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Ronnie O’Sullivan arrives at The Crucible hunting World Snooker Championship history.

The Rocket is level with Stephen Hendry on seven world titles and has his sights set on an eighth, which would make him the most successful player at the prestigious event in the modern era.

O’Sullivan may no longer be the dominant force he once was on the World Snooker Tour but, as he showed at The Crucible 12 months ago and at the World Open earlier this year, he still has the quality to mix it with snooker’s best.

Best snooker players in the world 2026 | Best snooker players of all time

A pure entertainer, the 50-year-old remains a huge fan favourite, and the feeling among his supporters ahead of the 50th World Snooker Championships is that, on his day, there are none better on the baize.

O’Sullivan’s quest for history starts in the first round against Chinese debutant He Guoqiang, who beat Jack Lisowski in qualifying.

RadioTimes.com brings you up to speed with Ronnie O’Sullivan’s last match at the World Snooker Championships 2026.

When does Ronnie O’Sullivan play next at World Snooker Championship 2026?

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s next match is against He Guoqiang [47] in the first round of the World Snooker Championship 2026.

Their match is scheduled to start on Tuesday 21 April and conclude on Wednesday 22 April.

Snooker player He Guoqiang, in a black shirt and blue waistcoat, bends to take a shot on a snooker table. — He Guoqiang. (Photo by Tai Chengzhe/VCG via Getty Images)

Ronnie O’Sullivan v He Guoqiang time and schedule

All UK time.

Tuesday 21 April

R1: Session 1 – 2:30pm

Wednesday 22 April

R1: Session 2 – 2:30pm

Ronnie O’Sullivan results at World Snooker Championship 2026

R1: Ronnie O’Sullivan [12] – He Guoqiang [47]

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