Zhang Anda delivered an outstanding potting performance to overcome world champion Zhao Xintong 6-2 and secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the UK Championship.
The 33-year-old, who has now reached three successive last-eight stages in York, is set to face Shaun Murphy.
Englishman Murphy came back from 4-1 and 5-3 deficits to edge past John Higgins 6-5 in a thrilling finale, calling it «one of the best victories» of his career.
After dropping the first frame in the all-Chinese matchup, Zhang bounced back with consecutive centuries as the opening four frames were evenly contested.
However, Zhao, who missed several straightforward pots, was severely punished by his fellow compatriot when action resumed post-interval.
Zhang was nearly impeccable among the balls and claimed the next three frames with breaks of 87, 69, and 73 before clinching his win in a tense eighth frame.
«I performed very well, there were three frames where I scored highly and Xintong did not excel. It was my day,» Zhang shared with BBC Sport.
«In the first session, I scored two centuries and it was quite impressive from me. In the fourth frame, I missed some easy shots but I told myself to let it go – I am playing well, I can beat him.»
For much of Thursday evening, it seemed as though Zhang would have his wish of facing his childhood idol Higgins next.
The Scot, who earned his second UK title in 2010, posted two breaks over 70 along with a 78 and a 60 to establish a solid 4-1 lead.
During that period, he capitalized on mistakes from the reigning Masters champion, who appeared poised to win both the third and fifth frames.
Yet, some loose pots on his part allowed Murphy to re-enter the match, and the Englishman crafted an 89 – his top break of the Championship – along with a 53 to force an 11th frame, which he ultimately won after Higgins faltered with a yellow in the top right corner.
«It’s the old saying of one ball at a time,» remarked Murphy.
«Whenever you compete against any of the Class of 92, you must bring your best and any victory is worth celebrating. Particularly from that position, it ranks among the best wins of my life.»
Ding demonstrates his skill against resilient Donaldson
Meanwhile, three-time UK champion Ding Junhui executed a fantastic century break to win 6-5 after being pushed into a decider by Scotland’s Scott Donaldson.
Ding will face world number one Judd Trump in the following round, while Barry Hawkins will go up against Mark Selby after he achieved a 6-0 thrashing of Elliot Slessor.
World number 14 Hawkins, the runner-up from last year, was impressive against a player just seven spots beneath him in the rankings and recorded breaks of 94, 87, and 73 as he advanced with ease.
Donaldson, 31, who stunned Stuart Bingham in qualifying and later defeated Mark Allen on what he termed an emotional night following the passing of his father Hector in October, found it difficult to settle in the beginning, with the match interrupted momentarily during the first frame as a spectator fell ill.
When play resumed, Ding secured the first frame with a half-century and then widened his lead with runs of 114 and 76.
Donaldson fought back with breaks of 118, 50, and 69 to claim three of the next four frames.
Although Ding took the eighth frame, Donaldson continued to resist, making breaks of 81 and 72.
However, in the decider, Ding executed a decisive long red after his opponent opted for safety on 22.
«When I spotted the opportunity, I just wanted to seize it,» Ding stated.
«He possesses talent, he is a good player. I am uncertain what has occurred as our lives are different. I just want him to progress because what he exhibited in the last three frames was top-notch.»
Donaldson remarked: «The fight was commendable. This is what these elite players do when the pressure is truly on. I probably should have attempted a red when I was on 22. You must take numerous risks to surpass these players, so perhaps in hindsight.
«It’s a challenging game, but I am proud of my determination.»
Zhang ‘can defeat anyone’
Despite having triumphed over Zhao in their only previous competitive encounter a decade prior, Zhang was perceived as the underdog heading into this match.
While they both practice at the same Sheffield academy, their careers have followed distinct trajectories.
Zhang has fallen out of the top 16 in the world rankings, whereas Zhao, who became a prominent figure by winning the UK title in 2021, has achieved «megastar» recognition since becoming the first player from China to clinch victory at the Crucible in May.
This achievement is even more remarkable considering he was among 10 Chinese players penalized in 2023 due to a match-fixing probe and served a 20-month suspension.
«He performed exceptionally,» Zhao commented.
«We practice daily together, so we are well-acquainted but today I missed some straightforward shots that I usually make, but it’s okay.
«When he is playing at his best, he is capable of beating anyone.»
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