Zhao Xintong defeated Liam Highfield at the Crucible on an emotional opening day that included tributes to John Virgo.
Zhao Secures Victory Over Highfield
China’s Zhao Xintong, the reigning world champion, overcame England’s Liam Highfield in their first-round match. Zhao was ahead 5-4 after the first session. He then secured a 10-7 victory by winning five of the next eight frames in the second session.
Zhao said there was a lot of pressure and it was very difficult for him. He hopes to do better in the next round. Zhao will face either Ding Junhui or David Gilbert in the last 16.
Highfield, who has now lost in the first round on four occasions, acknowledged the pressure of playing at the Crucible. He said he felt Zhao looked edgy at times, but he let him off. He added that he is proud of himself to be at the tournament after trying to get back on the tour a year ago.
Tributes to John Virgo
Before play started, the sport’s biggest names, including the BBC television team, paid tribute to John Virgo, who died in February aged 79, with a minute’s applause. Hazel Irvine said Virgo was universally loved and was the voice of snooker.
A memorial service for Virgo was held at Sheffield Cathedral on Thursday. Dennis Taylor said the cathedral was packed and that Virgo was given a wonderful send-off. Taylor added that Virgo was a great all-round entertainer and that there’s a big gap at the Crucible this year with him not being there.
Other Matches at the Crucible
Mark Allen of Northern Ireland is currently behind China’s Zhang Anda 3-5, with their second session scheduled for Sunday morning.
Three-time champion Mark Williams has a 6-3 lead over Antoni Kowalski. Kowalski is the first player from Poland to play at the venue.
Zhao beat Williams 18-12 in the 2025 final and has won four tournaments this season, including three of the past five ranking events. He has been tipped by many to win this competition.
If Zhao is to retain his title, he has to do what none of the 20 previous first-time Crucible winners has done and win the tournament again the following year.