In a high-stakes first-round showdown at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, Pang Junxu delivered a masterclass to defeat his compatriot Zhang Anda 10-7, marking his debut trip to the tournament’s last 16.
The second session began with Zhang leading 5-3, but Pang turned the tide with a brilliant 111 break to claim the ninth frame. Zhang fought back immediately, keeping the score tight at 6-4 before both players traded frames to see Zhang hold a 7-5 edge.
From the 13th frame onwards, Pang unleashed a fierce comeback, rattling off four straight wins—highlighted by one century and three additional breaks north of 50 points—to surge into a 9-7 lead. He closed out the contest in the 17th frame, leaving Zhang with no room to respond.
Next up for Pang is a blockbuster clash with English veteran Ronnie O'Sullivan. The seven-time champion, returning after a three-month break, eased past Ali Carter 10-4 to reach round two for the 29th time at his 33rd consecutive World Championship.
Meanwhile, World No.1 Judd Trump scored a 10-4 victory over Zhou Yuelong of the Chinese mainland. Trump will face former Masters champion Shaun Murphy in the next round, setting up another mouthwatering battle on snooker’s biggest stage.
Reference(s):
Pang edges Zhang in all-Chinese clash at World Snooker Championship
cgtn.com
