Zhang shocks Zhao in final-ball respot at China Open
Zhang Anda produced a dramatic 6-5 comeback win over world number three Zhao Xintong in the first round of the China Open, sealing victory with a respotted black ball after the deciding frame finished level. The result is a major upset given Zhao's status as reigning world champion, and it continues a run of shocks in the event's opening round.
Zhang, ranked 19th in the world, trailed 3-0 before rallying to lead 5-4, only for Zhao to force a decider. In that final frame Zhang looked set to close it out at 57-0 ahead, but Zhao clawed back level, sending the match to a respot on the black, which Zhang potted to win. He now moves on to face England's Chris Wakelin, while in another upset, world number five John Higgins was beaten 6-4 by 2015 world champion Stuart Bingham.
- Zhang Anda beat Zhao Xintong 6-5 via respotted black.
- World number 19 stunned reigning champion Zhao Xintong.
- John Higgins also lost, beaten 6-4 by Stuart Bingham.