Oliver Lines knocked out world number one Zhao Xintong and moved into the English Open last 32, setting up a meeting with Yuan Sijun in Brentwood.
Lines, 31 and ranked 53rd in the world, recovered after the first four frames were shared to finish the match 4-2. Zhao, the 2025 world champion, produced two century breaks during the opening exchanges that left the tie level at 2-2, but Lines answered with runs of 77 and 84 to claim the next two frames and the victory.
Reflecting on the win, Lines said, "You know you have to raise your game. You try not to think about it, but you know if you don't play somewhere near your best then you are going home." His late runs proved decisive against a player who has enjoyed recent major success.
The first round delivered other notable results. World number four Neil Robertson was beaten 4-3 by Luo Zetao, while former world champion Kyren Wilson defeated Poland's Mateusz Baranowski 4-1. Three-time UK Championship winner Ding Junhui edged Michael Holt 4-3 to progress.
Lines will now face Yuan Sijun in the last 32 in Brentwood, and Zhao's early exit ends the campaign for the world champion at this stage. The tournament moves on with a mix of seeded players exiting and established names advancing, reshaping the draw for the next round.
