Ronnie O'Sullivan got his bid for a fifth straight Shanghai Masters title underway with a 6-1 demolition of Chinese 16-year-old Zhou Jinhao.
The Rocket has won a remarkable 19 consecutive matches in Shanghai and hasn't lost in the city since a defeat at the hands of Michael Holt back in 2016.
He fired in breaks of 85, 78, 85, 79 and 60 during today's match and will now play Chinese legend Ding Junhui.
O'Sullivan said: "It is never easy. It was a big crowd and I don't think I could have played any better than he did at his stage of his career. It is just about experience. Play as many matches as you can in that environment and you will get much better.
"I have a great record in this tournament. I love Shanghai and I love the format of this tournament. It is all of the best players in the world. You know you have to play well to win it."
Ding delighted his adoring home supporters by edging out Ali Carter in a 6-5 thriller. Having led 4-1, he was pegged back to a decider, but kept his cool with a fine break of 95 to clinch victory.
Judd Trump put on a superb display to see off Mark Williams 6-2 and seal his progression. The 2019 Crucible king was making his first appearance of the campaign, but looked sharp straight out of the gate, firing in breaks of 72, 52, 67, 112 and 112 to set up a meeting with Si Jiahui.
Afterwards he admitted that he has been enjoying a spot of culture and jet-setting during the summer break, which included trips to the Pyramids of Giza and Venice.
Trump said: "I had a good three weeks off. I was able to travel around Europe, the Middle East and a few other places. For once I didn't go to my normal places like Vegas or Ibiza. I tried to explore the world a little bit and it was good fun. I saw different things and a bit of history. I'm coming into the season after a solid few weeks of history lessons, so I'm excited to get going again."
Si gained revenge for his heartbreaking 2023 World Championship semi-final defeat at the hands of Luca Brecel, beating the Belgian 6-2. Si now faces either Judd Trump or Mark Williams.
Chinese amateur Cao Jin scored a superb 6-2 win over World Championship runner-up Jak Jones to reach the second round.
The 39-year-old has competed in the Shanghai Masters once before, losing out 6-0 to David Gilbert in 2019, but he fared much better this time around. Victory this morning earns Cao a last 16 meeting with four-time World Champion Mark Selby.
Pang Junxu came from 5-4 down to take the last two frames and beat Gary Wilson 6-5. He now sets up a second round clash with world number one Mark Allen.
