World Snooker Championship 2026: Higgins Ready to Savour Possible Rivalry-Ending Clash with O’Sullivan

John Higgins continued his superb 2026 form with a composed 10-7 victory over two-time finalist Ali Carter, marking a winning start to his 32nd World Snooker Championship campaign.

It was a high-quality, tense encounter at the Crucible, but attention has already shifted to what could come next, a potential clash that would captivate the sport.

Dream Clash Hinges on The Rocket

Without any disrespect to Chinese qualifier He Guoqiang, fans will be hoping Ronnie O'Sullivan navigates his opening match to set up a blockbuster meeting between two of the famed ‘Class of ’92’.

Higgins, speaking after his win, was quick to point out where the pressure now lies.

“Oh, I can think about it but he can’t,” Higgins joked.

Tale of the Tape: A Rivalry for the Ages

A potential meeting would mark the 80th professional clash between Higgins and O’Sullivan.

Their rivalry stretches back three decades to the 1996 Crucible quarter-final, when a 20-year-old O’Sullivan edged a 13-12 thriller.

Now, both men stand at 50, a remarkable full-circle moment.

It would also be their seventh meeting at the Crucible, with the head-to-head locked at three wins apiece. Intriguingly, in five of their previous six World Championship encounters, the winner has gone on to lift the trophy.

No Guarantees at the Crucible

Despite O’Sullivan being the overwhelming favourite, Higgins was wary of writing off He Guoqiang.

“He’s obviously a big, big favourite to play against He [Guoqiang], because he’s a newbie. But you never know, you’ve seen the way Stan Moody has come on and played. He had a great win against Jack Lisowski in the last round, and he’s got nothing to lose.”

Higgins pointed to rising talents like Stan Moody, and even referenced his current showing against Kyren Wilson, as proof that nothing is certain on snooker’s biggest stage.

A Rivalry Nearing Its Final Chapter

Regardless of who progresses, Higgins is determined to embrace the occasion.

“I’ll just enjoy whoever comes through, but if it was Ronnie it would be extra special.”

The Scot also acknowledged the emotional weight behind a potential meeting, admitting it could be the last time the pair ever face off professionally.

“There’s a big, big chance this could be our final game, so it would be something to savour," he told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

One Last Statement to Make

When asked whether that possibility adds extra motivation, Higgins didn’t shy away from the challenge of having the final say in one of snooker’s greatest rivalries.

“That’s what I'll be trying,” Higgins concluded.