Judd Trump vs Zhou Yuelong Preview & Prediction | 2025 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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By his own high standards, the Crucible has not been a particularly happy hunting ground for world number one Judd Trump, who faces Chinese qualifier Zhou Yuelong in the first round.

Start date/time: Tuesday 22nd 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

Judd Trump vs Zhou Yuelong prediction

World number one Judd Trump has added a further two ranking title to his glittering cabinet this year, firstly winning the inaugural Saudi Arabia Masters in September before claiming his second UK Championship title towards the end of 2024.

That Triple Crown victory was a significant one for Trump, who has long been criticised for underperforming at the big events. Indeed, having just won world title to his name (2019) is certainly a modest return for a player of his ability.

Zhou Yuelong, meanwhile, returns to the Crucible for the first time since 2019 after a pair of 10-5 wins in qualifying earned him a third appearance in the main draw of the World Snooker Championship.

The Chinese 27-year-old, a three-time ranking event runner-up, has not had a particularly stand-out season by any means, and it is difficult to see him troubling the tournament favourite here.

The Crucible certainly isn’t Trump’s favourite venue and he has experienced a couple of early exits over the years, but we don’t think the same fate will befall him this time around.

Judd Trump vs Zhou Yuelong tip: Judd Trump to win with -3.5 frames handicap