Stephen Hendry will team up with Ronnie O’Sullivan as a sparring partner for their upcoming exhibition match in Ireland. This event precedes the 50th World Snooker Championship and features four prominent champions, including John Higgins and Mark Williams. Together, they form a legendary group with a combined total of 21 world titles over 32 years.
O’Sullivan and Hendry’s Clash
The exhibition takes place at Goffs in County Kildare, where it has been organized to honor the late John Virgo. Virgo, a celebrated commentator and 1979 UK champion, passed away in February at the age of 79.
O’Sullivan will face Hendry on Saturday at 19:00 UK time in the second semi-final. Earlier, Higgins will compete against Williams at 14:00. The final will occur on Sunday evening at 19:00, while a third-place playoff is scheduled for 14:30. All matches will follow a shot clock format, requiring each frame to be played within 15 minutes.
A Look Back at Goffs
Goffs has a historical significance in snooker, previously hosting the Irish Masters from 1978 to 2000. Steve Davis holds the record with eight victories, while Hendry secured three titles in that period. Higgins made history by scoring the only maximum break in the tournament against Jimmy White in 2000.
- O’Sullivan’s past victories: 1998 victory at Goffs against Ken Doherty (later stripped of the title).
- His four title wins, including a 9-8 win over Hendry.
- Hendry’s last championship win at Goffs was in 1999.
World Championship Preview
O’Sullivan is set to compete in the World Championship starting on April 21 and 22 in Sheffield. He aims to capture his eighth world title, potentially facing Higgins in the second round if both players advance.
The first-round draw will occur on April 16, following qualifying rounds ending on April 15 at the English Institute of Sport.
Challenges for Other Players
Meanwhile, Robert Milkins and Mark Davis are facing challenges in their careers. Milkins, ranked 69th, is preparing for Q School next month to secure his tour card after a disappointing loss. Davis, turned professional in 1991, lost his match and is now ranked 65th.
- Q School will take place at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena from May 20 to May 31.
- Eight tour cards available, with an additional four from an Asia-Oceania event in Thailand.
Qualifying for the 2026 World Championship is scheduled between April 6-15, with live coverage available on El-Balad.
