Jiang beats Welsh Open title holder Selby in opener

Defending Welsh Open champion Mark Selby was knocked out in the first round by China’s Jiang Jun on Monday, losing 4-3.

The two-time Welsh Open winner took a commanding 3-1 lead with breaks of 123 and 137 at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

But on his first appearance in the main draw of the competition, Jun rattled off three consecutive frames to cause a huge upset on day one.

The 20-year-old had half-century breaks of 52 and 65 as he fought his way back to book a place in the second round.

It was an excellent first day for the Welsh players, as Jak Jones, Dylan Emery and Mark Williams all won their first-round matches.

Jones took a comfortable 4-1 win over England’s Liam Highfield, while Emery shocked China’s Lei Peifan with a deciding-frame victory.

Home favourite Williams – who was the last Welsh player to win the title back in 1999 – overcame Michael Holt to win 4-2 and set up a second-round match against Martin O’Donnell or Tom Ford.

England’s Robbie Williams knocked out world number 16 Si Jiahui with a 4-2 win.

Williams will face last year’s runner-up and former Welsh Open winner Stephen Maguire in the second round after his come-from-behind win over Ricky Walden.

Morning and afternoon results:

Evening schedule: