With the 2025 Snooker World Championship just days away, 32 players remain in the hunt for 16 qualification spots.
Having won multiple rounds of qualification, we have now reached the final stage of qualifying. Known as Judgement Day, this round of qualifying is one of the most pivotal days in the entire snooker calendar. Knowing that they are just ten frames away from reaching the Crucible showcase, there is plenty on the line.
With 16 intriguing contests set to take place, here are three Judgement Day matches and bets that could be worth taking a second look over.
Gary Wilson vs Daniel Wells
Over 16.5 frames
Heading into the qualifiers for the World Championship all of the pressure was on Gary Wilson. A former semifinalist at the World Championships back in 2019, the man from Newcastle has been in miserable form in 2025.
Having won just one contest all year long, he headed into qualification as the number one seed, but despite the prospect of nerves, he showed his class in a much needed victory over Hammad Miah.
Dismantling the world 83 10-1, Wilson looks well placed to reach the World Championship for the third year in succession.
Standing in his way and a spot at the Crucible is Daniel Wells. Ranked 49 in the world, Wells overcame his Welsh compatriot Dominic Dale in the previous round of qualifying and comes into this match off the back of two solid victories.
For those that like to back the underdog, they should take heart in the fact that Wells has edged out Wilson in their last three encounters.
In fact, four of the last five matches between the pair have been settled in the final frame and with so much on the line here, this could be another thriller.
Backing there to be over 16.5 frames in the match seems one of the most valuable bets in the day and could be worth chancing. With the winner being difficult to pick, this looks like one of the best bets of the day.
Ricky Walden vs Zak Surety
Zak Surety to win - 11/10
Ricky Walden is a name known to most who follow the game. A solid and seasoned pro, Walden has qualified for the World Championships on nine occasions and reached the semifinals of the event back in 2013.
With three ranking titles to his name, he is one of the biggest names in qualifying and many will be expecting for him to advance past Zak Surety and claim a spot at the Crucible for a tenth time. However there could be real value in backing the underdog here.
Whilst Surety is ranked all the way down at 73 in the official rankings, he headed into qualifying as one of the form men in the draw.
A semifinalist at the World Open before losing to eventual winner, John Higgins, that was Surety’s best ever run at a ranking tournament and he looks to have built on that momentum here.
An easy winner of his first round contest against Antoni Kowalski, he then came through a gripping encounter against former top ten player Jack Lisowski.
With plenty of confidence heading into this encounter against the experienced Walden, Surety certainly will believe he can pull off the upset and reach the first round of the World Championships for the first time.
This will be the duo’s first meeting since 2022, so there is little head to head form to go off, but at a decent price Surety could be worth a small play.
Joe O’Connor vs Jackson Page
O’Connor to win - 8/15
Without doubt the headline encounter for Judgement Day looks to be the encounter between Joe O’Connor and Jackson Page.
The world number 30 takes on the world number 35, but many will see O’Connor as the safer bet, however Page is likely to have his backers.
Let’s start with Page. Still only 23, Page has long been regarded as one of the most talented players in the game, but as so often can be the case with gifted players like Page, whether they can string the consistency and results together can often be the challenge.
Twice a qualifier for the World Championship, Page has never advanced past the second round, but he heads into this qualification bout with O’Connor as the man of the moment.
Becoming the first man to make two 147 breaks in one match in his second round victory over Allan Taylor, Page could be on course to land a £147,000 by becoming the only man to make two maximums across snooker’s triple crown events and the Saudi Arabian Masters, it’s likely he will pocket at least £10,000 for making the highest break in qualifying.
With the potential to land a windfall, the pressure could be off as he goes onto face the heavily favoured O’Connor.
Heading into qualifying many believed that O’Connor would be a lock to make the Crucible.
In scintillating form, having reached the final of the World Open, missing out on the title to John Higgins, O’Connor beat Judd Trump, Shaun Murphy and Ali Carter on his way to the final.
Seemingly now with the belief that he belongs at the very highest level of the game and with the wins to back it up, he was professional as he dismissed Iulian Boiko in the second round of qualifying.
The pair have only met once before with O’Connor beating Page 3-0. Whilst nothing can be guaranteed in snooker, it would be a surprise if O’Connor didn’t have the class to reach the World Championships for a second time.
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.
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