Defending champion Wilson to face China's Lei in first round at World Snooker Championships

LONDON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Kyren Wilson will start his world champion title defending campaign with an opening round clash with China's Lei Pengfei as the draw of the 2025 World Snooker Championships was unveiled on Thursday.

Wilson, 33, clinched the world champion title for the first time after beating qualifier Jak Jones 18-14 in the final one year ago.

The current world No. 2 will on Saturday play against Scottish Open winner Lei, who edged Chinese compatriot Gao Yang 10-0 in the last round of qualifiers.

A record of 10 Chinese players have secured their places at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield this year. Ding Junhui, seeded No. 10, will face debutant Zak Surety while Zhao Xintong is going to challenge last year's finalist Jones in the first round.

Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan is set to meet Ali Carter and veteran John Higgins will face Joe O'Connor.

The 2025 World Championships will be held from April 19 to May 5. ■