Shaun Murphy vs Fan Zhengyi Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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Eighth seed Shaun Murphy begins his bid for a second world title against Chinese qualifier Fan Zhengyi.

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

Shaun Murphy vs Fan Zhengyi prediction

Never drifting far from the top echelons of the game, Shaun Murphy is always one of the leading contenders for the world crown, even though he is yet to add to the Crucible title he won all the way back in 2005.

The Magician, who has also lost in three Crucible finals since then, claimed the British Open title this season and reached the finals of the Xi'an Grand Prix and the German Masters.

Fan Zhengyi, who resides in Sheffield during the snooker season, came through three rounds of qualifying to book his place in a third World Snooker Championship, although he is yet to register his first win.

The 25-year-old, one of 11 Chinese players in the draw this year, hasn't had a particularly strong season on tour, and currently lies 63rd in the world rankings.

This looks to be favourable draw for the hugely experienced Murphy, who looks capable of covering a -3.5 frame handicap here.

Shaun Murphy vs Fan Zhengyi tip: Shaun Murphy to win with -3.5 frames handicap