The second round of the 2026 World Snooker Championship gets under way with the stakes rising at the Crucible Theatre.
It has been a remarkable opening phase for the seeded players, with 14 out of 14 victories for the top 16 seeds so far.
The tournament now shifts to a longer format with matches contested over the best-of-25 frames across three sessions, placing even greater emphasis on consistency and endurance.
Here are our previews and predictions for the last-16 clashes in Sheffield.
Zhao Xintong vs Ding Junhui
Zhao Xintong began his title defence with a tougher-than-expected 10-7 victory over Liam Highfield on the opening day last Saturday.
The top seed wasn’t at his fluent best but still managed to compile three century breaks, underlining the level he can produce even below peak performance.
With three ranking titles already in 2026, he remains the tournament favourite – although that cheeky Curse of the Crucible continues to linger in the background.
Ding Junhui arrived in Sheffield on the back of a disappointing season but showed signs of life with an impressive 10-5 win over David Gilbert.
The 16th seed remains one of the most iconic figures in the sport and is capable of beating anyone in the draw on his day.
Having watched another Chinese player lift the trophy last year, there would be a certain symmetry if Ding were the one to halt Zhao’s reign, and the Crucible has a habit of conjuring up these kinds of poetic story lines.
Prediction: Ding 13-10
Xiao Guodong vs Shaun Murphy
Xiao Guodong produced a solid all-round display to overcome fellow Chinese competitor Zhou Yuelong 10-6 in the first round.
Now firmly established inside the top 16 and already a multiple ranking event winner, the 9th seed is bidding to reach a World Championship quarter-final for the first time in his career.
Shaun Murphy survived one of the matches of the opening round, edging past Fan Zhengyi 10-9 with a nerveless 50 clearance in the deciding frame.
A four-time finalist and the 2005 champion, Murphy’s experience at the Crucible is a significant asset.
Coming through such a tight initial encounter could give the reigning British Open champion added impetus for the remainder of the tournament.
Prediction: Murphy 13-8
John Higgins vs Ronnie O’Sullivan
Following a season that has featured consistent deep runs if not silverware, John Higgins negotiated a difficult opener with a 10-7 victory over Ali Carter,
The four-time world champion and eight-time finalist remains one of the most formidable competitors in the game.
Ronnie O’Sullivan, meanwhile, was barely extended in a 10-2 win over debutant He Guoqiang, producing three century breaks in a commanding display.
The seven-time champion is chasing a record-breaking eighth crown, and while his temperament can be unpredictable, he has looked focused and sharp so far.
This latest meeting between two members of the famed Class of ’92 adds another chapter to one of snooker’s most storied rivalries, with both players having shared countless battles on the sport’s biggest stages.
Prediction: O’Sullivan 13-11
Chris Wakelin vs Neil Robertson or Pang Junxu
To be added later when the Robertson/Pang game concludes.
Prediction: TBC
Kyren Wilson vs Mark Allen
Kyren Wilson staged a strong recovery from 7-3 down to beat Stan Moody 10-7, taking full advantage of his opponent’s inexperience to win the last seven frames.
The third seed was far from his best and has admitted to struggling with his cue, but the manner of his comeback will give him confidence.
That being said, the reigning Masters champion has not enjoyed the same level of success in ranking events this season as he has in invitational tournaments.
Mark Allen also had to respond to early adversity, trailing Zhang Anda 5-2 before producing a strong finish to secure a 10-6 victory.
The 14th seed is at his best when playing positively and may need to adopt a more attacking approach here.
With time ticking on in his pursuit of a world title, this could represent another important opportunity.
Prediction: Allen 13-9
Barry Hawkins vs Mark Williams
Barry Hawkins was rarely troubled in a 10-4 win over Matthew Stevens, recording his first Crucible match victory since 2021.
The 11th seed, a finalist in 2013 and a four-time semi-finalist, arrives in Sheffield in good form following his recent Welsh Open triumph.
Mark Williams also progressed comfortably, defeating debutant Antoni Kowalski by the same 10-4 margin without needing to find top gear.
The three-time world champion and last year’s runner-up remains a huge threat at the Crucible, but his performances since winning the Xi’an Grand Prix in October have been well below par.
Prediction: Hawkins 13-10
Mark Selby vs Wu Yize
Mark Selby advanced with a dominant 10-2 victory over Jak Jones, although the scoreline masked a performance that still contained a number of unforced errors.
The four-time world champion and reigning UK champion is known for growing stronger as tournaments progress, but this represents a significantly tougher test.
Wu Yize delivered one of the standout displays of the first round, thrashing Lei Peifan 10-2 with a barrage of heavy scoring.
The 22-year-old, already a ranking event winner, continues to establish himself as one of the game’s most exciting young talents and is widely considered a dark horse for the title.
Prediction: Wu 13-10
Si Jiahui or Hossein Vafaei vs Judd Trump
To be added later when the Si/Vafaei game concludes.
Prediction: TBC
For the full 2026 World Snooker Championship draw and session times, click here.
Featured photo credit: WST
Allen is definitely better to watch when playing more positively, but his effort to become a more rounded player has yielded a greater return of silverware in recent years.
O’Sullivan appearing in the second round for a record-extending 30th time. Alan McManus, David Gray, Marco Fu and James Cahill remain the only men to best him in round one.
John Higgins will feature in round two for the 28th time, and the 12th time in succession.