Chinese teams face must-win tests at Snooker World Cup

The Chinese teams are at risk of crashing out of the 2017 Little Swan Snooker World Cup in the group stages, as both pairs go into the final round of matches on Friday needing a win to progress to the quarterfinals.

The China A team of world number four Ding Junhui and world number twelve Liang Wenbo face a decisive game against the Hong Kong's Marco Fu and Au Chi-wai, with the losing side certain to be eliminated.

Both teams were expected to progress from Group B before the tournament, with the top two in each group qualifying for the knockout stages. But a talented young Belgium team led by 22-year-old Lukas Brecel has surprised everyone by winning all four of their group matches so far to sit top of the group.

Defending champions China B, made up by Zhou Yuelong and Yan Bingtao, also face the danger of surrendering their crown at the earliest stage after being humbled 4-1 by Group A leaders Wales on Thursday evening.

China B currently sit second in the group, level on points with Brazil, meaning that the pair must better Brazil's result in the final round of matches to progress.

Zhou and Yan certainly appear to have the easier match-up on paper. They will face Malaysia, who currently sit fourth in Group A, while Brazil must play Wales, for whom the Riga Open champion Ryan Day has been in blistering form this week.

However, given the high number of upsets we have seen already so far in Wuxi, nothing is guaranteed and China B will be under pressure to win by a high score on Friday.

The 2015 World Cup finalists Scotland are also in trouble in Group D. Four-time world champion John Higgins and teammate Anthony McGill were among the favorites to claim the title, but they languish in third going into the final games and are likely to be exiting the tournament early.

They have been victims of a stunning performance by outsiders Thailand, who beat the Scots 3-2 in the first group game on Monday. Thailand's Thepchaiya Un-Nooh and Noppon Saengkham have continued their good form and now sit level on points with group leaders Northern Ireland, and two points above Scotland in second place.

If Thailand can win their final match against Cyprus, who currently sit bottom of Group D, they are guaranteed to secure a well-deserved quarterfinal place and send Higgins and McGill home early.

England has looked the most impressive side at the tournament so far, and world number three Judd Trump and world number six Barry Hawkins have already booked their place in the quarterfinals after winning 18 of the first 20 frames they have played at the World Cup.

They are likely to be joined by either Neil Robertson's Australia or Iran, who are currently level on 11 points in Group C.

Australia must face England in their final group match, while Iran will face fourth-placed Malta.