Ronnie O'Sullivan to Face Chinese Newcomer He Guoqiang at the World Snooker Championship

Seven-time champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has been paired with Chinese debutant He Guoqiang in the first round of the World Snooker Championship. He, ranked 47th in the world, secured his spot by defeating Jack Lisowski in the qualifying rounds and will make his Crucible debut against O'Sullivan on Tuesday. The 25-year-old has a strong record against O'Sullivan, having won two of their previous three encounters. He is one of 11 Chinese players competing in the tournament, which includes defending champion Zhao Xintong. Zhao, who became China's first world champion last year, will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday. Four-time champion John Higgins will face Ali Carter in the first round, while Mark Selby takes on Jak Jones and Judd Trump meets Gary Wilson. Mark Williams, a three-time champion, will play against Antoni Kowalski, who has made history as the first Polish player to qualify for the Crucible. The tournament begins on Sunday and will conclude on May 3-4. Since the introduction of 32 players in the first round in 1982, all 16 top seeds have never made it past the second round. O'Sullivan, who will be making a record 34th consecutive appearance at the Crucible, is seeking a record eighth title.