Sport Europe

World Snooker Championship Draw Revealed

Ronnie O'Sullivan will start his quest for a record-breaking eighth world title against a challenging opponent who has beaten him twice in their previous three meetings.

Reigning champion Zhao Xintong also learned his fate as he prepares to defend his crown against a field that includes snooker legends Judd Trump and Mark Williams.

The 2026 event is noted for the absence of several former winners who failed to qualify.

Fans and players alike gathered in Sheffield this week for a memorial service honoring the late commentator John Virgo ahead of the competition.

Ronnie O’Sullivan to face Crucible debutant in fascinating World Snooker Championship draw The Independent — Apr 16, 09:48 AM
O'Sullivan to play China's He in Crucible round one BBC News — Apr 16, 08:16 AM
O'Sullivan to face He in first round at Crucible RTE — Apr 16, 13:42 PM
World Snooker Championship draw hands Ronnie O’Sullivan a debutant Metro — Apr 16, 07:53 AM
World Snooker Championship draw in full as Ronnie O'Sullivan and Zhao Xintong learn opponents Mirror — Apr 16, 08:07 AM
World Snooker Championship draw LIVE: Ronnie O'Sullivan discovers Crucible opponent Mirror — Apr 16, 06:30 AM
Ronnie O'Sullivan learns first World Snooker Championship opponent in tricky test The Standard — Apr 16, 09:00 AM
World Snooker Championship 2026: Schedule and how to watch every match on TV The Independent — Apr 16, 13:04 PM
When is Ronnie O’Sullivan playing at Snooker World Championship? The Independent — Apr 16, 15:46 PM
World Snooker Championship debutant gets draw he asked for against Crucible legend Metro — Apr 16, 09:11 AM

Ronnie O'Sullivan
English snooker player (born 1975)

He Guoqiang
Chinese politician

Zhao Xintong
Chinese snooker player (born 1997)

Crucible Theatre
Theatre and event venue in Sheffield, England

Sheffield
City in South Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom