Zhao Xintong will face compatriot and former world No. 1 Ding Junhui in the second round of the 2026 World Snooker Championship later this week.
Zhao, who became the first player from Asia to win the world title last year, said the event feels a little different this year.
“The pressure to defend the title is different than before, and I hope to play better in the next round,” the 29-year-old said after his first-round win over Liam Highfield.
Ding, who is playing at the Crucible for the 20th year in a row, said he was looking forward to the match.
“I think this is another match. We all want to play at a very high level. Zhao is very eager to defend the championship, and we will see what happens on the day,” Ding said.
“I know the match against Zhao will be amazing. I know he is playing very well. He has won the last three tournaments, he is confident and his level has been stable.”
