World Snooker Championship 2026: Ronnie O'Sullivan vs John Higgins - start time, where to watch live, head-to-head record
Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins meet at the World Snooker Championship - here’s all you need to know
It's heating up at the World Snooker Championship - and the excitement levels will go up several notches when two greats of the game go head-to-head on Saturday.
Seven-time winner Ronnie O'Sullivan meets Scotland's own John Higgins in a mouthwatering second round match in Sheffield. It's a fixture no snooker fan will want to miss.
The Rocket is bidding to eclipse Stephen Hendry with a record eighth world title, while the Wizard of Wishaw is dreaming of lifting the trophy at the Crucible for the fourth time.
Here is everything you need to know about the big match.
What time does O’Sullivan v Higgins start?
The two snooker legends take to the green baize at 7pm on Saturday, April 25. The match will resume at 7pm on Sunday, with the final session being played at 1pm on Monday.
How can I watch the World Snooker Championship 2026?
As ever, full coverage of all matches will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC Two, and streamed on the Red Button and the BBC iPlayer.
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Who has the best head-to-head record?
O'Sullivan and Higgins have faced off in 79 professional matches – including the 2001 world final – with O’Sullivan winning 41. Their first professional clash saw O’Sullivan beat the Scottish star 5-1 in the 1994 Dubai Classic - both players were in their teens at the time.
Recalling their first-ever meeting, at the Pontins Autumn Open, O'Sullivan said this week: “I played him at Pontins when he was 14. I’d never heard of John until that tournament, but you knew then it was an unbelievable player.
“I don’t really get turned on by that (facing Higgins again), to be honest with you. I just play the game.
“There isn’t an opponent out there that I can’t wait to go and play. That doesn’t float my boat. I love the game whoever’s sitting in the chair.”
What’s the prize money at the 2026 World Snooker Championship?
A total of £2.395 million in money is up for grabs at the World Snooker Championship, with the money allocated as follows:
Winner: £500,000 Runner-up: £200,000 Semi-finalists: £100,000 Quarter-finalists: £50,000 Last 16: £30,000 Last 32: £20,000 Last 48: £15,000 Last 80: £10,000 Last 112: £5,000 Highest break: £15,000.
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