The Shenzhen Open produced plenty of drama on its opening day as several of snooker’s biggest names suffered early exits in China.
World number one and home favourite Zhao Xintong was beaten in a deciding frame by Scott Donaldson, while Ronnie O’Sullivan and defending champion Mark Williams were also knocked out.
Judd Trump experienced no such difficulties, however, producing a dominant performance to book his place in the next stage of the tournament.
Donaldson Stuns Home Favourite Zhao
More than 3,500 spectators packed into the venue hoping to see Shenzhen’s own Zhao Xintong begin his campaign with victory, but Scotland’s Scott Donaldson had other ideas.
Zhao, who became China’s first World Champion in 2025 and has since climbed to the top of the world rankings, was pushed all the way before eventually falling to a 5-4 defeat.
Donaldson made a break of 77 to move 2-1 ahead before Zhao responded with contributions of 51 and 82 as he won consecutive frames to establish a 3-2 advantage.
The momentum soon changed again as Donaldson produced an excellent century break of 105 followed by a 62 to move within one frame of victory at 4-3.
Donaldson had an opportunity to close out the match in the eighth frame but saw a break end on 50. Zhao capitalised with a 79 to level the contest and force a deciding frame.
Both players had opportunities in the decider, but a crucial contribution of 46 from Donaldson ultimately helped the Scot complete a memorable victory.
Donaldson will face Pang Junxu in the next round.
Jiang Jun Claims Memorable Victory Over O’Sullivan
One of the other standout results of the opening day came from 21-year-old Jiang Jun, who recorded an impressive 5-2 victory over seven-time World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan.
It was the first competitive meeting between the two players and represented a significant moment for Jiang, who has spoken about growing up watching and learning from O’Sullivan.
O’Sullivan arrived in Shenzhen having reached the semi-finals of the Wuhan Open earlier in the season, but it was Jiang who came out on top to secure his place in the next round.
The Chinese youngster will now face Zak Surety as he looks to build on one of the biggest victories of his career so far.
Williams’ Title Defence Comes to an End
Defending champion Mark Williams also suffered an early exit following a dramatic 5-4 defeat against Fan Zhengyi.
Williams, who recently reached the final of the English Open, took the match all the way to a deciding frame before an extraordinary finish brought his title defence to an end.
The Welshman appeared to have potted the match-winning pink, only for the cue ball to find a pocket and hand Fan another opportunity.
Fan made no mistake, potting the pink to secure a 5-4 victory and a place in the next round, where he will meet Yuan Sijun.
Trump Produces Dominant Whitewash
While several leading players were knocked out, Judd Trump made an emphatic start to his Shenzhen Open campaign.
Trump required just 54 minutes to complete a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Huang Jiahao.
It was an outstanding scoring display from the former World Champion, who compiled breaks of 109, 69, 67, 67 and 54 as he raced through the match without dropping a frame.
Trump will now progress directly to the last 16 after Anthony McGill was forced to withdraw from the tournament on medical grounds.
Plenty of Drama in Shenzhen
With Zhao Xintong, Ronnie O’Sullivan and defending champion Mark Williams all eliminated on the opening day, the Shenzhen Open has already produced several significant results.
Scott Donaldson and Jiang Jun will now look to build on impressive victories, while Judd Trump heads into the last 16 following a commanding start to his campaign.
With plenty of top players still in contention, attention now turns to the next round as the battle for the Shenzhen Open title continues.
Keep up to date with Pinnacle Sport for the latest news, results and stories from across the world of snooker and cue sports.
