Zhang stuns world champion Zhao in York

Zhang Anda advanced to the last eight of the UK Championship in York by defeating world champion Zhao Xintong 6-2.

Zhang struck backwards as the first four frames of the all-Chinese affair were shared, losing the opening frame.

However, Zhao’s compatriot harshly punished him when play resumed following the break because he had been guilty of missing several routine pots.

Zhang finished off his victory in a grueling eighth frame with breaks of 87, 69, and 73 and was nearly faultless among the balls.

There were three frames in which Xintong scored a lot, and I did not play well. Zhang told BBC Sport, “It was my day.”

“I made two centuries in the first session, and it was very good stuff from me. I made a few quick shots in the fourth frame, but I kept telling myself, “I’m playing well, I can beat him,” and I did.

The 33-year-old will face either John Higgins or Shaun Murphy in the tournament’s final match. He has already advanced to three straight quarter-finals.

Zhang was still regarded as the outlier going into this competition despite Zhao’s defeat at their only previous competitive meeting ten years ago.

Both have careers with different companies, despite having the same Sheffield academy.

Zhang has dropped out of the top 16 while Zhao, who won the UK title in 2021, has gained “megastar” status as the first Chinese player to win at the Crucible in May, has fallen out of the top 16.