Chris Wakelin vs Liam Pullen Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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Liam Pullen makes his Crucible bow against last year's quarter-finalist Chris Wakelin in the first round.

Kick-off date/time:

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

How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & HBO Max / USA – Cannot be streamed

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Chris Wakelin vs Liam Pullen prediction

The best season of his career sees Chris Wakelin enter the World Snooker Championship at a career high of 13 in the world.

The 34-year-old Englishman claimed the second ranking title of his career in December at the Scottish Open, while he also reached a semi-final and three further quarter-finals on tour.

He faces Crucible debutant Liam Pullen, who fought his way through four rounds of qualifying to reach the main draw, coming close to landing a 147 in his deciding match against Noppon Saengkham.

The 20-year-old made it to the quarter-finals of the Xi'an Grand Prix earlier this season, and his confidence should be high after his efforts in qualifying.

Wakelin made the quarter-finals in Sheffield last year but Pullen is match-sharp at the moment and can certainly make a match of this.

Chris Wakelin vs Liam Pullen tip: Over 15.5 frames