World Championship Snooker: Zhao Xintong Beats 2024 finalist Jak Jones to reach the second round
Zhao Xintong became the first amateur to reach the second round of the Snooker World Championship after defeating last year’s finalist Jak Jones 10-4 on Monday.
ABOUT Lobsterwho will face compatriots and giant killer friends Lei Peifan Next, it is a redemption route after the 28-year-old served a 20-month stop for violating betting rules.
As a result, he is Playing as an amateur in SheffieldAlthough he will return to the professional county next season.
Lei beat the 2024 champion Kyren Wilson Saturday but Ionone He believes that Zhao can go all the way and provide historical success as he offers to become the first amateur and World Chinese champion.
“I don’t see anyone who is playing better than him”, Jones said.
“If he wins it, I wouldn’t be surprised at all and that would be good for the game.”
“There are players who have won much more. But I don’t see anyone in the tour which is actually better than him,” added 31-year-old Welsh.
Although Jones won the first two frames of the session – including a century break – to close the gap in 7-4, Zhao withdrew and waved the next three frames to seal his place in the next round.
Zhao’s victory means there will be at least four Chinese players in the last 16 – a record.
Zhao said he had to fight through four qualifying rounds to win the right to play in the main event had shocked some of the rust he felt through the lack of a big tour game.
“Overall, I’m happy with my performance, especially in terms of marking,” said Zhao.
“This match was about regaining trust.
“I won’t go back to the tour until next season, so every match I play now is very important.
“I haven’t had many opportunities to compete this season, so despite the result, I just wanted to do my best and tell my game.”
Zhao, who also reached the last 16th in 2022, is not taking anything for granted against Lei. Their match has spread over three days starting on Friday.
“Lei has played excellently and has shown that he is capable of winning titles,” said Zhao.