Gary Wilson vs Long Zehuang Prediction: A competitive game ahead

Xi'an Qujiang Sports Complex hosts the qualification encounter of the China Grand Prix match between Gary Wilson and Long Zehuang. This is the first time these two snooker players will meet. Which of them gets things right?

Gary Wilson will have his eyes set on victory in this match as he comes in as a favorite here. However, his last game against Junxu Pang against Shanghai Masters ended 5-6 in the round 1/16. However, his matches against Joe O'Connor and Ryan Day ended in 2-2 draws, while he defeated David Lilley 3-1. Heading into this game, Gary Wilson has a record of just one defeat in 7 encounters. 

Long Zehuang heads into this game with an unbeaten run of games. In his last nine games coming from last month, Long Zehuang has suffered just one defeat, a game where he lost to Shaun Murphy 3-1 in the Championship League second stage. However, other encounters saw him defeat Lei Peifan, Alfie Davies, Jamie O'Neill, Hossein Vafaei, and Jamie Jones. In the meantime, it is worth noting that each of his last matches in this tournament ended in draws against David Gilbert, Jackson Page, and David Lilley, all in the Championship League third stage, with matches that ended in identical 2-2 draws. 

Compared to Long Zehuang, Gary Wilson is an experienced player, and understandably, the odds are in his favor. While Long Zehuang has been performing at the top level, Gary Wilson seems to struggle lately. I will be factual with my decision, and Long Zehuang looks like the real deal, considering how well he has performed against tough opponents.