John Higgins made a strong start to his 34th season on the World Snooker Tour, beating Huang Jiahao 5-2 to reach the final stages of the Wuhan Open.
Veteran Higgins, who turned 50 last month, finished last season in fine style by winning the World Open and Tour Championship and hopes to continue that momentum into the new campaign. The world number four compiled breaks of 59, 62 and 71 today as he secured a place at the £700,000 ranking event in Wuhan in August.
Crucible runner-up Mark Williams also started his 34th pro season with a win, beating Chatchapong Nasa 5-0 with a top break of 67.
Reanne Evans, 12-time World Women's Champion, came from 3-1 down to score a 5-4 victory over David Lilley. Evans took the deciding frame with an excellent break of 61.
Si Jiahui, runner-up to Xiao Guodong in this event last year, top scored with 112 in a 5-2 victory over Bulcsu Revesz. Joe O'Connor came from 2-0, 3-1 and 4-2 down to beat Jiang Jun 5-4, making breaks of 116, 88, 82 and 55.
World number 70 Louis Heathcote upset a player ranked 50 places higher as he beat Wu Yize 5-2 with a top run of 117. Elliot Slessor recovered a 4-2 deficit to beat Oliver Lines 5-4, winning the deciding frame by potting the final pink and black. China's Zhao Hanyang enjoyed a notable tour debut, beating Sanderson Lam 5-1.
Luca Brecel, 2023 World Champion, was a no-show for his match against Haris Tahir so his opponent was awarded a walkover.
