Follow the second day of semi-finals at the World Snooker Championship, including session times, prize money and how to watch live
The World Snooker Championship is now deep into its knockout phase, and Friday brings the second day of the semi-finals at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. The tournament began on Saturday, April 18 and runs through to Monday, May 4.
With a total fund of £2.395 million on the line, the stakes remain sky-high as established names and rising stars jockey for a place in the final.
Scotland’s John Higgins has produced a string of dramatic wins to reach the last four, overturning deficits against Ali Carter, Robbie O’Sullivan and Neil Robertson.
His semi-final with 2005 champion Shaun Murphy began yesterday; the outcome will determine who meets the victor from Mark Allen or Wu Yize in the showpiece. Below is the concise schedule, plus context on format, trophy history and broadcasting so you can follow every frame.
Friday order of play and session times
The day at the Crucible is split into three key sessions, with action restarting from earlier encounters to conclude the semis. The timetable for Friday, May 1 is: 10:00 — John Higgins v Shaun Murphy (second session). 14:30 — Wu Yize v Mark Allen (second session). 19:00 — John Higgins v Shaun Murphy (third session). These times mark the scheduled table starts; longer matches can run over, but the Higgins–Murphy tie is due to be finished to a conclusion at 14:30 on Saturday, May 2, if required.
Prize money, trophy and event essentials
The championship pays out a total of £2.395 million. The breakdown includes a £500,000 winner’s cheque and £200,000 for the runner-up. Semi-finalists receive £100,000, quarter-finalists £50,000, and lower-round rewards cascade down to £5,000 for the Last 112. There is also a £15,000 prize for the highest break. The event’s famous trophy dates to 1926, bought by Joe Davis for £19; it is silver, weighs 46.5 troy ounces and is surmounted by a figure of a Greek shepherdess, a curious detail that surprises many fans.
Format explained
Understanding the match length helps set expectations. Early ties are shorter and later rounds longer: first-round matches are best of 19 frames (first to 10) over two sessions; second-round and quarter-finals are best of 25 frames (first to 13) across three sessions. The semi-finals extend to best of 33 frames (first to 17) in four sessions, and the final is a best of 35 frames (first to 18) contest, also across four sessions. These formats reward consistency and stamina as the event progresses.
Favorites, form and how to watch
Bookmakers have marked Wu Yize as the favourite at around 2/1, with Shaun Murphy quoted near 9/4. John Higgins and Mark Allen are also among the leading contenders with shorter odds. Meanwhile, last year saw Zhao Xintong lift the title after an 18–12 win over Mark Williams, a reminder that momentum and mental strength are decisive at the Crucible.
Broadcast and following the action
All sessions are available to viewers in the UK via BBC One and BBC Two, with streaming on the Red Button and BBC iPlayer. If you prefer live updates, match centres and text coverage provide frame-by-frame detail for those who cannot watch. With close scheduling across sessions, fans should plan viewing around the listed start times and allow for possible overruns during extended encounters.
Whether you’re tracking Higgins’ comeback momentum or watching the younger prospect Wu Yize chase a breakthrough, Friday’s slate promises tension and high-level snooker. Stay tuned to catch the critical sessions and the eventual progress towards the final at Sheffield’s iconic Crucible Theatre.
