Ronnie O’Sullivan vs He Guoqiang Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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Chasing that elusive eighth world title, Ronnie O'Sullivan opens against Chinese qualifier He Guoqiang.

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

Ronnie O’Sullivan vs He Guoqiang prediction

Ronnie O'Sullivan's relatively low world ranking of 12th of course has to be taken with a pinch of salt given that the seven-time world champion has been inactive for large periods of the 2025-26 campaign.

Indeed, despite his infrequent appearances, the Rocket has still managed to reach two finals (Saudi Arabia Masters & World Open), make two 147s in one match and also record a historic 153 break.

He Guoqiang recorded a hugely impressive 10-5 win over world number 18 Jack Lisowski in the final round of qualifying and will now feature in the World Snooker Championship for the first time in his career.

The 25-year-old, one of a record 11 Chinese participants in this year's tournament, has actually defeated O'Sullivan in two of their three career meetings, but this is by far their most high-profile clash and you have to think the Englishman holds all the cards in this one.

You never quite know which Ronnie will turn up, but the fact is that the Rocket has only lost in the first round on one of his previous 22 Crucible appearances. We don't think he'll be troubled too much here.

Ronnie O’Sullivan vs He Guoqiang tip: Ronnie O'Sullivan to win with -4.5 frames handicap