China Open: Bingham hits maximum 147 break, Liang Wenbo downs Steadman

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English snooker player Stuart Bingham hit the fifth 147 of his career to reach the second round of the China Open as he edged past fellow former world champion Peter Ebdon 6-3 on Wednesday in Beijing.

It is the 151st maximum break in snooker history and Bingham will earn a bonus of 35,500 U.S. dollars if no one else manages to achieve the same feat this week.

"To make a 147 on the TV table is brilliant. I'm sure my wife and family will be pleased because we have just booked a holiday to Tenerife so hopefully it's paid for," beamed Bingham.

Stuart Bingham made a brilliant 147 break at China Open in Beijing, April 3, 2019. /VCG Photo

World No.12 Bingham will next face Rod Lawler, who swatted aside world number eight Kyren Wilson 6-4.

With big names such as Judd Trump, Mark Selby, and John Higgins eliminated and world number one O'Sullivan absent, the second round was still buzzing with excitement and thrills.

Home favorite Liang Wenbo, who came from behind to down Gary Wilson 6-3 on Tuesday, staged another comeback to overcome Craig Steadman 6-5 in spite of the latter's 5-3 lead.

Liang Wenbo stormed into the last 16 of China Open in Beijing after another comeback, April 3, 2019. /VCG Photo

However, Liang's compatriot Mei Xiwen threw away a 3-1 lead in a 6-3 defeat to world number seven Neil Robertson, who is the highest-ranked player left in the tournament.

"At 3-1 down I was thinking about booking the next flight home," said Robertson. "After the interval, I was aggressive and played very well. I made a ridiculous clearance to go 4-3 up, that was the best clearance I have made this season."

Elsewhere, 29-year-old Li Hang secured a 6-4 win over Englishman Robbie Williams, while his fellow Chinese player Lyu Haotian also cruised into the next round after beating Thailand's James Wattana 6-2.