Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan suffered a second-round defeat at the Shenzhen Open, falling 5-2 to China’s Jiang Jun. The result marks a significant setback for the English star, who has not claimed a ranking event title since January 2024.
Jiang, currently ranked 64th in the world, took an early lead by winning the first two frames. Although O’Sullivan fought back with breaks of 92 and 52 to level the match, Jiang rallied to take the next three frames, sealing the victory with a impressive century break of 108. Jiang will now face England’s Zak Surety in the next round.
In another major upset, world number one Zhao Xintong was eliminated after losing to Scotland’s Scott Donaldson. The 2025 world champion fell 5-4 in a deciding frame despite compiling breaks of 77, 105, 50, and 62 during his comeback from 3-2 down. Donaldson, ranked 65 places below Zhao, is set to play China’s Pang Junxu in the third round.
Defending champion Mark Williams also exited the tournament, losing 5-4 to China’s Fan Zhengyi after missing a decisive final pink. However, not all favorites progressed smoothly; Judd Trump advanced to the last 16 with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Huang Jiahao. Trump’s scheduled third-round opponent, Anthony McGill, withdrew on medical grounds.
Elsewhere on the opening day, Australia’s Neil Robertson defeated Liu Hongyu 5-2, while Chris Wakelin secured a 5-3 win over Liam Davies. China’s Si Jiahui claimed a dominant 5-1 victory against Oliver Lines. Belgium’s Ben Mertens also moved forward after Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen withdrew for personal reasons. First-round matches on Monday saw Wales’ Jamie Clarke, England’s Andrew Higginson, Hong Kong’s Marco Fu, and England’s Sam Craigie all progress.
Zhao Xintong actually lost that one? I did not see that result coming at all today.
Mark Williams missing the final pink? Absolute heartbreak for the fans watching from Cardiff right now.
O’Sullivan losing to a rank 64 player is shock. The form slump is really worrying him this season.