John Higgins vs Ronnie O’Sullivan Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Snooker Championship | Second Round

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With 11 world titles between them, Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins battle it out in what will be their seventh World Snooker Championship meeting.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – BBC & TNT Sports / USA – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & HBO Max / USA – Cannot be streamed

Tickets: Visit here for the latest ticket information

John Higgins vs Ronnie O’Sullivan prediction

John Higgins dug deep to see off Ali Carter 10-7 in the first round, with a mixture of solid matchplay and good fortune getting him over the line in the end.

The four-time champion's reward is a meeting with long-time rival and 'Class of 92' recruit Ronnie O'Sullivan, with the Rocket having a much easier time in the first round as he dismantled He Guoqiang 10-2.

Even a mid-match change of cue didn't halt the seven-time champion's onslaught, as he knocked in three centuries against the Chinese qualifier.

Higgins has been far more active than O'Sullivan this season, and despite not winning an event, he has beaten the majority of the top players at some point.

With that being said, he has lost his last three matches against the Rocket, which includes their 2022 Crucible semi-final that the Englishman won 17-11.

You could make a strong argument for either player here, and it is likely to be a match with a few changes in momentum. The Total Frames market stands out to us here, with these two legends bound to push each other close in a bid to reach the quarter-finals.

John Higgins vs Ronnie O’Sullivan tip: Over 21.5 frames