Zhang Anda delivered an impressive performance at the UK Championship, defeating reigning world champion Zhao Xintong 6-2 in a thrilling all-Chinese encounter. Despite losing the opening frame, Zhang quickly regained his momentum with stunning back-to-back century breaks.
Zhang Anda’s Impressive Game
Initially, the first four frames were tightly contested. However, as play resumed after the break, Zhao struggled with routine pots, which allowed Zhang to capitalize effectively. His flawless performance saw him claim three consecutive frames with breaks of 87, 69, and 73.
Key Highlights of the Match
- Zhang lost the first frame but recovered brilliantly.
- He achieved back-to-back century breaks in the first session.
- Zhang finished the match decisively in the eighth frame.
After the match, Zhang expressed his satisfaction with his performance, noting: “It was my day. In the first session, I made two centuries, which was very good stuff from me. I reminded myself to focus, even after missing a few simple shots.”
Upcoming Matches
The 33-year-old Zhang Anda will now advance to the quarter-finals, aiming to meet the winner between John Higgins and Shaun Murphy. This marks Zhang’s third consecutive appearance in the last eight of this prestigious tournament.
In other matches, three-time UK champion Ding Junhui edged out Scott Donaldson in a dramatic 6-5 finish. Ding showcased his skill with a remarkable century break and is set to face world number one Judd Trump in the next round.
Additionally, Barry Hawkins secured a smooth victory against Elliot Slessor, achieving a 6-0 win with impressive breaks of 94, 87, and 73. Hawkins, who was the runner-up last year, will compete against Mark Selby in the upcoming matches.
| Match | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Zhang Anda vs. Zhao Xintong | Zhang Anda | 6-2 |
| Ding Junhui vs. Scott Donaldson | Ding Junhui | 6-5 |
| Barry Hawkins vs. Elliot Slessor | Barry Hawkins | 6-0 |
As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly anticipate further exciting clashes, especially with standout players like Zhang Anda and Ding Junhui aiming for the title at the UK Championship.
