Ronnie O’Sullivan took barely half an hour to wrap up victory in the first round of 2026 World Snooker Championship against Chinese debutant He Guoqiang and set up a tantalising last-16 clash against old rival John Higgins.
O’Sullivan, now 50 years old, began his quest to win a record eighth world title at the Crucible Theatre in style, having built a commanding 7-2 lead in the first session on Tuesday and not wasting any time in claiming the first three frames of Wednesday’s conclusion, including two centuries.
That means O’Sullivan now faces a blockbuster second-round contest with fierce, ‘class of’92’ rival Higgins, who overcame Ali Carter in his first-round encounter. The best-of-25 match – which will be played over Saturday, Sunday and Monday – comes 30 years after the pair first met at the Crucible, in the 1996 quarter-finals and will be an occasion to savour for all snooker fans.
Relive all the action from the conclusion of O’Sullivan vs He with our live blog below:
Ronnie O'Sullivan vs He Guoqiang - live updates
- Ronnie O'Sullivan thrashes He Guoqiang 10-2 in his first-round match
- O'Sullivan took barely half an hour to turn a commanding 7-2 overnight lead into victory
- The Rocket's fierce 'class of '92' rival John Higgins now awaits in the last 16
- World Snooker Championship 2026: Results, schedule and how to watch every match
O'Sullivan discusses prospect of facing John Higgins
16:01 , Luke BakerO’Sullivan will now face old rival John Higgins in round two, 30 years after they first met at the Crucible in the 1996 quarter-finals.
Speaking to the BBC, O’Sullivan added: “We’re a couple of oldies! I was saying just hanging around this venue I feel kind of old now because everyone is 22, 23, it's like walking into a creche but we are still hanging around and having a go.
“I am not the player I was and probably never will be but as long as I can enjoy the game..I am starting to enjoy it again. I am getting through the ball but still not good enough to win these events, I have to rely on a bit of luck.
“John loves playing me. I think he plays better than me than I play against him. I think in a way I will be a bit of an underdog because I've hardly played over the last three years compared to John. He's probably favourite but it's a different type of pressure.”
Ronnie O'Sullivan reflects on He Guoqiang victory
15:47 , Luke BakerRonnie O’Sullivan chatted to the BBC’s Abigail Davies after that comfortable win this afternoon.
After the 10-2 win, O’Sullivan, who has been using different cues in the build-up to this championship, quipped: “It's still rusty Ron! I think the tip is more important than the cue to be honest. That's why I brought two cues. I have been saving this all year because it had a bit of life in it and I thought if I come here and my main cue is no good then I'd rather have a cue I like with a good tip on because I can get used to anything pretty quickly.
“The tip wasn't good yesterday. I did a good job considering. A bit of a roll of the dice, a gamble, I was a bit nervous because I thought I could look a bit silly but you have to back yourself. I make some crazy decisions in everyone else's eyes but they make complete sense to me and it's seemed to work over the years so I tend to listen to my own advice.”
Ronnie O'Sullivan v John Higgins
15:35 , Luke BakerWhat an incredible prospect we now have in the last 16, with Ronnie O’Sullivan taking on John Higgins as two all-time greats collide once again.
The second-round contest will be the best of 25 frames, played across three sessions.
The first session is on Saturday 25 April at 7pm, the second session is on Sunday 26 April at 7pm and the final, concluding session will be the following afternoon – Monday 27 April at 1pm. Make sure you don’t miss a ball
World Snooker Championship 2026: Results, schedule and how to watch every match
15:26 , Luke BakerAfter that relatively simple victory for Ronnie O’Sullivan, have a look how the second-round draw is shaping up
World Snooker Championship 2026: Results, schedule and how to watch every match
Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-2 He Guoqiang - O'SULLIVAN WINS THE MATCH!
15:18 , Luke BakerAND IT’S ALL OVER! Ronnie O’Sullivan finishes it in style, making a break of exactly 100 - his third century of the match. A 10-2 victory for the Rocket and he barely had to break sweat.
He Guoqiang was no match for the seven-time world champion and now we’ve got an absolute treat in the next round - Ronnie O’Sullivan vs John Higgins!
Ronnie O'Sullivan 9-2 He Guoqiang - O'Sullivan close to victory
15:14 , Luke BakerThe Rocket misses a mid-range red to the right corner but he’s soon back in among the balls again and there’s no mistakes this time. He builds up an unassailable lead and he’s about to win the match here.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 9-2 He Guoqiang - O'Sullivan in again
15:06 , Luke BakerHe Guoqiang breaks off and that could be his final shot of this year’s World Championship... O’Sullivan floats a gorgeous long red into the left corner pocket - when his long game is on, that’s a really good sign for the 50-year-old.
Can he wrap the match up at this visit?
Ronnie O'Sullivan 9-2 He Guoqiang - O'SULLIVAN WINS FRAME 11
15:04 , Luke BakerThat didn’t take long! O’Sullivan gliding round the table, potting balls at will and gets over the line in frame 11. Lovely long red up to the green pocket to keep the chance of a century alive and it’s there!
A 140 total clearance is on here, with just that blue from earlier and a green off the last red... Ah, misses the yellow but it’s a break of 113.
Ronnie O’Sullivan wins frame 11 to lead 9-2 and he’s one frame from victory!
Ronnie O'Sullivan 8-2 He Guoqiang - No maximum but O'Sullivan looking imperious
15:01 , Luke BakerAh that’s a shame. Lands slightly too low on the ninth red. can pot it to the left middle but no way of getting on the black so he goes up for the blue. Got 65 points into the maximum attempt before switching.
The frame is at his mercy though.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 8-2 He Guoqiang - MAXI WATCH!
15:00 , Luke BakerHe Guoqiang fouls to give away seven points and Ronnie O’Sullivan is back in, in frame 11. And he’s got a chance of a maximum!
A couple of tough looking reds there but currently, six reds, six blacks potted... Then a good split of the pack! The break passes 60 and the 147 is still on...
FRAME! Ronnie O'Sullivan 8-2 He Guoqiang - O'SULLIVAN WINS FRAME 10
14:52 , Luke BakerA couple of early wobbles in this frame by the seven-time world champion but he’s showing no signs of wasting this opportunity. Picking off the reds in the centre of the table, playing with great fluency - the referee can barely keep up replacing the balls!
The break passes 50 and it also leaves He needing snookers. Frame in the bag.
Tough red down the left cushion when the break is at 62, it rattles out but that’s more than enough! Ronnie O’Sullivan wins frame 10 to lead 8-2! Two frames from victory.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 7-2 He Guoqiang - O'Sullivan with golden chance to win frame
14:49 , Luke BakerHe Guoqiang not taking advantage of the opportunities here. Gets a kind flick to see a red go into the left corner but no colour to follow.
He then loses a safety battle, so O’Sullivan with the opportunity. He quickly eradicates his deficit and, at 26-19 ahead, is left with a tough red into the right middle... Gets it! Lovely pot, in and out of baulk and now this is a real frame-winning chance.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 7-2 He Guoqiang - O'Sullivan with shock miss
14:44 , Luke BakerHe Guoqiang almost immediately gets out of position and is left with a tricky cutback into a blind middle pocket, which he leaves just on the low side. Both jaws and out. A low groan from the crowd.
O’Sullivan left a simple starter and he’ll look to build a break now. But WOW! A straightforward red to the right corner and he misses it. Very unlike what we saw yesterday - a very scrappy start it this opening frame. He trails 18-6 as they go for a bout of safety
Ronnie O'Sullivan 7-2 He Guoqiang - He gets first chance
14:41 , Luke BakerHe Guoqiang in first but breaks down on 12 and leaves O’Sullivan a look at a long red. Rattles out so the Chinese cueman is back in.
If he’s got any designs on a remarkable comeback he needs to win this opening frame. That’s a non-negotiable
Ronnie O'Sullivan 7-2 He Guoqiang
14:37 , Luke BakerTypically raucous reception for Ronnie O’Sullivan as he wander out. No going to the wrong table for The Rocket today.
They’re underway and O’Sullivan will want to wrap this match up before the mid-session interval
Ronnie O'Sullivan vs He Guoqiang
14:32 , Luke BakerWe’re only a couple of minutes away from Ronnie O’Sullivan getting back underway against He Guoqiang.
O’Sullivan leads 7-2 in the race to 10 - can his rookie Chinese opponent mount any sort of fightback?
World Snooker Championship betting offers, free bets and best betting sites
14:21 , Luke BakerThe World Snooker Championship is underway at the Crucible, with the world’s best players descending on Sheffield for one of the most-watched and most-wagered-on sporting events of spring.
Names including Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump will be contesting the tournament, with significant betting interest generated too, from outrights wagers through to in-play frame betting.
UK bookmakers also run dedicated promotions around the event, with betting offers and betting specials. Here’s our guide to some of the best offers from six key bookies:
World Snooker Championship betting offers, free bets and best betting sites
Another seed makes it through
14:10 , Luke BakerAn update from this morning’s session at the Crucible where yet another seed advanced. That’s now 12 matches completed and 12 seeds going through...
Could we have a first-ever clean sweep of all 16 seeds making it through the first round?
The latest was 13th seed Chris Wakelin who looked to be in a battle with talented 20-year-old debutant Liam Pullen when the youngster pulled the match back to 5-5 but Wakelin went through the gears from there and eventually emerged a 10-6 winner.
The reigning Scottish Open champion will now face Neil Robertson or Pang Junxu in the last 16.
WATCH: The Rocket pulls out a thunderbolt
13:59 , Luke BakerRonnie O’Sullivan was on fire yesterday afternoon and this shot was symptomatic of his form.
If The Rocket is knocking in the long balls, then the rest of the field must beware...
The Rocket 🚀™️#HaloWorldChampionship pic.twitter.com/2b4t7Sr5C5
— WST (@WeAreWST) April 21, 2026
Who is Wu Yize? China’s ‘new superstar’ tipped by Ronnie O’Sullivan to win the World Snooker Championship
13:45 , Luke BakerWu Yize hails from Lanzhou in the northwest of China, a city famous for its beef noodles. It is a clear beef broth with radish slices, chilli oil and herbs, and aside from his family, it is the thing he misses most: there are plenty of Chinese restaurants in Sheffield, but they don’t do it like home.
It is a small cost for being one of the best young snooker players in the world. Wu moved his life to Yorkshire three years ago to be part of the growing stable of Chinese players in the city, and he could be the next superstar from the group.
The 22-year-old reached finals at the English Open and Scottish Open last season, and comes into the World Snooker Championship as the 10th seed and among the contenders for the title.
Read Lawrence Ostlere’s full profile of Wu:
Who is Wu Yize? China’s ‘new superstar’ tipped by O’Sullivan to conquer snooker world
Why Zhao Xintong is the man to finally break the ‘Crucible Curse’
13:30 , Luke BakerThe “Crucible Curse” is snooker’s most famous hex. Twenty men who have won their first World Snooker Championship title at the iconic Crucible Theatre since the tournament moved there in 1977 have tried to defend it the next year. All 20 have failed.
Everyone, from surprise, one-off champions to the greatest of all time who would go on to dominate their era have fallen short the year after their first world crown.
But Zhao Xintong might just be different...
Why Zhao Xintong is the man to finally break the ‘Crucible Curse’
Ronnie O'Sullivan vs He Guoqiang first session in pictures
13:17 , Luke BakerThings could hardly have gone better for Ronnie O’Sullivan in the first session yesterday
First round results
13:05 , Luke BakerWell over half the first-round matches have now been completed at the Crucible and we’ve got a unique situation brewing. So far, every single seeded player has won their match - normally he first round is an absolute bloodbath for the higher-ranked players.
Never in the history of the World Championship has there been a clean sweep of all 16 seeds reaching the second round. Will we see it this year? Surely not...
First-round results
Zhao Xintong (1) 10-7 Liam Highfield
Mark Allen (14) 10-6 Zhang Anda
Barry Hawkins (11) 10-4 Matthew Stevens
Xiao Guodong (9) 10-6 Zhou Yuelong
Mark Williams (6) 10-4 Antoni Kowalski
Ding Junhui (16) 10-5 David Gilbert
John Higgins (5) 10-7 Ali Carter
Kyren Wilson (3) 10-7 Stan Moody
Wu Yize (10) 10-2 Lei Peifan
Judd Trump (2) 10-5 Gary Wilson
Shaun Murphy (8) 10-9 Fan Zhengyi
Shaun Murphy criticises Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump’s conduct before World Snooker Championship
12:53 , Luke BakerShaun Murphy has criticised fellow former world champions Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump for missing the launch of the 2026 World Championship in Sheffield.
This year’s players gathered in Tudor Square outside the Crucible Theatre on Friday for a green-carpet ceremony celebrating the relationship between snooker and Sheffield, before media commitments with press and broadcasters inside the venue.
But O’Sullivan and Trump did not appear and unless they can provide a valid reason for their absence, such as a medical issue, they face a sanction from the World Snooker Tour.
Shaun Murphy criticises Ronnie O’Sullivan’s conduct before World Snooker Championship
Ronnie O’Sullivan is 50 and still a genius – but can he conquer snooker’s new Chinese dynasty to win historic eighth crown?
12:41 , Luke BakerEven by Ronnie O’Sullivan’s absurd standards, this has been an astonishing season, achieving unfathomable feats including one break which left casual observers wondering how it is possible to score 153, six more than the “maximum” 147.
Even at the age of 50, O’Sullivan is still redefining what is possible on a twelve-by-six table.
O’Sullivan was winning major titles before the current world champion, Zhao Xintong, was born, yet he is still producing moments of unfettered genius.
He arrives at the Crucible chasing a historic eighth world title, which would stand him alone in rarified air, one clear of Stephen Hendry. Significantly, despite his long love-hate relationship with snooker, O’Sullivan has shown he is still motivated to break new ground.
Read Lawrence Ostlere’s full analysis of ‘The Rocket’s’ latest pursuit of history:
Ronnie O’Sullivan is still a genius at 50 – but can he win a historic eighth crown?
When does Ronnie O’Sullivan play and how to watch?
12:27 , Luke BakerRonnie O’Sullivan concludes his best-of-19, first-round encounter against Chinese debutant He Guoqiang this afternoon.
The second session, which begins with O’Sullivan leading 7-2, starts at 2.30pm.
If O’Sullivan gets through, then his second-round contest will be the best of 25 frames, across three sessions against John Higgins. The first session is on Saturday 25 April at 7pm, the second session is on Sunday 26 April at 7pm and the final, concluding session will be the following afternoon – Monday 27 April at 1pm.
Every session of every match at the 2026 World Snooker Championship will be live on the BBC, with BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four, the BBC red button, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website all utilised for coverage across the 17 days.
The tournament is also broadcast on TNT Sports in the UK, with every session shown across their channels and subscribers can also use streaming service HBO Max to watch TNT Sports.
Ronnie O’Sullivan leads He Guoqiang in near-faultless start to World Championship campaign
12:08 , Luke BakerRonnie O’Sullivan started with a rare Crucible mis-step but still emerged with a 7-2 lead after the opening session of his first-round match against China’s He Guoqiang at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield.
Heading out for his 34th-consecutive appearance in the event, the 50-year-old accidentally headed towards the wrong table and had to be steered in the right direction by a subtle nudge from referee Rob Spencer.
However, O’Sullivan did not need to be at his best against the plainly-nervous debutant, who dumped out Jack Lisowski in the last round of qualifying, as he left himself needing just three frames for victory at the Crucible.
O’Sullivan leads He in near-faultless start to World Championship campaign
Ronnie O'Sullivan vs He Guoqiang
12:07 , Luke BakerGood afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the final session of Ronnie O’Sullivan vs He Guoqiang in the first round of the 2026 World Snooker Championship.
O’Sullivan leads 7-2 overnight and needs just three frames to reach the second round
