O'Sullivan and Trump Deliver Thrilling Performances in International Championship First Round

Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump proved their mettle with nail-biting wins on the opening day of the International Championship in Nanjing, China, as they edged past opponents in tightly contested matches.

Seven-time world champion O'Sullivan, who turns 50 next month, faced a tough battle against world number 76 Allan Taylor, eventually triumphing 6-5 with a remarkable display of form. The English star trailed his compatriot by two frames on three separate occasions but responded with four centuries in the final five frames, including a crucial 128 break in the decider to seal the victory. His performance sets up a clash with Sanderson Lam in the second round.

Judd Trump, the world number one, overcame Welshman Dylan Emery 6-4 in a match marked by high drama. Emery, ranked 91st, stunned the crowd with a 120 break to level the score at 4-4, but Trump regained control with a late-century effort, advancing to face Matthew Stevens, a former World Championship finalist, in the next stage.

O'Sullivan, known for his selective tournament participation, reflected on his win in a post-match interview with the WST website. "It never feels like a grind when you're cueing well," he said, emphasizing his renewed focus and enjoyment of the game. "When I click into gear, that raises the temperature in there a little bit."

The tournament's opening day also saw standout performances from other players. Zhao Xintong, Ding Junhui, and 14-year-old wildcard Wang Xinzhong advanced comfortably, while Bai Yulu, a two-time women’s world champion, made history with a 145 break during her 6-4 pre-qualifier defeat to Wang. The teenager’s day of victories, including a 6-1 win over Robbie Williams, sets up a second-round showdown with Shaun Murphy, the Masters champion.

Home favorites Ding Junhui and Zhao Xintong dominated their respective first-round matches against English opponents David Grace and Oliver Brown. Meanwhile, Chris Wakelin, who lost to Ding in last year’s final, suffered a 6-2 exit in round two to China’s Jiang Jun, ranked 111th globally. Mark Selby also progressed, defeating Liu Hongyu 6-5 to reach the last 32.

• O'Sullivan’s journey: Triumph over Taylor with a 128 decider break, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure despite trailing multiple times.
• Trump’s resilience: Overcame Emery’s 120 break and a 4-4 tie with a late-century surge, continuing his dominance on the circuit.
• Young talent shines: Wang Xinzhong’s 145 break and 6-1 win against Williams signal a new era for snooker’s future stars.

"I'm enjoying playing more than I have done for maybe over a decade," O'Sullivan added, underscoring his revitalized approach to the sport. His blend of strategic play and crowd-pleasing breaks reminded fans why he remains a legend.

As the International Championship enters its second day, the competition promises to intensify, with top seeds and emerging talents vying for progression. The tournament, set to conclude on 9 November, has already delivered unforgettable moments, setting the stage for a thrilling week ahead.