146 break in the opening frame was the highest of the qualifying rounds, won the match 10–0 by default.<ref name="Day vs. Donaldson">{{Cite web |date=12 April 2023 |title=Donaldson Withdraws / Vafaei Leads |url=https://wst.tv/donaldson-withdraws-for-health-reasons/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412143125/https://wst.tv/donaldson-withdraws-for-health-reasons/ |archive-date=12 April 2023 |access-date=12 April 2023 |work=World Snooker}}</ref> Gilbert defeated Stevens 10–7, making three centuries in the match,<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Snooker results: David Gilbert qualifies for World Championship with victory over Matthew Stevens in qualifying |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-david-gilbert-qualifies-for-world-championship-with-victory-over-matthew-stevens-in-qualifying/208689 |date=12 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413003459/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-david-gilbert-qualifies-for-world-championship-with-victory-over-matthew-stevens-in-qualifying/208689 |url-status=live }}</ref> while ] defeated Hamilton 10–2 to reach the Crucible for the first time since 2018.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=12 April 2023 |title=Perry Edges Thriller To Relegate Davis |url=https://wst.tv/perry-edges-thriller-to-relegate-davis/ |access-date=12 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413092107/https://wst.tv/perry-edges-thriller-to-relegate-davis/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> ], who had earlier avoided relegation from the tour by winning his second-round qualifying match,<ref name=":9" /> beat ] 10–5 to secure his second Crucible appearance.<ref name=":8" /> Vafaei defeated Page 10–6 to reach the Crucible for a second consecutive year.<ref name=":8" /> Slessor defeated Zhou 10–5, also reaching the Crucible for a second time,<ref name=":9" /> while Pang won five of the last six frames to defeat ] by the same score and become the fifth Crucible debutant.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":8" /> Perry recovered from 8–9 behind to defeat his friend ] on the final black in the deciding frame, after Davis had missed a pot on the pink to win the match. Davis's qualifying loss left him outside the top 64 in the world rankings at the end of the season, implying that he would lose his tour card after 32 years as a professional. Perry, who won three frames in the match on the final black ball, reached the Crucible for the first time since 2019,<ref name=":9" /> but stated that he felt "physically sick" afterwards because of Davis's presumed relegation.<ref>{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship: Joe Perry felt 'physically sick' for Mark Davis after beating friend to reach Crucible |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65258741 |date=12 April 2023 |archive-date=12 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412232619/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65258741 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, after the tournament concluded, the World Snooker Tour announced that the top 68 players on the two-year ranking list would remain on tour for the 2023–24 season, rather than the usual 64, due to some players' suspensions. This change meant that Davis, ranked 68th at the end of the season, remained on the tour.<ref name=":62" /> Donaldson lost the first four frames against Day and then withdrew, citing health reasons. Day, whose 146 break in the opening frame was the highest of the qualifying rounds, won the match 10–0 by default.<ref name="Day vs. Donaldson" /> Gilbert defeated Stevens 10–7, making three centuries in the match,<ref name=":8" /> while ] defeated Hamilton 10–2 to reach the Crucible for the first time since 2018.<ref name=":9" /> ], who had earlier avoided relegation from the tour by winning his second-round qualifying match,<ref name=":9" /> beat ] 10–5 to secure his second Crucible appearance.<ref name=":8" /> Vafaei defeated Page 10–6 to reach the Crucible for a second consecutive year.<ref name=":8" /> Slessor defeated Zhou 10–5, also reaching the Crucible for a second time,<ref name=":9" /> while Pang won five of the last six frames to defeat ] by the same score and become the fifth Crucible debutant.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":8" /> Perry recovered from 8–9 behind to defeat his friend ] on the final black in the deciding frame, after Davis had missed a pot on the pink to win the match. Davis's qualifying loss left him outside the top 64 in the world rankings at the end of the season, implying that he would lose his tour card after 32 years as a professional. Perry, who won three frames in the match on the final black ball, reached the Crucible for the first time since 2019.<ref name=":9" /> He stated that he felt "physically sick" afterwards because of Davis's presumed relegation.<ref name="0iQD6" /> However, after the tournament concluded, the World Snooker Tour announced that the top 68 players on the two-year ranking list would remain on tour for the 2023–24 season, rather than the usual 64, due to some players' suspensions. This change meant that Davis, ranked 68th at the end of the season, remained on the tour.<ref name=":62" />


=== Main stage === === Main stage ===
==== First round ==== ==== First round ====
] champion ] (pictured in 2015) became the first player to make two {{cuegloss|break|breaks}} of 146 in a professional match.]] ] champion ] (pictured in 2015) became the first player to make two {{cuegloss|break|breaks}} of 146 in a professional match.]]
The first round was played as best-of-19-frame matches, held over two sessions, from 15 to 20 April.<ref name=":27">{{Cite news |title=World Championship: BBC coverage & match schedule |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65055658 |access-date=15 April 2023 |archive-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415043834/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65055658 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ronnie O'Sullivan began his title defence by winning the first five frames against 23-year-old debutant Pang.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=15 April 2023 |title=Defending Champion O'Sullivan Leads Pang |url=https://wst.tv/defending-champion-osullivan-leads-pang/ |access-date=15 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415133027/https://wst.tv/defending-champion-osullivan-leads-pang/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, Pang reduced O'Sullivan's lead to 6–3 after the first session,<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Ronnie O'Sullivan beats Pang Junxu in first round |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65286792 |date=15 April 2023 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429141718/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65286792 |url-status=live }}</ref> and came within two frames at 9–7 before O'Sullivan clinched a 10–7 victory. Stating afterwards that he had felt "shaky, heavy and desperate" during the match due to illness,<ref name=":10" /> O'Sullivan praised his opponent, calling Pang a "phenomenal player, a joy to watch."<ref name=":12" /> The ] champion ], who had reached only one ranking quarter-final that season, arrived at the Crucible needing to reach at least the semi-finals to retain his top-16 ranking.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |date=16 April 2023 |title=Bingham Continues Streak Over Gilbert |url=https://wst.tv/bingham-storms-to-round-two/ |access-date=16 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419175014/https://wst.tv/bingham-storms-to-round-two/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He trailed Gilbert 1–3 but won nine of the next ten to clinch a 10–4 victory, extending his head-to-head record against Gilbert to 12–0.<ref name=":14" /> Facing 19-year-old debutant Wu, the ] champion ] made four centuries on his way to a 10–3 victory, including 146 breaks in both the 11th and 13th frames.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=15 April 2023 |title=Strong Start For Robertson |url=https://wst.tv/strong-start-for-robertson/ |access-date=15 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415182953/https://wst.tv/strong-start-for-robertson/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 (Round 1 - Match 12) |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14621/904565/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |access-date=16 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=8 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608080458/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14621/904565/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This marked the first time Robertson had made a 146 break in professional competition, and the first time any player had made two 146 breaks in a professional match.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |date=16 April 2023 |title=Record Breaking Robertson Thrashes Wu |url=https://wst.tv/record-breaking-robertson-thrashes-wu/ |access-date=16 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416173834/https://wst.tv/record-breaking-robertson-thrashes-wu/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> ] made his sixth Crucible appearance after five previous first-round losses. He led Walden 6–3 after the first session,<ref>{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Neil Robertson opens up 6-3 lead over Wu Yize |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65288446 |date=15 April 2023 |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416012030/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65288446 |url-status=live }}</ref> and preserved his lead at 9–6 in the second session. Walden tied the scores at 9–9 to force a decider, but Brecel, who had lost deciding frames to Fu in ] and ] in ], made an 84 break to secure his first Crucible victory.<ref name=":16">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Neil Robertson sweeps Wu Yize aside in first round |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65293696 |date=16 April 2023 |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416150107/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65293696 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":26">{{Cite web |date=16 April 2023 |title=Brecel Edges Thriller With Walden |url=https://wst.tv/brecel-edges-thriller-with-walden/ |access-date=16 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416220146/https://wst.tv/brecel-edges-thriller-with-walden/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Saying that, at 9–9, he was having flashbacks to his loss against Fu, Brecel commented: "I needed this win, because if I didn't win today maybe I would never have won a game here."<ref name=":26" /> The first round was played as best-of-19-frame matches, held over two sessions, from 15 to 20 April.<ref name=":27" /> Ronnie O'Sullivan began his title defence by winning the first five frames against 23-year-old debutant Pang.<ref name=":11" /> However, Pang reduced O'Sullivan's lead to 6–3 after the first session,<ref name=":10" /> coming within two frames at 9–7 before O'Sullivan clinched a 10–7 victory. Stating afterwards that he had felt "shaky, heavy and desperate" during the match due to illness,<ref name=":10" /> O'Sullivan praised his opponent, calling Pang a "phenomenal player, a joy to watch."<ref name=":12" /> The ] champion ], who had reached only one ranking quarter-final that season, arrived at the Crucible needing to reach at least the semi-finals to retain his top-16 ranking.<ref name=":14" /> He trailed Gilbert 1–3 but won nine of the next ten to clinch a 10–4 victory, extending his head-to-head record against Gilbert to 12–0.<ref name=":14" /> Facing 19-year-old debutant Wu, the ] champion ] made four centuries on his way to a 10–3 victory, including 146 breaks in both the 11th and 13th frames.<ref name=":13" /><ref name="B0qRn" /> This marked the first time Robertson had made a 146 break in professional competition and the first time any player had made two 146 breaks in a professional match.<ref name=":15" /> ] made his sixth Crucible appearance after five previous first-round losses. He led Walden 6–3 after the first session,<ref name="H6g9z" /> and preserved his lead at 9–6 in the second session. Walden tied the scores at 9–9 to force a decider, but Brecel, who had lost deciding frames to Fu in ] and ] in ], made an 84 break to secure his first Crucible victory.<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":26" /> Saying that, at 9–9, he was having flashbacks to his loss against Fu, Brecel commented: "I needed this win, because if I didn't win today maybe I would never have won a game here."<ref name=":26" />


The ] champion ] faced Welsh debutant Jones. Carter made a 143 total clearance in frame five, but Jones won the first session 5–4,<ref name=":12" /> and went on to clinch the match 10–6. The first seeded player eliminated from the event, Carter called the loss "a disappointing end to a good season".<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 April 2023 |title=Carter Ditched By Cracker-Jak |url=https://wst.tv/carter-ditched-by-cracker-jak/ |access-date=16 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416213422/https://wst.tv/carter-ditched-by-cracker-jak/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> ] led Vafaei 5–4 after the opening session,<ref name=":14" /> but Vafaei made back-to-back centuries of 117 and 122 and three further half-centuries in the second session as he won his first match at the Crucible 10–6. Afterwards, Vafaei made disparaging remarks about his second-round opponent O'Sullivan that stoked a widely publicised fued between the players.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 April 2023 |title=Hossein Vafaei steps up war of words with Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Crucible |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/sullivan-hossein-vafaei-ronnie-osullivan-ding-junhui-bbc-b2321159.html |access-date=17 April 2023 |website=The Independent}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web |date=17 April 2023 |title=Vafaei Stirs Up O'Sullivan Clash |url=https://wst.tv/vafaei-stirs-up-osullivan-clash/ |access-date=17 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417114637/https://wst.tv/vafaei-stirs-up-osullivan-clash/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Making his 25th Crucible appearance, three-time champion ] faced Jimmy Robertson, who had lost in the first round on each of his four previous Crucible appearances. Robertson led 5–4 after the first session, but Williams won all six frames played in the second session for a 10–5 victory.<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":18">{{Cite web |date=17 April 2023 |title=Williams Hits Robertson For Six |url=https://wst.tv/williams-hits-robertson-for-six/ |access-date=17 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417162449/https://wst.tv/williams-hits-robertson-for-six/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Four-time champion ] made his 29th Crucible appearance, 25 years after winning his first world title in ]. He led Grace 7–2 after the first session and wrapped up a 10–3 win in the second session with breaks of 114, 97, and 124. Noting that he had recently changed his technique, he commented: "I feel as if I'm playing better stuff than ever."<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |date=18 April 2023 |title=Crucible Inspires Higgins To Thrash Grace |url=https://wst.tv/crucible-inspires-higgins-to-thrash-grace/ |access-date=18 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418164849/https://wst.tv/crucible-inspires-higgins-to-thrash-grace/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 results: Four-time champion John Higgins powers past David Grace |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65314268 |date=18 April 2023 |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418163723/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65314268 |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] champion ] faced Welsh debutant Jones. Carter made a 143 total clearance in frame five, but Jones won the first session 5–4 and went on to clinch the match 10–6.<ref name=":12" /> The first seeded player eliminated from the event, Carter called the loss "a disappointing end to a good season".<ref name="EKCC6" /> ] led Vafaei 5–4 after the opening session,<ref name=":14" /> but Vafaei made back-to-back centuries of 117 and 122 and three further half-centuries in the second session as he won his first match at the Crucible 10–6. Afterwards, Vafaei made disparaging remarks about his second-round opponent O'Sullivan that stoked a widely publicised feud between the players.<ref name="0MUxk" /><ref name=":17" /> Making his 25th Crucible appearance, three-time champion ] faced Jimmy Robertson, who had lost in the first round on each of his four previous Crucible appearances. Robertson led 5–4 after the first session, but Williams won all six frames played in the second session for a 10–5 victory.<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":18" /> Four-time champion ] made his 29th Crucible appearance, 25 years after winning his first world title in ]. He led Grace 7–2 after the first session and wrapped up a 10–3 win in the second session with breaks of 114, 97, and 124. Noting that he had recently changed his technique, he commented: "I feel as if I'm playing better stuff than ever."<ref name=":20" /><ref name=":22" />


], who had won ranking titles during the season at the ], the ], and the ], won the first five frames against debutant Fan. Although Fan won the next three with breaks including 122 and 110, Allen took the last of the session to lead 6–3.<ref name=":17" /> Fan and Allen resumed on table two on the evening of 17 April, as Perry and ] began their match on table one. The sessions were disrupted by ] protesters, one of whom climbed on table one and spread orange powder on the cloth. Referee ] restrained another protester who attempted to glue herself to table two. ] arrested both protesters. Tournament officials halted play on table two for 45 minutes while event staff cleaned the area, and rescheduled Perry and Milkins's first session to the following evening after table one was deemed unplayable.<ref>{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Play stopped by Just Stop Oil protesters at the Crucible |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65305903 |date=17 April 2023 |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418054224/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65305903 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=17 April 2023 |title=World snooker championship disrupted by Just Stop Oil protesters in Sheffield |work=The Guardian |last=Ingle |first=Sean |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/17/world-snooker-championship-disrupted-just-stop-oil-protestors-crucible-theatre-sheffield |access-date=17 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424105735/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/17/world-snooker-championship-disrupted-just-stop-oil-protestors-crucible-theatre-sheffield |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite the interruption, Allen completed a 126 break that he had started before play was suspended,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-2023-live-ding-junhui-v-hossein-vafaei-followed-by-mark-williams-against-_sto9565113/story.shtml |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 Live Stream and Updates – Mark Allen beats Fan Zhengyi after Crucible protest |website=Eurosport |date=17 April 2023 |last=Harris |first=Daniel}}</ref> and went on to defeat Fan 10–5.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 April 2023 |title=Allen Outlasts Fan To Make Last 16 |url=https://wst.tv/allen-outlasts-fan-to-make-last-16/ |access-date=17 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417220709/https://wst.tv/allen-outlasts-fan-to-make-last-16/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The cloth on table one was replaced in time for the first session between ] and Saengkham the following morning, which also saw tighter security measures at the venue.<ref>{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Barry Hearn says sport is an easy target for protesters |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65310296 |date=18 April 2023 |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421203919/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65310296 |url-status=live }}</ref> Lisowski took a 6–3 lead in a fast-paced session where only two frames lasted longer than 15 minutes,<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |date=18 April 2023 |title=Lisowski In Control Of Saengkham Clash |url=https://wst.tv/lisowski-in-control-of-saengkham-clash/ |access-date=18 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418134525/https://wst.tv/lisowski-in-control-of-saengkham-clash/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and moved 9–4 ahead in the second session. However, Saengkham won three consecutive frames, making a 130 clearance in frame 16, narrowing Lisowski's lead to two frames. Lisowski later said he was "panicking a bit" before he secured a 10–7 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 April 2023 |title='Panicking' Lisowski Holds Nerve To Beat Saengkham |url=https://wst.tv/lisowski-holds-nerve-to-beat-saengkham/ |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419141344/https://wst.tv/lisowski-holds-nerve-to-beat-saengkham/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":23">{{Cite news |date=19 April 2023 |title=Judd Trump's Crucible campaign ended by McGill as Kyren Wilson hits 147 break |work=The Guardian |agency=PA Media |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/19/kyren-wilson-first-maximum-147-break-of-2023-worlds-crucible |access-date=19 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424235920/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/19/kyren-wilson-first-maximum-147-break-of-2023-worlds-crucible |url-status=live }}</ref> Former semi-finalist ], who had won his first ranking title earlier that season at the ], made a highest break of 131 as he took a 7–2 lead over Slessor.<ref name=":19" /> However, Slessor reduced Wilson's lead to 8–5 and then 9–8 in the second session, before Wilson clinched a 10–8 victory with a century break.<ref>{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 results: Gary Wilson holds off Elliot Slessor fightback to progress |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65314261 |date=18 April 2023 |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422050821/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65314261 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":21">{{Cite web |date=18 April 2023 |title=Wilson Relieved To Win Geordie Joust |url=https://wst.tv/wilson-wins-north-east-derby/ |access-date=18 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418225421/https://wst.tv/wilson-wins-north-east-derby/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Wilson said afterwards that Slessor's comeback had made the scoreline "too close for comfort."<ref name=":21" /> ], who had won ranking titles during the season at the ], the ], and the ], won the first five frames against debutant Fan. Although Fan won the next three with breaks including 122 and 110, Allen took the last of the session to lead 6–3.<ref name=":17" /> Fan and Allen resumed on table two on the evening of 17 April, as Perry and ] began their match on table one. The sessions were disrupted by ] protesters, one of whom climbed on table one and spread orange powder on the cloth. Referee ] restrained another protester who attempted to glue herself to table two. ] arrested both protesters. Tournament officials halted play on table two for 45 minutes while event staff cleaned the area and rescheduled Perry and Milkins's first session to the following evening after table one was deemed unplayable.<ref name="62sNd" /><ref name="ir1i3" /> Despite the interruption, Allen completed a 126 break that he had started before play was suspended.<ref name="Qz26E" /> He went on to defeat Fan 10–5.<ref name="9PEGJ" /> The cloth on table one was replaced in time for the first session between ] and Saengkham the following morning, which also saw tighter security measures at the venue.<ref name="KuZ4K" /> Lisowski took a 6–3 lead in a fast-paced session where only two frames lasted longer than 15 minutes.<ref name=":19" /> He moved 9–4 ahead in the second session. However, Saengkham won three consecutive frames, making a 130 clearance in frame 16, narrowing Lisowski's lead to two frames. Lisowski later said he was "panicking a bit" before he secured a 10–7 victory.<ref name="n95Ls" /><ref name=":23" /> Former semi-finalist ], who had won his first ranking title earlier that season at the ], made a highest break of 131 as he took a 7–2 lead over Slessor.<ref name=":19" /> However, Slessor reduced Wilson's lead to 8–5 and then 9–8 in the second session, before Wilson clinched a 10–8 victory with a century break.<ref name="khAyt" /><ref name=":21" /> Wilson said afterwards that Slessor's comeback had made the scoreline "too close for comfort."<ref name=":21" />


] runner-up ] (pictured in 2022) became the ninth player to make a ] at the Crucible.]] ] runner-up ] (pictured in 2022) became the ninth player to make a ] at the Crucible.]]
The ] champion and ] winner Trump won the first two frames against McGill, but his opponent won six of the next seven to end the first session 6–3 in front.<ref name=":20" /><ref name=":22" /> When play resumed, Trump narrowed his deficit to one at 7–6, but McGill won the last three frames for a 10–6 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 (Round 1 - Match 5) |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14621/904558 |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419161123/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14621/904558 |url-status=dead }}</ref> After losing in the first round for the first time since ], Trump expressed frustration with his performance, saying he had "felt very rusty" and "missed too many easy balls", commenting: "You can't expect to play like that and win the World Championship."<ref name=":24">{{Cite web |date=19 April 2023 |title='Careless' Trump Knocked Out By McGill |url=https://wst.tv/careless-trump-knocked-out-by-mcgill/ |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419164020/https://wst.tv/careless-trump-knocked-out-by-mcgill/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 results: Qualifier Anthony McGill beats Judd Trump 10-6 |last=Goulding |first=Neil |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65326292 |date=19 April 2023 |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419202510/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65326292 |url-status=live }}</ref> Perry won the first five frames of his rescheduled tie with Milkins, and finished the session 7–2 ahead.<ref name=":21" /> However, when the match resumed, Milkins won seven of the first eight frames played to lead 9–8. Perry forced a decider, but Milkins secured a 10–9 victory with a 63 break, completing the biggest first-round comeback since Fu had recovered from 1–7 down to defeat Brecel in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Snooker results: Robert Milkins pulls off comeback to beat Joe Perry at the Crucible |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-robert-milkins-pulls-off-comeback-to-beat-joe-perry-at-the-crucible/208875 |date=20 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=20 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420121554/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-robert-milkins-pulls-off-comeback-to-beat-joe-perry-at-the-crucible/208875 |url-status=live }}</ref> Milkins said he had tried to play more positively and aggressively in the second session, while Perry called his own performance a "shambles".<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 April 2023 |title=Milkins Completes Epic Fight-Back |url=https://wst.tv/milkins-completes-epic-fight-back/ |access-date=20 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=20 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420133036/https://wst.tv/milkins-completes-epic-fight-back/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The ] runner-up ] made a maximum break in the fifth frame of his match with Day, the fourth of his career and the 13th in Crucible history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 April 2023 |title=Wilson Makes Crucible 147 |url=https://wst.tv/wilson-makes-crucible-147/ |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419111116/https://wst.tv/wilson-makes-crucible-147/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":59">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Kyren Wilson makes 147 maximum break in 10-5 first-round victory |last=Goulding |first=Neil |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65324614 |date=19 April 2023 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423163909/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65324614 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":23" /> He called the maximum "one of the greatest achievements of my short career."<ref name=":25" /> Wilson made additional centuries of 133, 120, 108, and 102 as he defeated Day 10–5, becoming only the third player, after O'Sullivan and Allen, to make five centuries in a first-round match at the Crucible.<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |date=19 April 2023 |title=Wilson Makes Five Tons In Day Rout |url=https://wst.tv/maximum-man-wilson-makes-five-tons-in-day-rout/ |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424182727/https://wst.tv/maximum-man-wilson-makes-five-tons-in-day-rout/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 (Round 1 - Match 13) |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14621/904566/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419202131/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14621/904566/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The ] champion and ] winner Trump won the first two frames against McGill, but his opponent won six of the next seven to end the first session 6–3 in front.<ref name=":20" /><ref name=":22" /> When play resumed, Trump narrowed his deficit to one at 7–6, but McGill won the last three frames for a 10–6 victory.<ref name="lA1th" /> After losing in the first round for the first time since ], Trump expressed frustration with his performance, saying he had "felt very rusty" and "missed too many easy balls", commenting: "You can't expect to play like that and win the World Championship."<ref name=":24" /><ref name="fxt5y" /> Perry won the first five frames of his rescheduled tie with Milkins and finished the session 7–2 ahead.<ref name=":21" /> However, when the match resumed, Milkins won seven of the first eight frames played to lead 9–8. Perry forced a decider, but Milkins secured a 10–9 victory with a 63 break, completing the biggest first-round comeback since Fu had recovered from 1–7 down to defeat Brecel in 2017.<ref name="FDJMt" /> Milkins said he had tried to play more positively and aggressively in the second session, while Perry called his own performance a "shambles".<ref name="e3ine" /> The ] runner-up ] made a maximum break in the fifth frame of his match with Day, the fourth of his career and the 13th in Crucible history.<ref name="Jn9cm" /><ref name=":59" /><ref name=":23" /> He called the maximum "one of the greatest achievements of my short career."<ref name=":25" /> Wilson made additional centuries of 133, 120, 108, and 102 as he defeated Day 10–5, becoming only the third player, after O'Sullivan and Allen, to make five centuries in a first-round match at the Crucible.<ref name=":25" /><ref name="PWmCH" />


Four-time champion and number two seed ] led Selt 6–3 overnight and extended his lead to 8–4. Selt won four of the next five frames, reducing Selby's lead to one at 9–8, before Selby won the match 10–8 with a 112 break. Selby said afterwards that his concentration during the match had been "non-existent" but commented: "I was glad my game managed to hold up under the pressure."<ref name=":28" /> Selt's loss meant that all four of his Crucible appearances had ended in first-round defeats.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 April 2023 |title=Selby Steps Up To End Selt Challenge |url=https://wst.tv/selby-steps-up-to-end-selt-challenge/ |access-date=20 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=20 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420173045/https://wst.tv/selby-steps-up-to-end-selt-challenge/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The ] champion ], who had won the season's ] and ], faced debutant and world number 80 Si, the lowest-ranked player to reach the event's main stage. Si had previously defeated Murphy 6–5 in the first round of the ] while competing as an amateur, provoking Murphy to complain that amateur players should not be permitted in professional tournaments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UK Championship snooker: Shaun Murphy hits out at Si Jiahui after shock defeat |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/uk-championship-snooker-shaun-murphy-hits-out-at-si-jiahui-after-shock-defeat/196408 |date=24 November 2021 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428061111/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/uk-championship-snooker-shaun-murphy-hits-out-at-si-jiahui-after-shock-defeat/196408 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although Murphy took a 3–1 lead, Si won four of the next five frames to end the first session 5–4 ahead.<ref name=":25" /> In the second session, Si opened with a 120 break and moved one frame from victory at 9–6, but Murphy won three consecutive frames to tie the scores at 9–9. In the deciding frame, Si made a 56 break, and later snookered Murphy on the last red while leading by 23 points. Murphy failed three times to escape from the snooker, leaving Si a pot on the red after his last attempt. Si cleared to the black, closing out a 10–9 victory to reach the last 16 of a ranking event for only the fourth time.<ref name=":29">{{Cite web |date=20 April 2023 |title=Sensational Si Shocks Murphy |url=https://wst.tv/sensational-si-shocks-murphy/ |access-date=20 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=20 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420221647/https://wst.tv/sensational-si-shocks-murphy/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Snooker results: Shaun Murphy beaten again by Si Jiahui in Crucible shock |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-shaun-murphy-beaten-again-by-si-jiahui-in-crucible-shock/208886 |date=20 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=20 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420215852/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-shaun-murphy-beaten-again-by-si-jiahui-in-crucible-shock/208886 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":28">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 results: Four-time world champion Mark Selby beats Matthew Selt 10-8 |last=Goulding |first=Neil |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65339340 |date=20 April 2023 |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425121757/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65339340 |url-status=live }}</ref> Afterwards, Murphy said Si had been "fabulous from start to finish", saying: "I threw everything at him, I tried my absolute best and I still lost." Murphy predicted that Si would become the sport's first Chinese world champion.<ref name=":29" /> Four-time champion and number two seed ] led Selt 6–3 overnight and extended his lead to 8–4. Selt won four of the next five frames, reducing Selby's lead to one at 9–8, before Selby won the match 10–8 with a 112 break. Selby said afterwards that his concentration during the match had been "non-existent" but commented: "I was glad my game managed to hold up under the pressure."<ref name=":28" /> Selt's loss meant that all four of his Crucible appearances had ended in first-round defeats.<ref name="blKoo" /> The ] champion ], who had won the season's ] and ], faced debutant and world number 80 Si, the lowest-ranked player to reach the event's main stage. Si had previously defeated Murphy 6–5 in the first round of the ] while competing as an amateur, provoking Murphy to complain that amateur players should not be permitted in professional tournaments.<ref name="RLGEI" /> Although Murphy took a 3–1 lead, Si won four of the next five frames to end the first session 5–4 ahead.<ref name=":25" /> In the second session, Si opened with a 120 break and moved one frame from victory at 9–6, but Murphy won three consecutive frames to tie the scores at 9–9. In the deciding frame, Si made a 56 break and later snookered Murphy on the last red while leading by 23 points. Murphy failed three times to escape from the snooker, leaving Si a pot on the red after his last attempt. Si cleared to the black, closing out a 10–9 victory to reach the last 16 of a ranking event for only the fourth time.<ref name=":29" /><ref name="zgrUs" /><ref name=":28" /> Afterwards, Murphy said Si had been "fabulous from start to finish", saying: "I threw everything at him, I tried my absolute best and I still lost." Murphy predicted that Si would become the sport's first Chinese world champion.<ref name=":29" />


==== Second round ==== ==== Second round ====
] champion ] (pictured in 2016) dropped out of the top 16 after a second-round defeat to ].]] ] champion ] (pictured in 2016) dropped out of the top 16 after a second-round defeat to ].]]
The second round was played as best-of-25-frame matches, held over three sessions, from 20 to 24 April.<ref name=":27" /> Twelve of the sixteen seeds reached the second round, along with four qualifiers, Jones, McGill, Si, and Vafaei. Tied 4–4 with Williams after the first session, Brecel led 9–7 after the second session,<ref name=":30">{{Cite web |date=21 April 2023 |title=Brecels Secures Lead Over Williams |url=https://wst.tv/brecels-secures-lead-over-williams/ |access-date=21 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421133953/https://wst.tv/brecels-secures-lead-over-williams/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and extended his lead to 11–8 in the third session. Although Williams tied the scores at 11–11, Brecel won the last two frames with breaks of 84 and 67 to clinch a 13–11 victory, having made four centuries and eight more half-centuries in the match.<ref name=":31" /><ref name=":33" /> Williams said afterwards that Brecel was "potting balls from everywhere and thoroughly deserved the win".<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |date=21 April 2023 |title=Brecel: My Best Feeling Ever |url=https://wst.tv/brecel-into-quarters-with-superb-finish/ |access-date=21 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421215821/https://wst.tv/brecel-into-quarters-with-superb-finish/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Allen led Bingham 5–3 after the first session,<ref name=":29" /> and won seven consecutive frames in the second session to lead 12–3. Even though Bingham took the 16th frame with a century to avoid losing with a {{cuegloss|session to spare}},<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |date=21 April 2023 |title=O'Sullivan Ahead / Allen On The Brink |url=https://wst.tv/osullivan-ahead-allen-on-the-brink/ |access-date=21 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421211908/https://wst.tv/osullivan-ahead-allen-on-the-brink/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> the third session lasted just 16 minutes as Allen wrapped up a 13–4 victory,<ref>{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Mark Allen into quarter-finals with 13-4 win over Stuart Bingham |last=Goulding |first=Neil |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65359920 |date=22 April 2023 |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422123115/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65359920 |url-status=live }}</ref> having made 13 half-centuries in the match.<ref name=":34">{{Cite web |date=22 April 2023 |title=Allen: I'm Here To Win It |url=https://wst.tv/allen-im-here-to-win-it/ |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422105400/https://wst.tv/allen-im-here-to-win-it/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> During play, Allen wore a colourful bracelet with the word "dad", given to him by his five-year-old daughter Harleigh, which he said helped keep his mind at rest.<ref name=":35">{{Cite web |title=Snooker results: Mark Allen thrashes Stuart Bingham to reach Crucible quarters |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-mark-allen-thrashes-stuart-bingham-to-reach-crucible-quarters/208917 |date=22 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422134255/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-mark-allen-thrashes-stuart-bingham-to-reach-crucible-quarters/208917 |url-status=live }}</ref> Bingham, who dropped out of the top 16 after his defeat, promised to "come back fighting next season."<ref name=":34" /> After his first session with Neil Robertson ended level at 4–4,<ref name=":30" /> Jones won six consecutive frames in the second session to move 10–6 ahead,<ref name=":33" /> and won three of the four frames played in the final session, ending with a 138 total clearance, to clinch a 13–7 victory. Robertson praised his opponent, calling his safety play "incredible".<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 April 2023 |title=Jones Stuns Robertson To Make Quarters |url=https://wst.tv/jones-stuns-robertson-to-make-quarters/ |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422173311/https://wst.tv/jones-stuns-robertson-to-make-quarters/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The second round was played as best-of-25-frame matches, held over three sessions, from 20 to 24 April.<ref name=":27" /> Twelve of the sixteen seeds reached the second round, along with four qualifiers, Jones, McGill, Si, and Vafaei. Tied 4–4 with Williams after the first session, Brecel led 9–7 after the second session<ref name=":30" /> and extended his lead to 11–8 in the third session. Although Williams tied the scores at 11–11, Brecel won the last two frames with breaks of 84 and 67 to clinch a 13–11 victory, having made four centuries and eight more half-centuries in the match.<ref name=":31" /><ref name=":33" /> Williams said afterwards that Brecel was "potting balls from everywhere and thoroughly deserved the win".<ref name=":33" /> Allen led Bingham 5–3 after the first session,<ref name=":29" /> and won seven consecutive frames in the second session to lead 12–3. Even though Bingham took the 16th frame with a century to avoid losing with a {{cuegloss|session to spare}},<ref name=":32" /> the third session lasted just 16 minutes as Allen wrapped up a 13–4 victory,<ref name="QSMfG" /> having made 13 half-centuries in the match.<ref name=":34" /> During play, Allen wore a colourful bracelet with the word "dad", given to him by his five-year-old daughter Harleigh, which he said helped keep his mind at rest.<ref name=":35" /> Bingham, who dropped out of the top 16 after his defeat, promised to "come back fighting next season".<ref name=":34" /> After his first session with Neil Robertson ended level at 4–4,<ref name=":30" /> Jones won six consecutive frames in the second session to move 10–6 ahead.<ref name=":33" /> He also won three of the four frames played in the final session, ending with a 138 total clearance, to clinch a 13–7 victory. Robertson praised his opponent, calling his safety play "incredible".<ref name="YE54T" />


Vafaei made further critical comments about O'Sullivan before their second-round match, but the seven-time champion cautioned Vafaei that such remarks only motivated him to perform, saying: "Don't rattle my cage."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casey |first=Phil |date=17 April 2023 |title=Ronnie O'Sullivan slammed by Hossein Vafaei before grudge match |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/ronnie-osullivan-hossein-vafaei-world-snooker-championship-b1074688.html |access-date=21 April 2023 |website=Evening Standard |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421173005/https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/ronnie-osullivan-hossein-vafaei-world-snooker-championship-b1074688.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":37">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Ronnie O'Sullivan hammers Hossein Vafaei |last=Goulding |first=Neil |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65359963 |date=22 April 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427220216/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65359963 |url-status=live }}</ref> The media widely described the encounter as a "grudge match".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ronnie O'Sullivan thrashes Hossein Vafaei in grudge match at World Snooker Championship |url=https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/12243/12863398/ronnie-osullivan-thrashes-hossein-vafaei-in-grudge-match-at-world-snooker-championship |date=22 April 2023 |website=Sky Sports |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422155823/http://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/12243/12863398/ronnie-osullivan-thrashes-hossein-vafaei-in-grudge-match-at-world-snooker-championship |url-status=live }}</ref> After O'Sullivan won the first frame with a 78 break, Vafaei smashed the pack of reds open on his {{cuegloss|break|break-off shot}}, in retaliation for O'Sullivan having done the same during their ] qualifying match, which Vafaei had found insulting.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 April 2023 |title=Ronnie O'Sullivan takes commanding lead after Vafaei's 'disrespectful' break |work=The Guardian |agency=PA Media |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/21/ronnie-o-sullivan-lead-hossein-vafaei-world-snooker-championship |access-date=22 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422012438/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/21/ronnie-o-sullivan-lead-hossein-vafaei-world-snooker-championship |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hossein Vafaei smashes up reds against Ronnie O'Sullivan in World Snooker Championship |url=https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/29877/12862742/hossein-vafaei-smashes-up-reds-against-ronnie-osullivan-in-world-snooker-championship |date=22 April 2023 |website=Sky Sports |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421175713/https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/29877/12862742/hossein-vafaei-smashes-up-reds-against-ronnie-osullivan-in-world-snooker-championship |url-status=live }}</ref> Speaking as a pundit for the BBC, Steve Davis called the shot "disrespectful to the game of snooker and the people who come along to watch,"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hossein Vafaei loses his cool against Ronnie O'Sullivan with a reckless break in the second frame at the World Snooker Championship |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/hossein-vafaei-loses-his-cool-against-ronnie-osullivan-with-a-reckless-break-in-the-second-frame-at-the-world-snooker-championship/208903 |date=21 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421142806/http://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/hossein-vafaei-loses-his-cool-against-ronnie-osullivan-with-a-reckless-break-in-the-second-frame-at-the-world-snooker-championship/208903 |url-status=live }}</ref> while Hendry in commentary called it "obviously premeditated" and "silly".<ref name=":31">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Hossein Vafaei criticised for being 'disrespectful' towards Ronnie O'Sullivan |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65353503 |date=21 April 2023 |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421171532/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65353503 |url-status=live }}</ref> O'Sullivan made another frame-winning 78 break from Vafaei's break-off, and went on to take a 6–2 lead, making his 200th Crucible century during the session.<ref name=":32" /> He won all seven frames played in the second session, finishing with back-to-back centuries, including his 1,200th century break in professional competition in the penultimate frame.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 April 2023 |title=Ronnie O'Sullivan grudge match ends in hug after crushing win |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/snooker/ronnie-osullivan-hossein-vafaei-hug-world-snooker-championship-b2324938.html |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=The Independent |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423040226/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/snooker/ronnie-osullivan-hossein-vafaei-hug-world-snooker-championship-b2324938.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In defeating Vafaei 13–2 with a session to spare,<ref name=":37" /> O'Sullivan equalled his largest winning margin in a best-of-25-frame match, having beaten Milkins by the same scoreline at the ].<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web |date=22 April 2023 |title=O'Sullivan Crushes Vafaei In Two Sessions |url=https://wst.tv/osullivan-crushes-vafaei-in-two-sessions/ |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422170834/https://wst.tv/osullivan-crushes-vafaei-in-two-sessions/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Afterwards, the players embraced and appeared to reconcile.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ronnie O'Sullivan has a hug for Hossein Vafaei after crushing 'grudge match' win |url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/ronnie-osullivan-has-a-hug-for-hossein-vafaei-after-crushing-grudge-match-win-1466267.html |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=BreakingNews.ie |date=22 April 2023 |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422164723/https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/ronnie-osullivan-has-a-hug-for-hossein-vafaei-after-crushing-grudge-match-win-1466267.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Vafaei said that he had "lost to the greatest ever",<ref name=":36">{{Cite web |title=Snooker results: Ronnie O'Sullivan dishes out 13–2 hiding against Hossein Vafaei at the Crucible |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-ronnie-osullivan-dishes-out-13-2-hiding-against-hossein-vafaei-at-the-crucible/208924 |date=22 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422153159/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-ronnie-osullivan-dishes-out-13-2-hiding-against-hossein-vafaei-at-the-crucible/208924 |url-status=live }}</ref> while O'Sullivan said: "There are no hard feelings from me. I love Hossein , he is a great guy and a brilliant player."<ref name="auto3"/> Vafaei made further critical comments about O'Sullivan before their second-round match, but the seven-time champion cautioned Vafaei that such remarks only motivated him to perform, saying: "Don't rattle my cage."<ref name="YdyhL" /><ref name=":37" /> The media widely described the encounter as a "grudge match".<ref name="78MQB" /> After O'Sullivan won the first frame with a 78 break, Vafaei smashed the pack of reds open on his {{cuegloss|break|break-off shot}}, in retaliation for O'Sullivan having done the same during their ] qualifying match, which Vafaei had found insulting.<ref name="6YU8p" /><ref name="L2Oje" /> Speaking as a pundit for the BBC, Steve Davis called the shot "disrespectful to the game of snooker and the people who come along to watch",<ref name="CX2Rk" /> while Hendry in commentary called it "obviously premeditated" and "silly".<ref name=":31" /> O'Sullivan made another frame-winning 78 break from Vafaei's break-off and went on to take a 6–2 lead, making his 200th Crucible century during the session.<ref name=":32" /> He won all seven frames played in the second session, finishing with back-to-back centuries, including his 1,200th century break in professional competition in the penultimate frame.<ref name="Ss8hE" /> In defeating Vafaei 13–2 with a session to spare,<ref name=":37" /> O'Sullivan equalled his largest winning margin in a best-of-25-frame match, having beaten Milkins by the same scoreline at the ].<ref name="auto3" /> Afterwards, the players embraced and appeared to reconcile.<ref name="LGb9x" /> Vafaei said that he had "lost to the greatest ever",<ref name=":36" /> while O'Sullivan said: "There are no hard feelings from me. I love Hossein , he is a great guy and a brilliant player."<ref name="auto3" />


Higgins made centuries of 136, 137, and 134 and three half-centuries as he took an 8–0 lead over Kyren Wilson,<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 April 2023 |title=John Higgins rolls back the years to bring Kyren Wilson down to earth |work=The Guardian |agency=PA Media |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/23/snooker-world-championship-crucible-higgins-wilson-selby |access-date=23 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425121446/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/23/snooker-world-championship-crucible-higgins-wilson-selby |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":41" /> the first time Higgins had recorded a session whitewash at the Crucible since playing Lisowski at the 2018 event.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 April 2023 |title=Superb Higgins Scores Session Whitewash |url=https://wst.tv/superb-higgins-scores-session-whitewash/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423121906/https://wst.tv/superb-higgins-scores-session-whitewash/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 April 2023 |title=Flawless John Higgins blows Kyren Wilson away in first session of second round World Snooker Championship match |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/higgins-wilson_sto9573988/story.shtml |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref> He went on to win the match 13–2 with a session to spare,<ref name=":41" /> calling the scoreline "an incredible result".<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |date=23 April 2023 |title=Brilliant Higgins Destroys Wilson |url=https://wst.tv/brilliant-higgins-destroys-wilson/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423213314/https://wst.tv/brilliant-higgins-destroys-wilson/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Wilson, who had dropped his cue between sessions while signing autographs, dislodging a weight in the butt, said that the cue was not the reason for his defeat.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haigh |first=Phil |date=23 April 2023 |title=Kyren Wilson not taking cue excuse after 'frustrating' John Higgins battering |url=https://metro.co.uk/2023/04/23/kyren-wilson-dismisses-cue-excuse-as-he-reacts-to-john-higgins-battering-18661229/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=Metro |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423215505/https://metro.co.uk/2023/04/23/kyren-wilson-dismisses-cue-excuse-as-he-reacts-to-john-higgins-battering-18661229/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He called Higgins's performance "awesome".<ref name=":42" /> Although McGill moved into a 10–1 lead over Lisowski, his opponent won seven of the next eight frames, narrowing his lead to 11–8, before McGill took the last two for a 13–8 victory.<ref name=":45">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 results: Mark Selby beats Gary Wilson to set up quarter-final against John Higgins |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65381193 |date=24 April 2023 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424201111/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65381193 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{Cite web |date=24 April 2023 |title=McGill: Snooker Is Drama |url=https://wst.tv/mcgill-snooker-is-drama/ |access-date=24 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424212612/https://wst.tv/mcgill-snooker-is-drama/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Commenting on Lisowski's comeback, McGill said: "We are in a theatre and snooker is drama. It's the best kind of drama. I love it."<ref name="auto4"/> Selby, winner of the ] and ] during the season, faced Gary Wilson. After the first four frames were shared, Wilson won a 53-minute fifth frame after a prolonged tactical battle while the pink was lodged in the jaws of the green pocket behind the last two reds. Selby won three consecutive frames to finish the session 5–3 ahead,<ref name=":38">{{Cite web |date=22 April 2023 |title=Si Holds Advantage / Selby Edges Ahead |url=https://wst.tv/si-holds-advantage-selby-edges-ahead/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423094055/https://wst.tv/si-holds-advantage-selby-edges-ahead/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and moved 10–6 in front in the second session,<ref name=":39">{{Cite web |date=23 April 2023 |title=McGill Maintains Lead / Selby In Charge |url=https://wst.tv/mcgill-maintains-lead-selby-in-charge/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423185513/https://wst.tv/mcgill-maintains-lead-selby-in-charge/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> before completing a 13–7 victory.<ref name=":45" /> Afterwards, he called it a "tough game" and "scrappy", but said he was "happy to get through".<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 April 2023 |title=Selby Set For Biggest Test |url=https://wst.tv/selby-sets-up-higgins-showdown/ |access-date=24 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428095134/https://wst.tv/selby-sets-up-higgins-showdown/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Si won four consecutive frames in each of the first two sessions as he took an 11–5 lead over ] winner Milkins.<ref name=":38" /><ref name=":41">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Four-time world champion John Higgins hammers Kyren Wilson |last=Goulding |first=Neil |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65366350 |date=23 April 2023 |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426063539/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65366350 |url-status=live }}</ref> Si went on to win 13–7, reaching only the second ranking quarter-final of his career.<ref name=":43">{{Cite web |date=24 April 2023 |title=Chinese Wonder-Kid Si Into Quarters |url=https://wst.tv/chinese-wonder-kid-si-into-quarters/ |access-date=24 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424142352/https://wst.tv/chinese-wonder-kid-si-into-quarters/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Afterwards, he said he was "so surprised" to progress to the quarter-finals, but was "honoured" to have reached that stage.<ref name=":44">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 results: China's Si Jiahui seals 13-7 victory over Robert Milkins |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65377412 |date=24 April 2023 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424140244/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65377412 |url-status=live }}</ref> Higgins made centuries of 136, 137, and 134 and three half-centuries as he took an 8–0 lead over Kyren Wilson,<ref name="6XUHV" /><ref name=":41" /> the first time Higgins had recorded a session whitewash at the Crucible since playing Lisowski at the 2018 event.<ref name="fmgep" /><ref name="r1CV5" /> He went on to win the match 13–2 with a session to spare,<ref name=":41" /> calling the scoreline "an incredible result".<ref name=":42" /> Wilson, who had dropped his cue between sessions while signing autographs, dislodging a weight in the butt, said that the cue was not the reason for his defeat.<ref name="zOX9D" /> He called Higgins's performance "awesome".<ref name=":42" /> Although McGill moved into a 10–1 lead over Lisowski, his opponent won seven of the next eight frames, narrowing his lead to 11–8, before McGill took the last two for a 13–8 victory.<ref name=":45" /><ref name="auto4" /> Commenting on Lisowski's comeback, McGill said: "We are in a theatre and snooker is drama. It's the best kind of drama. I love it."<ref name="auto4" /> Selby, winner of the ] and ] during the season, faced Gary Wilson. After the first four frames were shared, Wilson won a 53-minute fifth frame after a prolonged tactical battle while the pink was lodged in the jaws of the green pocket behind the last two reds. Selby won three consecutive frames to finish the session 5–3 ahead,<ref name=":38" /> and moved 10–6 in front in the second session,<ref name=":39" /> before completing a 13–7 victory.<ref name=":45" /> Afterwards, he called it a "tough game" and "scrappy" but said he was "happy to get through".<ref name="zReDM" /> Si won four consecutive frames in each of the first two sessions as he took an 11–5 lead over ] winner Milkins.<ref name=":38" /><ref name=":41" /> Si went on to win 13–7, reaching only the second ranking quarter-final of his career.<ref name=":43" /> Afterwards, he said he was "so surprised" to progress to the quarter-finals but was "honoured" to have reached that stage.<ref name=":44" />


==== Quarter-finals ==== ==== Quarter-finals ====
] (pictured in 2015) appeared at the Crucible for a record 31st time. He played his 100th Crucible match in the quarter-finals, but lost 10–13 to ].]] ] (pictured in 2015) appeared at the Crucible for a record 31st time. He played his 100th Crucible match in the quarter-finals but lost 10–13 to ].]]
The quarter-finals were played as best-of-25-frame matches over three sessions, on 25 and 26 April.<ref name=":27" /> Five seeds, Allen, Brecel, Higgins, O'Sullivan, and Selby, and three qualifiers, Jones, McGill, and Si, reached the quarter-final stage. For the first time since ] and ] in ], two Crucible debutants—Jones and Si—reached the last eight of the tournament.<ref name=":43" /> O'Sullivan played in the quarter-finals for a record-extending 21st time,<ref name=":37" /> also becoming the first player to compete in 100 matches at the Crucible.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nunns |first=Hector |date=24 April 2023 |title=Ronnie O'Sullivan Set To Make History As First Member Of Crucible Centurion Club |url=https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/ronnie-o-sullivan-set-to-make-history-as-first-member-of-crucible-centurion-club |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=The Sportsman |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425104416/https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/ronnie-o-sullivan-set-to-make-history-as-first-member-of-crucible-centurion-club |url-status=live }}</ref> The quarter-finals were played as best-of-25-frame matches over three sessions, on 25 and 26 April.<ref name=":27" /> Five seeds, Allen, Brecel, Higgins, O'Sullivan, and Selby, and three qualifiers, Jones, McGill, and Si, reached the quarter-final stage. For the first time since ] and ] in ], two Crucible debutants—Jones and Si—reached the last eight of the tournament.<ref name=":43" /> O'Sullivan played in the quarter-finals for a record-extending 21st time,<ref name=":37" /> also becoming the first player to compete in 100 matches at the Crucible.<ref name="G5UMp" />


O'Sullivan faced Brecel, who took two of the first three frames before O'Sullivan won five in a row to end the first session 6–2 in front.<ref name=":40">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 results: Ronnie O'Sullivan maintains healthy lead over Luca Brecel |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65381832 |date=25 April 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427225430/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65381832 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the second session, Brecel twice narrowed O'Sullivan's lead to two frames, at 6–4 and 8–6, but O'Sullivan won the last two frames of the session to maintain a four-frame advantage at 10–6.<ref name=":47">{{Cite web |date=25 April 2023 |title=O'Sullivan Opens Up 10–6 Lead |url=https://wst.tv/osullivan-opens-up-10-6-lead/ |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425213413/https://wst.tv/osullivan-opens-up-10-6-lead/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":40" /> However, in a final session that lasted just 75 minutes, Brecel took all seven frames to win the match 13–10.<ref name=":51">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 results: Ronnie O'Sullivan's hopes ended by Luca Brecel in last eight |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65403134 |date=26 April 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428205617/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65403134 |url-status=live }}</ref> O'Sullivan failed to win a frame in a Crucible session for the first time since losing 11–17 to Dott in the ] semi-finals.<ref name=":51" /> Afterwards, O'Sullivan called his opponent "phenomenal, brilliant, amazing" and said: "I've never seen a talent like that before. No one plays like that, it's impossible."<ref name=":52">{{Cite web |date=26 April 2023 |title=Sensational Brecel Smashes Rocket |url=https://wst.tv/sensational-brecel-smashes-rocket/ |access-date=26 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426191005/https://wst.tv/sensational-brecel-smashes-rocket/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Brecel remarked that it was "amazing to beat someone like Ronnie from so far behind."<ref name=":51" /> Allen, playing in his first quarter-final since the ],<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 April 2023 |title=Mark Allen seals win over Stuart Bingham to reach to World Snooker Championship quarter-finals |publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/snooker/2023/0422/1378510-allen-seals-win-over-bingham-to-reach-to-quarter-finals/ |access-date=25 April 2023 |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425124015/https://www.rte.ie/sport/snooker/2023/0422/1378510-allen-seals-win-over-bingham-to-reach-to-quarter-finals/ |url-status=live }}</ref> made a 137 break against Jones in the third frame, and recovered from 1–3 behind to tie the scores at 4–4 after the first session.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Snooker results: Ronnie O'Sullivan takes command of his World Championship quarter-final with Luca Brecel |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-ronnie-osullivan-takes-early-command-of-his-world-championship-quarter-final-with-luca-brecel/208980 |date=25 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425124015/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-ronnie-osullivan-takes-early-command-of-his-world-championship-quarter-final-with-luca-brecel/208980 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":40" /> Allen moved 7–5 ahead in the second session, but Jones won three of the last four to draw level at 8–8.<ref name=":47" /><ref name=":40" /> In the third session, Jones made a 124 break to tie the scores at 10–10, but Allen won the next two frames to lead 12–10. In the hour-long 23rd frame, Jones required two snookers. Even though Jones secured the foul points he needed, Allen won a safety battle on the brown and clinched a 13–10 victory, after which he promised to "give it everything" for the rest of the tournament. Jones said he had missed too many easy shots in the match, but had learned a lot from his debut.<ref name=":50">{{Cite web |date=26 April 2023 |title=Allen Into Semi-Finals For First Time Since 2009 |url=https://wst.tv/allen-into-semi-finals-for-first-time-since-2009/ |access-date=26 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426133038/https://wst.tv/allen-into-semi-finals-for-first-time-since-2009/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":53">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 results: Mark Selby sets up Mark Allen last-four meeting with win over John Higgins |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65399863 |url-status=live |date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430092554/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65399863 |archive-date=30 April 2023}}</ref><ref name=":49">{{Cite web |title=Luca Brecel pulls off stunning comeback to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan in World Championship quarter-finals |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-scores-mark-allen-reaches-world-championship-semi-finals-with-battling-win-over-jak-jones/209008 |date=27 April 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502204304/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-scores-mark-allen-reaches-world-championship-semi-finals-with-battling-win-over-jak-jones/209008 |archive-date=2 May 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK}}</ref> O'Sullivan faced Brecel, who took two of the first three frames before O'Sullivan won five in a row to end the first session 6–2 in front.<ref name=":40" /> In the second session, Brecel twice narrowed O'Sullivan's lead to two frames, at 6–4 and 8–6, but O'Sullivan won the last two frames of the session to maintain a four-frame advantage at 10–6.<ref name=":47" /><ref name=":40" /> However, in a final session that lasted just 75 minutes, Brecel took all seven frames to win the match 13–10.<ref name=":51" /> O'Sullivan failed to win a frame in a Crucible session for the first time since losing 11–17 to Dott in the ] semi-finals.<ref name=":51" /> Afterwards, O'Sullivan called his opponent "phenomenal, brilliant, amazing" and said: "I've never seen a talent like that before. No one plays like that, it's impossible."<ref name=":52" /> Brecel remarked that it was "amazing to beat someone like Ronnie from so far behind."<ref name=":51" /> Allen, playing in his first quarter-final since the ],<ref name="0rL3v" /> made a 137 break against Jones in the third frame. He recovered from 1–3 behind to tie the scores at 4–4 after the first session.<ref name="L1G9M" /><ref name=":40" /> Allen moved 7–5 ahead in the second session, but Jones won three of the last four to draw level at 8–8.<ref name=":47" /><ref name=":40" /> In the third session, Jones made a 124 break to tie the scores at 10–10, but Allen won the next two frames to lead 12–10. In the hour-long 23rd frame, Jones required two snookers. Even though Jones secured the foul points he needed, Allen won a safety battle on the brown and clinched a 13–10 victory, after which he promised to "give it everything" for the rest of the tournament. Jones said he had missed too many easy shots in the match but had learned a lot from his debut.<ref name=":50" /><ref name=":53" /><ref name=":49" />


Higgins contested his 17th quarter-final at the event, while Selby played in his 10th. The players, who had faced each other in the ] and ] finals, both made 67 breaks in the opening frame, which was decided on a {{cuegloss|re-spotted black}}. Higgins potted the black after a lengthy safety battle, and went on to lead 4–1, but Selby won three consecutive frames to finish the session level at 4–4.<ref name=":46">{{Cite web |date=25 April 2023 |title=Selby Fights Back To Square Higgins Tie |url=https://wst.tv/selby-fights-back-to-square-higgins-tie/ |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425173623/https://wst.tv/selby-fights-back-to-square-higgins-tie/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The players completed just six frames in the second session, of which Selby won five to lead 9–5.<ref name=":52" /> In the final session, Selby won three of the first four frames to move one from victory at 12–6. Higgins made a century break in frame 19, but Selby closed out a 13–7 victory. Higgins's defeat meant he had failed to reach the semi-finals of any of the season's ranking events for the first time since the ]. He praised Selby's tactical play, calling him "an animal on the table" and "a master at the game of snooker",<ref name=":53" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 April 2023 |title='Animal' Selby Into Eighth Crucible Semi |url=https://wst.tv/selby-into-eighth-crucible-semi-final/ |access-date=26 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426215338/https://wst.tv/selby-into-eighth-crucible-semi-final/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> but stated that he needed to play to a higher standard the following season to retain his top-16 ranking.<ref>{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Being out of top 16 would create 'questions' for John Higgins |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65409673 |date=27 April 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427084155/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65409673 |url-status=live }}</ref> Si, aged 20, was the event's youngest quarter-finalist since Stevens in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 April 2023 |title=Si Jiahui continues Crucible fairytale at the World Snooker Championship after beating Robert Milkins |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/si-jiahui-continues-crucible-fairytale-at-the-world-snooker-championship-after-beating-robert-milkin_sto9576020/story.shtml |access-date=24 April 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref> He faced McGill, who reached his third quarter-final in four years.<ref name=":45" /> Si won four of the first five frames, but McGill won the last three of the session to tie the scores at 4–4.<ref name=":46" /> McGill moved 8–6 ahead in the second session, but Si made breaks of 80 and 86 to tie the scores again at 8–8.<ref name=":50" /> In the final session, McGill took an 11–9 lead, but Si won three consecutive frames to move one from victory at 12–11. Although McGill tied the scores at 12–12 with a 130 total clearance, he missed a pot while playing left-handed in the deciding frame, and Si made a 41 break. Unable to obtain the snookers he required, McGill conceded the frame to give Si a 13–12 victory.<ref name=":51" /><ref name=":56">{{Cite web |date=26 April 2023 |title=Rising Star Si Stuns McGill |url=https://wst.tv/rising-star-si-stuns-mcgill/ |access-date=27 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426231834/https://wst.tv/rising-star-si-stuns-mcgill/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Si commented afterwards that he "used to tremble because of nerves in deciding frames" but had become "mentally stronger". McGill said: "Overall I played badly throughout the match, my game just wasn't there."<ref name=":56" /> Higgins contested his 17th quarter-final at the event, while Selby played in his 10th. The players, who had faced each other in the ] and ] finals, both made 67 breaks in the opening frame, which was decided on a {{cuegloss|re-spotted black}}. Higgins potted the black after a lengthy safety battle and went on to lead 4–1, but Selby won three consecutive frames to finish the session level at 4–4.<ref name=":46" /> The players completed just six frames in the second session, of which Selby won five to lead 9–5.<ref name=":52" /> In the final session, Selby won three of the first four frames to move one from victory at 12–6. Higgins made a century break in frame 19, but Selby closed out a 13–7 victory. Higgins's defeat meant he had failed to reach the semi-finals of any of the season's ranking events for the first time since the ]. He praised Selby's tactical play, calling him "an animal on the table" and "a master at the game of snooker",<ref name=":53" /><ref name="XJPwk" /> but stated that he needed to play to a higher standard the following season to retain his top-16 ranking.<ref name="KwTR8" /> Si, aged 20, was the event's youngest quarter-finalist since Stevens in 1998.<ref name="CRoZ0" /> He faced McGill, who reached his third quarter-final in four years.<ref name=":45" /> Si won four of the first five frames, but McGill won the last three of the session to tie the scores at 4–4.<ref name=":46" /> McGill moved 8–6 ahead in the second session, but Si made breaks of 80 and 86 to tie the scores again at 8–8.<ref name=":50" /> In the final session, McGill took an 11–9 lead, but Si won three consecutive frames to move one from victory at 12–11. Although McGill tied the scores at 12–12 with a 130 total clearance, he missed a pot while playing left-handed in the deciding frame, and Si made a 41 break. Unable to obtain the snookers he required, McGill conceded the frame to give Si a 13–12 victory.<ref name=":51" /><ref name=":56" /> Si commented afterwards that he "used to tremble because of nerves in deciding frames" but had become "mentally stronger". McGill said: "Overall I played badly throughout the match, my game just wasn't there."<ref name=":56" />


==== Semi-finals ==== ==== Semi-finals ====
The semi-finals were played as best-of-33-frame matches over four sessions, between 27 and 29 April.<ref name=":27" /> Three seeds, Allen, Brecel, and Selby, and one qualifier, Si, reached the semi-final stage. Selby played in the World Championship semi-finals for the eighth time.<ref name=":53" /> Allen contested his second semi-final, 14 years after his previous semi-final appearance at the ].<ref name=":53" /> Brecel was the first player from mainland Europe to reach a World Championship semi-final.<ref name=":51" /> Si played in his first semi-final at any ranking tournament; his previous best performance at a ranking event had been reaching the quarter-finals of the ].<ref name=":43" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 April 2023 |title='I'll keep going for my shots' – Si Jiahui determined to maintain attack-minded approach against Luca Brecel |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/other-sport/world-snooker-championship-si-jiahui-determined-to-maintain-attack-minded-approach-against-luca-brecel-at-crucible-4121653 |access-date=27 April 2023 |website=Yorkshire Post |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427122041/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/other-sport/world-snooker-championship-si-jiahui-determined-to-maintain-attack-minded-approach-against-luca-brecel-at-crucible-4121653 |url-status=live }}</ref> The first Crucible debutant to reach the semi-finals since Hicks in ], Si was also the youngest semi-finalist since O'Sullivan in ]. He became the second World Championship semi-finalist from mainland China, after Ding.<ref name=":51" /> The semi-finals were played as best-of-33-frame matches over four sessions, between 27 and 29 April.<ref name=":27" /> Three seeds—Allen, Brecel, and Selby—and one qualifier, Si, reached the semi-final stage. Selby played in the World Championship semi-finals for the eighth time.<ref name=":53" /> Allen contested his second semi-final, 14 years after his previous semi-final appearance at the ].<ref name=":53" /> Brecel was the first player from mainland Europe to reach a World Championship semi-final.<ref name=":51" /> Si played in his first semi-final at any ranking tournament; his previous best performance at a ranking event had been reaching the quarter-finals of the ].<ref name=":43" /><ref name="detyA" /> The first Crucible debutant to reach the semi-finals since Hicks in ], Si was also the youngest semi-finalist since O'Sullivan in ]. He became the second World Championship semi-finalist from mainland China, after Ding.<ref name=":51" />
] (pictured in 2022) became the first player to win at the Crucible after trailing by nine frames. He won the title, becoming the sport's first world champion from ].]] ] (pictured in 2022) became the first player to win at the Crucible after trailing by nine frames. He won the title, becoming the sport's first world champion from ].]]
Facing Brecel in the first semi-final, Si made consecutive breaks of 125, 102, and 97 and won the eighth frame on the black to lead 5–3 after the first session.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 April 2023 |title=Si Secures Early Lead |url=https://wst.tv/si-secures-early-lead/ |access-date=27 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427163500/https://wst.tv/si-secures-early-lead/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Mark Allen claims early lead over Mark Selby in semi-final |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65415909 |date=27 April 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427154131/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65415909 |url-status=live }}</ref> He made a century and five half-centuries in the second session as he took an 11–5 lead. Brecel, who made just one half-century in the session, flipped the cue ball off the table with his cue while conceding the opening frame, and was told to calm down by referee Rob Spencer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 April 2023 |title=Debutant Si On Course For Final |url=https://wst.tv/debutant-si-on-course-for-final/ |access-date=28 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428132521/https://wst.tv/debutant-si-on-course-for-final/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":48">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Si Jiahui leads Luca Brecel in semi-final |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65420481 |date=28 April 2023 |archive-date=1 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501220306/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65420481 |url-status=live }}</ref> Si began the third session with consecutive breaks of 90, 132, and 97 as he took a nine-frame lead at 14–5. However, Brecel responded with breaks including 108, 60, and 66 as he took the next four frames. Brecel clinched the final frame of the session after Si missed the green, reducing Si's lead to 14–10 overnight. The crowd gave the players a standing ovation after the session, which Rob Calladine in '']'' described as "one of the most exciting" ever seen at the Crucible.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 April 2023 |title=Brecel Fightback Keeps Semi-Final Alive |url=https://wst.tv/brecel-fightback-keeps-semi-final-alive/ |access-date=28 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428230939/https://wst.tv/brecel-fightback-keeps-semi-final-alive/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":57">{{Cite news |last=Calladine |first=Rob |date=28 April 2023 |title=Luca Brecel fights back against Si Jiahui in thrilling Crucible semi-final |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/28/luca-brecel-fights-back-against-si-jiahui-in-thrilling-crucible-semi-final |access-date=28 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428220412/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/28/luca-brecel-fights-back-against-si-jiahui-in-thrilling-crucible-semi-final |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":48" /> In the final session, Brecel won the first six frames, for a total of 11 consecutive frames in the match, to lead 16–14. Even though Si won the 31st frame with a 90 break, Brecel clinched a 17–15 victory, becoming the first player to win a match at the Crucible after trailing by nine frames. The previous record for a comeback win at the Crucible had been set in the ], when ] recovered from eight frames behind to defeat Steve Davis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2023 |title=Cool-Hand Luca Pulls Off Record Comeback |url=https://wst.tv/cool-hand-luca-pulls-off-record-comeback/ |access-date=29 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429181320/https://wst.tv/cool-hand-luca-pulls-off-record-comeback/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":58">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 results: Luca Brecel into final after stunning comeback win over Si Jiahui |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65437757 |date=29 April 2023 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429164611/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65437757 |url-status=live }}</ref> Brecel, whose girlfriend Laura Vanoverberghe was issued an expedited passport so she could travel from Belgium for the final session,<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2023 |title=Brecel Pulls Off Biggest Comeback In Crucible History To Reach First World Final |url=https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/brecel-pulls-off-biggest-comeback-in-crucible-history-to-reach-first-world-final |access-date=29 April 2023 |website=The Sportsman |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429204720/https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/brecel-pulls-off-biggest-comeback-in-crucible-history-to-reach-first-world-final |url-status=live }}</ref> stated that he was "shaking so much" in the final frame, adding that "to win means so much in such a tough game and in such a big tournament." Si, who advanced from 80th to 36th in the world rankings after his performance in the tournament, said of the final session that: "I really wanted to win and I felt really nervous and couldn't really get going."<ref name=":58" /> Facing Brecel in the first semi-final, Si made consecutive breaks of 125, 102, and 97 and won the eighth frame on the black to lead 5–3 after the first session.<ref name="IzSRf" /><ref name="TXOLL" /> He made a century and five half-centuries in the second session as he took an 11–5 lead. Brecel, who made just one half-century in the session, flipped the cue ball off the table with his cue while conceding the opening frame and was told to calm down by referee Rob Spencer.<ref name="52jeo" /><ref name=":48" /> Si began the third session with consecutive breaks of 90, 132, and 97 as he took a nine-frame lead at 14–5. However, Brecel responded with breaks including 108, 60, and 66 as he took the next four frames. Brecel clinched the final frame of the session after Si missed the green, reducing Si's lead to 14–10 overnight. The crowd gave the players a standing ovation after the session, which Rob Calladine in '']'' described as "one of the most exciting" ever seen at the Crucible.<ref name="WT4es" /><ref name=":57" /><ref name=":48" /> In the final session, Brecel won the first six frames, for a total of 11 consecutive frames in the match, to lead 16–14. Even though Si won the 31st frame with a 90 break, Brecel clinched a 17–15 victory, becoming the first player to win a match at the Crucible after trailing by nine frames. The previous record for a comeback win at the Crucible had been set in the ], when ] recovered from eight frames behind to defeat Steve Davis.<ref name="VL8PB" /><ref name=":58" /> Brecel, whose girlfriend Laura Vanoverberghe was issued an expedited passport so she could travel from Belgium for the final session,<ref name="SmlMa" /> stated that he was "shaking so much" in the final frame, adding that "to win means so much in such a tough game and in such a big tournament". Si, who advanced from 80th to 36th in the world rankings after his performance in the tournament, said of the final session that "I really wanted to win and I felt really nervous and couldn't really get going."<ref name=":58" />
Facing Allen in the other semi-final, Selby made a 123 break in the opening frame, and moved 3–2 ahead. However, he scored just one point in the remainder of the session as Allen won three consecutive frames with half-century breaks to lead 5–3.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 April 2023 |title=Allen Gains Momentum Against Selby |url=https://wst.tv/allen-gains-momentum-against-selby/ |access-date=27 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427224303/https://wst.tv/allen-gains-momentum-against-selby/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Allen won the opening frame of the second session, but Selby won the next four to lead 7–6. Only five of the eight scheduled frames were played, as the session ran long, featuring three frames lasting longer than 40 minutes, and there were two {{cuegloss|re-rack|re-racks}}.<ref>{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 results: Mark Selby leads Mark Allen |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65425853 |date=28 April 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428173114/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65425853 |url-status=live }}</ref> The eight frames in the third session were shared, leaving Selby one frame ahead at 11–10.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2023 |title=Narrow Advantage For Selby |url=https://wst.tv/narrow-advantage-for-selby/ |access-date=30 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430000945/https://wst.tv/narrow-advantage-for-selby/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the final session, Selby took five consecutive frames to move one from victory at 16–10, but Allen also won five consecutive frames, reducing Selby's lead to 16–15. However, Selby made breaks of 64 and 28 in the 32nd frame to clinch a 17–15 victory. The match ended at 00:46 ] on 30 April 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2023 |title=Selby Into Sixth Crucible Final |url=https://wst.tv/selby-into-sixth-crucible-final/ |access-date=30 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430000944/https://wst.tv/selby-into-sixth-crucible-final/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Of the final frame, Selby said that Allen had the momentum after winning five frames in a row, but he "managed to hold together" to make a frame-winning break. Allen said he had "underperformed" in the match and was "disappointed", but commented that he "never gave up".<ref>{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Mark Selby beats Mark Allen to reach sixth Crucible final |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65435557 |date=30 April 2023 |archive-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430001119/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65435557 |url-status=live }}</ref> Facing Allen in the other semi-final, Selby made a 123 break in the opening frame and moved 3–2 ahead. However, he scored just one point in the remainder of the session as Allen won three consecutive frames with half-century breaks to lead 5–3.<ref name="w2TW2" /> Allen won the opening frame of the second session, but Selby won the next four to lead 7–6. Only five of the eight scheduled frames were played, as the session ran long, featuring three frames lasting longer than 40 minutes, and there were two {{cuegloss|re-rack|re-racks}}.<ref name="czwrs" /> The eight frames in the third session were shared, leaving Selby one frame ahead at 11–10.<ref name="0FLtJ" /> In the final session, Selby took five consecutive frames to move one from victory at 16–10, but Allen also won five consecutive frames, reducing Selby's lead to 16–15. However, Selby made breaks of 64 and 28 in the 32nd frame to clinch a 17–15 victory. The match ended at 00:46 ] on 30 April 2023.<ref name="jQLwC" /> Of the final frame, Selby said that Allen had the momentum after winning five frames in a row, but he "managed to hold together" to make a frame-winning break. Allen said he had "underperformed" in the match and was "disappointed" but commented that he "never gave up".<ref name="HCSur" />


==== Final ==== ==== Final ====
] (pictured in 2020) became the first player to compile a ] in a World Championship final.]] ] (pictured in 2020) became the first player to compile a ] in a World Championship final.]]
The final was played as a best-of-35-frames match, held over four sessions on 30 April and 1 May, between Brecel and Selby.<ref name=":27" /> Brecel competed in his first World Championship final, while Selby contested his sixth, having won four and lost one previously.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/snooker/snooker-live-scores-results-world-championship-b2329371.html |title=World Snooker Championship scores: Si Jiahui and Luca Brecel in semi-final thriller |website=] |date=29 April 2023 |access-date=29 April 2023 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429170653/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/snooker/snooker-live-scores-results-world-championship-b2329371.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ], who had officiated the ] and ] finals, took charge of his third world final, his last match before retiring as a snooker referee.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 April 2023 |title=Referee Brendan Moore to end 19-year snooker career after World Championship final – 'What a way to finish' |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/referee-brendan-moore-to-end-19-year-snooker-career-after-world-championship-final-what-a-way-to-fin_sto9547007/story.shtml |access-date=10 April 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 April 2023 |title=Moore To Bow Out With Crucible Final |url=https://wst.tv/moore-to-bow-out-with-crucible-final/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408120514/https://wst.tv/moore-to-bow-out-with-crucible-final/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Brecel won five of the first six frames for a 5–1 lead,<ref name="Eurofinal1">{{cite web |title=World Snooker Championship: Mark Selby makes historic 147 and trails Luca Brecel by one frame after thrilling session |url=https://www.eurosport.com/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-2023-luca-brecel-powers-into-6-2-lead-over-mark-selby-in-crucible-final_sto9585476/story.shtml |website=Eurosport |date=30 April 2023 |last=Chiu |first=Nigel |access-date=30 April 2023 |archive-date=5 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505132955/https://www.eurosport.com/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-2023-luca-brecel-powers-into-6-2-lead-over-mark-selby-in-crucible-final_sto9585476/story.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> and finished the first session 6–2 ahead.<ref name="Eurofinal1"/> Selby began the second session with a 134 break, the first century of the final, but Brecel responded with a 99 clearance in frame 10.<ref name="Eurosportfinal2">{{cite web |first=Mike |last=Gibbons |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-final-2023-live-stream-and-updates-mark-selby-and-luca-brecel-battle-it-o_sto9584820/story.shtml |title=World Snooker Championship Final 2023 Live Stream and Updates: Mark Selby and Luca Brecel battle it out for World glory |website=Eurosport |access-date=30 April 2023 |archive-date=5 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505134238/https://www.eurosport.com/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-final-2023-live-stream-and-updates-mark-selby-and-luca-brecel-battle-it-o_sto9584820/story.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Selby made a 96 break in frame 11, and also won frame 12, reducing Brecel's lead to 7–5 at the mid-session interval.<ref name="Eurosportfinal2" /> Brecel won two of the next three frames to lead 9–6.<ref name="Eurosportfinal2" /> In the 16th frame, Selby made a maximum break, the fifth of his career, the 14th in Crucible history, and the first time a player had achieved a maximum in a World Championship final.<ref name="Eurosportfinal2" /><ref name="BBC Selby max">{{cite web |title=World Snooker Championship 147: Mark Selby makes first maximum in final but trails Luca Brecel |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/65443883 |date=30 April 2023 |website=BBC Sport |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |archive-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430214028/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/65443883 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the second time, after the ], that two maximums had occurred at the main stage of the tournament.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quarrell |first=Dan |date=30 April 2023 |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: How many 147s have been scored at the Crucible? How many has Ronnie O'Sullivan made? |url=https://www.eurosport.com/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-2023-how-many-147s-have-been-scored-at-the-crucible-how-many-has-ronnie-o_sto9561061/story.shtml |access-date=8 September 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref> Kyren Wilson and Selby were the ninth and tenth players respectively to make maximum breaks at the Crucible, following Thorburn, Jimmy White, Hendry, Ronnie O'Sullivan, Williams, Carter, John Higgins, and Neil Robertson.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 April 2023 |title=Selby Makes Historic Maximum |url=https://wst.tv/selby-makes-historic-maximum/ |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430213458/https://wst.tv/selby-makes-historic-maximum/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":59" /> Selby later called the maximum an "amazing achievement" and "something I will remember for the rest of my life."<ref name=":60">{{Cite web |date=1 May 2023 |title=Breath-Taking Brecel Beats Selby In Crucible Classic |url=https://wst.tv/breath-taking-brecel-beats-selby-in-crucible-classic/ |access-date=2 May 2023 |website=World Snooker |language=en-US |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502092051/https://wst.tv/breath-taking-brecel-beats-selby-in-crucible-classic/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Selby won the last frame of the session, reducing Brecel's lead to 9–8 overnight.<ref name="Eurosportfinal2" /><ref name="BBC Selby max" /> The final was played as a best-of-35-frames match, held over four sessions on 30 April and 1 May, between Brecel and Selby.<ref name=":27" /> Brecel competed in his first World Championship final, while Selby contested his sixth, having won four and lost one previously.<ref name="IW8hX" /> ], who had officiated the ] and ] finals, took charge of his third world final, his last match before retiring as a snooker referee.<ref name="8ukZN" /><ref name="zrOAx" /> Brecel won five of the first six frames for a 5–1 lead.<ref name="Eurofinal1" /> Brecel finished the first session 6–2 ahead.<ref name="Eurofinal1" /> Selby began the second session with a 134 break, the first century of the final, but Brecel responded with a 99 clearance in frame 10.<ref name="Eurosportfinal2" /> Selby made a 96 break in frame 11 and also won frame 12, reducing Brecel's lead to 7–5 at the mid-session interval.<ref name="Eurosportfinal2" /> Brecel won two of the next three frames to lead 9–6.<ref name="Eurosportfinal2" /> In the 16th frame, Selby made a maximum break, the fifth of his career, the 14th in Crucible history and the first time a player had achieved a maximum in a World Championship final.<ref name="Eurosportfinal2" /><ref name="BBC Selby max" /> It was the second time, after the ], that two maximums had occurred at the main stage of the tournament.<ref name="ldH78" /> Kyren Wilson and Selby were the ninth and tenth players respectively to make maximum breaks at the Crucible, following Thorburn, Jimmy White, Hendry, Ronnie O'Sullivan, Williams, Carter, John Higgins, and Neil Robertson.<ref name="2jHo7" /><ref name=":59" /> Selby later called the maximum an "amazing achievement" and "something I will remember for the rest of my life."<ref name=":60" /> Selby won the last frame of the session, reducing Brecel's lead to 9–8 overnight.<ref name="Eurosportfinal2" /><ref name="BBC Selby max" />


In the third session, Brecel won six of the eight frames played, four of them with century breaks of 113, 101, 141, and 119, to lead 15–10.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 May 2023 |title=Brecel In Charge Of Crucible Final |url=https://wst.tv/brecel-in-charge-of-crucible-final/ |access-date=2 May 2023 |website=World Snooker |language=en-US |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502010144/https://wst.tv/brecel-in-charge-of-crucible-final/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Eurosport3final">{{cite web |last=Chiu |first=Nigel |title=World Snooker Championship final: All-out attack Luca Brecel stuns Mark Selby to take five-frame lead |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-final-all-out-attack-luca-brecel-stuns-mark-selby-to-take-five-frame-lead_sto9587001/story.shtml |website=Eurosport |date=1 May 2023}}</ref><ref name="Guardian Final">{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2023/may/01/world-snooker-championship-crucible-2023-final-mark-selby-luca-brecel-live |title=Luca Brecel defeats Mark Selby to win World Snooker Championship 2023 final – as it happened |first=Daniel |last=Harris |newspaper=The Guardian |date=1 May 2023 |access-date=1 May 2023 |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603045951/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2023/may/01/world-snooker-championship-crucible-2023-final-mark-selby-luca-brecel-live |url-status=live }}</ref> Brecel began the final session with a 67 break, extending his lead to six frames, but Selby then won five consecutive frames, making a 122 century in frame 29 and recording a cumulative 315 points without reply as he reduced Brecel's lead to 16–15.<ref name=":61">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 final: Luca Brecel beats Mark Selby for first world title |language=en-GB |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65450133 |date=1 May 2023 |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502112923/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65450133 |url-status=live }}</ref> After Selby missed a black in the 32nd frame, Brecel potted his first ball in 54 minutes and went on to make a 51 break.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Luca Brecel beats Mark Selby in classic to become first continental European to win World Snooker Championship |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/luca-brecel-holds-off-mark-selby-fightback-in-thriller-to-become-first-belgian-snooker-world-champio_sto9587525/story.shtml |date=1 May 2023 |last=Chiu |first=Nigel |access-date=2 May 2023 |website=Eurosport |archive-date=11 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511210246/https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/luca-brecel-holds-off-mark-selby-fightback-in-thriller-to-become-first-belgian-snooker-world-champio_sto9587525/story.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Selby had another chance to win the frame and tie the scores when he fluked a red, but Brecel moved 17–15 ahead after Selby missed the brown. A safety error from Selby in the 33rd frame allowed Brecel to make a 112 century, win the match 18–15, and secure his first world title and fourth ranking title.<ref name="Guardian Final" /> He became the first world champion from mainland Europe and the fourth world champion in the sport's modern era from outside the United Kingdom, following Canada's ] in ], Ireland's ] in ], and Australia's ] in ].<ref name=":60" /> Afterwards, Brecel called Selby "such a fighter" and said he did not expect to win at 16–15 because he was "missing balls by a mile" after losing five frames in a row.<ref name=":61" /> He called his first world title "a dream come true" and "the best moment of my life." Selby said he "battled" in the final and "gave everything", but congratulated Brecel on his victory, calling him a "great talent".<ref name=":60" /> Ending the season at a career high of second in the world rankings,<ref name=":60" /> Brecel predicted that snooker would "explode" in mainland Europe after his success.<ref name=":54">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: World champion Luca Brecel says snooker set to 'explode' in Europe |language=en-GB |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65452779 |date=2 May 2023 |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502112921/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65452779 |url-status=live }}</ref> Of Brecel's playing style, Steve Davis commented that: "It's great to see somebody play swashbuckling snooker but with balance as well and push the game to even more new limits than we thought possible."<ref name=":54" /> In the third session, Brecel won six of the eight frames played, four of them with century breaks of 113, 101, 141, and 119, to lead 15–10.<ref name="SG9h9" /><ref name="Eurosport3final" /><ref name="Guardian Final" /> Brecel began the final session with a 67 break, extending his lead to six frames, but Selby then won five consecutive frames, making a 122 century in frame 29 and recording a cumulative 315 points without reply as he reduced Brecel's lead to 16–15.<ref name=":61" /> After Selby missed a black in the 32nd frame, Brecel potted his first ball in 54 minutes and went on to make a 51 break.<ref name="NUQxP" /> Selby had another chance to win the frame and tie the scores when he fluked a red, but Brecel moved 17–15 ahead after Selby missed the brown. A safety error from Selby in the 33rd frame allowed Brecel to make a 112 century, win the match 18–15, and secure his first world title and fourth ranking title.<ref name="Guardian Final" /> He became the first world champion from mainland Europe and the fourth world champion in the sport's modern era from outside the United Kingdom, following Canada's ] in ], Ireland's ] in ], and Australia's ] in ].<ref name=":60" /> Afterwards, Brecel called Selby "such a fighter" and said he did not expect to win at 16–15 because he was "missing balls by a mile" after losing five frames in a row.<ref name=":61" /> He called his first world title "a dream come true" and "the best moment of my life". Selby said he "battled" in the final and "gave everything" but congratulated Brecel on his victory, calling him a "great talent".<ref name=":60" /> Ending the season at a career high of second in the world rankings,<ref name=":60" /> Brecel predicted that snooker would "explode" in mainland Europe after his success.<ref name=":54" /> Of Brecel's playing style, Steve Davis commented "it's great to see somebody play swashbuckling snooker, but with balance as well, and push the game to even more new limits than we thought possible."<ref name=":54" />


==Main draw == ==Main draw ==
The numbers in brackets after the players' names show their seedings.<ref name="results" /><ref name="yHJ0z" />
The numbers in brackets after the players' names show their seedings.<ref name=results>{{cite web |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Draw/FullDraw/14621/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |title=Full Draw – Cazoo World Championship |access-date=19 April 2023 |archive-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415175920/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Draw/FullDraw/14621/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.snooker.org/res/brackets.asp?event=1287 |title=World Championship (2023) - Brackets - snooker.org |website=snooker.org |access-date=19 April 2023 |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419173611/https://www.snooker.org/res/brackets.asp?event=1287 |url-status=live }}</ref>


{{32TeamBracket-Info|paramstyle=numbered {{32TeamBracket-Info|paramstyle=numbered
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|18 & 19 April|{{flagathlete|''']'''|ENG}} (12)|'''10'''|{{flagathlete|]|THA}}|7 |18 & 19 April|{{flagathlete|''']'''|ENG}} (12)|'''10'''|{{flagathlete|]|THA}}|7
<!-- Match7 --> <!-- Match7 -->
|18 & 20 April{{efn|This match was initially scheduled to be played on 17th and 18th April. However, the match was rescheduled due to protestors vandalising the table, which necessitated that it was reclothed overnight.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://wst.tv/milkins-v-perry-schedule-update/ |title=Milkins v Perry – Schedule Update |date=17 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |access-date=17 April 2023 |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417195658/https://wst.tv/milkins-v-perry-schedule-update/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>}}|{{flagathlete|''']'''|ENG}} (13)|'''10'''|{{flagathlete|]|ENG}}|9 |18 & 20 April{{efn|This match was initially scheduled to be played on 17th and 18th April. However, the match was rescheduled due to protestors vandalising the table, which necessitated that it was reclothed overnight.<ref name="3okCd" />}}|{{flagathlete|''']'''|ENG}} (13)|'''10'''|{{flagathlete|]|ENG}}|9
<!-- Match8 --> <!-- Match8 -->
|19 & 20 April|{{flagathlete|]|ENG}} (4)|9|{{flagathlete|''']'''|CHN}}|'''10''' |19 & 20 April|{{flagathlete|]|ENG}} (4)|9|{{flagathlete|''']'''|CHN}}|'''10'''
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<!-- LAST 16 --> <!-- LAST 16 -->
<!-- Match1 --> <!-- Match1 -->
|21 & 22 April{{efn|Originally also scheduled for 23 April, but ended with a session to spare.<ref name=results/>}}|{{flagicon|ENG}} ''']''' (1)|'''13'''|{{flagicon|IRN}} ]|2 |21 & 22 April{{efn|Originally also scheduled for 23 April, but ended with a session to spare.<ref name="results" />}}|{{flagicon|ENG}} ''']''' (1)|'''13'''|{{flagicon|IRN}} ]|2
<!-- Match2 --> <!-- Match2 -->
|20 & 21 April|{{flagicon|BEL}} ''']''' (9)|'''13'''|{{flagicon|WAL}} ] (8)|11 |20 & 21 April|{{flagicon|BEL}} ''']''' (9)|'''13'''|{{flagicon|WAL}} ] (8)|11
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|21 & 22 April|{{flagicon|WAL}} ''']'''|'''13'''|{{flagicon|AUS}} ] (6)|7 |21 & 22 April|{{flagicon|WAL}} ''']'''|'''13'''|{{flagicon|AUS}} ] (6)|7
<!-- Match7 --> <!-- Match7 -->
|23 April{{efn|Originally also scheduled for 24 April, but ended with a session to spare.<ref name=results/>}}|{{flagicon|ENG}} ] (7)|2|{{flagicon|SCO}} ''']''' (10)|'''13''' |23 April{{efn|Originally also scheduled for 24 April, but ended with a session to spare.<ref name="results" />}}|{{flagicon|ENG}} ] (7)|2|{{flagicon|SCO}} ''']''' (10)|'''13'''
<!-- Match8 --> <!-- Match8 -->
|22, 23 & 24 April|{{flagicon|ENG}} ] (15)|7|{{flagicon|ENG}} ''']''' (2)|'''13''' |22, 23 & 24 April|{{flagicon|ENG}} ] (15)|7|{{flagicon|ENG}} ''']''' (2)|'''13'''
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==Qualifying draw== ==Qualifying draw==
The results from qualifying are shown below. Numbers given before players' names show World Championship seedings, and "a" indicates the amateur players at the time of the draw. The match winners are denoted in bold text. The ] selected 16 amateur players to participate in the qualifying rounds together with the 103 professionals outside the top 16 of the world rankings and the top nine from the 2022 ] Order of Merit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 March 2023 |title=WPBSA Qualifiers Announced For Cazoo World Championship |url=https://wst.tv/wpbsa-qualifiers-announced-for-cazoo-world-championship/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328143443/https://wst.tv/wpbsa-qualifiers-announced-for-cazoo-world-championship/ |archive-date=28 March 2023 |access-date=28 March 2023 |website=World Snooker}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=28 March 2023 |title=2023 Cazoo World Championship Qualifiers |url=https://wst.tv/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Click-here-for-the-2023-Cazoo-World-Championship-draw.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328134525/https://wst.tv/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Click-here-for-the-2023-Cazoo-World-Championship-draw.pdf |archive-date=28 March 2023 |website=] |publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Haigh |first=Phil |date=28 March 2023 |title=Nine players join World Snooker Championship qualifying field ahead of draw |url=https://metro.co.uk/2023/03/27/nine-players-join-world-snooker-championship-qualifying-field-ahead-of-draw-18512499/ |access-date=28 March 2023 |website=Metro |archive-date=28 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328195342/https://metro.co.uk/2023/03/27/nine-players-join-world-snooker-championship-qualifying-field-ahead-of-draw-18512499/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The results from qualifying are shown below. Numbers given before players' names show World Championship seedings, and "a" indicates the amateur players at the time of the draw. The match winners are denoted in bold text. The ] selected 16 amateur players to participate in the qualifying rounds together with the 103 professionals outside the top 16 of the world rankings and the top nine from the 2022 ] Order of Merit.<ref name="P2ZN1" /><ref name="moKw0" /><ref name="PbHDI" />


{{2NTeam-NTeamBracket|rounds=4|brackets=16|RD1-teams=4|RD2-teams=4|RD3-teams=4 {{2NTeam-NTeamBracket|rounds=4|brackets=16|RD1-teams=4|RD2-teams=4|RD3-teams=4
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| RD4-score01='''10''' | RD4-score01='''10'''
| RD4-seed02=49 | RD4-seed02=49
| RD4-team02={{flagicon|SCO}} ]{{efn|Donaldson retired at 4–0 due to medical reasons.<ref name="Day vs. Donaldson"/>}} | RD4-team02={{flagicon|SCO}} ]{{efn|Donaldson retired at 4–0 due to medical reasons.<ref name="Day vs. Donaldson" />}}
| RD4-score02=0 | RD4-score02=0


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===Main stage centuries=== ===Main stage centuries===
A total of 90 century breaks were made during the main stage of the tournament.<ref name=Cruciblecenturies>{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 {{!}} Centuries |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Centuries/CenturyBreaks/14621/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417232528/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Centuries/CenturyBreaks/14621/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Two players made maximum breaks of 147, Kyren Wilson in the fifth frame of his first-round match against Ryan Day, and Mark Selby in the 16th frame of the final.<ref name=Cruciblecenturies/> A total of 90 century breaks were made during the main stage of the tournament.<ref name="Cruciblecenturies" /> Two players made maximum breaks of 147: Kyren Wilson in the fifth frame of his first-round match against Ryan Day and Mark Selby in the 16th frame of the final.<ref name="Cruciblecenturies" />


{{div col}} {{div col}}
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===Qualifying stage centuries=== ===Qualifying stage centuries===
A total of 135 century breaks were made during the qualifying rounds.<ref name="HJMZF" />
A total of 135 century breaks were made during the qualifying rounds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 Qualifiers {{!}} Centuries |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Centuries/CenturyBreaks/14623/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413103040/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Centuries/CenturyBreaks/14623/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |url-status=dead }}</ref>
{{div col}} {{div col}}
* 146 {{ndash}} ] * 146 {{ndash}} ]
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==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{reflist|refs=
<ref name="World Snooker list">{{cite web |date=2 March 2011 |title=History of the World Snooker Championship |url=http://www.worldsnooker.com/page/BetfredcomWorldChampionshipTournamentsArticle/0,,13165~2306123,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315202302/http://www.worldsnooker.com/page/BetfredcomWorldChampionshipTournamentsArticle/0%2C%2C13165~2306123%2C00.html |archive-date=15 March 2011 |access-date=30 April 2011 |website=] |publisher=}}</ref>
<ref name="snookerscene">{{cite web |title=Embassy World Championship |url=http://www.snookerscene.co.uk/page.php?id=36 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124071753/http://www.snookerscene.co.uk/page.php?id=36 |archive-date=24 January 2013 |website=snookerscene.co.uk |publisher=Snooker Scene |access-date=9 May 2012}}</ref>
<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=15 April 2023 |title=O'Sullivan Sets New Crucible Record |url=https://wst.tv/osullivan-sets-new-crucible-record/ |access-date=15 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415213000/https://wst.tv/osullivan-sets-new-crucible-record/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |url=https://wst.tv/how-to-watch-the-cazoo-world-championship-qualifiers/ |title=How to Watch the Cazoo World Championship Qualifiers |website=World Snooker |date=2 April 2023 |access-date=3 April 2023 |archive-date=3 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403185346/https://wst.tv/how-to-watch-the-cazoo-world-championship-qualifiers/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=28 March 2023 |title=Cazoo World Championship Qualifying Draw |url=https://wst.tv/the2023-cazoo-world-championship-qualifying-draw/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408102756/https://wst.tv/the2023-cazoo-world-championship-qualifying-draw/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Poomjaeng Defeats Valiant Mink – World Snooker |last=Bisset |first=Roddy |work=World Snooker |date=4 April 2023 |access-date=5 April 2023 |url=https://wst.tv/poomjaeng-defeats-valiant-mink/ |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405043120/https://wst.tv/poomjaeng-defeats-valiant-mink/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="BBC Moody">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship: Stan Moody, 16, Wins in First Round of Qualifying |work=BBC Sport |date=3 April 2023 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/65170704 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407232857/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65170704 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Huart |first=Matt |date=8 April 2023 |title=World Championship 2023 {{!}} Tour Survival Blog |url=https://wpbsa.com/world-championship-2023-tour-survival-blog/ |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=WPBSA |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411100104/https://wpbsa.com/world-championship-2023-tour-survival-blog/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":63">{{Cite web |last= |date=21 June 2023 |title=2023/24 Tour Players |url=https://wst.tv/2023-24-tour-players/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621100753/https://wst.tv/2023-24-tour-players/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 June 2023 |access-date=29 June 2023 |website=World Snooker |language=en-US}}</ref>
<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |title=World Snooker Championship Qualifiers |url=https://www.snooker.org/res/index.asp?event=1352 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405114455/https://www.snooker.org/res/index.asp?event=1352 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |access-date=5 April 2023 |work=Snooker.org}}</ref>
<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65219513 |title=World Snooker Championship: Matthew Stevens Edges Past Dechawat Poomjaeng |work=BBC Sport |date=8 April 2023 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408101246/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65219513 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":62">{{Cite web |date=3 May 2023 |title=Tour Survivors Extended To Up To 68 |url=https://wst.tv/tour-survivors-extended-to-up-to-68/ |access-date=4 May 2023 |website=World Snooker |language=en-US |archive-date=3 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503184543/https://wst.tv/tour-survivors-extended-to-up-to-68/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=8 April 2023 |title=Dott Through To "Horrible" Judgement Day |url=https://wst.tv/dott-through-to-horrible-judgement-day/ |access-date=9 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409103155/https://wst.tv/dott-through-to-horrible-judgement-day/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="HawkHunt">{{Cite web |date=9 April 2023 |title=Hawk Remains In Crucible Hunt |url=https://wst.tv/hawk-remains-in-crucible-hunt/ |access-date=10 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410103654/https://wst.tv/hawk-remains-in-crucible-hunt/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=10 April 2023 |title=Day Down But Not Out |url=https://wst.tv/day-down-but-not-out/ |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411094611/https://wst.tv/day-down-but-not-out/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship: Jak Jones Beats Barry Hawkins in Final Qualifying Round |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65247113 |date=11 April 2023 |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411223804/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65247113 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=11 April 2023 |title=End Of An Era For Hawkins And Maguire |url=https://wst.tv/end-of-an-era-for-hawkins-and-maguire/ |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411205107/https://wst.tv/end-of-an-era-for-hawkins-and-maguire/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Day vs. Donaldson">{{Cite web |date=12 April 2023 |title=Donaldson Withdraws / Vafaei Leads |url=https://wst.tv/donaldson-withdraws-for-health-reasons/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412143125/https://wst.tv/donaldson-withdraws-for-health-reasons/ |archive-date=12 April 2023 |access-date=12 April 2023 |work=World Snooker}}</ref>
<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Snooker Results: David Gilbert Qualifies for World Championship with Victory over Matthew Stevens in Qualifying |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-david-gilbert-qualifies-for-world-championship-with-victory-over-matthew-stevens-in-qualifying/208689 |date=12 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413003459/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-david-gilbert-qualifies-for-world-championship-with-victory-over-matthew-stevens-in-qualifying/208689 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=12 April 2023 |title=Perry Edges Thriller To Relegate Davis |url=https://wst.tv/perry-edges-thriller-to-relegate-davis/ |access-date=12 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413092107/https://wst.tv/perry-edges-thriller-to-relegate-davis/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":27">{{Cite news |title=World Championship: BBC Coverage & Match Schedule |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65055658 |access-date=15 April 2023 |archive-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415043834/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65055658 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=15 April 2023 |title=Defending Champion O'Sullivan Leads Pang |url=https://wst.tv/defending-champion-osullivan-leads-pang/ |access-date=15 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415133027/https://wst.tv/defending-champion-osullivan-leads-pang/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":10">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Ronnie O'Sullivan Beats Pang Junxu in First Round |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65286792 |date=15 April 2023 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429141718/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65286792 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |date=16 April 2023 |title=Bingham Continues Streak Over Gilbert |url=https://wst.tv/bingham-storms-to-round-two/ |access-date=16 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419175014/https://wst.tv/bingham-storms-to-round-two/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=15 April 2023 |title=Strong Start For Robertson |url=https://wst.tv/strong-start-for-robertson/ |access-date=15 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415182953/https://wst.tv/strong-start-for-robertson/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |date=16 April 2023 |title=Record Breaking Robertson Thrashes Wu |url=https://wst.tv/record-breaking-robertson-thrashes-wu/ |access-date=16 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416173834/https://wst.tv/record-breaking-robertson-thrashes-wu/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":16">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Neil Robertson Sweeps Wu Yize Aside in First Round |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65293696 |date=16 April 2023 |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416150107/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65293696 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":26">{{Cite web |date=16 April 2023 |title=Brecel Edges Thriller With Walden |url=https://wst.tv/brecel-edges-thriller-with-walden/ |access-date=16 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416220146/https://wst.tv/brecel-edges-thriller-with-walden/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |date=17 April 2023 |title=Vafaei Stirs Up O'Sullivan Clash |url=https://wst.tv/vafaei-stirs-up-osullivan-clash/ |access-date=17 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417114637/https://wst.tv/vafaei-stirs-up-osullivan-clash/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |date=17 April 2023 |title=Williams Hits Robertson For Six |url=https://wst.tv/williams-hits-robertson-for-six/ |access-date=17 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421030053/https://wst.tv/williams-hits-robertson-for-six/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |date=18 April 2023 |title=Crucible Inspires Higgins To Thrash Grace |url=https://wst.tv/crucible-inspires-higgins-to-thrash-grace/ |access-date=18 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418164849/https://wst.tv/crucible-inspires-higgins-to-thrash-grace/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":22">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 Results: Four-Time Champion John Higgins Powers Past David Grace |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65314268 |date=18 April 2023 |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418163723/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65314268 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":19">{{Cite web |date=18 April 2023 |title=Lisowski In Control Of Saengkham Clash |url=https://wst.tv/lisowski-in-control-of-saengkham-clash/ |access-date=18 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418134525/https://wst.tv/lisowski-in-control-of-saengkham-clash/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":23">{{Cite news |date=19 April 2023 |title=Judd Trump's Crucible Campaign Ended by McGill as Kyren Wilson Hits 147 Break |work=The Guardian |agency=PA Media |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/19/kyren-wilson-first-maximum-147-break-of-2023-worlds-crucible |access-date=19 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424235920/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/19/kyren-wilson-first-maximum-147-break-of-2023-worlds-crucible |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":21">{{Cite web |date=18 April 2023 |title=Wilson Relieved To Win Geordie Joust |url=https://wst.tv/wilson-wins-north-east-derby/ |access-date=18 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418225421/https://wst.tv/wilson-wins-north-east-derby/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":24">{{Cite web |date=19 April 2023 |title='Careless' Trump Knocked Out By McGill |url=https://wst.tv/careless-trump-knocked-out-by-mcgill/ |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419164020/https://wst.tv/careless-trump-knocked-out-by-mcgill/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":59">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Kyren Wilson Makes 147 Maximum Break in 10-5 First-Round Victory |last=Goulding |first=Neil |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65324614 |date=19 April 2023 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423163909/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65324614 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |date=19 April 2023 |title=Wilson Makes Five Tons In Day Rout |url=https://wst.tv/maximum-man-wilson-makes-five-tons-in-day-rout/ |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424182727/https://wst.tv/maximum-man-wilson-makes-five-tons-in-day-rout/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":29">{{Cite web |date=20 April 2023 |title=Sensational Si Shocks Murphy |url=https://wst.tv/sensational-si-shocks-murphy/ |access-date=20 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=20 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420221647/https://wst.tv/sensational-si-shocks-murphy/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":28">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 Results: Four-Time World Champion Mark Selby Beats Matthew Selt 10-8 |last=Goulding |first=Neil |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65339340 |date=20 April 2023 |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425121757/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65339340 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":30">{{Cite web |date=21 April 2023 |title=Brecels Secures Lead Over Williams |url=https://wst.tv/brecels-secures-lead-over-williams/ |access-date=21 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421133953/https://wst.tv/brecels-secures-lead-over-williams/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |date=21 April 2023 |title=Brecel: My Best Feeling Ever |url=https://wst.tv/brecel-into-quarters-with-superb-finish/ |access-date=21 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421215821/https://wst.tv/brecel-into-quarters-with-superb-finish/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |date=21 April 2023 |title=O'Sullivan Ahead / Allen On The Brink |url=https://wst.tv/osullivan-ahead-allen-on-the-brink/ |access-date=21 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421211908/https://wst.tv/osullivan-ahead-allen-on-the-brink/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":34">{{Cite web |date=22 April 2023 |title=Allen: I'm Here To Win It |url=https://wst.tv/allen-im-here-to-win-it/ |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422105400/https://wst.tv/allen-im-here-to-win-it/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":35">{{Cite web |title=Snooker Results: Mark Allen Thrashes Stuart Bingham to Reach Crucible Quarters |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-mark-allen-thrashes-stuart-bingham-to-reach-crucible-quarters/208917 |date=22 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422134255/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-mark-allen-thrashes-stuart-bingham-to-reach-crucible-quarters/208917 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":37">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Ronnie O'Sullivan Hammers Hossein Vafaei |last=Goulding |first=Neil |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65359963 |date=22 April 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427220216/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65359963 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":31">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Hossein Vafaei Criticised for Being 'Disrespectful' Towards Ronnie O'Sullivan |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65353503 |date=21 April 2023 |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421171532/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65353503 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web |date=22 April 2023 |title=O'Sullivan Crushes Vafaei In Two Sessions |url=https://wst.tv/osullivan-crushes-vafaei-in-two-sessions/ |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422170834/https://wst.tv/osullivan-crushes-vafaei-in-two-sessions/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":36">{{Cite web |title=Snooker Results: Ronnie O'Sullivan Dishes out 13–2 Hiding Against Hossein Vafaei at the Crucible |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-ronnie-osullivan-dishes-out-13-2-hiding-against-hossein-vafaei-at-the-crucible/208924 |date=22 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422153159/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-ronnie-osullivan-dishes-out-13-2-hiding-against-hossein-vafaei-at-the-crucible/208924 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |date=23 April 2023 |title=Brilliant Higgins Destroys Wilson |url=https://wst.tv/brilliant-higgins-destroys-wilson/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423213314/https://wst.tv/brilliant-higgins-destroys-wilson/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":45">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 Results: Mark Selby Beats Gary Wilson to Set up Quarter-Final Against John Higgins |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65381193 |date=24 April 2023 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424201111/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65381193 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web |date=24 April 2023 |title=McGill: Snooker Is Drama |url=https://wst.tv/mcgill-snooker-is-drama/ |access-date=24 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424212612/https://wst.tv/mcgill-snooker-is-drama/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":38">{{Cite web |date=22 April 2023 |title=Si Holds Advantage / Selby Edges Ahead |url=https://wst.tv/si-holds-advantage-selby-edges-ahead/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423094055/https://wst.tv/si-holds-advantage-selby-edges-ahead/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":39">{{Cite web |date=23 April 2023 |title=McGill Maintains Lead / Selby In Charge |url=https://wst.tv/mcgill-maintains-lead-selby-in-charge/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423185513/https://wst.tv/mcgill-maintains-lead-selby-in-charge/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":41">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Four-Time World Champion John Higgins Hammers Kyren Wilson |last=Goulding |first=Neil |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65366350 |date=23 April 2023 |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426063539/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65366350 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":43">{{Cite web |date=24 April 2023 |title=Chinese Wonder-Kid Si Into Quarters |url=https://wst.tv/chinese-wonder-kid-si-into-quarters/ |access-date=24 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424142352/https://wst.tv/chinese-wonder-kid-si-into-quarters/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":44">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 Results: China's Si Jiahui Seals 13-7 Victory over Robert Milkins |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65377412 |date=24 April 2023 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424140244/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65377412 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":40">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 Results: Ronnie O'Sullivan Maintains Healthy Lead over Luca Brecel |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65381832 |date=25 April 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427225430/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65381832 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":47">{{Cite web |date=25 April 2023 |title=O'Sullivan Opens Up 10–6 Lead |url=https://wst.tv/osullivan-opens-up-10-6-lead/ |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425213413/https://wst.tv/osullivan-opens-up-10-6-lead/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":51">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 Results: Ronnie O'Sullivan's Hopes Ended by Luca Brecel in Last Eight |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65403134 |date=26 April 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428205617/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65403134 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":52">{{Cite web |date=26 April 2023 |title=Sensational Brecel Smashes Rocket |url=https://wst.tv/sensational-brecel-smashes-rocket/ |access-date=26 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426191005/https://wst.tv/sensational-brecel-smashes-rocket/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":50">{{Cite web |date=26 April 2023 |title=Allen Into Semi-Finals For First Time Since 2009 |url=https://wst.tv/allen-into-semi-finals-for-first-time-since-2009/ |access-date=26 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426133038/https://wst.tv/allen-into-semi-finals-for-first-time-since-2009/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":53">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 Results: Mark Selby Sets up Mark Allen Last-Four Meeting with Win over John Higgins |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65399863 |url-status=live |date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430092554/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65399863 |archive-date=30 April 2023}}</ref>
<ref name=":49">{{Cite web |title=Luca Brecel Pulls off Stunning Comeback to Beat Ronnie O'Sullivan in World Championship Quarter-Finals |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-scores-mark-allen-reaches-world-championship-semi-finals-with-battling-win-over-jak-jones/209008 |date=27 April 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502204304/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-scores-mark-allen-reaches-world-championship-semi-finals-with-battling-win-over-jak-jones/209008 |archive-date=2 May 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK}}</ref>
<ref name=":46">{{Cite web |date=25 April 2023 |title=Selby Fights Back To Square Higgins Tie |url=https://wst.tv/selby-fights-back-to-square-higgins-tie/ |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425173623/https://wst.tv/selby-fights-back-to-square-higgins-tie/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":56">{{Cite web |date=26 April 2023 |title=Rising Star Si Stuns McGill |url=https://wst.tv/rising-star-si-stuns-mcgill/ |access-date=27 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426231834/https://wst.tv/rising-star-si-stuns-mcgill/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name=":48">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Si Jiahui Leads Luca Brecel in Semi-Final |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65420481 |date=28 April 2023 |archive-date=1 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501220306/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65420481 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":57">{{Cite news |last=Calladine |first=Rob |date=28 April 2023 |title=Luca Brecel Fights Back Against Si Jiahui in Thrilling Crucible Semi-Final |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/28/luca-brecel-fights-back-against-si-jiahui-in-thrilling-crucible-semi-final |access-date=28 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428220412/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/28/luca-brecel-fights-back-against-si-jiahui-in-thrilling-crucible-semi-final |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":58">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 Results: Luca Brecel into Final After Stunning Comeback Win over Si Jiahui |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65437757 |date=29 April 2023 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429164611/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65437757 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Eurofinal1">{{cite web |title=World Snooker Championship: Mark Selby Makes Historic 147 and Trails Luca Brecel by One Frame After Thrilling Session |url=https://www.eurosport.com/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-2023-luca-brecel-powers-into-6-2-lead-over-mark-selby-in-crucible-final_sto9585476/story.shtml |website=Eurosport |date=30 April 2023 |last=Chiu |first=Nigel |access-date=30 April 2023 |archive-date=5 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505132955/https://www.eurosport.com/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-2023-luca-brecel-powers-into-6-2-lead-over-mark-selby-in-crucible-final_sto9585476/story.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Eurosportfinal2">{{cite web |first=Mike |last=Gibbons |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-final-2023-live-stream-and-updates-mark-selby-and-luca-brecel-battle-it-o_sto9584820/story.shtml |title=World Snooker Championship Final 2023 Live Stream and Updates: Mark Selby and Luca Brecel Battle It out for World Glory |website=Eurosport |access-date=30 April 2023 |archive-date=5 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505134238/https://www.eurosport.com/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-final-2023-live-stream-and-updates-mark-selby-and-luca-brecel-battle-it-o_sto9584820/story.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="BBC Selby max">{{cite web |title=World Snooker Championship 147: Mark Selby Makes First Maximum in Final but Trails Luca Brecel |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/65443883 |date=30 April 2023 |website=BBC Sport |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |archive-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430214028/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/65443883 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":60">{{Cite web |date=1 May 2023 |title=Breath-Taking Brecel Beats Selby In Crucible Classic |url=https://wst.tv/breath-taking-brecel-beats-selby-in-crucible-classic/ |access-date=2 May 2023 |website=World Snooker |language=en-US |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502092051/https://wst.tv/breath-taking-brecel-beats-selby-in-crucible-classic/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Eurosport3final">{{cite web |last=Chiu |first=Nigel |title=World Snooker Championship Final: All-Out Attack Luca Brecel Stuns Mark Selby to Take Five-Frame Lead |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-final-all-out-attack-luca-brecel-stuns-mark-selby-to-take-five-frame-lead_sto9587001/story.shtml |website=Eurosport |date=1 May 2023}}</ref>
<ref name="Guardian Final">{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2023/may/01/world-snooker-championship-crucible-2023-final-mark-selby-luca-brecel-live |title=Luca Brecel Defeats Mark Selby to Win World Snooker Championship 2023 Final – as It Happened |first=Daniel |last=Harris |newspaper=The Guardian |date=1 May 2023 |access-date=1 May 2023 |archive-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603045951/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2023/may/01/world-snooker-championship-crucible-2023-final-mark-selby-luca-brecel-live |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":61">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 Final: Luca Brecel Beats Mark Selby for First World Title |language=en-GB |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65450133 |date=1 May 2023 |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502112923/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65450133 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name=":54">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: World Champion Luca Brecel Says Snooker Set to 'Explode' in Europe |language=en-GB |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65452779 |date=2 May 2023 |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502112921/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65452779 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="results">{{cite web |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Draw/FullDraw/14621/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |title=Full Draw – Cazoo World Championship |access-date=19 April 2023 |archive-date=15 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415175920/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Draw/FullDraw/14621/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Cruciblecenturies">{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 {{!}} Centuries |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Centuries/CenturyBreaks/14621/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417232528/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Centuries/CenturyBreaks/14621/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="nfroS">{{cite web |last=Turner |first=Chris |title=World Professional Championship |url=http://www.cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/world.html |work=cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk |publisher=Chris Turner's Snooker Archive |year=2008 |access-date=9 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724180133/http://www.cajt.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/world.html |archive-date=24 July 2011}}</ref>
<ref name="UjoxO">{{Cite web |last1=Nunns |first1=Hector |last2=Hendon |first2=David |title=History of Snooker |url=https://wst.tv/wpbsa/history-of-snooker/ |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=15 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815075857/https://wst.tv/wpbsa/history-of-snooker/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="TNgNQ">{{Cite web |title=Betfred World Championship |website=World Snooker |access-date=22 February 2022 |url=https://wst.tv/tournaments/betfred-world-championship/ |archive-date=14 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514143520/https://wst.tv/tournaments/betfred-world-championship/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="HNy5B">{{Cite web |date=9 May 2022 |title=Cazoo To Become Title Sponsor Of World Snooker Championship |url=https://wst.tv/cazoo-to-become-title-sponsor-of-world-snooker-championship/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509090221/https://wst.tv/cazoo-to-become-title-sponsor-of-world-snooker-championship/ |archive-date=9 May 2022 |access-date=10 May 2022 |website=World Snooker}}</ref>
<ref name="UMfN5">{{cite news |title=John Higgins Eyes More Crucible Titles |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/snooker/5276218/John-Higgins-eyes-more-Crucible-titles.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=5 May 2009 |access-date=13 April 2020 |url-access=registration |quote="the modern era, which began in 1969 when the World Championship became a knockout event." |archive-date=30 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430020307/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/snooker/5276218/John-Higgins-eyes-more-Crucible-titles.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="PryVV">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2022: Ronnie O'Sullivan Claims Record-Equalling Seventh World Title |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/61294622 |date=2 May 2022 |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503143632/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/61294622 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="jk5bV">{{Cite news |title=Snooker Match-Fixing Inquiry: Zhao Xintong, Yan Bingtao to Miss World Championship |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/64823515 |date=2 March 2023|access-date=13 April 2023 |archive-date=15 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315225417/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/64823515 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="yK95g">{{Cite news |title=Snooker Match-Fixing Investigation - 10 Chinese Players Face Hearing on Monday |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65354468 |date=24 April 2023 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424095743/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65354468 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="xbiHi">{{Cite news |title=Snooker Match-Fixing Scandal: Liang Wenbo and Li Hang Handed Lifetime Bans |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65641122 |date=6 June 2023 |access-date=11 July 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=15 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615140819/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65641122}}</ref>
<ref name="fT6Bw">{{Cite web |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/ |title=Calendar 2022/2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |access-date=1 April 2023 |archive-date=1 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401175439/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="eZYzR">{{Cite web |date=12 May 2022 |title=Best Of 19 For World Qualifiers From 2023 |url=https://wst.tv/best-of-19-for-world-qualifiers-from-2023/ |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=12 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512133033/https://wst.tv/best-of-19-for-world-qualifiers-from-2023/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="coaSc">{{cite web |date=12 April 2022 |title=How to Watch Judgement Day |url=https://wst.tv/how-to-watch-judgement-day/ |website=World Snooker |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131193123/https://wst.tv/how-to-watch-judgement-day/ |archive-date=31 January 2023 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Lh1wU">{{Cite web |date=11 April 2023 |title=Listen To The Draw On BBC Radio 5 Live |url=https://wst.tv/listen-to-the-draw-on-bbc-radio-5-live/ |access-date=11 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411121836/https://wst.tv/listen-to-the-draw-on-bbc-radio-5-live/ |url-status=usurped}}</ref>
<ref name="HauDN">{{Cite web |url=https://wst.tv/tickets/2023-cazoo-world-snooker-championship/ |title=2023 Cazoo World Snooker Championship |website=World Snooker |access-date=10 May 2022 |archive-date=10 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510110346/https://wst.tv/tickets/2023-cazoo-world-snooker-championship/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="sEUUy">{{Cite web |date=14 April 2023 |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Schedule, Format, Order of Play from Crucible as Ronnie O'Sullivan Eyes Record |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-2023-schedule-results-order-of-play-live-scores-from-the-crucible_sto9556052/story.shtml |access-date=10 April 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref>
<ref name="NeBuG">{{Cite web |date=13 April 2023 |title=How To Watch The Cazoo World Championship |url=https://wst.tv/how-to-watch-the-cazoo-world-championship/ |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413194004/https://wst.tv/how-to-watch-the-cazoo-world-championship/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="R5glJ">{{cite magazine |last=Stead |first=Marcus |title=Crucible Diary |magazine=Snooker Scene |date=May 2023 |page=43}}</ref>
<ref name="teJss">{{cite web |date=2022-10-02 |title=Prize Money World Rankings Schedule 2022/2023 Season |url=https://wst.tv/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tour-Prize-Money-Ranking-Points-Schedule-2022-2023-Season-v1.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127184017/https://wst.tv/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Tour-Prize-Money-Ranking-Points-Schedule-2022-2023-Season-v1.pdf |archive-date=2022-11-27 |access-date=2023-11-28 |website=]}}</ref>
<ref name="lgGcI">{{Cite web |date=31 March 2023 |title=Cazoo World Championship – 147 Bonuses |url=https://wst.tv/cazoo-world-championship-147-bonuses/ |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331201137/https://wst.tv/cazoo-world-championship-147-bonuses/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="uR0kI">{{cite magazine |title=Where the Money Went |magazine=Snooker Scene |date=May 2023 |page=35}}</ref>
<ref name="kzPX5">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/65097349 |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Stephen Hendry & Jimmy White in Qualifying Draw |work=BBC Sport |date=28 March 2023 |archive-date=3 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403185310/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/snooker/65097349 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="pLFb5">{{Cite news |author1=Hendon |first=David |date=31 March 2023 |title=Preview: The Five Women |url=https://wst.tv/preview-the-five-women/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401170629/https://wst.tv/preview-the-five-women/ |archive-date=1 April 2023 |access-date=8 April 2023 |work=]}}</ref>
<ref name="WAII8">{{Cite web |date=5 April 2023 |title=Cahill Secures Significant Advantage |url=https://wst.tv/cahill-secures-significant-advantage/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408130621/https://wst.tv/cahill-secures-significant-advantage/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="YqbPG">{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 Qualifiers (Round 1 - Match 5) |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/904429/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408142629/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/904429/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="UjfCR">{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 Qualifiers (Round 1 - Match 4) |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/904428/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408142631/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/904428/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="YLw7M">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65198667 |title=World Snooker Championship: Stephen Hendry Loses to James Cahill in Qualifying |work=BBC Sport |date=6 April 2023 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407115044/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65198667 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Zpkeo">{{Cite web |date=4 April 2023 |title=Boiko Storms To Second Round |url=https://wst.tv/boiko-storms-to-second-round/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408123353/https://wst.tv/boiko-storms-to-second-round/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="YMktH">{{Cite web |date=15 May 2023 |title=Reanne Evans Regains Professional Snooker Tour Card Despite British Open Final Defeat to Bai Yulu |url=https://www.eurosport.com/snooker/reanne-evans-regains-professional-snooker-tour-card-despite-british-open-final-defeat_sto9607279/story.shtml |access-date=15 May 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref>
<ref name="VFUDj">{{Cite web |date=14 May 2023 |title=Evans Regains Professional Place |url=https://www.womenssnooker.com/evans-regains-professional-place/ |access-date=15 May 2023 |website=World Women's Snooker |language=en-GB |archive-date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515101828/https://www.womenssnooker.com/evans-regains-professional-place/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="n0ExA">{{Cite news |title=Women's World Number One Reanne Evans Regains Two-Year Professional World Snooker Tour Card |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65597072 |date=15 May 2023 |archive-date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515170905/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65597072 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="CMUlh">{{Cite web |date=15 May 2023 |title=Fu Awarded Invitational Tour Card |url=https://wst.tv/fu-awarded-invitational-tour-card/ |access-date=15 May 2023 |website=World Snooker |language=en-US |archive-date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515104935/https://wst.tv/fu-awarded-invitational-tour-card/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="RjH3X">{{Cite web |title=Matthew Stevens Asked for Selfie by Dechawat Poomjaeng During Epic World Championship Snooker Win – 'He's a Lovely Guy' |date=8 April 2023 |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/matthew-stevens-asked-for-selfie-with-dechawat-poomjaeng-during-epic-world-championship-win-he-s-a-l_sto9552260/story.shtml |website=Eurosport |access-date=8 April 2023}}</ref>
<ref name="xbHTj">{{Cite web |last=Rooke |first=Sam |date=10 April 2023 |title=Jimmy White Confident of Return to Form, Admits Regret over 'Schoolboy Error' Late-Season Technique Change |url=https://www.eurosport.com/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/jimmy-white-confident-of-return-to-form-admits-regret-over-schoolboy-error-late-season-technique-cha_sto9555687/story.shtml |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref>
<ref name="6iCRq">{{Cite news |title=Jimmy White's Bid for World Championship Return Ends in Second Round of Qualifying |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65208980 |date=6 April 2023 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408190013/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65208980 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="HVwCg">{{Cite web |date=6 April 2023 |title=O'Donnell Downs The Whirlwind |url=https://wst.tv/odonnell-downs-the-whirlwind/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408125740/https://wst.tv/odonnell-downs-the-whirlwind/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="gTTxX">{{Cite web |date=7 April 2023 |title=Page Turns Over Muir |url=https://wst.tv/page-turns-over-muir/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408140444/https://wst.tv/page-turns-over-muir/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="MdM7S">{{Cite web |date=8 April 2023 |title=Doherty Keeps Crucible Dream Alive |url=https://wst.tv/doherty-keeps-crucible-dream-alive/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408224539/https://wst.tv/doherty-keeps-crucible-dream-alive/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="QvQ00">{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 Qualifiers (Round 3 - Match 87) |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/894014/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |access-date=9 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409103156/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/894014/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Qd0OB">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship: Graeme Dott Beats Andy Hicks to Reach 'Horrible' Final Qualifier |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65224833 |date=9 April 2023 |archive-date=9 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409103155/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65224833 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="yJbws">{{Cite web |date=10 April 2023 |title=Perry Set For Judgement Day |url=https://wst.tv/perry-set-for-judgement-day/ |access-date=10 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410184134/https://wst.tv/perry-set-for-judgement-day/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="7456G">{{Cite web |url=https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/other-sport/james-cahills-crucible-dream-ends-on-easter-monday-4098858 |title=James Cahill's Crucible Dream Ends on Easter Monday &#124; Blackpool Gazette |date=11 April 2023 |access-date=11 April 2023 |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411075125/https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/other-sport/james-cahills-crucible-dream-ends-on-easter-monday-4098858 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="rhPlC">{{Cite web |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/894033/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 Qualifiers (Round 3 - Match 72) |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |access-date=11 April 2023 |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411075312/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14623/894033/cazoo-world-championship-2023-qualifiers |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="BoZvF">{{Cite web |title=Snooker Results: Anthony McGill Books Crucible Return with World Championship Qualifying Win |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-anthony-mcgill-books-crucible-return-with-world-championship-qualifying-win/208668 |date=11 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411200129/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-anthony-mcgill-books-crucible-return-with-world-championship-qualifying-win/208668 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="0iQD6">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship: Joe Perry Felt 'Physically Sick' for Mark Davis After Beating Friend to Reach Crucible |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65258741 |date=12 April 2023 |archive-date=12 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412232619/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65258741 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="B0qRn">{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 (Round 1 - Match 12) |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14621/904565/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |access-date=16 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=8 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608080458/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14621/904565/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="H6g9z">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Neil Robertson Opens up 6-3 Lead over Wu Yize |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65288446 |date=15 April 2023 |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416012030/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65288446 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="EKCC6">{{Cite web |date=16 April 2023 |title=Carter Ditched By Cracker-Jak |url=https://wst.tv/carter-ditched-by-cracker-jak/ |access-date=16 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=20 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420045537/https://wst.tv/carter-ditched-by-cracker-jak/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="0MUxk">{{Cite web |date=17 April 2023 |title=Hossein Vafaei Steps up War of Words with Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Crucible |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/sullivan-hossein-vafaei-ronnie-osullivan-ding-junhui-bbc-b2321159.html |access-date=17 April 2023 |website=The Independent}}</ref>
<ref name="62sNd">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Play Stopped by Just Stop Oil Protesters at the Crucible |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65305903 |date=17 April 2023 |archive-date=18 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418054224/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65305903 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="ir1i3">{{Cite news |date=17 April 2023 |title=World Snooker Championship Disrupted by Just Stop Oil Protesters in Sheffield |work=The Guardian |last=Ingle |first=Sean |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/17/world-snooker-championship-disrupted-just-stop-oil-protestors-crucible-theatre-sheffield |access-date=17 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424105735/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/17/world-snooker-championship-disrupted-just-stop-oil-protestors-crucible-theatre-sheffield |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Qz26E">{{cite web |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-2023-live-ding-junhui-v-hossein-vafaei-followed-by-mark-williams-against-_sto9565113/story.shtml |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 Live Stream and Updates – Mark Allen Beats Fan Zhengyi After Crucible Protest |website=Eurosport |date=17 April 2023 |last=Harris |first=Daniel}}</ref>
<ref name="9PEGJ">{{Cite web |date=17 April 2023 |title=Allen Outlasts Fan To Make Last 16 |url=https://wst.tv/allen-outlasts-fan-to-make-last-16/ |access-date=17 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417220709/https://wst.tv/allen-outlasts-fan-to-make-last-16/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="KuZ4K">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Barry Hearn Says Sport Is an Easy Target for Protesters |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65310296 |date=18 April 2023 |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421203919/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65310296 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="n95Ls">{{Cite web |date=19 April 2023 |title='Panicking' Lisowski Holds Nerve To Beat Saengkham |url=https://wst.tv/lisowski-holds-nerve-to-beat-saengkham/ |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419141344/https://wst.tv/lisowski-holds-nerve-to-beat-saengkham/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="khAyt">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 Results: Gary Wilson Holds off Elliot Slessor Fightback to Progress |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65314261 |date=18 April 2023 |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422050821/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65314261 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="lA1th">{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 (Round 1 - Match 5) |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14621/904558 |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419161123/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14621/904558 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="fxt5y">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 Results: Qualifier Anthony McGill Beats Judd Trump 10-6 |last=Goulding |first=Neil |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65326292 |date=19 April 2023 |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419202510/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65326292 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="FDJMt">{{Cite web |title=Snooker Results: Robert Milkins Pulls off Comeback to Beat Joe Perry at the Crucible |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-robert-milkins-pulls-off-comeback-to-beat-joe-perry-at-the-crucible/208875 |date=20 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=20 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420121554/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-robert-milkins-pulls-off-comeback-to-beat-joe-perry-at-the-crucible/208875 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="e3ine">{{Cite web |date=20 April 2023 |title=Milkins Completes Epic Fight-Back |url=https://wst.tv/milkins-completes-epic-fight-back/ |access-date=20 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=20 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420133036/https://wst.tv/milkins-completes-epic-fight-back/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="Jn9cm">{{Cite web |date=19 April 2023 |title=Wilson Makes Crucible 147 |url=https://wst.tv/wilson-makes-crucible-147/ |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419111116/https://wst.tv/wilson-makes-crucible-147/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="PWmCH">{{Cite web |title=Cazoo World Championship 2023 (Round 1 - Match 13) |url=https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14621/904566/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |access-date=19 April 2023 |website=livescores.worldsnookerdata.com |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419202131/https://livescores.worldsnookerdata.com/Matches/Result/14621/904566/cazoo-world-championship-2023 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="blKoo">{{Cite web |date=20 April 2023 |title=Selby Steps Up To End Selt Challenge |url=https://wst.tv/selby-steps-up-to-end-selt-challenge/ |access-date=20 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=20 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420173045/https://wst.tv/selby-steps-up-to-end-selt-challenge/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="RLGEI">{{Cite web |title=UK Championship Snooker: Shaun Murphy Hits out at Si Jiahui After Shock Defeat |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/uk-championship-snooker-shaun-murphy-hits-out-at-si-jiahui-after-shock-defeat/196408 |date=24 November 2021 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428061111/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/uk-championship-snooker-shaun-murphy-hits-out-at-si-jiahui-after-shock-defeat/196408 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="zgrUs">{{Cite web |title=Snooker Results: Shaun Murphy Beaten Again by Si Jiahui in Crucible Shock |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-shaun-murphy-beaten-again-by-si-jiahui-in-crucible-shock/208886 |date=20 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=20 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420215852/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-shaun-murphy-beaten-again-by-si-jiahui-in-crucible-shock/208886 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="QSMfG">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Mark Allen into Quarter-Finals With 13-4 Win over Stuart Bingham |last=Goulding |first=Neil |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65359920 |date=22 April 2023 |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422123115/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65359920 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="YE54T">{{Cite web |date=22 April 2023 |title=Jones Stuns Robertson To Make Quarters |url=https://wst.tv/jones-stuns-robertson-to-make-quarters/ |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422173311/https://wst.tv/jones-stuns-robertson-to-make-quarters/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="YdyhL">{{Cite web |last=Casey |first=Phil |date=17 April 2023 |title=Ronnie O'Sullivan Slammed by Hossein Vafaei Before Grudge Match |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/ronnie-osullivan-hossein-vafaei-world-snooker-championship-b1074688.html |access-date=21 April 2023 |website=Evening Standard |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421173005/https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/ronnie-osullivan-hossein-vafaei-world-snooker-championship-b1074688.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="78MQB">{{Cite web |title=Ronnie O'Sullivan Thrashes Hossein Vafaei in Grudge Match at World Snooker Championship |url=https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/12243/12863398/ronnie-osullivan-thrashes-hossein-vafaei-in-grudge-match-at-world-snooker-championship |date=22 April 2023 |website=Sky Sports |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422155823/http://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/12243/12863398/ronnie-osullivan-thrashes-hossein-vafaei-in-grudge-match-at-world-snooker-championship |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="6YU8p">{{Cite news |date=21 April 2023 |title=Ronnie O'Sullivan Takes Commanding Lead After Vafaei's 'Disrespectful' Break |work=The Guardian |agency=PA Media |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/21/ronnie-o-sullivan-lead-hossein-vafaei-world-snooker-championship |access-date=22 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422012438/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/21/ronnie-o-sullivan-lead-hossein-vafaei-world-snooker-championship |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="L2Oje">{{Cite web |title=Hossein Vafaei Smashes up Reds Against Ronnie O'Sullivan in World Snooker Championship |url=https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/29877/12862742/hossein-vafaei-smashes-up-reds-against-ronnie-osullivan-in-world-snooker-championship |date=22 April 2023 |website=Sky Sports |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421175713/https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/snooker/news/29877/12862742/hossein-vafaei-smashes-up-reds-against-ronnie-osullivan-in-world-snooker-championship |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="CX2Rk">{{Cite web |title=Hossein Vafaei Loses His Cool Against Ronnie O'Sullivan with a Reckless Break in the Second Frame at the World Snooker Championship |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/hossein-vafaei-loses-his-cool-against-ronnie-osullivan-with-a-reckless-break-in-the-second-frame-at-the-world-snooker-championship/208903 |date=21 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421142806/http://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/hossein-vafaei-loses-his-cool-against-ronnie-osullivan-with-a-reckless-break-in-the-second-frame-at-the-world-snooker-championship/208903 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Ss8hE">{{Cite web |last=Staniforth |first=Mark |date=22 April 2023 |title=Ronnie O'Sullivan Grudge Match Ends in Hug After Crushing Win |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/snooker/ronnie-osullivan-hossein-vafaei-hug-world-snooker-championship-b2324938.html |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=The Independent |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423040226/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/snooker/ronnie-osullivan-hossein-vafaei-hug-world-snooker-championship-b2324938.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="LGb9x">{{Cite web |title=Ronnie O'Sullivan Has a Hug for Hossein Vafaei After Crushing 'Grudge Match' Win |url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/ronnie-osullivan-has-a-hug-for-hossein-vafaei-after-crushing-grudge-match-win-1466267.html |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=BreakingNews.ie |date=22 April 2023 |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422164723/https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/ronnie-osullivan-has-a-hug-for-hossein-vafaei-after-crushing-grudge-match-win-1466267.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="6XUHV">{{Cite news |date=23 April 2023 |title=John Higgins Rolls Back the Years to Bring Kyren Wilson Down to Earth |work=The Guardian |agency=PA Media |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/23/snooker-world-championship-crucible-higgins-wilson-selby |access-date=23 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425121446/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/apr/23/snooker-world-championship-crucible-higgins-wilson-selby |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="fmgep">{{Cite web |date=23 April 2023 |title=Superb Higgins Scores Session Whitewash |url=https://wst.tv/superb-higgins-scores-session-whitewash/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423121906/https://wst.tv/superb-higgins-scores-session-whitewash/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="r1CV5">{{Cite web |date=23 April 2023 |title=Flawless John Higgins Blows Kyren Wilson Away in First Session of Second Round World Snooker Championship Match |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/higgins-wilson_sto9573988/story.shtml |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref>
<ref name="zOX9D">{{Cite web |last=Haigh |first=Phil |date=23 April 2023 |title=Kyren Wilson Not Taking Cue Excuse After 'Frustrating' John Higgins Battering |url=https://metro.co.uk/2023/04/23/kyren-wilson-dismisses-cue-excuse-as-he-reacts-to-john-higgins-battering-18661229/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |website=Metro |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423215505/https://metro.co.uk/2023/04/23/kyren-wilson-dismisses-cue-excuse-as-he-reacts-to-john-higgins-battering-18661229/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="zReDM">{{Cite web |date=24 April 2023 |title=Selby Set For Biggest Test |url=https://wst.tv/selby-sets-up-higgins-showdown/ |access-date=24 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428095134/https://wst.tv/selby-sets-up-higgins-showdown/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="G5UMp">{{Cite web |last=Nunns |first=Hector |date=24 April 2023 |title=Ronnie O'Sullivan Set To Make History As First Member Of Crucible Centurion Club |url=https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/ronnie-o-sullivan-set-to-make-history-as-first-member-of-crucible-centurion-club |access-date=25 April 2023 |website=The Sportsman |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425104416/https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/ronnie-o-sullivan-set-to-make-history-as-first-member-of-crucible-centurion-club |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="0rL3v">{{Cite news |date=25 April 2023 |title=Mark Allen Seals Win over Stuart Bingham to Reach to World Snooker Championship Quarter-Finals |publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/snooker/2023/0422/1378510-allen-seals-win-over-bingham-to-reach-to-quarter-finals/ |access-date=25 April 2023 |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425124015/https://www.rte.ie/sport/snooker/2023/0422/1378510-allen-seals-win-over-bingham-to-reach-to-quarter-finals/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="L1G9M">{{Cite web |title=Snooker Results: Ronnie O'Sullivan Takes Command of His World Championship Quarter-Final With Luca Brecel |url=https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-ronnie-osullivan-takes-early-command-of-his-world-championship-quarter-final-with-luca-brecel/208980 |date=25 April 2023 |website=Sporting Life |location=UK |archive-date=25 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425124015/https://www.sportinglife.com/snooker/news/snooker-results-ronnie-osullivan-takes-early-command-of-his-world-championship-quarter-final-with-luca-brecel/208980 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="XJPwk">{{Cite web |date=26 April 2023 |title='Animal' Selby Into Eighth Crucible Semi |url=https://wst.tv/selby-into-eighth-crucible-semi-final/ |access-date=26 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426215338/https://wst.tv/selby-into-eighth-crucible-semi-final/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="KwTR8">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Being out of Top 16 Would Create 'Questions' for John Higgins |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65409673 |date=27 April 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427084155/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65409673 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="CRoZ0">{{Cite web |date=24 April 2023 |title=Si Jiahui Continues Crucible Fairytale at the World Snooker Championship After Beating Robert Milkins |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/si-jiahui-continues-crucible-fairytale-at-the-world-snooker-championship-after-beating-robert-milkin_sto9576020/story.shtml |access-date=24 April 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref>
<ref name="detyA">{{Cite web |date=27 April 2023 |title='I'll Keep Going for My Shots' – Si Jiahui Determined to Maintain Attack-Minded Approach Against Luca Brecel |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/other-sport/world-snooker-championship-si-jiahui-determined-to-maintain-attack-minded-approach-against-luca-brecel-at-crucible-4121653 |access-date=27 April 2023 |website=Yorkshire Post |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427122041/https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/other-sport/world-snooker-championship-si-jiahui-determined-to-maintain-attack-minded-approach-against-luca-brecel-at-crucible-4121653 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="IzSRf">{{Cite web |date=27 April 2023 |title=Si Secures Early Lead |url=https://wst.tv/si-secures-early-lead/ |access-date=27 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427163500/https://wst.tv/si-secures-early-lead/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="TXOLL">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Mark Allen Claims Early Lead over Mark Selby in Semi-Final |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65415909 |date=27 April 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427154131/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65415909 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="52jeo">{{Cite web |date=28 April 2023 |title=Debutant Si On Course For Final |url=https://wst.tv/debutant-si-on-course-for-final/ |access-date=28 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428132521/https://wst.tv/debutant-si-on-course-for-final/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="WT4es">{{Cite web |date=28 April 2023 |title=Brecel Fightback Keeps Semi-Final Alive |url=https://wst.tv/brecel-fightback-keeps-semi-final-alive/ |access-date=28 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428230939/https://wst.tv/brecel-fightback-keeps-semi-final-alive/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="VL8PB">{{Cite web |date=29 April 2023 |title=Cool-Hand Luca Pulls Off Record Comeback |url=https://wst.tv/cool-hand-luca-pulls-off-record-comeback/ |access-date=29 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429181320/https://wst.tv/cool-hand-luca-pulls-off-record-comeback/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="SmlMa">{{Cite web |date=29 April 2023 |title=Brecel Pulls Off Biggest Comeback In Crucible History To Reach First World Final |url=https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/brecel-pulls-off-biggest-comeback-in-crucible-history-to-reach-first-world-final |access-date=29 April 2023 |website=The Sportsman |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429204720/https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/brecel-pulls-off-biggest-comeback-in-crucible-history-to-reach-first-world-final |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="w2TW2">{{Cite web |date=27 April 2023 |title=Allen Gains Momentum Against Selby |url=https://wst.tv/allen-gains-momentum-against-selby/ |access-date=27 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427224303/https://wst.tv/allen-gains-momentum-against-selby/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="czwrs">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023 Results: Mark Selby Leads Mark Allen |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65425853 |date=28 April 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428173114/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65425853 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="0FLtJ">{{Cite web |date=29 April 2023 |title=Narrow Advantage For Selby |url=https://wst.tv/narrow-advantage-for-selby/ |access-date=30 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430000945/https://wst.tv/narrow-advantage-for-selby/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="jQLwC">{{Cite web |date=29 April 2023 |title=Selby Into Sixth Crucible Final |url=https://wst.tv/selby-into-sixth-crucible-final/ |access-date=30 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430000944/https://wst.tv/selby-into-sixth-crucible-final/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="HCSur">{{Cite news |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: Mark Selby Beats Mark Allen to Reach Sixth Crucible Final |last=Sutcliffe |first=Steve |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65435557 |date=30 April 2023 |archive-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430001119/https://www.bbc.com/sport/snooker/65435557 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="IW8hX">{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/snooker/snooker-live-scores-results-world-championship-b2329371.html |title=World Snooker Championship Scores: Si Jiahui and Luca Brecel in Semi-Final Thriller |website=] |date=29 April 2023 |access-date=29 April 2023 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429170653/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/snooker/snooker-live-scores-results-world-championship-b2329371.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="8ukZN">{{Cite web |date=7 April 2023 |title=Referee Brendan Moore to End 19-Year Snooker Career After World Championship Final – 'What a Way to Finish' |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/referee-brendan-moore-to-end-19-year-snooker-career-after-world-championship-final-what-a-way-to-fin_sto9547007/story.shtml |access-date=10 April 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref>
<ref name="zrOAx">{{Cite web |date=6 April 2023 |title=Moore To Bow Out With Crucible Final |url=https://wst.tv/moore-to-bow-out-with-crucible-final/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408120514/https://wst.tv/moore-to-bow-out-with-crucible-final/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="ldH78">{{Cite web |last=Quarrell |first=Dan |date=30 April 2023 |title=World Snooker Championship 2023: How Many 147s Have Been Scored at the Crucible? How Many Has Ronnie O'Sullivan Made? |url=https://www.eurosport.com/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/world-snooker-championship-2023-how-many-147s-have-been-scored-at-the-crucible-how-many-has-ronnie-o_sto9561061/story.shtml |access-date=8 September 2023 |website=Eurosport}}</ref>
<ref name="2jHo7">{{Cite web |date=30 April 2023 |title=Selby Makes Historic Maximum |url=https://wst.tv/selby-makes-historic-maximum/ |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=World Snooker |archive-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430213458/https://wst.tv/selby-makes-historic-maximum/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="SG9h9">{{Cite web |date=1 May 2023 |title=Brecel In Charge Of Crucible Final |url=https://wst.tv/brecel-in-charge-of-crucible-final/ |access-date=2 May 2023 |website=World Snooker |language=en-US |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502010144/https://wst.tv/brecel-in-charge-of-crucible-final/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<ref name="NUQxP">{{Cite web |title=Luca Brecel Beats Mark Selby in Classic to Become First Continental European to Win World Snooker Championship |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/luca-brecel-holds-off-mark-selby-fightback-in-thriller-to-become-first-belgian-snooker-world-champio_sto9587525/story.shtml |date=1 May 2023 |last=Chiu |first=Nigel |access-date=2 May 2023 |website=Eurosport |archive-date=11 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511210246/https://www.eurosport.co.uk/snooker/world-championship/2022-2023/luca-brecel-holds-off-mark-selby-fightback-in-thriller-to-become-first-belgian-snooker-world-champio_sto9587525/story.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref>
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<ref name="P2ZN1">{{Cite web |date=13 March 2023 |title=WPBSA Qualifiers Announced For Cazoo World Championship |url=https://wst.tv/wpbsa-qualifiers-announced-for-cazoo-world-championship/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328143443/https://wst.tv/wpbsa-qualifiers-announced-for-cazoo-world-championship/ |archive-date=28 March 2023 |access-date=28 March 2023 |website=World Snooker}}</ref>
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}}


==External links== ==External links==

Latest revision as of 12:38, 4 January 2025

47th edition of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield

2023 Cazoo World Snooker Championship
Tournament information
Dates15 April – 1 May 2023 (2023-04-15 – 2023-05-01)
VenueCrucible Theatre
CitySheffield
CountryEngland
OrganisationWorld Snooker Tour
FormatRanking event
Total prize fund£2,395,000
Winner's share£500,000
Highest break
Final
Champion Luca Brecel (BEL)
Runner-up Mark Selby (ENG)
Score18–15
2022 2024
Snooker tournament

The 2023 World Snooker Championship (officially the 2023 Cazoo World Snooker Championship) was a professional snooker tournament that took place from 15 April to 1 May 2023 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England, the 47th consecutive year that the World Snooker Championship was staged at the venue. The qualifying rounds took place from 3 to 12 April 2023 at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. The 15th and final ranking tournament of the 2022–23 snooker season, it was organised by the World Snooker Tour and sponsored for the first time by car retailer Cazoo. It was broadcast in the United Kingdom by the BBC, in Europe by Eurosport, and elsewhere in the world by Matchroom Sport and other broadcasters. The total prize fund was £2,395,000, of which the winner received £500,000.

Ronnie O'Sullivan was the defending champion, having defeated Judd Trump 18–13 in the 2022 final. He made a record 31st Crucible appearance, surpassing the 30 appearances by Steve Davis, and reached a record-extending 21st quarter-final—also becoming the first player to compete in 100 matches at the Crucible—but lost 10–13 to Belgian player Luca Brecel. Crucible debutants at the event were Fan Zhengyi, Jak Jones, Pang Junxu, Si Jiahui, and Wu Yize. Si, aged 20, became the first debutant to reach the semi-finals since Andy Hicks at the 1995 event and the youngest player to do so since O'Sullivan at the 1996 event. Brecel came from 5–14 behind in the semi-finals to defeat Si 17–15, the first time a player had won a match at the Crucible after trailing by nine frames. Brecel went on to defeat Mark Selby 18–15 in the final, winning his first world title, first Triple Crown title, and fourth ranking title. He became the sport's first world champion from mainland Europe.

The event's main stage produced 90 century breaks. For the second time, after the 2008 event, two maximum breaks occurred at the main stage of the tournament: Kyren Wilson made a maximum in his first-round match against Ryan Day, and Selby became the first player to make a maximum in a World Championship final. O'Sullivan made both his 1,200th century in professional competition and his 200th Crucible century at the event. The qualifying rounds produced another 135 centuries, including a 115 break by Ng On-yee, the highest by a woman in the tournament's history.

Background

The Crucible Theatre from outside
The main stage of the tournament was played at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.

The first World Snooker Championship final took place in 1927 at Camkin's Hall in Birmingham, England, and was won by Joe Davis. Staged annually until 1940, the tournament was put on hiatus during World War II and went into decline in the post-war era; the 1952 World Snooker Championship was contested by only two players and was replaced by the World Professional Match-play Championship, which was also discontinued in 1957. Revived on a challenge basis in 1964, the World Snooker Championship reverted to an annual knockout tournament in 1969. In 1977, the tournament was first staged at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, where it has remained since.

The 2023 event (officially known as the 2023 Cazoo World Snooker Championship) was organised by the World Snooker Tour and sponsored for the first time by British car retailer Cazoo. It marked the 47th consecutive year that the tournament was held at the Crucible and the 55th successive year that the World Championship was contested through the modern knockout format. It also marked the 40th anniversary of the first maximum break at the tournament, achieved by Cliff Thorburn at the 1983 event. Ronnie O'Sullivan was the defending champion, having defeated Judd Trump 18–13 in the 2022 final to win his seventh world title, equalling Stephen Hendry's modern-era record. O'Sullivan made a record 31st Crucible appearance at the 2023 event, surpassing the 30 appearances by Steve Davis.

Ten Chinese players, including 2021 UK Championship winner Zhao Xintong and 2021 Masters winner Yan Bingtao, were ineligible to compete in the 2023 event, having been suspended from professional competition and charged with match-fixing violations earlier in the season. Disciplinary hearings for the suspended players began on 24 April, midway through the tournament, resulting in lifetime bans for two players—Liang Wenbo and Li Hang—and lengthy bans for the others.

Format

The qualifying stage took place from 3 to 12 April 2023 at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, featuring 128 players, 16 of whom qualified for the main stage. World Championship qualifiers from 2020 to 2022 had comprised three rounds played as the best of 11 frames and a final round played as the best of 19 frames, with higher-ranked players seeded through to the second or third rounds. The 2023 event reverted to a best-of-19 format for all four rounds of qualifying, as had been the case before the COVID-19 pandemic, but seeded draws remained in place. Qualification rounds were broadcast by Discovery+ in Europe; Liaoning TV, Superstar online, Migu [zh], Youku and Huya Live in China; and by Matchroom Sport in all other territories. The final qualifying round was also streamed on the World Snooker Tour's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The first-round draw took place on BBC Radio 5 Live on 13 April, during which the 16 successful qualifiers were drawn at random against the top 16 players in the snooker world rankings. The draw was hosted by Rob Walker, with reactions from Shaun Murphy. The main stage took place from 15 April to 1 May at the Crucible Theatre. First-round matches were played from 15 to 20 April as the best of 19 frames. Second-round matches were played from 20 to 24 April as the best of 25 frames. Quarter-finals were played on 25 and 26 April as the best of 25 frames, and the semi-finals were played from 27 to 29 April as the best of 33 frames. The final was played over two days, 30 April and 1 May, as the best of 35 frames.

The main stage of the tournament was broadcast in the United Kingdom by the BBC, Eurosport, and Discovery+, and elsewhere in Europe by Eurosport and Discovery+. Other international broadcasts were provided by Superstar online, Migu, Huya Live, Youku, and CCTV in China; by NowTV in Hong Kong; by FastsportsHD in Pakistan; by Astro SuperSport in Malaysia and Brunei; by TrueVisions in Thailand; by Premier Sports in the Philippines; by StarHub in Singapore; by Sportcast in Taiwan and Indonesia; and by DAZN in the United States and Brazil. In territories where there was no other coverage, the event was broadcast by Matchroom Sport. The BBC coverage of the last session of the final attracted an average of 2.7 million viewers, with a peak of 3.6 million.

Prize fund

The winner of the event received £500,000 from a total prize fund of £2,395,000. The breakdown of prize money is shown below:

  • Winner: £500,000
  • Runner-up: £200,000
  • Semi-finalists: £100,000
  • Quarter-finalists: £50,000
  • Last 16: £30,000
  • Last 32: £20,000
  • Last 48: £15,000
  • Last 80: £10,000
  • Last 112: £5,000
  • Highest break (qualifying stage included): £15,000

A bonus of £40,000 was on offer for a maximum break made at the Crucible and £10,000 for a maximum made in the qualifying rounds. These bonuses were in addition to the £15,000 highest break prize and were shared in the case of multiple maximums. No player achieved a maximum in the qualifying rounds, but both Kyren Wilson and Mark Selby made maximums at the Crucible; they each received £27,500, representing half of the combined highest break and maximum break prizes.

Summary

Qualification

First qualification round

Hong Kong player Ng On-yee (pictured in 2017) made a 115 break, the highest by a woman in the event's history.

The first qualifying round featured players ranked 81 to 112 against players seeded 113 to 144, including selected amateurs. The tournament featured five female players, the most in 31 years, although all five lost in the first qualifying round. Mink Nutcharut lost 7–10 to Dechawat Poomjaeng, but made her first century break in professional competition, becoming the first woman since Kelly Fisher in 2002 to make a century in a World Championship match. The following day, Ng On-yee made a 115 break, the highest by a woman in the event's history. However, Ng lost 8–10 to Michael Holt, while Reanne Evans lost 5–10 to Ken Doherty. The reigning women's world champion Baipat Siripaporn lost 3–10 to Aaron Hill, and Rebecca Kenna lost by the same score to Alfie Burden.

The seven-time champion Hendry lost 4–10 to James Cahill, his ex-wife's nephew, but stated that he still had "a very distant dream" of one day reaching the Crucible again. Stan Moody, aged 16, had recently earned the right to play on the professional tour as he won a two-year tour card to begin in the 2023–24 season by winning the WSF Junior Snooker Championship. He defeated Andres Petrov 10–7 to win his first World Championship match. The 2022 Hong Kong Masters finalist Marco Fu lost 5–10 to Martin O'Donnell. Ukrainian player Iulian Boiko defeated Muhammad Asif 10–2. Austrian player Florian Nüßle defeated Michael Judge by the same score. Evans, Fu, Judge, Ng, and Dean Young all lost their professional tour cards after their first-round defeats. However, Evans secured a new two-year tour card by ending the season at number one in the World Women's Snooker rankings, following her performance at the 2023 British Women's Open. Fu was awarded a two-year invitational tour card. Young later secured a new two-year tour card through 2023 Q School.

Second qualification round

The second qualifying round featured the first-round winners against players ranked 49 to 80. Sean O'Sullivan was on course for a maximum break when he potted two red balls in one shot, leaving him unable to complete the maximum; he finished on a break of 140. Matthew Stevens defeated Poomjaeng 10–8, despite having required two snookers in the final frame. Poomjaeng posed for a selfie with Stevens after the first session while trailing 3–6. Jimmy White, who had last reached the Crucible in 2006, had predicted that he was "playing too well" not to reach the main stage in 2023. However, he lost 4–10 to O'Donnell, a defeat he blamed on tweaking his technique late in the season, calling it a "huge mistake" and a "schoolboy error". Si Jiahui led Nüßle 9–1, but Nüßle narrowed his deficit to two frames before Si won the match 10–7. Hill defeated Michael White 10–3 and Zhang Anda beat Moody by the same score.

Welsh player Jackson Page defeated Scotland's Ross Muir 10–2. Doherty made a 137 break as he defeated Hammad Miah 10–6 but broached the possibility of retirement at the end of the 2023–24 season if his overall form did not improve. Ben Mertens defeated fellow Belgian player Julien Leclercq, also by a 10–6 scoreline, while Scott Donaldson defeated 16-year-old Liam Davies 10–1. Stuart Carrington, Gerard Greene, Louis Heathcote, Duane Jones, Mitchell Mann, Miah, Jamie O'Neill, Fraser Patrick, Craig Steadman, and Alexander Ursenbacher all lost their tour cards after their second-round defeats. However, Miah qualified through the one-year ranking list for a new two-year tour card. Carrington, Heathcote, and Ursenbacher later secured new two-year tour cards through 2023 Q School.

Third qualification round

Former runner-up Barry Hawkins (pictured in 2014) played in the qualifiers for the first time since 2012. He failed to reach the Crucible for the first time since 2005.

The third qualifying round featured the second-round winners against players ranked 17 to 48. The 2006 champion Graeme Dott reached the final round with a 10–6 victory over Andy Hicks. John Astley was defeated by Anthony McGill in a deciding frame. Thepchaiya Un-Nooh made four centuries, including a 145, as he defeated Mark Joyce 10–5. Ricky Walden beat Ian Burns 10–6. The 2013 runner-up Barry Hawkins played in the qualifying rounds for the first time since 2012 after falling to number 20 in the world rankings. He defeated David Lilley 10–4, despite failing to make a break over 50 in the contest. Stephen Maguire, who had reached the last 16 of only one tournament during the season, defeated Burden 10–4. Fan Zhengyi defeated Boiko 10–8, while the 2023 Snooker Shoot Out winner Chris Wakelin beat Hill 10–2 and Jordan Brown defeated Dominic Dale 10–7. Si advanced to the fourth round with a 10–5 victory over Tom Ford.

Joe Perry trailed Sanderson Lam 4–5 after the first session but recovered to win 10–8, his first victory in the qualifiers in four years. World number 23 Hossein Vafaei, who made his Crucible debut the previous year, defeated Andrew Pagett 10–4. Page defeated Martin Gould 10–6. David Gilbert advanced with a 10–3 win over Barry Pinches, and Stevens defeated Jamie Clarke by the same score. Cahill and Zhou Yuelong played just six frames in their opening session, which ended level at 3–3. Cahill scored only 15 points over the next six frames as Zhou took a 9–3 lead; Zhou went on to win the match 10–4. The 2022 British Open winner Ryan Day took an 8–4 lead over Ashley Hugill. Hugill narrowed Day's lead to 8–7, but Day secured a 10–8 victory in a 30-minute final frame. After the match, Day expressed frustration with his recent form and said he was considering retirement. Pang Junxu, lost the first four frames against Doherty, but won the match 10–6. Anthony Hamilton defeated Oliver Lines in a deciding frame, and Elliot Slessor also won a deciding frame against Liam Highfield. Burden, Burns, Peter Lines, Pagett, and Pinches all lost their tour cards after their third-round defeats. However, Burns qualified for a new two-year tour card through the one-year ranking list, while Burden and Pagett later secured new two-year tour cards through 2023 Q School.

Fourth qualification round

After losing in qualifying, Mark Davis (pictured in 2016) retained his tour card only after eligibility criteria were changed for the 2023–24 season.

The fourth and final qualifying round, billed as "Judgement Day", featured the 32 third-round winners facing each other, with the 16 victors advancing to the main draw at the Crucible. The 2020 semi-finalist McGill lost the first three frames against Cao Yupeng but won the match 10–6 to reach the Crucible for a ninth consecutive time. Walden led Un-Nooh 4–1, but Un-Nooh recovered to lead 5–4 after the first session. The match, which featured four centuries and 10 other half-centuries, went to a deciding frame, which Walden won with a 69 break, helped by a fluke on the penultimate red. Dott lost 6–10 to Matthew Selt, the fourth consecutive year Dott had exited in the final qualifying round. Fan lost the first four frames against Maguire but recovered to secure his Crucible debut with a 10–6 victory; Maguire's loss meant that he failed to reach the Crucible for the first time since 2003. Si and Wu Yize both reached the Crucible for the first time after Si defeated Brown 10–7 and Wu recovered from 1–5 behind to defeat Wakelin 10–8. Welsh player Jak Jones secured his Crucible debut with a 10–8 victory over Hawkins, who failed to reach the main stage for the first time since 2005. Noppon Saengkham's match against Zhang came down to a duel on the final black ball. A lax safety shot from Zhang allowed Saengkham to pot the black in a baulk corner pocket, winning 10–9.

Donaldson lost the first four frames against Day and then withdrew, citing health reasons. Day, whose 146 break in the opening frame was the highest of the qualifying rounds, won the match 10–0 by default. Gilbert defeated Stevens 10–7, making three centuries in the match, while Jimmy Robertson defeated Hamilton 10–2 to reach the Crucible for the first time since 2018. David Grace, who had earlier avoided relegation from the tour by winning his second-round qualifying match, beat Andrew Higginson 10–5 to secure his second Crucible appearance. Vafaei defeated Page 10–6 to reach the Crucible for a second consecutive year. Slessor defeated Zhou 10–5, also reaching the Crucible for a second time, while Pang won five of the last six frames to defeat Xu Si by the same score and become the fifth Crucible debutant. Perry recovered from 8–9 behind to defeat his friend Mark Davis on the final black in the deciding frame, after Davis had missed a pot on the pink to win the match. Davis's qualifying loss left him outside the top 64 in the world rankings at the end of the season, implying that he would lose his tour card after 32 years as a professional. Perry, who won three frames in the match on the final black ball, reached the Crucible for the first time since 2019. He stated that he felt "physically sick" afterwards because of Davis's presumed relegation. However, after the tournament concluded, the World Snooker Tour announced that the top 68 players on the two-year ranking list would remain on tour for the 2023–24 season, rather than the usual 64, due to some players' suspensions. This change meant that Davis, ranked 68th at the end of the season, remained on the tour.

Main stage

First round

The 2010 champion Neil Robertson (pictured in 2015) became the first player to make two breaks of 146 in a professional match.

The first round was played as best-of-19-frame matches, held over two sessions, from 15 to 20 April. Ronnie O'Sullivan began his title defence by winning the first five frames against 23-year-old debutant Pang. However, Pang reduced O'Sullivan's lead to 6–3 after the first session, coming within two frames at 9–7 before O'Sullivan clinched a 10–7 victory. Stating afterwards that he had felt "shaky, heavy and desperate" during the match due to illness, O'Sullivan praised his opponent, calling Pang a "phenomenal player, a joy to watch." The 2015 champion Stuart Bingham, who had reached only one ranking quarter-final that season, arrived at the Crucible needing to reach at least the semi-finals to retain his top-16 ranking. He trailed Gilbert 1–3 but won nine of the next ten to clinch a 10–4 victory, extending his head-to-head record against Gilbert to 12–0. Facing 19-year-old debutant Wu, the 2010 champion Neil Robertson made four centuries on his way to a 10–3 victory, including 146 breaks in both the 11th and 13th frames. This marked the first time Robertson had made a 146 break in professional competition and the first time any player had made two 146 breaks in a professional match. Luca Brecel made his sixth Crucible appearance after five previous first-round losses. He led Walden 6–3 after the first session, and preserved his lead at 9–6 in the second session. Walden tied the scores at 9–9 to force a decider, but Brecel, who had lost deciding frames to Fu in 2017 and Gary Wilson in 2019, made an 84 break to secure his first Crucible victory. Saying that, at 9–9, he was having flashbacks to his loss against Fu, Brecel commented: "I needed this win, because if I didn't win today maybe I would never have won a game here."

The 2023 German Masters champion Ali Carter faced Welsh debutant Jones. Carter made a 143 total clearance in frame five, but Jones won the first session 5–4 and went on to clinch the match 10–6. The first seeded player eliminated from the event, Carter called the loss "a disappointing end to a good season". Ding Junhui led Vafaei 5–4 after the opening session, but Vafaei made back-to-back centuries of 117 and 122 and three further half-centuries in the second session as he won his first match at the Crucible 10–6. Afterwards, Vafaei made disparaging remarks about his second-round opponent O'Sullivan that stoked a widely publicised feud between the players. Making his 25th Crucible appearance, three-time champion Mark Williams faced Jimmy Robertson, who had lost in the first round on each of his four previous Crucible appearances. Robertson led 5–4 after the first session, but Williams won all six frames played in the second session for a 10–5 victory. Four-time champion John Higgins made his 29th Crucible appearance, 25 years after winning his first world title in 1998. He led Grace 7–2 after the first session and wrapped up a 10–3 win in the second session with breaks of 114, 97, and 124. Noting that he had recently changed his technique, he commented: "I feel as if I'm playing better stuff than ever."

Mark Allen, who had won ranking titles during the season at the 2022 Northern Ireland Open, the 2022 UK Championship, and the 2023 World Grand Prix, won the first five frames against debutant Fan. Although Fan won the next three with breaks including 122 and 110, Allen took the last of the session to lead 6–3. Fan and Allen resumed on table two on the evening of 17 April, as Perry and Robert Milkins began their match on table one. The sessions were disrupted by Just Stop Oil protesters, one of whom climbed on table one and spread orange powder on the cloth. Referee Olivier Marteel restrained another protester who attempted to glue herself to table two. South Yorkshire Police arrested both protesters. Tournament officials halted play on table two for 45 minutes while event staff cleaned the area and rescheduled Perry and Milkins's first session to the following evening after table one was deemed unplayable. Despite the interruption, Allen completed a 126 break that he had started before play was suspended. He went on to defeat Fan 10–5. The cloth on table one was replaced in time for the first session between Jack Lisowski and Saengkham the following morning, which also saw tighter security measures at the venue. Lisowski took a 6–3 lead in a fast-paced session where only two frames lasted longer than 15 minutes. He moved 9–4 ahead in the second session. However, Saengkham won three consecutive frames, making a 130 clearance in frame 16, narrowing Lisowski's lead to two frames. Lisowski later said he was "panicking a bit" before he secured a 10–7 victory. Former semi-finalist Gary Wilson, who had won his first ranking title earlier that season at the 2022 Scottish Open, made a highest break of 131 as he took a 7–2 lead over Slessor. However, Slessor reduced Wilson's lead to 8–5 and then 9–8 in the second session, before Wilson clinched a 10–8 victory with a century break. Wilson said afterwards that Slessor's comeback had made the scoreline "too close for comfort."

The 2020 runner-up Kyren Wilson (pictured in 2022) became the ninth player to make a maximum break at the Crucible.

The 2019 champion and 2023 Masters winner Trump won the first two frames against McGill, but his opponent won six of the next seven to end the first session 6–3 in front. When play resumed, Trump narrowed his deficit to one at 7–6, but McGill won the last three frames for a 10–6 victory. After losing in the first round for the first time since 2017, Trump expressed frustration with his performance, saying he had "felt very rusty" and "missed too many easy balls", commenting: "You can't expect to play like that and win the World Championship." Perry won the first five frames of his rescheduled tie with Milkins and finished the session 7–2 ahead. However, when the match resumed, Milkins won seven of the first eight frames played to lead 9–8. Perry forced a decider, but Milkins secured a 10–9 victory with a 63 break, completing the biggest first-round comeback since Fu had recovered from 1–7 down to defeat Brecel in 2017. Milkins said he had tried to play more positively and aggressively in the second session, while Perry called his own performance a "shambles". The 2020 runner-up Kyren Wilson made a maximum break in the fifth frame of his match with Day, the fourth of his career and the 13th in Crucible history. He called the maximum "one of the greatest achievements of my short career." Wilson made additional centuries of 133, 120, 108, and 102 as he defeated Day 10–5, becoming only the third player, after O'Sullivan and Allen, to make five centuries in a first-round match at the Crucible.

Four-time champion and number two seed Mark Selby led Selt 6–3 overnight and extended his lead to 8–4. Selt won four of the next five frames, reducing Selby's lead to one at 9–8, before Selby won the match 10–8 with a 112 break. Selby said afterwards that his concentration during the match had been "non-existent" but commented: "I was glad my game managed to hold up under the pressure." Selt's loss meant that all four of his Crucible appearances had ended in first-round defeats. The 2005 champion Shaun Murphy, who had won the season's 2023 Players Championship and 2023 Tour Championship, faced debutant and world number 80 Si, the lowest-ranked player to reach the event's main stage. Si had previously defeated Murphy 6–5 in the first round of the 2021 UK Championship while competing as an amateur, provoking Murphy to complain that amateur players should not be permitted in professional tournaments. Although Murphy took a 3–1 lead, Si won four of the next five frames to end the first session 5–4 ahead. In the second session, Si opened with a 120 break and moved one frame from victory at 9–6, but Murphy won three consecutive frames to tie the scores at 9–9. In the deciding frame, Si made a 56 break and later snookered Murphy on the last red while leading by 23 points. Murphy failed three times to escape from the snooker, leaving Si a pot on the red after his last attempt. Si cleared to the black, closing out a 10–9 victory to reach the last 16 of a ranking event for only the fourth time. Afterwards, Murphy said Si had been "fabulous from start to finish", saying: "I threw everything at him, I tried my absolute best and I still lost." Murphy predicted that Si would become the sport's first Chinese world champion.

Second round

The 2015 champion Stuart Bingham (pictured in 2016) dropped out of the top 16 after a second-round defeat to Mark Allen.

The second round was played as best-of-25-frame matches, held over three sessions, from 20 to 24 April. Twelve of the sixteen seeds reached the second round, along with four qualifiers, Jones, McGill, Si, and Vafaei. Tied 4–4 with Williams after the first session, Brecel led 9–7 after the second session and extended his lead to 11–8 in the third session. Although Williams tied the scores at 11–11, Brecel won the last two frames with breaks of 84 and 67 to clinch a 13–11 victory, having made four centuries and eight more half-centuries in the match. Williams said afterwards that Brecel was "potting balls from everywhere and thoroughly deserved the win". Allen led Bingham 5–3 after the first session, and won seven consecutive frames in the second session to lead 12–3. Even though Bingham took the 16th frame with a century to avoid losing with a session to spare, the third session lasted just 16 minutes as Allen wrapped up a 13–4 victory, having made 13 half-centuries in the match. During play, Allen wore a colourful bracelet with the word "dad", given to him by his five-year-old daughter Harleigh, which he said helped keep his mind at rest. Bingham, who dropped out of the top 16 after his defeat, promised to "come back fighting next season". After his first session with Neil Robertson ended level at 4–4, Jones won six consecutive frames in the second session to move 10–6 ahead. He also won three of the four frames played in the final session, ending with a 138 total clearance, to clinch a 13–7 victory. Robertson praised his opponent, calling his safety play "incredible".

Vafaei made further critical comments about O'Sullivan before their second-round match, but the seven-time champion cautioned Vafaei that such remarks only motivated him to perform, saying: "Don't rattle my cage." The media widely described the encounter as a "grudge match". After O'Sullivan won the first frame with a 78 break, Vafaei smashed the pack of reds open on his break-off shot, in retaliation for O'Sullivan having done the same during their 2022 German Masters qualifying match, which Vafaei had found insulting. Speaking as a pundit for the BBC, Steve Davis called the shot "disrespectful to the game of snooker and the people who come along to watch", while Hendry in commentary called it "obviously premeditated" and "silly". O'Sullivan made another frame-winning 78 break from Vafaei's break-off and went on to take a 6–2 lead, making his 200th Crucible century during the session. He won all seven frames played in the second session, finishing with back-to-back centuries, including his 1,200th century break in professional competition in the penultimate frame. In defeating Vafaei 13–2 with a session to spare, O'Sullivan equalled his largest winning margin in a best-of-25-frame match, having beaten Milkins by the same scoreline at the 2002 event. Afterwards, the players embraced and appeared to reconcile. Vafaei said that he had "lost to the greatest ever", while O'Sullivan said: "There are no hard feelings from me. I love Hossein , he is a great guy and a brilliant player."

Higgins made centuries of 136, 137, and 134 and three half-centuries as he took an 8–0 lead over Kyren Wilson, the first time Higgins had recorded a session whitewash at the Crucible since playing Lisowski at the 2018 event. He went on to win the match 13–2 with a session to spare, calling the scoreline "an incredible result". Wilson, who had dropped his cue between sessions while signing autographs, dislodging a weight in the butt, said that the cue was not the reason for his defeat. He called Higgins's performance "awesome". Although McGill moved into a 10–1 lead over Lisowski, his opponent won seven of the next eight frames, narrowing his lead to 11–8, before McGill took the last two for a 13–8 victory. Commenting on Lisowski's comeback, McGill said: "We are in a theatre and snooker is drama. It's the best kind of drama. I love it." Selby, winner of the 2022 English Open and 2023 WST Classic during the season, faced Gary Wilson. After the first four frames were shared, Wilson won a 53-minute fifth frame after a prolonged tactical battle while the pink was lodged in the jaws of the green pocket behind the last two reds. Selby won three consecutive frames to finish the session 5–3 ahead, and moved 10–6 in front in the second session, before completing a 13–7 victory. Afterwards, he called it a "tough game" and "scrappy" but said he was "happy to get through". Si won four consecutive frames in each of the first two sessions as he took an 11–5 lead over 2023 Welsh Open winner Milkins. Si went on to win 13–7, reaching only the second ranking quarter-final of his career. Afterwards, he said he was "so surprised" to progress to the quarter-finals but was "honoured" to have reached that stage.

Quarter-finals

The defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan (pictured in 2015) appeared at the Crucible for a record 31st time. He played his 100th Crucible match in the quarter-finals but lost 10–13 to Luca Brecel.

The quarter-finals were played as best-of-25-frame matches over three sessions, on 25 and 26 April. Five seeds, Allen, Brecel, Higgins, O'Sullivan, and Selby, and three qualifiers, Jones, McGill, and Si, reached the quarter-final stage. For the first time since Tony Drago and Steve James in 1988, two Crucible debutants—Jones and Si—reached the last eight of the tournament. O'Sullivan played in the quarter-finals for a record-extending 21st time, also becoming the first player to compete in 100 matches at the Crucible.

O'Sullivan faced Brecel, who took two of the first three frames before O'Sullivan won five in a row to end the first session 6–2 in front. In the second session, Brecel twice narrowed O'Sullivan's lead to two frames, at 6–4 and 8–6, but O'Sullivan won the last two frames of the session to maintain a four-frame advantage at 10–6. However, in a final session that lasted just 75 minutes, Brecel took all seven frames to win the match 13–10. O'Sullivan failed to win a frame in a Crucible session for the first time since losing 11–17 to Dott in the 2006 semi-finals. Afterwards, O'Sullivan called his opponent "phenomenal, brilliant, amazing" and said: "I've never seen a talent like that before. No one plays like that, it's impossible." Brecel remarked that it was "amazing to beat someone like Ronnie from so far behind." Allen, playing in his first quarter-final since the 2018 event, made a 137 break against Jones in the third frame. He recovered from 1–3 behind to tie the scores at 4–4 after the first session. Allen moved 7–5 ahead in the second session, but Jones won three of the last four to draw level at 8–8. In the third session, Jones made a 124 break to tie the scores at 10–10, but Allen won the next two frames to lead 12–10. In the hour-long 23rd frame, Jones required two snookers. Even though Jones secured the foul points he needed, Allen won a safety battle on the brown and clinched a 13–10 victory, after which he promised to "give it everything" for the rest of the tournament. Jones said he had missed too many easy shots in the match but had learned a lot from his debut.

Higgins contested his 17th quarter-final at the event, while Selby played in his 10th. The players, who had faced each other in the 2007 and 2017 finals, both made 67 breaks in the opening frame, which was decided on a re-spotted black. Higgins potted the black after a lengthy safety battle and went on to lead 4–1, but Selby won three consecutive frames to finish the session level at 4–4. The players completed just six frames in the second session, of which Selby won five to lead 9–5. In the final session, Selby won three of the first four frames to move one from victory at 12–6. Higgins made a century break in frame 19, but Selby closed out a 13–7 victory. Higgins's defeat meant he had failed to reach the semi-finals of any of the season's ranking events for the first time since the 2011–12 season. He praised Selby's tactical play, calling him "an animal on the table" and "a master at the game of snooker", but stated that he needed to play to a higher standard the following season to retain his top-16 ranking. Si, aged 20, was the event's youngest quarter-finalist since Stevens in 1998. He faced McGill, who reached his third quarter-final in four years. Si won four of the first five frames, but McGill won the last three of the session to tie the scores at 4–4. McGill moved 8–6 ahead in the second session, but Si made breaks of 80 and 86 to tie the scores again at 8–8. In the final session, McGill took an 11–9 lead, but Si won three consecutive frames to move one from victory at 12–11. Although McGill tied the scores at 12–12 with a 130 total clearance, he missed a pot while playing left-handed in the deciding frame, and Si made a 41 break. Unable to obtain the snookers he required, McGill conceded the frame to give Si a 13–12 victory. Si commented afterwards that he "used to tremble because of nerves in deciding frames" but had become "mentally stronger". McGill said: "Overall I played badly throughout the match, my game just wasn't there."

Semi-finals

The semi-finals were played as best-of-33-frame matches over four sessions, between 27 and 29 April. Three seeds—Allen, Brecel, and Selby—and one qualifier, Si, reached the semi-final stage. Selby played in the World Championship semi-finals for the eighth time. Allen contested his second semi-final, 14 years after his previous semi-final appearance at the 2009 event. Brecel was the first player from mainland Europe to reach a World Championship semi-final. Si played in his first semi-final at any ranking tournament; his previous best performance at a ranking event had been reaching the quarter-finals of the 2022 European Masters. The first Crucible debutant to reach the semi-finals since Hicks in 1995, Si was also the youngest semi-finalist since O'Sullivan in 1996. He became the second World Championship semi-finalist from mainland China, after Ding.

Luca Brecel (pictured in 2022) became the first player to win at the Crucible after trailing by nine frames. He won the title, becoming the sport's first world champion from mainland Europe.

Facing Brecel in the first semi-final, Si made consecutive breaks of 125, 102, and 97 and won the eighth frame on the black to lead 5–3 after the first session. He made a century and five half-centuries in the second session as he took an 11–5 lead. Brecel, who made just one half-century in the session, flipped the cue ball off the table with his cue while conceding the opening frame and was told to calm down by referee Rob Spencer. Si began the third session with consecutive breaks of 90, 132, and 97 as he took a nine-frame lead at 14–5. However, Brecel responded with breaks including 108, 60, and 66 as he took the next four frames. Brecel clinched the final frame of the session after Si missed the green, reducing Si's lead to 14–10 overnight. The crowd gave the players a standing ovation after the session, which Rob Calladine in The Guardian described as "one of the most exciting" ever seen at the Crucible. In the final session, Brecel won the first six frames, for a total of 11 consecutive frames in the match, to lead 16–14. Even though Si won the 31st frame with a 90 break, Brecel clinched a 17–15 victory, becoming the first player to win a match at the Crucible after trailing by nine frames. The previous record for a comeback win at the Crucible had been set in the 1985 final, when Dennis Taylor recovered from eight frames behind to defeat Steve Davis. Brecel, whose girlfriend Laura Vanoverberghe was issued an expedited passport so she could travel from Belgium for the final session, stated that he was "shaking so much" in the final frame, adding that "to win means so much in such a tough game and in such a big tournament". Si, who advanced from 80th to 36th in the world rankings after his performance in the tournament, said of the final session that "I really wanted to win and I felt really nervous and couldn't really get going."

Facing Allen in the other semi-final, Selby made a 123 break in the opening frame and moved 3–2 ahead. However, he scored just one point in the remainder of the session as Allen won three consecutive frames with half-century breaks to lead 5–3. Allen won the opening frame of the second session, but Selby won the next four to lead 7–6. Only five of the eight scheduled frames were played, as the session ran long, featuring three frames lasting longer than 40 minutes, and there were two re-racks. The eight frames in the third session were shared, leaving Selby one frame ahead at 11–10. In the final session, Selby took five consecutive frames to move one from victory at 16–10, but Allen also won five consecutive frames, reducing Selby's lead to 16–15. However, Selby made breaks of 64 and 28 in the 32nd frame to clinch a 17–15 victory. The match ended at 00:46 BST on 30 April 2023. Of the final frame, Selby said that Allen had the momentum after winning five frames in a row, but he "managed to hold together" to make a frame-winning break. Allen said he had "underperformed" in the match and was "disappointed" but commented that he "never gave up".

Final

Runner-up Mark Selby (pictured in 2020) became the first player to compile a maximum break in a World Championship final.

The final was played as a best-of-35-frames match, held over four sessions on 30 April and 1 May, between Brecel and Selby. Brecel competed in his first World Championship final, while Selby contested his sixth, having won four and lost one previously. Brendan Moore, who had officiated the 2014 and 2018 finals, took charge of his third world final, his last match before retiring as a snooker referee. Brecel won five of the first six frames for a 5–1 lead. Brecel finished the first session 6–2 ahead. Selby began the second session with a 134 break, the first century of the final, but Brecel responded with a 99 clearance in frame 10. Selby made a 96 break in frame 11 and also won frame 12, reducing Brecel's lead to 7–5 at the mid-session interval. Brecel won two of the next three frames to lead 9–6. In the 16th frame, Selby made a maximum break, the fifth of his career, the 14th in Crucible history and the first time a player had achieved a maximum in a World Championship final. It was the second time, after the 2008 event, that two maximums had occurred at the main stage of the tournament. Kyren Wilson and Selby were the ninth and tenth players respectively to make maximum breaks at the Crucible, following Thorburn, Jimmy White, Hendry, Ronnie O'Sullivan, Williams, Carter, John Higgins, and Neil Robertson. Selby later called the maximum an "amazing achievement" and "something I will remember for the rest of my life." Selby won the last frame of the session, reducing Brecel's lead to 9–8 overnight.

In the third session, Brecel won six of the eight frames played, four of them with century breaks of 113, 101, 141, and 119, to lead 15–10. Brecel began the final session with a 67 break, extending his lead to six frames, but Selby then won five consecutive frames, making a 122 century in frame 29 and recording a cumulative 315 points without reply as he reduced Brecel's lead to 16–15. After Selby missed a black in the 32nd frame, Brecel potted his first ball in 54 minutes and went on to make a 51 break. Selby had another chance to win the frame and tie the scores when he fluked a red, but Brecel moved 17–15 ahead after Selby missed the brown. A safety error from Selby in the 33rd frame allowed Brecel to make a 112 century, win the match 18–15, and secure his first world title and fourth ranking title. He became the first world champion from mainland Europe and the fourth world champion in the sport's modern era from outside the United Kingdom, following Canada's Cliff Thorburn in 1980, Ireland's Ken Doherty in 1997, and Australia's Neil Robertson in 2010. Afterwards, Brecel called Selby "such a fighter" and said he did not expect to win at 16–15 because he was "missing balls by a mile" after losing five frames in a row. He called his first world title "a dream come true" and "the best moment of my life". Selby said he "battled" in the final and "gave everything" but congratulated Brecel on his victory, calling him a "great talent". Ending the season at a career high of second in the world rankings, Brecel predicted that snooker would "explode" in mainland Europe after his success. Of Brecel's playing style, Steve Davis commented "it's great to see somebody play swashbuckling snooker, but with balance as well, and push the game to even more new limits than we thought possible."

Main draw

The numbers in brackets after the players' names show their seedings.

Round 1
Best of 19 frames
Round 2
Best of 25 frames
Quarter-finals
Best of 25 frames
Semi-finals
Best of 33 frames
Final
Best of 35 frames
15 April
 Ronnie O'Sullivan (ENG) (1)10
21 & 22 April
 Pang Junxu (CHN)7
England Ronnie O'Sullivan (1)13
16 & 17 April
Iran Hossein Vafaei2
 Ding Junhui (CHN) (16)6
25 & 26 April
 Hossein Vafaei (IRN)10
England Ronnie O'Sullivan (1)10
15 & 16 April
Belgium Luca Brecel (9)13
 Luca Brecel (BEL) (9)10
20 & 21 April
 Ricky Walden (ENG)9
Belgium Luca Brecel (9)13
16 & 17 April
Wales Mark Williams (8)11
 Mark Williams (WAL) (8)10
27, 28 & 29 April
 Jimmy Robertson (ENG)5
Belgium Luca Brecel (9)17
18 & 19 April
China Si Jiahui15
 Judd Trump (ENG) (5)6
22, 23 & 24 April
 Anthony McGill (SCO)10
Scotland Anthony McGill13
18 & 19 April
England Jack Lisowski (12)8
 Jack Lisowski (ENG) (12)10
25 & 26 April
 Noppon Saengkham (THA)7
Scotland Anthony McGill12
18 & 20 April
China Si Jiahui13
 Robert Milkins (ENG) (13)10
22, 23 & 24 April
 Joe Perry (ENG)9
England Robert Milkins (13)7
19 & 20 April
China Si Jiahui13
 Shaun Murphy (ENG) (4)9
30 April & 1 May
 Si Jiahui (CHN)10
Belgium Luca Brecel (9)18
17 April
England Mark Selby (2)15
 Mark Allen (NIR) (3)10
20, 21 & 22 April
 Fan Zhengyi (CHN)5
Northern Ireland Mark Allen (3)13
15 & 16 April
England Stuart Bingham (14)4
 Stuart Bingham (ENG) (14)10
25 & 26 April
 David Gilbert (ENG)4
Northern Ireland Mark Allen (3)13
15 & 16 April
Wales Jak Jones10
 Ali Carter (ENG) (11)6
21 & 22 April
 Jak Jones (WAL)10
Wales Jak Jones13
15 & 16 April
Australia Neil Robertson (6)7
 Neil Robertson (AUS) (6)10
27, 28 & 29 April
 Wu Yize (CHN)3
Northern Ireland Mark Allen (3)15
19 April
England Mark Selby (2)17
 Kyren Wilson (ENG) (7)10
23 April
 Ryan Day (WAL)5
England Kyren Wilson (7)2
17 & 18 April
Scotland John Higgins (10)13
 John Higgins (SCO) (10)10
25 & 26 April
 David Grace (ENG)3
Scotland John Higgins (10)7
18 April
England Mark Selby (2)13
 Gary Wilson (ENG) (15)10
22, 23 & 24 April
 Elliot Slessor (ENG)8
England Gary Wilson (15)7
19 & 20 April
England Mark Selby (2)13
 Mark Selby (ENG) (2)10
 Matthew Selt (ENG)8
Final: (Best of 35 frames) Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, 30 April & 1 May 2023
Referee: Brendan Moore
Luca Brecel (9)
 Belgium
18–15 Mark Selby (2)
 England
Session 1: 6–2
Frame 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Brecel 77†(77) 79 90†(90) 38 90†(67) 71 9 70†(70) N/A N/A
Selby 0 39 28 94†(54) 23 55 66†(62) 6 N/A N/A
Session 2: 3–6 (9–8)
Frame 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Brecel 0 126†(99) 12 50 72†(72) 67†(67) 1 0 48 N/A
Selby 134†(134) 14 96†(96) 67 4 19 76†(61) 147†(147) 71 N/A
Session 3: 6–2 (15–10)
Frame 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Brecel 113†(113) 73 101†(101) 141†(141) 35 56 119†(119) 60 N/A N/A
Selby 24 0 35 0 86†(63) 78†(54) 0 40 N/A N/A
Session 4: 3–5 (18–15)
Frame 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Brecel 67†(67) 20 35 0 0 0 66†(51) 112†(112) N/A N/A
Selby 0 78†(78) 50 122†(122) 81†(50) 95†(52) 2 0 N/A N/A
141 Highest break 147
5 Century breaks 3
14 50+ breaks 12
Belgium Luca Brecel wins the 2023 Cazoo World Snooker Championship

† = Winner of frame

Qualifying draw

The results from qualifying are shown below. Numbers given before players' names show World Championship seedings, and "a" indicates the amateur players at the time of the draw. The match winners are denoted in bold text. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association selected 16 amateur players to participate in the qualifying rounds together with the 103 professionals outside the top 16 of the world rankings and the top nine from the 2022 Q School Order of Merit.

Round 1 (Last 144)
Best of 19 frames
Round 2 (Last 112)
Best of 19 frames
Round 3 (Last 80)
Best of 19 frames
Round 4 (Last 48)
Best of 19 frames
81 Ashley Hugill (ENG)1080 Lukas Kleckers (GER)817 Ryan Day (WAL)10
a George Pragnell (ENG)881 Ashley Hugill (ENG)1081 Ashley Hugill (ENG)817Wales Ryan Day10
112 Fergal O'Brien (IRL)849 Scott Donaldson (SCO)1048 Yuan Sijun (CHN)749Scotland Scott Donaldson0
a Liam Davies (WAL)10a Liam Davies (WAL)149 Scott Donaldson (SCO)10
96 Zak Surety (ENG)1065 Xu Si (CHN)1032 Jamie Jones (WAL)7
a Farakh Ajaib (PAK)696 Zak Surety (ENG)465 Xu Si (CHN)1065China Xu Si5
97 Ken Doherty (IRL)1064 Hammad Miah (ENG)633 Pang Junxu (CHN)1033China Pang Junxu10
 Reanne Evans (ENG)597 Ken Doherty (IRL)1097 Ken Doherty (IRL)6
104 Ng On-yee (HKG)857 Oliver Lines (ENG)1040 Anthony Hamilton (ENG)10
a Michael Holt (ENG)10a Michael Holt (ENG)957 Oliver Lines (ENG)940England Anthony Hamilton2
89 Ben Mertens (BEL)1072 Julien Leclercq (BEL)625 Jimmy Robertson (ENG)1025England Jimmy Robertson10
 Victor Sarkis (BRA)389 Ben Mertens (BEL)1089 Ben Mertens (BEL)6
105 Ryan Thomerson (AUS)856 Elliot Slessor (ENG)1041 Liam Highfield (ENG)9
a Ian Martin (ENG)10a Ian Martin (ENG)356 Elliot Slessor (ENG)1056England Elliot Slessor10
88 James Cahill (ENG)1073 Lei Peifan (CHN)624 Zhou Yuelong (CHN)1024China Zhou Yuelong5
 Stephen Hendry (SCO)488 James Cahill (ENG)1088 James Cahill (ENG)4
85 Andrew Pagett (WAL)1076 Duane Jones (WAL)721 Hossein Vafaei (IRN)10
a Gao Yang (CHN)985 Andrew Pagett (WAL)1085 Andrew Pagett (WAL)421Iran Hossein Vafaei10
108 Oliver Brown (ENG)553 Jackson Page (WAL)1044 Martin Gould (ENG)653Wales Jackson Page6
a Ross Muir (SCO)10a Ross Muir (SCO)253 Jackson Page (WAL)10
92 Andy Lee (HKG)369 Louis Heathcote (ENG)728 Joe O'Connor (ENG)8
a Andrew Higginson (ENG)10a Andrew Higginson (ENG)10a Andrew Higginson (ENG)10aEngland Andrew Higginson5
101 Sean O'Sullivan (ENG)1060 David Grace (ENG)1037 Sam Craigie (ENG)860England David Grace10
a Liam Graham (SCO)9101 Sean O'Sullivan (ENG)860 David Grace (ENG)10
100 Peng Yisong (CHN)461 Mark Davis (ENG)1036 Lyu Haotian (CHN)8
a Michael Georgiou (CYP)10a Michael Georgiou (CYP)861 Mark Davis (ENG)1061England Mark Davis9
93 Sanderson Lam (ENG)1068 Mitchell Mann (ENG)529 Joe Perry (ENG)1029England Joe Perry10
a Liam Pullen (ENG)793 Sanderson Lam (ENG)1093 Sanderson Lam (ENG)8
109 Dechawat Poomjaeng (THA)1052 Matthew Stevens (WAL)1045 Jamie Clarke (WAL)3
 Mink Nutcharut (THA)7109 Dechawat Poomjaeng (THA)852 Matthew Stevens (WAL)1052Wales Matthew Stevens7
84 Barry Pinches (ENG)1077 Fraser Patrick (SCO)620 David Gilbert (ENG)1020England David Gilbert10
a Ross Bulman (IRL)684 Barry Pinches (ENG)1084 Barry Pinches (ENG)3
83 John Astley (ENG)1078 Craig Steadman (ENG)819 Anthony McGill (SCO)10
a Steven Hallworth (ENG)983 John Astley (ENG)1083 John Astley (ENG)919Scotland Anthony McGill10
110 Himanshu Jain (IND)251 Ben Woollaston (ENG)1046 Cao Yupeng (CHN)1046China Cao Yupeng6
a Daniel Wells (WAL)10a Daniel Wells (WAL)651 Ben Woollaston (ENG)6
94 Marco Fu (HKG)567 Jimmy White (ENG)430 Noppon Saengkham (THA)10
a Martin O'Donnell (ENG)10a Martin O'Donnell (ENG)10a Martin O'Donnell (ENG)630Thailand Noppon Saengkham10
99 Andres Petrov (EST)762 Zhang Anda (CHN)1035 Xiao Guodong (CHN)562China Zhang Anda9
a Stan Moody (ENG)10a Stan Moody (ENG)362 Zhang Anda (CHN)10
102 Jamie O'Neill (ENG)1059 Andy Hicks (ENG)1038 Graeme Dott (SCO)10
a Bulcsú Révész (HUN)5102 Jamie O'Neill (ENG)759 Andy Hicks (ENG)638Scotland Graeme Dott6
91 Dean Young (SCO)570 Peter Lines (ENG)1027 Matthew Selt (ENG)1027England Matthew Selt10
a Haydon Pinhey (ENG)10a Haydon Pinhey (ENG)670 Peter Lines (ENG)7
107 Mohamed Ibrahim (EGY)654 Mark Joyce (ENG)1043 Thepchaiya Un-Nooh (THA)10
 Anton Kazakov (UKR)10 Anton Kazakov (UKR)354 Mark Joyce (ENG)543Thailand Thepchaiya Un-Nooh9
86 Dylan Emery (WAL)1075 Ian Burns (ENG)1022 Ricky Walden (ENG)1022England Ricky Walden10
a Ma Hai Long (CHN)486 Dylan Emery (WAL)975 Ian Burns (ENG)6
87 Michael Judge (IRL)274 Si Jiahui (CHN)1023 Tom Ford (ENG)5
a Florian Nüßle (AUT)10a Florian Nüßle (AUT)774 Si Jiahui (CHN)1074China Si Jiahui10
106 Asjad Iqbal (PAK)1055 Dominic Dale (WAL)1042 Jordan Brown (NIR)1042Northern Ireland Jordan Brown7
 Jenson Kendrick (ENG)3106 Asjad Iqbal (PAK)655 Dominic Dale (WAL)7
90 Aaron Hill (IRL)1071 Michael White (WAL)326 Chris Wakelin (ENG)10
a Baipat Siripaporn (THA)390 Aaron Hill (IRL)1090 Aaron Hill (IRL)226England Chris Wakelin8
103 Allan Taylor (ENG)1058 Wu Yize (CHN)1039 Tian Pengfei (CHN)258China Wu Yize10
a Filips Kalniņš (LAT)0103 Allan Taylor (ENG)758 Wu Yize (CHN)10
98 Muhammad Asif (PAK)263 Stuart Carrington (ENG)534 Fan Zhengyi (CHN)10
a Iulian Boiko (UKR)10a Iulian Boiko (UKR)10a Iulian Boiko (UKR)834China Fan Zhengyi10
95 Alfie Burden (ENG)1066 Alexander Ursenbacher (SUI)731 Stephen Maguire (SCO)1031Scotland Stephen Maguire6
 Rebecca Kenna (ENG)395 Alfie Burden (ENG)1095 Alfie Burden (ENG)4
111 Adam Duffy (ENG)1050 Jak Jones (WAL)1047 Robbie Williams (ENG)9
a Billy Joe Castle (ENG)8111 Adam Duffy (ENG)650 Jak Jones (WAL)1050Wales Jak Jones10
82 David Lilley (ENG)1079 Gerard Greene (NIR)918 Barry Hawkins (ENG)1018England Barry Hawkins8
a Rory McLeod (JAM)782 David Lilley (ENG)1082 David Lilley (ENG)4

Century breaks

Main stage centuries

A total of 90 century breaks were made during the main stage of the tournament. Two players made maximum breaks of 147: Kyren Wilson in the fifth frame of his first-round match against Ryan Day and Mark Selby in the 16th frame of the final.

Qualifying stage centuries

A total of 135 century breaks were made during the qualifying rounds.

Notes

  1. This match was initially scheduled to be played on 17th and 18th April. However, the match was rescheduled due to protestors vandalising the table, which necessitated that it was reclothed overnight.
  2. Originally also scheduled for 23 April, but ended with a session to spare.
  3. Originally also scheduled for 24 April, but ended with a session to spare.
  4. Donaldson retired at 4–0 due to medical reasons.

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