O'Sullivan Faces Chinese Newcomer He in Pursuit of Record Eighth World Snooker Championship Title

Ronnie O'Sullivan has been paired with Chinese newcomer He Guoqiang in his bid to secure a record eighth World Snooker Championship title at The Crucible. He, ranked 47th in China, defeated Jack Lisowski in the qualifying rounds and is set to begin his maiden campaign against the seven-time champion on Tuesday afternoon. The 25-year-old has a history with O'Sullivan, having beaten him in two of their previous three encounters, and is one of 11 Chinese players participating in the tournament. The competition will feature defending champion Zhao Xintong, who will face Liam Highfield in the opening match on Saturday, a year after becoming China's first world champion. Four-time champion John Higgins will face two-time runner-up Ali Carter in the first round, with the potential to meet O'Sullivan in the second round if both advance. Other notable matches include Mark Selby against 2024 finalist Jak Jones, Judd Trump against Gary Wilson, and Mark Williams against Antoni Kowalski, who makes history as the first Polish player to qualify for the Crucible. The tournament begins on Sunday and concludes on May 3 and 4. Since the introduction of 32 players in the first round in 1982, there has never been a time when all 16 top seeds have reached the second round. Zhao will attempt to overcome the 'Crucible Curse' and become the first maiden winner to successfully defend the trophy, a feat that has eluded 21 players since 1980. O'Sullivan, who will be making a record 34th consecutive appearance at the iconic venue, was the last first-time champion to reach the semi-finals when he lost 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 share the record of seven crowns apiece.