Higgins vs Zhao Xintong Prediction 15 January 2026

    SCO
    John Higgins
    CHN
    Zhao Xintong
    6
    5
    0
    115
    30
    93
    0
    80
    29
    45
    81
    93
    65
    129
    4
    87
    13
    74
    9
    93
    53
    1
    28
    53

    🔊 The prestigious snooker tournament continues, and it's time for the quarterfinals at The Masters. Up next is the matchup between John Higgins and Zhao Xintong. We're in for an intriguing duel in an 11-frame format. Let's consider the best betting options for this clash. Here's our prediction for the encounter.

    Head-to-Head

    📊 John Higgins holds the upper hand in their head-to-head encounters, but in snooker, shifts in momentum are quite common.

    Head-to-head statistics Higgins - Zhao Xintong

    53%
    8 Wins
    47%
    7 Wins
    04.04.26
    Tour Championship
    John Higgins
    John Higgins
    Zhao Xintong
    Zhao Xintong
    1
    10
    22.02.26
    Players Tour Championship
    John Higgins
    John Higgins
    Zhao Xintong
    Zhao Xintong
    7
    10
    04.02.26
    World Grand Prix
    John Higgins
    John Higgins
    Zhao Xintong
    Zhao Xintong
    3
    5
    15.01.26
    The Masters
    John Higgins
    John Higgins
    Zhao Xintong
    Zhao Xintong
    6
    5
    24.09.25
    British Open
    John Higgins
    John Higgins
    Zhao Xintong
    Zhao Xintong
    4
    2
    Empty
    There are no events
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    John Higgins Player Overview

    As we step into 2026, some early conclusions can already be drawn. John Higgins seems to have enjoyed a restful holiday break. Despite a shaky end to 2025, he has kicked off the Masters in style. We witnessed a strong and confident victory over Barry Hawkins (6-2). Let's delve into the details.

    Hawkins may have clinched the first frame, but it did little to boost his momentum. Higgins then took control by winning three consecutive frames, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Interestingly, while neither player managed a century, Higgins consistently notched up half-centuries in each of his winning frames, with a shot accuracy of 73 percent-truly a masterful performance. The foundation for future successes is clearly in place.

    Match Results: John Higgins

    23.08.26
    Wuhan Open
    John Higgins
    John Higgins
    Liu Hongyu
    Liu Hongyu
    -
    -
    L
    11.08.26
    China Open
    John Higgins
    John Higgins
    Stuart Bingham
    Stuart Bingham
    4
    6
    L
    30.07.26
    Shanghai Masters
    Judd Trump
    Judd Trump
    John Higgins
    John Higgins
    6
    0
    L
    29.07.26
    Shanghai Masters
    John Higgins
    John Higgins
    Jack Lisowski
    Jack Lisowski
    6
    5
    W
    30.04.26
    World Championship
    Shaun Murphy
    Shaun Murphy
    John Higgins
    John Higgins
    17
    15
    L
    Empty
    There are no events
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    Zhao Xintong Player Overview

    It seems Zhao is ready to give his opponent a worthy challenge. Participating in the Champions League has certainly given the snooker player a boost, as was evident in his opening Masters match. While Gary Wilson isn't exactly a top-tier opponent, he still needed to be beaten. Zhao managed to do so with ease, securing a 6-2 victory.

    The Chinese player delivered a performance against Higgins that followed a similar pattern. Xintong lost the first frame but then gained momentum. With a 75 percent shot accuracy, his skill was clear. Although there were no century breaks, Xintong managed to notch up five half-centuries, with a highest score of 72 points. It wasn't a spectacular performance, but it was more than enough for a decisive win. The upcoming matches promise to be even more intriguing.

    Match Results: Zhao Xintong

    27.08.26
    Wuhan Open
    Zhao Xintong
    Zhao Xintong
    Neil Robertson
    Neil Robertson
    5
    1
    W
    26.08.26
    Wuhan Open
    Zhao Xintong
    Zhao Xintong
    Barry Hawkins
    Barry Hawkins
    5
    2
    W
    25.08.26
    Wuhan Open
    Zhao Xintong
    Zhao Xintong
    Jak Jones
    Jak Jones
    5
    2
    W
    24.08.26
    Wuhan Open
    Zhao Xintong
    Zhao Xintong
    Yang Gao
    Yang Gao
    5
    0
    W
    11.08.26
    China Open
    Zhao Xintong
    Zhao Xintong
    Zhang Anda
    Zhang Anda
    5
    6
    L
    Empty
    There are no events
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    Editorial Prediction

    Let's start by highlighting Higgins' advantage in their head-to-head encounters. While it's not the deciding factor, it is significant. John knows how to play against this opponent. Xintong struggles with building centuries, which suggests a scrappy battle is likely, giving Higgins solid chances. Additionally, it's worth remembering that Zhao Xintong is quite inconsistent against top players, a fact evident even in the recently concluded Champions League. In this match, it makes sense to go for the higher odds and back John Higgins for the win.

    John Higgins Win
    Published: 14/01/2026, 08:40

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    Betting Tips: John Higgins - Zhao Xintong

    John Higgins has won with a +1.5 frames handicap:
    higgins-johnxintong-zhaoin last 9 matches against Zhao Xintong.
    John Higgins Handicap (+1,5)
    -189
    John Higgins has won with a +2.5 frames handicap:
    higgins-johnin 11 of last 12 matches.
    John Higgins Handicap (+2,5)
    -400
    Zhao Xintong has won with a +1.5 frames handicap:
    xintong-zhaoin last 5 matches.
    Zhao Xintong Handicap (+1,5)
    -227