Zhao Xintong vs Ding Junhui Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Snooker Championship | Second Round

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It's a Chinese blockbuster as reigning world champion Zhao Xintong takes on trailblazer Ding Junhui in the second 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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Zhao Xintong vs Ding Junhui prediction

Part one of defying the fabled 'Crucible Curse' is complete for Zhao Xintong, who overcame some opening-round nerves to deny Liam Highfield a shock win.

The defending champion was a 10-7 winner when all was said and done, and he now takes compatriot Ding Junhui in a battle of different Chinese generations.

So long the trailblazer for the sport in his home country, Ding has had to get used to the national spotlight being away from him for a change, but that may suit him to some extent.

The 15-time ranking event winner saw off potential stumbling block David Gilbert 10-5 in the first round, and now faces the reigning world champion for the seventh time, having won four of their previous six encounters.

Xintong, though, has won the last two, and is the clear favourite now that he can relax into the tournament a little. We could see the best of him here, in what could potentially be the most-watched snooker match in history.

We're backing Xintong to cover a decent handicap in this one.

Zhao Xintong vs Ding Junhui tip: Zhao Xintong to win with -4.5 frames handicap