Chinese teenager Fan Zhengyi came from behind to defeat Dylan Emery 6-4 in the opening round at the Snooker World Championship qualifiers on Wednesday.

The qualifying event held behind closed doors began on Tuesday at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. In the first competition day, Chinese players Che Feilong and Wu Yize both won while Si Jiahui lost.

Fan, earning his two-year card on the World Snooker Tour with the U21 world champion title in 2017, was the last Chinese player to compete in the first round.

The 19-year-old trailed Wales' Emery 4-1, but then won five frames in a row to reach the second round, where he will face Dominic Dale.

Fan's compatriot Luo Honghao will start his journey in the qualifiers from the second round against Peter Lines.

The World Snooker Championship will be staged at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre from July 31 to August 16. Reduced crowds will be permitted to attend every session, as the tournament is one of the pilot events ahead of the full, socially-distanced return of sporting events in England from October 1.

China's Ding Junhui and Yan Bingtao have already earned their places in the final thanks to their top 16 rankings, along with defending champion Judd Trump, veteran John Higgins and five-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan. 

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)