Barry Hawkins vs Hossein Vafaei Preview & Prediction | 2025 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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Former finalist Barry Hawkins takes on Hossein Vafaei on the first day of action at the 2025 World Snooker Championship.

Start date/time: Saturday 19th April, 2025: UK – 7:00pm / US ET – 2:00pm / US PT – 11:00am

How to watch on TV: UK – BBC & TNT Sports / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & discovery+ / US – Cannot be streamed

Tickets: Visit here for the latest ticket information

Barry Hawkins vs Hossein Vafaei prediction

Despite not winning a title this season, Barry Hawkins has consistently reached the business end of events and came close to claiming the UK Championship towards the end of 2024, losing 10-8 in the final to Judd Trump.

The 45-year-old, a former Crucible finalist, looked in good form at the recent Tour Championship, where he lost to eventual champion John Higgins at the semi-final stage.

Outspoken character Hossein Vafaei has not enjoyed his strongest year on the circuit, although he has reached the semi-finals of the Championship League and the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix over the last month.

The Iranian is making his fourth Crucible appearance after coming through two rounds of qualifying this week.

Hawkins and Vafaei have only met twice before, with a win apiece, but we’re backing the former here. The Englishman often comes alive at the biggest events and his recent form suggests he should prevail. 

Barry Hawkins vs Hossein Vafaei tip: Barry Hawkins to win