Top News

The glove provides a consistent, smooth surface for the cue to slide over. This prevents the cue from sticking to the skin of the bridge hand, which can occur due to sweat, and ensures a more fluid stroke.

Large arenas like the Crucible can become humid with the heat of TV lights and a full crowd. A glove helps the player maintain a dry, slick surface, eliminating the need to constantly use a towel or talcum powder.

The fabric absorbs moisture that would otherwise make the hand tacky, allowing the player to maintain a steady and reliable bridge throughout long sessions.

By using a glove, He Guoqiang ensures the feel of his cue remains identical regardless of the venue or climate. This removes a significant variable, allowing him to focus entirely on his technical execution rather than the conditions.

Despite being a Crucible debutant, He Guoqiang entered the match with a surprising 2-1 winning head-to-head record against Ronnie O'Sullivan, making him a potential banana skin opponent for the legend.

Ronnie O'Sullivan is aiming for a historic eighth World Championship title, which would move him clear of Stephen Hendry for the most titles in the modern era.

This is a first-round, best-of-19 frames match. The winner is scheduled to face either John Higgins or Ali Carter in a high-profile second-round encounter.

In the UK, live coverage is available on the BBC (BBC One, Two, and iPlayer) and TNT Sports (via discovery+).

Internationally, fans in China can watch via CCTV-5 or Migu, while European viewers can tune in through Eurosport.

The match is also available via matchroom.live in various territories and the HBO Max app for subscribers.