Mark Williams V Hossein Vafaei - 25/04/25 10.00 / 25/04/25 19.00 & 26/04/25 14.30
A fascinating match-up between two players that progressed through the first round with very impressive victories. Williams defeated impressive youngster Wu Yize 10-8 while Vafaei had an excellent win over Barry Hawkins 10-9.
Three-time World Champion Mark Williams comes into this years championship slightly under the radar as it's been well-documented that the Welshman is struggling with his eyesight and is hoping to address it in the off-season.
He has had a decent season on tour however, claiming the Champion of Champions title while also making the final of the Saudi Arabia Masters.
He comes in with a live chance but faces a very dangerous opponent in Hossein Vafaei.
His win in the first round will give him huge confidence especially after coming out on top of all-rounder Barry Hawkins.
His record at the Crucible is far from impressive and that will have to improve if he is to compete with the Welshman that knows the Crucible like the back of his hand.
Williams has the advantage in the H2H (6-1) over the Iranian but I have a sneaky suspicion this could be the world number 24’s chance to make the Crucible quarter-final for the first time.
After a nervy affair, I fancy a narrow victory for the 30-year-old.
Prediction: 13-10 Vafaei
Lei Peifan V Zhao Xintong - 25/05/25 14.30 , 26/05/25 10.00 & 27/05/25 10.00
A match between two qualifiers that must be brimming with confidence following their first-round victories over last years final pairing. Peifan came out on top 10-9 over defending Champion Kyren Wilson while Xintong was in scintillating form as he defeated last year's runner-up Jak Jones 10-4.
Peifan was 6-3 down but produced an inspired comeback to knock one of the tournament favourites out at his first attempt at retaining the title. The result came as a surprise but after his run to the Scottish Open title this season, we have become aware of what the 21-year-old is capable of.
He will have to continue on his excellent form from the second session of Saturday's opening round if he is to defeat the supremely talented Zhao Xintong.
Fellow Chinese player Xintong was in top form during his opening round defeat of Jak Jones, to reach the Crucible he has put together 4 very impressive performances and his judgement day victory over Elliot Slessor particularly sticks out as he made 3 centuries (134, 127 & 107) in a high-quality match throughout.
I feel he can carry that momentum on against Peifan and continue his remarkable return to the Crucible.
Prediction: 13-7 Xintong
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