Big Names March into Nanjing Last 32 – O’Sullivan, Lisowski Lead the Charge.

Big Names March into Nanjing Last 32 – O’Sullivan, Lisowski Lead the Charge.

 

 

 

Snooker’s elite have safely booked their places in the last 32 of the Nanjing Open, as the inaugural Chinese ranking event continues to deliver both high-quality play and passionate crowds. Among those advancing are six-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and crowd favourite Jack Lisowski, who both produced commanding displays to underline their title credentials.

O’Sullivan, who has been the main attraction wherever he plays in China, delighted a packed.

 

house with a 4–1 win over Tian Pengfei. The world number one looked sharp from the start, opening with a break of 92 before sealing victory with a clinical century in the final frame. It was vintage “Rocket” snooker — fluent, fearless, and filled with flair.

Speaking after the match, O’Sullivan praised the growing enthusiasm for snooker in China. “The fans here are brilliant — they really know their snooker,” he said. “It’s great to be back competing in front of these crowds. Hopefully I can give them something special this week.”

Joining O’Sullivan in the next round is Jack Lisowski, who continued his fine run of form with a solid 4–2 victory over Jimmy Robertson. “Jackpot” Lisowski, chasing his maiden ranking title, looked in full control throughout, combining heavy scoring with mature shot selection. His confidence has been on the rise after a series of consistent performances this season, and he now looks ready to make another deep tournament push.

Elsewhere, Mark Williams and Kyren Wilson also advanced comfortably, while Zhao Xintong thrilled local supporters with a composed 4–3 triumph over Anthony McGill in one of the tightest matches of the round. Zhao, a former UK Championship winner, held his nerve in a tense decider to keep Chinese hopes alive.

However, there were some notable casualties. Stuart Bingham fell 4–2 to Hossein Vafaei, the Iranian star producing a blistering display of attacking snooker. Vafaei’s win sets up an intriguing clash with Lisowski in the last 32, promising fireworks for fans in Nanjing.

With the field now narrowing, attention turns to the potential heavyweight showdowns ahead. If results go to form, O’Sullivan could face a quarter-final meeting with Wilson, while Lisowski may find himself on a collision course with Williams — both mouth-watering prospects for spectators and broadcasters alike.

The Nanjing Open, the latest addition to the World Snooker Tour calendar, has already been hailed as a success. The modern venue, enthusiastic local turnout, and high production values have made it a standout event on the Asian leg of the tour.

As the last 32 stage gets underway, all eyes will be on whether O’Sullivan can continue his dominant march toward yet another title — or if one of the chasing pack, led by Lisowski and Zhao, can rise to the occasion and write a new chapter in Chinese snooker history.