Last year's runner-up Jak Jones became the latest seed to fall in the opening round of the Halo World Championship, losing 10-4 to Zhao Xintong who he described as a genuine contender for the title.
Jones lost to Kyren Wilson in the Crucible final last year, and they could have clashed again in the last 16 this time, but both have lost at the first hurdle, along with Neil Robertson and Barry Hawkins as four of the first six matches have been won by the player who came through the qualifying rounds. Instead, Zhao will face Lei Peifan in a Chinese derby on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals. Today's result means there will be at least four Chinese players in the last 16 - a record.
Winner of the UK Championship in 2021 and the German Masters in 2022, Zhao was subsequently banned for 20 months for breaching betting regulations, but will return to the pro tour next season and is competing here as an amateur. Having practised relentlessly during his time away from the circuit, he has lost none of his flair and scoring power. Winning four matches in the qualifying rounds, Zhao fired 12 centuries and 23 more breaks over 50, and against Jones he made a 142 and nine more runs over 50. He is into the last 16 for the second time having beaten Jamie Clarke in 2022 before losing to Stephen Maguire.
"I don't see anyone who is playing better than him," said Jones. "If he wins it, I wouldn't be surprised at all and that would be good for the game. His long potting and scoring are good and he also has a good tactical game. There are players who have won a lot more, but I don't see anyone in the tournament who is actually better than him."
Zhao built a 7-2 lead in the first session on Sunday with top breaks of 84, 91, 142, 70, 76, 61 and 54. Jones rallied briefly this morning with 100 and 70 to close to 7-4. He als had first scoring chance in frame 12 but could only make 31. The Welshman failed to pot another ball as Zhao cleared with 70 then took the next two frames with 55 and 87.
"Overall I’m pleased with my performance, especially in terms of scoring," said Zhao, the second amateur after James Cahill to reach the second round at the Crucible. "I put my opponent under a lot of pressure. Jak reached the final here last year, so I knew I had to play really well to have a chance of beating him. I lost the first two frames today but I just tried stay in my rhythm. That helped me recover and stay focused.
"This match was about regaining confidence. I won’t be back on tour until next season, so every match I play now is very important. I haven’t had many opportunities to compete this season, so whatever the outcome, I just wanted to do my best and show my game.
"The qualifiers were tough and intense, but they helped release some pressure and allowed me to build up momentum. My scoring was strong there, and it gave me a solid foundation to start the main event here. It felt great to be back. I’ve had some good matches here in the past, but I still haven’t achieved what I really want. Lei has played brilliantly and has shown he’s capable of winning titles. A lot of Chinese players are at that level now."
Jones added: "I will try to forget this season. I have had a lot going on in my personal life for the last few years. I have time now to sort a few things out at home including my practice facilities, and I will hopefully come back stronger next season. I have my new born baby at home so I am looking forward to spending time with him."
On the other table, four-time Crucible king John Higgins faces a tough battle to avoid an early exit tonight as he trails Joe O'Connor 5-4 after the first session. Higgins arrives with high hopes having won two titles within the past two months. He beat today's opponent in the final of the World Open, but O'Connor relishes the Crucible stage and knocked out Mark Selby on his debut last year.
Scotand's Higgins led three times in the earlier stages but, from 3-2 down, O'Connor found an extra gear and made breaks of 100, 96 and 85 to lead 5-3. In fact he was on target for a 147 in frame seven until he missed an awkward 13th red, playing with the spider rest, on 96. Higgins made his highest break of the session, 47, in frame nine as he closed the gap to one.
They resume at 7pm with the winner to face Xiao Guodong next.