Zhao Xintong is one match away from the Crucible's hallowed single table setup, having beaten Chinese compatriot Lei Peifan 13-10 to make the quarter-finals of the Halo World Championship.
Former UK Champion Zhao is competing as an amateur this year. He returned from suspension earlier in the campaign, after a 20 month ban for breaching betting regulations. Zhao’s comeback started on the amateur Q Tour circuit. By winning four of the seven events, he earned a pro tour card for next season.
The supremely talented 28-year-old practised relentlessly during his time off the tour and displayed his dazzling best by crafting 12 centuries at qualifying, where he won four matches to reach the Crucible.
Zhao is already only the second amateur to win a match in the final stages. He is the first to ever make the quarter-finals of the World Championship. He follows on from James Cahill, who beat Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2020.
Debutant Lei exits the event having inflicted the Crucible Curse on Kyren Wilson, he ousted the defending champion 10-9 in the opening round. This season has seen him capture maiden ranking silverware with victory at the Scottish Open in December.
Zhao came into this morning holding a commanding 10-6 lead. He embarked on a 147 attempt in the first frame, but broke down on 72, to move 11-6 up. From there it was Lei who fired to burst back into contention.
Breaks of 130, 94 and 65 saw him take four of the next five frames and trail 12-10. However, it was Zhao who took the 23rd with a break of 54 to get over the line and seal a last eight meeting with Chris Wakelin.
Zhao said: “The most intriguing part of the Crucible, is it doesn’t just test your overall game level, but also your mental toughness. I think this match was also a self-challenge for me. If you want to win the World Championship, you have to go through challenges like this. I hope I can stay here longer.
"Although it’s my first time in the quarter-finals, I hope to go even further. I believe I have the ability. Over the next few days, I will continue adjusting my form and sharpen my touch during practice. Because the opponents ahead are all very strong, I must maintain an even calmer mindset.
'I know Chris Wakelin is playing very well. He’s very strong this year, but I think as long as I can play to my own level, I have a chance against anyone. This quarter final match will be a challenge for both of us. I hope I can play my best and fully enjoy the match, maybe the outcome will exceed my expectations.
“I hope more Chinese fans and even the general public can discover the beauty of snooker. If more people start playing snooker and enjoying the sport, that would make us as players very happy. I believe that in the future, snooker will definitely become an even more popular sport in China.”
On the other table, Judd Trump established a 5-3 lead over Shaun Murphy in one of the ties of the second round.
Trump has been one of the best players this season, having already racked up over £1,400,000 in prize money so far. He's picked up titles at the Shanghai Masters, Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters and the UK Championship.
Murphy captured his first Triple Crown silverware in ten years back in January, beating current Crucible king Kyren Wilson 10-7 in the Masters final to secure the Paul Hunter Trophy.
It was the Magician who got off to the best start today, top scoring with 75 en route to a 3-2 lead. Trump hit back and claimed the last three of the session, inlcuding runs of 62 and 98, to end 5-3 up.
They return for the second session this evening from 7pm.