Live now! Snooker Masters schedule: Zhao Xintong faces Higgins, under great pressure to reach the semifinals!

On January 15th Beijing time, the snooker Masters quarterfinals kick off. Per the updated schedule, Chinese player Zhao Xintong will face off against Higgins, a member of the 'Class of 75'. Both are fighting for a place in the quarterfinals, and the battle is underway. There is great anticipation about whether Zhao Xintong can win this match!

This tournament has been remarkable, with all eight first-round matches concluding with a 6-2 result — a truly rare statistic. Five Chinese players aimed for the quarterfinals, achieving a record of three wins and two losses. Wu Yize, Xiao Guodong, and Zhao Xintong advanced, while Si Jiahui and Ding Junhui were eliminated. The overall performance is acceptable. Today, the newly crowned World Champion Zhao Xintong leads off with the goal of reaching the semifinals!

Last year, Zhao Xintong made a huge breakthrough by winning the World Championship as an amateur. Currently, he is solidly ranked in the world’s top ten. However, after that victory, Zhao has struggled to maintain momentum and hasn't secured another title. This season, his form has fluctuated greatly; he has not won any ranking events but did claim a title in an invitational tournament. Zhao is just one Masters title away from completing a career Grand Slam. In this tournament’s first round, he easily defeated Gary Wilson 6-2, advancing to the quarterfinals without much effort!

Zhao’s quarterfinal opponent is the experienced Higgins. With Mark Williams eliminated and Ronnie O’Sullivan withdrawing, Higgins has upheld the honor of the 'Class of 75'. His steady form has allowed him to take control, culminating in a commanding 6-2 victory over Hawkins to reach the quarterfinals comfortably. Looking ahead to this match, Higgins is strong both offensively and defensively. He is undoubtedly a tough opponent who is likely to cause Zhao Xintong some trouble!

Therefore, Zhao Xintong must avoid reckless attacks and not give Higgins any chances. When rivals meet on a narrow path, courage wins. Hopefully, we will hear good news of Zhao’s victory — keep fighting!

Written by / Sports Fiction