Xiao Guodong vs Matthew Selt Preview & Prediction | 2025 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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In-form Xiao Guodong takes on controversial figure Matthew Selt as the first round of the World Snooker Championship begins on Saturday.

Start date/time: Saturday 19th April, 2025: UK – 10:00am / US ET – 5:00am / US PT – 2:00am

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

Xiao Guodong vs Matthew Selt prediction

At a career-high of 14 in the world, Xiao Guodong makes his fourth Crucible appearance – and first since 2018 – following what has undoubtedly been his best year on tour.

The Chinese potter won his maiden ranking title at the Wuhan Open in October, defeating compatriot Si Jiahui in the final, while he has reached at the least the quarter-finals in a further eight events in a hugely consistent season for the 36-year-old.

Opponent Matthew Selt, meanwhile, has made it through to the main draw in Sheffield for the fifth time in his career, although he has fallen at the first hurdle on his each of his previous four appearances.

The Englishman, a somewhat controversial figure owing to his antics around the table, came through a nail-biting final-round qualifier against Jimmy Robertson on Wednesday where he came from 8-3 down to win 10-9 on the final black, although Selt was accused by his opponent of putting him off throughout the contest.

There has been a fair degree of backlash to Selt’s qualifying win, and that will likely be playing on his mind ahead of this contest. Guodong has enjoyed an excellent season and looks the clear favourite here.

Xiao Guodong vs Matthew Selt tip: Xiao Guodong to win with -3.5 frames handicap