Ronnie O'Sullivan win keeps Zhang Anda on a roll at English Open

06/10/2023 09:12

Zhang Anda has hit form impressively at the English Open, enough to oust Ronnie O’Sullivan from the tournament, and he intends to keep hold of the winning feeling.

The world number 57 stunned the Rocket in the last 16 on Thursday night, winning 4-2 thanks to breaks of 80, 97, 50 and 116 to set up a quarter-final clash with compatriot Zhou Yuelong.

O’Sullivan started well, with a break of 80 in the opening frame, but seemed to lose focus in the second half of the match and not always play the most sensible of shots.

Zhang was very happy to capitalise, though, and adds another fine win to his collection, having beaten Ben Mertens, Anthony McGill and Elliot Slessor to make the last 16.

‘I played well tonight, my break building was good and I did not make serious mistakes,’ he said. ‘I felt a bit nervous at the beginning but I was pretty settled after the first frame. I took some extra time lining up the last few shots, thinking about the winning line.

‘From 2-1, Ronnie missed a few and went for a couple of shots when he could have played safe instead, which offered me chances.

‘I have won matches recently in qualifiers, playing well, so generally I feel good. The best players are used to the feeling of winning as a habit. I'm getting a bit of that and want to keep this going.’