Zhao’s first-round show was some of the spectacular of any participant throughout the match thus far.
The 28-year-old led 7-2 in a single day and, after Jones took the primary two frames of the morning, Zhao received the following three with breaks of 70, 55 and 87 to defeat the sixteenth seed from Wales.
Zhao is competing as an newbie in his first World Championship look since 2022, having accomplished a 20-month suspension earlier this season.
The previous UK Championship winner was one in all 10 gamers banned in 2023 following an investigation into match-fixing. He didn’t instantly throw a match, however accepted expenses of being a celebration to a different participant fixing two matches, and betting on matches himself.
Zhao has earned a spot again among the many skilled ranks subsequent season courtesy of his performances on the Q Tour and is taken into account one of many contenders to win in Sheffield, with Jones and former world champion Neil Robertson amongst these anticipating him to make a deep run.
“I am so completely happy he mentioned that and I’ll strive my finest,” mentioned Zhao when informed of Robertson’s feedback.
On being one in all 10 Chinese language gamers in the principle draw on the Crucible, he added: “It is very useful for Chinese language snooker and we as gamers are very completely happy about that.
“Hopefully sooner or later, we could have a Chinese language world champion right here and we are attempting to do this.”
Jones, 31, mentioned: “Zhao appeared actually sharp, the qualifiers have accomplished him good, and I’ve had two best-of-sevens previously 10 weeks or so.
“I sort of felt that on the market, I did not really feel sharp in any respect. He put me underneath lots of strain, his scoring and long-potting was good and I believe he’ll be onerous to cease.”
