Neil Robertson vs Pang Junxu Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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The last of the first-round matches gets underway as former world champion Neil Robertson faces Chinese qualifier Pang Junxu.

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

Neil Robertson vs Pang Junxu prediction

It's fair to say that Neil Robertson is due a deep run at the World Snooker Championship given that he's been beyond the quarter-finals just once since he lifted the world title all the way back in 2010.

The world number three has enjoyed another solid season with the Saudi Arabia Masters title in August the highlight, but a humbling semi-final defeat to Judd Trump at the recent Tour Championship, by his own admission, has dented his confidence a little.

Of the numerous Chinese talents involved in this year's event, Pang Junxu could potentially fall into the 'journeyman' category more so than his compatriots, but a run to the quarter-finals of the UK Championship this season was a significant step in his career.

The 26-year-old battled his way past Dylan Emery (10-9) and Jackson Page (10-8) in qualifying, and coming through those two close matches will serve him well as he enters his fourth consecutive World Championship.

On reputation alone, Robertson is the clear favourite here but his underwhelming Crucible record cannot be ignored. Pang is a consistent performer and we fancy him to at least cover a +3.5 handicap.

Neil Robertson vs Pang Junxu tip: Pang Junxu +3.5