Overview

• Lei Peifan, one of 10 Chinese players in the draw, defeated reigning champion Kyren Wilson 10–9 in a thrilling first-round match at the World Snooker Championship.
• Lei staged a remarkable comeback, winning seven consecutive frames after trailing 6–2 to take the lead at 9–6 before holding off Wilson's late resurgence.
• The deciding frame saw Lei deliver a composed break of 66 under intense pressure to seal the victory in his Crucible debut.
• Wilson’s defeat extends the 'Crucible Curse,' a 48-year streak where no first-time world champion has successfully defended their title at the Crucible Theatre.
• Chinese players continue to make their mark, with Xiao Guodong advancing to the last 16 and Zhao Xintong on the brink of joining him after a strong first session against Jak Jones.