Seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan launches his record eighth World Snooker Championship bid against China’s debutant He Guoqiang. The 50-year-old starts Tuesday at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, finishing Wednesday.
He Guoqiang, ranked 47th, earned his spot by beating Jack Lisowski. Sixteen qualifiers join the top 16 seeds for the 17-day event starting Saturday. Zhao Xintong, 2025 winner and first Chinese champion, faces Liam Highfield in the opener.
Judd Trump meets Gary Wilson; Masters champ Kyren Wilson battles 19-year-old Stan Moody. John Higgins takes on Ali Carter; Mark Selby faces 2024 runner-up Jak Jones.
O’Sullivan ties Stephen Hendry’s modern-era record of seven titles, won starting 2001. The Crucible hosts through 2045 after redevelopment adds 500 seats.
