Ding Junhui vs David Gilbert Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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15-time ranking title winner Ding Junhui takes to the Crucible stage on Sunday against potential stumbling block David Gilbert.

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

Tickets: Visit here for the latest ticket information

Ding Junhui vs David Gilbert prediction

It will be interesting to see how Ding Junhui performs this year, as in some ways the pressure is now off his shoulders given that compatriot Zhao Xintong became the first Chinese world champion last year.

Squeezing in as the final seeded player, Ding has reached three quarter-finals this season but has missed a lot of events, playing only three main-draw matches in 2026.

Often a dangerous opponent in Sheffield, Davis Gilbert has been known to save his best snooker for the Crucible, where he reached the last four in 2019 and more recently 2024.

The 44-year-old was in strong scoring form as he accounted for both Leone Crowley and Aaron Hill in qualifying, making four centuries against the former and notably posting a 50+ break in 12 consecutive frames.

Gilbert has been more active than Ding this season, and his impressive scoring in qualifying lays the foundation for a potential upset here, at least in the eyes of the bookies.

Ding Junhui vs David Gilbert tip: David Gilbert to win