Snooker China Open Schedule: Top 16 to Be Decided, China Secures 6 Spots, Zhao Xintong vs Zhang Anda

On August 11, Beijing time, the last 16 round of the Snooker China Open will continue. With three matches left on today's schedule, the round of 16 matchups will be revealed, attracting widespread interest. China has already secured six qualifiers. The specific matches are: a veteran showdown between Higgins and Bingham, a fierce battle between Wakelin and Tom Ford, and the highly anticipated Chinese derby featuring Zhao Xintong and Zhang Anda. All matches will start after 14:00!

Originally, two matches were scheduled for 14:00, one of which was Mark Allen vs Vafaei. However, due to Mark Allen's last-minute withdrawal, which caught everyone off guard, World Snooker had no time to arrange a substitute. As a result, Vafaei won without playing, gaining a huge advantage and becoming the first player to reach the round of 16. The other match is a clash between veterans Higgins and Bingham. Higgins, a constant figure among the "75 Three," boasts numerous honors and a Grand Slam title. He still maintains strong competitiveness, rivaling younger players, and currently ranks fifth in the world. Bingham, on the other hand, is ranked 21st, and while he may occasionally perform above his level, his overall form has declined. Under normal circumstances, Higgins has a very high chance of winning and securing a spot in the round of 16.

At 19:30, two matches will take place, including Wakelin vs Tom Ford. Wakelin, a post-90s player, has steadily improved in recent years, winning the Scottish Open last season and maintaining a top-16 ranking at 13th. Facing Tom Ford, who is ranked 35th, Wakelin clearly holds the advantage. If he plays to his potential, winning the match should be well within his reach. The other highlight is the Chinese derby between Zhao Xintong and Zhang Anda, a classic battle of offense vs defense. This match is full of suspense—Zhang Anda is a tough opponent, and Zhao Xintong will face a strong challenge, making victory difficult. However, regardless of who wins, the number of Chinese players advancing to the round of 16 has already been confirmed: six!

Written by Tiyuan Xiaoshuo