Lei Peifan vs Zhao Xintong Preview & Prediction | 2025 World Snooker Championship | Second Round

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Kyren Wilson’s conqueror Lei Peifan’s reward for eliminating the reigning champion is a second-round clash against highly-fancied compatriot Zhao Xintong.

Start date/time: Friday 25th April, 2025: UK – 2:30pm / US ET – 9:30am / US PT – 6:30am

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

Lei Peifan vs Zhao Xintong prediction

It was a World Snooker Championship debut to remember for Lei Peifan, who came from 6-2 behind to secure a dramatic 10-9 victory over reigning champion Kyren Wilson, who became the latest victim of the much-documented ‘Crucible Curse’.

The Chinese qualifier did not look the slightest bit fazed by the occasion and that cool head will stand him in good stead as the world number 39 now takes on one of his more heavily-fancied compatriots.

The buzz around Zhao Xintong is growing after the former UK Championship winner ousted last year’s runner-up Jak Jones courtesy of a comfortable 10-4 scoreline.

The 28-year-old has been making waves with his displays following his return from a 20-month ban from the sport, and we’re tipping him to continue his progress into the quarter-finals.

Lei Peifan vs Zhao Xintong tip: Zhao Xintong to win