China Open Qualifiers Conclude in Dramatic Fashion as Final Places Confirmed

The fifth and final day of qualifying for the China Open delivered a fitting conclusion to an intense week in Leicester, featuring dramatic comebacks, heavy scoring and several high profile exits as the field for Taiyuan was finalised.

Tom Ford’s remarkable fightback from 5-0 down headlined the day, while Stuart Bingham produced a commanding whitewash of Luca Brecel and Chang Bingyu continued his excellent form with another dominant display.

Ford Completes Stunning Comeback

Tom Ford produced one of the comebacks of the qualifying campaign as he recovered from 5-0 down to defeat Liam Highfield 6-5 in a dramatic final round clash.

Highfield appeared in complete control early on and carried a lead into the deciding frame, but Ford refused to be beaten. The former Shoot Out champion battled back frame by frame, eventually forcing a decider.

In the final frame, Ford held his nerve to complete a remarkable turnaround with a clearance from green to black, sealing a 6-5 victory and booking his place in Taiyuan.

It marks a strong response from Ford after an injury disrupted 2025/26 campaign, with the Englishman showing encouraging form heading into the new season.

Chang Bingyu Continues Impressive Run

China’s Chang Bingyu once again underlined his growing reputation with a dominant 6-1 victory over Jack Lisowski.

The Scottish Open finalist produced another excellent all round performance, building on earlier wins in the qualifying rounds to secure his place in the final stages with confidence.

Bingham Dominates Former Champion Clash

Stuart Bingham delivered one of the most eye catching results of the day, producing a 6-0 whitewash victory over Luca Brecel in a battle between two former World Champions.

Bingham was in complete control throughout and delivered a clinical display to book his place in Taiyuan in emphatic fashion.

Selt Edges Carter in Decider

Matthew Selt came through a tense encounter against Ali Carter, prevailing 6-5 in one of the closest matches of the day.

Selt held his nerve in the deciding frame to edge a high quality contest and continue his progress through qualifying.

Strong Wins Across the Board

Elsewhere, Jackson Page impressed with a 6-3 victory over Yuan Sijun, while Aaron Hill also went the distance, defeating Gary Wilson 6-5 in a deciding frame.

Hossein Vafaei produced a commanding 6-1 win over David Lilley, while David Gilbert, Noppon Saengkham, Anthony McGill and Zhang Anda all secured solid victories to confirm their places in the final stages.

China’s contingent again featured heavily on the final day, with Jiang Jun, Pang Junxu, Zhou Yuelong, Liu Hongyu, Yao Pengcheng and Chang Bingyu all progressing through a strong finish for the home nation.

Conclusion

The final day of qualifying provided a fitting end to an entertaining week, combining dramatic comebacks, heavy scoring and statement performances from both established names and rising talents. Attention now turns to Taiyuan, where the qualifiers will join the top ranked players for the China Open proper.

Day 5 Results

Tom Ford 6-5 Liam Highfield
Chang Bingyu 6-1 Jack Lisowski
Stuart Bingham 6-0 Luca Brecel
Matthew Selt 6-5 Ali Carter
Zhang Anda 6-4 Daniel Wells
Jackson Page 6-3 Yuan Sijun
Aaron Hill 6-5 Gary Wilson
Hossein Vafaei 6-1 David Lilley
David Gilbert 6-2 Xu Si
Noppon Saengkham 6-1 Elliot Slessor
Anthony McGill 6-2 Joe O’Connor
Jiang Jun 6-4 Jimmy Robertson
Pang Junxu 6-4 Fan Zhengyi
Zhou Yuelong 6-3 Chen Ruifu
Yao Pengcheng 6-2 He Guoqiang
Liu Hongyu 6-0 Iulian Boiko
Jimmy Robertson 6-4 Jordan Brown
Chang Bingyu 6-4 Matthew Stevens