- O'Sullivan to play China's He in Crucible round one BBC News —
- Ronnie O’Sullivan to face Crucible debutant in fascinating World Snooker Championship draw The Independent —
- World Snooker Championship draw hands Ronnie O’Sullivan a debutant Metro —
- World Snooker Championship draw LIVE: Ronnie O'Sullivan discovers Crucible opponent Mirror —
- World Snooker Championship draw in full as Ronnie O'Sullivan and Zhao Xintong learn opponents Mirror —
- O'Sullivan to face He in first round at Crucible RTE —
- World Snooker Championship 2026: Schedule and how to watch every match on TV The Independent —
- Zhao believes becoming first Chinese player to win Triple Crown better than defending world title South China Morning Post —
- World Snooker Championship debutant gets draw he asked for against Crucible legend Metro —
World Snooker Championship Draw Revealed
O'Sullivan, who is chasing a record-breaking eighth world title, faces a potentially tricky test against the young Chinese player who has beaten him twice in their three previous encounters.
Reigning champion Zhao Xintong also learned his opponent as he prepares to defend his title following a successful season.
Several former winners are notably missing from this year's field, highlighting a shifting landscape in the professional game.
The draw has set up several intriguing matchups, including a clash between Mark Allen and a yet-to-be-determined qualifier.
Crucible Theatre
Theatre and event venue in Sheffield, England
Theatre and event venue in Sheffield, England
He Guoqiang
Chinese politician
Chinese politician
Zhao Xintong
Chinese snooker player (born 1997)
Chinese snooker player (born 1997)