Oliver Lines Shocks World Number One Zhao at English Open

Oliver Lines produced the standout shock of the English Open first round, dumping out world number one Zhao Xintong 4-2 in Brentwood.

Zhao, the 2025 world champion and heavy favourite on paper, twice looked to have the match under control. He fired in two century breaks and had the contest locked at 2-2 after four frames, his scoring power very much on show.

Lines refused to be overawed. The 31-year-old from England dug in, slowed the momentum and then turned the match on its head with two ruthless visits. He pieced together a composed 77 to edge in front, then backed it up with an 84 in the sixth frame to close out a statement victory.

"You know you have to raise your game," Lines said afterwards, fully aware of the size of the scalp he had just taken. "You try not to think about it, but you know if you don't play somewhere near your best then you are going home."

Instead of heading out early, he now moves into the last 32, where he will face Yuan Sijun, carrying the confidence of one of the biggest wins of his career.

Robertson falls, Wilson and Ding progress

Zhao was not the only big name to fall on a turbulent day for the seeds.

World number four Neil Robertson also suffered a first-round exit, edged out 4-3 by China's Luo Zetao in another notable upset. Luo held his nerve in the decider to send the Australian home and deepen the sense that the draw is opening up.

Kyren Wilson avoided the same fate. The former world champion imposed himself early and controlled his match to beat Poland's Mateusz Baranowski 4-1, easing into the next round with minimal fuss.

Ding Junhui, three-time UK Championship winner and one of China's greatest cueists, was pushed all the way by Michael Holt. Their match went the distance, but Ding found enough in the closing stages to seal a 4-3 victory and keep his campaign alive.

With the top seed out and another member of the elite four gone, the English Open already feels wide open. Lines has blown the draw apart. Now the question is who will take advantage.