Title holder Zhao survives sticky opener to reach round two of the 2026 World Snooker Championship

Chinese ace Zhao created history here last year when becoming the first Asian player to win snooker’s blue riband event, but upon his return to the Crucible stage he was made to navigate some choppy waters before dispatching world number 92 Highfield.

The title holder took the opening frame then doubled his advantage with the help of a 65.

Highfield, who came through all four qualifying rounds at the English Institute of Sport earlier this month to book his fourth Crucible outing got on the board in frame three, but a break of 123 for Zhao put him 3-1 up at the mid-session interval.

On resumption, though, it was roles reversed as Highfield took three of the next four frames (breaks of 86 and 50) to level.

The Stoke-on-Trent potter then had the opportunity to take away a first session lead, but after missing the final red along the top cushion, Zhao - who made a 77 in frame six - stepped up to secure a narrow lead going into the evening’s concluding act.

Returning a few hours later, nervous tension was in the air as Zhao made errors in the first frame of the night, and underdog Highfield held it together to level again at 5-5.

The 35-year-old, who like opponent Zhao last year was competing on the amateur Q Tour circuit, carved out a chance to go in front for the first time. But having appeared nicely placed, he unexpectedly missed a yellow whilst on 55. It would be a huge turning point.

Zhao pinched the frame on the final pink with a gritty effort of 44 to nudge back in front, then pile-drived in a shot-of-the-championship contending opening red in frame 12 and went on to craft a run of 68 to leave his peer requiring penalty points.

The tournament favourite - because of his recent unprecedented Players Series clean sweep - continued to glide through the gears with a contribution of 128 for an 8-5 lead.

But looking like he was getting comfortable, Zhao was stopped in his tracks as he inexplicably missed a straightforward black off its spot in frame 14 to leave his opponent needing penalty points, but eventually did make it 9-5 much to his relief after Highfield couldn’t capitalise with a counter.

Getting across the finish line wouldn’t be without slight concern, though, as Highfield rallied with a 101 and 53 for back-to-back frames to make it 9-7 before Zhao completed the job in style with his third ton the contest, a 112.

Zhao avoids the fate of the last two first-time world champions who returned here by negotiating his opening hurdle. In 2024, Luca Brecel was ousted by David Gilbert, and twelve months ago Kyren Wilson - who travelled to Sheffield in hot form, like Zhao - was pipped by Lei Peifan, also in a deciding frame.

Next up for the reigning champion is a last 16 meeting with either number 16 seed Ding Junhui or Gilbert.

To view the full draw, results, schedule, and other information from the 2026 World Snooker Championship, visit our tournament information centre here.