The first day of the 2024 Snooker Scottish Open has concluded, with 16 of the top 32 spots already claimed, including four by Chinese players, while defending champion Gary Wilson was surprisingly eliminated.
In the opening day's competition, seven Chinese players participated, resulting in a record of four wins and three losses. Zhang Anda, Long Zehuang, Xiao Guodong, and Wu Yize advanced to the next round, while Lü Haotian, He Guoqiang, and Xu Si were eliminated.
Zhang Anda won 4:3 against Moody after leading 3-1 but being dragged into a decisive game. He ultimately secured his victory with a break of 50 points, advancing to the top 32.
Long Zehuang defeated reigning champion and two-time Scottish Open winner Gary Wilson with a score of 4:2. Wilson struggled in this match, only managing a single break of 52 points. Long Zehuang, on the other hand, made breaks of 66 and 52 points, pulling off an upset victory over Wilson.
Lü Haotian faced "Midnight God" Joe O'Connor and suffered a significant loss of 1:4. O'Connor displayed impressive form with breaks of 76, 59, and 123 points, leaving Lü Haotian unable to recover and resulting in his elimination.
He Guoqiang lost 1:4 to Mark Allen, failing to withstand the opponent's onslaught. Mark Allen showcased his skill with a century break (104 points) and two additional breaks over 50 (59 and 99 points).
In the Chinese derby between Xiao Guodong and Xu Si, it was Xiao who emerged victorious with a score of 4:1. Xu Si had previously achieved a maximum break of 147 points and defeated world number one Judd Trump at the Nanjing National Championship this season. However, in this match, despite Xu Si's highest break of 61 points, it was Xiao Guodong's experience that proved decisive.
Wu Yize also advanced with a 4:1 win over Aijab Farah. Wu Yize's best result is a runner-up finish in ranking events, while Aijab Farah is ranked 114th in the world. In this match, Wu Yize remained consistent, making a century break (102 points) and two additional breaks over 50 (59 and 60 points).
Among the other players advancing to the top 32 are top 16 players Higgins, Ali Carter, Mark Allen, Hawkins, and Wakelin, while defending champion Gary Wilson was surprisingly eliminated.
Non-top 16 players include Robbie Williams, Joe O'Connor, Ryan Day, Singh Chada (who advanced directly due to Judd Trump's withdrawal), Bingham, David Lilly (who advanced directly due to Mark Williams' withdrawal), and World Championship runner-up Jack Jones.
In conclusion, the Scottish Open continues to be filled with suspense as both rising Chinese talents and world-class players compete. Whether you support the Chinese contingent or enjoy the challenges posed by top-tier competitors, these intense matches are sure to bring excitement and passion.
Fu Jiajun won the 2016 Scottish Open championship.
As the competition unfolds, we will find out who will emerge victorious and who will fall on this table. All the answers will be revealed in the upcoming matches.