Mei Masters Magician On Day Of Shocks

World number 73 Mei Xiwen recorded a surprise 5-4 defeat of 2005 World Champion Shaun Murphy at Yushan World Open qualifying in Preston.

Murphy, who claimed the Champion of Champions title last season, had won the previous two meetings between the pair. However, it was Mei who left the Preston qualifiers having got his season off to a perfect start. He had already clinched his place at the Riga Masters with victory over Iran’s Soheil Vahedi earlier in the week.

The Chinese potter trailed 4-3 with two frames left to play, but snatched them both to claim a fine victory.

Amateur David Lilley produced a terrific fightback to defeat former China Championship semi-finalist Li Hang 5-4.

Lilley looked to be heading out when he trailed by a 4-2 scoreline. However, he claimed the remaining three frames to land a superb victory. The 42-year-old compiled breaks of 93, 51 and 59 on his way to the win.

Zhang Anda was also victorious in a final frame decider, defeating 2015 World Champion Stuart Bingham 5-4. Zhang top scored with a contribution of 76.

World number 125 Rod Lawler won a marathon final frame to defeat 2016 Northern Ireland Open champion Mark King 5-4. Lawler eventually got himself over the line in the decider, which lasted an hour and five minutes.

Masters champion Mark Allen progressed to Yushan with a 5-2 win over Peter Lines. While Barry Hawkins came through with a 5-2 victory against Alfie Burden.

For full results click here.