O'Sullivan Opens Up Four-Frame Lead Against Higgins After First Session at World Snooker Championship

Ronnie O'Sullivan has put himself in a commanding position in his World Snooker Championship semifinal against John Higgins, opening up a four-frame lead after the first session at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. The seven-time champion displayed his trademark brilliance and tactical nous during a dominant showing that has put him within touching distance of another final appearance at the prestigious venue. O'Sullivan's clinical performance included several high-quality breaks as he frustrated his experienced opponent throughout the session. The 49-year-old looked sharp and focused, demonstrating why he remains the player to beat at the Theatre of Dreams. Higgins, a four-time world champion himself, will need a significant turnaround in the second session to mount a serious challenge against the man widely regarded as the greatest snooker player in history. The semi-final resumes on Sunday, with O'Sullivan holding a 6-2 advantage. "I'm pleased with how I played today. John is always a tough competitor and I knew I had to be at my best," O'Sullivan said afterward. "There are still plenty of frames to play and nothing is decided yet, but I'm in a good position." Higgins will take some encouragement from the fact that he managed to win two frames against such impressive opposition, though he will need to drastically improve his safety play if he is to mount any realistic comeback in this best-of-33-frames encounter. The winner of this semifinal will face either Mark Selby or Luca Brecel in the final, with the other semifinal also underway at the Crucible. O'Sullivan's performance has once again highlighted his enduring quality at the age of 49, proving that his hunger for success remains undiminished as he continues his pursuit of an eighth World Championship title. He has won the title in each of his last two visits to Sheffield, in 2024 and 2025, and is aiming for a historic three consecutive victories at the venue. His mastery of the table was evident as he constructed breaks of 84, 71, and 63 during the session, leaving Higgins with few opportunities to gain momentum in a contest that has captured the imagination of snooker fans worldwide.