Kyren Wilson vs Lei Peifan Preview & Prediction | 2025 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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Reigning world champion Kyren Wilson begins the defence of his crown against world number 39 Lei Peifan as snooker’s showpiece event begins in Sheffield on Saturday.

Start date/time: Saturday 19th April, 2025: UK – 10:00am / US ET – 5:00am / US PT – 2:00am

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

Kyren Wilson vs Lei Peifan prediction

Kyren Wilson certainly hasn’t stalled since he became world champion last year, with the Kettering potter racking up four ranking titles this season, most recently the Players Championship last month where he defeated long-time rival Judd Trump 10-9 in a thrilling final.

The 33-year-old is bidding to become the first player to overcome the fabled ‘Crucible Curse’, with no first-time champion ever having defended the title the following year in Sheffield’s hallowed venue.

The world champion begins his title defence against debutant Lei Peifan, who came through two rounds of qualifying to book his place in Sheffield for the first time.

Ranked 39th in the world, Peifan was a surprise winner of the Scottish Open last year so clearly has the game to perform in front of the cameras. However, the Crucible is a whole different experience when it comes to pressure and exposure, so we’re backing the defending champion to record a comfortable opening-round victory.

Kyren Wilson vs Lei Peifan tip: Kyren Wilson to win with -4.5 frames handicap