World Snooker Championship Draw: O’Sullivan, Trump and Zhao Headline Crucible’s 50th

Half a century at the Crucible. The 2026 World Snooker Championship draw is set — and there is no shortage of storylines heading into Sheffield on April 18.

Zhao Xintong defends his maiden world title as the number one seed, opening against Liam Highfield. Judd Trump — world ranked first but seeded second — faces Gary Wilson and is chasing a title he last won seven years ago. Ronnie O’Sullivan, seeded 12th, meets He Guoqiang. Win enough and O’Sullivan could claim a record eighth world crown.

John Higgins takes on Ali Carter. Mark Selby faces Jak Jones. The tournament runs through to May 4, with the winner banking £500,000 from a prize fund that also offers £147,000 for a maximum break under the jackpot format.

Fifty years at the Crucible. The old theatre still delivers.