Shockwaves in Blackpool: Ng On-Yee Stuns Mark Allen, Zhao Xintong Falls Early in Snooker Shoot Out Chaos
In a stunning first-round upset at the Snooker Shoot Out in Blackpool, three-time women’s world champion Ng On-yee triumphed over world number seven Mark Allen. The match, played under the unique one-frame, 10-minute time limit format, saw Ng edge out Allen 37-34, leaving the Northern Irishman stunned by the unexpected defeat.
This surprising result was just one of several shocking moments in the tournament’s opening round. Defending world champion Zhao Xintong also saw his hopes dashed early, as he was knocked out by Scotland’s Ross Muir. Muir secured a 34-21 victory, sending the world champion packing and leaving fans in disbelief at the early exits of such high-profile players.
Meanwhile, at the Blackpool Tower Circus, young Chinese talent Wu Yize put on a brilliant display, notching up a magnificent break of 141. His performance saw him comfortably defeat Craig Steadman, a result that highlighted the rising stars of the snooker world.
Limerick’s Jack O’Brien, on his debut in a World Snooker Tour event, faced an uphill challenge against the experienced 2015 World Champion Stuart Bingham. O’Brien was ultimately overpowered by Bingham, who clinched the win in the evening session.
However, not all the big names were eliminated early. Rising star Aaron Hill managed to progress, defeating Liu Wenwei to keep his tournament hopes alive. Among the players already through to the next round were snooker legends like Ken Doherty, whose experience shone through as he secured his place in the competition’s later stages.
The opening round of this year’s Snooker Shoot Out proved to be a dramatic one, full of upsets and surprise results, showing just how unpredictable and exciting the sport can be.
