'Something special' - O'Sullivan & Higgins renew rivalry

O'Sullivan felt any meeting between the 'Class of 92' members was a big occasion.

"I find it easier playing Mark than I do John," said O'Sullivan. "John enjoys playing me, I enjoy playing Mark, and Mark enjoys playing John. John doesn't like playing Mark.

"I first played John at Pontins, we were 14 [at the Pontins Autumn Open juniors competition]. I had never heard of him until that tournament, but you knew then that he was an unbelievable player.

"Now it's a couple a oldies that are just hanging around. John plays better against me than I do against him so I will be a bit of an underdog – the pressure is off me and more on him, hopefully I can give him a good game."

O'Sullivan has tried to claim he should be called 'Rusty Ron' because of not regularly playing in 2026, although he then crushed China's He Guoqiang 10-2 in the first round, using a different cue in the two sessions.

Higgins defeated Ali Carter 10-7 in round one and said the fact this could be his last Crucible match against O'Sullivan made the occasion even more memorable.

"That's what the rest of my career is all about – to savour these nights," added Higgins.

"But you've got to put that to one side because you're there to win. It's only the second round as well, so you're there to make it through. So I'll look forward to it.

"There's a big, big chance this could be our final game, so it will be something to savour – it will be special."