Ronnie O’Sullivan is back in action at the UK Championship. (Image: Getty.)
The gets underway today and fans are treated to an opening day filled with exciting matchups, with back in action.
The Rocket, reigning champion at the York Barbican, has struggled for form this season but so often shows up on the biggest of occasions and begins his defence against Barry Hawkins in a rematch of their 2013 final.
He will kickstart the day in the opening session, with on the opposite table against the controversial figure of Zhao Xintong.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our
The Chinese potter was banned for 20 months after a match-fixing investigation but as a former champion, winning in 2021, was invited to compete in qualifying.
Zhao , his first professional match since his ban from snooker ended in September.
He has been tearing up Q School since his suspension expired and ready to prove that he is still able to compete with some of snooker’s biggest names.
For all the latest news, scores and updates follow below…
KEY EVENTS
- 07:55
Ronnie O’Sullivan calls out rivals
Hours away from the start of the UK Championship, Ronnie O’Sullivan has taken aim at snooker’s new generation.
The Rocket won two Majors last year and Mark Williams rolled back the years at the Champion of Champions, with O’Sullivan claiming that the ‘Class of 92’ had more work ethic than the current crop of stars.
“We had that professionalism about us that maybe the newer generation [don’t have],” he said.
“Maybe the newer generation have had it too easy. When we came through the amateur circuit you had to earn your way through it.
“Now a lot of players turn pro, they think they’re good, but really they’re not.
“We had to come through the hard way – the juniors, the amateurs, then professionals and work our way up through it.
“So have a lot of other players, but we were in a golden era for snooker I suppose.”
Ronnie O’Sullivan spoke out against his snooker rivals. (Image: Getty)
Today’s schedule
13:00
Ronnie O’Sullivan v Barry Hawkins
Shaun Murphy v Zhao Xintong
19:00
Ding Junhui v Robert Milkins
Xiao Guodong v David Gilbert
Good morning
Hello and welcome to Express Sport’s live coverage of the first Triple Crown event of the season, as the UK Championship gets underway today in York.