Zhao Xintong became the first amateur that reached the second round of the World Championship Snooker after beating last year’s finalist Jak Jones 10-4 on Monday.

For ZhaoWho will face a compatriot and colleague giant killer Lei Peifan Then the path to buying after a 28-year-old served a 20-year ban on bragging regulations.

As a result, he is Playing as an amateur in SheffieldAlthough they will return to a professional circuit next season.

Lei beat 2024 champions Kyren Wilson On Saturday but Jones He believes that Zhao can go all the way and ensure historical success because he offered to become the first amateur and Chinese world champion.

“I don’t see anyone who plays better than him”, Jones said.

“If he wins him, I wouldn’t be surprised at all and that would be good for the game.”

“There are players who won a lot more, but I don’t see anyone on the tournament that is actually better than him”, ” He added 31-year-old Welshman.

Although Jones won the first two session frames – including a century break – to close the gap to 7-4, Zhao gathered and rang the next three frames in the next round.

Zhaova Victory means that in the last 16 there will be at least four Chinese players – log.

Zhao said he had to fight through four qualifying rounds to earn the right to play in the main event, he sheared some of the ruins he felt through the lack of great playing tournaments.

“Overall that I am satisfied with my performance, especially in terms of scoring”, said Zhao.

“This match was about returning confidence.

“I will not return to tour until the next season, so every match that plays is very important now.

“I didn’t have a lot of opportunity to compete this season, so no matter the outcome, I just wanted to do my best.”

Zhao, who reached the last 16 in 2022, does not take anything for granted against Lei. Their match spreads over a period of three days starting on Friday.

“Lei played great and showed that he was capable of winning the headlines” said Zhao.

Another three Chinese players are in action on Monday.

Zhengyi fan trail Mark Allen 5-4While 2016 Runner-Up Ding Junhui and a former semifinalist Si jiahui This year and your first performances performed in Derminean.