Zhao Xintong storms into second round of World Snooker Championship at the Crucible

Zhao is still making his way back having been banned for breaching betting regulations not long after winning the UK Championship in 2021 and German Masters in 2022.

On recent evidence, it doesn't look like he's been away, and he dominated last year's runner-up from start to finish to win 10-4.

Breaks of 84, 91, 142, 70, 76, 61 and 54 saw him build a 7-2 lead in Sunday's first session, and though Jones did manage to win the first two frames on Monday, it didn't take long for Zhao to put the match to bed.

A clearance of 70 set the ball rolling and he won next two frames with runs of 55 and 87 to put the finishing touches to a high-class display.

"Overall I’m pleased with my performance, especially in of scoring," Zhao told World Snooker Tour.

"I put my opponent under a lot of pressure. Jak reached the final here last year, so I knew I had to play really well to have a chance of beating him.

"I lost the first two frames today but I just tried stay in my rhythm. That helped me recover and stay focused.

"I haven’t had many opportunities to compete this season, so whatever the outcome, I just wanted to do my best and show my game."

Higgins toughs it out

John Higgins overcame a difficult preparation and a dangerous opponent to advance to round two of the World Championship.

Higgins' participation had been in some doubt after his father-in-law suffered a heart attack in the run-up to the event, but Higgins was at the Crucible to turn in a professional display and beat Joe O'Connor 10-7.

O'Connor led 5-4 going into the evening but Higgins came out firing to take each of the opening three frames, before his young opponent finally came to the party and brought the score level at 7-7.

Frame 15 always looked likely to be pivotal and Higgins took it, backing it up with a break of 114, his second century of the night and highest break of the match.

O'Connor had missed an early chance in that frame and didn't get another as Higgins closed out a hard-fought win at a difficult time for his family.

"Delighted, absolutely delighted," said Higgins, who became emotional when reflecting on his history at the Crucible at the end of a long match.

"I got out of jail today. That was the most emotional I've ever been coming here to play. It's hard, you come for so many years... I was drained today.

"He hits the ball so good, he really does. Conditions were pretty tough today, but he was just getting through the ball so well. I'm thinking 5-4, what a result. And then tonight, I played better."

Pistol fires warning shots

Mark Allen kicked off his Crucible campaign with a 10-6 win over former European Masters champion Fan Zhengyi.

"I am here to win the tournament", Allen told World Snooker Tour afterwards.

Allen had fallen 3-0 behind in the first session, only to rally impressively and end it 5-4 ahead.

Upon the resumption, Allen opened up with a typically pinpoint run of 88, before extending his lead to 7-4 thanks to a neat clearance of 33 which allowed him to pinch a tight 11th frame.

The one-way traffic continued as he won the next frame, and the next, courtesy of a century which put him on the cusp of victory.

Fang continued to fight and won the next two frames to keep his hopes alive, but it was all over when Allen put together a break of 63 in frame 16.

Up next for Allen is Chris Wakelin who came through a nervy battle with Neil Robertson on Sunday night.

Allen added: "I've been working hard on the mental side recently, talking to (psychologist) Paul (Gaffney) every day. On that side I feel I am back where I was 18 months ago.

"I have also lost some weight by eating carefully, walking a lot and having ice baths and saunas. I feel in a good place."

Ding makes fast start

The other match in the afternoon session saw Ding Junhui build a 6-3 lead over Crucible debutant Zak Surety.

It was a nervy start from Surety who quickly found himself 4-0 down, but he slowly settled and won three of the next five frames to just about keep himself in the match.