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
2026 World Snooker Championship: Quarter-Finals Reach Boiling Point as Zhao Xintong Bids to Defend Crown
The 2026 World Snooker Championship quarter-finals are heading into their deciding sessions on Wednesday, with defending champion Zhao Xintong locked at 8-8 with Shaun Murphy and three other matches delicately poised at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
2026 World Snooker Championship: Quarter-Final Scores, Full Draw & Schedule
The 2026 World Snooker Championship quarter-finals are perfectly balanced heading into Wednesday's deciding sessions, with defending champion Zhao Xintong locked at 8-8 against Shaun Murphy and three other ties yet to be settled.
Zhao and Allen Both Level at 8-8 After Stunning Evening Session at the Crucible
Zhao Xintong recovered from 5-3 down to level with Shaun Murphy at 8-8, while Mark Allen's 700th career century headlined an extraordinary evening session at the Crucible that also saw him draw level with Barry Hawkins.
Robertson Demands Ban on Triangle Chalk After O'Sullivan's Crucible Exit
Neil Robertson has called for Triangle Chalk to be banned from the World Snooker Tour, saying all players "hate it" after the issue surfaced during John Higgins' dramatic 13-12 last-16 win over Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Zhao Xintong Survives Ding Junhui Test to Reach World Championship Quarter-Finals
Zhao Xintong reached the World Snooker Championship quarter-finals with a 13-9 victory over Ding Junhui on Sunday, surviving a tense final session in Sheffield to set up a last-eight meeting with Shaun Murphy.
Murphy Dismantles Xiao in 13-3 Rout to Reach Crucible Quarter-Finals
Shaun Murphy reached the 2026 World Snooker Championship quarter-finals with a session to spare, thrashing Xiao Guodong 13-3 at the Crucible and including a hat-trick of centuries in the closing stages.
Robertson Calls for World Championship Format Overhaul: 'Best of 25 Is Enough'
Neil Robertson has called for the World Championship format to be standardised at best-of-25 from the second round onwards, arguing the current structure is excessive in the modern era.
2026 World Snooker Championship: Full Draw, Schedule and Results from the Crucible
The 2026 World Snooker Championship — the 50th edition at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre — is into its second round, with Shaun Murphy the first player confirmed in the quarter-finals after a 13-3 defeat of Xiao Guodong.
Ding v Zhao Could Shatter Snooker's All-Time TV Audience Record
The World Championship clash between Ding Junhui and Zhao Xintong could attract hundreds of millions of viewers in China, potentially surpassing every television audience record in snooker history.
2026 World Snooker Championship Round Two: Previews, Statistics and Predictions
All 14 seeded players came through the opening round unscathed, but the 2026 World Snooker Championship's last 16 promises considerably more turbulence — including a potential classic between John Higgins and Ronnie O'Sullivan.
Jordan Brown Retains Tour Card as Relegation Picture Clears at the Crucible
Jordan Brown has secured his World Snooker Tour card for 2026/27 after Chris Wakelin's win over Liam Pullen ended the last remaining threat to his top-64 ranking position, while Robert Milkins is among those confirmed as relegated.
O'Sullivan Storms to 7-2 Lead on Record-Hunt Debut as Murphy Survives 10-9 Thriller
Ronnie O'Sullivan leads He Guoqiang 7-2 after a dominant opening session in his bid for a record eighth world title, while Shaun Murphy survived a tense 10-9 deciding frame against Fan Zhengyi.
Hearn Tips 2029 World Championship to Stay in UK Despite Crucible Redevelopment
Barry Hearn says he would go 'odds-on' the World Snooker Championship remains in the UK during the Crucible Theatre's redevelopment, though he has not completely ruled out an overseas move if the right offer materialises.
Causier Retains Irish Open Crown With Commanding Display in Carlow
David Causier successfully defended his World Billiards Irish Open title in Carlow, defeating Robert Hall 702–355 in the final to further cement his standing as the dominant figure in professional billiards.
Allen Turns Around 'Embarrassing' Crucible Display With Brilliant Second-Session Blitz to Beat Zhang Anda
Mark Allen recovered from a first session he described as 'absolutely embarrassing' to beat Zhang Anda 10-6 at the Crucible, posting breaks of 140, 109, and 129 in a dominant second-session display.
2026 World Snooker Championship: Full Draw, Schedule and Day-by-Day Results
The 2026 World Snooker Championship is under way at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, with defending champion Zhao Xintong opening his title defence with a 10-7 win over Liam Highfield. Full draw, schedule and live results below.
2026 World Snooker Championship First Round: Match-by-Match Preview and Predictions
The 2026 World Snooker Championship gets under way in Sheffield with 16 first-round matches featuring the reigning champion, dangerous qualifiers, and several contests that could go either way.
O'Sullivan Eyes Record Eighth World Title at 50 — But Zhao Xintong Stands in His Way
Ronnie O'Sullivan arrives at the 2025 World Championship seeking a record-breaking eighth Crucible title at the age of 50, but faces reigning champion Zhao Xintong — a player who has won four ranking events this season and is installed as tournament favourite.
How Zhao Xintong Could Become World Number One By A Margin Of Just £1,000
Zhao Xintong could end the 2025/26 season as world number one by the narrowest of margins — just £1,000 — should he defend his Crucible crown and Judd Trump fall at the first round.
Free Balls Explained: The Rule That Made O'Sullivan's 153 Possible
A free ball is awarded when a player is left snookered by an opponent's foul — and it was precisely this ruling that enabled Ronnie O'Sullivan to compile his world record break of 153 in March 2026.
2026 Halo World Championship Draw: Zhao Xintong Meets Highfield, O'Sullivan Faces He Guoqiang
The first-round draw for the 2026 Halo World Championship has been made, with defending champion Zhao Xintong facing Liam Highfield and Kyren Wilson pitted against teenage star Stan Moody at the Crucible.
2026 World Snooker Championship Seeds Analysed: Form Guides, First-Round Opponents and Title Prospects
With the 2026 World Snooker Championship draw confirmed, we analyse the 16 seeds — their form, first-round opponents and realistic prospects for the title in Sheffield.
2026 World Snooker Championship: All 16 Qualifiers Confirmed After Sheffield Showdown
All 16 qualifiers for the 2026 World Snooker Championship have been confirmed following the conclusion of proceedings at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, with Stan Moody's illness-defying run among the standout stories of the week.
The Greatest Players Never to Win a World Snooker Championship
A points-based system covering World Championship record, career titles, and highest ranking reveals the finest players in snooker history never to have won at the Crucible.
Zhao Xintong Dismantles Trump 10-3 to Complete Players Series Treble and Bank £150,000 Tour Championship Prize
Zhao Xintong defeated Judd Trump 10-3 in Manchester to win the Tour Championship, becoming the first player to claim all three Players Series titles in a single season and the third ever to surpass £1 million in prize money in one campaign.
Barry Hawkins: Stan Moody Has What It Takes to Mirror Luke Littler's Darts Revolution
Barry Hawkins has identified Stan Moody as the player best placed to replicate Luke Littler's transformative effect on darts, though the Welsh Open champion urged caution about expecting a wider wave of young talent to follow.
Chang Bingyu's Historic 147 Earns £172,000 Windfall as Season Maximum Record Smashed
Chang Bingyu compiled the 241st maximum break in snooker history during World Championship qualifying, triggering a potential £172,000 windfall thanks to a dual-maximum bonus structure — and helping shatter the all-time record for 147s in a single season.
Milkins and Davis Face Tour Relegation After World Championship Qualifier Defeats
Robert Milkins and Mark Davis have both been eliminated from the World Championship qualifiers, leaving the two former top-16 players set to lose their professional tour cards at the end of the season.
John Virgo Trophy: Format, Players, Schedule and How to Watch the Inaugural Event
The inaugural John Virgo Trophy takes place this weekend at Goffs in Ireland, with Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins, Mark Williams, and Stephen Hendry competing in the Snooker 900 exhibition event as a tribute to the late player and broadcaster.
2026 World Snooker Championship Qualifiers: Draw, Schedule and What's at Stake at the EIS
The 2026 World Snooker Championship qualifiers get under way this Monday at the English Institute of Sport, with 128 players competing across four rounds for 16 places at the Crucible Theatre. Jimmy White, Ken Doherty, and reigning women's world champion Bai Yulu are among the notable names in the draw.
Szubarczyk, 15, Becomes Youngest-Ever World Championship Match Winner
Michal Szubarczyk, aged just 15 years, two months, and 25 days, has become the youngest-ever winner of a World Snooker Championship match after defeating Ng On Yee 10-7 in the qualifiers.
Un-Nooh Crowned Players' Player of the Month After Stunning World Open Triumph
Thepchaiya Un-Nooh has been voted the WPBSA Players' Player of the Month for March after winning the World Open with a stunning maximum break and a 10-7 final victory over Ronnie O'Sullivan.
The Importance of Hand-Eye Coordination in Snooker
Snooker success hinges on hand-eye coordination. Understand its role, challenges, and training techniques for players striving to excel.
Exploring Unique Snooker Training Aids
Boost your snooker expertise using dedicated training tools. Elevate consistency, precision, and mental focus for a competitive advantage.
Snooker Hall Architecture and Design Insights
Explore the progression of snooker hall architecture, covering layout design, sustainability, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies.
How Much is a Professional Snooker Table?
Explore the Precision & Craftsmanship of Pro Snooker Tables: A Comprehensive Dive into Construction, Materials, & Costs.
How to Make a Snooker Cue
Precision is essential in crafting snooker cues. Each step, from selecting wood to quality testing, contributes to personalized, high-performance cues.
Calculated Approach to Powerful Shots
Discover how to master powerful snooker shots: A guide to combining skill, strategy, and precision for impactful gameplay.
Where is the Snooker Grand Prix Held?
Examine the Snooker Grand Prix venues' evolution, transitioning from intimate spaces to global stages, shaping sport, culture, and economies.
How Do You Get a Free Ball in Snooker?
Delve into the complexities of snooker's 'free ball' rule, unraveling its strategic nuances, pitfalls to sidestep, and the referee's pivotal role.
Four Players to Watch in 2025
Four snooker players to watch in 2025: Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, Si Juahui, and Yize Wu, as they compete for top titles in the sport.
What is a Snooker Rest Called?
Explore snooker rests, covering standard to swan neck and extended spider types, impacting shots and game strategies.
How to Clean a Snooker Cue?
Explore the fundamentals of snooker cue maintenance—advice on cleaning, preventing wear, and ensuring longevity for peak performance.
How Big are Snooker Balls?
Examine snooker ball aspects: standard 52.5mm diameter, gameplay influence, and rigorous manufacturing standards.
What Cue Tips do Professional Snooker Players Use?
Delve into the pivotal role of cue tips in professional snooker, covering materials, brands, customization, and player preferences.
Professional Players' Cue Preferences
Discover how cue technology has evolved, from ash to carbon fiber, shaping snooker preferences and performance globally.
What Room Size for a Snooker Table?
Explore the essential dimensions for snooker gameplay. From standard sizes to room requirements, create an optimal environment for this cue sport.
Why do Snooker Players Wear Waistcoats?
Explore the diverse role of waistcoats in professional snooker, intertwining tradition, functionality, sponsorship, and cultural significance.
Where is the Crucible Snooker?
Uncover Crucible Theatre's pivotal role in snooker's history, tradition, and global impact—an in-depth exploration of the World Snooker Championship's iconic venue.
What is a Kick in Snooker?
Delve into the complexities of kicks in snooker—anomalies affecting ball trajectories. Understand causes, effects, and strategies for players.