TAIYUAN, China, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- The 2026 World Snooker Tour China Open began Saturday at Taiyuan Binhe Sports Center in north China's Shanxi Province, with a record 12 Chinese players among the 32 competitors in the main draw, which features all of the world's top 16-ranked players.
China's Liu Linhao and Wu Shengguang were eliminated in the first round during the morning session, losing 6-0 to Iran's Hossein Vafaei and Scotland's Anthony McGill, respectively.
In the afternoon session, David Gilbert defeated China's Ding Junhui 6-1 to advance to the last 16, while Ding's compatriot Zhou Yuelong beat Welsh veteran Mark Williams 6-3.
Later Saturday, Wu Yize edged compatriot Yao Pengcheng 6-5, while Liu Hongyu defeated England's Barry Hawkins 6-4.
The tournament runs through August 16. Matches through the semifinals are played as best-of-11 frames, with the final contested over two sessions in a best-of-19 format.
The Chinese contingent's record representation marks a milestone for the tournament, with 12 home players competing in the main draw for the first time.
The China Open is a World Snooker Tour ranking event sanctioned by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), with first-round matches continuing Sunday. ■
