Can Ronnie O'Sullivan bring luck of Irish to World Snooker Championship after thrilling fans with whitewash win over John Higgins at Goffs?
Updated 13/04/2026 at 19:08 GMT+1
React to this story
Ronnie O'Sullivan warmed up for a record 34th appearance at the World Championship by whitewashing John Higgins 6-0 in the final of the John Virgo Trophy at Goffs in Ireland. After demolishing fellow seven-time Crucible winner Stephen Hendry 6-1 on Saturday, the snooker GOAT put on his Sunday best before a delighted sell-out crowd in County Kildare in his final outing before Sheffield.
‘Hits the jackpot’ – Chang makes ‘magnificent’ 147 against Brecel
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ronnie O'Sullivan feels relocated and rejuvenated in Ireland.
And with the World Championship appearing on the horizon, it paid off in style over the weekend at iconic snooker venue Goffs in Country Kildare with O'Sullivan turning on the style for a packed crowd at the former home of the Irish Masters.
After coasting past fellow seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry 6-1 in the semi-finals of the inaugural John Virgo Trophy on Saturday, O'Sullivan completed a 6-0 whitewash of John Higgins to claim the trophy.
O'Sullivan compiled breaks of 125, 75, 65, 96 and 73 before Thursday's draw for the first round of the World Championship, which gets underway on Saturday, April 18, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
"Fast and furious," said 1985 world champion Dennis Taylor on Channel 5. "When Ronnie is in this sort of form, he's going to jump on it."
Higgins was full of praise for his opponent. "Ronnie was timing it beautifully," said the four-time world champion. "There wasn't much I could do. He blitzed me."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/03/20/image-1780a7d8-0e66-489a-84c1-00237d8574a2-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'Very special moment!' - Watch O'Sullivan create history with highest ever professional break of 153
Video credit: TNT Sports
O'Sullivan said he is feeling good about himself after spending time in the Republic of Ireland. "Over the last month, I've been feeling all right," said O'Sullivan, who is seeded to face Higgins in the second round in Sheffield.
"For three years, it has been pretty poor, and I didn't think I would have another day when I felt good. It was nice to feel comfortable.
"The atmosphere at Goffs is electric. Amazing. I live here quite a lot now. I spend three months of the year here. I've always loved coming to Ireland, it has always had a special place in my heart, but living here the last year or so has been great. I wouldn't have it any other way."
- 'Ronnie is obviously the GOAT' - Hendry salutes O'Sullivan at Crucible warm-up event
- How to watch the World Snooker Championship live on TNT Sports and HBO Max
- Is O'Sullivan set to face a major minefield of former winners at Crucible?
O'Sullivan said it was important to honour the legacy of John Virgo, the iconic commentator and former UK champion.
"This tournament has been great," he added. "The tournament is in memory of John Virgo who we lost recently.
"His daughter and son are here and he was like a second dad to me.
"Everyone on the snooker circuit loved John. This weekend is about John as well, and just keeping his name going."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/04/13/image-5dc8d6c0-3c7b-481a-b895-bf56abb0eadc-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Drama as Maguire SLAMS table after simple miss in World Championship qualifiers
Video credit: TNT Sports
Qualifying for the 2026 World Championship takes place between April 6-15, and is live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement