Scottish Open 2023: Clinical Zhang Anda topples Judd Trump in huge shock to reach third round

Updated 13/12/2023 at 01:17 GMT

Zhang Anda beat tournament favourite Judd Trump 4-2 to book his place in the third round of the Scottish Open. Both players produced some brilliant snooker but it was Zhang who established an early 2-0 lead and consolidated it to the finish in Edinburgh's Meadowbank Sports Centre. Stream top snooker action live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com.

'What a performance!' - Trump dumped out of Scottish Open by in-form Zhang

Zhang Anda booked his place in the third round of the Scottish Open with an impressive 4-2 victory over Judd Trump in Edinburgh.

The highly anticipated battle between two of the sport’s most in-form players didn’t disappoint, with both showing why they’ve enjoyed so much success this season.

But it was Zhang who prevailed after making breaks of 71, 114, 82 and 81 to topple the tournament favourite, and the 31-year-old will face either Si Jiahui or Julian Leclercq next.

Scottish Open

O'Sullivan discovers opponent as World Grand Prix draw is confirmed

18/12/2023 at 12:44

Zhang won November’s International Championship, beating Ronnie O’Sullivan en route to the title, and Eurosport’s Alan McManus insisted the Chinese player proved beyond doubt that he is “here to stay” after another sublime performance.

A break of 71 earned Zhang the first frame before a brilliant century clearance doubled his advantage after Trump miscued when bridging over the pack on 24.

Zhang was then presented the first chance in the third frame but couldn’t get a thin cut to drop, leaving Trump a simple opener.

The Englishman needed a couple of chances but eventually got over the line to reduce his arrears to a single frame.

A poor break in the next opened the door for Zhang and he stormed through thanks to a trademark long red.

'He has switched to right-handed' - Trump misses badly after changing hands

Trump was in fine fettle himself and raced to 40 in the next after a poor safety from Zhang before displaying all his cue power to split a compact pack and complete a frame-winning 69 to pull back within one.

He then drilled in arguably the pot of the match in the sixth frame as he looked to set up a decider, but after failing to land on a colour, the next opportunity fell the way of his opponent.

And Zhang's winning break of 81 showcased all of his skills as he powered over the line to book his spot in round three and keep his title hopes alive.

Earlier, world champion Luca Brecel survived a scare to beat James Cahill, while there were also victories for Ricky Walden and Tom Ford.

Mark Selby beat Matthew Stevens 4-3 as the clock ticked towards midnight and Jimmy White progressed to the next round, beating Jimmy Robertson 4-3, early on Wednesday morning.