O'Sullivan Faces Chinese Newcomer He in Quest for Record Eighth World Snooker Title

Ronnie O'Sullivan is set to take on Chinese debutant He Guoqiang as he bids to secure a record eighth World Snooker Championship title at The Crucible. He, ranked 47th in the world, defeated Jack Lisowski in the qualifying rounds and will face O'Sullivan on Tuesday afternoon. Notably, He has beaten O'Sullivan in two of their previous three encounters and is one of 11 Chinese players participating in the tournament. The competition also features defending champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match, a year after becoming China's first world champion. Four-time champion John Higgins will face Ali Carter, while four-time winner Mark Selby will take on 2024 finalist Jak Jones. Judd Trump will meet Gary Wilson, and three-time champion Mark Williams will face Antoni Kowalski, the first Polish player to qualify for the Crucible. The tournament begins on Sunday and concludes on May 3-4. Since the introduction of 32 players in the first round in 1982, all 16 top seeds have never made it to the second round. Zhao will attempt to overcome the 'Crucible Curse' and become the first maiden winner to successfully defend the title, a feat that has eluded 21 players since 1980. O'Sullivan, making his record 34th straight appearance at the iconic venue, was the last first-time champion to reach the semi-finals, losing to Hendry in 2002. The full first-round draw will feature 24 different champions, including China's Zhao Xintong, who won the trophy in 2025, becoming the first champion from Asia. Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O'Sullivan currently hold the record with seven crowns each.