Zhao Xintong sets up showdown with Ding Junhui at snooker world championships
A record 11 Chinese players qualified for the main draw, with He Guoqiang facing Ronnie O’Sullivan and Neil Robertson taking on Pang Junxu
Zhao Xintong will face compatriot and former world No 1 Ding Junhui in the second round of the 2026 World Snooker Championship later this week.
Zhao, who became the first player from Asia to win the world title last year, said the event feels a bit different this year.
“The pressure of defending the title is different from before, and I hope I can play even better in the next round,” the 29-year-old said after his first round win over Liam Highfield.
Ding, who is playing at the Crucible for the 20th consecutive year, said he is looking forward to the match.
“I think this is just another match. We all want to play at a very high level. Zhao is very eager to defend the title, and we will see what happens on the day,” Ding said.
“I know the match against Zhao will be incredible. I know he is playing very well. He has won the last three tournaments, he is full of confidence and his form has been very stable.”
