(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Mark Selby Cruises Into Xi’an Grand Prix Final Stages
Leicester, UK –
Four-time Crucible champion Mark Selby secured his place in the final stages of the Xi’an Grand Prix with a commanding 5-0 win over Gong Chenzhi in the qualifiers on Monday.
The qualifying rounds for this £850,000 ranking event run until Wednesday in Leicester, with winners advancing to the televised phase in China next month. Selby impressed with breaks of 103, 63, 111, and 52, cruising to victory without dropping a frame.
Rising stars and thrilling matches:
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14-year-old Michal Szubarczyk stunned fans with a 5-4 win over Martin O’Donnell, recovering after O’Donnell leveled 4-4.
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David Grace overcame a 4-0 deficit to defeat Anthony McGill 5-4, clinching the decider on the final black in 48 minutes.
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Mark Allen narrowly defeated Mitchell Mann 5-4, finishing with a 73 in the last frame.
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Ali Carter impressed with a top break of 76 in a 5-1 win over Allan Taylor.
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Louis Heathcote edged out BetVictor Scottish Open champion Lei Peifan 5-3, closing with a 135 break.
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Wu Yize also posted a 135 but needed a tense 5-4 decider to beat Florian Nuessle.
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Tour rookie Yao Pengcheng starred with a 137 high break in a 5-1 win over Zak Surety.
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Jak Jones dominated Haydon Pinhey 5-0 with multiple strong breaks, including 91, 74, 98, 68, and 53.
Fans can catch the remaining qualifying action live and follow all updates as players battle for a spot in China.