Pang edges Zhang in all-Chinese clash at World Snooker Championship

Pang Junxu of China defeated his compatriot Zhang Anda 10-7 in the first round at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, England, on Wednesday, advancing to the round of 16 at the tournament for the first time in his career.

The two began the second session with Zhang leading 5-3. Pang clinched the ninth frame with a break of 111, but Zhang immediately claimed the next frame to maintain his advantage. Both then took one frame as Zhang remained ahead 7-5.

Pang launched a fierce counterattack from the 13th frame and clinched four straight games with one century and three breaks of over 50 points, gaining a 9-7 advantage. This left no chance for Zhang to come back in the 17th frame, ending the battle 10-7.

Pang will face seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan in the next round. Though it was the 49-year-old's first official match in over three months, he beat Ali Carter 10-4, reaching the second round for the 29th time at his 33rd straight World Championship.

World No. 1 Judd Trump knocked out Zhou Yuelong of China 10-4. His next opponent will be Shaun Murphy who added a second Masters title in January.