Ronnie O’Sullivan’s rookie World Championship opponent fears Crucible humiliation before he even plays his first shot against the five-time winner.

Stephen Maguire admitted he could not cope with the bizarre antics of Dechawat Poomjaeng as the world number 70 and 500-1 title long shot caused a stunning upset on his debut at the Betfair World Championship.

Judd Trump, Ding Junhui and world number one Mark Selby were today beginning their challenges at the Betfair World Championship as the seeds continued to fall.

Showman Judd Trump has come under fire from his oldest friend in snooker on the eve of his first match at this year’s Betfair World Championship.

Ronnie O’Sullivan will begin the defence of his Betfair World Championship title against Scotland’s Marcus Campbell.

Ireland’s former world champion Ken Doherty last night suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the final round of qualifying for the Crucible.

The World Professional Snooker and Billiards Association are confident the two-year ban handed to Joe Jogia yesterday demonstrates their serious stance on the threat of corruption.

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association have been made aware of unusual betting patterns around a match due to be played between Joe Jogia and Matthew Selt on Saturday.

Stuart Bingham produced a sparkling display to win his grudge match with Mark Allen at the Australian Goldfields Open.

World champion John Higgins admits he “needs to knuckle down” after his shock first-round elimination from the Australian Goldfields Open in Bendigo today.

World champion John Higgins crashed out of the Australian Goldfields Open in Bendigo today.

Former Crucible runner-up Matthew Stevens booked a return to the World Snooker Championship with a nail-biting 10-9 victory over Ireland’s Fergal O’Brien in a match decided on the final black.

Six-time winner Steve Davis tonight failed to qualify for the World Championship after he was thrashed in the final round of qualifying by Stephen Lee.