Judd Trump suffered his first defeat in the Weide Cup World Open for seven years as he lost 5-2 to Joe O'Connor in the last 32 in Yushan.
World number one Trump lifted the trophy in the last two stagings of this event, in 2019 and 2024, so his last defeat was against Gary Wilson at the last 32 stage in 2018. He was favourite for the £175,000 top prize this week but instead it's an early exit for the player who has already landed three titles this season. O'Connor, ranked 39th, proved the stronger player in the closing stages as he set up a last 16 tie with Michael Holt.
Breaks of 64 and 89 gave Leicester's O'Connor the first two frames before Trump fought back to 2-2. In the crucial fifth frame, Trump had first chance but could only make 56 and O'Connor capitalised from 56-8 down with an excellent 51 clearance. He went on to take the next two frames with runs of 69 and 113.
"Judd had the momentum at 2-2, I didn't expect to get a chance in that frame, but when it came I took it," said O'Connor, who beat Kyren Wilson on his way to the quarter-finals of the recent BetVictor Welsh Open. "I enjoyed being out there against the best player in the world. Luckily for me it was my day. There's no reason why I can't go on to win it."
O'Connor usually flies economy to events in China but decided this time to fly business as it helps him be ready for the early rounds. "Logically it makes sense," added the 29-year-old. "Good preparation can lead to a good tournament and it has worked so far."
World Champion Wilson also fell at the last 32 stage, beaten 5-4 by Zhou Yuelong. That result means that none of the top seven in the Johnstone's Paint World Rankings have made it into the last 16. China's Zhou, ranked 31st, built a 4-0 lead with top breaks of 120 and 109, before Wilson hit back to 4-4, compiling runs of 118 and 100. However Zhou got the better of the decider thanks to a crucial 71 to set up a tie with John Higgins.
"At 4-0 I felt comfortable but then at 4-3 I felt pressure," said Zhou. "I told myself to forget about the score and I made a good break. John Higgins is my idol, I will enjoy playing him, it will be an honour."
Ding Junhui delighted his fans with a 5-3 win over Hossein Vafaei, top scoring with 119, to set up a match with Shaun Murphy.
World number eight Murphy followed up Monday's tremendous 5-0 win over Zhou Jinhao, which included a 147, by whitewashing Thepchaiya Un-Nooh 5-0 with breaks of 83, 94, 94, 85 and 138. A deep run this week will improve Murphy's hopes of being a top 16 seed for the World Championship as he started this week in 20th place in the Race to the Crucible.
"I'm really pleased as Thepchaiya is very dangerous, I had to keep him at bay and take my chances," said Johnstone's Paint Masters champion Murphy, who now meets Ding. "The tables are playing well, they are what we call scoring tables and I enjoy these conditions. I am trying to make sure I am a seed for the World Championship, that's my main goal."
David Lilley followed up yesterday's 5-4 win over Mark Allen with another superb result, beating Wu Yize 5-4 with top breaks of 105, 100 and a vital 86 in the decider. China's Liu Hongyu, who knocked out Mark Selby on Sunday, came from 4-1 down to beat Elliot Slessor 5-4, taking the last frame by potting the final pink and black. Jimmy Robertson recovered a 2-0 deficit to beat Aaron Hill 5-4 with top runs of 101 and 132. Ali Carter edged out Jack Lisowski 5-4 with a 62 in the decider.