Si Jiahui vs David Gilbert Preview & Prediction | 2025 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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Last year’s semi-finalist David Gilbert meets 2023 semi-finalist Sia Jiahui for a place in the second round at the World Snooker Championship.

Start date/time: Monday 21st 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

Si Jiahui vs David Gilbert prediction

You never know quite what to expect from Si Jiahui, who played some scintillating attacking snooker in reaching the semi-finals on debut in 2023.

The Chinese 22-year-old has reached two ranking finals since then, most recently at the Wuhan Open in October, but his more recent form does not make for good reading with first-round exits in several events indicating a drop in confidence.

David Gilbert also has fond memories of the Crucible, reaching the semi-finals last year after previously having done so in 2019.

Quarter-final appearances at the Xi’an Grand Prix and British Open are Gilbert’s best showings on tour this season, and he will be hoping to channel the magic from his previous Crucible runs to go far in Sheffield once again.

This is a difficult one to call between two players who clearly thrive at this venue. Gilbert wasn’t exactly convincing in qualifying, reaching the main draw by the skin of his teeth in the final qualifying round, and we’re backing Jiahui to win a close match although this could be one to stay away from in the betting markets.

Si Jiahui vs David Gilbert tip: Si Jiahui to win