O'Sullivan's Lead Slips Away as Higgins Stages Dramatic Comeback at the Crucible

O'Sullivan's Lead Slips Away as Higgins Stages Dramatic Comeback at the Crucible

The World Championship last-16 encounter between Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins is heading toward a decisive finish on Monday following an extraordinary turnaround by the Scottish player, who trimmed the gap to just two frames during Sunday's session at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

The seven-time Crucible champion O'Sullivan appeared to be cruising toward victory when he extended his advantage to 9-4 in the first-to-13 contest, building on his commanding 6-2 lead from Saturday. However, his fellow 'Class of 92' member Higgins, a four-time world champion himself, mounted an impressive recovery to trail 9-7 heading into Monday's concluding session at 13:00 BST.

Higgins Fights Back in Gripping Evening

After Higgins compiled a break of 83 in the ninth frame, O'Sullivan responded with consecutive victories featuring runs of 116 and 80 to establish a commanding five-frame lead at 8-3. Though Higgins claimed the 12th frame, O'Sullivan's 91 break pushed him to 9-4.

The final three frames delivered high drama. In the 14th, with O'Sullivan requiring a snooker to remain competitive, he managed to achieve one but could not capitalize. Higgins then secured the 15th on a tightly contested black-ball finish.

O'Sullivan's frustration mounted during the final frame when he potted a long red only to see the cue ball follow it into the pocket—a costly foul that proved decisive. Higgins captured the frame to inject genuine hope into his campaign.

"John has been incredible and it is incredible he is in this match," remarked seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry. "Ronnie's play was outstanding but John seemed really un-Higgins like. He has just battled to stay in this match. Ronnie did not look the same player."

O'Sullivan is pursuing his eighth world title, which would set a modern-era record, and seeking a 24th Crucible quarter-final appearance. The final session will be broadcast live on BBC Two.

Defending Champion Zhao Progresses Past Ding

China's reigning champion Zhao Xintong defeated fellow countryman Ding Junhui 13-9 in a captivating match to advance to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Championship.

Zhao, 29, began Sunday with a 9-7 edge and despite Ding's spirited efforts—including a 46-minute opening frame victory—the champion pulled away decisively. After winning two consecutive frames to reach 11-8, Zhao sealed progression with a break of 108, his third century of the encounter.

The match generated unprecedented interest in China, with World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson suggesting that "hundreds of millions" could have been viewing. Zhao will next face 2005 champion Shaun Murphy in a quarter-final clash.

"This was a very special match for us that everybody knows about and wants to keep eyes on it," Zhao said. "There was more pressure. It is not like before. When I was eight I saw him [Murphy] play with Ding many times and I know he's very good."

Ding, the 2016 runner-up who produced eight breaks of at least 54, acknowledged his disappointment. "It was not good enough," the 39-year-old said. "It's hard when I'm 7-9 down and he found his game quickly."

Trump and Robertson Advance Toward Quarter-Finals

World number one Judd Trump holds a commanding 9-7 advantage over Iran's Hossein Vafaei with one session remaining. Beginning Sunday level at 4-4, Trump seized control by capturing the concluding three frames with runs of 100, 74, and 94, despite Vafaei's breaks of 82 and 65 that momentarily threatened a comeback.

Australian veteran Neil Robertson, the 2010 champion, similarly dominates his last-16 tie against England's Chris Wakelin, holding a 10-6 lead. Robertson won six of eight frames during Sunday's play, including a 101 break in the final frame, after the match stood level at 4-4 at the session's outset.