Mark Selby vs Ben Woollaston Preview & Prediction | 2025 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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One of the pre-tournament favourites, Mark Selby, contests the final first-round match of the 2025 World Snooker Championship when he takes on qualifier Ben Woollaston.

Start date/time: Wednesday 23rd 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

Mark Selby vs Ben Woollaston prediction

This season has been a real return to form for Mark Selby, with many tipping him to add to his four world titles at the Crucible this year.

The Jester from Leicester has won three tournaments in 2024-25; the Championship League, the British Open and the Welsh Open, while a final appearance at the recent Tour Championship is a strong indicator of where his game is at right now.

Selby’s opponent, Ben Woolaston, won two qualifying matches last week to book his spot at the Crucible for the second time in his career. His one and only previous experience came in 2013, when he lost 10-4 to Ali Carter in the first round.

A run to the fifth round of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters is Woollaston’s best showing this season, while he does have two wins to show against Selby in their five career meetings.

In light of his impressive form this season though, Selby is an overwhelming favourite here and should win this with a few frames to spare.

Mark Selby vs Ben Woollaston tip: Mark Selby to win & under 16.5 frames