Lines stuns world number one Zhao in English Open first round

A major upset unfolded at the English Open in Brentwood as 31-year-old Englishman Oliver Lines defeated China's Zhao Xintong, the current world number one and 2025 world champion, 4-2 in the first round.

The match was level at 2-2 after the opening four frames, during which Zhao produced two century breaks. However, Lines turned the tie in his favour by compiling breaks of 77 and 84 in the fifth and sixth frames to seal the win.

Speaking after the match, Lines said facing a player of Zhao's calibre meant he had to lift his own game. He explained that a player tries not to dwell on the pressure, but knows that failing to play close to his best would mean an early exit from the tournament. The win sends Lines through to the last 32, where he will face China's Yuan Sijun.

Further shocks in the draw

The first round produced several other unexpected results. World number four Neil Robertson was eliminated 4-3 by China's Luo Zetao.

Meanwhile, former world champion Kyren Wilson comfortably beat Poland's Mateusz Baranowski 4-1. China's Ding Junhui, a three-time UK Championship winner, edged past Michael Holt 4-3 in a tightly contested match.