John Higgins vs Joe O’Connor Preview & Prediction | 2025 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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In a repeat of the this year’s World Open final, four-time world champion John Higgins opens his 2025 Crucible account against qualifier Joe O’Connor.

Start date/time: Monday 21st April, 2025: UK – 10:00am / US ET – 5:00am / US PT – 2:00am

How to watch on TV: UK – BBC & TNT Sports / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & discovery+ / US – Cannot be streamed

Tickets: Visit here for the latest ticket information

John Higgins vs Joe O’Connor prediction

Four-time champion John Higgins has shown no signs of slowing down this season having won both the World Open and, crucially, the Tour Championship earlier this month.

The Scot's game has looked in great shape recently and, having reached the quarter-finals or better in each of his last three Crucible appearances, few would bet against the veteran enjoying another deep run in Sheffield.

World number 30 Joe O’Connor came through two rounds of qualifying this week to make it to the Crucible for the second time. His previous entry, last year, saw the Leicester potter reach the second round after defeating Mark Selby in his opener, before falling to eventual champion Kyren Wilson.

O’Connor’s best showing this season came when he reached the final of the World Open just under two months ago. His 10-6 lost to Higgins in the final is the most recent of nine meetings between the two. The head-to-score reads five wins to three in Higgins’ favour, with one draw.

Higgins very rarely falters in the early stages at the Crucible. Indeed, it’s been 11 years since he last fell at the first round, so we’re expecting the world number three to progress fairly comfortably.

John Higgins vs Joe O’Connor tip: John Higgins to win with -3.5 frames handicap