Ronnie O'Sullivan shocked the snooker world by swapping cues between sessions on Wednesday, yet still dispatched debutant He Guoqiang 10-2. The win matched the tournament's joint‑largest margin and kept the seven‑time champion on track for a record eighth Crucible title. Spectators witnessed two century breaks—113 and 100—within an hour of play.

The backup cue, stored under O'Sullivan’s bed in Ireland all season, featured a fresher tip after a disappointing performance with his primary cue at the UK Championship. Confident in the tip’s importance, he described the switch as a “roll of the dice”. The gamble paid off, as he also flirted with a maximum 147 before opting for a blue, ending a 113 break.

Next up lies a last‑16 clash with fellow 1992‑class veteran John Higgins. O'Sullivan, aware of his advancing age among a field of early‑twenties prodigies, relished the prospect of another classic encounter. With his form undiminished, he now bears a clear path toward an unprecedented eighth world crown.