Defending Champion Selby Falls to Jiang Jun in First Round
Mark Selby, the defending Welsh Open champion and two-time winner of the tournament, has been eliminated in the first round by China's Jiang Jun, with a final score of 4-3.
Selby, who secured the Welsh Open titles in 2008 and 2025, initially took a strong lead of 3-1 at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, including impressive breaks of 123 and 137.
However, Jiang, making his debut in the main draw of the competition, mounted a remarkable comeback by winning three consecutive frames to complete a significant upset on the opening day.
The 20-year-old Jiang demonstrated skill and composure, registering half-century breaks of 52 and 65 as he fought back to secure his place in the second round.
This marks the third occasion in five years that Selby has been ousted in the first round of the Welsh Open.
Welsh Players Perform Strongly on Opening Day
The first day of the Welsh Open was notably successful for Welsh players, with Jak Jones, Dylan Emery, and Mark Williams all advancing through their opening matches.
Jones achieved a comfortable 4-1 victory over Liam Highfield, while Emery caused a surprise by defeating China's 26th seed Lei Peifan in a deciding frame.
Mark Williams, a home favorite and the last Welsh player to win the title in 1999, overcame Michael Holt with a 4-2 win. Williams is set to face either Martin O'Donnell or Tom Ford in the second round.
Additionally, Robbie Williams eliminated 13th seed Si Jiahui with a 4-2 win and will face either last year's runner-up and former Welsh Open champion Stephen Maguire or Ricky Walden in the next round.
Barry Hawkins was pushed to a deciding frame against David Lilley but ultimately prevailed 4-3 as the 12th seed.
Other Notable Matches
- Hossein Vafaei defeated Artemijs Zizins 4-1
- Stephen Maguire and Ricky Walden were tied 3-3 and still playing at the time of reporting
- Neil Robertson was scheduled to play Michal Szubarczyk
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