Zhao Xintong blitzed to a stunning 10-3 win over Ka Wai Cheung, earning his place in the second round of Halo World Championship Qualifying in Sheffield.
Click here for day two as it happened
After his return from suspension, Zhao took to the amateur Q Tour this season to earn a place back on the professional circuit. He negotiated that with flying colours, winning four of the seven events to seal a two year tour card starting next season.
As one of the highest profile players competing in Crucible qualifying, there was huge expectation on 28-year-old Zhao’s shoulders before this encounter. He delivered with a devastating first session to go 8-1 up. This afternoon he crossed the line in style with a tournament high 141. Next up he faces Chinese compatriot Long Zehuang.
“I think overall I played quite well in this match. It’s been a while since I last competed here, so I really want to rediscover my best game. I wouldn’t say it was my peak performance yet, but I’m pretty happy with how it went and I know there’s still room to improve,” said 2021 UK Champion Zhao.
“To be honest, Q Tour wasn’t easy at all. Even though I got through, it was tough. The pressure was high and the field was strong. Some of the best amateurs from around the world were there. Some of the matches were really close. It might have looked easy from the outside, but it wasn’t. I just happened to play well at the right moments.”
Recent Q Tour Playoff winner Stephen Hallworth scored a fine 10-2 win over Bulcsu Revesz to book a second round meeting with Anthony Hamilton.
Hallworth has become more acquainted with the commentary box than the table over the last few years, having dropped off the circuit in 2022.
After today’s emphatic victory he had admitted broadcasting has helped his game and says he wishes to continue commentating alongside playing.
Hallworth said: “Particularly because I’ve been playing on the amateur circuit this year, having the commentary has kept me in touch with a lot of my friends and the top players. I’ve been able to watch the top players and see how the operate. It’s kept my mind as a professional. I felt I was well equipped to come through Q Tour and it has worked.
“We aren’t here to lie down. I wasn’t in this event a few weeks ago and winning the Q Tour Playoff has earned my spot. It is one game down and three to go. I’ve had one experience of playing in Judgement Day and I lost out to Gary Wilson. He played brilliantly. I’d love to put my name in the mix again.”
Jimmy White emerged victorious after a late night thriller with Anton Kazakov, prevailing 10-9. He eventually crossed the line with the clock reading 1:23am. Next up for the Whirlwind is a second round meeting with Ashley Carty.
Shoot Out runner-up Liam Graham won a marathon battle with Fergal Quinn 10-9 to keep his tour survival chances alive.
With Graham leading 9-8, the gruelling encounter got pulled off this afternoon. The 18th frame got underway this evening and went the way of Quinn on a respotted black to force a decider. However, it was Graham who prevailed. He now faces fellow Scot Ross Muir.
Alexander Ursenbacher won a crucial game for his tour survival, beating Paul Deaville 10-6, while Liam Davies beat Ahmed Elsayed 10-2.