Zhao Xintong vs Robertson Prediction 30 July 2026

Zhao delivered one of the standout performances of the second round, dispatching Ding Junhui 6-1 in emphatic fashion. From the outset, Xintong seized control and never allowed his compatriot a way back into the contest. His relentless century breaks were particularly impressive, underlining just how sharp his game is right now.

There’s a real sense that Zhao is playing with immense confidence at the moment. He’s showing patience at the table, refusing to force difficult pots, and increasingly opting for the percentage shot-a quality that sometimes eluded him last season. Another key factor is his physical condition. With his match against Ding wrapped up quickly, Zhao heads into the quarter-finals fresh and free of fatigue.

Robertson was given no easy ride. His clash with Xiao Guodong went the full distance, stretching across all eleven frames, and at one point the Australian found himself trailing 2-5. It looked as though the momentum had firmly swung in his opponent’s favour-especially after Xiao fired in a maximum 147 break. But Neil managed to completely turn the match around, snatching victory in a dramatic decider. Comebacks like this are worth their weight in gold. 

Encounters of this nature usually have a double impact. On one hand, they provide a huge boost in confidence, having fought back from such a difficult position. On the other, matches like these drain far more energy and emotion than routine wins ever could.