Mark Allen vs Zhang Anda Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Snooker Championship | First Round

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

A tasty first-round encounter at the Crucible sees multiple major winner Mark Allen face Zhang Anda.

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

Mark Allen vs Zhang Anda prediction

Mark Allen hasn't been talking particularly positively about his game recently, openly admitting to a lack of confidence stemming from switching around with coaches.

Having said that, the Pistol remains one of the top players in the game, and he did win the English Open back in September, in addition to reaching a number of semi-finals in ranking events.

Zhang Anda, though, is one of those players capable of blowing you off the table if he's in the right mood, and he certainly looked in strong form during qualifying, where he made five centuries in a 10-3 victory over Zak Surety in the deciding match.

Runner-up in the World Grand Prix in February where he lost to compatriot Zhao Xintong, Anda certainly has strong credentials this year as he seeks to go beyond the first round in Sheffield for the first time in six visits.

The bookies marginally favour Allen here, but with some negativity surrounding the Northern Irishman, coupled with Anda's eye-catching form in qualifying, leads us to back the Chinese potter here.

Mark Allen vs Zhang Anda tip: Zhang Anda to win