John Higgins vs Xiao Guodong Preview & Prediction | 2025 World Snooker Championship | Second Round

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Four-time champion John Higgins wasn’t at his best in the first round butt produced some important breaks when it mattered most, and his reward is a second-round clash with China’s Xiao Guodong.

Start date/time: Thursday 24th April, 2025: UK – 7:00pm / US ET – 2:00pm / US PT – 11:00am

How to watch on TV: UK – BBC & TNT Sports / US – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & discovery+ / US – Cannot be streamed

Tickets: Visit here for the latest ticket information

John Higgins vs Xiao Guodong prediction

An emotional John Higgins battled past qualifier Joe O’Connor in the first round, coming from behind to eventually seal a 10-7 victory over the qualifier in a scrappy affair.

Higgins’ father-in-law was taken ill on the eve of the tournament so the veteran had to use his considerable reserves to find a way past a stubborn opponent.

The four-time champion, who has been in excellent form in the lead-up to the Crucible, will now take on Xiao Guodong, who is enjoying the finest season of his career.

The 36-year-old made light work of Matthew Selt in the first round, defeating the Englishman 10-4 to reach the second round for only the second time in his career, at the fourth attempt.

Higgins is a natural favourite to make the quarter-finals but Guodong has been playing some fine snooker this season and should not be taken lightly. Don’t be surprised if the Chinese player gives a strong account of himself here, with over 21.5 frames looking likely.

John Higgins vs Xiao Guodong tip: Over 21.5 frames