Oliver Lines shocks world number one Zhao Xintong in English Open first round

Lines responded with composed breaks of 77 and 84 in frames five and six to

Oliver Lines delivered a stunning upset by defeating world number one Zhao Xintong 4-2 in the opening round of the English Open. The match took place in England, where Lines, ranked outside the top 32, overcame the reigning world champion in a tightly contested encounter. Zhao, who had won the 2025 World Championship, started strongly but could not maintain his advantage as Lines turned the tide in the latter stages. Zhao made two century breaks during the first four frames, helping him level the match at 2-2 after an even start. Despite his break-building prowess, the Chinese player struggled to convert chances in the deciding frames.

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Lines responded with composed breaks of 77 and 84 in frames five and six to secure the victory, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure against the sport’s elite. How Lines turned the match around after a slow start Lines began the match cautiously, allowing Zhao to take control early with two big breaks. However, after falling behind, the Englishman improved his positional play and safety game, forcing errors from the world number one. His 77 break in the fifth frame shifted momentum, followed by a clinical 84 in the sixth to close out the match. The win marked one of the most significant results of Lines’ career, highlighting his resilience in high-stakes situations. What does this mean for Zhao’s title defence? Zhao’s early exit raises questions about his consistency outside of major ranking events, despite his recent world crown.

The loss suggests he may need to adapt his approach in shorter-format

The loss suggests he may need to adapt his approach in shorter-format tournaments where frame pressure is heightened. For Lines, the result boosts his confidence and ranking prospects, potentially paving the way for deeper runs in upcoming events. Both players will now reassess their form ahead of the next tour stops. Frequently Asked Questions Who is Oliver Lines and what is his world ranking? Oliver Lines is a 31-year-old English professional snooker player who was ranked outside the top 32 at the time of the match. His victory over Zhao Xintong marked one of his most notable wins against a top-ranked opponent. Why was Zhao Xintong considered the favourite going into the match? Zhao Xintong entered the match as the reigning world champion, having won the 2025 World Snooker Championship, and was ranked world number one, making him the clear favourite against the lower-ranked Lines.

What breaks did Oliver Lines make to win the match? Lines compiled breaks of 77 and 84 in the fifth and sixth frames respectively, which proved decisive in securing his 4-2 victory after the match had been level at 2-2.