Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Snooker World Champions Gather for Prestigious Dinner Ahead of Championship
Sheffield will once again host snooker royalty as former World Championship winners convene for the annual Champions Dinner. This year, twelve of the nineteen living champions have confirmed their presence at the esteemed event, a highlight leading up to the highly anticipated World Championship tournament at the Crucible Theatre.
Legends to Attend Champions Dinner
Reigning world champion Kyren Wilson is set to be present at the dinner, joining iconic figures such as Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis. However, notable absentee Ronnie O’Sullivan is expected to miss the celebratory occasion.
O’Sullivan Expected at Green Carpet Ceremony Despite Dinner Absence
Despite not attending the Champions Dinner, O’Sullivan is anticipated to participate in the Green Carpet ceremony on Friday. This traditional pre-tournament event sees the world’s top 16 snooker players walk from Sheffield’s Winter Garden to the Crucible, along a green carpet mirroring the colour of the snooker table baize.
The seasoned player is also scheduled to fulfill his media obligations prior to the commencement of the tournament, as he aims to secure a record-breaking eighth World Championship title.
Celebrating Snooker History and Camaraderie
Ahead of the dinner, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) stated that the event is designed for past champions to “share anecdotes, reminisce about tournament moments both at and away from the table, and honour their collective legacy as both friends and competitors.”
Bespoke Jackets to Honour Champions
Each of the attending champions will be awarded a unique black velvet champions jacket during the evening. These special jackets have been custom-designed by McCann Bespoke in London, adding an element of distinction to the event.
Tribute to Departed Champions
During the dinner, a toast will be made to former champions who are no longer living. Notably, six-time world champion Ray Reardon and 1979 champion Terry Griffiths sadly passed away in the preceding year and will be remembered.
Doherty Comments on O’Sullivan’s Championhip Readiness
Despite a recent hiatus from competitive snooker, Ronnie O’Sullivan enters the World Championship as one of the leading contenders.
Prior to the tournament, 1997 world champion Ken Doherty exclusively disclosed to Express Sport, “You know how Ronnie is, he likes to keep everyone guessing. He will leave his decision to the very last moment, there is no doubt about that. It’s typical of his approach.”
Doherty added, “It would be genuinely disappointing if Ronnie withdrew at this late stage. Obviously, considering the implications for the tournament draw, his absence would be a significant setback.”