Zhang Anda produced a stunning comeback to defeat world number three Zhao Xintong 6-5 in the opening round of the China Open, sealing victory on a respotted black ball in a deciding frame decider. The world number 19 had trailed 3-0 before rallying to lead 5-4, only for the reigning world champion Zhao to force a final frame that ended in dramatic fashion.
In that deciding frame, Zhang appeared firmly in control at 57-0, but Zhao clawed his way back into contention until both players were left contesting the black. Zhang ultimately potted the black to force a respot, the standard tie-breaker procedure used when a frame finishes level, and then held his nerve to win the resulting shootout.
How does this fit into Zhang's recent form?
This is not the first time Zhang has found himself in a black-ball decider this season. According to a national broadcaster's report, he beat Zhou Yuelong 6-5 in similarly tense circumstances to reach the World Grand Prix final. That run, as noted by the South China Morning Post, marked Zhang's fourth appearance in a ranking-event final, underlining his growing reputation as a player capable of thriving under pressure in tight finishes.
What else happened in the first round?
Elsewhere in the draw, world number five John Higgins also exited early, beaten 6-4 by 2015 world champion Stuart Bingham. Higgins had been in strong form earlier this year, having fought back from 8-5 down to beat Mark Selby 10-8 en route to the Tour Championship semi-finals, where he was set to face Zhao Xintong before Zhao advanced alongside Neil Robertson with commanding victories of his own.
What happens next?
Zhang will next face England's Chris Wakelin in the following round of the China Open, according to a match report. The World Snooker Tour has described Zhang's win over Zhao as a black-ball thriller, noting that the decisive moment only arrived after the respot in the final frame, as detailed on the World Snooker Tour's official site.
Key Facts
- Zhang Anda beat Zhao Xintong 6-5 in round one of the China Open, winning on a respotted black.
- Zhang trailed 3-0 before recovering to lead 5-4, then survived a deciding frame.
- World number five John Higgins lost 6-4 to Stuart Bingham in the same round.
- Zhang's next opponent is England's Chris Wakelin.
- Zhang previously won a similar 6-5 black-ball decider against Zhou Yuelong to reach the World Grand Prix final, his fourth ranking-event final.
