- World No. 39 Lei Peifan stuns top-seeded Wilson in final-frame thriller
- No first-time Crucible champion has retained title since 1977 venue shift
- Chinese players now account for 30% of professional tour cards
The 2024 World Snooker Championship opened with seismic drama as Kyren Wilson became the latest victim of the infamous Crucible Curse. The reigning champion squandered a 6-3 lead against 21-year-old Lei Peifan, whose final black ball clearance sealed a career-defining 10-9 victory. This marks the 47th consecutive year where a debut Crucible champion failed to defend their title – a streak sporting psychologists attribute to the venue's intimate, pressure-cooker atmosphere.
Lei's triumph continues China's snooker revolution, with seven mainland players now ranked in the world's top 40. Industry analysts note the China Billiards and Snooker Association's academy system has produced 23% more professionals since 2020. This win proves our training methods rival Sheffield's historic clubs,said Beijing-based coach Li Wei, referencing Lei's 12-hour daily practice regimen.
Wilson's early exit leaves the £500,000 prize fund wide open, with bookmakers immediately shortening odds on Ronnie O'Sullivan claiming a record eighth title. The Crucible Curse has now eliminated 16 defending champions in the first round since 1977, costing local Sheffield businesses an estimated £2.8 million in lost tourism revenue annually according to Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce data.
Snooker's globalization trend saw 38% of this year's qualifiers hail from outside the UK – a 15-year high. The sport's rising Asian popularity has attracted new sponsors like Haier and BYD, with China set to host five ranking events in 2025. As Lei progresses to face 2015 champion Stuart Bingham, his victory symbolizes a generational shift that could finally break the Crucible's mystical hold on championship outcomes.