Fourteen-year-old Chinese amateur Wang Xinzhong nearly pulled off a stunning upset against Masters champion Shaun Murphy before the experienced Englishman edged through 6-5 in their second-round clash at the International Championship.
Murphy, the 2005 world champion, trailed 5-4 but produced composed breaks of 72 and 89 to win the final two frames and book a third-round meeting with compatriot Elliot Slessor.
The world number nine had earlier led 3-0, only for Wang to fight back with impressive breaks of 81, 100, and 58 to level. The teenager then moved ahead with another century and had an opportunity to seal victory in the 10th frame but missed a black early in the frame. Murphy took advantage, clearing up to stay alive and then closing out the decider.
Wang, a wildcard entry, reached the second round after beating womenโs world champion Bai Yulu and world number 53 Robbie Williams. The 14-year-old previously played at the 2023 International Championship, where he lost 6-0 to Judd Trump at just 12 years old.
Elsewhere, seven-time world champion Ronnie OโSullivan recovered from two frames down to defeat Sanderson Lam 6-2, setting up a meeting with Jack Lisowski, who hit four centuries in a 6-4 win over Louis Heathcote. Lisowski recently claimed his first ranking title at the Northern Ireland Open on 26 October.
Defending champion Ding Junhui continued his fine form with a 6-1 victory over Michael Holt, adding to his 6-0 opening win over David Grace. Ding has already compiled six century breaks in just 13 frames this week.
World number one Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, and reigning world champion Zhao Xintong also advanced to round three with wins on Monday.
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