Zhao Xintong emerged from a tougher than expected opening-round clash against Liam Highfield as the 2026 World Snooker Championship commenced on Saturday.
The reigning world champion was expected to come through his initial test at the Crucible Theatre with relative ease.
Facing the lowest-ranked qualifier, albeit one with previous World Championship experience, was predicted to be a gentle opener for Zhao.
But the world number four was rarely able to relax throughout the day’s encounter, and Highfield at times even threatened to cause an upset.
“Yeah, tonight there was pressure,” Zhao said in the BBC studio after completing a 10-7 victory over the Englishman.
“It was very difficult for me. Two days ago, I thought I could control that. But here, it wasn’t so easy.”
“Tonight there was big pressure, but I think it was good. I know this is a big moment for this season, and I could still make some good breaks.
“I tried to control myself and tried to control the table. Tonight I didn’t do it well, but hopefully in the next round I can do it well.”
Despite getting off to a sluggish start in the morning session, Highfield fought back from 3-1 and 4-2 behind and probably felt somewhat aggrieved to end it 5-4 down.
After restoring parity at the beginning of the evening session, both players had opportunities in what proved to be a crucial 11th frame.
Zhao pinched it on the colours and then made breaks of 68 and 128 to forge 9-5 clear.
Highfield continued to battle, valiantly making contributions of 101 and 53 to keep in touch, but a 112 break from Zhao finally sealed his spot in round two.
“I knew that if I won the 11th frame, I’d have big confidence,” continued Zhao, who will face David Gilbert or countryman Ding Junhui in the last 16.
“All night I still felt confident, but the pressure made me miss some easy balls. It was tough, but it’s okay because I won.”
“Whoever I play next will be a very tough game for me. If I play Ding, then there will be a lot of attention on our match.”
Elsewhere, four other games from the last 32 reached their midway points with Mark Williams and Barry Hawkins both establishing handsome leads.
Williams orchestrated a 6-3 cushion over Antoni Kowalski while Hawkins pulled 7-2 clear of Matthew Stevens in a battle of the former finalists.
Xiao Guodong and Zhang Anda also enjoyed overnight narrow advantages over Zhou Yuelong and Mark Allen respectively.
Those games conclude on Sunday, while Ding’s match with Gilbert gets under way in addition to one of the ties of the round between John Higgins and Ali Carter.
For the full World Snooker Championship draw and schedule, click here.
Featured photo credit: WST
