Snooker World Open: Ding Junhui, Zhang Anda and 16-year-old Chinese teenager advance to the top 64
China News Service, Yushan, Jiangxi, March 19 (Reporter Wang Zumin and Jiang Tao) The 2024 Snooker World Open got off to an exciting start in Yushan, Jiangxi on the 18th. The highlight of the day was the unexpected success of 16-year-old Chinese teenager Wang Xinbo, who advanced to the top 64 after winning two games in one day.
Alongside Wang Xinbo, Chinese snooker stars Ding Junhui and Zhang Anda also secured their spots in the top 64 after winning their postponed qualifying matches. With these victories, the number of Chinese players advancing to the top 64 of the World Open reached an impressive 16.
The day also saw other Chinese players making their mark in the competition. Young talents like Yuan Sijun and Long Zehuang won their 64-to-32 round matches, with Long Zehuang notably defeating last year’s World Championship semi-finalist Si Jiahui in a thrilling “China Derby.”
The 2024 Snooker World Open qualifying tournament featured a total of 13 Chinese players advancing to the main draw. Ding Junhui and Zhang Anda, the highest-ranked Chinese players in the world, faced tough competition during the main event, but managed to secure their spots in the top 64.
In a nail-biting match against England player Zach Schulti, Ding Junhui overcame a shaky start to secure a 5-3 victory. Zhang Anda also displayed a strong performance, defeating Scotland’s Alan Taylor with the same scoreline.
The standout player of the day, however, was 16-year-old sensation Wang Xinbo. The young player impressed by defeating his opponents, including England’s Matthew Salter, to advance to the top 64.
As the tournament progresses, fans can look forward to more exciting matches, including three “Chinese Derbys” featuring top Chinese players. The anticipation continues to build as the Snooker World Open moves into the next rounds on the 19th.