Seven consecutive wins! Snooker World Championship: World No.2 stages comeback, Higgins and Ding Junhui advance, eight spots in the 16 confirmed.

Beijing time April 21, the first round of the Snooker World Championship main event continued, with three more matches concluding overnight, producing three spots in the 16. Ding Junhui, in blazing form, dominated throughout to defeat Gilbert 10-5. Higgins surged in the latter stages, unleashing a powerful streak to beat Carter 10-7. Karen Wilson, trailing 3-7, performed a remarkable feat of seven consecutive wins, staging a major comeback to defeat Moody 10-7. Thus, half of the tournament's 16 spots—eight places—have been determined: Zhao Xintong, Ding Junhui, Mark Allen, Mark Williams, Hawkins, Higgins, Karen Wilson, and Xiao Guodong. Notably, all seeded players have successfully advanced!

Ding Junhui versus Gilbert. Facing the technically comprehensive Gilbert, Ding Junhui returned with formidable strength, reminiscent of his peak form. With top-tier precise cue ball control and a resurgence in long potting accuracy, he broke through like a storm in the first session, establishing a commanding 7-2 lead. Gilbert launched a fierce counterattack early in the second session, narrowing the gap, but Ding Junhui remained composed and focused, ultimately securing a 10-5 victory over Gilbert. This win announced his powerful return and strong advance into the 16.

Higgins versus Carter. Higgins, a top-tier snooker superstar, remains remarkably formidable even at over 50 years old. His first-round encounter with Carter was a clash of titans. In the opening session, both players' form fluctuated dramatically, creating intense excitement. Higgins started by winning four consecutive frames to lead, but Carter fiercely chased back five frames to end the first half 5-4. The second half saw a sudden shift: Higgins erupted with astonishing energy, combining attack and defense to unleash a 5-1 offensive surge, reaching 9-6 and securing match points. Although Carter saved one match point, Higgins ultimately defeated him 10-7. It must be said, Higgins truly demonstrated his prowess!

Karen Wilson versus Moody. Facing British newcomer Moody, making his first World Championship appearance, Karen Wilson started somewhat slowly. Moody, conversely, played with great excitement, displaying a fearless, "newborn calf不怕虎" attitude, coupled with sharp accuracy. He quickly produced two century breaks and three 50+ breaks to build a 6-2 lead, extending it to 7-3. However, Karen Wilson, a World Championship champion, possesses极强的 adjustment能力. He soon launched a疯狂 counterattack, using his丰富的 experience to unsettle Moody's mentality. After Moody managed only one 50+ break, Wilson executed seven consecutive winning frames, completing a超级逆转 to淘汰 Moody 10-7. It was truly a crushing victory. One must say, Moody was still too young, and his overall play showed some carelessness.

By Sports Story