World champion Wu Yize suffered an early exit from the English Open as he was defeated 4-1 by Wales’ rising star Liam Davies in the third round at the Brentwood Centre. The victory marks a significant milestone for the 20-year-old, who advanced to his first career ranking event quarter-final.
Davies established dominance early, racing to a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven框架s. A crucial century break of 105 in the second frame helped solidify his control over the match, while Wu struggled to find his rhythm against the determined Welshman.
In other third-round action, Mark Selby’s bid for another final appearance ended in disappointment. The former world champion and recent British Open runner-up saw his hopes crush by a 4-3 comeback defeat from fellow ex-world champion Kyren Wilson. Selby had taken an early 2-0 lead, bolstered by a break of 112, but Wilson fought back to win three consecutive frames before sealing the decider with a clinical treble on the yellow.
England’s Judd Trump, who recently lost his number one ranking spot, navigated a tense encounter to edge past Scot Anthony McGill 4-3 in a deciding frame. Elsewhere, Ali Carter secured a comfortable 4-2 victory over Gong Chenzhi, supported by a highest break of 75. Zhou Yuelong made a stunning 141 clearance as he saw off compatriot Yuan Sijun 4-2, and Ding Junhui eased past Joe O’Connor 4-1.
The quarter-final draw now features Zhou Yuelong face-off against Ali Carter, while Ding Junhui will meet Kyren Wilson. Judd Trump awaits the winner of the clash between Pang Junxu and Shaun Murphy, and the final quarter sees either Mark Williams or Barry Hawkins take on Liam Davies.
Selby losing to Wilson is classic drama, but I’m skeptical Davies can go far against Williams or Hawkins.
Did anyone else catch that 141 from Zhou Yuelong? Absolutely stunning clearance against Yuan.
Wu Yize just couldn’t cope with the pace. That 3-0 start was decisive right there.
Liam Davies is on fire! Winning a ranking quarter-final at twenty is huge for his confidence.