Full Breakdown
Iranian Vafaei Upsets World No. 1 Judd Trump as John Higgins Stuns Ronnie O’Sullivan at 2026 World Snooker Championship
4/28/2026, 10:52:22 PM
Decisive Matches
On Monday night at the Crucible, Hossein Vafaei erased a 7-9 deficit to beat world No. 1 Judd Trump 9-7, sealing the win with breaks of 106 and 91. In the other marquee clash, John Higgins rallied from 9-4 down to edge seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan 13-12, producing three centuries while O’Sullivan compiled breaks of 62, 93 and 81.
Context
The World Snooker Championship, staged at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, entered its best-of-19 second round. World No. 1 Judd Trump, who won his first world title in 2011, was seeking a second crown. Ronnie O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, was aiming for a record-breaking eighth title. Both entered as favourites.
Player Snapshot
Key participants included Iran’s Hossein Vafaei (world 32), England’s world No. 1 Judd Trump, Scotland’s fifth-seed John Higgins, England’s seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, England’s four-time champion Mark Selby, and China’s rising star Wu Yize.
Official Reactions
Trump called the session disappointing, saying he struggled and failed to convert chances. Vafaei said he was born for such moments and that the Crucible trophy lives in his head. O’Sullivan praised Higgins’ play, conceding his missed key balls cost him. Higgins noted his focus on winning two frames in a row after an early deficit.
Criticism & Opposition
Selby criticised the condition of the Crucible table, calling it the worst he has experienced at a World Championship and prompting calls for a review of the venue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was a disappointing session tonight, I think I struggled a bit but from 11-10 down I got going and I had great chance in the last, but I ran out of position and that sums up my season really,” — Judd Trump, World No. 1
- “I was enjoying every moment of it. If I don't take this kind of chance, I will never become world champion. Every day the Crucible trophy is living in my head rent free.” — Hossein Vafaei, Iran
- “John played well and deserved his win. He's got a chance of winning the championship if he keeps playing like he did in that session.” — Ronnie O’Sullivan, Seven-time World Champion
- “I came to the party at last! That was brilliant. I wasn't too despondent after that first session.” — John Higgins, Scotland
- “I felt like the conditions were the worst I've experienced here at the World Championship, for sure,” — Mark Selby, England
Why It Matters
Trump’s and O’Sullivan’s exits open the quarter-finals to fresh contenders, underscoring the depth of the field. Vafaei’s run marks a milestone for Iranian snooker, as he reaches the quarter-finals for the first time, potentially widening the sport’s global reach. Higgins’ comeback reinforces his veteran resilience, while Selby’s criticism may prompt venue reviews.
What’s Next
The quarter-final draw now pits Vafaei against Wu Yize, Higgins against Neil Robertson, and leaves two slots for the winners of the remaining second-round matches. Those fixtures will decide the contenders for the 2026 title.
