Ukranian teenager Iulian Boiko scored what he described as the best win of his career so far, beating Si Jiahui 4-1 in the second round of the Unibet British Open.
Flamboyant cueman Boiko, who turned 19 the day before this event in Cheltenham started, is not currently on the pro tour but earns invites to certain events as one of the leading players in the Q School rankings. And he has taken advantage this time, beating Farakh Ajaib in the qualifying round then knocking out world number 13 Si to set up a last-32 tie with Jak Jones or Alfie Burden.
"It's my biggest win on the pro tour because I really rate Si," said Boiko, whose top break today was 78. "I'm really happy with result. I have had a few tournaments recently so I feel sharp. My schedule is busy because I can play in amateur and pro events. But I much prefer the pro tour because the atmosphere and the venues are great, and I bring my best game."
English Open champion Neil Robertson maintained his momentum with a 4-1 win over Chris Totten, making breaks of 100, 99, 86 and 53. Looking back on his success in Brentwood, his 24th ranking title and first for two years, the Thunder said: "A victory after a tough time is always far sweeter. When you are winning regularly you can take it for granted. This one was really special. My wife and kids have seen me struggling over the last years because they were used to me winning before.
"My son Alexander would come back from school and a teacher had asked him why his dad was not winning any more. So it can impact your kids, they go through it as well. That was actually a chance for me to be a good example to him, by saying that you have to be patient and keep working hard and wait for things to turn around. As a dad, and as a sportsman who tries to inspire people watching on TV, that's the influence you can have on the younger generation. Last week, he was with me from the quarter-finals with two of his friends and they were all enjoying it."
World number three Mark Allen fired runs of 102 and 101 as he beat Aaron Hill 4-1. Thepchaiya Un-Nooh got the better of a Thai derby against Noppon Saengkham by a 4-0 scoreline.
Chris Wakelin top scored with 99 as he earned a 4-2 win over English Open runner-up Wu Yize, while Stan Moody enjoyed an impressive 4-0 victory over Michael Holt.