Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins renew one of snooker’s greatest rivalries on Saturday evening when they meet in the last 16 of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre.
The match, scheduled for 20:00 CET, brings together two legends from snooker’s famed Class of 92. O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, is chasing a record eighth Crucible crown, while Higgins, a four-time world champion, is aiming to revive his own Triple Crown ambitions.
Their rivalry now stretches across more than three decades, with O’Sullivan leading their overall head-to-head 41-35 ahead of what will be their 80th meeting. At the Crucible, however, the balance is even tighter, with the pair level at 3-3 in World Championship meetings.
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O’Sullivan reached this stage in commanding fashion, brushing aside He Guoqiang 10-2 in the opening round, producing three centuries in the process. Higgins, meanwhile, came through a difficult first round test against Ali Carter, winning 10-7 to book another major Crucible night.
Ronnie O'Sullivan 🆚 John Higgins
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) April 22, 2026
A class of '92 showdown awaits in the last 16 of the World Snooker Championship 🏆 pic.twitter.com/u9jJXNxXWr
For O’Sullivan, the prize is historic. Victory in Sheffield would move him clear of Stephen Hendry and make him the first player to win eight world titles in the modern era. For Higgins, this is another chance to prove that his tactical steel, match play and Crucible experience remain dangerous weapons against any opponent.
This is not simply another last 16 fixture. It is a meeting of two giants, two contrasting styles and two careers that have helped shape modern snooker. The Crucible has hosted many great nights, but O’Sullivan against Higgins still carries a weight few matches can match.
