John Higgins V Joe O'Connor - 21/04/25 10.00 & 21/04/25 19.00
An intriguing tie that sees a repeat of this years World Open final where Higgins secured his 33rd ranking event title with a 10-6 victory over the Englishman.
O'Connor will be determined to make up for that defeat and won't be intimidated by the 'Class of 92' legend having defeated fellow Leicester man Mark Selby on his Crucible debut twelve months ago.
I have been impressed by the 29-year-old this season despite not collecting any silverware. He was in top form to come through a high quality battle with 2-time maximum man Jackson Page on Judgement Day making eight 50+ breaks.
It's been an impressive season so far for Higgins picking up 2 ranking titles (World Open & Tour Championship) and he has looked back to his best at times. The 3-time world champion is up to 3rd in the World, a representation of the excellent season he is having.
Having failed to pick up a title last season, numerous fans where beginning to write off the 49-year-old but he has responded in emphatic fashion this season.
There's a high possibility this will be a high-scoring, intense battle from start to finish between the pair but I have a feeling the Englishman has the talent & bottle to come out on top.
Prediction: 10-7 O'Connor
Ding Junhui V Zak Surety - 21/04/25 14.30 & 22/04/25 14.30
2016 World Championship runner-up Ding Junhui has had little success in Sheffield in recent years having failed to pick up a win in the last 4 years. This year's first round draw presents the perfect opportunity for him get a victory against Crucible debutant Zak Surety.
He picked up the International Championship title in November and has shown glimpses throughout the season that he may be back to somewhere near his best.
Throughout the qualifiers, Surety was a standout performer defeating Ricky Walden, Jack Lisowski & Antoni Kowalski to book his at the 'Home of Snooker' for the first time.
Since he turned professional in 2014, there has been little to celebrate for the Englishman but he did make the Semi-Final of the World Open this season only to be edged out by John Higgins in a decider.
That form shown in Yushan is a sign that he is more than capable of making a deep run when all aspects on his game click.
The players have met once before in the 2024 World Open with Ding coming out on top 5-3 but Surety hit a maximum 147 break in that match.
I feel the experience Ding Junhui has amassed throughout his 18 years appearing at the Crucible will be a key factor in progressing to the next round.
Prediction: Ding 10-4
Si Jiahui V David Gilbert - 21/04/25 19.00 & 22/04/25 19.00
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