The criteria for the 2025 edition of the Champion of Champions has finally been revealed, but it has already caused a plenty of controversy.
The long-running annual tournament sees winners from the various tours from the previous 12-month period compete against one another for a lucrative prize.
As an invitational event promoted by Matchroom Sport, the official criteria for qualification is rarely announced early – presumably in an effort to guarantee that the biggest names are involved.
So despite the fact that the 2025 Champion of champions takes place in just a few weeks time (November 10-16), it’s not really surprising that the reveal as to who would be participating has come this late.
In the past, the selection process has ruffled some feathers and it seems like that’s the case again this year.
Who is definitely in the 2025 Champion of Champions draw?
The majority of the field consists of the winners of all the most important tournaments across the last year or so.
Mark Williams returns as the defending champion having got his hands on the trophy for the first time in 2024 by beating Xiao Guodong in the final.
UK champion Judd Trump, Masters winner Shaun murphy, and world champion Zhao Xintong will be joined by Neil Robertson – a winner of the so-called fourth major in Saudi Arabia in the summer.
Xiao is back for a second crack having successfully defended his Wuhan Open crown, while fellow Chinese potters Lei Peifan and Bai Yulu are also involved after their respective victories in the Scottish Open and the World Women’s Championship.
Marquee names mark Selby,John Higgins,Kyren Wilson,and Mark Allen have been invited as well after getting their hands on silverware in the most recent period.
Stephen Maguire is back at a Champion of Champions for the first time since 2021 courtesy of his triumph at the ranking event version of Championship League Snooker.
According to the tournament’s official website, Tom Ford is also in the draw thanks to his maiden ranking glory at the Snooker Shoot Out.
[Image of Ronnie O’Sullivan with caption: Ronnie O’Sullivan won the champion of Champions in 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2022. Photo credit: WST]
Who hasn’t been invited yet?
All those names tally to 14, leaving two spots available in the 16-player lineup that will compete at Mattioli Arena in Leicester next month.
This week’s Northern Ireland Open is seemingly going to provide the last chance
## 2025 Champion of Champions Lineup Confirmed
The lineup for the 2025 Champion of Champions snooker tournament, taking place November 10-16, has been finalized.The tournament will feature 16 of the world’s top players, battling for the coveted title.
The initial lineup was announced with several players qualifying through recent tournament wins.However, the final spots hinged on outcomes from the Northern ireland Open and the potential participation of Ronnie O’Sullivan.
As reported by the official Champion of Champions website, the confirmed players are:
1. Mark Williams
2. Zhao Xintong
3. Judd Trump
4. Shaun Murphy
5. Neil Robertson
6. Mark allen
7. Kyren Wilson
8.John Higgins
9.Xiao Guodong
10. Mark Selby
11.Lei Peifan
12.Stephen Maguire
13. Bai Yulu
14. Tom Ford
15. Ronnie O’Sullivan (Highest ranked player)
16. The winner of the 2024 Northern Ireland Open
Ronnie O’Sullivan,a record four-time Champion of Champions winner,initially hesitated to commit to the tournament,having declined invitations in the past. However, he ultimately accepted his place as the highest-ranked player not already qualified through othre events. prior to the confirmation, there was speculation that if O’Sullivan declined, the spot could have gone to either Burden or Ding Junhui, depending on the tournament promoters’ decision and results from the Northern Ireland Open.
The Champion of Champions tournament brings together winners from major ranking events throughout the year, creating a highly competitive field. Neil Robertson won the Saudi Arabia Masters in August, narrowly defeating O’Sullivan.
*Source: Champion of Champions website*
*Featured photo credit: WST*