Snooker UK Championship schedule: Four more players advance to the last 16, Zhao Xintong vs Long Zehuang, Ding Junhui vs Xu Si

On December 1st, Beijing time, the third day of the Snooker UK Championship kicks off. Based on the latest schedule, four more places in the last 16 will be determined today. Five players will appear, featuring two derby clashes: Ding Junhui vs Xu Si and Zhao Xintong vs Long Zehuang at 9 PM. Additionally, at 3 AM tomorrow, Zhang Anda will face Gary Wilson, and Mark Allen will battle Donaldson. It's quite possible that three players will qualify for the last 16 in a single day!

Two matches are set for 9 PM: Zhao Xintong vs Long Zehuang. Zhao Xintong, the reigning World Champion who recently won the Riyadh Masters, is in peak form and a favorite to win this tournament. Facing fellow Chinese player Long Zehuang in the first round should pose little challenge, and he is expected to win comfortably. At the same time, there is the derby between Ding Junhui and Xu Si. Ding's current form is very unstable, with significant declines in both offense and defense. He struggles against stronger opponents and risks upsets from weaker ones performing above expectations. Facing Xu Si in the first round is a tough derby since Xu knows Ding well and has previously caused an upset against him. Therefore, Ding Junhui faces considerable pressure in this match!

At 3 AM, two matches will take place: Zhang Anda vs Gary Wilson. Zhang Anda advanced from the qualifiers and faces a relatively manageable opponent in Gary Wilson in the first round, making this a favorable draw. If he plays well, he has a good chance to progress. Simultaneously, Mark Allen will play Donaldson. This match should be straightforward, with Mark Allen holding a clear advantage in strength and expected to advance to the main event!

So far, eight players have secured their spots in the last 16. The seeded players have performed strongly, with only Xiao Guodong eliminated. China has already guaranteed at least five players in the main draw, with the possibility of more depending on how the Chinese players perform in their upcoming matches. Let’s wait and see!

Written by / Sports Fiction