Ronnie O'Sullivan has advanced to the second round of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible, where a familiar opponent awaits. The Rocket dominated his opening match with a comprehensive 10-2 victory over Chinese debutant He Guoqiang. The match was effectively decided after the first session, with O'Sullivan storming to a 7-2 lead before clinically finishing the job the following day.
Performance Highlights
Despite a humorous moment in the second session when he accidentally walked toward the wrong table, O'Sullivan displayed vintage form by firing in three century breaks. He looked sharp and composed, completing the final session in just 35 minutes to secure his place in the last 16.
Next Opponent
In the second round, O'Sullivan will face his long-time rival and fellow Class of ’92 member, John Higgins. This titanic meeting marks their seventh encounter at the Crucible, equaling the record for the most frequent matchup in the venue's history.
Match Schedule
The match is a best-of-25 frames contest played over three sessions:
- Session 1: Saturday, April 25 at 7pm
- Session 2: Sunday, April 26 at 7pm
- Session 3: Monday, April 27 at 1pm
The middle session often proves decisive in determining who takes the lead into the final day. The winner will secure a place in the quarter-finals, where one of Chris Wakelin, Neil Robertson, or Pang Junxu awaits.
How to Watch
UK viewers can watch full live coverage across the BBC, including BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four, and the Red Button. Fans can also stream every ball via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website for flexible viewing. The first session is scheduled to be screened on BBC Four. Alternatively, the tournament is being broadcast on TNT Sports and is available via the HBO app, providing comprehensive analysis and multi-table coverage for subscribers throughout the championship.
