Ronnie O'Sullivan opened the second round of the World Snooker Championship with a 6‑2 advantage over former champion John Higgins in the first session. The match, staged in Sheffield, saw the veteran force the early lead with a series of potting runs that left the crowd stunned for a dramatic start to the tournament.

With the lead in hand, O'Sullivan’s confidence grew as Higgins struggled to find rhythm. The session featured a 70‑point break from O'Sullivan, while Higgins managed only a single century. The result leaves the defending champion with a solid cushion as the second round looms and the spectators expect a fierce comeback in the coming frames.

O'Sullivan’s early dominance echoes his 2024 campaign, where he claimed ten titles in a single season. The 6‑2 start could set the tone for a potential eighth world title, while Higgins faces a daunting task to overturn the deficit before the venue’s historic atmosphere fuels resilience and keeps the crowd engaged for the tournament finale.

Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, the heart of snooker, will continue to host the championship until 2045, with a major refurbishment planned post‑2028. As O'Sullivan pushes toward a record, the stage remains a battleground where legacy and ambition collide, setting the scene for one of the sport’s most electric narratives that will captivate fans worldwide and fans.