For the first time since the World Championship was first held at the Crucible in 1977, three qualifiers have reached the semi-finals of the prestigious event. Despite this unexpected outcome, it is clear that the tournament is not headed for a “shock” winner. Kyren Wilson, currently ranked 12th in the world, is the only player from the top 16 still in contention for the title. However, he faces tough competition in the form of David Gilbert, Stuart Bingham, and Jak Jones – all of whom have strong pedigrees in Sheffield. Wilson and Gilbert have both previously reached the semi-finals, with Wilson making it to the final in 2020 before losing to Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Stuart Bingham, a former world champion in 2015, is appearing in his third Crucible semi-final. He has defeated top players in the past, including O’Sullivan, Trump, and Murphy on his way to the title. Bingham could potentially become the oldest world champion of the modern era at the age of 47 if he wins the tournament. Meanwhile, Jak Jones, the lowest ranked player left in the championship, has quickly made a name for himself as a no-nonsense match player. He has defeated top players like Ali Carter, Neil Robertson, and Judd Trump in this year’s tournament.
While it may be surprising to see top players like O’Sullivan, Trump, and Selby exiting the tournament early, it does not necessarily mean that the event has been full of startling shocks. A win for Bingham, Gilbert, or Jones would see them join a select group of qualifiers who have gone on to win the World Championship. However, all four semi-finalists are ranked inside the top 25 in the world. Recent history at the Crucible has shown that it is entirely possible for any of the remaining players to become world champion on the final day of the tournament.
The semi-final matchups currently stand at Kyren Wilson vs David Gilbert and Stuart Bingham vs Jak Jones. Wilson and Gilbert are tied at 6-6, while Bingham and Jones are also level at 4-4. These close matches indicate that the semi-finals are shaping up to be competitive and exciting. Fans can watch the top snooker action, including the 2024 World Championship, live and on-demand on discovery+. With the potential for a new champion to be crowned, the excitement and drama at the Crucible are at an all-time high as the tournament reaches its thrilling conclusion.
