The World Snooker Tour (WST) International Championship in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, has seen impressive performances from Chinese mainland players Ding Junhui and Zhang Anda as they advance to the next rounds.
Ding Junhui Dominates Early
Ding Junhui showcased his exceptional skills by defeating England's Martin O'Donnell with a decisive 6-1 victory in the first round. Building a significant advantage by clinching five straight frames, Ding maintained his momentum despite a brief surge from O'Donnell in the sixth frame. A tight seventh frame saw Ding prevail on a brown ball, securing his spot in the round of 32 where he will face Iran's Hossein Vafaei.
Zhang Anda Continues Strong Defense
Defending champion Zhang Anda delivered a standout performance against England's David Grace, winning 6-3 in the round of 64. With a commanding 5-1 lead, bolstered by a century break and a 96 break, Zhang demonstrated his prowess. Although Grace narrowed the gap to 5-3, Zhang sealed the match in the ninth frame. Next up, Zhang will compete against his compatriot Lyu Haotian, promising an exciting showdown.
Ronnie O'Sullivan’s Victory
England's Ronnie O'Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, overcame China's He Guoqiang with a 6-2 scoreline. O'Sullivan impressed the crowd with multiple high breaks, including 73, 87, and 83, marking his first win against the Chinese favorite this year. Reflecting on the match, O'Sullivan praised the technical skill of Chinese players and expressed determination to perform his best despite previous losses to He Guoqiang. O'Sullivan will next face Pang Junxu in the round of 32.
The championship continues to highlight the rising talent from the Chinese mainland, underscoring their significant impact on the global snooker scene.
Reference(s):
Ding Junhui, Zhang Anda advance at WST International Championship
cgtn.com
