O’Sullivan’s Return Lights Up Day Four at the Crucible

Seven-time champion back at the Crucible as Trump and Murphy join the action on day four

The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield has long been snooker’s grandest stage, and on day four of the 2025 World Championship, its spotlight shines once again on the sport’s most enigmatic figure. Ronnie O’Sullivan, back for his 33rd consecutive Crucible appearance, takes centre stage on Tuesday afternoon in what could be one of the most talked-about first-round matches in years.

Facing off against the formidable Ali Carter—a man he’s bested in two previous Crucible finals—O’Sullivan’s return brings with it the usual intrigue, nostalgia, and questions over his form. But above all, it stirs excitement. Because when “The Rocket” rolls into town, the snooker world stops and watches.

A Comeback Cloaked in Uncertainty

Seven-time champion back at the Crucible as Trump and Murphy join the action on day four

O’Sullivan hasn’t played a competitive match since snapping his cue in frustration during the Championship League back in January. Since then, he’s taken time away from the tour, openly discussing his struggles with motivation and technical inconsistencies—rare candour from a man who’s won it all.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, O’Sullivan told BBC Sport, “To come here is an achievement in itself for me,” hinting at the emotional and mental toll recent years have taken. He admitted to stage fright, and perhaps even losing his nerve, despite collecting more silverware in the last four years than most players do in a career.

But anyone who’s followed Ronnie’s story knows that even when he’s not at his best, he’s still capable of moments no one else on the tour can match. And his practice sessions leading up to the World Championship—reportedly including days sparring with Barry Hawkins—suggest he’s still searching for that magic one more time.

Ali Carter, his opponent, won’t be short on motivation. Not only is he the highest-ranked qualifier at world number 18, but he also has plenty of personal history with O’Sullivan. The pair have shared a tense rivalry, and Carter has twice fallen at the final hurdle against him on this very stage, in 2008 and 2012.

“Ali’s been playing well again in recent months,” O’Sullivan acknowledged. “It’ll be a tough match. I’ll need to play better than I have been to have a chance.”

Trump and Murphy Set Sights on Crucible Glory

While all eyes will be on O’Sullivan during Tuesday’s afternoon session, two of the sport’s modern stars will also launch their 2025 campaigns.

Judd Trump, the world number one and 2019 World Champion, returns for another shot at the title. The 35-year-old has had a sensational season, capped by a second UK Championship win in December and a record-breaking prize money haul. He faces China’s Zhou Yuelong in the evening session, looking to kick off what he hopes will be a long Crucible run.

Trump, who has racked up 30 ranking titles, remains one of the favourites this year—but he knows as well as anyone how unpredictable the Crucible can be.

Also back is Shaun Murphy, 20 years on from his stunning 2005 title win as a qualifier. Now 42 and ranked world number 15, Murphy opens his tournament against debutant Daniel Wells in the morning session. His confidence is sky-high after a strong stretch of form.

“In previous years, I’ve come here hoping for a good performance,” Murphy said. “But this year I know I’m going to play well. My game’s in really good shape.”

Whether that belief translates into another deep Crucible run remains to be seen, but Murphy’s experience and current form make him a serious contender.

Tuesday’s Crucible Schedule

Morning session (10:00 BST):

• Zhang Anda v Pang Junxu

• Shaun Murphy v Daniel Wells

Afternoon session (14:30 BST):

• Ronnie O’Sullivan v Ali Carter

• Ding Junhui v Zak Surety*

Evening session (19:00 BST):

• Si Jiahui v David Gilbert*

• Judd Trump v Zhou Yuelong

(*Indicates match to be played to a finish.)

More Than Just a Match

As O’Sullivan returns to the Crucible once more, the occasion feels less like the start of a standard campaign and more like the opening act of a final chapter—though no one dares to predict how many chapters Ronnie might have left. Whether this is the start of a deep run or a short-lived cameo, what’s certain is that snooker is richer with him in the draw.

And as the 2025 World Championship heats up, day four may go down as the day the tournament truly ignited—because when Ronnie plays, it’s never just a match. It’s a moment.