O’Sullivan Leads Higgins as Williams Exits World Championship in Shock Defeat

Posted : 26 April 2026

Ronnie O’Sullivan took control of his World Championship last-16 match against long-time rival John Higgins, building a commanding 6-2 lead after the opening session at the Crucible Theatre. The seven-time world champion produced a series of high-quality breaks to establish early dominance in a contest that reignited a rivalry dating back three decades.

O’Sullivan began strongly, winning four of the first five frames with fluent scoring, including breaks of 86, 82, 137, and 95. Although Higgins responded with a solid 68 break in one frame, O’Sullivan closed the session with further control, finishing with a 76 break to maintain a comfortable advantage. The match will resume with O’Sullivan aiming to move closer to a record eighth world title.

Elsewhere, fellow member of snooker’s famous “Class of 92,” Mark Williams, suffered elimination after a 13-9 defeat to Barry Hawkins. Williams, a three-time world champion, had briefly been in contention after earlier sessions but could not overturn Hawkins’ lead as the match progressed. Hawkins sealed victory with key contributions, including important breaks in the closing stages.

Williams admitted afterward that he struggled to maintain high-scoring consistency, while also reflecting on the emotional atmosphere created by fans celebrating the legacy of the Class of 92 trio. Despite the loss, he acknowledged Hawkins as the stronger player over the course of the match.

Hawkins, who reached the Crucible quarter-finals for the seventh time, expressed satisfaction with both his performance and the experience, noting the special atmosphere generated by the crowd’s tribute to the snooker legends.

In other matches, Mark Allen advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating reigning world champion Kyren Wilson 13-9 in a hard-fought encounter. Allen recovered from momentum swings across the match to secure victory and continue his pursuit of a first world title.

Meanwhile, world number one Judd Trump ended his opening session level at 4-4 against Iran’s Hossein Vafaei after a closely contested battle, highlighted by a late century break that kept him firmly in contention.

Elsewhere at the tournament, China’s Zhao Xintong maintained a narrow lead over compatriot Ding Junhui, while Australia’s Neil Robertson was locked in an evenly poised match with England’s Chris Wakelin heading into their next session.

O’Sullivan Leads Higgins as Williams Exits World Championship in Shock Defeat

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