Jak Jones V Zhao Xintong - 20/04/25 10.00 & 21/04/25 10.00
A mouthwatering tie between last years runner-up and arguably one of the most exciting players in this years Championship.
Jones is coming in under the radar after an underwhelming season to date with a pair of Quarter-Final appearances his highlight. But defeating Zhang Anda, Si Jiahui, Judd Trump & Stuart Bingham to make last years final will undoubtedly give him confidence.
The Welshman thrives in the longer format matches and seems to produce his best form on the biggest stage of them all.
Snooker fans are unsurprisingly eager for the return of one of the sports most exciting talents as Xintong prepares for his first Crucible battle since returning from his ban.
The Chinese player was in scintillating form during the qualifiers winning 4 matches to confirm his reappearance at the 'Home of Snooker'. His judgement day victory over Elliot Slessor was particularly impressive making 3 centuries (134, 127 & 107) in a high-quality match throughout.
This is a close call but I'm just siding with Jones because the Crucible seems to bring the best out of the 31-year-old coupled with the fact that there's a possibility he can wear down his opponent with his strong safety play.
Prediction: 10-8 Jones
Mark Allen V Fan Zhengyi - 20/04/25 14.30 & 21/04/25 14.30
A repeat of the first round in 2023 where the pair met in Zhengyi's debut at the Crucible with Mark Allen coming out on top 10-5.
It's well-documented that Allen is coming into this year's World Championship out of form having lost out in his last 3 matches to Kyren Wilson (Players Championship), Jimmy Robertson (World Grand Prix) & David Lilley (World Open). That could however be the release of pressure that allows him to make a deep run in this years championship.
He will look to take inspiration from fellow Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy after his historic victory in Augusta last week. However he is yet to make a Crucible final in 18 attempts and was edged out in a final frame decider to John Higgins in round 2 twelve months ago.
Zhengyi has yet to get his first win at the Crucible having only appeared once but has earned invaluable experience on tour since then. He has significantly improved since then and will fancy his chances of causing an upset here.
With Chris Wakelin taking a convincing advantage into tonight's concluding session with Neil Robertson & Kyren Wilson already falling to Lei Peifan, there is a huge possibility this section opens up and the winner of this tie could be the beneficiary.
I feel like even though he comes in out-of-form, the experience of Allen may overpower the young Chinese player.
Prediction: Allen 10-7
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