Jonathan Ashby
Jonathan Ashby, at 35, boasts a deep well of knowledge about the world of snooker. A specialist with a passion for the game's history, techniques, and players, he provides invaluable insights to both novices and seasoned enthusiasts. Through his articles, Jonathan aims to share the rich tapestry and nuances of this beloved cue sport.
Articles by Jonathan Ashby
Shaun Murphy, John Virgo Tributes and Crucible Drama: The Snooker Stories You Need to Know
Shaun Murphy opened his 2025 World Championship campaign with a win despite admitting his opponent's waistcoat proved a genuine distraction, while players and fans at the Crucible continued to pay tribute to the late John Virgo.
Higgins Fights Back to Trail O'Sullivan by Two as Zhao Books Quarter-Final Spot
John Higgins won the last three frames of Sunday's evening session to reduce Ronnie O'Sullivan's lead to 9-7, while defending champion Zhao Xintong booked his quarter-final place with a 13-9 win over Ding Junhui.
Vafaei Stuns Trump in Final-Frame Thriller as Higgins and Wu Also Advance at the Crucible
Hossein Vafaei eliminated world number one Judd Trump 13-12 with a composed 91 break in the deciding frame, reaching the World Championship quarter-finals for the first time. John Higgins also advanced after overturning an 8-3 deficit against Ronnie O'Sullivan in an extraordinary comeback.
Zhao Levels at 8-8 With Murphy as Crucible Quarter-Finals Deliver Dramatic Evening Session
Zhao Xintong recovered from a two-frame deficit to level his World Championship quarter-final with Shaun Murphy at 8-8, while Barry Hawkins and Mark Allen also finished all square after a session that produced three century breaks.
Hendry Names the 'Superpowers' That Make O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams Irreplaceable
Stephen Hendry has broken down the individual 'superpowers' he believes define Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins and Mark Williams, suggesting snooker may never again produce three players of comparable quality in the same generation.
Wu Yize Storms Into 6-2 Lead Over Allen Despite Crucible Power Outage
Wu Yize reeled off four consecutive frames to lead Mark Allen 6-2 after the opening session of their World Championship semi-final at the Crucible, producing a clinical display that even a 15-minute power outage failed to interrupt.
100-Minute Frame 'An Embarrassment to Snooker' as Allen and Wu Locked at 7-7
Mark Allen and Wu Yize's World Championship semi-final is locked at 7-7 after a 100-minute frame — the longest in Crucible history — sparked widespread calls for urgent rule changes.
Wu Yize Wins World Championship in Final-Frame Classic to Become Second-Youngest Champion in History
Wu Yize defeated Shaun Murphy 18–17 in a final-frame classic to claim the 2025 World Snooker Championship, becoming the second-youngest Crucible champion in history at the age of 22.
Wu Yize's World Title Puts Him in Elite Company: The Stats Behind a Historic Sheffield Triumph
Wu Yize has become the second-youngest world snooker champion in history at 22, claiming the Crucible title in a deciding-frame final against Shaun Murphy — a feat that places him in the company of Stephen Hendry himself.
Davies, O'Kane, O'Sullivan and Cheung Secure Tour Cards on Final Day of Q School Event One
Liam Davies, Phil O'Kane, Sean O'Sullivan and Cheung Ka Wai all earned two-year tour cards on the final day of Q School Event One in Leicester, with O'Kane securing his maiden professional card at the 14th attempt.
Four Players Earn Tour Cards at Q School Event 1 in Leicester
Four players — Liam Davies, Cheung Ka Wai, Sean O'Sullivan and Phil O'Kane — secured two-year professional tour cards at the conclusion of Q School Event 1 in Leicester on Monday.
Wu Yize's World Title Confirms China as Snooker's Dominant Force — But a Generational Shift is Reshaping the Entire Sport
Wu Yize's World Championship victory makes him the fourth consecutive first-time winner at the Crucible — and the second Chinese champion in as many years, confirming a seismic shift in snooker's global balance of power.
Milkins Left With One Lifeline After Jones Fightback Ends Q School Event 1 Run
Robert Milkins squandered a 3-1 lead before losing 4-3 to Duane Jones at Q School Event 1, leaving the two-time ranking event winner with just one remaining opportunity to reclaim his World Snooker Tour place.
Milkins Opens Q School Campaign With Commanding Win as High-Profile Fallers Chase Tour Return
Robert Milkins opened his Q School Event 1 campaign with a 4-0 win over James Silverwood in Leicester, as the former Welsh Open champion begins his bid to reclaim a World Snooker Tour card following a dramatic drop outside the world's top 64.
Evans Chases 13th World Title Against Teenage Sensation Channoi in Dongguan Final
Reanne Evans takes her unbeaten world final record into a 13th title bid against teenage Thai sensation Panchaya Channoi in Tuesday's World Women's Snooker Championship final in Dongguan.
2026/27 WST Calendar Confirmed: China Open Returns, Triple Crown Dates Set
WST has confirmed the 2026/27 snooker season calendar, with the China Open returning as a ranking event for the first time since 2019 and all Triple Crown dates now set.
Behind the Baize: Framed Podcast Goes Inside the Masters at Alexandra Palace
A special episode of the Framed: The Snooker Podcast takes listeners behind the scenes at the Masters, featuring Barry Hearn and Alexandra Palace Operations Director Simon Fell.
Tirapongpaiboon Returns to the Pro Tour a Decade After Exit, Sealing Card at Asia-Oceania Q School
Thanawat Tirapongpaiboon has secured a return to the World Snooker Tour after a ten-year absence, defeating Bai Langning 4-1 in the final of Asia-Oceania Q School event one in Bangkok.
O'Sullivan Claims Snooker 900 Global Championship With Five-Century Demolition of Brecel
Ronnie O'Sullivan compiled five centuries to defeat Luca Brecel 10-5 in the Snooker 900 Global Championship final, claiming his second title in as many weeks following his World Seniors Snooker Championship victory.
The Records O'Sullivan Holds — And the Ones That Still Elude Him
Ronnie O'Sullivan's 153 break at the 2026 World Open is the highest ever compiled at professional level, but a look across the record books reveals a more nuanced picture of where he stands and where rivals still hold the advantage.
O'Sullivan Books Snooker 900 Final Spot With Commanding Comeback Against Wilson
Ronnie O'Sullivan recovered from 4-3 down to beat world champion Kyren Wilson 6-3, setting up a Snooker 900 Global Championship final against Luca Brecel in Reading.
Five of the Top Six Remain as World Women's Championship Quarter-Finals Take Shape in Dongguan
Five of the world's top six ranked players remain in contention at the 2026 World Women's Snooker Championship, with Sunday's quarter-finals in Dongguan set to feature a potential all-Thai semi-final and a blockbuster title-decider in prospect.
O'Sullivan, Wilson, Brecel and Perry Set for Semi-Final Showdowns at 2026 Snooker 900 Global Championship
Ronnie O'Sullivan, Kyren Wilson, Luca Brecel and Joe Perry have all advanced to the semi-finals of the inaugural 2026 Snooker 900 Global Championship in Reading, after four quarter-finals each went to a deciding frame or close finish on Friday.
World Women's Snooker Championship Returns to Changping in May 2026 with Brand-New Venue
The 2026 World Women's Snooker Championship has been confirmed for Dongguan Changping, China, running from 12–19 May at a brand-new purpose-built venue, with two-time defending champion Bai Yulu set to return as world number one.
Crucible Secures £45m Revamp as World Championship Home Until 2045
The World Snooker Championship will remain at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre until at least 2045 following a new long-term deal backed by £45m of investment, including a capacity increase of up to 500 additional seats.
Snooker World Championship Confirmed at Crucible Until 2045 as Sport Celebrates Landmark Deal
The World Snooker Championship will remain at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre until at least 2045 after the World Snooker Tour and Sheffield City Council confirmed a landmark long-term agreement on Tuesday.
Hawkins: Crucible History Is Irreplaceable, But Snooker Needs the Upgrade
Barry Hawkins has described his 'mixed feelings' about the Crucible, acknowledging the venue's unrivalled history whilst suggesting the sport may need a larger, modernised stage to secure major sponsorship and sustain long-term growth.
Tour Championship Quarter-Final Draw: Four Blockbuster Ties Await in Manchester
The 2026 Tour Championship quarter-finals are set for Wednesday and Thursday in Manchester, with Neil Robertson, Judd Trump and the remaining top seeds entering a draw that promises heavyweight encounters throughout.
Robertson, Trump, Higgins and Zhao Set Up Blockbuster Tour Championship Semi-Finals
Neil Robertson faces Judd Trump and John Higgins takes on reigning world champion Zhao Xintong in two heavyweight semi-finals at the 2026 Tour Championship in Manchester.
Trump Reaches Tour Championship Final With Dominant 10-4 Dismissal of Robertson
Judd Trump reached the Tour Championship final for the first time with a 10-4 victory over two-time winner Neil Robertson, despite admitting he has been troubled by a faulty cue tip throughout the tournament.
Reanne Evans Slams WPBSA Over Transgender Ruling Communication Failures
Reanne Evans, a 12-time women's world champion, has publicly criticised the WPBSA for failing to communicate a new biological sex eligibility requirement for women's tournaments to players on the circuit.
O'Sullivan Marks World Seniors Debut With Title, Five Centuries and a 10-4 Final Win Over Perry
Ronnie O'Sullivan won the World Seniors Snooker Championship on his debut at the Crucible, beating Joe Perry 10-4 in the final with five century breaks.
Robertson Questions Hall of Fame Criteria After Zhao Xintong and Mark Allen Inductions
Neil Robertson has criticised the WST's Hall of Fame selection process after Zhao Xintong and Mark Allen were inducted, questioning whether the honour is being granted too readily to active players.
Stevens Admits to Watching YouTube and 'Not Much Else' — Yet Still Books Crucible Return at 48
Matthew Stevens has secured his place at the 2026 World Snooker Championship despite admitting he barely practises, has no snooker table at home, and spends much of his time watching old YouTube clips of himself winning.
Wu Yize Crowned 2026 World Snooker Champion After Thrilling Final Against Shaun Murphy
Wu Yize has been crowned the 2026 World Snooker Champion after defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a gripping final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
Wu Yize Crowned 2026 World Snooker Champion in Sheffield Thriller
Wu Yize has been crowned the 2026 World Snooker Champion after defeating Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a final that went to the penultimate frame in Sheffield.
Zhao Xintong Chases Crucible History as Only Five Men Have Ever Done It
Only four players in the Crucible era have successfully defended the World Snooker Championship — Zhao Xintong arrives in Sheffield with the form to challenge that statistic, but history is firmly against him.
O'Sullivan Opens Seniors Account With Two Wins at the Crucible — and 19 World Records to His Name
Ronnie O'Sullivan won two matches at his first-ever World Seniors Snooker Championship appearance on Friday, beating Ken Doherty and Peter Lines to reach the semi-finals — all while being officially awarded five new Guinness World Records, taking his total to 19.
Wu Yize Returns to Hero's Welcome as China's Snooker Revolution Gathers Pace
Wu Yize returned to a rock star reception in Xi'an this week following his World Snooker Championship victory, as China's grip on the professional game continues to tighten.
Faulty Table Mars World Seniors Championship as Defending Champion Burden Dumped Out Behind Closed Doors
The 2026 World Seniors Championship was thrown into chaos on Thursday after table two at the Crucible Theatre was deemed unplayable, forcing matches to be rescheduled and denying defending champion Alfie Burden his walk-on before a 4-0 defeat to Igor Figueiredo.
2026 World Seniors Championship: Expanded 24-Player Field, Record Prize Fund and O'Sullivan Headlines Strong Draw
The 2026 World Seniors Snooker Championship takes place at the Crucible from 6th–10th May, featuring a record £80,000 prize fund, an expanded 24-player draw, and Ronnie O'Sullivan making his debut in the competition.
Higgins Storms Back to Set Up Crucible Grandstand Finish Against O'Sullivan
Ronnie O'Sullivan leads John Higgins 9-7 heading into Monday's final session at the Crucible, after the Scot claimed three consecutive frames in dramatic fashion to revive a contest that had appeared all but settled at 9-4.
Figueiredo and Canavan Open with Wins as 2026 World Seniors Championship Begins at the Crucible
Igor Figueiredo and Aaron Canavan both won 4-2 on the opening night of the 2026 World Seniors Snooker Championship at the Crucible, while Tony Drago suffered an early exit at the hands of Australian Roger Farebrother.
Murphy Wary of Zhao 'Mesmerism' as Crucible Quarter-Final Looms
Shaun Murphy has warned himself against being 'mesmerised' by Zhao Xintong's natural brilliance as the pair prepare to meet in the 2026 World Snooker Championship quarter-finals at the Crucible.
Wu Yize Becomes World Champion in First Deciding-Frame Final Since 2002
Wu Yize defeated Shaun Murphy 18-17 on Monday to claim the 2026 World Snooker Championship title — the first deciding-frame final at the Crucible since 2002 — becoming the youngest world champion since Stephen Hendry 36 years ago.
Wu Yize Leads 10-7 With Two Sessions Left to Play in 2026 World Championship Final
Wu Yize leads Shaun Murphy 10-7 after two sessions in the 2026 World Snooker Championship final, with the 22-year-old bidding to become the youngest Crucible champion since Stephen Hendry in 1990.
From White to Allen: Ranking Snooker's Most Haunting Misses
Mark Allen's missed match-ball black against Wu Yize on Saturday instantly entered snooker's folklore — but how does it compare to the sport's most infamous misses throughout history?
Murphy's Third-Red Break-Off: The Tactical Masterstroke Behind His World Final Run
Shaun Murphy's decision to consistently target the third red on the break-off has restricted opponents to barely half the pot attempts his own break-off has conceded — and John Higgins says the tactic was "too tough to deal with" throughout their semi-final.
Murphy Edges Higgins 17-15 in Classic Semi-Final to Book Fifth Crucible Final
Shaun Murphy defeated John Higgins 17-15 in a gripping semi-final at the 2026 World Snooker Championship, booking a fifth Crucible final appearance with a composed fourth-session comeback in Sheffield.
Higgins Leads Murphy as Both Crucible Semi-Finals Set for Decisive Saturday Conclusions
John Higgins leads Shaun Murphy 13-11 heading into Saturday's concluding session, while the Allen vs Wu semi-final broke the record for the longest frame in Crucible history. Both ties reach their climax on day 15 of the venue stages.